From Laughter to Love

Author's note: I got the idea for this story when I was writing "Harbored Emotions". I have always wondered how Jerry and Elaine met. Since I don't remember ever hearing the story on "Seinfeld", I decided to write my own version. It was a little tricky, because I had to guess at what year they probably met, since by 1990, they had already broken up.

You'll notice that there is no mention of Jerry for the first several chapters. I wanted to have something to build on, so I gave Elaine a fictitious boyfriend whom she would be seeing pretty seriously before meeting Jerry. So, please be patient, because Jerry and the other characters we all know and love will appear soon!

From Laughter to Love

(Early 1980’s)

Elaine Benes shivered as she walked down 42nd Avenue, doing her best to avoid the occasional happy couple she passed along the way. She used to be one of those happy couples; half of one, anyway.

Elaine and Paul.

She usually didn’t go for intellectual types, but then one day in Central Park, she spotted him. He was browsing through a book at a sidewalk book sale. She watched him in awe as he paid the vendor and settled himself onto a nearby bench.

He was nicely built; about 5’7” and he was the only man she had ever seen who looked handsome in glasses.

He was so absorbed in his reading that he barely noticed when she approached him. Elaine stood there for several minutes before finally clearing her throat to get his attention. When he removed his glasses, she was stunned to see how much he resembled James Dean. And then when he spoke, the similarities were even more apparent.

“Hello.” He said, giving her a smile that would put Dean to shame.

“H-Hi.” She said, barely able to get the words out.

When he returned his attention to his book, she forced herself to continue the conversation.

“That’s my favorite book in the whole world.” She said pointing to his book.

Amazingly, he put the book down and smiled at her. Elaine couldn’t help but feel proud; She had definitely gotten his attention.

“You’re a fan of Dawson?” he asked.

“Who?”

“Robert Dawson, the author.” Paul said.

“Oh... right.” Elaine laughed nervously. “Th-the author. Yep, I love him.” In truth, she had never heard of him before.

“Well... this is simply amazing!” Paul said. “I thought I was the only one who even knew who he was.”

“Are you kidding? I-I read his stuff all the time!” Elaine said, hoping he didn’t notice her blushing.

Paul extended his hand in greeting. “I’m Paul.”

“Elaine.” She said; her voice trembling.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elaine.” Paul said, placing a kiss on her hand.

He thought for a minute. “Are you busy right now?”

“Me? No.” Elaine said.

If he only knew how un-busy she was.

“Well, would you like to join me for a cappuccino?”

Elaine felt as though she were dreaming; this gorgeous man was actually asking her out?

From that moment on, they were inseparable. Paul was the smartest person she had ever met and surprisingly romantic. They went everywhere together; the symphony, ballet, poetry readings... places that she would never have gone with any other man.

For the first time in her life, Elaine was in love.

But the fairy tale wouldn’t last forever...