Hello all! Welcome back. Hope you're enjoying the story so far! Things are going to lighten up a bit for this chapter, so enjoy some shameless fluff.
Chapter 11: How Would You Feel?
"Shoot," Maya muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. It fell into the path of her eyeliner, making a distinguishable smudge.
She didn't wear makeup much anymore, not since she started farm work. The weather was too warm, the work was difficult, and she sweat too much to keep it properly in place. Back in the city, Maya wore makeup nearly every day and she was still quite good at the application.
Having fixed her little slip up, Maya turned back to her closet. Raeger was picking her up in an hour and she still hadn't figured out what she was going to wear; the thought made her stomach flutter.
A real date?
Even though Raeger's flippant dismissal was fairly indicative that this was anything but a 'real date', Maya couldn't keep her nerves under control. She felt like she did before any date- nervous, excited, anxious, and warm.
Her wardrobe choices were narrowed down to a casual sundress or a pair of dark jeans and a thin, light grey, striped cardigan. It was nearing the end of the warm season, and if Raeger's texts were any indication they would probably be out late.
Jeans and cardigan, then.
Maya turned back to her dresser and started rooting for a lacy white undershirt. The outfit was cute, and she certainly looked good in it, but would Raeger be disappointed? Most of his dates were with beautiful, feminine girls, who wore flowing dresses and flared skirts. Maybe she should reconsider the dress after all…
No, no she shouldn't.
Why did it matter what Raeger thought of her in that way? It wasn't a real date, and besides, she wore dresses around him all the time. Jeans would be a nice change.
A sharp noise from her bedside table startled her, and Maya hastened to pick up her phone. Another text from Raeger informed her that he was on his way.
Her already anxious heart began to beat faster. She didn't have time to berate herself for feeling this way, she needed to finish getting ready first at least. Then maybe she'd have time to worry about their relationship and-
All of a sudden Maya felt a huge weight fall on her shoulders. She was so tired, so emotionally and mentally exhausted from trying to figure out what the hell was going on between her and Raeger. He was so wonderful to her during Eda's passing, and not once did she question his intentions. Why now did she have to complicate things?
She didn't, she decided. Maya wasn't always the best at putting her thoughts away, but tonight was different. Raeger was going to be here soon, and the second he arrived all negative thoughts were going to be stashed away for another time. Why not?
Her mood lifted considerably after that decision, and Maya was quickly back to the nervous state of excitement that had been hovering around her all day. She picked out her favourite pair of brown boots, a light, yellow scarf, and a bright teal clutch. She was just double checking her freshly curled hair when there was a knock on the front door.
"Your dashing date has arrived, dear lady!"
Maya rolled her eyes, swinging the door open to reveal an incredibly smug Raeger, one elbow leaning on her doorframe and his forearm just blocking his cheek.
"I wouldn't exactly say 'dashing' date," Maya laughed, though she was lying through her teeth. Raeger wore dark denim jeans, almost the same shade as hers, grey sneakers, a dark green shirt, and the new leather jacket she'd bought him. His hair was side-swept, as always, but more wind-tousled than usual. To top off the impression, he held a small pink flower in his hands, one he undoubtedly picked on his way here.
"Hey," he pouted, a look of hurt marring his features, "I was even nice enough to get this flower for you. No need to be rude."
"You're right, I'm sorry," Maya giggled, taking the flower gently. Her fingers brushed against his and a bolt of electricity shot through her. She placed the flower on her countertop, reminding herself to put it in water when she got home and taking a moment to get her blush under control. "Shall we?"
Raeger held out his hand- not his arm, like he normally did- and Maya felt him engulf her palm, tugging her along beside him. As she bumped into his shoulder, a woodsy-scented cologne met her nose and she almost leaned into him to try and smell it again. She caught herself just in time, blushing furiously at how totally he affected her.
This was going to be a long night after all.
.
"You know, normally my dates are a little more private," Raeger winked, nodding to the park they were walking through. Families were spread out around them, children playing in groups of three or four, soccer balls and kites dotting the landscape. Maya shook her head, nudging him with her shoulder.
"Normally your dates accept cash or cheque," she quipped. Raeger snorted in surprised laughter, trying his hardest to be offended but finding it difficult.
"Hey!" He exclaimed indignantly, the grin on his face giving away his amusement. "That might be the meanest thing you've ever said to me."
"I'm sure I've gotten more creative than that," Maya smirked, side-stepping an abandoned pile of dog droppings. "Or maybe I'm losing my touch."
"No one can ever accuse you of that," Raeger rolled his eyes, steering them out of the way of an oncoming cyclist. "It's probably late enough to get supper now, you think?"
Maya glanced at her phone and was met with a surprise. Raeger was right, it was definitely late enough for supper- much later than she'd thought it was. The evening was approaching on 6:30, but the last Maya remembered checking the time was around 2… had they been walking that long?
"Yeah," she nodded, her stomach suddenly growling. "I'm just realising that I'm hungry."
