THE STREET

(a daydream by Cella)

It's another sunny day Los Angeles -- a little cool, though -- 65 degrees. I'm just visiting my hometown for the week, trying to take it easy. I decide that morning to walk around Old Pasadena like old times. At 10:30 on a Wednesday, the area shouldn't be crawling with people like it would be by that evening. Just the way I like it.

I park the car and walk into a couple shops. I round the corner to proceed down Colorado Blvd., when suddenly someone across the street catches my eye – like a lightning bolt. A pale redhead – spiky hair, leather jacket, big feet.

In a nanosecond, before my brain could finish forming the sentence, “Oh my God, it's him,” I stop in my tracks and yell out in a nervous, desperate tone, "Clayton!!"

He stops and looks around to see where the call came from. Who's calling me Clayton? he thinks, then he sees me.

By now my hand is over my mouth, realizing what I've said. I'm stunned and a bit embarrassed with myself for making such an outburst. My eyes are as big as saucers when our eyes meet and my heart is pounding out of my chest.

Oh goodness, he heard me. Oh goodness, he's looking at me.

He stops a moment and thinks, Ok, I'll take the chance -- I'll meet a fan. He looks both ways, looks at me, then steps one foot off the curb to cross the street.

My hand leaves my mouth and motions as to say, “No, that's ok, really. I don't want to disturb you.”

He's a little befuddled, but understands. After all, this is Los Angeles where they're more polite to celebrities.

His eyebrows raise and he gives me a look as if to say, “Are you sure?” I nod yes.

He steps back onto the curb. We just stare for a moment or two.

I smile softly, then with one sweep of my hand, I just wave hello.

He replies with a big grin and the same wave back.

This is fantastic, I think.

We continue to smile and look at each other. I can see he's wearing a pink stripey shirt under his jacket.

A wave of bravery comes over me...and I blow him a kiss.

He lets out a surprised giggle...and he catches the kiss, kisses his fist, and puts it in his pocket.

Oh. My. God. Aren't you just the sweetest piece of candy in the entire universe. My eyes start to water. There was no hiding from 40 feet that I was melting. I let out a laugh and he giggles, showing all his teeth.

A couple moments later as we finish laughing, I again make a sweep of my hand to say goodbye. He, too, waves goodbye, and he continues down the street, smiling, shaking briefly as he lets out a remnant giggle.

I watch him for a few more seconds. Just before he rounds the corner, he looks back, smiles, gives a low wave of his hand, then disappears behind a building. I continue on my way -- extraordinarily, deliriously happy.

Our lives touched. I thought. I got my wish.

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Thank you to Julie for “pocket.”

~Posted 10/11/2003~

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