A Real Date
1112 Words
Seren woke up to Malrick tapping her shoulder, she couldn't believe she had fallen asleep in his car. She hoped she didn't snore.
"We're here... " Malrick spoke gently.
Seren sat up to check out her surroundings, they were at this active park, theme park? nice restaurants, rides, live performances. A lot of people eating interesting treats and walking around. This was like a hot spot. The type of place you take friends when they ask if you know a spot.
Malrick stepped out the car, to open the passenger door. He offered his hand, Seren didn't hesitate, her eyes were wandering around. She placed her hand in his, he pulled her out of the car. "I want to eat something light first... " Seren murmured as she gazed around the flashing lights and roller coasters in the distance. She hadn't enjoyed something like this in a long time, this was going to be exciting.
He grabbed her wrist again, guiding her to a nearby restaurant. Seren hadn't eaten out in a while... not since with Rowan and Delancey...
As they entered inside, a waiter attended to them quickly securing them a nice table outside with a view of the city, sparkling in the distance. The waiter had tried to pull a chair out for Seren, Malrick glared at the waiter, "I'll come back in a bit to take your order, your menus are on the table." The waiter scurried out of the way as quickly as he had came. Malrick pulled a chair out for Seren.
"Thank you. You know this is really nice... but I kind of expected that. You seem to enjoy nice things." Seren begun the small talk.
"You're over worked, enjoy this reward and rest after. I'll give you three days off, which includes your off days." He spoke casually as he settled into his chair.
"Oh wow... " Seren didn't expect him to be so generous.
"For you, there's exceptions."
She blinked, "Why's that, aren't I equal to everyone else there?"
"Not to me. I've already decided to put you above everyone else.... "
Seren's heart fluttered, she had always wanted to hear that from Rowan, but instead another man had beat him to it. "Oh..." Seren looked away. She didn't know how to react to that.
"Don't look away, are you afraid of me?"
Seren turned to face him, "I-I just I don't know how to respond to that. I'm flattered, but may I ask what I've done to deserve such?"
"By existing, giving me something to live for... "
Seren froze, she hadn't thought he had taken that seriously. She was just trying to pull him back to his senses at the time. "I'm glad you've found a passion. I like this version of you, the healthy kind."
"I'm glad you think that. Most people have called me sick, insane. Crazy. Why don't you think that too?"
Seren was stunned, "People had actually called you that?"
He forced a frown, "Before me and Rowan rekindled, he had called me a sick individual at first." He placed a hand on his heart, "I didn't expect an employee to say such, things... I thought I had done something wrong." He sighed.
"No, no you haven't done anything wrong. People judge other people without knowing them. We understand that together, right?" Her heartstrings were pulled again.
"Of, course we do. You're such a good person. It's refreshing."
"I try to be, we're both good people. No matter what anybody says about us." Seren gently smiled. A soft wind brushed past her face; her hair flowed in the wind.
"Y-You're so beautiful... " Malrick's gaze lingered on Seren.
She pressed her palms against her cheeks, "O-oh... Thanks."
"I mean it, Seren. I don't say things to say things you know... I'm different. "
"Sorry, it's just I'm not used to it. I was bullied all throughout college and Rowan hadn't said such things to me back then either. This is all new to me." She got flustered.
"Enough about Rowan. I care about you. Rowan is nothing to me. I just want to know about you."
"Well... if I'm being honest, this dress seems way out of my league, I don't feel that I deserve to wear any of this." She sighed.
"I want you to wear it. I think you look good in it. Does my opinion count as a reason that you should be wearing that dress."
"W-well, if you say it like that, then I guess I have to believe you." She pressed her palms against her cheeks again.
He tilted his head, "Are you alright, Seren"
"Y-yeah sorry... I'm just overly flattered is all. It's kind of overbearing for me right now." She used her hand as a fan to blow off her face.
Malrick leaned closer into the table, his face mere inches from hers. She froze up, her eyes searching his. She didn't know either to pull back with an excuse or try and change the subject. "How are you feeling right now, is it because of me." Her face turned completely red, she pulled back and looked away. He chuckled before he started. "I do try to appear attractive, but I guess none of my face care products actually works." He sighed pulling back just to stare down at his hands.
"W-what no!" She quickly pointed at her face, "See look. It cleared my face, it works on your face too!" Seren was running out of responses; she was acting hastily than her composed demeaner.
"Does that mean you think I'm attractive..."
"I-I... " She was stunned; how did this conversation turn out like this. She was completely in the spotlight.
"It's okay you don't have to lie to me Seren, I'll still like you."
She waved both of hands dismissively. "No, no. I do think your attractive. I wouldn't lie to you."
He smirked. "Oh, do you now?"
"I-I don't know what's happening right now!" She panicked.
"It's alright, I just want you to know... I think your incredibly attractive to me. I wouldn't lie either." He leaned in closer; a gentle smile was creeping onto his features. She didn't know if he was aware of it. The waiter returned swiftly, Malrick's smile faded instantly. "Have you both decided on what you'd like."
Seren glanced at Malrick, all they've done was talk, they hadn't actually read the menu. "We need more time... " Malrick spoke first.
"I'll be back in a few minutes," The waiter swiftly walked off again.
The night was going well... except for that little mishap about attractiveness. Seren couldn't understand how the conversation came to that.
- Writer
