Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

* * *

"Of course you can go!" Rebecca bubbled over, her cute face lit up

with genuine enthusiasm. They'd just completed rehearsal and she and

Lloyd were preparing to lock up the studio. "I'm so thrilled you met a nice

guy and I hear SunFest is a blast! We had something like it in Sarasota

where I grew up, but from what I've heard, this blows away every festival

in the state."

"Thanks Rebecca!" Maddy exclaimed, hugging her friend.

"No problem, honey. You've got the routine down pat anyway; you

and Scott make a great dance pair." She was referring to Maddy's partner,

a genuinely nice guy with wavy dark hair and a neat beard and mustache.

With his tall, lanky build, he defined the stereotype of a ballroom dancer,

though Maddy was self-conscious about him having to lift her in the air

during the course of their Addams Family tango routine.

Then again, the entire production made her uncomfortable, though

she'd never dare back out. But as she began her short commute home,

Maddy vowed to get up early the next day and use the treadmill in her

apartment complex. There were still a few weeks to go before the big

night; perhaps she could shed a pound or two. And while it was too late

to really make a difference for tomorrow, she'd still feel good for having

made the effort.

She headed down scenic Southwest 18th Street, picturing the clothes

that hung in her walk-in closet, imagining which one of her many

ensembles would flatter her figure the most, in anticipation of her big date

with Mark.

* * *

Madeline entered the stillness of the fitness room for a 7 a.m. session

with the treadmill. Normally bustling during the work week, the small, but

well-equipped gym was typically devoid of exercisers on the weekends.

Armed with a Walkman and a bottle of water, she was ready for a

vigorous, heart-pumping workout as she flipped on the light and quickly

got started. Before long, she power-walked up to a speed of 4.9, her

ponytail swinging wildly while she visualized the forthcoming day's

activities, eagerly anticipating meeting Mark's family and enjoying a

renowned South Florida event. Meanwhile as Mark maneuvered through

the heavy traffic on I-95 on his way to class, he came to a surprising

decision.

* * *

Entering the air-conditioned sanctuary of her apartment, a sweaty

Madeline wiped her forehead with a towel as she proceeded directly into

the shower. Invigorated by the pulsing stream of water and an elevated

heart rate, she closed her eyes and imagined a new and fulfilling life

without Kenny. It wasn't until a few minutes later when she tied her short

terry-cloth robe around her waist and headed to the fridge for a cold

bottle of water that she noticed the blinking red light on her answering

machine. And as she listened to Mark's outgoing message, her heart was

once again consumed by sorrow, anger and frustration.

Madeline, this is Mark. Uh, listen, I'm sorry about this, but there's been a

change of plans. Since I am already in West Palm Beach it's not really convenient to

drive all the way back to Boca to pick you up. Actually…that's not the real

reason…the real reason is that I'm kind of torn up by Catholic guilt. You know, I

just broke off my engagement and I just don't think it's right for me to start anything

new right now. I'm really sorry. Uh, I hope you have a great weekend anyway. Take

care.She listened to his recording again to confirm its authenticity; more

and more her life was beginning to feel like an episode of The Twilight

Zone, filled with surreal happenings that defied logic and understanding.

Had she somehow misread his interest in her in spite of their enjoyable

conversation over drinks last night? Did she say or do something to turn him off as they

sat at the bar talking? Had this whole thing been a ploy to determine if he really liked

her enough in person to commit to taking her to SunFest?Maddy sank into the couch as she mentally replayed every detail of

her experience with Mark Donnelly, beginning with his surprising phone

call to her office. It was more than a bit ironic that she was the one who

made the impression on him; when she recalled her embarrassment over

her inability to remember his face, she laughed bitterly. Apparently, this

man had so little regard for her feelings he had no qualms about brushing

her off at the last minute for a date he initiated. It reminded her of Gary

Snyder back in Ocean City that summer, though to his dubious credit, at

least he'd had the guts to dump her in person.

A ringing phone suddenly pierced the silence, forcing Maddy to her

feet; she didn't bother to pick up until she heard the familiar voice begin

to record another message.

"Mark," she greeted him sternly, "This is Madeline. I was at the gym

when you called before."

"So I take it you got my message?"

"Loud and clear."

"Look, I'm sorry Madeline. It is the truth, though; I am feeling really

guilty about taking another woman out so soon after breaking my

engagement. I know it sounds crazy, but Gina is coming down in a few

weeks to officially return the ring and until then it seems wrong to get

involved with anyone else."

"Involved? Mark, we weren't picking out China patterns, we were

going to a music festival with a bunch of other people! And may I point

out that I cancelled my plans so I could go with you after you invited me! I

don't know what kind of game you're playing here, but you can count me

out!"

"I'm really sorry, Maddy," he repeated sheepishly.

"So am I," she retorted as she hung up the phone.