It's looking very likely that I'll weave most these challenges into one coherent story, but the medium might change several times underways.
(1) Introduction - Short story/dialogue
Some people seem to exude an incredible presence simply by being there, as if some otherworldly force emanates from them and arrests your attention so completely you cannot help but gravitate towards them. It does help, of course, when the other people present all blend together in a sea of dreariness. But the man that walks in on this otherwise hopeless "social gathering" would've exuded that same presence even among royalty. My heart flutters as his gaze locks onto mine, and while I initially believe his courteous nod to be just that -- an act of courtesy as he acknowledges my presence by spending the least amount of energy possible -- I notice his eyes stay locked on me as he makes his way through the stagnate mass of people separating us. A gentleman, then, as his eyes never dip below my neck as he gets closer.
"I'm Thomas. May I ask your name?" he says as he reaches out his right hand, shifting more of his weight onto one foot.
I am not socially inexperienced, but my palms are already sweaty. I push back reluctance to return the greeting -- slightly sweaty palms are surely not an offence, are they? -- and reach out.
"Name's Harley. Pleased to meet you, Thomas" I say as I take his hand. I always make a point of repeating the name when first introduced to a stranger: it not only shows respect, but for me it's also a mnemonic device to affirm the relationship between a face and its given name.
His grip is firm, but also gentle. My first impression seems correct so far.
"Harley, please tell me if I'm being rude. But I generally tend to trust my instincts and they are making a real point of telling me you stick out like a sore thumb in this place. Why are you here?"
I freeze up. Has he noticed? If so I must be getting sloppy. My mind quickly races through a few scenarios until I'm again confident in my appearance, and I reply with only a slight pause, not enough to betray my internal dialogue.
"Sometimes I get bored of my own company. At such times my emotions can lead me to places like this" I say as I give off a slight smile, revealing that this is only half a joke.
Thomas laughs heartily, and seems genuinely amused. His hitherto subdued expression has opened into a full on smile that now includes his eyes -- and the rest of his face as well.
"I can see that my curiosity has led me in the right direction. I am in the same situation as you Harley, but I would love to go someplace a little more quiet and get to know you better. You seem far more interesting than the entirety of this gathering, and then some."
"I would love to" I say, my internal voices quiet and in harmony with my desires for the first time in a long while.
