Once upon a time, in the modern age, A guy named Odd Peterson lived in a busy city in England. He was a bank clerk. He loved his job. Odd had territories that he didn't want anyone to easily pass through. His social life was a mystery for some. And a blank for others. Some of his friends thought they knew everything about him. But it was impossible. Odd never opened his life to anyone. No matter how close you were. He could give you the feeling that you know every single detail about him. But actually, you don't! Odd always had his little secrets. Odd allows you to know, what he wants you to know!
Odd knew how separate between his profession, and his private life. He was a hard worker, a good friend, and a good lover. He knew how to do his job right, how to please his friends and how to satisfy his partner. Yet, he was unlucky in his relationships.
Odd, was a poet. He composed over a hundred piece of work. And it all began since she dumped him! Her name was Logic. She was the girl he used to love.
Odd loved Logic from the first sight. He never believed in love from first site. But she made him believe. The guy never knew the meaning of love before he ran into this pretty gal. They spent beautiful times together. They captured every moment. They did all the fun. They drew future dreams and colored them with hope. But one night, at the place they used to meet, she said it; "Odd, I have to leave!".
Odd was shocked. He never thought this moment was ever going to come. He thought he was in a perfect relationship. He thought Logic was his 'bride to be'. He tried to keep her, hold her, hug her and never let her go. But it was of no use. Logic had to leave. So, she left. She left and left Odd for his pain and sorrow. For his tears in his sleepless nights. Hoping that all this was a dream. Hoping she would come back.
Odd didn't give her a reason. Logic had to leave, because she was dependent. She had to leave town with her family. Her situation was really complicated. But Odd as a dreamer, wasn't convinced with her reasons. He was hurt, dumped and felt so lonely.
Odd never told anyone about the story of this gal. He only whispered it to his pen, which turned his thoughts into poems and songs. He kept her story for a quite long time.
Odd's poems and songs were very touching. His words were alive. Odd met other girls. May be prettier than Logic. He fell in love a couple of times. He got into serious relationships. But, none has replaced Logic in his heart. Logic was his first love, and first thought. She was his inspirer!! She was the reason for his talent to show up. His poems and writings were his only escape from the world of pain. His pen was his painkiller!
Odd tried so much to move on, but never succeeded. Odd also wrote poems to his friends and partners. It made them happy. But Logic, was always his inspirer. In every word, and every letter he wrote, there was a touch of Logic. She was his first Love! In every lady Odd met after Logic had left him, he was searching for her. Her smile, her touch, her kiss, her hug and even in the private moments, he sometimes imagined Logic instead of his partner. She concurred his thoughts and feelings.
The young guy received his new job as a bank clerk at Lloyd TSB Bank. He planned to move on with his life. He was single when he started his new job. He was focusing on his work and nothing but his work. His life became so busy. His busy life made him think less about his beloved Logic. He began to pay more attention to his friends and his work. Time helped him to heal his wounds. But it was not for a long time.
One day, at the bank. Odd was sitting by his desk. he never knew that destiny was waiting. She was there. Sitting at the end of the hall, waiting for her turn. He was surprised when he saw her. He dropped his cell phone. He spilled the coffee on the papers. He was in a complete mess! Is it she?? Is it Logic? Is it his beloved Logic?? He lost all concentration. He didn't know what to do. Actually, he couldn't move a muscle. And there, she left.
Odd went back home, with a broken heart and a hope. A hope that she would come again. And when she come, he'll talk to her. He stayed up all night experiencing these flash backs. And preparing for the word's he'll say when he meets her.
A fortnight passed, and in the morning, Odd took his cup of coffee and went to his desk. He was reading through his papers. And as he used to do every morning, since he last saw Logic; He glanced at the chair at the end of the hall, where she was sitting. It was always either empty, or someone else was occupying it. Odd began to do his work, and suddenly, he was pop-eyed!! He saw her name on one of the sheets. Logic Thompson wanted to open an account with the bank. Fortunately, Odd was assigned to call her. After all these years, Odd will finally hear her voice again. Odd was like; "Destiny, i love you!".
Odd dialed her number. The phone kept ringing, but there was no answer. He dialed like every five minutes, but there was no answer. He finished all his work. He got a big cup of coffee and dialed for the last time before he went home. And then, There was an answer.
"Hello, Logic Thompson here," answered Logic.
"Hello ma'am, this is Peterson from Lloyds TSB Bank speaking. I'd like to fix an appointment for your account application," said Odd.
