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Song Credit: Taylor Swift, “Enchanted”
Once upon a most banal time, Esther stood at the grand entrance of the Opera House, poised to enter the most exclusive tech event of the year. As a twenty-nine-year-old Marketing Manager at a Big Tech company, Esther hadn’t received the invitation herself; it was a last-minute gift from her best friend, Alicia, a Marketing Director at the hottest startup, who had come down with the flu. Now, with the gilded ticket in hand awaiting entrance, Esther’s heart fluttered between anticipation and uncertainty.
The moment she crossed the threshold, she was captivated by the sheer magnificence—a world of opulence where gilded chandeliers cast a radiant glow upon marble floors, and Greco-Roman columns soared upwards as if holding the sky aloft. The air was thick with the raucous symphony of mingling voices and the sharp click of heels on stone, creating a cacophonous dissonance that echoed through the grand hall.
Esther, shrouded in her black party dress—a satiny jacquard, its luminous floral design and wide tank straps framing her like a delicate dark bloom amidst the grandeur—hidden beneath a leather jacket. Her face and long luxurious golden brown hair hidden under the brim of an old baseball cap, felt like a shadow in a room full of light. The event’s dazzling brilliance cast her in its intimidating glow, yet beneath her quiet exterior, her dress whispered of understated elegance.
She moved through the sea of sophistication, surrounded by tuxedos and couture gowns that sparkled with an effortless glamour. Esther uncomfortably navigated the outskirts of the crowd, politely nodding and exchanging words with strangers whose conversations revolved around where they went to school, where they worked, a recent promotion, their latest fundraising, which belied her belief that this was a social event. After what felt like an eternity, Esther was ready to retreat, to slip out unnoticed. But as she turned to leave, a soft deep voice called out from behind, stopping her in her tracks.
There I was again tonight Forcing laughter, faking smiles Same old tired, lonely place Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy
He was unlike anyone she had ever seen—a man dressed in a Victorian-inspired ensemble, his burgundy jacket adorned with decorative buttons and braided trim, contrasting sharply against the sea of modernity around them. His multi-cultural face was an exotic mosaic, with features that seemed to have been crafted from all the finest elements of humanity. His auburn coiled curls cascaded out from his head, framing eyes that glowed like embers. There was a depth to his voice, a rich, dark tone that seemed to resonate with her very soul. "You appear as though a refreshment might be just what you require.” he said, offering her a cocktail with a smile that was both genuine and inviting.
Vanished when I saw your face All I can say is, it was enchanting to meet you
“Oh I don’t drink, thank you,” Esther initially responded but after a couple seconds followed up with “but since you are offering and I would hate to see it go to waste” Esther replied, cracking a smile and taking the sip before introducing herself, “I’m Esther by the way.”
Esther felt an inexplicable pull towards him, a magnetism that went beyond mere attraction. "Enchanté, Miss Esther. The pleasure of this introduction is mine. I am called Jackson.” As he bowed, Esther was captivated. His name seemed to linger in the air like a melody, each syllable vibrating with an unearthly charm that made her feel as though she was under a spell.
Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" 'Cross the room your silhouette Starts to make its way to me The playful conversation starts Counter all your quick remarks Like passing notes in secrecy
Esther was wary of men who dazzled with charm and seductive flattery, their smooth words often hiding intentions that were anything but genuine. Her past encounters with insincere suitors had taught her to recognize the signs of manipulation and over-protect her heart from further harm. But she felt a growing sense of honesty in this man, his presence was calming, yet electric, as if he carried with him an otherworldly energy.
And it was enchanting to meet you All I can say is, I was enchanted to meet you
“Truth be told, I can’t stand these pretentious peacocking events,” Esther confessed.
"Then, pray tell, what has brought you here?” Jackson asked, his curiosity piqued.
“I’m beginning to wonder the same thing myself,” Esther murmured, taking a sip of her cocktail. After a pause, she added, “So are you a performer for the event? Is that why you are wearing the costume?”
“Not at all. Is there something amiss with my attire?” Jackson asked, his voice steady and serious.
Not wanting to offend or dive into an awkward conversation, Esther simply replied, “It’s certainly… unique and creative.”
“So, where’s your beau?” Jackson asked.
“My beau? Geez you really do commit, don’t ya. You mean my date? I came alone,” Esther replied.
“Pray, how can this be possible? May I inquire as to why such a magnificent dress is concealed beneath that jacket, and why a visage of such beauty is hidden beneath that cap?” Jackson asked, his tone gentle but probing.
“I don’t know. Maybe guys in this city need to learn to grow up, open up and commit,” Esther replied, her voice tinged with hurt.
"Might I venture to offer my opinion on what the true issue may be, Miss Esther?” Jackson said, his voice resonant, his gaze unwavering.
“By all means. Please, enlighten me,” Esther replied, her sarcasm a fragile shield against the intensity of the moment.
"Perhaps the issue does not lie with others, but within yourself. Your beauty is beyond question, yet I perceive that something essential is missing. There is no light, no joy, no magic in your gaze. You exist, but you are not truly living. Until you uncover the essence of who you truly are, Miss Esther, you shall continue to feel alone and unfulfilled. That energy will not draw to you the desires of your heart.” Jackson said, his words a soft yet unyielding truth that both triggered and resonated within her.
