SCHLEP

"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be. Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before." Eric Fromm

Chapter 1

February 12th 2010

Jack Andrews and David Carson went shopping; two days before Valentine's Day, to get David's girlfriend, Natasha a gift.

The mall was filled with people walking into each other with shopping bags; girls giggling with their friends, and couples holding hands while pointing to items on display. It was a frenzy moment. Amidst the rush hour, David was insistent on getting his girl a gift before the special day. And Jack was with him all the way. They think deeply on what will be a perfect gift for the occasion. As much as they tried they couldn't make up their mind.

'I wish Barbara was here, we kind of spoil for choice.' Jack said to David.

'I know. It's becoming a nightmare,' replied David.

As they shop around, the store attendant kept a close eye on them. She knew they'd require her help. As much as she tried to help, they were unable to decide. So she left them for another customer.

Unknowingly they wandered on in the massive store; losing sight of each other. Jack walked into the perfume aisle not knowing where David was. He picked a bottle, looked at it, and then tried the tester. Once again he looked around for David, but he was nowhere to be found.

He checked the perfume again and then he looked up. Standing down the perfume aisle was a lady. She looked like an angel, with long blond hair, blue eyes and a nice curvy shape. She noticed that Jack was looking at her. Then she blushed. Eventually, they both made eye contact and Jack returned the look with a smile.

'Hi.' He said.

He moved closer to her: 'Please, can I get your opinion on this product?'

'Sure.' she said and they both talked about the product and other items Jack could get as well.

'This girl must be very special.' She said.

With a smile Jack replied: 'Yes, she's special and she's my mate's girlfriend.'

'Wow.' She exclaimed: 'what will your mate think about this, does he know you're getting his girlfriend a gift?'

'Yeah we both came here,' Jack said casually. 'And right now I can't find him, so I found you instead.' He looked at the bottle in his hand for a split second and then continued: 'and you've helped me decide what to buy - Excuse me for my manners my name is Jack and you are?'

'Oh! My name is Hayley, nice to meet you Jack. So what are you getting your girlfriend for valentine's day?' she asked contemplating what his response will be.

'May be I should ask her. What will you like for Valentine's day?'

'What, why are you asking me, we just met!' she became ecstatic about it.

'I know, that's why am asking.' He was full of confidence.

'Oh my Gosh, You must be joking!' Her voice was loud and people standing by began to think otherwise.

'I joke a lot but not on this. Maybe we should talk about the gift later. So what's your plan for Valentine's day?' Jack asked.

'Hmm don't know, what you have in mind?' she replied shyly.

'Ok what if we have a drink together?' Jack answered.

'Umm that's alright.'

While they exchanged numbers David interrupted them.

'Hey, have been looking all over the place for you, what happened?' David asked worryingly.

'David, this is Hayley.' Jack introduced her with great excitement: 'While you were away I met her here and, she helped with the gift.'

'That's cool!' David was surprised but excited at the same time: 'Nice to meet you Hayley, we've been out here for almost an hour and couldn't decide on what to buy.' He confirmed his frustration, but was glad that Jack was able to decide on one thing.

'That's alright, David, and it's nice meeting you too.'

'So, hope to see your lovely face again.' David said.

She giggled: 'Sure'.

February 13th

On Saturday night, a day after; Jack scrolled through his phone to check the text from Hayleyhe couldn't help but smile. At one point he thought he'd spend the weekend alone. But now he's got Hayley. And she seemed to be an ideal girl to have. She's funny and intelligent, with a bubbly personality. Who knows where this will take us. He said loudly as he sat on the couch in the living room.

He contemplated on the endless possibilities of them being together, before going into the kitchen for a glass of wine. He's got good taste for wine, most especially red wine. At his leisure time he spend time going to wine shows held around London. His favourite one was at the London's Olympia.

He talked about it with much elegance to his friends and visitors: to have a good feel of a good wine. He'd say: you have to follow the three principles of look, smell and taste.-

While in the kitchen he poured the wine in the glass, tilt it to check the colour. He swirled the glass for about 10-12 seconds, which helped vaporized the alcohol. He whiffed at it and the smell of it was great, then he began to sip it rolling it round his mouth. The taste was great and that made his night.

He sat on the stool in the kitchen with his back to the fridge; placed the glass cup on the granite worktop at the centre of the kitchen and he reopened the message from Hayley:

'I believe we were brought together by fate because I never plan to be out that night & now I have U XXX.'-

Jack was never a staunched believer in fate or destiny, but with this,what really matter was where he goes from here. He looked at his wrist watch; it was almost 9:00 pm. His eyes were heavy and, as much as he tried to stay awake he couldn't control it: well I might as well go to bed now. He resigned.

As he was about to jump into bed, his phone rang. He paused for a moment, stared at it for some second: who could this be?

After much contemplation, he eventually answered it. And the voice on the other side of the phone clicked: 'is that you Barbara -.' He asked.

'Yes it me.' She replied.

'How come you called with a UK number, I thought you were in Australia?' There were few second silences on both ends.

'I wanted to surprise you. I'm here for a three day Conference.'

'Really, that's nice.' Jack replied.

'I should have called yesterday but, I experienced jet lag. How are you Jack I really miss you?'

'I miss you too.' Jack said, and they both went on with the pleasantry and what she's doing back in Australia.

'I wish to see you tomorrow - what's your plan Jack?' She was feeling jolly as she asked.

With brief hesitation, he thought carefully about what to say: 'Umm you know what, let me call you tomorrow. I need to check my schedule is that alright?!'

'Yeah sure, I'll be expecting your call.' She was surprised at his response but, she kept her emotion in check.

'Ok tomorrow, bye.'

'Bye.' She replied.

This is a bit tricky, what am I going to do? I have a date tomorrow. Jack reasoned.