"Well, i'm free for tomorrow," said Logic.
" What about tomorrow at one o'clock, is it fine with you?" asked Odd.
"Yes, it suits me," answered Logic.
"Fine ma'am, i'll be waiting for you," said Odd.
Odd was flying high. He had that smile on his face that remained all night. The moment is coming. Tomorrow is the day.
The following morning, Odd took his morning shower and shove his beard. He put on the best suit he had in his closet. he wore his expensive perfume, put on his Rolex and got ready for work.
Odd was in a wonderful mood. He smiled at all his colleagues and at all the clients as well. There was something different about him.
As the clock struck one o'clock, his heart beats went faster. Here she is. Logic Thompson in flesh.
Logic was captured! "Odd, is that you?" Logic said with an amazed look.
"Have a sit ma'am," smiled Odd.
Logic said; "I should've known, your voice, your surname..,"
"shshsh...," Odd interrupted. "How are you Logic? You've changed."
"I'm engaged now, what about you?" said Logic.
Thunderstruck Odd answered; "engaged?!"
Odd was very disappointed. He was down. He finished Logic's papers and opened her account. He couldn't wait till the clock ticked three. He went home, took his shower and went for a drink at the pub. He didn't leave before it was dawn.
All the guests had left, but Odd refused to leave. Odd hardly stood on his feet. He fell on the ground. That was when he was held by a prostitute from the pub. The prostitute took Odd, washed his face with a bottle of water. She made him sit on a chair. She asked for his name. He told her 'Odd'. She asked him if he wants a ride? He thanked her. He told her, he will be fine. She asked him if he is married? He told her, he just want to go home. She told him he couldn't drive in such a condition. She offered to take him to her flat for some rest. It's next to the pub. Then, he could drive home when he can manage to do so. Odd was in a horrible condition. He accepted her offer.
Perla, was a lonely Hispanic prostitute. She came to England in a hope for a better living. But she was mislead by her friends. She worked in 'Night Star's Pub'. She offered her body to those who could afford. She was good in bed. She knew how to satisfy her customers.
Perla took Odd to her flat. It was a small untidy flat. A bottle of Beer was on the dining table. Clothes were scattered everywhere. Fast Foods remains were on the bed. Perla quickly tried to tidy up her flat. Apologizing to Odd for the view, she told him he could have a shower till she prepared something to eat.
Odd, after a great effort, reached the bathtub. Took off his clothes and went in. As his body was soaked in the warm water, he fell a sleep.
After a while, Perla knocked at the door. "Mr.Odd are you O.K.?" Asked Perla. But there was no answer. She entered the bathroom, and there he was. He was sleeping like a baby in the bathtub. She managed to carry him to her bed. She covered him, and left him to sleep.
After few hours, Odd opened his eyes. He looked at the window. The sun was up. It was like noon. He looked around. Everything was different. He is not at home. He had an unbearable headache. He got out of bed and was surprised to find himself naked. Then, he remembered. He remembered the pub, the prostitute, and the bathtub. At that time, Perla got out of the bathroom, covered with a towel around her, and another towel wrapping her hair.
"Hey! I'm Perla, I see you are up, did you have a good sleep?" Perla said.
Odd answered, "Yes ma'am, i'm really sorry if i bothered you. Where are my clothes?"
Perla laughed and said, "I washed them for you, I guess they must be dry by now. It's already two o'clock."
Odd was shocked. "Two?? The bank, Oh my God," said Odd.
Odd called his friend and colleague Farah. He told her that he wasnlt feeling good the night before. He told her that he fell asleep and just woke up. She told him that his manager Mr. Adam was mad at him. She told him not to worry, and she'd handle it.
Farah Jamal, her mother was English and her Father was Tunisian. She was one of Odd's closest friends. She worked with him at Lloyds TSB Bank in England. She was single and searching. Odd was like a brother to her.
Odd put on his clothes. He asked Perla if he was supposed to pay any money. Perla told him he hadn't touched her. She told him if he wanted to pay, he should take something in return. She said that with a seducing voice, while pointing towards her bed. Odd apologized. He clarified that he was not in a good mood and thanked her for her hospitality. He gave her his card, and told her to call him if she needed anything. Perla was shocked. She didn't expect that reaction from Odd. She took the card and asked him if he wanted to join her for coffee. Odd had a really bad headache, so he accepted her offer.
