A Chance Encounter

A Chance Encounter.

What was it that had made him stop so suddenly that the person walking
behind him had bumped into him and muttered something under their
breath as they dodged past? He stood for a moment trying to drag the
reluctant thoughts from his subconscious then he saw her again, that
brief flash of golden hair and the long dark red, flowing
mackintosh.

He was now fully aware that the woman had passed him coming out of the
station building, and he had caught the subtle smell of her perfume and
the warm rubbery smell of her mackintosh. It had been such a long time
since he had seen anyone wearing a real mackintosh and memories of his
childhood, and his mother's macks came flooding back.

How strange he thought it was that a simple thing like an attractive
woman, he assumed that she was! Wearing a garment that was so rarely
seen these days could stir up so many thoughts in him. He knew that
from an early age for some inexplicable reason he had been attracted to
rubber; and he clearly remembered in his youth often being almost
compelled to run his hands inside the cool rubber lined folds of his
mothers mackintosh, that was often left hanging in the hall of the
family home.

Without realising what he was doing he suddenly became aware the he
was trying to keep the blond haired woman in sight, and that he had
actually increased his pace so that he would catch her up. As he got
closer she slowed and hesitated outside a pleasant looking cafe, before
finally opening the door and entering the premises. He was quickly
beside the woman, and he held the door for her and made small talk
about the inclement weather as they entered the cafe, noticing that
indeed the woman was very attractive.

Most unusually for him he continued to keep the woman's attention and
suggested that she might like to share a table with him. He was
delighted when she accepted, and after ordering some tea and cakes they
made for a table at the back of the room. 'Can I help you off with your
coat' he asked as they reached the table. 'No I'm fine thanks', said
the woman, 'I'll keep my mack on for the moment thank you'.

They sat opposite one another and soon the tea came. 'My names John',
said the man. It is lovely to see someone dressed in a real mackintosh,
I haven't seen one for years. 'I'm Margaret', said the woman. 'Thank
you for your kind comments, I have had rubber macks since I was a
child, and have always loved wearing them'.

He was amazed at the way the conversation was going, and was very
aware that he found this blond woman fascinating. Their conversation
seemed to be so very easy and relaxed, and he was glad to be able to
feel comfortable in this persons company. A year ago he had lost his
wife of many years to cancer and the trauma of her long death had left
its mark.

'Do you like rubber too then John'? Margaret asked taking him quite
off balance. He hesitated before admitting that yes for some reason
that he was unable to explain he did, and he went on to tell her about
his mother's coat and how he used to want to caress it, and how at
times he had put it on revelling in its cool smooth softness, and its
strong rubbery smell. 'I love to be caressed when I'm wearing my mack',
said Margaret, 'but my ex husband thought it was all very kinky and
would not have anything to do with it. I can't think why I ever married
him he was such a bore'!

The afternoon progressed very well and the pair left the cafe in the
mid afternoon firm friends. John had learned that Margaret was now
unattached and had arranged to meet her again the following
weekend.

Saturday arrived at last, and with some amusement he realised that he
was very excited at the prospect of meeting Margaret again. He was a
bit old surely to be falling in love again! However, the feeling was
very pleasant he decided. They had arranged to meet at The Kew Bridge
Inn near Richmond, as they had both learned that they had a mutual
interest in trad jazz, and there were good bands on there regularly. It
was not a very pleasant day and John thought to himself, as he got
ready that he was probably going to get soaked.

He journeyed from his home by tube, and as soon as he came out of the
underground station saw Margaret. She was dressed again in her red
mackintosh, and was slowly walking towards the Inn on the other side of
the road. John called out to her, noting that his heart was racing, and
he saw her smile and wave of acknowledgement and hurried across the
road to meet her. Haven't you got a coat were her first words after the
lovely kiss that she planted on his cheek, and he answered that no, all
he had was a heavy overcoat that was very out of fashion these days.
'Not far from here there is a lovely shop that sells only coats like
this one of mine', said Margaret. 'Shall we go and have a look before
they close, they may have something that will suit you'.

