Alone, Ange wakes up in her bed to face the new day. Her mind slowly focuses on the world around her as she pulls herself out of a dream state. A dream where companionship is as easy and fulfilling as pick an apple off a tree. For in her dreams all men are wonderful and desirable to have around. And those that aren't are not interested in a bright, attractive, witty woman such as herself. These type of men are around only to satisfy those with no self-esteem and to pitied. It is from this dream state that Ange arises from to face her new day.

She rises from her bed and starts her daily routine for the morning. As she walks into the bathroom she looks at herself in the mirror. Ange looks young for her 38 years. Some would say that she could pass for a woman 10 years her junior even without make-up. She herself was more critical, or realistic as she would say. She acknowledged that she indeed did have the appearance of a woman younger than her age but she knew that appearances could be deceiving and should not be relied on. Finishing in the bathroom she went to her closet to decide what she would wear today.

The demure style and conservative colors that she chose did not really reflect the feelings that churned within her. She was restless and unsettled. It seemed that for too long she had been by herself. She was not by herself literally. She lived below her mother in a basement turned apartment with a gray striped cat. But for too long she had lacked the company of someone with whom she could share both feelings and experiences. It was this that caused the restlessness that hid beneath her long burgundy skirt and cream colored blouse.

She skips breakfast and leaves her apartment eager to be out of the house. Needing to get rid of her feeling of restlessness Ange decides to take a walk. The weather was nice for that time of the year. a bright sunshine filtered through patches of puffy clouds to a soft feel. It was warm enough that Ange was able to walk comfortably without the need for a jacket. a walk is just what I needed thought Ange. The smooth quick rhythm of her footsteps combined with the set of her body gave her walk a sure, determined air. She walked past the houses on her block and around the corner. Ahead of her was the route that she had taken so many times before, up two blocks then a right then up another two blocks and another right then down another two blocks back home. Today she decided to take a different route and see what opportunities appeared.

Turning down the street she walked down the block. As she walked she reflected on what she was feeling. Ange had become acutely aware of these feelings and restlessness when she returned from visiting her best girlfriend in California. Her girlfriend was happily married to a successful business manager in some computer company and despite her best attempts she felt some twinges of jealousy. Ange continued her walk taking different lengths and turns.

Returning to her apartment Ange felt that today she would be different. Something was definitely going to happen and she was determined not to let it pass her by. However whatever it was, was not going to happen if she just sat around in the house. She needed to get out and do something.

Not wanting to wait around and not one to go out “hunting” for a man Ange decided to go out to the movies. Not exactly the number one place to meet men, but for here there was more to life than men. She arrived at her favorite movie house and bought a ticket for the new French movie starring Jean DeBoir. The movie didn’t start for another half hour so she decided to sit at the cafe in the lobby and wait.

She sat sipping her espresso and nibbling on a croissant reading the free copy of the newspaper the cafe offered. As she sat reading she was interrupted by a voice asking to see a section of the paper. Ange absently handed over the sports section and continued to read.

“Thanks, but I actually asked for the business page,” said a pleasant, masculine voice.

Ange looked up into the eyes of a man she would later learn was named George. George was tall, with a handsome face. His dark black eyes shone with a whimsical, mischievous light that drew the eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t hear you,” said Ange.

“And because I’m a man you just assumed I wanted the sports page?” asked George.

“No. I ...”

“Forget about it,” said George laughing, “In fact you were right I did want the sports page, but I still need the business section.”

“Oh. Here you go,” said Ange.

“Thanks by the way what movie are you waiting for?”

“The new French one Le Gantege”.

“Oh the one starring Jean DeBoir? I’ve herd about it. It got a good review in the paper,” said George.

“I know I was just reading it,” said Ange.

“Well in that case I’ll let you get back to your reading,” said George. He inclined his head and turned to go.

Ordinarily Ange would have let it go at that, but today she decided to be bold. “You don’t have to leave. I’ve already finished the article.”

“I think I will; just in case I need another part of the paper. That way I won’t have to disturb your reading.”

“What do you need the business section for anyway?” inquired Ange.

“Stock quote,” replied George, “I’m a financial analyst and I need to check the closing price on a number of stocks that I bought.”

"Sounds interesting," lied Ange. "I've been meaning to get into the market myself, but I've never been very good at that sort of thing."

"Let me give you my card. If you ever have any questions give me a call."

Ange took the card. "Is this your home number or business?" she asked.

"Business. If I gave out my home number I'd never get any peace. As it is I already work too much."

“That's a shame. You need to relax and get out more."

"I'm out right now."

"So you are," said Ange smiling.

As they are talking a tall blonde lady walks over and sits next to George.

“Ange I’d like to introduce you to my wife Linda,” says George.

“You’re wife?” thinks Ange. She says, “hello”.

The three of them continue small talking with Ange increasingly looking at her watch. Linda is everything that television tells you that a perfect woman is supposed to be. Beautiful, smart, and a well paid lawyer to add salt to the wound.

The conversation quickly ends and George and Linda walk out of the cafe. George with his arm around Linda’s waist. Ange finishes her coffee and croissant. “Well there’s a chance taken,” she says to herself as she enters the dark theater. The images flash on the screen as she finds her seat and sits down. French voices flit through the air romantic in their sound even in discussing the mundane. Here Ange sits taken up by the story into the French village. And for a brief two hours she is experiencing something new, walking down a different path, seizing new opportunities created by the movie screen just for her.

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