The Times That Eric And Kate Met

The Times That Eric And Kate Met

Every Saturday, after breakfast, when the weather was mild, Eric gathered what he wanted and headed to the nearby City Park, choosing a parking area near the Public Restrooms, Then he headed to his favorite spot under a large Oak Tree that provided plenty of shade. And he always carried with him a small chest of iced tea, a Blanket and a book to read, this time being short stories by Kurt Vonnegut.

Within a half hour a woman, perhaps his age, asked if she could share his shady area and, of course, he said yes. Instead on sitting on the ground, she sat yoga style against the base of the large trunk of the Oak Tree, And he noticed, as she was sitting, she had a copy of Man And His Symbols, by Carl Jung.

After reading the first story, he looked over at her and studied her a moment while wondering if he should say something to her. And if so, what should he say? But the book she brought to read always puzzled him. Not the book itself  because he read it years ago. It was the title he wasn’t fond of. And he decided to take a chance, while hoping she wasn’t upset about being interrupted on such a mild, near perfect, day to be in the park reading.

“Excuse me Miss, but I noticed the book you brought to read and there is something about the book I’ve wondered about.”

“You’ve read it?” was her response.

“Several times.”

“And your wondering about the gender specific title?”

“Yes.”

“So have I. I’m hardly an expect in his field, but a title like ‘We And Our Symbols’ would appeal to me more.”

“I was just wondering and I thank you for replying, so I’ll let you go back to your book while I do the same.”

“We could do that, Mister, but I noticed you bought a collection of short stories.”

“I did, and by one of my favorite writers. But, to me at least, the thing about short stories is each one, if you’re that good a writer, can offer different tones, concepts and perspectives of varying subjects.”

“Yes they can, and my name is Kathleen, though many people call me Kate.”

“My name is Eric, and that’s all I’ve been called. With the exception that by the time I was six,   for some reason, neighborhood friends gave me the nickname Skate, perhaps because I spent a lot of time, in the Summer, on them. But perhaps I should let you go back to reading the book you brought here?”

“We can do that Eric, but first I want to tell you I remember you. We never talked in person, but I noticed you perhaps a dozen times on base. Sometimes in the small base park, twice at the base library and the other times at the PX. But now I would like to ask you a question and depending on how you reply, maybe several more. But I’m wondering it you think we’ve ever met before? By met, I mean outside and away from that military tech school base in Mississippi?

“A question I didn’t expect and I’ll be honest in my reply. I’ve got a pretty good memory and, except for perhaps meeting as children in a part or playground, there are a few things I seem to remember about you. Not as a child, but later. Even though I can’t explain it, I think I remember you having Green Eyes, Brunet colored hair that was frizzy or curly and you had a few freckles on your face. And though I wasn’t paying attention when you set down, I’m guessing you’re around five foot ten inches tall.”  

“Yes, what you’ve said about me physically is very close to accurate. But, what I said about remembering you from that military tech school base is true, then listening to you talk to me today and how you responded to what I said tends to make me think we’re met before and beyond that military base.” 

“That’s possible, Kate, but can you suggest why?”

“Well, this may sound odd, Eric, but after talking to you today, I expected you would have a beard, neat and trim, but still a beard and wear glasses. And I noticed, as you spoke and gestured with your hands you must do physical work, even with you tech training.”

“This comes with my job as an electrician. After I finished in my tour with the Army, that was the career I chose. And you, Kate? What do you do now?

“I teach Psychology at the local university. But I have weekends off and the whole summer to do as I choose.”

“Like a chance encounter with someone like me?”

“Of course. But chance encounters can have many meanings”

“Okay. But now I want to get a little nosey. And I’m not flirting with you. But are some of those chance meetings possible in a romantic way?”

“There have been several, Eric, but none that I was willing to call the right person, the right man, to spend the rest of my life with. And you, Eric?”

“Like you, there have been some women I’ve been involved with. But none I wanted to spend my  life with. And I’ve spent time with women because I wanted their friendship, two of then I still have as close friends.”

“I’m just wondering if we are suggesting possible reincarnation is involved?”

