Chapter1.
David Nolan smiled as he took a huge bite out of one of Granny's famous burgers. Sitting next to him was his one and only true love, Mary Margaret. Across the booth was their grandson, Henry, who was enjoying an ice cream sundae.
"Mmmmm", David moans, "This is one de-licious burger!".
Mary Margaret laughed as she wiped a bit of ketchup from his chin. Henry looked up from his giant sundae with eyes dazed from sugar. Reaching the bottom of his bowl he cried,
"Look at that… the ice cream is all gone! I think I should have another to….. satisfy, my hunger. Ruby! Another ice cream sundae please!"
"Oh no you don't.", Mary Margaret giggled, "I don't think Emma would appreciate us bringing home her son in a sugar coma…"
Henry looked up at her with his sad, puppy dog eyes.
"Please Mary Margaret? Only one more! I promise I won't go crazy."
Mary Margaret glanced at David and they both sighed.
"I guess one more sundae wouldn't hurt him." David grinned, "Besides, Emma doesn't have to know". Henry bounced with joy as he turned to Ruby who was at the counter.
"One more ice cream sundae please, Ruby!" Ruby heard Henry and replied,
"Comin right up, kid", then went into the kitchen to prepare his order. David tossed a fry in the air and caught it in his mouth, beaming with accomplishment when he did.
Now, doesn't this seem like a happy family? Well, this story isn't about David Nolan and his beautiful wife, or his adorable family. This story is about a lonely, egotistic doctor, and his date with a beautiful creature.
Ruby found another clean bowl from the cabinet and filled it to the brim with ice cream and other delicious treats.
"That kid really likes ice cream." Granny said as she entered the kitchen. Ruby laughed,
"He's exactly that. A kid. All they eat is sugar". Ruby added a cherry on top and brought the order over to Henry.
"Thanks Ruby!" Henry said with excitement at the sight of his large sundae.
"Enjoy, kiddo" Ruby replied as she ruffled his hair, then walked back to the counter.
Doctor Victor Whale entered the diner. Palms sweaty, heart racing, he didn't know if he could go through with this. He'd never been so nervous before, not even back in his old land. Whale had never been nervous about anything. This time was different, and he knew why.
Whale walked up to the counter and sat down. There she was. Only inches away. Her long, black hair within his grasp. Her perfect complexion, soon to be his. He let out a sigh that seemed to catch Ruby's attention. She jumped and turned around.
"Dr. Whale! You scared me half to death!"
"Oh, I'm sorry" , Whale laughed, "I didn't mean to."
Ruby grinned and took out her notepad, "It's okay. So, what can I get you?"
"You", Whale softly replied with a bit of a chuckle in his tone.
Ruby seemed confused, "What'd you say? I didn't get that.". Whale started to pretend choking, to cover up what he had just said.
*cough cough cough* "Uh, nothing. I said water. I could really use some water" *cough cough*
Ruby turned around and grabbed him a glass. "Better?", she asked.
"Much", Whale replied as he took a sip. He put the glass down and looked up at her. She seemed extraordinarily beautiful today. Ruby giggled and twirled her hair slightly.
"Did you decide on what you want?", she asked.
"Actually", Whale replied a little more confidentially, "I came to ask you something else". Ruby put her notepad away and smiled her most beautiful grin,
"What's up?", she asked, as she leaned on the counter.
"I was wondering if you wanted to do something this Friday night" Whale nervously asked.
Ruby couldn't believe what she just heard. Did Dr. Whale actually just ask her out? She was in utter shock. Ruby had been waiting for Dr. Whale to invite her out ever since that night on the docks.
"Really?", Ruby asked with excitement.
"Yeah," Whale replied, "As a sort of…thank you, for helping me out that night. I figured we'd go for a boat ride. Maybe have some dinner". Ruby tried her hardest to contain her happiness.
"Sure, I'd love to!" She replied, wondering if her eager answer gave away too much.
"Great, I'll pick you up at eight." Whale said.
"Okay!" Ruby ecstatically replied.
"See you then", Whale said as he strode to the door.
Right before he left, Ruby could have sworn she saw him wink. But she wasn't positive, so she let it go. It was that cockiness that attracted Ruby's attention. She loved that quality about him. It was enough to make her want him. Enough to make her fantasize about the amazing relationship they could have together. Ruby ran to the back room and pulled out her cell.
"Belle!" she yelled into the phone, "You'll never guess what just happened!"
Dr. Whale did his best to confidently walk out of the diner.
"Damn. Was that wink too much?" he thought.
"Nah", Dr. Whale had a big smile on his face, and a little more swag to his stride (if that was even possible) as he walked back to his house and started making reservations for Friday night.
"This is going to be…perfect".