This is my first essay as I started writing last year. This was also my first foray into the romantic genre and I think I've done pretty well. Somehow, for this essay, everything fell into place perfectly. Without further ado, I present to you...
SCARLET BOUQUET
OCTOBER 2011
You won't believe this, but I met someone at Paris and
she is perfect. You might be skeptic, but listen to the whole story before
making any assumptions.
It all started when my devious ex-girlfriend stood me up
on our alleged trip to Paris. There I was, a bouquet of roses in one hand, two
tickets in the other, in front of a dull-coloured train. As I stood on that
platform, I was hoping for a familiar face to appear among persons unknown.
Finally, I gave up. Reluctantly, I boarded the train with a frown etched on my
lips. Sitting down on the cozy chair, I noticed a lady passenger sitting
directly in front of me, reading a magazine that seemed to obstruct her face. I
paid little attention to her and fell asleep.
Halfway through the journey, a mellifluous voice woke me
up, handing a mobile phone to me.
"Excuse me, you dropped your phone", she said.
I gazed at her for a few moments before taking the phone
and thanking her. She looked amazing. Her lentil brown eyes looked on at me
curiously. Her honey-coloured hair was pulled back into a ponytail and a fringe
cascading perfectly onto her forehead.
I had to say something before the moment was lost.
"Where are you going?" I said coyly. Stupid question.
"I think we're all going to Paris" she replied
as she giggled. Her radiant smile made my day. "Ellie" she introduced
herself.
Still embarrassed by my spontaneous, redundant question,
I introduced myself. In the cold air of the train, we chatted about various
topics, even about my ex-girlfriend.
As we arrived at Paris, we checked in the same hotel.
Fortunately, she was a few doors down from me. Before we entered our rooms, she
gave me a flirty wink. As I unpacked my belongings, I was still trying to
interpret that subtle wink. Was it an 'I like you' wink or was it a 'see you
later' wink? I spent a few hours laying on my bed, staring at the bouquet of
scarlet flowers, thinking was it too early to give it to her?
On that evening, I mustered the courage to ask her out
for dinner. I left the flowers in a vase for another day and walked to her
door. Before I knocked the door, I had to make sure that I was all good. In my
best clothes, check. Cologne, check. Nothing funny or silly, check. Just as I
was about to knock, the door swung open. Behind the decorated woodwork stood a
lovely-scented Ellie.
"Yes?" she started.
"Um, do you wanna go out with me tonight?" I
replied, hoping that she wouldn't slam the door in my face.
Without hesitating, she answered, "Sure, just let me
gussy up" with a hint of excitement.
As I waited patiently, I thought about where we were
going to go. Nothing too fancy, maybe somewhere casual but not too casual. This
is hard. Then, she exited her room and closed the door shut. As simple as she
looked, she was still stunning.
We made our way through the historical city, passing by
landmarks and chatted along as we tried to find a suitable restaurant. Finally,
we found a lovely restaurant with the Eiffel Tower shining against the darkened
sky as the background. The interior of the restaurant looked like something you
would usually see in a travel channel. After dinner, we stayed there for a
while and had a lengthy conversation. As the night grew darker and the
restaurant emptier, our conversation was getting much more enticing. We decided
that it was getting late and that we needed the rest for tomorrow is going to
be big day, or so I hope.
All I could think about in my hotel room was about Ellie
and the bouquet of flowers nestled in an elegant vase, waiting to be given. I
finally fell asleep a few minutes later.
We were walking down Paris, the next day. The wintry
morning air blew gently against us. The city was beautiful. Each building was
unique and had an interesting story of its own. The first place we visited was
none other than the Eiffel Tower. We made our way up until the third floor. It
took a few hours to get there but I didn't care because every moment spent with
Ellie and her bubbly personality was memorable. Standing on the third floor of
the towering metal structure, I could see the picturesque city stretching as
far as the eye can see. It also marked the first time I held her hand. It was
perfect.
On other days, we went to the Louvre Museum to finally
see the Mona Lisa and other landmarks such as the Notre Dame, the mysterious
chapel and Arc De Triomphe, an enormous arch standing gloriously among other
age-old buildings. My relationship with Ellie started blossoming too. We
started to show our true feelings towards each other.
It was my last night at Paris and I saw myself staring at
the same arrangement of roses before one last dinner at this memorable place. I
had come a long way since I met Ellie. I'll be damned if I go home, not giving
the bouquet to anyone. I grabbed the ruby-coloured flowers and left. There was
a note on her door, stating:
Dinner? Sure, why don't you wait at the
lobby?
I waited for a few minutes, thinking
"will she stand me up like my ex?" Another few minutes passed before
I saw her. I was awestruck by her mesmerizing appearance. Her once ponytail was
let loose and it cascaded to her shoulders nicely. She donned an elegant blue
dress that suited her. I was still slightly gaping as she asked me,
"Ready?"
I complimented her. This was it. I
presented her the bouquet of roses that stood out in contrast with her looks.
She blushed as she accepted the gift. We walked on to a nearby, fancy
restaurant. The waiter there led us onto a balcony with a perfect view of the
city. It all seemed too perfect too be true, the girl of my dreams in front of
me, on a quite night in one of the most romantic cities in the world. But trust
me, it happened. Funny, I thought, our first date on our last night in Paris
and how beautiful the night was. Sitting at the pretty table, face to face with
Ellie, the warm candle light bathed us with a dim glow, further illuminating
her flawless face.
After a wonderful dinner, we stood
at the balcony, staring at the city and the stars that lingered in the heavens.
She came closer and so did I. I pulled her closely and we shared a kiss. Eyes
locked and lips joined, the moment lasted forever. then, that moment ended.
On the next morning, we boarded the
train back home, our bags chock full of souvenirs. She even brought the bouquet
with her. As our journey started, she sat beside me and rested her head on my
shoulder. Her brown hair had the sweetest scent. In a few minutes, she fell
asleep. After glancing at Paros for the last time, I too, fell asleep. i woke
up with Ellie not in sight. the train had stopped for some time. I grabbed my
belongings and stepped out onto the platform. I still couldn't find her. I
searched high and low but she wasn't there. A feeling of melancholy emblazoned
in me. There I was again, on a train platform, alone.
Here I am, two weeks since I left Paris, melancholy still
residing in me. I'm working as usual, but quieter than ever. I told my friends
that I'm busy when they want to hang out. It's time I launder my jacket, the
one I brought to Paris. As I'm clearing out the pockets, I find a piece of
paper in one. On it, is the name "Ellie" and an address. This gave me
a little beacon of hope but I'm not hoping for too much. Maybe she'd move
somewhere else, I think, still scared of someone leaving me again. I'll go there
tomorrow.
I made my way to the address. On the windowsill, a
familiar arrangement of eye-catching, scarlet flowers is waiting. I smile and
walk swiftly towards the door.