They walked arm in arm down Sandycombe Road coming fairly quickly to
the shop in question. They entered the premises and John felt as if he
had been transported back in time, for the shop was full of real
mackintoshes of all colours, styles and sizes and the aroma of the
rubber was one that he had not smelt for many years, but had never
forgotten. 'This is one of my favourite shops in the area', said
Margaret. 'I always make a point of coming here when I am in
town'.

'What a wonderful shop', said John. 'I never knew that places like
this still existed; it takes me back years and has stirred up some very
happy memories'. By this time one of the staff had appeared and he
discreetly enquired if he could be of any assistance. Margaret took
charge of the situation, and requested that they look at some gent's
mackintoshes. John was very taken with a black rubberised nylon trench
coat, and after asking Margaret what she thought agreed purchase.
'While I am here I will try on some coats too', said Margaret. 'I can
never resist that pleasure when I come in here'. She was soon dressed
in a long matching version of Johns coat, and he thought she looked
wonderful in it, and on the spur of the moment said to her that he
would buy it for her as a present if she wished. 'Oh! Do you really
mean that John', Margaret said delightedly. 'I would really love to
have it'.

The pair cut quite a dashing vision as they emerged from the shop and
walked arm in arm back up the road to the Inn. 'This is the nicest
present that anyone has ever given me, I will always treasure it John',
she said. 'It makes me very happy that such a simple gift can please
you so much', he said. 'I am very glad that we met;.

They had a most pleasant afternoon in the Inn listening to some quite
good jazz and at closing time John suggested that they remain in London
and go to a show or to the Theatre, perhaps. Margaret said that
unfortunately this was not possible today, as she had not made
provision for anyone to look in on her mother who lived with her, but
that next Friday evening or over the weekend, if John was free, they
could maybe meet again.

He was rather disappointed that he was not able to spend the evening
in this lovely lady's company, and eagerly suggested that he call for
he at her home on the following Friday evening and take her somewhere
from there. Margaret enthusiastically agreed and they parted after a
very intimate cuddle and kiss.

On his journey home John thought deeply about Margaret, and by the
time he reached his home had decided that he was very attracted to the
lady, and was very keen to take the relationship further. During the
week that followed, on several occasions he found himself thinking
about Margaret, and realised that he was missing her a lot. Friday
evening came at last, and he went by car to Margaret's address, which
was on the other side of town. Arriving in her street he quickly found
her house, a large early Victorian double-fronted property. Margaret
quickly answered his knock on the door and her welcome was
lovely.

He was shown into a large and tastefully furnished front sitting room
and introduced to Margaret's mother. 'Is it a show or the Theatre'?
Margaret asked. 'I have some tickets for a play at the Shaftsbury that
should be good', he replied. 'Oh! Posh frocks then', said Margaret. 'I
will go and get ready I won't be too long'.

While waiting John made conversation with Mary, Margaret's mother
finding her most interesting to talk to. It was not long before
Margaret returned to the room wearing a very attractive outfit in dark
blue satin. Ready then he said, lets be off. As they came out into the
hall Margaret picked up a dark blue rubberised silk cape, and holding
it out to John said. 'Do you think this will be suitable'? He was at
this stage quite weak at the knees, but was able to answer that yes it
looked perfect, and slipped the delightful slinky garment about
Margaret's shoulders feeling her shudder gently as the fabric draped
about her with much swishing.

The evening in town was most enjoyable and they returned to Margaret's
home well after midnight. The pair were now obviously lovers and
Margaret asked John if he wanted to stay the night. He certainly
did!

My two friends have been happily married for almost two years, and you
can regularly see them together as they often attend trad jazz
functions in Town. They are easily recognised always being dressed in
their matching his and hers black rubberised nylon mackintoshes.

The End