For Emma And Bruce

For Emma And Bruce

We've all heard the tale of random strangers meeting for the first time then getting married. From bumping into each other to tying the knot, less than a day. Is this true or made up by an exaggerating writer like Jimmy?

Well Jimmy met such a couple. He was sitting at a cafe having a coffee when he saw history being made. A small man was reading a newspaper while he walked. A few yards away was a lady, standing chatting on her phone.

The absentminded man walked into the girl. She screamed and fumbled with her phone and the man discarded his paper. He exclaimed and shouted at the woman. She retaliated and slapped him!

Jimmy watched the spectacle unfold with a smile. The man's left cheek was red. He didn't hit the girl; no, he kissed her. She stood there open mouthed and shocked. Then she dropped her phone!

She was about to knee him in the balls and actually brought her knee up but then changed her mind. Instead she retaliated in kind. When she kissed the man it was full on and real. Was it all a joke?

No, it wasn't. The man picked the girl up and twirled her round three times. He looked into her eyes and saw something. What? Himself there? With great care he put her down and apologised.

He was about to run off. Why? Because he saw himself in her eyes and vice versa? She grabbed his arm and shook her head repeatedly. This Jimmy noticed. His gaze was strange. They were both in tears.

Both remained close, as if any distance between them was fatal. Not allowed. He looked around as he held her. Upon seeing Jimmy, something in his demeanour calmed. Jimmy finished his brew.

And was ready to meet his look. The man indicated Jimmy join them. Jimmy left cash for the bill and strolled over. His eyes never left the couple. It was obvious something special occurred.

Jimmy nodded and said Hi. His new friend said he was called Bruce but faced the girl when he spoke. His girl replied she's Emma. They kissed again and looked at Jimmy. Both grabbed his arm.

We want you to join us. Be our best man when we get wed. We'll get married today. Come on. Please. You saw this happen. You're part of this. Would you  do it? Jimmy nodded. He couldn't refuse.

Jimmy knew the town. He led the couple to the registry office. It was open. Bruce had enough money to pay. Emma pointed to a charity shop with a lovely mauve dress in the window. They went in.

Bruce picked black trousers and a turquoise shirt. Jimmy got black jeans and orange shirt. Emma bought the clothes. In a surreal happy moment, the couple ran down the street. Jimmy followed them.

It was a quick but special wedding ceremony. Jimmy filmed it on his phone and blue toothed it to them after. Then it was to the pub and an all day party. Bruce told Emma he'd take her to Portugal for honeymoon.

She nodded in delight and they kissed and kissed and kissed. Jimmy would pay for the beer that day. He'd witnessed a beautiful event. Two strangers meeting and getting married on the same day. A dream?

That was fifteen years ago. Today our couple is happy in love with three cute kids. Jimmy calls round every few weeks for a coffee. He made two lifelong friends that day and did this poem.