I had never met anyone like Beth before. I thought that I was way over my head here.

Streaks of sunlight caught the pristine walls of the neat and tidy buildings. The city was alive. People walked hurriedly in all directions. I emerged from a subway station. I was in my early twenties, tall and slim. I carried my trumpet case and a briefcase.

I walked several blocks and came to a stop in front of The New York College Of Music, a three story old brick colonial. I was all smiles when I entered the building. Students poured in and out of classrooms. I registered at a desk and was handed a schedule of classes. I studied the schedule.

It was about a week later when it all began.

In the concert hall, students set up chairs and music stands for the school’s orchestra. Carlos, a young violinist spoke to me.

“How do you like it so far?” He asked.
“So far so good,” I replied.
“There may be a few surprises here,” Carlos said.

I stared at him surreptitiously. A bell rang. The orchestra members took their seats. Carlos, holding his violin and I with my trumpet were seated in the orchestra. Several singers sat in front of the orchestra. The conductor, a tall bearded man with long hair and a thick German accent approached the podium. He tapped on his baton. The orchestra was attentive.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we shall start at letter A of the last movement.”

The orchestra readied their instruments. Linghoff raised his baton and gave a downbeat. The orchestra played a choral suite. After several bars, I played a solo.

The conductor nodded his approval. After a beat, the singers added their voices to the music.

At a respite, I looked up from my music and at the singers. I then stared blankly at Beth, one of the singers. She was a strikingly beautiful woman with perfect features and a nubile young body. I was mesmerized by Beth’s beauty and missed several notes. the conductor glared at me, but I continued to play and stare at her.

After several beats, the orchestra and singers took a break. I approached Carlos. I pointed to Beth.

“Who’s that Angel?” I asked.
“That’s Beth,” he replied.
“Do you know her?” I asked.
“You’re interested. Huh?”
“Is she from another world?" I asked.
“She’s a blue-blood.”
“I want to meet her.”
“Okay.”

Carlos led me to the group of singers and to where Beth stood .

“Beth, this is Max."
"Nice meeting youm,” she said.

I stood rapt for a moment in front of Beth. After a solid five seconds I came out of my trance.

“Oh yes! It’s a pleasure.” I said.

Carlso shook his head and walked off.

“Are you a new student?" Beth asked.
“Yes. You have a beautiful voice.”
“Thank you. Where did you come from?”
“The US Navy. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
“There’s a little cafe around the corner. I’ll meet you there in a half an hours,” she replied.
“Sounds good. See you there.”

She walked off. I stared wistfully at her as she left the hall.

The luncheon crowd moved in herds among the parked cars. Cars and buses lumbered along the streets bumper to bumper. I strained my neck looking for Beth. After several moments, Beth approached my table. She apologized for being late. I just smiled and helped her into a chair, and took my seat. She ran her fingers through her long blond hair, which made it billow outward and fall on her shoulders. I was bedazzled by her beauty.

"Shall we have a drink?” she asked.
“Oh! Of course,” I replied.

I beckoned a waitress who approaches the table.

“I’ll have white wine.” Beth ordered. “A beer please.” I asked.
“What kind?” the waitress asked.
“Any kind.”

The waitress left. Beth’s eyelashes lowered seductively, as she leaned toward me.

“Where do you live?” she asked.
“In a small studio apartment downtown.”
“Why do you live there?”
"Because it’s what I can afford.”
"I’m sorry that I asked such a stupid question. It’s just that I was interested.”
“Where do you live?" I asked.
“In a townhouse on Park Ave. My parents are abroad right now and I’ll be joining them in Paris this summer. I’ll probably live and study there.”

I had never met anyone like Beth before. I thought that I was way over my head here. The waitress arrived and served us our drinks. I raised my glass for a toast as did Beth.

“To health and happiness.”
“And success.” Beth replied.

We clicked our glasses and drank.

"Any plans after graduation?" she asked.
“I’d like to play in a major symphony orchestra and compose. I might also teach. How about you?”
“I want it all.”
“All?”
“The luxuries I’ve been accustomed to, a successful career and someone to love,” she replied.
“I wish you luck,” I said.

We finished our lunch, The waitress arrived with a check. I paid the check with cash.

“Do you have anymore classes today?" she asked.
“No. How about you?"
"Just one that I can skip. How about a walk in the park?"
“If you like." I replied.

Beth took my hand and we left the cafe.

In Central park, the grass was very green. Couples walked hand in hand.

Bikers and roller skaters sped through the roads. Children swung on swings. An old man sat on a bench and fed pigeons. Pushcart vendors doled out refreshments. We walked slowly on the grass.

“Are you a happy person?" she asked.
“Right now I am,” I honestly replied.
“And the rest of the time?” she asked.
“I’m too busy to think about it,” I replied.
“Time fades away before you know it. I want every minute to count,” she said.
“My sentiments exactly,” I exclaimed.

Beth suddenly stopped and looked deeply into my eyes.

“You're sweet,” she exclaimed

She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me passionately. We continued our walk and came to a small lake. Parents with their children were sailing toy boats on the lake. We stared at the scene for a while, then walked on.

"I’d like to go out with you again," Beth said.
“Great! Give me your phone number,” I replied.
“The phone company is putting in new lines in our house now. I don’t have a phone number as yet. Give me yours.”
I took out a pad and pen from my breast pocket. I jotted down my telephone number, stripped off the page and handed it to Beth. She read it and placed it in a pocket of her dress. We exited the park. Beth looked at her watch

“My God! It’s late. I have to run. See you in school tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” I replied.

She kissed me, then hailed and entered a taxi. As the taxi wheels started to turn, she waved to me. I waved back as the taxi drove off and receded in the distance.

Next morning I walked along the corridors of the College, my face alight with an expression of rapture. Carlos approached me.

“Hi, I’ve got to tell you about my date with...”
“Have you seen the morning papers?" he interrupted.
“No. Why?"
“Come with me.”

Carlos led me to an empty room, where he opened the front page of The Daily News. On the page, was a large photo of a line of young women in handcuffs in front of a townhouse. The caption below read; POLICE RAID PARK AVE. HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION.

Standing at the center of the line was Beth. I stood stunned, my mouth and eyes wide open. Carlos stared at me and shook his head.