"When we meet another way
You won't recognize my face
When we meet one way
Or another, you won't
You won't speak up" ~Speak up by POP ETC
The sun shined down on three little redheads as they walked to the local park in sunny southern California. They were sisters, and they did everything together. The eldest was nine years old, the youngest was two, and the middle daughter was seven.
Once they were there, the eldest daughter pushed her youngest sister on the swings and helped her along in the sand. The middle daughter, however, found her nice, cool spot underneath the large plastic play structure and sat down. They came here almost daily, since the two older sisters were in their beginning years of primary school. They were so familiar with this park and the people that visited it that the seven year old stared with wide eyes at the young boy who was slowly approaching her. With as many people that she had met there, it was peculiar for her to not recognize him. The boy looked about her age, give or take a few years. He wore a white, button down shirt that was way to big for him, and a black and white checkered newsie hat that flopped down in front of his grey eyes. His red bowtie lay untied around his neck. "Uh...hi! You aren't from around here are you?" the girl questioned, staring at him quizzically. The boy shook his head, and his chin was pressed against his neck, although it went unnoticed to the girl. She smiled at him, "You don't talk much, do ya? I usually have this space to myself while my sisters are off playing, but you can stay here if you'd like." A small grin crept across his face as took a seat in the sand next to her. Before she could ask him his name, another toddler stumbled across the playground towards them. "Will! You promised you'd take me swimming!" she whined to the boy. She looked about three years of age and sported swimming attire, complete with a pair of goggles resting on her head. Her sleek back hair and light eyes were strikingly similar to the boy. Acknowledging his redheaded companion, she said, "Oh, hi. This is my brother, Will," gesturing toward the newsie-looking boy. "The name's Gigi, and I'm three!" she explained, holding up three fingers. Before dragging off her brother, the toddler smiled at the redhead, "Hope I see you around sometime! There aren't many other kids for me to play with where we live, 'cept Will's other friends." Her face seemed solemn during the last part. Just as they were almost out of earshot, Will called to his newfound companion, "Wait! I didn't get your name!" But it was too late. The redheaded girl was already joining her two sisters.
Seventeen years later, the same redheaded girl is twenty four. She accidentally catches the bouquet and a friend's wedding and is forced to dance the most awkward dance of her life with the unsuspecting man that caught the garter. He practically has the social skills of an agoraphobic lobster, can't dance or make conversation, and dresses like a newsie. He wears a checkered newsie hat that sits nicely on his head, a fitted white button down shirt, and black suspenders. His red bowtie is neatly tied, and his chin is pressed against his neck. For some reason, this girl was eerily familiar.