FICTION WRITING
Chapter 7: A Meet Cute: Six Weeks and a Rolling Thunder Romance
When they met, it was a sugary-sweet collision of fate. Collision?
The sun was setting in Washington D.C., and the lively atmosphere around Howard University’s campus buzzed with excitement. It was late March, 2006.
Adrian was trying to find his class but stumbled upon a lovely garden instead. There, he spotted someone special. A book engrossed her as she sat surrounded by pretty flowers and swaying trees.
Adrian felt something strange in his chest like butterflies fluttering around and warmth spreading through his body. It was like his body was reacting to her presence. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she silently read, her lips moving along with the words. Her lips. He felt like he got hit by a lightning bolt.
🆂🆄🅱🆂🅲🆁🅸🅱🅴 🆃🅾 🅶🅴🆃 🅼🆈 🆂🆃🅾🆁🅸🅴🆂 🅸🅽 🆈🅾🆄🆁 🅼🅰🅸🅻🅱🅾🆇
He took a step closer, noticing a faint smile on her lips. Her lips intrigued him even more.
“Excuse me,” he said, a little louder than he meant to.
Startled, Oorun looked up, and their eyes met. They shared an awkward yet sweet moment of surprise.
“Hi, I’m Adrian,” he stammered, reaching out his hand. “I’m new here, starting my engineering program.”
Oorun shook his hand with a warm smile. “I’m Oorun. Nice to meet you, Adrian. I’m studying Human Performance.”
“Can I join you?” Adrian asked, ignoring the voice in his head telling him he was missing class.
“Sure,” she said, putting her book down and stretching her legs. Her legs are beautiful, he thought.
As they chatted about their studies and college life, they instantly connected. Adrian’s logical mind, Oorun’s curiosity about the human body, and their shared excitement about studying at the historically Black university made for a perfect match.
They had spent six weeks studying and exploring Howard University since they first met before Adrian asked Oorun on a date. Little did she know, Adrian had a surprise in store that would make their first date unforgettable.
Adrian showed up in front of Oorun’s dorm on a massive, thunderous Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He got off the shiny black and chrome bike, revealing a confident smile that matched his unusual rugged look.
Oorun stood there, amazed. She’d never seen Adrian like this, in a cool leather jacket, a tight white tee highlighting his brawny chest, and jeans that showed off his muscular legs. She couldn’t help but stare at his handsome features and how he stood confidently.
“Wow, Adrian,” she finally said, filled with astonishment. “Is this your motorcycle?” Her surprise mixed with a newfound attraction to his undeniable charm. She felt like she was struck by a bolt of desire that left her heart racing and her thoughts in a whirlwind.
Adrian laughed, offering her a helmet. “Nope, I borrowed it. I thought we’d try something different on our first date. How do you feel about a ride?”
Oorun put the helmet on without hesitation, slipped her Ray Bans on, and tried to quiet her racing heart as she sat behind Adrian. The rumbling engine sent vibrations through her body, and she felt a connection to the bike and the man leading it.
As they zoomed through the city streets, the wind kissed her face and swirled around them. The sensation of the wind was exhilarating, and being so close to Adrian added an extra thrill. She could feel his warmth and strength against her body. She realized she did not know he worked out. It looked like he did. Perhaps he was into fitness as much as I am, she thought.
Every twist and turn of the road filled her with adrenaline, and the city’s lights and colors turned into a dazzling blur. Oorun felt like this ride was more than just a trip through the city; it was an adventure into the unknown, full of promise and excitement.
She soon realized their first date was part of a meaningful journey that had started in California ten days earlier. They joined thousands of other motorcycles at the “Rolling Thunder Run to the Wall” event. The mass gathering of veterans and supporters on bikes honoring fallen soldiers was massive. The event’s size, patriotic spirit, and the roar of countless bikes were awe-inspiring.
As they mingled with veterans and listened to their stories, Oorun admired Adrian’s compassion and caring nature. He listened attentively, asked questions, and showed genuine interest in their experiences.
Later that evening, as they watched candles lit in memory of fallen soldiers, Oorun turned to Adrian with a warm smile. “You know, Adrian, this has been one of the most unique and meaningful first dates I’ve ever had.”
Adrian grinned, his eyes reflecting the candlelight. “I’m glad you think so, Oorun. I wanted it to be special, just like you.” He was excited that she seemed interested in veterans affairs. Maybe we will volunteer together on my projects, he thought.
And so began the journey of Adrian and Oorun, two young hearts who found each other amidst the excitement of college life. Their thrilling motorcycle ride set the stage for a love story with promise.
Their relationship grew stronger from then on, based on their shared values of compassion, care, and love for adventure. They were on a trip toward an enduring love story.
Or so they thought.
© Scarlet Ibis James, 2023: All Rights Reserved.
