Coincidences
Tosha had dinner plans with her mother on Tuesday night, so after work I called Jennica to hang out. I couldn't have possibly predicted the sequence of events that would soon follow. Let me first say that I believe in theories of cause-and-effect, and I'm intrigued by how events often unfold. I don't believe in coincidences; everything relates at some base level, now matter how distant the connection may be.
After picking her up, on the way back to my place I approached the US-60. I could see the AZ Mills mall nearby and decided to detour for a movie there instead. After securing parking, we went inside to discover the longest line I've seen short of Star Wars opening night. We nearly turned away, but curiosity and hunger held our interest, so we approached.
First I meant to question a young, friendly-looking couple, but as we approached they retreated into the depths of the mall. I found myself drawn instead to an older woman that stood in line speaking with who could've been her son or grandson. She responded with an uplifting, friendly spirit, and advised that the line had formed for a pre-screening of a film called “Aquamarine”.
I hadn't heard of the film until that moment, but I couldn't resist the temptation of adventure when the woman offered a pair of free tickets. What a kind heart! I was moved. It's very touching to me when a complete stranger shows such simple, selfless compassion. Jennica and I thanked her and stepped away to the food court.
When we returned with food from Paradise Bakery and smoothies from Haagen-Dazs the line had disappeared, and the attendant at Harkins advised us of their “no outside food or drink” policy. I asked to speak with his manager, and was shown to the Guest Services desk. I presented the problem plainly - obviously I didn't know about the policy (ha!), and it'd be a shameful waste to throw away our freshly purchased gourmet sandwiches. Sympathetic to our situation, he advised we enter beneath the rope next to the ticket booth.
I didn't expect to find good seating after such a long line, but it was a large theater and we found a perfect spot on the row farthest back. Had the theater been empty, we would have chosen the same seats. We laughed through the whole film, allowing ourselves to open completely to the nostalgic humor of what turned out to be a fabulous children's movie.
The rest of the evening was eventful as well, but it's this particular segment I wanted to address in particular. If my sister hadn't nearly killed herself doing drugs, my interest in experimentation would have surfaced differently. I probably wouldn't have started going to raves. As a consequence I wouldn't have met Jennica.
Without Jennica, I wouldn't have gone out for a movie in the first place. If not to sate a random compulsion, I wouldn't have chosen the mall theater over the comfort of home. If not for curiosity, I wouldn't have asked what was going on when I saw the line. If not for the younger couple leaving, I wouldn't have asked the older woman. If not for the older woman's kindness, I wouldn't have been gifted the free tickets, and I probably wouldn't have ever watched Aquamarine. If not for my stubborn attitude, I wouldn't have been able to enter the theater with my food.
Everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. I felt uplifted and inspired. After I dropped her off, I drove home with the windows down. The breeze felt so good on my skin. It was the perfect temperature. Light traffic. Not a care in the world. I have tried to express it in different ways, under different circumstances, more times than I can remember, and still I fail - but let none say that I am unappreciative.
After picking her up, on the way back to my place I approached the US-60. I could see the AZ Mills mall nearby and decided to detour for a movie there instead. After securing parking, we went inside to discover the longest line I've seen short of Star Wars opening night. We nearly turned away, but curiosity and hunger held our interest, so we approached.
First I meant to question a young, friendly-looking couple, but as we approached they retreated into the depths of the mall. I found myself drawn instead to an older woman that stood in line speaking with who could've been her son or grandson. She responded with an uplifting, friendly spirit, and advised that the line had formed for a pre-screening of a film called “Aquamarine”.
I hadn't heard of the film until that moment, but I couldn't resist the temptation of adventure when the woman offered a pair of free tickets. What a kind heart! I was moved. It's very touching to me when a complete stranger shows such simple, selfless compassion. Jennica and I thanked her and stepped away to the food court.
When we returned with food from Paradise Bakery and smoothies from Haagen-Dazs the line had disappeared, and the attendant at Harkins advised us of their “no outside food or drink” policy. I asked to speak with his manager, and was shown to the Guest Services desk. I presented the problem plainly - obviously I didn't know about the policy (ha!), and it'd be a shameful waste to throw away our freshly purchased gourmet sandwiches. Sympathetic to our situation, he advised we enter beneath the rope next to the ticket booth.
I didn't expect to find good seating after such a long line, but it was a large theater and we found a perfect spot on the row farthest back. Had the theater been empty, we would have chosen the same seats. We laughed through the whole film, allowing ourselves to open completely to the nostalgic humor of what turned out to be a fabulous children's movie.
The rest of the evening was eventful as well, but it's this particular segment I wanted to address in particular. If my sister hadn't nearly killed herself doing drugs, my interest in experimentation would have surfaced differently. I probably wouldn't have started going to raves. As a consequence I wouldn't have met Jennica.
Without Jennica, I wouldn't have gone out for a movie in the first place. If not to sate a random compulsion, I wouldn't have chosen the mall theater over the comfort of home. If not for curiosity, I wouldn't have asked what was going on when I saw the line. If not for the younger couple leaving, I wouldn't have asked the older woman. If not for the older woman's kindness, I wouldn't have been gifted the free tickets, and I probably wouldn't have ever watched Aquamarine. If not for my stubborn attitude, I wouldn't have been able to enter the theater with my food.
Everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. I felt uplifted and inspired. After I dropped her off, I drove home with the windows down. The breeze felt so good on my skin. It was the perfect temperature. Light traffic. Not a care in the world. I have tried to express it in different ways, under different circumstances, more times than I can remember, and still I fail - but let none say that I am unappreciative.