She popped the cassette into the machine and hit play. Spandau Ballet's 'True' floated from the speakers as she walked back to him. He held her hand in his, the other resting on the small of her back. They looked into one another's eyes for a moment or two before Alex rested her head on his shoulder. Swaying in time to the music, close as close could be, losing themselves in the moment. Bliss. Nervous giddy bliss. Gene turned his head slightly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. He let his lips linger as she nuzzled into him, neither one daring to break the silence between them. They were silent still when she raised her head to gaze into those baby blues. Their faces moved closer and closer, slowly but surely, lips millimetres apart…
*Knock, knock, knock*
A sigh escaped Alex's lips as they pull away from each other.
"Go. Wait in the bedroom, I'll get rid of them"
She headed for the door.
"No" Gene said, hand still holding hers.
"I'll just be a minute..." she tried to pull away.
"Alex, please"
She stopped. He never said please. She turned and looked at him. For a split second he seemed different, more youthful. He looked incredibly handsome. He'd dressed to impress and so had she. Why spoil it now?
"Ok"
She reached for his hand and he took it, pulling her close once more. Their dance resumed, foreheads resting against each other, noses brushing, lips parting, ready and waiting…
*Knock, knock, knock*
They ignored it, lips finally meeting in a sweet, tender kiss. So innocent… Lips parted, eyes fluttering open.
Alex screamed.
A short, sharp expulsion of shock as she pushed away from him.
"Oh, come on. It wasn't that bad!"
She said nothing. Her hand covered her mouth, suppressing further screams, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Alex, what's wrong?"
She'd seen it. This time she'd seen it for certain. As she pulled away from that sweet, innocent kiss she had seen the face of the young policeman that haunted her in place of Gene's. The gaping, bloody mess that obscured half his face far more gruesome up close and personal. It had only been there for a second. But that second was as clear as day.
"What are you?" she asked.
"Alex, what are you talking about?" he took a step forward, hand outstretched but she stopped him.
"Don't! Don't come near me!"
She began backing away towards the door, fear evident in her eyes.
"Alex, what have I done?"
She ran out of the flat.
"Alex!"
He followed, stopping at the door.
"Alex!"
He didn't chase after her. He felt such a fool. He lashed out, kicking the nearest object. He kicked it a few more times before grabbing his coat and leaving. If she wanted to run off screaming like a big girls blouse, fine! He left, slamming the door behind him.
