The Danger Zone

It happened when I threw caution to the winds and decided to let loose just a little. It was spontaneity of the reckless kind. I was at a point in my life when I wanted to be someone different. Perhaps, I wanted to see how the other side lived. Having towed the line all my life, I decided that it was time to take a little risk. I didn’t know at the time that it was a big one!

I can’t recall exactly when it happened but it was a long time ago. I met this Brit and he seemed nice. He invited me to come to the UK and to spend some days there. I decided to do just that. After all, it was the new me and “spontaneous” was my middle name at the time. I hopped on a plane, got off at Gatwick Airport I think but I’m not sure. He was there waiting all 6′ 3″ of him. Yes, he was tall! We hugged and then it was a long drive to his place. Yes, I was taking it all the way! He offered that I stay at his place during my visit and I accepted, however in separate bedrooms.

Things started out just fine, we talked, went for a walk, and enjoyed the time together. Evening rolled around and we went out to dinner. It was nice but I can’t remember where we went. We came back to his place and he put on some music and invited me to dance. Well, I wouldn’t call it dancing, we just moved to the music and then the mood changed. The kissing started and the next thing I knew I was pinned on the couch and with him on top of me! I tried pushing but he was a big guy. I mumbled, “no.” Still he kept on. I knew I was in trouble, big trouble. I mustered my courage from within and PUSHED and shouted, “NO! I said NO!” Luckily for me, he was not looking for a one-night stand. He wanted more so he stopped.

I rushed into the bedroom and shut the door behind me and barricaded myself in there. Staying there the rest of the night, I called the airline to book a return flight. I wanted out of there as quickly as I could. They had a flight the day after and I took it. The next morning, I came out of the room and he was there making breakfast. A full-on English breakfast with the works including homemade bread. We ate in silence and then he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” I nodded thankful that I had escaped unscathed and it could have gone the other way.

We spent the day going to places of interest but the mood was subdued and I just wanted to leave. I recall we were at a park along a shopping street and we were passing a jewelry store and he said, “Let’s go in.” There were some pretty pieces and he picked a beautiful blue Topaz pendant with a necklace and asked if they had matching earrings. Of course, they had! They wanted to make a sale and I was really hesitant and said, “I don’t need them.” But he insisted and bought me the pieces. We left the store and I was on high alert. I wondered what he had in store for me next. Turned out he was trying to make up for what happened the night before. The rest of the day and night were uneventful and I left the next morning and he drove me to the airport, we hugged and he said, “We’ll be in touch.”

I still have the necklace and earrings but I have never worn them. Every time I look at them, it reminds me of a time when I was not only spontaneous but DUMB as well! I have never done something that stupid again but that’s not to say that I haven’t been in similar situations but nothing that dangerous.

“The best times in life are usually random, unplanned and completely spontaneous.” Unknown

True, but before you decide to throw caution to the winds, know that you may not be as lucky as I was! Assess the risks and go from there.

What happened to the guy? We kept in touch but I clammed up and it went nowhere. That was the end of that. It was a lesson in spontaneity that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

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