Daily Prompt: Twilight Zone

Ever have an experience that felt surreal, as though you’d been suddenly transported into the twilight zone, where time seemed to warp, perhaps slowing down or speeding up? Tell us all about it. If you haven’t had an experience in real life that you can draw from, write a fictional account of a surreal experience.

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Ted Parker set his coffee on the table and slid into the empty seat, looking at the paintings displayed on the wall. He twisted in his chair and looked around the shop, studying the faces of the other patrons. He was here to meet someone and was a bit early so he settled in to wait. It was warm and comfortable so he was content to wait for her here as long as need be.

The door opened and a blast of cold air accompanied a red faced man into the room. Ted went back to his coffee and opened the paper he had brought with him. Turning straight to the ‘Arts and Leisure’ section he scanned the articles. In no time he was caught up in his reading so he was surprised when she came to the table and asked, “Are you Ted?”

“I am,” he said as he looked up at her.

She was tall, thin and exotic, with red hair curling around her face. Her oval countenance was a perfect blend of green eyes, high cheekbones, a graceful nose and full lips that were quick to smile. She was gorgeous and when she grinned and pointed at the seat across from Ted he stuttered a bit, “I’m sorry, please, please have a seat.”

Fashionably, but comfortably dressed, she lowered herself into the chair across from Ted. “I’m Claire,” she told him with a slightly accented voice that sounded like music to his ears.

“You’re beautiful Claire” he blurted out.

She laughed out loud, “And you are kind. I take it you like what you see?”

“Very much.”

“My normal fee is $500 for half a day” she said. “Where should we do this?”

Ted immediately choked on his coffee. Coughing and sputtering he reached for his napkin, “Five hundred dollars? …Do what?”

“You know what Ted.” Claire reached across the table and touched his hand. “You placed the ad.”

Ted felt a hand land on his shoulder from behind. He turned and stared into the angry eyes of his mother. “Mom, how long have you been here? Thank god you made it. I’ve been waiting for you. What kept you?” His mother stared at him with her mouth set in a firm straight line, lips colorless. Ted felt a cold draft. Someone had entered the shop.

Standing next to the door, surveying the room, was a man in a grey pinstripe suit. His eyes lit up and he came across the floor straight towards Ted, Claire, and Ted’s mother. Bending slightly at the waist he presented himself and began speaking rapidly, without breathing. “You must be Claire. I’m Theodore Thomas. Please, call me Theodore. You look just like your publicity shots. You are perfect for our ad campaign. I think we will need a day or a day and a half for the photo shoot. Are these your people? Shall we go to the studio and get started. It’s just around the corner. I’m anxious to get started.”

Claire unfolded herself gracefully from the chair. She was beautiful and Ted stared. She leaned down and planted a quick kiss on his lips. She took Theodore’s arm and they went out together to the street. She didn’t say a word. Ted was transfixed.

“Close your mouth Teddy. You’re gonna catch a fly.”

“I need a minute, Mom. You gotta give me a minute.”

***