In Her Words
The One, but Maybe Not the Only
Lightning can strike and mean nothing
By: Mayra David
A few years ago, my best friend and I went on a weekend road trip from New York to Montreal. There, beneath the northern stars, at an open-air screening of some film about love and miracles, I met Laurent. In an instant - the moment our gazes locked, to be exact - I felt it: an out-of-control sensation that told me he had to be the One. We talked for a few minutes - then again, time had stood still - while my friend stood by, mouth agape, astounded by what she was witnessing. Then Laurent and I parted ways.
And I never saw him again.
Believe me, I tried to find him. Using extrasensory perception, I attempted to track him down on the streets of Montreal. I left dejected, feeling as though somebody in higher power had fallen asleep at the helm of my destiny. And that's probably exactly what had happened. Our paths had crossed when it wasn't supposed to - I had a boyfriend with whom I was head over heels in love and who was perfect for me in every way.
I think the huge myth surrounding the search for the One has caused many women a great deal of pain and wasted love. We've become afraid to commit to great, solid relationships - always holding out for lightning to strike. As for me, my then-boyfriend became my husband. I really believe he's the One. Still, who's to say he's the Only One with whom I could share my life? I can imagine my life without him. I can even imagine it in Canada. But I don't want a life without him. I'm so glad I didn't let him go in favor of incarceration by lightning.
