My first project came without planning. Actually, it smacked me in the face when I was not looking. I guess that's what I get for putting this off for longer than I originally wanted. There is only so far a person can run before what they need to do catches up with them.
I went to a concert last night with my husband. We had an absolute blast and I was so thankful for the time I got to spend with him listening to my favorite musician of all time. Normally in situations like this, I'll smile at the people around me and then tuck my head in its little spot on my husband's shoulder where I feel safe. I love people so much, but I also love to retreat into my personal bubble and enjoy the ones that I don't feel like I have to put on a show for.
So, there I was, enjoying my evening with my love to my right and a seemingly nice couple that I did not know on my left. I spoke briefly with the female half of the couple (we'll call her "B") before the show started about freezing feet from standing outside in the snow. She was cool enough. I performed my social duty. Into my bubble I retreated.
That is, until the male half (we'll call him "F") decided to start drinking. And drinking. And drinking. I could tell B was getting uncomfortable, because she started making small talk with me about things that obviously neither of us cared to talk about. I played along because, honestly, I felt sorry and embarrassed for her. F was making a total fool of himself. But then, I started listening in on their conversation and realized that F was not B's husband or boyfriend (think what you will about me eavesdropping on other people's conversations: I work in law enforcement and hear horror stories every day that could have been prevented if people would have been a little more attentive to their surroundings.) In fact, they had just met and this concert was their first date. That's when the sirens started sounding in my head.
I'll spare you all of the disturbing details of what unfolded between my realization of their relationship status and my taking action, but I will tell you that it took everything in me not to tackle that man to get his hands off of her. However, he was extremely intoxicated, therefor unpredictable. I also did not want my darling husband getting involved...I'm pretty sure that would have ended in a brawl. It was time to get creative.
I started joking around with B about one of the opening acts. I got her laughing and then when she leaned in to better hear what I was talking about, I started questioning her situation. I explained that I knew it was none of my business, but I couldn't go home and pretend like I had not seen anything and I did not care. We talked back and forth for a couple of minutes, throwing in a few loud laughs and smiles for show. It was intense...like we were speaking a language that only she and I could understand. She knew I knew what she was feeling, and she opened up to me. We made sure she had a separate ride home so she did not leave with F. I felt better, she felt better, and F realized B was no longer there "alone" and started to back off.
I believe that B was at a crossroads last night. Her life literally could have gone one way or another. I hope, as she left that concert on the safe road home, she knew she was loved by someone didn't even know her name. What she'll never know is that she shoved me full force into this crazy project of mine. The fire is lit. Thank you, B...
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