Odd went home. He was mad at himself. How could a person ever affect him in such a way?. He should have been much stronger. He went to his pen and papers. He wrote a new poem. Re-reading this poem, made him feel comfortable.
A week later, Odd's phone rang. It was she. It was Logic. He thought for a while. Then he answered. But he answered very professionally. That was when Logic realized that they could never be friends. After all, the Legend says;
"If ex-lovers remain friends, it could only mean one of two things: either they're still in love, or they never really were!"
After that phone call, Odd transferred Logic's papers to Farah. Logic's visits to the bank was a load over Odd's chest. He tried to neglect her. He pretended not to see her around. She also did the same. They were like 'The most familiar strangers'.
It was his pain that turned Logic from someone he used to hug when they meet, to someone he was trying hard to pretend she was not there! Instead of holding the hands of this person, he held his tongue so he wouldn't even greet her! It was the silence that kills.
Odd was obsessed with the idea of 'refusing to remember'. His need to forget, made him remember. His thirst for a moment of a peace of mind, made his brain 'stormed' every time she visits the bank.
Odd tried to control his eyes not to look at her, but still his eyes wanted to look!! It was his heart that made his eyes steal a glance..when she didn't know he was glancing at her and longing for her!
By time, Odd got used to these situations. Logic too, respected his will. She didn't try to interact with him.
On one vacation day, Odd was having breakfast with Farah in the park. Farah began to talk about her clients. She was annoyed that Odd always passed the males to her, and kept the young beautiful Females for himself. Odd explained that opposite sexes deals better with each other. Then she asked him about Ms. Thompson. But he gave her that silent reaction. He didn't answer.
Farah knew from the very first moment that there was something about Ms Thompson, but she didn't wish to pop it up. She frankly told him; "Odd, i know there's something about Ms Thompson."
Odd was not the kind of character who talked too much. He was not the kind of character who trusted others easily. But he trusted Farah. He told her about Logic's story. Farah was touched. She told him, Logic broke up with her fiancee a month ago. Logic was single. Odd couldn't believe his ears. He asked her to repeat what she said. Farah repeated. She told him to move. The lady was single.
Odd went home. His mind was so busy. His emotions were disturbed. He didn't know what to do. He had built an ice berg between Logic and himself. How could he break the ice? As he was thinking, the door bell rang. It was Ed.
Eddie johns was one of Odd's best friends. He was a computer programmer working for Microsoft. He is successful man. Amusing person and a good friend. He was a very generous person.
Ed brought donuts and beer. He was planning for a jacuzzi party in Odd's garden. He told Odd that he invited Helen and Tina, the twin sisters, and they are on their way. Odd was not in the mood for a party, but Eddie knew how to get Odd out of his stress.
Helen and Tina arrived, and the party began. The hard rock music, the beer, the dancing turned the day upside down. Odd was amused. He did enjoy. Ed took the twins upstairs and Odd remained in the tub. He closed his eyes.
Then, there was a voice. "Odd, it's me," said the voice.
Odd opened his eyes. "Logic..., how did you know my place?" asked Odd.
"I followed my heart, and it lead me here!" whispered Logic while getting into the tub.
Odd was emotionally confused. He missed her so much, but he was angry at the same time. He loved her so much that he hated her for dumping him and getting engaged to another person. It was the grudge. The grudge that turned his kindness into hatred. But he still missed her!
"Logic, Why did you leave me alone?" asked Odd in a sad tone, while trying to keep her at a distance.
Logic answered in a flirting tone; "I never left you. I was always here, my love!"
Odd said; "You know what?.. I don't hate you anymore..may be I said it one day.. but I feel it no more..
May be I was angry..or broken.. may be because I loved you so deep.. my wounds were so deep..! All what I know..is I am in love with you.. always was.. and always will be.. Every person who tried to take your place in my heart..couldn't fill up your absence.. I tried to forget you..but not all memories are easy to be forgotten.. You have always been special.. First Love..my inspirer.. my reason.. and my happy thought."
When Logic heard these words, she couldn't resist. She kissed his lips.
When Logic heard these words, she couldn't resist. She kissed his lips.
Odd was even more confused. He lost control over his muscles. He followed his senses. He followed Logic. He kissed her as he never did before!
and there was another voice,
"Odd, Odd, wake up man, the chicks are leaving," said Eddie.
Odd opened his eyes. "Ed?? how?? where is..?? Oh!!" murmured Odd.