Raeger glanced over his shoulder, looking for a landmark of some kind. Maya tried to follow his gaze, but all she could see was a rickety sign post that indicated public washrooms and a broken drinking fountain.
The park they were strolling through was fairly old. The city had refurbished it many times throughout the years, but the original structures still boasted their rustic charm and flaws. The flowers, trees, bushes, and grass were thriving, as were several new statues and benches, but the drinking fountains, signs, and less travelled pathways needed a little TLC.
"Well, then you're in luck." Raeger announced suddenly, "You've chosen your company wisely, my pet. I happen to know the best places to eat around here."
Maya shook her head. "You don't say? A chef is good at spotting nice places to eat? Colour me shocked."
Raeger ignored her jab, coming to an abrupt halt in front of a massive steel van that Maya had missed on her first glance around.
"You'll be eating your words in a minute," he promised, an air of professionalism overtaking him. Maya watched with respect as his general atmosphere shifted just enough to be noticeable, making sure she knew that he was taking this very seriously. "Welcome to the Best Burger in Town!"
If Maya was surprised that Raeger was willingly eating a burger, the confusion evaporated when she realised that the Best Burger in Town was actually the name of the food truck they were standing beside. It was tucked away in the far corner of the park, just off the beaten trail, but judging by the size of the line Maya suspected they had a good enough reputation to draw people to them.
"A food truck?" Maya was a little dumbfounded. She had always imagined that if she ever went on a date with Raeger, he'd take her somewhere a bit fancier. As a matter of fact, he told her on many occasions that his go-to spots were some of the more high-end restaurants on the other side of town.
"Something wrong with a food truck?" He replied, slipping his hand encouragingly around her waist. Maya shook her head, fixing him with a teasing stare.
"Not at all," she promised, "I was just expecting something a little more traditional for our first official date."
Raeger snorted, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Jealous, Love Bug?" He licked his lip, pausing to exaggerate the motion. "Think you're not as important as my other consorts?"
"A girl could get that impression," she teased back, poking him in the ribs. Raeger laughed again, squeezing her gently.
"On the contrary, my dear." Raeger patted the side of the truck with his palm. "I only take the best of the best to this place- as a matter of fact, that would make you the only girl I've taken here."
Maya tried to dismiss the banter, but found a slight blush colouring her cheeks.
"This truck used to be a hidden gem," Raeger explained, pulling her over to stand in line. "But it gained some traction after a food blogger 'discovered' it. I've been coming here for years; whenever I need to stop in for supplies, I always make a point to come for lunch."
"Do they only serve burgers?" Maya wondered, peering at the menu sign written in elegant chalk script. Raeger shook his head.
"Not at all. They only serve one burger- the best burger in town of course. But they have other things too. Their grilled chicken panini is my favourite, and their fries are to die for."
"Well I'll have whatever the chef recommends," Maya lightly bumped her hip against Raeger's, trusting in his judgement.
"And if I recommend me?" Raeger challenged, his flirtatious grin fading just as their turn to order arrived. Maya nodded to him, waiting patiently.
"One panini, one burger, an order of fries, and two chocolate milkshakes." Raeger rattled off, barely hesitating. The older gentleman behind the counter lit up when he recognized his voice, his scraggly grey beard parting to reveal a brilliant smile.
"Raeger!" He exclaimed, his voice just as rough as his facial hair, "Haven't seen you in a week or two. What've you been up to?"
"Spending some quality time with the love of my life," Raeger explained, pulling Maya against him. She whined, pushing him away just as quickly. "She doesn't realise it yet, but we're destined to be together."
The man's laughter shook the whole truck, startling one of his fellow cooks.
"You never change, do you?" He sighed, turning instead to Maya. "I'm Jed, what's your name little lady?"
"Maya," she answered with a smile, inclining her head politely, "it's nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to trying the best food in the city."
Jed gave Raeger a piercing glare, his furry brow crinkling above his small, brown eyes.
"How'd you get this one to hang out with the likes of you?" He accused, jabbing a pen in Raeger's direction. Raeger feigned insult, clasping his chest dramatically. "Trickery? Bribes? No way she's here just because she wants to be."
"How dare you imply such a thing, Jed!" He cried out, throwing his free arm in the air. "I'll have you know I've worked tirelessly for her affection! I'll not have my honour questioned by some Santa Claus reject in a murder van."
Maya and Jed both burst into a fit of guffaws, even Raeger breaking character to stifle a giggle or two.
"How much do I owe you?" Raeger smiled, reaching for his wallet before Maya could. Jed shook his head, wiping away a stray tear from the corner of his eye.
"On the house this time, Raeger." He insisted, posting the order for the cooks to start working on. "That Santa Claus line was good. Better than your last three."
"I'll take it," Raeger shrugged, gesturing to the picnic tables scattered around. "Shall we sit, m' lady?"
"I'll get one of the boys to bring your food over when it's ready," Jed called after them, turning his attention to the next customer before Raeger or Maya could protest.
"He seems nice," she pointed out, seating herself across from Raeger at the picnic table. Raeger nodded in agreement, a fond smile playing at his lips.
"He's the best. I worked for him for a few summers back in high school. He didn't have the truck then, though. Owned a place called Frederick's, after his dad. It closed down because of some stupid property dispute."
"Then he opened up the truck?" Maya guessed, her foot bumping accidentally against Raeger's under the table. He didn't seem to mind, letting the toe of his shoe rest against hers.
"It was about a year before he opened the truck," Raeger clarified, easing back. "A year too long if you ask me. The guy's way too good to not have his own kitchen."
"Well I can't wait to try it," Maya sighed, her stomach clenching in hunger. "You've hyped it up a lot, I hope Jed can put his money where your mouth is."
Raeger grinned, leaning forward on his elbows. The table was narrow, so the move brought his face much closer to Maya's than she'd been prepared for.
"If the food is any less than amazing," he whispered, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'll kiss Fritz full on the mouth."
Maya blinked, processing his words for far too long before cracking up. The look Raeger was giving her made her think he was going somewhere else entirely with that sentiment… she hadn't been expecting a comical suggestion.
"Well I hope it's good, for your sake," she snickered, "from what I hear Fritz isn't the best kisser around."
The corner of Raeger's lip twitched again, that glint in his eyes never fading.
"For my sake?" he questioned, "you sure you wouldn't be jealous?"
"Jealous of you?" Maya scoffed, annoyance tickling the back of her mind as she remembered the incident where Fritz had tried to kiss her. "Hardly. I had my chance with Fritz, remember?"
Raeger laughed, breaking his intense gaze.
"I meant jealous of Fritz," he elaborated, a faint blush touching the skin of his neck. Maya's heart thumped. "But even if you were, there's no need to be. You can kiss me anytime you-"
"Order up!"
Maya and Raeger both jumped as one of Jed's cooks, a short, skinny man in a white apron, dropped their food on the table in front of them. Raeger recovered first, thanking the man and offering him a tip just as Maya was pulling herself together.
"This looks great," Raeger enthused, albeit nervously, taking a generous sip of his milkshake. "I hope you don't mind splitting the fries. I should've asked."
"No!" Maya exclaimed a bit too quickly, her nerves on edge. "No, splitting is fine. It's great, actually. Um, thank you."
Goddess, what was wrong with her? Maya absently picked up a fry, barely thinking about it as she popped it in her mouth. She was about to grab another one, simply for something to occupy her hands, when all of a sudden it hit her.
"Holy shit," she mumbled in shock. "These are amazing!"
Raeger laughed at her surprise, already beginning to pick at his panini.
"I told you so," he grinned, "Guess I won't be kissing Fritz after all."
"Too bad for Fritz," Maya shook her head, eying her burger more enthusiastically now. Burgers weren't usually her first choice, but this one looked nearly as good as the fries tasted. "You could always kiss him anyway, if you're really disappointed."
Raeger muttered something that she didn't quite hear, unable to wait any longer and digging into the food before her. They ate in relative silence, savouring the unexpectedly delicious meal.
It was nearly dark by the time they'd finished, and most of Jed's patrons had dispersed. Raeger stretched and tossed his napkin into a nearby bin, offering to take Maya's wrappers too.
"Well, I'm more than full," he announced happily, nodding in the direction of town. "Do you want to start heading home? I need to stop at the drugstore to grab a parcel I've been waiting on, but after that we can make our way to my place and watch a movie?"
"Sounds like the perfect end to the evening," Maya agreed wholeheartedly, standing and stretching her legs.
They made their way through the park, strolling leisurely, Maya's hand wrapped tightly in Raeger's. They talked and laughed, joked and jabbed, and just generally enjoyed each other's company. Maya hadn't felt so light in a long time- for once, she wasn't worried about anything. Not Eda, or the farm, or her feelings for Raeger. She was just happy. Blissfully, unequivocally happy.
Raeger led her through a series of back streets, stopping at an alley that looked like something someone could've died in. Maya scrunched her nose at it, noting the distinguishable garbage and empty crates scattered around.
"This is where you get your mail?" She questioned with noticeable distaste. Raeger snorted, pointing to a door just at the entrance of the alley, nearly blended into the brick.
"That's the back entrance to the drugstore," he explained, pulling a set of keys out of his pocket. "The mail counter closes at five, but since I have such weird hours, the owner leaves anything for me on a separate counter and gave me a key so I can grab it when I need to. You know, since a lot of it is required to run my business."
Maya shook her head in disbelief.
"And he trusts you enough to do that?" She knew Raeger had a lot of friends, but she had no idea how well he was able to traverse the city. All of the little back alleys, interesting people, and alternate methods of getting what he needed. She was a little impressed.
"I've known him for years," Raeger explained, struggling with the rusted lock. It creaked in protest, giving way with a solid thwack. "You should probably stay out here though. He checks the cameras every morning and I'll get shit for bringing someone with me."
Maya glanced around the alley, but bit her tongue.
"I'll just be a minute," Raeger promised, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. