Chance Meetings (Stefan Franco)

[Klara]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"

Stefan: While walking around a few nights back, Stefan checked his messages and found he had gotten a reply from Klara. He did not know who she was but she gave him the help he needed with some information. Stefan was stunned that his message had ben replied to and very happy to get the help needed. After he replied thanking her for her time and help, he got a swift reply back. “Let’s meet in person at the Lancasters for a drink.”
Stefan replied back saying he looked forward to it and would meet her. He went home, got himself cleaned up, was looking forward to meeting another person, and have a relaxing time. He made his way over to the location and walked inside and once there he made his way around surveying the place. Stefan walked up to the bar and sat down and listened to the music that was playing. He got here early hoping to calm his nerves, before she showed up.

Klara:Klara checked her watch realizing she was going to be late in meeting Stefan. “Damn it” she cursed as she ran out realizing that she didn’t have time to run home and change. She was just going to have to wear her ugly Christmas sweater. “It’s not like it’s a date or anything,” she mumbles to herself. At least she’d know if he had a good sense of humor or really bad taste. She stopped outside taking a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. It was the first time to be out without Simon or family around her. He was new so maybe she could make a new friend. She checked to make sure none of her weapons would be noticed and opened the door walking in. She looked down closing her eyes wondering why she had picked that sweater to wear tonight. She sighed as she began to appraise people in the room realizing she had forgotten to get a description. She started at the bar and found him quickly. She smiled realizing he was actually quite handsome and she felt even dumber. She walked up to him and sat on a stool next to him “I’m guessing you’re Stefan? Would you like to go get a booth so I can hide this hideous sweater? I was at a party and didn’t have time to change.” She extended her hand to him and waited for his reaction.
http://www.snappypixels.com/wp-content/ ... ipples.jpg

Stefan: Hearing the door open and close behind him he took a deep breath. Hearing her voice he turned and look her in the eyes and smiled. "You must be Klara! It is a pleasure to meet you." Taking her hand and shaking it. Then without thinking looked down at the sweater. Grinning from ear to ear. “From the looks of that sweater it was a pretty good party. It’s good to have fun and enjoy the people around us. Thank you for the invite." Standing up and points to a booth “If you would feel more comfortable at a booth there is an empty one. I think a sweater like that can't help make a person smile and laugh, brighten up anyone’s day.

Klara: She laughed taking his hand shaking it firmly, happy that he had a sense of humor about it all. The sweater was hideous but it was all in good fun. “Well I figured it would be easier for you to ask questions of me if we met in person. It truly is a pleasure to me you. So are you new to the city?” She watched him being able to tell he was nervous but she hoped he would stop feeling that way for she was nothing special.

Stefan: Thinking to himself, “After the days I have been having it is nice to smile and meet someone with a good sense of humor.” Walking over to the booth, offering for her to sit down first. “Well I have lived in the city for a long time but I went to work and then came back home did not do much. I am still learning this new life though, and learning what it has to offer and what I need to be leery of. My sire has been good at teaching and helping me learn. Though it appears, it might be best for me to find my own place. I was stunned to have you reply and help me out. Thank you for taking the time to help me. Also taking you away from the party to meet." Grinning again looking down at the sweater again.

Klara: Klara noticed him eyeing her sweater wishing she had gone home to change knowing she looked ridiculous but all she could is just laugh it off. She waved her hand, “The party was all but over anyways so I really didn’t miss much.” She took and laid her phone on the table, “I’m beginning to think that no matter how long you live her there is always something new to be learned. I swear if I have to leave town it seems so much changes and I feel like I’m just starting from scratch.” She eyed him over deciding she liked him at first glance, she saw he was handsome and he seemed sincere and kind. “So tell me some more about yourself?”

Stefan: He noticed she caught him looking at the sweater again and chuckled for a moment and looked back in her eyes. She was very beautiful and she also could laugh and knew how to have fun. She was so relaxed and seemed so in control. This is just a meet and greet for getting some advice and questions answered but I feel like I am on a date and I am nervous. Get a grip Stefan. Seeing the waitress come Stefan couldn’t drink it but still loved having a cup in his hand." I would love a cup of coffee. How about you Klara?" “More about me? What would you like to know? Let’s narrow down the field so I don't just ramble on like an idiot and you start looking for the door." He laughed.

Klara: Klara smiled wishing she could do something to calm him down, if he had any clue what she was going through right now he wouldn’t be so nervous, he’d probably run screaming. “Well first off who is your sire and how do you the two of you get along?” She turned to the waitress; I’ll have a cup of coffee and piece of pie if you don’t mind. The waitress ran through the flavors obvious by her boredom she had done this over and over today. “Cherry please” turning back to her partner smiling in encouragement.

Stefan: "My sires name is Elizabeth Constance, as for how we get along well that is probably the most complicated question you could have asked me." Looking around the room for a moment trying to figure how to answer this question. Looking her in the eyes and smiles. “She is an amazing woman she has helped learn and control my abilities and kept me from losing my mind. I have known what she was when I was human and she was my friend even then. I know this is long winded for what should be a simple answer for how we get along. To be straightforward I don't know anymore. Things went sideways. When they did that is why I sent out some messages seeing if there was anyone out there who could help me with questions... I think it is best for me to get out on my own and move out.

Klara: Klara nodded as she listened to him. Elizabeth used to be a good friend of hers. “I know your sire, we used to be friends though she was a bit disgusted that I continued to date Simon and eventually married him. She didn’t think too highly of him and told me he would break my heart and she was right, I probably should call her so she can tell me I told you so. Well the best advice I can give is move forward with your life, try to heal whatever the issue is so either way you are moving forward and doing well. Sire issues can be very complicated at times.”

[Stefan Franco]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"


Stefan: Stefan listened and was surprised she knew her, small city it seems and getting smaller, he thought to himself. When he heard Klara say, she was right, Stefan face turned as he thought spoke out loud not thinking clearly. "She was right, she is always right, everything has to be just this way. No thinking about what could have been, they have be this way as this is best.” Looking down at the table as he held his cup in his hand, he broke it. Snapping him out of his thoughts. “I am sorry about that I got lost in my thoughts for a moment. I agree with moving on and that is why it is best for me to leave and get my own place.” Grabbing some napkins and cleaning up the mess he continued, “You are so right on being complicated. I think it is best to get some space and take care of myself.”

Klara: Klara blinked as the cup broke his hands, her brows furrowed slightly as she watched him. Realizing that there was much more to the story and it wasn’t good. It surprised her for the Elizabeth she had known had doted on her children and was one the kindest people knew. “It’s ok. You just need to do what you need to do and talk to her. Sometimes things are just misunderstandings, other times not but you’ll never know until you two talk. If she won’t talk then you keep building and getting stronger. Eventually she’ll come around.”

Stefan: Hearing Klara talk and trying to get his control back, he looked to his right and saw the waitress looking his way then turn a walk away. He looked back at Klara. “I am doing what I need to do. I have been working on other skills then what my normal abilities are. So I may not be a master of any but I will be able to handle things myself.” Looking in Klara's eyes, he feels at peace again. “I am sorry for the coffee cup and losing it for a moment. Do you know my sire has adopted a little girl, her name is Chelsea? She is cute as a button. She precious. Every time I enter the room to get her for playing or to even, change her.” He chuckled, “Yeah, I change diapers.” Smiling sheepishly. She always had this grin when she saw me. I love that little bundle sweetness. To know I will not be there to see her wake up in the morning or be with her like that again is hard one to take." Looking around the room again and then looking back to Klara he smiled halfhearted. “It is probably was for the best for Lizzie to move on with her life with another person and I will move on in my own direction. “Wow, I am sorry for babbling on like this.” He laughed softly, “How many times have you been thinking I need to reach the door?’

Klara: Klara smiled, knowing he just needed to vent and it was ok. She had certainly done enough of that of late to Doc. He had been patient, loving and kind to her, how could be any less to someone in need. “She sounds adorable but you know you can still visit most likely. I can’t see Elizabeth keeping you from it.” She patted his hand in sympathy.

Stefan: Feeling her hand pat his hand he turned his hand over and when her hand touch his he gently held her hand in his and smiled as he looked in her beautiful eyes. Stefan lowered his head and bowed to her. He raised his head and looked at her lips and then her eyes. "Thank you."

Thinking to himself that she is an amazing woman; sweet, kind and caring. Feeling his cheeks turn red from thinking about her in such a way, letting go of her hand and clearing his throat. “I am sorry if I over stepped, you smart, beautiful and have a great sense of human and is probably married and would be a little put off with me holding your hand like that. Tell me a little about yourself since I babbled on about me. I would love to hear a little about your life.”

Klara: When he mentioned married, pain crossed her eyes as she tried quickly to cover it up. “Well my sire is Doc who some people believe is an ***, I just split with my husband. We were going to try to work it out but he didn’t want to compromise, and now from what I hear he is dating the woman who came between us. He didn’t cheat on me that I know for sure but mentally who knows.”

Stefan: Seeing the pain Stefan caused in her eyes when mentioned being married, he listened intently. “I am sorry about your marriage. I did not mean to cause any pain. I am sorry to hear things did not work out for you both. Looking down at the sweater again and grinning. “At least you have not forgot to have fun. You have a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile! You are also very beautiful and you will be beating them off with sticks before you know it.” He smiled, “How long have you been sired by Doc? Have any other family members you are close with?”

Klara: The woman smiled as she blushed, hating that she had made him uncomfortable but knew that these were the questions that would come and as Doc said, each time it would get easier, at least she prayed it would. She shrugged, “Thank you. He was the love of my life but I guess all good things must end or so they say. I do hope he’s happy. He can be such a kind and sweet man and I’d hate to see him hurt. As far as Doc, to be honest I don’t really remember. He is my third sire actually.

My first left the city after he was killed; my second left the city as well, though he pops back in from time to time. I will always be loyal to Wolfgang as well so I found a man who could teach me a thing or two and have found I have a bit of him in myself after all. I know people think Doc is a first class *** and many don’t like him and think him rude but I do love him. He took me on and has shown me nothing but kindness from day one and especially now.

There is no way I could have ever made it through my break up with Simon. He’s been my rock through this whole thing. I knew he wanted me gone but he also understood that I love him and I thought we were going to last forever. He had enough wisdom to give me his opinion, back off and let me see things for myself. It was hard watching Simon prove him right over and over. I have several sisters but I’m not really close to any of them yet. I have one that was really sweet through this that really wanted to see me leave him but she’s friends with the other woman so I’m always a little leery to hang out at her bar incase Simon and Renee show up, though I do wonder what she says to Renee about Simon.

She looked down once again at her sweater and smiled, “Yeah a sense of humor is the only thing that is going to get me through this rough patch. I can’t believe I didn’t think to bring another shirt!” Trying to push the carrots beneath the table as one popped right back up almost getting into her plant. She smacked it “Bad, bad….down girl” she teased laughing. “I really look like an idiot don’t I?”

“So what of you, do you have any siblings? And this little girl is she…” looking around to make sure no one heard her “Human?”

[Klara]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"

Stefan: “As for me, nope, I do not have any siblings. Just my sire. My sire split off from her sire, I have talked to her a few times in the beginning but now she has decided to no longer talk to me as well. Yeah, my sire has a little girl she adopted.” In a low voice. “and she is human. She is a little bundle of happiness and joy. I love her like she was my own child. As you have said some things just don't work out. Then we have to move on and see what else is out there.” He shakes head and then brightens his smile and voice. “I for one am looking forward to it and having fun and being happy. How about you, any big plans this week any more wild parties to attend?” Grinning


Klara: Klara smiled watching him light up as he talked about the child. “A human child? Simon and I almost adopted my cousin’s daughter after she and her husband was killed in a car accident in the states. I was the Godmother and my family tracked me down. We went and visited and we adored her. We both wanted nothing more than to be parents but we weren’t married yet. We wanted to wait but then I had to go to London to work for the summer. When I got home things had changed, and he and Renee were inseparable and it was causing issues in our marriage and we decided we needed to work on our issues before bringing a child and a human one at that into the mix, now I’m thankful we waited or I’d be a single parent.”

She smiled a bittersweet smile at the memory of Annabelle and Simon playing on the floor. He had adored that child and he would have made a good father but Renee had been more important to him than anything else on the planet. Looking up at him, she answered his question, “No plans really, just spending a quiet Christmas. I may go up to the cabin. Now that Simon and I split, my plans have been cancelled but to be honest not really in the mood to celebrate anyways. It will be a hard holiday this year so plan on watching old movies and not getting dressed all day. I’m quite the party animal as you can tell!” she joked.


