Love In Despair

First Date Fumbles

Emma Collins' heart was racing, everywhere became silent all of a sudden. She was lost in thoughts as she walked filled with fear and slowly to Dr. Williams’ office. She knew only one thing could make him summon her the way he did. She knocked gently on Dr. Williams' office door, she walked him. Reading his facial expression alone, she could tell there was trouble. She drew out one of the chairs in front of his table and sat down after his approval.

“Nurse Collins, I think you have been distracted too much of late, patients are now complaining about your lack of patience, what's going on?” Dr. Williams asked.

“I'm sorry sir, I wasn't aware of this. Thank you for bringing it to my notice, I will make amends sir” Emma replied.

“A report was brought to my table this morning about your dealings with my Mr. Reid. I won't take it up because I trust you won't breach our rules and regulations but if there is anything, kill it” Dr. Williams said with his gaze not leaving Emma.

“Mr. Reid would go back to his state once he is well, don't allow a casual fling to cost you your job” he added.

While Emma was being warned for misconducts and impatience with patients, Lucas was worried as to why she was summoned like that. Emma didn't bother to return to Lucas' room after leaving Dr. Williams office, she went to continue her work. At the end of her shift, she made her way to Lucas' room, making sure she wasn't spotted by anyone. Lucas was relieved to see her.

“I hope all is well?” he asked.

“I am being accused of misconduct, I don't think I can come visiting like before. Just get enough rest, you will be discharged soon” Emma replied.

Emma was avoiding being seen with Lucas after her work hours, so she left after revealing the purpose of her visit. A few days later, Lucas was discharged from the hospital, his body kept healing but his heart was yearning for more time with Emma. They had exchanged numbers, and Lucas wasted no time in planning their first official date. He wanted the date to be a perfect and memorable start to their journey together. Emma was extremely nervous because it had been a while since she had been on a date, let alone with someone as fascinating and complex as Lucas. They decided on a perfect day for the date, Emma was off duty. She spent hours worrying over what to wear, finally she settled for a simple yet elegant dress which she hoped would strike the right balance.

Lucas had already chosen an attractive little restaurant in the West Village. The restaurant is popularly known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine. On getting to the restaurant, Lucas waited sitting at their reserved table, he could not control himself from feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. New York City was a new territory for him, also opening up to someone was not part of his missions down here. He was just about to let his guard down.

The arrival of Emma was right on time, her heart skipped a beat as she spotted Lucas at their reserved table. He stood up and exchanged pleasantries with her with a warm smile. “You look so beautiful, Emma”

“Thank you, you look great as well” she replied, feeling a blush crawl up her cheeks.

After a minute of staring at each other, Lucas gave a signal to the waiter to bring the wine he had selected. As the browsed the menu of the restaurant, their initial anxiety began to melt away and was replaced with the familiar ease that they developed during their conversations at the hospital.

“I am thrilled you agreed to this” Lucas confessed, his eyes meeting hers across the table.

“Me too, I have been looking forward to it” Emma replied sincerely.

The flow of their conversations went on smoothly, punctuated by laughter. While they shared stories, they discovered more about their separate lives, dreams and fears. Emma Collins found herself engrossed by Lucas' passion for his work despite its demanding nature. Lucas Reid was equally fascinated by Emma's dedication and unwavering kindness to her patients. As the evening progressed, when the pace of their conversations had reduced, their initial nervousness returned in a different form. Lucas just wanted to make a good impression so as for the date to be a perfect one. He tried to reach out for his glass of wine a bit quickly, he accidently knocked it over. The red liquid spilled across the table cloth, spreading rapidly.

“Oh no, I am so sorry,” Lucas cried out, grabbing his napkin to try and contain the mess.

Emma couldn't control herself but laugh, her own nervousness scattering at the sight of Lucas' irritated expression.

“It's okay, Lucas, it is just a little spill”

Lucas looked up, sighed with relief at Emma's reaction.

“I guess I am not as smooth as I thought.” he said.

“We all have our moments, Let's enjoy the rest of the evening,” Emma replied with a reassuring smile.

In no time, the waiter changed the table cloth and brought a new bottle of wine for them. The incident was completely forgotten while they began savoring the delicious meal they ordered and enjoying each other's company. By the time dessert arrived, the earlier awkwardness had transformed into a comfortable, intimate connection.

As they left the restaurant, they both got a warm fuzzies from their experience at the restaurant. Lucas took Emma's hand and asked. “Would you like to take a walk?”

“It's not a bad idea,” Emma replied.

They both strolled through the quiet streets of the West Village, the city’s usual hustle and bustle was replaced by a tranquil, almost magical atmosphere. The night was so cool, Lucas dressed up his jacket over Emma's shoulder, this gesture made her heart flutter. As they walked, they talked about their favourite places in the city, their childhood memories and experiences that had shaped them into who they are now. It was like they were peeling the back layer of each other's souls, discovering new depths with every step.

At a later time, they found themselves at the edge of a small park, the moonlight casted a gentle glow over the scene. Lucas halted and turned to Emma.

“I know we have only just started, but I want you to know how much I care about you, Emma. This feeling is so different and special.” he said.

Emma could see his sincerity through his eyes.

“I'm glad we are giving this a chance.” she replied.

In that moment, under the silver light of the moon, Lucas leaned towards her and attempted to kiss her but she shunned it.

“I think we should get going now before it gets too late” Emma said.

“Oh, Yeah, Let's get going.” Lucas replied.

There was an awkward silence between them as they walked back to the subway, hand in hand. They both knew they had taken a first step towards something beautiful. Despite the Fumbles and nerves, the first date had been perfect in its own imperfect way.