Welcome to Darkness
860 Words
It's a Sunday night and I am wearing a simple black skater dress with black pumps. I hope this goes well and not let the Shadow distract me from talking.
You look beautiful. Where are you going? As if on cue, he said it with playful tone.
There it goes again. The Shadow. It's been in my head like a conscience, speaking to me as if it's in a room with me.
"Somewhere you're not invited," I say as I look myself in the mirror. I can't find my lipstick anywhere so I went to the bathroom counter, maybe it's there.
Really? Are you going on a date with someone, Buttercup?
A warm but light touch brushes through my nape and into my hair. It removes the purple elastic band causing my hair to hang down. It ends above my waist.
Better.
I grip on the hem of my dress and compose myself. Never letting him know that he is getting into me.
"Yes. We're going to have a good time and maybe we can take it to the next level. He's hot, by the way," I smile as sweetly as I can.
As I am leaving the bathroom I spot my Burt's Bees' tint plastered in the bedroom mirror that says: Promises, promises.
I quickly grab a tissue and wipe it off vigorously. Breathing heavily, I try to calm myself. This is going to be another one of those scenarios where he gets to intimidate me.
Well, this is not one of those days and I am going to make sure.
The doorbell rings and with one look at myself in the mirror, I head to the doorway.
I grab my purse and open the door. And there he stands, casually leaning on the door frame with a white gorgeous Moonflower in his hand which he gives to me.
He's wearing a button-down shirt worn under a knit sweatshirt and dark selvedge jeans. And his hair a little bit tousled.
"Are you alright? You look worried."
"Am I? Oh, it's nothing."
He looks at me and smiles, his dimples showing. He says, "Anyway, you look stunning."
"Thank you. You too," I hold the flower close to my chest. "Where are we going tonight?"
"To the best restaurant in town. You'll love it."
We get to a nice quaint restaurant that says 'Dine In The Dark'. It is a rather weird concept for a restaurant and it's kind of gothic.
A brown haired waitress greets us and after we confirm our reservation, leads us inside. Well, before putting her night vision goggles on. There are also a few restaurants that is like this but I have never been to one.
It is pitch black. The only thing that prevents me from tripping down, face flat is my hand which tightly wraps around Austin's arm. I hope I did not grab too tightly though.
After a couple of trials in dodging other diners, I manage to grab the seat that the waitress pull for me.
"Enjoy your evening," she says in a much more calming tone as she poured us a glass of wine. At least that's what it tastes like.
"So, what do you think?" he asked.
"It's odd. I've never been to a dark restaurant before," I roam my hands across the table to get a feel of it. "Do you come here more often?" Gosh, that's a weird question.
"On special occasions," he says. His voice is unnaturally calm and collected. "So, what made you move here?"
"Work. Uhm, I am a Cybersecurity Engineer and I just want a clean start. That's all."
"Well, I hope you like it here. Because I do too."
"Uhm...I'm not sure that I like it. It's just different. So, are you originally from here?" his hand catches my careless probing hand and hold it with a gentle stroke.
"No, actually, I came here from North Haven."
"Oh, which part?" I asked him. I am so thankful that the Shadow is unusually silent today. Heidi, don't jinx it.
"Clintonville."
"Really? That's where I came from too! How come we never met? It's such a small place."
"We already did, Buttercup."
It's like an electricity flood through me with a last single word he said. I almost choke and apparently my voice shows it.
"What did you call me?"
"Buttercup. Because I can see that you're a strong and independent woman."
"But, we just...met-"
I stop and take a swig of the wine. I have to say it. I have to confirm if he's messing with me or purely coincidental. With my most casual tone, I say the next few words. Making sure that he hears me loud and clear.
"I have this guy. He was basically my first crush and IT practically drove him away. Right then, it ruined every guy for me," I withdraw my hand as I stare into the darkness expectantly for what he's about to say.
Cold air hits my skin and I am getting goosebumps. If I am right then, he is who I think he is. And all those years of waiting and wondering if this day will ever come will soon come true.
He says in a cold raspy, baritone voice that makes me shiver.
"Well, maybe he doesn't want you getting hurt by a hormonal teen in a dark closet."
Funny thing is that I never said anything about a dark closet.
- Writer
