A Different Perspective

Strolling aimlessly on the river bank, Vanessa thought how much more enjoyable it would be holding a boyfriend's hand instead of plodding along all by herself. 

'God, can't you just send me a boyfriend?  Why do I have to always be the single one?  You have given me everything else I've ever asked for - my house, my car, a great job, great friends...but I don't have anyone to share my life with!  It's been 6 years.  I just want a boyfriend!  Am I gonna be single forever?' Vanessa silently prayed.  She lifted her face to the sun as a gentle breeze passed, rustling her dark hair ever so slightly.

Walking along she pictured all the fun she and her boyfriend would be having.  'He'd be tall - probably 6'3" or so.  Dark brown eyes.  We'd watch TV together and I'd be cuddled up in his arms.  He'd think it was so cute that I'm scared of bridges.  We'd be one of those couples everyone thinks is so cute together.  We'd love each other so much everyone else in the world would disappear when we're together.  He'd love walking with me along the river, or in the park.  Wherever I wanted to go.  He'd probably buy me flowers at least once a week.'

Her thoughts were interrupted as a butterfly fluttered across her path.  She paused to admire its graceful flight.  After watching it land on a nearby leaf, Vanessa continued walking.

Her thoughts quickly turned back to her troubles.  'All my friends are married.  Mary, Laura, Megan, Cat....all of them.  Well, except Sherry but she always has a boyfriend.  And then there's me.  The one who's always single.  I miss out on everything.'

Not much later Vanessa turned around to walk back to her car.  As she walked she focused on the river flowing past.  Peaceful and serene.  Vanessa had always loved the water.  The sun reflected brightly off the water making her squint ever so slightly.

She detoured long enough to walk out to the end of a weathered pier for one last glance down the river.  Approaching, she grimaced when she saw a couple sitting close together whispering sweet nothings to each other.  Despite the overwhelming urge to turn and walk away, Vanessa forced herself to continue onto the pier.  'Only because it would be obvious..' she rationalized to herself.

As she walked past the couple, however, she realized they were not whispering sweet nothings, they were in the middle of a heated argument.  She couldn't help but overhear as she tried to act nonchalant. 

Leaving as quickly as possible, she pictured herself in the woman's place having the same argument with her boyfriend.  She was surprised how real it became to her as her own anger and hurt began to well up inside.  Suddenly the relationship she'd been praying for didn't seem so fantastic anymore.  Being single she didn't have to argue with or answer to anyone .  The only person for Vanessa to consider was Vanessa.  And suddenly, single didn't seem half bad.

The last few steps to her car she turned back to the river.  She had a whole new perspective on the once calm, tranquil water.  It had rained a few days ago and though the surface appeared calm she now noticed there was a palpable power stirring underneath.  Right then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds and warmed her face.  Another breeze rustled her hair softly and Vanessa couldn't help but smile to herself.

'Thanks God.' she said softly as she climbed into her car.