International love by music
He had made it. He was finally here in the UK. Hiroshi had to keep reiterating this to himself!
“Hiroshi, you’ve done it, you really are here”
He still couldn’t quite believe that this wasn’t a dream. He pinched his arm to check, giggling to himself in disbelief. He gazed out over London's bustling city lights. The city was coming to life in the twilight of a July summer evening. He took a sip of his Remy Martin VSOP, closing his eyes to savour the oak blends and fruity notes, complemented with hints of violet and rose finally completed with the sweet taste of vanilla. The silky spirit flew smoothly down his throat he exhales allowing his body to enter full relaxation mode. He dragged his feet as he walked over to the brand-new sofa, perching on the silky-smooth plump cushions, placing his drink carefully on a coaster, so as not to make a ring on the new mango wood coffee table. Leaning back, he sank into the back of the cool leather sofa. Looking around he had everything a man could want or need. He had hit the jackpot! He was at the top of his game, but yet he wasn’t satisfied: there was something missing. Rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand he began contemplating what on earth could possibly be missing from such a perfect life. His thoughts began to cause a tension headache as he racked his brain looking for the answer. After a few minutes he became frustrated with himself, unable to identify the problem. Finally, he admitted defeat. Reaching for the glass, he threw the remaining liquor down his throat and stompped off to bed, more confused than ever.
Jaqweshia had finally finished a long shift. Heading out onto the London streets, the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps was still in full swing. The cool midnight breeze carried the aroma of the evening food market across the street, she suddenly realised that she was starving. Unable to resist the smell, she reminisced of how comforting the smell was; it reminded her of home. It smelt just like her mother's home cooking. Before she knew it, her feet began carrying her to her favourite Jamaican street food vendor. The market was filled with vendors shouting out their special offers, trying to attract the attention of passers - by, whist the customers bartered for the best prices. She tries to Holla over the noise
“Deshane”
After looking around, Deshane caught sight of a familiar face. Her huge smile takes over her face, lighting up her eyes. She waved Jaqweshia over to the side of the stall and embraced her friend. Taking a long look at Jaqweshia’s face, she looked concerned and said!
“goal yuh luke tin you ‘ve nut been eating properly, I’ll get yuh yuh usual.”
Without hesitation she handed over 2 portions of pan chicken, cassava bread, and fried escoveitch fish, with dumplings. A shocked Jaqweshia looks at the enormous amount of food Deshane had handed over. She digs into her rucksack for her purse, but before she had the chance to open it and pass over any money Deshane interrupted,
“Child put yuh funds away”
She sucked her teeth in disgust at the Jaqweshia trying to pay before saying,
“Mi promise yuh mada mi we’d luk afta yuh, eff shi see suh tin shi wad curse mi now go on your way” Jaqweshia smiled sweetly and hugged her surrogate mother thanking her. She took the food and headed for home. Time was getting on and she was completely exhausted. Finally arriving at her front door, she swung it open kicking it shut behind her, the flat is compact to say the least, so within a few steps Jaqweshia had armed herself with cutlery and sunk into the old but very soft and comfy sofa. She turns on the TV mainly for background noise rather than to watch, she carefully unwraps the food, breathing in the sweet sweet smell of it, her mouth was watering and within no time Jaqweshia devoured as much food as she could manage before dragging her exhausted body into bed.
The alarm buzzed. Jaqweshia groaned rubbing, her eyes. She was still exhausted, and then she realised today was going to be exceptionally long and hard work. She knew she had a long day ahead. Sitting up she rubbed her sleepy eyes and huffed as her legs swung to the side of the bed. After a minute she stood up heading for the bathroom, she attempted to tame her thick black hair into a clip at the back, then gripping the lose horns down trying to tame it into looking relatively good. when the kettle clicked her cup was ready to hold the black caffeine that she hoped would restore some life into her. Living in London came with its ups, but also Its downs. Being single and renting a box sized flat meant that Jaqweshia had to work doubly hard, holding down two jobs to survive, which meant three times a week after her 12-hour shift at the university college hospital as a health care assistant, she then did shifts for a hospitality agency. This evening she would be working at The Royal Albert hall, there was a very prestigious showing that evening. The agency had told the staff that a world-famous Japanese pianist would be performing, Jaqweshia rolled her eyes. She despised classical music! she found it completely rhythm-less, and without a decent beat you couldn't dance to it. But it wasn’t about the music, it was about the money.
