The Last and Only Romance
Michael Collins
Part I: Scrap
I met her in a town called Scrap.
The name fit the town;
It was like a monument to spare metal, pieces of trash, leftover
parts. Not the best place to live in,
but one can't be choosy in a world like ours.
I went to the bar, Scrap's only redemption. I sat down, ordered a beer, reveled in the
familiar taste and my dulled senses.
Just like most others at the bar, I had things I wanted to forget. Life had been pleasant in some places and
bitter in others. Bitter in most,
really.
I'd been looking for someone I knew there. Maybe my robot friend, or the animal man
would show up. They never did, but as I
looked around I saw her.
She stood out from the trash of Scrap, the other residents
who wore dull gray and brown colors, unkempt and unclean. Like me.
She was sitting by herself in a table in a far corner, the dim lamplight
above her illuminating her shining purple hair, her smooth face, blue
eyes. She wore a dark black vest over a
brilliant pink dress. She shined.
She was attractive;
I was lonely. I got out of my
seat and slowly walked over to her. I
reached the corner and looked into her eyes.
She was surprised, a bit nervous to see someone showing interest in
her. I wanted to ease her fears. I said:
"You look lonely. Care to
talk?"
She paused for a bit, then nodded slowly. In this place, time slowed. The night became everlong, until the bar
finally closed, the lights dimmed to blackness, the patrons left.
"Your name?" she
said. Her voice was a smooth, husky
alto. She spoke softly, but I could
still hear her above the din of the place, and it was a refreshing difference
from the grunts and roughness of the men.
"I'm Gen." No need
to tell where I was from; No one wanted
to know. First names only, there, keep
your past to yourself where it belongs.
"I am Mei-Ling," she replied. Her face gained a slight bemusement. "No luck with the other ladies tonight?"
"You're the first I've talked to," I replied. "None of the other women in this cheap town
compare."
A small smile, wry.
She was sophisticated, took it with grace.
"Thank you."
"Would you like me to buy you another round?" I asked, noting that her glass was
empty.
"Do you expect anything in return?" she challenged. Obviously, men weren't too caring around
that area.
I thought. "A
smile. Unless you wish to give me
something more." That was a challenge
in its own right.
"A smile I can give, more if I decide. Yes, I'd like another drink, and a companion
to share it with." She held her
word. As I gave her a small, amused
grin, she showed her full smile. I was
dazzled.
"Alright, excuse me for a moment." I left the table and walked up to the bar.
So far, so good. I'd
played right, stayed cool, no worries.
She was interested in me, I was sure.
I definitely was interested in her.
I hadn't seen a girl like that in a long time.
I picked up the drinks and returned to the table.
