Tan Jacket: A Short Story

The brisk wind blew over the bench, sending a shiver down my spine. I pull my jacket tighter over my shoulders and put the Styrofoam cup of hot cider to my ever-chilled lips. It’s March, yet it’s still freezing. It shouldn't be this cold anymore. Weather in the thirties is for January, not March. That train of thought quickly derailed as soon as she sat down. She was gorgeous. Light blonde hair that fell in a slight curl to her sides, though her deep blue eyes met only the concrete. She was without a jacket, wearing only a black and white striped long sleeve shirt with a very thin floral scarf to match. She looked absolutely freezing.

                “Hi.”

I barely uttered the word, almost as if I had surprised myself. Her eyes met mine meekly, finally breaking their gaze held by the ground.

“Hi.”

She responds with an almost sad smile. I muster up the courage to say, “You uh… You seem pretty cold. Would you like my jacket? It’s rather warm.” Her gaze said she wanted to, but was afraid to accept. Her eyes met the stone once more, “Oh no, I couldn't do that. Then wouldn't you be cold?” She was as humble as a scared child, wanting to know that the nightmare was all over. It made me pity her. Not in the selfish kind of way, but the way that makes you want to help.

“No it’s alright, see, I have a second jacket in my backpack, so it’s really no trouble to me at all. Are you sure you don’t want it?” She looked at me again. Her cold blue eyes matched her frigid body language as she shivered. She uncrossed her arm and began to reach for it, but then stopped. She looked back at the ground, shook her head, and crossed her arms again in a futile attempt to keep warm. I retreated back to myself, and we sat there for a few silent moments. I decided to do something bold. I picked up the jacket and slid down to the middle of the bench. She jumped a little, startled at my sudden movement. I reached my arms around her, laid the jacket on her shoulders, and slid back to my original spot.

She sat there for a while, looking at me, beautifully confused.

“Thank you.”

I had let my gaze fall to the ground, afraid to see her take it off in rejection. I looked up, and she smiled at me again. “No problem,” I say softly. The jacket looks quite good on her. My slim build helps match hers so it doesn't look super baggy, but baggy enough that it’s kind of adorable. The light tan coloring helps accent her scarf, making the whole ensemble just work, like she had been obviously missing the coat the whole time. We sit in silence as the cars zip by, in all shapes and colors. I wish I owned a car, but I don’t, so that’s why I’m sitting here at a bus stop alone with this gorgeous woman. My apple cider is gone by now, leaving me with a warm mouth, and a sweetly sour aftertaste. Wanting to continue the conversation, I break the silence.

“I uh… never quite caught your name.” Her eyes return from spacing and refocus on me and my question.

“Oh. I’m… Jenna.” Jenna, a beautiful to match a beautiful girl.

“Hi Jenna,” I extend my hand to shake, “I’m Mark.”

She reaches for my hand and grasps it with a surprising firmness. Her hand is cold, pale, and peeling a little. “Are you still cold?” I ask, still holding her hand. After a quick moment, she nods, almost reluctantly. She pulls away. “Would you like me to get you a hot chocolate or something? There’s a Starbucks just across the way, and my bus doesn't get here for like twenty more minutes.”

“Are you sure? You really don’t have to.”

“It would be my pleasure Jenna.”

She blushed as I said her name; I think I saw the hint of a smile as well. “Thank you Mark,” she said, “you’re a nice man.” I must have blushed as well, because as I turned to walk away I heard her giggle a little bit. Her laugh was adorable. I think it warmed my insides with joy.

Ten minutes have passed and I’m back with the hot chocolate, but there’s a bus there, and she looks to be standing. I rush over there just in time to catch her before she takes of my jacket. “Is this your bus Jenna?”

“Yeah,” she seemed disappointed, “yeah it is. Here’s your jacket back.” I stopped her while she was halfway done with taking off the coat. “Keep it. I think you need it more than I do. Oh and here’s that hot chocolate.” I handed her the cup and then slid the coat back on her. She looked up at me, and we stared in to each other’s eyes for a moment, then she pulled my head down to her level and she whispered,

“Thank you, Mark. I won’t ever forget what you've done for me today.” She kisses my cheek, and then walks quickly to the bus. I stand there, mouth agape, in awe of what just took place. My eyes follow her as she crosses the bus and finds a seat. I wave semi-awkwardly as her bus rolls off.

The rest of the day I could focus on nothing but Jenna. My boss yelled at me for getting behind today, I nearly got hit by a car walking home from the bus stop, and I almost forgot to feed my pug, Gerald, but I didn't really care. I was infatuated with this woman I had only met once, and was dearly hoping I’d see her again soon. The next day I wake up normally, and I had finally gotten her out of my head, convincing myself that I may never see her again. I turn the corner to the bus stop, and see my bench, and my jacket, and my blonde. I’m not sure I've ever smiled bigger.