Stefan: “I am so sorry things did not work out as you had planned. Sitting here listening to you talk about the child, I can tell you will be a great mother as well...single or not. Things happen but the memories even the bitter ones are a part of us. You and Simon had a special connection and while you had it, everything was great. You can always look back on those good times. I am sorry things with Renee and him got between you both. I hope you don't let this ruin things for your holiday, you may not be in a mood to party and I sure don't blame you there. Also nothing wrong with kicking back watching old movies, but if you’re interested...umm...I will be around and we could...if your interested could go for a walk and enjoy the lights and music to pass some time.”

It is just an idea when you want a break from the movies." He grinned sheepishly. “Though if you did decided to go for a walk you would have to get dressed. Grins even bigger as he looked in her eyes then looked away. "Thinking to himself, I sound like an idiot”, Stefan shakes his head. "Anyways I know we just met and all, but I want you to know I am here for you if you need a friend.”


Klara: She blushed at his compliment. She wasn’t sure how good of a mother she would have been but sadly, that had been robbed from her for this time. She smiled at him taking a sip of her coffee, “Thank you, that’s really kind of you to say and I think you would have been a good father to Elizabeth’s child as well. If I were human I wouldn’t have hesitated on taking her on but being a vampire I didn’t want to risk ending up in the shadow realm and leaving her here all alone on accident.”

His next words surprised her just a bit as she offered to go on a walk with her to help pass the time. She was touched at his offer. It had been months since anyone had thought of her feelings and wanted to do something nice for her. She smiled, “That sounds nice actually.” Looking at her watch, she realized it was now Christmas Eve. “It’s Christmas Eve Stefan, we could now if you’d like.” She told him quietly.

Klara motioned for the waitress to come to their table and asked if they had a pair of scissors she could borrow or a very sharp knife. The woman nodded and quickly brought back a pair of scissors that she promptly took and began to cut the carrots off her sweater. It was going into the trash anyway and this would make wearing a coat more comfortable. She grabbed the carrots and began cutting until both were off and laying on the table with two holes where they once were located. She was thankful she had a shirt under the sweater or it would have been very risqué now! She laughed as she looked at him, “Blasted things are in the way and don’t fit under a coat. If you’d like to go for a walk right now, I would love to and we can play tomorrow by ear.” She suggested.


Stefan: As he listened to her, he realized he had lost all track of time. Looking at his watch and then back at Klara. Stefan smiled and stood up from his seat as he watched the waitress come to the table and watched Klara cut the carrots of her sweater, glued like a dear in the headlights. As the last carrot was removed he finally realized he what he was doing. He shook his head and laughed. "Well I must say that had my full attention." Stefan reached in his pocket, pulled out 10 dollars, and dropped it on the table for the waitress. He looked back at Klara and grinning again as he looked at the sweater. Offering her his hand to help her up. "I would love to go for a walk. We don't have to be anywhere just enjoy the lights and...Um the company of each other to pass the time." Pausing a moment and looking around the room, then back at Klara. "Klara Merry Christmas Eve" and then smiled again.

[Stefan Franco]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"


Klara: She looked up at him confused, then down at her sweater and blushed profusely at his words. “Sorry, I just, well…” she fell silent finding no graceful way to explain. She was just so used to being married; she’d forgotten what another man may be thinking. She took his hand and stood up, “I’ve always liked walking in the snow, it’s a beautiful quiet night” she began to follow him stopping in just enough time to keep from running into him. She watched as he looked around and then wished her a Merry Christmas. She blinked seeing the clock above his head realizing that it was indeed Christmas. She smiled softly back, “Merry Christmas Stefan”. As he turned to hold the door for her, she realized just how different this moment was; at least she wasn’t alone, which helped a lot.

As they walked out into the brisk winter’s night air, she fell in step with him, finally looking up at him and stopping, she smiled bitter sweetly, “Thank you Stefan, you’ve helped a lot tonight. I know I will shed my fair share of tears today, but this moment, as it turned from Christmas Eve to Christmas was to have been a very special moment for Simon and me. I had a very special surprise planned as we spent our first Christmas together as a couple. I had dreaded this moment, but you’ve been nothing but sweet and kind to a stranger and have given me company at a time where my heart is breaking. It really means a lot that you would be willing to do that.” She reached out and squeezed his hand dabbing at a few tears that spilled over.


