Chapter Thirteen
The Handsome Stranger
Embarrassment, I think, prevailed over the bruised feelings on my hands and knees, as I stiffly rolled onto my side and looked anxiously and apologetically at the sprawled figure of the man I had knocked over in my haste. "I am so sorry!" I said quickly, and in a tone full of remorse. "I hope I haven't hurt you."
The man slowly sat up, wincing as he did so. "No, no," he replied, almost shortly. "I'm fine – no harm done!"
He carefully erected himself, and then, in a kinder manner and tone than used previously, he stretched out his hand to pull me up and said with a grin, "First time on skates?"
I blushed and returned his grin. "Yes," I admitted awkwardly. "I'm sorry I crashed into you like that – I just lost all control."
"You're a beginner," he replied. "I think I can let you off this time."
I smiled back at him, and studied his face. He was quite a handsome man to look at, and I judged him to be in his early thirties, perhaps about thirty-two or thirty-three. I liked his grin – it was kind of lopsided, and almost mischievous but sincere. Although he did not have any quantity of facial hair, his face was not quite smooth or completely clean-shaven. He had a twinkle in his eyes which fascinated me, and they looked deep and meaningful. His hair was dark, and he was tall in stature and fairly broad-shouldered. He was slim in size but not thin or gangly in any way. His arms looked quite chunky and full of muscle, and I found myself strangely attracted to this tall, dark stranger.
I felt my cheeks suddenly burn, as he returned my studious gaze, and I realised that I was still holding on quite tightly to him. I hurriedly glanced away and said quickly, "Thank-you for your help – I'm sorry to have knocked you over. I'll try and skate more carefully in future."
I wanted to skate away, and was about to let go of his hand, when I realised it was not just me that was holding on. He still held my hand in his, preventing me from moving away. "Would you like me to help you?" he offered kindly. "You might like some hints and tips if this is your first time skating."
Well, it would have been very rude to have refused, and so I gratefully accepted. He gently led me over to the side. "Try and keep your back straight," he said, as I took hold of the side. "Keep your shoulders back and look ahead – try not to look down. Posture is important if you want to keep your balance."
I did as he suggested, and immediately could feel the difference. I instantly felt more in control, and was able to increase my speed gradually without fearing of losing my balance. He also taught me how to stand stably on the ice, how to bring myself to a stop without falling over and also to get up off the ice if I ever fell down again. I soon felt confident enough to stride out on my own again, without holding on to anything, but he was there by my side watching and encouraging me as I did so. Once I lost my bearings and found myself slipping. I automatically reached out to keep myself from falling, and found myself clutching at him. He caught hold of me and helped me regain my balance.
"You okay?" he asked as I tried to regain my foothold upon the ice.
I nodded. I suddenly felt very shy and uncomfortable as I found myself holding onto him quite firmly. He had his arms about me to help steady me, and a new feeling suddenly washed over me, making me feel unsure, confused and embarrassed. I had never felt like this before.
I made a pretence of looking at my watch and exclaimed, "Time's going on – I think I'd better go now." It was the only way I knew of escaping this funny feeling that suddenly began to dawn within me.
He slowly released his hold on me. "You seem to have the knack of it now," he said smiling at me.
"Thanks to you," I said, returning his smile. "I appreciate your help – I won't feel so nervous when I come skating again."
"Keep practicing," he said. "Practice is the only way to become good at anything. Try and skate as regularly as you can."
"I will," I replied, now desperate to get away. "Thanks again. 'Bye!"
"Your welcome . . . ummm . . . I don't think I got your name?"
"Julia," I replied, longing to know his and yet too shy to ask.
"Good-bye, then, Julia," he said, almost as if he sensed that I wanted to move along. "Maybe we'll meet again."
I smiled and said a simple 'Yes,' as I began to skate away, whilst dearly hoping that I would see him again, and soon.