The Paradox

Flash Fiction, by C.J. Heck

This very short story was inspired by a conversation I overheard when I met a couple of lady friends in a sports bar for dinner one evening.

Our table was situated close to a table where a couple of women were talking about one lady’s new relationship. She was obviously inebriated and speaking rather loudly.

Introducing Maggie and Crystal …

The Paradox
Flash Fiction, by C.J. Heck

“Maggie, I hope you know how lucky you are. Chad’s a great guy. When you meet someone like that, don’t ask, “Why me, or what for?” You say, “Why not me?”

“Damn it, Crystal. That’s not what’s puzzling me. Meeting Chad was, I don’t know, almost too easy. How can two people new to each other be so different, so alike, and get along so well? How did I get so lucky?”

Maggie’s tongue was on its second strawberry Margarita –-unfortunately, her brain was still on the first. Her gears were stripped and she was drunk.

Crystal, the friend who wasn’t drinking, jumped in again. “I know you didn’t ask for this, Mags. You weren’t looking for love. But trust me. He’s one of the good guys. You love him and he’s been good to and for you.

You keep asking if there’s a reason he’s in your life. Of course there’s a reason —several actually. You get along well together, he treats you like you should be treated, he loves you, you have great sex, and he has a good job —reasons enough, wouldn’t you say?

Hey, every so often heaven opens up and like a huge cow pie, someone special is plopped into our life. Maybe they are unasked for. Maybe they are different from anyone we’ve known before, but so what? That’s a good thing, Mags. Stop beating it to death.

I wish it were happening to me. I sure as hell wouldn’t question it.”

“Things feel different, Crystal. I have no past to compare it to. I’ve never been in love before. When we’re together, I even understand me better. How can that be when I’ve never known love before? That’s another first.

I do know he’s the one. But it’s that knowing, without knowing how I know that has me wrapped around the Maypole. How can I know? Everything about him feels right --I’ve never had that. But can I trust the knowing?”

“Mags, this is the last I’ll say anything about it. It comes down to trust. You have to have trust —in him and in you. Sometimes, the easy way is the best way. Stop belaboring it. No more pontificating. You have to trust in the knowing.

C’mon, Lady, grab your purse. We’re going home. You’re shitfaced.”

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