Stefan: He held her hand in his as he listened, he half smiled, “Merry Christmas Klara, I know this is not how you planned on spending your Christmas. You should have been smiling from ear to ear with the person you love. It is not how I had planned mine either. It is mere chance that we met and have enjoyed each other’s company it’s wonderful. Here we are two strangers who are walking side by side and hand in hand, enjoying the walking in the snow and helping each other to pass some time. I know this will be a hard day for you, but I want you to know if you need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, I am hear for you"

Giving her hand a little squeeze and giving a half smile. “Well hmm," thinking to himself, I need to lighten the mood a little bit, looking around. "What do you say we go down that street I see a large string of lights to check out? O yea you talked about watching and kicking back relaxing. Care to share what movies you like to watch?" Grinning, “I have watched my fair share of movies as well."


Klara: Klara smiled up at him as they walked. He seemed like a really nice man, very giving and kind but that was how Simon was at the beginning to, he had once cared not wanting to see her hurt but now not caring if it was he or his friends. She snuck a glance up at him as he talked nodding as he led them down a side street, wondering how when his life was being turned upside down he could be so thoughtful, chastising herself for wondering if he too would just in the end give her a giant ‘**** you’ when it was all said and done.

She smiled as she saw the lights come into view, several houses all decked out with the holiday lights, even as her heart hurt the lights were beautiful and she couldn’t help but to smile. “They’re beautiful. I always wanted to have a house that I could decorate and put lights on. Simon and I had wanted a house like this with a little white picket fence. At Christmas it would have looked like a story book house with lighted garland and wreaths on the fence and house and lights and several Christmas trees.” She smiled at the dream, picturing it in her mind as she stopped to look. She looked up at him “I’m still going to have that house one day. There is no sense in why I can’t still have what I want but I will not be that single woman with a house full of cats,” laughing at her joke.

Going to examine a wreath on a wrought iron fence more closely, she turned to answer his question, “Oh I’m a romantic at heart. I love ‘Gone With The Wind’ it’s my favorite. I loved the deep south during that time as well. I think the first part of the movie reminds me of happy times when I lived in Charleston during that time. I love anything with romance and I especially love the silly Doris Day movies. I know people think all that stuff is just silly but things were so much simpler in the Doris Day movies. Boy meets girl, girl meets boy, fall in love, live happily ever after. I know that’s not how it works in life but it’s just sweet how they all end, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.” She chuckled knowing he probably thought her a nut job about now. “How about you? Are you into old movies or just the modern stuff?”

[Klara]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"

Stefan: “These houses are beautiful, I love walking around check them out. It is nice and peaceful. Having someone to walk around with makes it even better." He said glancing over at her. “There is no reason you could not have your own house and decorate it up however you like. Besides, I really doubt you would be alone for long. You have a great sense of humor, wonderful to talk to and very beautiful." Smiling really big as he looked at her. “I don't see you as having to worry about having lot of cats.” Chuckling at the thought. As he listened to her talk about her favorite movie he just smiled.

“Well, I have watched those movies more then I care to admit to. I love those old movies but also the modern as well. There is a movie based in the south called Shag. It is a great movie, I love the story line guy meets girl never thought he had a chance but they had fun and danced ended up falling in love. I love the dancing as well. Makes me wish I could dance. I am a horrible dancer but love to go out and try. I enjoy a lot of the romantic movies but I also enjoy Sci fi and even thrillers." He turns and looks back at the lights thinking, I am such an idiot. “So um, I was thinking if you’re okay with it, before it gets too early I could walk you home. I mean I know you can handle yourself but I just enjoying the walk and would like to spend more time together.” Looking a back down the street ahead, thinking to himself right now she has to be thinking ‘What a line to use to come to my house.’ “Damn. Someone hand me a clue”, Stefan shook his head at his own thoughts. “I know we have time still, just something to thinking about.”


Klara: Klara had never heard of the film ‘Shag’ but determined to look it up when she got home. She smiled up at him thinking the company would be nice for she lived clear across the city. “I’d like Stefan but I live a really long way from here. We could take the transit but if you don’t mind I’d really like to just walk though it will take longer to get home if you don’t mind.”


