A.Mi.Go

October 24, 2009, 2:29 p.m. New York City

"Hey, buddy, do you have the time?" a voice next to me asked. Without looking at the man, I glanced at my watch.

"2:30 p.m." I replied.

The man thanked me, got up, and left.

"He's late again," I said to myself in disappointment, but I shouldn't have expected Zack, my best friend, to be on time anyway; he's always late for everything: dinners, family reunions, weddings, even my dog Tiger's funeral, which was on Labor Day may I add. Although I shouldn't complain, he is really busy with his job at the King's Street Dance Studio. I checked my watch again.

"3:00 p.m." I said to myself again softly. "Alright, that's it. I'm calling him."

Right as I pulled out my cell phone, the café door swung open and Zack, an average height nineteen year old with spiked blond hair, made his appearance.

"May I help you, sir?" a waitress asked.

"Why, yes, you can," he said in an interested voice. "Could you tell me where the nearest hospital is? 'Cause I just hurt myself falling for you."

At that instant, I hid my face, not wanting to witness the embarrassment of his corny pick up lines.  After a while of useless small talk, he finally noticed me and started making his way towards my seat. And, by the look on his face, I could tell that he didn't get the waitress' phone number.

"Way to make an entrance," I said.

"Sorry, Leon. I knew you were going to flip if I didn't show up." His attempt at apologizing was mildly pathetic, but hey, it was Zack.

Yep, that was I, Leon Tone. I was just a normal seventeen year old, black-haired artist who wasn't afraid of anything. Except for girls. When I was little I attended the Franklin All boys Academy, so I didn't have any experience talking to girls at all. Even though all of the girls that knew and saw me said I was cute, I didn't believe them.

"Did you get her number?" I asked even though I knew the answer.

"No, it turns out she already has a boyfriend."

I laughed for a moment, but then remembered why we were supposed to meet up.

"Oh, I almost forgot," I said. "Do you want to go to the Artist Awards Banquet with me tonight? I got an award for one of my graffiti tags and I was wondering if you wanted to go."

"Sure, that sounds like fun, but I don't want anyone thinking we're in a relationship or anything because you're supposed to bring a girl with you for those kinds of things."

I looked away in embarrassment at the thought of girls.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot, uh…maybe you might… see a girl that you will like there…" he said.

"Yeah, okay. Even if that does happen, I wouldn't be able to bring myself to approach her, let alone have the courage to ask her out," I said with an undertone of bitterness. "Anyway, I'll see you at six. Just meet me at the corner near my house."

With that, I got up from my seat and walked out the door feeling more depressed than usual, but for a short moment, I wondered if I would actually find a girl that would spark my interest.

---

I searched through my drawers to find something "unique" to wear. I figured that if I did see someone of interest, then I would look my best and that would be enough to win them over without saying a word. I found my old black-striped, collared shirt and a black vest. It was a little tight but that wasn't a problem. Although I think the black vest was Zack's from last year's Halloween party, but I was still going to wear it anyway. As I searched some more I found my black dress pants; I slipped them on and look in the mirror. I almost couldn't recognize myself for a second, yet I liked the way I looked. It had a jazzy aura to it.

"I like it," I said out loud to myself as I checked time on my watch.

5:50 p.m. Better get going.

I grabbed my shoes, car keys, and strolled out the door. As I stepped off from my front porch I saw Zack leaning on my car.

"Wow, you're actually on time, early even. Is the world coming to an end?" I joked.

"Ha-ha, nah, but you should really consider using this car as a chick magnet; it's a pretty nice ride," he said.

"…For now, let's just focus on getting this Lamborghini over to the banquet without getting it scratched."

Zack paused for a minute and stared at my outfit. He asked suspiciously, "Hey isn't that my vest?"

"Uh….no." My voice faltered.

"Are you sure? Because that really looks like my--"

"No, it's not your vest alright! Now let's get going before we're late." I cut him off, rushing to get into my car and starting the engine. Admitting to defeat, Zack followed.

"You know, you shouldn't always keep to yourself like this. You won't be able to function properly if you keep acting like this for the rest of your life."

"What are you talking about? I am outgoing!"

"I'm not talking about with just your guy friends; you have to be outgoing with any person you talk to, male or female."

At that moment I decided not to say anything because I knew he was right, but for some reason I didn't want to admit it. After a good half hour of driving we finally get to the community center where the banquet was being held. After sitting through the long speeches and the awards presentation, we finally got to eat.

"I AM SO HUNGRY!" Zack groaned with exaggeration.

"I think you should keep it down a little. You're attracting too much attention…" I said.

"Well, I am going to help myself to some tasty food. Be right back."

Zack bolted from our table heading toward the food. I laughed and leaned back in my chair to be more comfortable.  As soon as I touched the back of my chair, a woman caught my eye. Now this wasn't just any normal girl.  She was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life. Her white dress was as pure as a plain pallet, and her long black hair could change New York City into an amazing night scene forever. Her head turned toward my direction, so I quickly looked the other way, hoping that she didn't catch me staring. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her gracefully rise from her seat and leave her table. Walking in the direction of my table. I swore my heart skipped a beat or two. As she was getting closer and closer, my heart continued to race. By the time she reached my table and within arm's length of me, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. My heart pounded so hard against the confining walls of my chest that it was nearly unbearable.

"Hello there," she said in a cute voice.

I pause to think for a second. Or so I tried to. Come on! Say something!

"H-hi." I stuttered. Wonderful. I'm off to a great start.

"I am Violet Linay, and who may you be?"

"L-Leon…T-Tone."

"Oh, you're the Leon who won that award for your graffiti tag, right?"

"Y-yeah."

"That 's my favorite piece."

"…Thanks…"

She giggled, "I can tell that you're shy. I find that very cute." She gripped my chin and pulled my head up toward hers. Before I knew what was going on, I felt her lips touch my cheek and suddenly my entire body became paralyzed. She pulled her head away from mine, only to see my flushed face.

"I can help you overcome your shyness if you'd like."

"Y-You can?" I asked in amazement at the offer.

She giggled again. "Yep. Why don't we meet at Central Park tomorrow at one o'clock, and I'll teach you everything you need to know."

"S-sure." I couldn't believe what was happening.

"Great! I would love to see you again, see you tomorrow Mr. Tone."

She then left, carrying all of her beauty with her. Once I pulled myself together, I looked around to see if Zack was ever coming back from the buffet table. I noticed him only a couple of feet away from me with his mouth hanging wide open, holding a plate full of chicken.

"How much did you see?" I asked.

"EVERYTHING!" he nearly shouted. "I can't believe a hot girl like that would just kiss you out of nowhere! So, how was it?"

"I felt like I was about to pass out." But I liked it.

"Well, eat something or else you WILL pass out."

So we ate and left for home. The only thing that was running through my mind was meeting with Violet the next day.