Hiroshi was pacing back and forward behind the stage curtains. His palms were sweaty, knees weak and his heart beat pounded in his ears. He was nervous. This was going to be his biggest performance to date, and it was at the prestigious, well renowned Royal Albert hall. He had spent his entire life dreaming of an opportunity like this. All his hard work was about to pay off, if he could pull himself together, just long enough to perform. But Hiroshi had a problem. He struggled to perform live. Stage fright was an understatement. He spent as much time as he could locked away from the world in his own bubble, working on his music. This was his idea of heaven Hiroshi was not only petrified of performing: he was also terrified of being in the company of other humans. He dreamed of the day he could spend caged up in his new London apartment, never having to leave. He would use his time composing sweet beautiful music, with the only companions he needed! The notes which he scribbled! Hiroshi knew that to be able to do this he had to perform his music and build up a reputation to show off his capabilities. Not only did his career depend on it, but he could not bring shame to his family by failing. These thoughts swirled around in his head and the more he thought about the audience, and the performance the more nervous he became, soon the anxiety began to manifest physically. Beads of sweat dripped down his neck onto his starched tuxedo collar, and his face turned pale and clammy. He needed to think fast there was only five minutes before curtains up.
Hiroshi unbuttoned his top shirt button and loosed his bow tie. As the back-stage crew, we’re going to and fro past Hiroshi, they looked over to him, smiling, nodding and giving him words of encouragement for the show. Some colour returned to Hiroshi’s cheeks, he was uncomfortable in the company of others. He held his head in shame whilst stuttering a submission of his struggles to himself, he needed to do something otherwise his fear was going to get the better of him and he wouldn't be able to perform.
Hiroshi headed with haste to the bar. Jaqweshia, turned to the two gentlemen, stating the standard greeting, whilst polishing a champagne flute, she then asked how she could be of service. Hiroshi still full of embarrassment and feeling rather foolish, finally he lifted his head, so he was not being rude, although he despised socializing and social etiquette, he was trained enough to seem relatively normal, if only they all knew. Then it happened, his eyes locked onto, Jaqweshia, he double blinked to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, he wasn't and there she stood, he couldn’t believe his eyes, she was the most gorgeous exquisite beauty he had ever laid eyes on, and those eyes as smooth as hazelnuts, deep, dark and full of mystery, they bared her pure soul, she was an angel. His jaw dropped but not a single word could escape his dry mouth. Jaqweshia passed by with drinks for other customers. A young man came into Hiroshi's peripheral vision, his main sight still following
“A double brandy no ice as quick as you can”
Within seconds the glass was placed in front of Hiroshi, his eyes had not stopped following Jaqweshia. Then her eyes caught his gaze, after a few seconds she frowned at him. Hiroshi quickly gatherer himself back together closing his jaw and reverting his eyes back on the glass.
Hiroshi threw the burning liquor down the hatch, the liquor slide down his throat, making his eyes water a little. The two spun around running back towards the back stage, but Hiroshi couldn’t help glancing back at this creature of beauty, he was in ore at her. Her ebony skin silky and soft, she glided through the room and behind the bar, as he hastily headed back, he couldn’t help but steal a few more sacred glances at her, who was she? He needed to know.
Of course, the show was a huge success as always when Hiroshi performed. As soon as he began to press the keys on the piano, his mind cleared the audience disappeared and he was alone with the notes, communicating in the music, but this time he was with her, there bodies entwined as they dance around the hall the room was empty, they were alone just the two of them together, their eyes locked on one another. Suddenly the audience roared with applause and whistles and Hiroshi is dragged back to reality. He takes a bow, then he practically ran off the stage, as quick as his feet would carry him, hoping he's not too late to catch another glimpse, he entered the bar and suddenly realised that he’s far from out of the woods yet. The after party was just beginning and being the guest of honour, he was of course expected to attend. His worst nightmare a room fully of precocious VIPs with who he had to engage, laugh at their not so funny jokes listen to their stories and engage in small chit chat and of course they know everything about music, composition or the performance, he rolled his eyes and headed to the bar. Hiroshi was in hell nothing could be worse, his nerves began to get the better of him, he tried to engage in social etiquette nodding his head, smiling and occasionally shaking the odd hand as he twists and turns through the crowds, in a room packed with people. Hiroshi was in hell. But then there she was, and even more beautiful than he recalled. The room suddenly was empty all he could see was her. His gaze meet hers, he felt like he was floating towards the bar, he became light headed as he stepped closer to her, the only barrier between them is the bar, and Hiroshi's inability to communicate with people let alone angels. He attempted to say something, but the smell of her perfume possesses his body as he inhales the soft aromas of her sweet scent.
