The Prophetess and Officer O'Shaughnessy at the Beach

It was a spur-of-the moment thing: Officer Pete O'Shaughnessy observed New Orleans eccentric The Prophetess on her favorite corner and, on a whim, asked her to a day at the beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  While their relationship had started off rockily, with a fellow officer arresting the Prophetess for being a disturbance, Pete over time developed a friendly relationship with her, even to the extent of sharing cups of café au lait and beignets.  After all, she was pleasant and cute, even if she did not seem to be always playing with a full deck and dressed so outlandish!

The Prophetess accepted his kind offer.  However, both soon began to have second thoughts.  Pete wondered if starting a relationship with someone so different was wise: would she feel out-of-place in his crowd, would the cop wives behave poorly towards her, would she do embarassing things, like disapprove of beer drinking, would she launch into sermons!.  And, what kind of swim outfit would the Prophetess wear?  Did the idea of dressing in a swimsuit offend her sensibilities?  As for the Prophetess, she wondered if Pete viewed her as easy, that she was to be the butt of some kind of male humor, that Officer O'Shaughnessy would horrify her with bloodcurdling tales of violence (the Prophetess was very squeamish about violence), or that this was all a joke.  And, what to wear?  This was to her a big issue.  The Prophetess was not accustomed to swim dates; her crowd not frequenting pools.  Well, maybe football pools . . . .

She asked her friend, Crazy Chester the bookie, what to do.  (After all, who else might a prophetess rely on for the correct answers?)  Crazy Chester said something to the effect that if nothing is ventured, then nothing is gained.  And Chester advised her, get a swimsuit that will make her look great if she wanted further interest from Pete.  He also mentioned the necessity of a suitably strong sun block!  As a further tip, he urged the Prophetess to express an interest in minature golf, so that Pete could show her how to play.  Close up.

Crazy Chester obviously had more real life experience going beyond experience with the ponies.

On the Saturday of the swim date, the Prophetess donned conventional going-to-the-beach clothes:  a Saints jersey and cutoffs.  Clearly, she was not in her habitual eccentric dress mode.  She also brought along some sun screen, a cooler with cold drinks and bottled water, and a gourmet picnic lunch. 

Although both initially had trepidations, the date seemed to be going well.  They talked about current affairs, primarily those of the Crescent City.  [Us Yats can be so focused on New Orleans.]  They talked about books.  Both were pleasantly surprised that the other did read; and read good books at that!  Both liked to try new restaurants, and had a spirit of adventure.

The Prophetess requested, "Call me Madeline."

Pete, in turn, requested that she just call him Pete.

When it came time to get into the water, Pete and Madeline removed their outer wear.  Pete was astonished to see Madeline in her blue swimsuit!  This was a side she had never presented before! 

While swimming, Officer Pete began to wonder: Should I try to kiss the Prophetess at the end of the evening?  Very clearly, he was conflicted:  he enjoyed her company, things seemed to be going well, and he didn't want to do anything that would lend a discordant note to it. 

While there were both wading in the water, The Prophetess Madeline impulsively kissed him; and they continued the kiss together.  Sometimes you have to help guys carpe diem!  Madeline had a hard time going to sleep that night; a proper kiss can do that!

[I thought I'd give Prophetess Madeline a little romance.]