New York in the autumn, a slighted grace of chill fogged mornings and fiery contrast of the parks. The prospective taker had agreed to meet her at the early morning Sunday markets nearby. Perched against an ice cold iron fence, chic grey wool trousers, a crisp white shirt kept warm by a tan cashmere jumper, a dark red scarf drifting lightly when the breeze . Eyes of gold cast down at shining black leather heeled boots, crossed at the ankle to halt the nervous tapping of her toe on the concrete. There were only so many nights one could lie awake with the lights on keeping themselves company. While appearing put together, impeccably dressed and groomed, a haze of sleeplessness swims in her eyes.
Xiomara had set out early, no desire to have the stranger awaiting her at a meeting place she had chosen. Only polite to be there as a sign, a poised marker for a stranger to come across. Dearly holding her responsibility to be respectful of his commitment, nothing irked her more than someone wasting her time. Not a single idea who she was looking for, but had replied to his inquiry with the meeting place and the hint of her wearing a red scarf and having brown hair that reaches past her waist.
Scanning the crowd and asking herself at every passer-by if perhaps they might have missed her, might have run late, slept in, despite it being still before their scheduled time she wondered how long she would wait for a stranger who may never appear. In the eyes of every tired soul, seeing someone who could be stringing her along or someone she’d desperately hate. Picking apart every stray masculine figure trudging along the frosted paths until one approaches her. Breaking the hyper-focus of analysis, the siren straightens from her iron perch to meet his eyes. Offering her hand to greet him, small yet strong, delicately manicured, and seemingly confident if you aren’t quick enough to catch the faltered raise, a hair of a pause Hesitating on extending the first hand, some finding it far too formal and this is an examination of her own character as much as it is his. Regardless, her face a pleasant mask of a soft smile, behind which hide analytical eyes.