“What can I get you Sir”
Jaqweshia asks and stands to attention awaiting a response. A few seconds passes. It feels like a lifetime to Hiroshi. He just couldn’t find the courage or ability to spit anything word or even sound out,or even move his lips he tries to convince himself to do something, saying over and over. Just say something anything as Hiroshi argues back and forth with himself. Jaqweshia asks him again
“What can I get you sir”
Finally, he manages to blurt out “brandy ………. Please”
Jaqweshia decided to not press him with any other questions. He seemed odd and it took long enough to get a drink order. She simply serves the brandy on the rocks to the gentleman, time was getting on now and she was so tired. Hiroshi held a note to pay for the drink, but as Jaqweshia tries to take the money it takes Hiroshi a few seconds to let go of the money distracted by Jaqweshia’s pure, natural beauty, finally he relinquishes his grip and tries to smile away the awkward exchange, but it comes out as more of a grimace. As he received his change, he spins around closing his eyes and cursing himself mentally for making a total fool of himself. He spent the remainder of the evening stealing every glance he could at the beauty trying to avoid her noticing, aware that his behaviour is probably a tad weird, every time he approaches the bar he ends up spinning around and walking away in despair, his inability to handle social affairs had never bothered him before until now. He spent a lot longer at the party than he would normally, trying to summon up the courage to ask her anything would be a bonus to begin with, he played out several scenarios mentally. Questions, possible topics they could discuss, cheesy pickup lines he had heard, maybe a joke, but he just couldn't bring himself to approach her. She wouldn't be interested in him anyway; a socially awkward, hermit, whose only friend was his piano. As the night progressed, the party began to wind down. It wasn't long before the two of them were practically alone, apart from a few other staff members that were milling around cleaning up. It was now or never. if he didn't do something, anything he was going to lose the only living creature on this earth that he wanted to talk to. Hiroshi walked up to the bar and stood they’re in silence. Jaqweshia stood back up from the wine fridge, turning to face him. Here he was the creep that had been staring at her all night. She sighed as she asked for his order. It was late now and the only thing she wanted to do was finish up and go home, not wait 20 minutes for a customer to tell her what he wanted. As her watery tired eyes looked into his she began to mentally analyse him without even realising what she was doing. He wasn’t too bad looking really, especially for a posh, stuck up punter. She thought that was very stereotypical, but from her perspective and expertise with that side of society she was yet to be proven wrong. With that thought she concluded that is exactly what he was, so she continued to clear and wipe down the bar. She was interrupted by her boss's stern voice,
“Jaqweshia, are you going to leave the star of the show waiting for his drink?”
he sounded incredibly annoyed. Jaqweshia opened her mouth to try and defend herself, but before she had chance another jumped in,
“I know I am not from this country but I was brought up to respect women I assume you were not”
It was Hiroshi's voice, he had swooped in to Jaqweshia’s rescue or so he thought. The manager sincerely apologised before making a quick exit, Hiroshi turned to Jaqweshia thinking he had finally found a way in to talk to his mystery black beauty, he expected to see a thankful face, he was massively, completely, incredibly mistaken, Jaqweshia was anything from pleased.
“thanks for getting me in trouble, you've been lingering around the bar, not ordering a thing, you have been staring at me and watching me all night, and now this, what do you want?”
Hiroshi was taken back he hadn’t considered he may have offended Jaqweshia, but he was certainly no expert on these matters, he hesitated, trying to think of what to say, he wasn’t given long before Jaqweshia demanded an explanation,
“WELL, what have you got to say for yourself”
Hiroshi finally stuttered out,
“I am so sorry I didn’t mean to cause any offence I thought I was helping,”
There was a long pause the silence was unbearable, the tension in the air between the two of them could have been cut with a butter knife.
