Shyness is its own reward

“Tell that shy one, the one hiding behind the crowd, to step forward.” He said with the enthusiasm of a circus barker. “Yes, you there, come on out in the open, darlin’. What’s your name?” “Jessica” her voice whisper soft. “Jessica, what a pretty name. Why don’t you come all the way up front here and tell us little about your dreams.”

She inched forward, glancing back to the small space that just moments ago protected her from all harm, as if longing to return. But, she did move forward, as slow as the world turns, and the mc decided to step toward her in an effort to keep the show running smoothly. “Tell us, Jess, what do you want most out of life? Do you mind if I call you Jess?” He was trying to make her feel comfortable, as if using the informal version of her name would set her at ease. “I. . . guess not,” still talking into her chest.

“Well, Jess, I’ll bet you do dream, don’t you?” His right arm was held out to her encouraging her to reach out and take it. His smile was as warm as any he had ever flashed to anyone. He almost felt sorry for her, for her shyness must be painful. He could almost make out soft features of her face now as she inched closer.

Finally, their hands touched and he gently pulled her into the harsh spotlight. Her trembling from his attention caused her to catch her breath. Her eyes almost imperceptibly widened as she felt the eyes of the crowd on her. He was right, she was very beautiful. Deep set blue eyes that could swallow you up at any moment, hair as thick and luxuriously black as the darkest of shadows. As she approached his side, he took in a long slow and deep whiff of her fragrance. A light breeze carrying sweet camellias could not match her sweetness.

He stood for a moment staring into her eyes, suddenly forgetting his next lines. Reality returned and he shook off her spell. Her touch was as light as that of a ladybug landing on his fingers. A cough from the audience reminded him of where he was and he said “So, tell us, lovely lady of your dreams.” His voice barely audible to the crowd despite the microphone he held in his left hand.

A low rumbling yet soft tune began to play over the loud speakers, indicating to the audience that something important was about to take place.

The mc raised her hand to his lips kissing it gently, still mesmerized by her beauty and still staring into her eyes. She held perfectly still as the music gently built, her breathing was noticble by the rhythmic rising and falling of  her chest. After what seemed an eternity standing there in that harsh spot light, she began to sing. The haunting words that escaped her throat were as sweet as honey that flowed from a jar. The audience stood mesmerized. The mc swallowed deeply, hypnotized by the unbelievable fullness of her voice, daring not to breathe believing that if he did the spell would be broken.

Her words were unlike anything he had ever heard yet somehow he understood every syllable, every inflection. He dropped to one knee, his attention held as if by a bond that refused to be broken. The audience moved as one, closer toward her in order that they could hear every word. She held the attention fof everyone completely as each word floated on its musical notes, flowing through the crowd like water in a gently soothing stream.

As the hushed crowd listened a feeling of utter peace began tot ravel through the crowd. A sense that the entire world was at peace and no harm would ever come to any of them. All was as it should be and slowly each one began to drift off to sleep. The mc’s eyes began to slowly close and he fought to keep them open, but the weight was just too much and soon he, as well as everyone else, were sound asleep, remaining in whatever position they stood or sat in.

Her voice slowly quieted. Her slow deliberate movements taking her back across the clearing towards where she had come from. Stepping through the crowd not disturbing them, she made her way to her secret place hidden behind the crowd.

Her defense had once again come through for her. She was secure in knowing no one would remember ever having seen her. And this was as she liked it. Shyness is its own reward. She was safe, she was invulnerable to anyone’s passion for her. Her painful memory of being hurt before would never allow herself to be in that position again.