"You fell asleep as u always do in tubs!" said Ed while laughing.
"It was a dream!" said Odd.
"Oh man, What have she done to you?" said Ed, while laughing.
The twins left and the party was over. Ed and Odd had some beer. Odd told Ed about his dream. Ed told Odd to think wise and to follow his heart.
The advice of Farah and Ed were Odd's thoughts for that sleepless night. He decided to talk to her, just to break the ice. Then, he would think about the other step. Odd couldn't deny that he still loved her.
The next day, after work, Odd went shopping with his friend Alexander.
Alexander Hanks was a journalist. He was Odd's friend since childhood. He worked at Herald Tribune Newspaper. He was unlucky in his relationships. Inspite of that, he was one of Odd's best advisers. Odd really respected Alex's Views and opinions.
Alexander told Odd; "Why do you have to suffer so hard? Why do you have to live in pain?! Why did you allowed yourselves to turn into such strangers?"
He added; "Why do other people, who aren't that close to her,, as you were one day.. can talk to her,, laugh with her,, and you are not permitted to do so?! Why did you turn into a stranger when you were once closer to her than anyone could imagine?!"
Odd answered; " Alex, the question is: If i made my move, will she turn me down?! Will she not answer if I talked?! Will she look at me with anger, if I came close?!"
Alexander said; "Look at this shirt. It looks very nice. Will it be nice on you?"
Odd said; "I should try it on to see."
"Exactly," said Alex.
He added; "Logic is not yours now. You can't lose something which is not yours. In other words, You have nothing to lose. Move, before you regret not doing it!"
Odd took his decision. Next time when he sees her, he'll talk to her.
It was not too long before Logic visited the bank. It was time. She went to Farah's desk. She had her seat. Odd's desk was two meter's away from Farah's. But his senses were only millimeters away. Farah winked at Odd. Odd had cold feet, but the voices of Eddie, Alex and Farah in his thoughts were stronger. He stood up. He walked to Farah's desk. He said; "Welcome Ms Thompson, it's an honor for us to have you here."
Farah was so happy that Odd did the move. She excused them, and went to photocopy some papers.
Logic smiled and said; "Mr Peterson, thank you for your welcoming words."
Odd said; "I'm sorry it was too late."
Logic didn't let him down. She answered and talked as if they were never away. As if all these silent moments were nothing. In fact, she seemed to be glad that he talked to her.
This day, Odd went home in a very good mood. He was so delighted. He felt that a load from his chest was removed. That night, Odd slept very well.
Odd made a vow that the next time, when he sees her, he would propose. But that 'next time' took so long. A week, after week, after week. Three months passed and Odd didn't make any move. The bricks of the ice were reforming the wall. Odd was taking so much time. They were getting back to be 'the most familiar strangers'.
Odd asked Farah to make sure that Logic isn't in a relationship of any kind with anyone. He was worried she had someone else. He was afraid she would refuse him. But Farah didn't have a chance to do so. So Odd took the decision. He had nothing to lose.
Logic came to the bank as she used to do every week. Odd was ready. But this time Logic didn't go to Farah's desk. She headed towards Odd's!!
Logic politely smiled and said; "Mr Peterson, I'd love to invite you to my wedding party. I'd be glad if you showed up."
Odd was thunderstruck. He hardly smiled, and said; "Oh, congratulations Ms Thompson, of course i'd love to come."
Farah heard this short conversation. She felt so sorry for her dear friend Odd. Odd was not in a horrible condition for the rest of the day. He tried to smile, laugh and acted as if nothing is wrong. But Farah knew Odd very well. He was heart broken!
After work, Farah approached towards Odd. She looked at him in the eyes. Odd tried to look away, but Farah used her hands to hold his head still. She looked at him directly in the eyes. She told him; "Odd, I'm sorry." She saw his hidden tears. She hugged him and he cried. Her left shoulder was soaked with Odd's tears. The more he cried, the stronger she hugged. She didn't let go until he cried out all his pain. Then, she gave him a tissue paper. He took the tissue paper, looked at her and laughed. She wiped her tears and laughed back. She told him that God would grant him a better one. She told him Logic wasn't destined to be with him after all. He nodded his head and smiled.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, He's quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
It was not too long before Logic visited the bank. It was time. She went to Farah's desk. She had her seat. Odd's desk was two meter's away from Farah's. But his senses were only millimeters away. Farah winked at Odd. Odd had cold feet, but the voices of Eddie, Alex and Farah in his thoughts were stronger. He stood up. He walked to Farah's desk. He said; "Welcome Ms Thompson, it's an honor for us to have you here."
