Pixie in Paradise

13March2023

I got a ground taxi to take me to the ferry drop off with the best driver, Lionel. He turned out to be a retired first responder on the city council – or whatever they call it in Belize – a volunteer fireman, and several other roles in addition to driving the taxi. There were no small flights back to the little island for a while so I had Lionel take me to the water taxi station. I got back to Caye Caulker, booked a night at a wonderful little hotel with small cabanas perfect for one person. I jumped another water taxi after enjoying a conch steak dinner, back to the resort Mandy and I had stayed at so I could spend the evening at the bar, hanging with our new friends. They were surprised I was back and I explained what happened. Later that evening I said another goodbye to them and made sure to make the last water taxi back to the main village, walking to the cabana for my actual last night in Belize.

The next morning I knew I wanted to eat at Weezie’s, the little cafe Mandy and I were at the morning before. Luckily the island is so small and I had sort of memorized landmarks and directions were easy to figure out here, as the pretty water – where the reef is at – was on the west side of the island, and the darker water on the east. I left the cabana and turned right, south. The cafe was easy to find and I knew the road I was on would take me there in five minutes or less. As I got closer to the cafe, I passed buildings we saw the day before and a man walking a very young, energetic German Shepherd. As they passed me I heard a noise behind me and turned and looked toward the road, seeing bicycle tires. Looking up to see who was riding the bike, it was the gorgeous man that worked at the airport. I smiled big and said hi. He looked so surprised and smiled, saying, “I recognized you from your tattoo,” as he pointed to my arm, “but what are you doing back here?” I laughed and explained what happened and that I was going to the airport to try to leave again today. This guy – who looks like he came straight out of a Death Row Records video- said he was so surprised as he watched us leave the day before to head to the mainland. He slowed down on the bike to walk with me, steering with one hand, a cup of coffee in the other.

He went off to work and I continued to the cafe, saying I would see him in a while to catch my flight. When I got there we talked a little bit and I got his phone number, as he said it would be cool to have one of the photos I had taken the day before. When I had internet service again on the mainland I sent him the photos, which he thanked me for and said he’d keep in touch.

I never expected him to keep in touch. Not only did he check back with me that evening to see if I made it home safely to Tucson, but we’ve been chatting every day since. For two people who I don’t think look like a match, we seem to have a pretty strong connection for some reason. He’s very straightforward and intentional when he speaks and I’m just at that age where I don’t mess around: what you see is what you get and I’m going to tell you all about it, whatever “it” might be to me at any current moment. And our hearts, oddly enough, seem to beat at the same rhythm. Meaning, we seem to understand and want what the other one wants in a partner from an emotional standpoint. As for lifestyles, we couldn’t be more different. We’ve had some intense and deep conversations about things you normally have to wait weeks or months to discuss in the normal dating scene. We’re half a world away from each other and grown adults. We have nothing to hide, so we aren’t.

And the Universe threw another Leo at me – two more  actually, but let’s save that story – during my short time in Belize. Anyone that knows anything about my life and heart’s story, knows that Leos are my very favorite zodiac sign, they’re  a serious addiction; but also it’s like I collect them, they find me so easily.  They don’t seem to be great in romantic relationships for me, but there’s something deep and peaceful and grounded about this fire sign Leo. And for whatever reason, he is attracted to my Capricorn earth energy. (For those of you who know way more about the zodiac signs than I do, this guy is actually a Leo (fire)/Virgo (earth) cusp, which is probably where his grounded-ness comes from…could also be the weed.)

This trip to Belize was about healing and giving my bruised heart a break, but when I feel an energy or connection that transcends the every day I wonder if it might turn into something extraordinary. I will take that chance, without hesitation, always. I lead my life with an open heart, strong as fuck but willing to be vulnerable for the right love, the right guy, no matter the length of said relationship; it’s about experiences after all.

***

My plane landed in Tucson at 7pm and 20 minutes before that there was a message from the guy from the photo at the airport. He had reached out to see if I had made it home safe. I told him that I had just touched down and that it was so sweet of him to check on me. I continued by saying I hoped he had a great day and was happy we ran into each other again.

He texted,”I hope you get home safely and I’m glad you already touched down. My day went beautiful and it is blessed now that I know you’re safe.” He also asked what my zodiac sign was! A straight man asking that question is like seeing a purple  unicorn… Ladies – that’s a pretty thoughtful and wholesome message, am I right? Once I was home I saw his response back to my question about which sign he was. He was still answering my questions even after learning that I was a Capricorn, so he either didn’t know much about our incredibly strong and stubborn but magical tendencies, or he was evolved enough to see what it would truly mean in a woman he might potentially pursue a relationship with. 

I was speechless and could do nothing but stare at my phone when I saw his answer: he was a Leo. What?! Why does the Universe keep dropping absolutely gorgeous magnetic Leos in my lap (ahem, literally)? I wrote, “Another Leo! Leos are my favorite, there are so many Leos in my life.” Then I let him know that I was home and already missed Belize. To which he responded:

“You may be missing Belize but believe if you don’t know Belize is missing you too.”