Jaqweshia finally relaxed her body from all the anger and tension she felt. She couldn't help feeling sorry for the guy she had just ripped the head off. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt he wasn't like the rest at the party, or the normal pompous punters she had to deal with. So, embarrassed and fiddling with her fingers she apologised to this tall, dark, mysterious man he was certainly creepy, but also incredibly intriguing. Before she realised what was happening her mouth was open and the words were flowing out.
“Maybe I can make it up to you. I get off at twelve; can I buy you a drink? There's a cool bar not far from here”
Hiroshi was totally flabbergasted by the request, his cheeks were blushing rouge, he couldn't hide the terror and excitement in his eyes. But he also couldn't produce a single word from his mouth, it now resembled the Sahara Desert, his tongue the dry sand begging for the mercy of moisture. Eventually he gave in and simply nodded, whilst mentally cursing himself.
Jaqweshia grabbed her purse and coat, looking out over the bar Mr mysterious was nowhere to be seen, feeling slightly relieved because she is so exhausted, she headed for the exit. Pushing open the side door the midnight fresh air hit her face and cooled the sweat of her brow. She breathed in the cool air filling her lungs, she turned and looks down the dark alley. She can make out a silhouette in the distance from the bright main drag street lights. Caution filled her chest as she stiffens up and holds the pepper spray tight in her fist, she was ready to do what she had to. Instinct set in as she moves swiftly, her eyes pinned to the floor counting each footstep. Her heart is racing now, her breathing intensified. She played out each possibility over and over in her mind, her throats dry, the pins and needles begin to expand across her body. She was scared. She is almost there, free and out in the public eye, there are cameras, traffic and lights at the end of this dark, dank tunnel. She was nearly there, so close to safety she could taste it. The moisture seems to pour into her mouth now. All she had to do was keep going whatever happened she had to get to that street to be seen. She was practically running, and fast approaching the strange silhouette. It didn't seem to have moved an inch. There now, side by side, Jaqweshia goes to take the last few steps into the light, when she suddenly feels a tug on her arm pulling her back towards the alley. She spins and sprays, finally her arm was free, she looks back and recognises the features she can make out in the shadows of the alley. She stops in complete shock shouting.
“it's you! What are you doing you creep? You scared me”
Hiroshi now on his knees, moaning and holding his face as the pepper spray runs down his face and burns his eyes. His social anxiety seems to fade for a second as he screams,
“You said you wanted to get a drink, and then decide to burn my eyes out for accepting, and I am the creep?”
Jaqweshia walks back over, still incredibly confused and slightly shocked. She s unable to decide if she should be running away or staying to help. Something is pulling her back towards Hiroshi. butterflies in her tummy seem to be drawing her back. She suddenly feels awful for pepper spraying her mysterious man.
“Look I am really sorry, but I couldn't see you in the dark. You didn't say anything you just grabbed my arm. I totally freaked out; this is London not the Cotswolds, dude, I don't know who you are.”
Hiroshi remained silent sat on the cold concrete trying to wipe away the pepper spray with his suite jacket sleeve. Jaqweshia stares down at Hiroshi trying to contemplate what to do for the best. Finally, she looks up into the clear night sky, and prays to the stars above,
“please don't let this be the wrong decision:”
she sighs taking Hiroshi by the arm, and scolds him like a child,
“come with me I don't live far we can sort your face out there”
Hiroshi still as quiet as a mouse, followed Jaqweshia’s lead down the road, still as blind as a bat, Hiroshi can’t make out his surrounding street names, not that he knows the area well, he's stepped out of his apartment to only get grocery at the local supermarket once a week. He has no alternatively but to follow this black beauty, he can tell its her from the sweet smell of her perfume, there arms are linked closely allowing her scents potency to overpower the city streets aromas, he inhales as much as his burning nose will allow. it didn't take a long time before the duo came to a halt and Hiroshi could hear the jingle jangle of keys. As they entered the block of flats up the stairs to the top floor, neither of them had a clue that this night would change their lives forever.
After an hour of rinsing Hiroshi is finally able to open his eyes, without too much discomfort, the silence is so intense as they sit side by side on the sofa gazing into the morning’s sunrise. Finally, Jaqweshia breaks the silence,
“so, look. I'm sorry I pepper sprayed you. I’ve got work in a few hours at the hospital, I really should get some sleep. I guess you can stay on the couch, till your swelling has gone down?”
