Magelie

There's always a girl who'se out of your league. Someone who hangs out with a different crowd, walks with a different air, belongs in a different world. Her beauty is majestic, but like the flashiest concept car in an auto exhibition, you can stare all you like, so long as you're content with the fact that you can't have her.

But for every Helen, there's a Paris. Someone daring - or stupid - enough not to care.

I met Magelie in college. A Swiss girl with hair like sunshine, and a smile to shame the cherubs. Of course everybody wanted her, but only a few dared ask her out. Her suitors all had offerings typical of Dubai... a family name, a private yacht, a car produced in limited numbers, designer wear - and the gym phisique to match.

I had no chance. My bragging rights only went as far as my bedroom stamina (which was prudent to keep secret) and my other skill: blending coffee.

No, I don't make cups of morning wake-me-ups... mine was best likened to a cup of divine nectar. What once began as a five-times-a-day ritual soon developed into an alchemy of flavor.

One day, waiting for class to begin, I approached Magelie (all the while, knowing this was the worst thing I ever tried) with two styrofoam cups of coffee. She sat by the stairs of the building, reading William Styron.

"Hey," I said. She looked up at regarded me with a confused smile. The kind you see on a stewardess' face when you accidentally stumble into the 1st class section. I felt like turning back immediately. But I'd already gone too far. "Whatcha reading?"

"Sophie's Choice," she replied, a trace of moonlight in her accent.

"Oh. That's gonna keep you from having children."

"Really, why?"

"Well, I could tell you, but first... here," I offered her a cup. "The best bullshit always sounds better with a cup of coffee."

She giggled. It felt like a favor from God. She said, "That's nice. But I don't drink coffee."

"Oh, well this one's not from the machine, if that's what you mean. I made it myself."

"Really..."

"C'mon. One sip. If you don't like it, I'll put it away."

She hesitated for a second. Then she took the cup.

And she sipped.



"Magelie". One of 10 tracks on Sandwash's upcoming 2nd album.