by A.E.McGrath

Created on: July 12, 2011

It was during the drive towards the concert area Eleanor remembered the pain of living the past five years as a lie, Eleanor was nervous.  In fact, she was so nervous that the temptation of a no-show slipped her mind.  The sign of the Cross, a slight tug of her cross necklace, and a whispered, short but humbled prayer eased her jitters.   She walked from the car to the auditorium tall and proud, instead of the ashamed slouch for her height.  Her admirer did not know, for one brief moment, that she was terrified.  Vulnerability was not necessarily a word to describe Eleanor. 

 It was exactly three months since learning of the betrayal, precisely 90 days ago she learned  the man, her fiance, was unfaithful and sloppy.  His infidelities resulted in a 8lb, 11 oz daughter with his smile. 

He watched while she continued the walk towards the auditorium. 

Her curly hair bounced in time with the springy walk.  The smile across her face was the selling point for the evening’s message—“Never let them see you sweat.”  Her smile grew wider.  When the thought “fun, fearless, female” entered her mind, it was a sign from God to learn and embrace commitment-free relationships.  More importantly, she learned to appreciate a man who liked all of her, from intelligence to outer beauty, instead of compromising for love. 

It was finally the moment of truth as she reached the last step. He smiled as well, assured that he selected the right companion.   

“You look beautiful.” 

Impeccably dressed in a tuxedo, his unsteady hands due to nerves, approached Eleanor and pinned a corsage on her dress.   For a brief moment, he too admired the view.  Paul extended his hand, a signal that they would proceed to enter into the concert hall. 

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