Hiroshi turns to Jaqweshia, although his sight is still blurry, he can’t help but be overwhelmed by her beauty. Still unable to mutter a word he smiles and nods in agreement. Jaqweshia walks away. but before she enters the bed room, she turns to look at Hiroshi. She suddenly realises this silent stranger sat on her sofa probably has a name. She doesn't even know what it is. She decides she should probably at least no that if nothing else. She whispers across the room,
“so, what's your name?”
The sound of her voice felt like a sweet choir’s melody to his ears. Now she's not in front of him, her beauty doesn't block his words.
“It’s Hiroshi, and may I ask yours?”
The goose bumps on Jaqweshia's arms tingle with the ring of his name. She can’t help but blush and smile, she responds with a slightly higher voice tone than she intended.
“its Jaqweshia”
It felt like she had only been a sleep for a few minutes, as her tired eyes blinked awake. She rolled over to check the time. It was 11am. She had overslept majorly, checking her phone she had 12 missed calls from work. She shot up throwing on her uniform and heading for the front door whilst slipping on her shoes. Within minutes she was out the door as it slammed behind her, the noise woke Hiroshi as he shot up on the sofa. He rubbed his eyes they were still sore. He began to recall the evenings events, as he tried to put the pieces of where he was, and how he had come to be there. After a few minutes passed he couldn't help but snigger, had all this happened to him, the man that never left his apartment unless absolutely necessary, or talk to another human unless absolutely necessary. Now he was sat on a stranger’s sofa. Well not a total stranger he knew her name at least. But honestly, he had no clue where he was, or how to get home, and she had just run out of her front door. Leaving him stuck inside. He headed over to the kitchen concluding that she wouldn't mind if he helped himself to some coffee, I mean she did technically assault him less than 12 hours before. Sipping his coffee he begins to explore the boxed apartment, being nosy looking at pictures, her book collection, her music collection caught his eye, it was obvious they both had incredibly different tastes in music, not one classical piece featured in her collection, he looked across the artists and there were many he had never even heard of. He decides to have a listen. The beat boomed through the speakers sending Hiroshi and his coffee jumping into the air. As the coffee hit the floor the key turned in the door, she was back running over to the stereo system to turn the volume down, she stomps to the kitchen to get a cloth to clean up the spillage, she doesn’t say a word, but Hiroshi gets the impression she's not happy. Hiroshi's eyes fixed firmly to the floor, Jaqweshia kneels, Hiroshi joins her putting his hand out for the cloth to clean up his mess. Jaqweshia looks up to Hiroshi as she passes the cloth, their fingers graze one another, and the feeling was electric. Hiroshi looks up and their eyes meet, scared by the feelings in the pit of her stomach she shoots up, and dashes to the kitchen to make more coffee. Both sit in silence glancing back and forward at one another. Jaqweshia finally brakes the silence, she was angry at Hiroshi, she had lost a shift at the hospital due to being so late for work, and Hiroshi was about to receive both barrels of her temper.
“so, thanks to you I missed my shift at work today, have you got anything to say for yourself”
Hiroshi was shocked by the outburst, so far, he had managed to offend this beautiful woman on two occasions, without even realising he had done anything wrong. Hanging his head in despair he didn't have anything to say, nor did he have the confidence to open his mouth again, in case he did something else wrong without realising. Jaqweshia's temper slowly turned to empathy she felt bad for jumping down his throat, although he would actually have to open his mouth for this to be plausible. She couldn't hide her cheeky grin as she thought over the irony of the metaphor in Hiroshi's case. Hiroshi caught her little snigger and was now completely confused, she had just shouted at him and now she was smiling, this is why he avoid social encounters he was just simply socially impotent. He puzzled over the reactions in his head debating the best course of action and finally decided to say and do nothing if in doubt don't say ought he thought.
Jaqweshia can’t help but be intrigued by this tall dark hansom man, that has seemed to stumble into her life without warning, she has a longing to learn more, and she now has the time to investigate, she decides to take a chance on Hiroshi, and therefore asks.
“um... so I believe I owe you a drink, as we never managed to make it last night, maybe we could grab brunch?”
The butterflies in Hiroshi's stomach go wild, followed by a sudden sweep of sickness thanks to his nerves. He forces out a response, which turns out to be a high note of stuttering acceptance.