“Interesting question, Kate. And I’ve actually read books about that possibility. Ironic. I suppose, but the more I’ve read it seems that more claim in past lives that they were Kings that there were actually more Kings that those claiming to be Kings in a past life. Still, I accept the possibility of there being actual reincarnation, because I’ve felt the possibility, like us knowing more about each other without know a lot about each other.”

“I agree, Eric.”

“You’re welcome. But I want to ask you, considering your training and what you do for a living, if you think that Psychology and Reincarnation can coexist on some level?”

“Honestly, I think it depends on what level. Or realm? Or whatever we want to call it.”

“How about this as an example? My cousin Joyce believers she was an Army Nurse during WWII. So my sister and I did some serious research about the Army Nurses during WWI, looking for actual photographs of Army Nurses during that time. And Helen, my sister found one that looked very much like Joyce. It might have been just a coincidence that she did? But still, we accepted her beliefs that she was, Kate.”

“In her case I can understand why she believes this.”

“So, Kate, can I ask you a question about Jung?

“Of course.”

“I’m just wondering if Jung would accept the possibility of reincarnation?”

“Considering what I’ve read about him, it’s possible.”

“And Sigmund?”

“Much less likely.”

“So can I ask you about you recent personal life?” 

                                                                                                                   

“Like dating?

The thing is this. Being honest is important to me. From business to politics and the women I’ve dated. Let’s say I’ve met a women I’m interested in dating. We talk enough to find about our past, out interest in different subjects, even our likes and dislikes. The more we learn about each other the more the we know. If a certain compatibility is there I’ll want to see her again. And at some point in the relationship, I’ll know if we want to see each other again. And if I detect some flaws, like not being fully honest, I tend not to want to see each other. And I factor in things that happened in her past that causes her to react like she does. Still, without the honestly I quickly lose interest in her. But by judging one person from another causes me to consider if I want to see her again. Still, I believe the right person is out there and I believe I will meet her. Perhaps not right away, but I believe she exists and I haven’t given up hope.”

“I understand your concerns, and like you, I’m still waiting, actually hoping, I will meet him.”

“Are you suggesting we might date?

“Does today count, Erik?”

“Oddly, it does. But a real date, if you’re willing, I think should be at a neutral location, like a café that has covered sidewalk tables and chairs.”

‘There is one about two blocks from the Public Library.”

“I’ve never been to it, but I’ve used that Library many times. And, before you ask, my knowledge of various subjects come from readings about the ones I’m interested in.”

“I’ve sort of figured that out anyway, so let’s set up a time and the day. Because I have weekends off, either Saturday of Sunday is fine.”

The next Saturday they met at noon and found an empty outdoor table to use. Before ordering anything they discussed if the questions and answers should wait until after they’ve eaten and both agreed. After eating, Kate looked across the street to the City Park and suggested they go there to talk, and Eric agreed. All they took with them were two mugs, one full of Coffee for Kate and one full of Fruit Juice for Eric. After finding a large Oak Tree that provided shade they sat under the shade.

“Should we every reach a serious stage in our relationship, can I make a suggestion, Kate?”

“What kind of suggestion, Eric?”

“It is actually a suggestion first made by my long time friend, Nora, because it worked for her. When she reached point with Steve, she suggested to him that they go to be together. She suggested they sleep together for the weekend. But sleep together it meant no sex. And in doing so it meant they being comfortable just hugging and touching each other. And they were because they trusted each other enough to do so. And it worked for them because they are engaged now.

“I like that idea Eric. All we have to do is decide which bed we use.”

“Either one is fine with me, Kate.”

“My home is closer to this city park. Is suggest we use my home because, ironically, it suggests out first meeting.”

“I agree, Kate. We just need to figure out the right days to do so.”

“Eric, you know I have weekends off, so how about Friday evening? And next weekend, if things progress as I hope they will, I’ll visit your home.”

“That would be fine with me, Kate.”

“And, by chance, do you have a Brass framed bed?”

“Yes, but ... I’m just guessing ... you already seemed to know this, right?”

“It’s more like  me thinking about remembering a Grandmother wanting to give it to her grandson as a gift. And was hoping that grandson was you.”

“Actually, she offered it to me or my sister, but Helen already had a large, canopy type bed and told Grandma to give it to me.”

“Wow!”

Reviews

[Mila]

This fic has completely stolen my heart