Stefan: As he listened he hoped she would not think he was giving her some lame line about walking her home. As she wanted to take the long way home he knew she did not think he was creep. "Klara I have no problem walking as long as want to. Besides it gives us more time to check out the different lights and decorations.” Glancing over at her, “I also love the company. We are going in the direction of my new place. It’s not ready for company since I still have to put stuff away. If we walk past it, I will show you."

Walking along they come to the city center with a huge Christmas tree all lit up. All the buildings were decorated as the lights shone on the snow. Turning to Klara and holding her hand giving it a little squeeze. “Klara this is very beautiful here, almost as beautiful as you are. I want you to know this Christmas has been wonderful. I have been able to spend it with someone who is very sweet and kind. You have been amazing to be with and spend time with." Turning to face Klara, "Here on this night you are a friend whom I look forward to getting to know more in time. I consider myself to be very lucky that you are now in my life. I can think of no place I would rather be then here with you now. Thank you for being here with me tonight.”


Klara: Klara fell in step with him as they continued to walk through the streets. Most of the humans had gone in for the night, the streets empty of traffic. The snow muffled what little sound there was. It was as if the whole place was theirs. Her hand held his arm as they walked, providing warmth with his nearness and stability as she tended to be on the klutzy side. She remembered when she and Simon took walks like this as they walked on snowy nights ending up at home; suddenly she began to blush at the direction of her thoughts. She tried to think of anything but being intimate with Simon.

“Where did you buy your place at?” she asked wondering where he did live. “Don’t worry about things not being put up; it takes time to move into places. I thought I’d never get my crap in all the right places when I moved.”

She realized that her heart was hurting a little less and the day had turned out better than she thought it was going to bed. He had helped her to forget a painful time and for that, she could be grateful. They tree in the middle of town was beautiful as they approached it, “It’s so beautiful Stefan.” She looked up at him as he spoke, his words surprising her. She blushed at his compliment, she did not think of herself as pretty but it was so sweet of him to say. She caressed his face “No, thank you Stefan. I was hurting so much, wanting to just leave the city rather than face this time alone. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you as well. You really don’t know how much you’ve helped me tonight.”


Stefan: I just got my place over at the West Towers. It will take some time but I will get there. Though I have a feeling my skills in decorating will be sub par." Stefan starting to think more clearly and get a handle on his feelings. "I am thinking of getting some help from a person who is much more skilled then I." As he then listend to Klara he lost all focus again. When she caressed his cheek everything stood still. "Klara as much as I have helped you, you have also helped me. Spending this time with you is more then I could have hoped for." Stefan took his hand and gently brushing her hair over ear. Looking in her eyes, “I will always be here for you. You will never have to face anything alone." Leaning in pressing his head to her, their lips almost touching. "I will stand by your side for as long as you will have me." Stefan presses his lips to hers, the world stopped once more.


Klara: Klara was looking at the lights twinkling on the tree before them, never tiring of looking at a Christmas tree. When she heard the mention of her own apartment building, she started to laugh. “Seriously you bought an apartment in West Towers? I live in West Towers!” she chuckled wondering what the odds were that they would end up so close. “I’m sure it will be fine. I paid to have someone decorate mine. I have a certain taste I want but my mother….I mean ex-mother-in-law is amazing at it.

She grew quiet; his intensity seemed to shift as she looked at her. His hand going to her hair tucking it behind her ear, she smiled as tears begin to gather in her eyes as she heard him speak. She needed a friend, one who would stand beside her and be there for her. Someone she could share her hurts and joys with. She grew very still as he placed his forehead on her own. She looked into his eyes not saying a word when he shocked her and placed his lips to hers, a gentle and tender kiss. She closed her eyes as tears slid down her cheeks trying to figure out what this meant. She was naïve to the ways of men, having stayed away from men while she was with Simon. She stood still and allowed the kiss, her hand in his own.

[Stefan Franco]

"--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--"



Stefan: As Stefan broke the kiss he saw the tear slide down her cheek. “Klara, I admit I got caught up in the moment here in this amazing scenery.” He wiped the tear from her cheek. He knew that she was hurting from Simon and this was the last thing needed on this day. “Klara I wanted this day to be one of happiness and fun. I am sorry I if I caused more stress in your life. That is not what I wanted to do. We should probably get going; that is if you still want me to keep you company.”