“i would like that Jaqweshia”
They take a seat in the cafe Jaqweshia had taken them to, the choose a table and sit across from one another. Hiroshi immediately sticks his nose into the menu to avoid awkward eye contact, that he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up consistently. But he can’t help stealing the odd glance at her over the top of the menu. Her ebony skin glowed in the midday sun spilling through the large Victorian windows. The décor was retro with oversized light shades, and odd portrait paintings covering the 70s style wallpaper, the bucket chairs they had chosen were oddly comfortable. Hiroshi found the casual sofas and other furniture odd for a place in which people eat, but he was no longer in Japan and would have to become use to such changes. He didn't dislike the layout, he actually found it rather relaxing in fact. His thoughts were interrupted as Jaqweshia asks, his eyes draw back to her.
“so, what would you like to eat or drink?”
Hiroshi hadn't even looked at the menu, so simply replies,
“I'll have the same as you please”
Jaqweshia though this odd as he didn't even know what she planned to order, but she didn't press him and went over to the counter to order. She returns with two white coffees. The silence was becoming unbearable so Jaqweshia tries to get to know this stranger a little better,
“so...... what brings you to London, I'm guessing you’re not local”
Hiroshi paused twiddling his fingers and staring at the table, he was frozen with fear, he had spent the majority of his life avoiding these encounters, this was his worst nightmare, and to make it worse he really likes this woman. He really didn't want her to run a million miles because he couldn't hold a simple conversation over brunch. Jaqweshia could see the struggle on Hiroshi's face. Then she suddenly realised he's just completely and utterly terrified of social interactions. She replayed the recent events over in her head, and it all began to piece together. Hiroshi was just shy, she was slightly relieved over the revelation, this made her pretty confident that he wasn't a total creep after all. She couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief. The waitress returned with two plates of eggs Benedict, with smoked salmon. Hiroshi stared at the foreign food in front of him, eagerly analysing the dish trying to decipher what an earth this bright yellow little delight was. He hadn't come across anything like it before, but he decides after a few bites in that it wasn't too bad at all. Jaqweshia looks at Hiroshi and tries to engage him into a conversation again, or even just a few answers would be a great start.
“So, Hiroshi, what brings you here to London?”
she waits a few minutes to give Hiroshi some time to reply, his face shows the same uncomfortable look it had earlier. She decides that she is going to have to take the lead as Hiroshi is just so shy. She steps in by taking her hand and places it on top of his, trying to offer some friendly reassurance and says,
“it’s OK I get it your shy, but you don't need to be scared, I don't bite, well not hard”
she smiles with a nervous laugh escaping through her clenched teeth and retracts her hand back. Hiroshi raises his head and looks into Jaqweshia's eyes he felt oddly reassured by her gesture, the butterflies in his stomach began to calm down, and he no longer felt nauseas. The cool beads of sweat that were trickling down his neck finally dried up. Suddenly everything about her filled him with a slight confidence, her eyes felt like home, her smile filled him with joy, her ebony complexion was so smooth and flawless, he noticed her beautiful curvaceous figure, his eyes gazed upon this exquisite female in front of him. He was completely filled with intrigue for the first time he was captivated by another human something that had never affected him before, before.
He suddenly noticed the time from the clock situated just to the side of Jaqweshia's head, he was due to perform that night and rehearsals were soon to start, and Hiroshi not only resembled frankly a right royal mess, and there for not fit to arrive at the Royal Albert hall. He is still in his tux's from the night before, his eyes were blood shot and still watering and painful, his hair was less than desirable, he certainly wasn't in a fit state to attend rehearsals like this, and to top it off he had zero idea where he actual was and how to get back to his apartment. He swallowed nervously before addressing Jaqweshia,
“I need to get home, I have to perform tonight, and rehearsals start in an hour, where are we”
Jaqweshia was slightly taken back, that's the most he had ever said to her and it was to take off, before she could become angry her curiosity took over, rehearsals? Performance? Then it dawned on her, of course that's why he was at the bar, he was the famous Japanese pianist that played the night before, it all began to make sense apart from. How an earth could this man be a musician performing to hundreds of people and he can’t even answer questions, it made no sense. Hiroshi interrupted her trail of thought,
“will you come, tonight?”
