Beautiful Stranger

by

rubi red

Beautiful Stranger

*

I looked around the ballroom in disgust. The Midwinter balls usually swarmed with pretty ladies. Tonight, all the women seemed to look fake. Their faces were caked with face paint, so much that it looked truly unnatural. Even the queen seemed to be lacking the intense beauty that she normally showed. Wait! Who is that, over in the corner…she's so beautiful, doesn't look to be enjoying this little social event too much though…Somehow she looks very familiar. Maybe I should go over and talk to her?

Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had the taste for danger

The lady started walking my way, my heart started thudding like soldiers marching on battlefield. I took a few steps towards her, wanting to talk but not wanting to find out that she was probably headed for the young man next to me. As she moved closer I could see her beautiful dress-no wait, it was a kimono! Was she a Yamani? Her features do not really resemble those common on the Islands, but then again, you never know. The deep leaf green color of the silk kimono matched my eyes quite nicely (if I do say so myself), and the tree trunk brown obi swished around her waist. Her matching slippers seemed to glide across the floor with every step she took. The satin seemed to fit her body like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It was a gorgeous kimono. But, what did you expect from such a gorgeous lady? Oh my, it looks as if she's headed for me… what will I say? What shall I do? "Hello, Neal," she said.

If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger

I looked at this lady in astonishment. How in the world did she know me? "Madam," I began shakily, "Excuse me for asking, but how do you know my name?" She looked at me with such surprise that I blurted out, "SORRY!"

"That's alright," she said, hazel eyes dancing with amusement. "You don't know who I am?"

"You're the Goddess in disguise," I whispered, breathless.

I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the goddess in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song

The lady laughed so hard that I sincerely thought of running away. Wasn't that a nice compliment? Did I do something wrong? In between fits of laughter, she managed to ask, "Would you like to dance?"

"Of course!" I replied hastily, with no thought at all. Taking her by the hand, I led the mysterious woman out onto the dance floor.

To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride

The musicians started up a slow waltz. As we flowed along the dance floor to the time of the music, I couldn't help wondering why this lady would not tell me her name! Well, Queenscove, there's only one way to find out. "Why won't you tell me your name?" I demanded. NO! I can't believe I just said that! It sounded so mean! Yelling at her, for crying out loud, Neal, what were you thinking? Well, a little voice inside my head pondered, if she really likes you, and knows you well, she won't care. "Stupid conscience," I muttered under my breath. When I finally had the courage, I looked up again. Something amazing was flitting around her eyes…it wasn't LAUGHTER, was it?

"But Neal, my dear friend, you already know it."

Beautiful stranger
Beautiful stranger
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Haven't you heard
I fell in love with a beautiful stranger

Dumbstruck, I replied, "I do? When have I seen you before? What ball was it at? What kind of dress did you have on? I'm really sorry, I really don't mean to be asking you so many questions."

"That's okay," said the lady. "You see me quite often… I can't believe you don't know who I am…" she said, almost in a whisper.

"Neither can I. I have absolutely no idea…the only person you even resemble to me is Keladry of Mindelan…but she swore not to come to this ball. I believe her, too…She all hates all things having to do with noble ladies.


I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you

Something passed over her face briefly- was it a smile? "Yes," she replied. " I know Keladry of Mindelan. She is a very good friend of mine…"

"You KNOW Kel?" I blurted out.

"Yes indeed," the woman said slowly and soberly, "I know her very well…"

Working up the nerve, I decided to ask her something. "Would you like to come out to the gardens with me?"

"Well, why not?" the stranger said with amusement, much to my joy.

To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows

To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the goddess in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song to you

The palace gardens were lovely. Candles floated in the small stream. The lady and I walked hand in hand down the path, neither of us uttering a sound. Coming to a small fountain, we stopped to sit on the ledge.

"Will you please tell me who you are?" I pleaded.

"Neal, I do believe you already know…" And with that, she dipped her head into the fountain, revealing none other than…my best friend.

"Kel?" I whispered.

To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
Beautfiul Stranger

Beautiful Stranger