Klara: Klara looked up at him, groaning inwardly as he mistook the tears. “No, no, no… It has nothing to do with you.” She moved to a bench a few feet away and patted the seat next to her, waiting for him to come to sit. She looked at him as she spoke, “No the kiss was perfect.” She waved her hand about pointing at the tree and lights surrounding the square, “This is all perfect. It’s just it’s been since September, since Simon and I started having issues, that he’s only initiated a kiss once or twice and that was only because I was pointing out how he stopped showing any affection towards me since he started hanging out with Renee. It just caught me off guard that someone would want to kiss me because they wanted too, not because they felt they had too.” She smiled at him, “It was beautiful, it was romantic, it was what a first kiss should be. Please don’t feel bad.”

Blushing she looked down picking at her gloves and coat for a few moments before looking back to him. “I don’t know if this friendship will lead anywhere or if it will just remain friends. But you’ve helped me a lot tonight, tonight I had planned a very romantic night for Simon and I. He’s touched me once in a sexual way since September. He always seemed like he was acting guilty if he showed me affection, almost like I was the other woman. I wanted to remind him of all the wildly romantic things we had shared in our married life and that was ruined but instead you gave me one of the sweetest most romantic moments I’ve ever had in my entire life.”

Klara took his hand and squeezed, “Please don’t feel bad, thank you for reminding me what it felt like to be wanted.”

Stefan: He walked over to her taking a seat beside her. As he listened to her explain the pain that he thought he caused her change to relief and then sadness for how she had been treated. He smiled back at her when she commented on their first kiss. "Klara I don't feel bad about our first kiss, the feeling when my lips touched yours...I thought time had stopped. I can't see why anyone would not want to kiss you anytime day or night; the look in your eyes and the conversations that last all night long. You deserve so much more. I know our friendship is new. I don't know either if this will go anywhere or not. I can tell you that you have a friend who will be there for you, anytime day or night. As time will pass you will see it all for yourself, I will still be here!”

As he listened to her explain what she had planned for the night he understood how much she was hurt even more. What she said next though surprised him even more. She felt the same as he had that moment he kissed her. "Klara you should never have felt unwanted in your life. You should always feel you are loved and cherished. I have wanted our time to last as long as possible. When you said you wanted to walk instead of use transit, I got my wish as I got spend just a little more time in your presence. I got to listen to you and have a conversation to pass the time. I am the lucky one to be here with you in this beautiful place tonight." He took her hand in his turning her hand up and leaning down to kiss the top of her hand. "I will always cherish this moment with you here tonight."

Leaning forward, he touched his cheek to hers and whisper in her ear. You should be kissed and kissed often and by someone who knows how." He turned and kissed her cheek. He looked her in the eyes and smile offering his hand to help her up, "I think I should get you home and we can just take our time getting there." He smiled big at her.

Klara: She listened to his words, blushing profusely at them. He really was sweet and she had to admit it was nice to spend her time with someone who seemed to enjoy her and want to be in her presence. She knew she had driven Doc nuts through all of this but this night had opened her eyes to many things. Love was something that just did not disappear overnight or ever but she knew the heart could carry love for more than one person; it was why widows could remarry. She felt bad her thoughts kept wandering back to her failed marriage, beginning to see how things had gone so wrong. She had allowed herself to be taken for granted.

She was proud that she at least had arrived at the point where she had realized that no other woman would come before her and that had taken Doc talking until he was blue in the face. Now she was beginning to understand the rest. He had been so right, about it all and she owed him an apology. She knew she did not want to jump into a relationship but closeting herself off from the world, she realized now was not the answer. Stefan was a kind and sweet man from what she could tell and had she not been willing to help a stranger, these lessons she had learned tonight had saved her from being crippled at her own blindness. It was almost as if God in heaven had set up this entire night as a visual aid for Doc’s words. She smiled as knowing Doc he probably did brow beat God into doing this.

Klara squeezed his hand and whispered, “Thank you. One day when I understand all that is flowing through my brain right now, I’ll explain how much you’ve helped me tonight. This evening definitely did not go the direction I thought it would go, nor did I figure to have a new friend from it.”

She watched as he leaned forward and whispered in her ear, she laughed, the sound light hearted and free; like it used to be, at his words. “One of my favorite lines from that movie!” She took his hand and stood, keeping her hand within his. She smiled up at him as they walked the short distance to their building. Her heart lighter than it had been in months as she had come to terms with a lot realizing that she had finally began to move on.