Before Jaqweshia had chance to answer Hiroshi was up out of his seat, he placed two ten-pound notes on the table, and he was gone. Jaqweshia was stunned, as she looked at the money left next to his half-eaten eggs, there was a VIP ticket to attend the concert, that evening.
She spent the remainder of the day arguing with herself deciding weather to go or not, on the one hand she was intrigued to find out more about this mysterious man she had made the acquaintance of, but there was the flash thoughts of stranger danger, she really very little to nothing about Hiroshi other than he is called Hiroshi and a apparently world famous pianist, from Japan who apparently was not use to ANY! Human contact in any form. The same statements swirled around her head all day, and of course there was the issue that she was supposed to be bar tending at the very venue Hiroshi had asked her to attend as a guest so she couldn’t simple phone in sick.
She was feeling nervous as she travelled the tube to the Royal Albert hall, she had managed to dig out an old royal blue, silk bridesmaid dress to wear, and had spent the afternoon transforming herself from tired eyes, and cracked hands into a first class princess, she was turning heads as she walked through the station. She arrived at the Royal Albert Hall and as she walked down the red carpet, she couldn't help but feel like a celebrity, smiling from ear to ear. Jaqweshia had spent her life just getting by and living pay check to pay check, but tonight she felt special and forgot all the struggles. The doorman pulled open the huge doors allowing her to enter the hall, she had only ever entered through the staff side door, which was incredibly different to this welcoming. She showed her ticket and gave her name and the VIP treatment began instantly, Jaqweshia was handed a champagne flute as she glided through the foyer, she was personally escorted to front row seats and offered all the airs and graces she felt like royalty at The Royal Albert. Jaqweshia was floating on cloud nine, however every corner she turned, she tried to seek him out to no avail, where was he. Finally, the lights faded, and the crowds shushed, as the red velvet curtains rose, and finally she saw him. He stood in front of the grand piano head down eyes firmly fixed on the floor as he took a bow. As he rose their eyes met for a brief second, his face light up and he could not contain his smile. Jaqweshia blushed, her eyes fluttered playfully with flirtation, and her bottom lip pulled in as she bites down on it ever so slightly, she couldn't help it he looked beautiful up there. She had not realised before how his dark emerald eyes glistened in the light, how his hair hanged across his forehead perfectly not a stand out of place, his jawline perfectly chiselled complementing his cheek bones, he was a masterpiece. The concert began and as his fingers glided over the keys, she was transformed to a magical state of euphoria watching him, the passion she felt burned deep in her stomach as he came alive with every note.
The crowd roared in admiration bringing Jaqweshia back to reality. She rose up from her chair quickly clapping and cheering for her mystery man, as he took his bow, it was then that she realised his eyes were no longer held to the floor with terror and fear splashed across his face. His eyes were fixed to hers as they both smiled. Shortly after Jaqweshia was escorted back stage. There he was, his shirt unbuttoned with his bow tie laying unfastened under the loose collar. Her heart began to race faster with every single step she took, getting closer to him. The chemistry was explosive, her emotions were like fireworks exploding with every step, their eyes locked on one another as if no one else was in the room. Hiroshi was blown away, she looked like an angel she was glowing with beauty, she shone in the dimmed lights, her dress clung to every curve in pure perfection, he could smell her scent as she came closer, her jet black plaited hair showed of her facial features as it was brushed out of her face, those dark hazel eyes were mesmorising. She finally arrived inches in front of him, both inhaling short breaths as their hearts fluttered frantically.
This was his chance, he gently grazed her face with his soft hands, he tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear as his shaky voice whispered,
“you look so beautiful tonight”
His fingers traced her jawline down to her chin as he tenderly tilted her head up, they both lean in, their lips touch, Jaqweshia can’t help but give herself to this mystery man as their lips caress, her hands run through his hair, their bodies now intertwined in pure passion, the kiss is so tender but full of deep passion and intensity, their noses brush as if a perfect fit. Jaqweshia never wants this moment to end, she has never felt such fear and happiness at once, she had fallen hook line and sinker for this man and there was nothing she could do to stop falling deeper and deeper, their foreheads touch as their eyes meet, she stares deep within his soul, for the first time she sees that he is no longer afraid. Hiroshi smiles his thumb tracing her lips, he looks deep into her hazel eyes and utters softly into her ear,
“i am not afraid any more, as long as I have you by my side, I have no fear, you make me stronger”
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