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
Esther sat with the gentle unease of Jackson’s truth, yet amidst the discomfort, she felt a quiet sense of being truly seen. For the first time, someone had softly illuminated the shadows within her, revealing the subtle ways she had been guarding her heart against the intimacy she longed for.
That this night is flawless, don't you let it go I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone I'll spend forever wondering if you knew I was enchanted to meet you
Before she could respond, the first notes of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker, The Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy” began to play, filling the air with a melody that seemed to transport them both to another time.
The cellos begin, their deep, resonant tones laying down a foundation of yearning, each note like a heartbeat steady and true. They are joined by violins, whose voices rise and intertwine, creating a delicate dance of harmony that speaks of a pure love.
Jackson extended his hand to her, his invitation as clear as the starlight outside. “Would you do me the honor of a dance?” She hesitated, her eyes darting around the room where no one else had yet dared to dance. “This isn’t that kind of event,” she murmured, but he simply smiled, his supreme confidence silenced her fears. “Not yet,” he replied, nudging her gently. "If you seek enchantment, you must muster the courage to embrace it.”
The music swells and falls like a lover's breath, each rise in the melody a surge of passion, each gentle descent a caress of tenderness. The woodwinds enter softly, like a gentle breeze, adding a touch of lightness to the emotional weight carried by the strings. There is a dialogue here, an intimate conversation where each instrument takes its turn to speak, to reveal a piece of the heart's deepest secrets.
In that moment, something inside her shifted. She let her jacket and cap slip to the floor, stepping fully into the light, exposed and vulnerable yet infused with a newfound courage. He took her hand, guiding her onto the open floor. As they began to dance, the world around them blurred into insignificance. The orchestra’s music wove through the air, wrapping around them like a silken ribbon, pulling them closer with every step. Their movements were fluid, a graceful ballet of two souls intertwining. The marble floor became their stage, and the ornate columns their silent audience. She felt every note of the music vibrate through her, her heart quickening with each twirl and dip.
As the piece progresses, the music crescendos, as if the emotions it conveys can no longer be contained. The violins soar, reaching towards the heavens with a kind of desperate beauty, while the cellos provide a grounding, earthy counterpoint that keeps the music rooted in the realm of human experience. The notes shimmer with a delicate, almost fragile beauty, as if they might dissolve into the air at any moment.
As they danced, his eyes never left hers, and she found herself lost in the depth of his gaze. The crowd faded away, leaving just the two of them, twirling together like stars in a celestial dance. Esther felt the music ripple through her body, awakening parts of her that had long been dormant. Every brush of his hand against hers sent sparks of electricity up her spine, and she knew that this moment was one she would carry with her forever. They moved in perfect harmony, as if they had been dancing together for a lifetime, their connection palpable, their chemistry undeniable.
Yet, beneath the surface of this ethereal melody, there is a strength, a quiet but unwavering resolve. It is the sound of love enduring, of two souls finding solace and strength in each other amidst the world's chaos. The final notes linger, suspended in the air like a sigh, leaving behind a bittersweet echo that speaks of both longing and fulfillment, a testament to the enduring power of profound love.
When the music finally slowed to a stop, the spell broke, and reality began to seep back in. She became aware of the applause, the cheers of admiration from the crowd that had gathered to watch their private performance. Esther looked around, her cheeks flushed with exhilaration, her heart still racing from the magic of it all. She was glowing, a lightness filling her that she had never felt before.
As they paused, catching their breath, he thanked her for the honor of the dance, his voice as soft and mysterious as when they had first met.
“Can I see you again?” she asked, her voice laced with hope.
He smiled, a secret smile, and replied, "When the moment finds you prepared. That is to say in your parlance, when you are ready.”
“Wait, what? I am ready. I am ready,” Esther quickly answered.
Still holding her gaze, still holding her hand, Jackson whispered, “When you are truly ready, Miss Esther.” And with that, he slipped away, leaving her standing alone in the aftermath of their shared moment.
Esther could barely process what had just happened. “What was that? I didn’t know I could dance like that!”
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home I'll spend forever wondering if you knew I was enchanted to meet you
She looked tirelessly for the mysterious man who swept her off her feet. As the ecstasy of the fantasy began to subside, Esther began to wonder if it all was just a dream. If she had imagined the whole fantastical fairy tale.
This is me praying that This was the very first page Not where the story line ends My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon I was enchanted to meet you Please don't be in love with someone else Please don't have somebody waiting on youI'll spend forever wondering if you knew I was enchanted to meet you
As the weeks drifted by, Esther remained enveloped in the glow of that magical night. Her friends and colleagues couldn't help but notice the transformation—she seemed reborn, infused with optimism, a lightness of being, a self presence that was once elusive now felt palpable. She left behind the trappings of her old life, leaving her job to embark on a journey to rediscover her true self. Her senses awakened, she began to experience life with newfound depth and emotion. One morning, as she was leaving her apartment, her hand slipped into the pocket of the leather jacket she wore that fateful night. Her fingers grazed a slip of paper, and as she unfolded it, an enchanting smile spread across her face.
Happily Enchanted 💫