Farah was so happy that Odd did the move. She excused them, and went to photocopy some papers.
Logic smiled and said; "Mr Peterson, thank you for your welcoming words."
Odd said; "I'm sorry it was too late."
Logic didn't let him down. She answered and talked as if they were never away. As if all these silent moments were nothing. In fact, she seemed to be glad that he talked to her.
This day, Odd went home in a very good mood. He was so delighted. He felt that a load from his chest was removed. That night, Odd slept very well.
Odd made a vow that the next time, when he sees her, he would propose. But that 'next time' took so long. A week, after week, after week. Three months passed and Odd didn't make any move. The bricks of the ice were reforming the wall. Odd was taking so much time. They were getting back to be 'the most familiar strangers'.
Odd asked Farah to make sure that Logic isn't in a relationship of any kind with anyone. He was worried she had someone else. He was afraid she would refuse him. But Farah didn't have a chance to do so. So Odd took the decision. He had nothing to lose.
Logic came to the bank as she used to do every week. Odd was ready. But this time Logic didn't go to Farah's desk. She headed towards Odd's!!
Logic politely smiled and said; "Mr Peterson, I'd love to invite you to my wedding party. I'd be glad if you showed up."
Odd was thunderstruck. He hardly smiled, and said; "Oh, congratulations Ms Thompson, of course i'd love to come."
Farah heard this short conversation. She felt so sorry for her dear friend Odd. Odd was not in a horrible condition for the rest of the day. He tried to smile, laugh and acted as if nothing is wrong. But Farah knew Odd very well. He was heart broken!
After work, Farah approached towards Odd. She looked at him in the eyes. Odd tried to look away, but Farah used her hands to hold his head still. She looked at him directly in the eyes. She told him; "Odd, I'm sorry." She saw his hidden tears. She hugged him and he cried. Her left shoulder was soaked with Odd's tears. The more he cried, the stronger she hugged. She didn't let go until he cried out all his pain. Then, she gave him a tissue paper. He took the tissue paper, looked at her and laughed. She wiped her tears and laughed back. She told him that God would grant him a better one. She told him Logic wasn't destined to be with him after all. He nodded his head and smiled.
Farah held Odds hand and walked with him out of Lloyd TSB Bank. At main gate of the bank, there was a roofless Volkswagen golf waiting. It was Eddie. Alexander who was sitting next to Eddie stood up calling for Odd and Farah to hurry up. He yelled at them; "Hurry up folks, we'll be late for the Game."
Odd and Farah looked at each other and smiled. They hurried towards the car and quickly jumped into the back seat. Eddi operated his engine and flew the Volkswagen on the road. They laughed and chanted for Eddie's Team "Arsenal". The 'Arsenal' soccer team, also known as, the 'Gunners' had reached the final round of the FA CUP. Eddie took them to watch the game and support his team. He wasn't sure that this moment would be repeated again. Arsenal rarely went this far. Eddie was so excited though.
The four friends reached the Wembely Stadium, and in five minutes they were seated. Alexander and Eddie hugged Odd. Farah didn't leave his hands. They all stood hands in hands and chanted.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, He's quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Arsenal was down by three goals. Chelsea team was on the lead. They were running out of time. Arsenal was losing the game. Eddie was on his nerves. That was when someone tapped on Odd's shoulder. It was Perla!
"I didn't know you are into Arsenal," Shouted Perla.
"I'm not, I support Man United. I'm here for Eddie," yelled Odd.
"I'm here for Fabregas...., he's from my hometown.. Who is Eddi?... is he new in the team??" shouted Perla.
"No,.. that's Eddie (pointing at Ed). He's my friend," shouted Odd and they all laughed.
"So Eddie, Our team is losing. Do something," yelled Perla while smiling.
"We just have to hope," shouted Eddie.
"Hope?! we are down by three goals!" said Perla.
Eddie replied; "Yes, sometimes against all odds, against all logic, we still hope!"
Hearing these words, Odd felt a shiver down the back of his neck. They all stood up hands in hands again, and chanted for 'Arsenal' as they never chanted before..
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!
THE END
" And sometimes, against all odds, against all logic, we still hope.. ;-) "
S for Shiko
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