2 The Unwritten Script

Sophie and James unexpectedly found themselves crossing paths at the public library.

An accidental meeting that would alter the course of their lives. 

Browsing the same section, both engrossed in their search for books, and they struck up a conversation.

Discovering shared interests and book preferences, it was a serendipitous connection.

Following that, their encounters at the library became frequent, like well-worn pages turned again and again. 

One day, James spontaneously proposed grabbing coffee at a nearby cafe.

Sophie's response was cautious: "I'll think about it if the opportunity arises." James didn't press further.

However, when he messaged her again yesterday, Sophie surprised herself by saying 'yes'.

And so, they found themselves at this delightful spot, a moment etched in their unfolding story. 

As Sophie entered the restaurant, she scanned the room for James. She spotted him at a cozy table in the corner, waving at her.

With a confident gait. She approached him.

As she neared James, he was spellbound by her appearance. For a few moments, he could not take his eyes off her.

"Ahhh, stunning…", he uttered slowly.

Sophie noticed James as well, as she made her way to him.

He was wearing a navy blue shirt, black jeans, and brown shoes. His appearance was appealing, yet understated neither too flashy nor too casual. 

James, a 30-year-old Investment Analyst, possessed a fair complexion, curly hair, and a well-groomed beard.

Standing at six feet tall, he exuded confidence in his posture. 

James got up from his seat to greet her, smiled and raised his eyebrows slightly, showing that he was happy to see her.

He extended his hand for a handshake, then gestured with his hand to the table, inviting Sophie to join him.

He walked beside her, keeping a comfortable distance, and guided her to the seat with a gentle touch on her shoulder. 

The glass door of the restaurant offered a panoramic view of the city's lights. A gentle melody filled the air with tranquility.

Silence stretched between them for some time. Sophie tried to hide her mental distress from James, who struggled to find a way to start the conversation.

 "This place is nice. I like the view." with a gentle smile,Sophie started the conversation. 

James: "I'm glad you liked it. I thought you would enjoy it." he said gazing at her admiringly.

Sophie expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you. You're very thoughtful," all while subtly twirling a lock of her hair.

James's words flowed smoothly, " You look very beautiful, Sophie. I like your outfit," his gaze sweeping over her dress.

Sophie's gratitude flowed effortlessly, "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself," her eyes briefly tracing the lines of his well-tailored shirt.

James's lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes conveying a silent acknowledgment.

He tilted his head slightly and maintained eye contact, showing that he was attentive and engaged in the flow of the conversation.

With wine in their glasses, they started talking about recently released movies, a safe topic that James initiated.

James was looking at her admiringly as she was talking, he got fascinated by Sophie's boldness, felt a special attraction to her, beyond her physical beauty.

He was drawn to Sophie's confidence, her manner of speaking, and her appearance.

Sophie also attentively tracked James's every move and body language, from the moment she arrived.

They seemed to have a good time.

...

As a waitress passed by, Sophie overheard her telling another worker that the professors' party in the side room needed something and the lady asked someone to go there.

Hearing this, Sophie abruptly stood up from her chair.

James thought Sophie needed something, perhaps that prompting her to rise from her seat.

James, preoccupied with the restaurant menu, paid little heed to Sophie's actions as she rose from her seat. He assumed she would address the waitress directly.

Sophie: "Excuse me, were you discussing a gathering of professors?"

Waitress: "Yes Mam?" she looked confused.

Sophie: "Could you kindly direct me to the room where the party is taking place?"

The waitress pointed toward the room, indicating, "It's that one over there."

Sophie hesitated, her voice trailing off. "I think I know someone who might be there..."

Waitress: "Do you want me to inform him?"

Sophie paused, her voice fading.

"No, leave it," she sounded uncertain while saying this.

The waitress, her brow furrowed, leaned in slightly. "Anything else I can get you, ma'am?" she asked, her expression a mix of curiosity and bewilderment

Sophie: "No, I'm fine." Sophie's gaze remained fixed on the room, the one the waitress had gestured toward.

Waitress turned away, left to attend another guest.

As soon as the waitress left, Sophie stepped toward the room where the professors were gathered.

It seemed she was feeling a surge of anxiety.

Amidst everything happening, James shifted his focus from the 'menu' to Sophie.

James noticed Sophie's behavior, which struck him as a bit peculiar. Driven by curiosity and concern, he rose from his seat and walked toward her.

But Sophie was oblivious to his presence.

Sophie swept her gaze across that room, her heart racing.

The person she sought likely lingered within the crowd, concealed like a secret waiting to be unveiled.

Anticipation danced in her chest;would he recognize her? And if he did, would he acknowledge her presence? 

Excitement and uncertainty intertwined, electrifying the air. 

She had forgotten the intention of her trip to this spot.

And on the other hand, James was trying his hardest to understand what was happening, but he was totally baffled.

He hoped to support Sophie, but he didn't know what was upsetting her or how to connect with her.

James : "Sophie, please, talk to me. Whome you are you actually looking for?"

Sophie, impatiently flickering in her eyes, replied, "Can you see anyone wearing a black Nike shoe, with a height of 5 '6"?"

James perplexed, blurted out, "What! A black Nike shoe? Why are you looking for that?"

Sophie's anxiety surged. "Just answer me. Can you see anyone like that?" Her voice rose, desperation creeping in.

James, his curiosity ignited, scanned the room and said "No, I haven't seen anyone like that. What's the matter? Who are you searching for?"

He frowned slightly, showing his confusion and concern. He leaned towards Sophie, hoping to get her attention and understand what was going on.

Suddenly, Sophie's face shifted as she gave up on scanning the room.

She stood still for a few moments, staring at the glass door. Her features bore the weight of exhaustion, as though the wind had swept away every emotion.

A profound disappointment settled within her, a sense of failure, as if she had failed miserably to find what she was looking for.

Sophie faced James and whispered.... "Let's go back to our seats". Her voice was shaky and her eyes were moist.

James trailed behind her in silence. They took their seats.

James glanced at her and realized Sophie had lost the confidence and smile she had when she came in.

She appeared vulnerable, anxious, and hollow-eyed.

James felt a surge of concern for Sophie.

He wanted to know what was wrong, but he thought it was better not to trouble her more with questions that she might not want to answer.

James and Sophie sat in silence, a stark contrast to their earlier giggles and spicy conversations.

After a while, Sophie gave James a pleading look and grasped his hand on the table.

"James, this is a lovely evening, and you are a lovely person. But I've messed everything up. The feelings inside me are like a storm which cannot be articulated….".

Her voice echoed with guilt and regret.

James cut her off, his voice laced with worry.... "Please don't say that, Sophie. I'm only concerned about you."

Sophie silently shook her head, not wanting to continue the conversation. But she held his hand tightly, as if seeking comfort.

They stayed like that for some time, in silence.

After a while they got up together and walked towards the exit.

James helped her get into her car. Sophie just said a faint "bye" and the cab started moving.

James looked baffled by everything that had happened that day.

'Who was the mysterious man Sophie was searching for? What made her panic when she learned about the party in the other room?

'What drove her to search so desperately for a black shoe?'

...….

It was 10pm at night.

The whole crowd around him was enjoying their weekend, but he stood in the middle of the road for a long time, motionless like a statue even after Sophie had left that place...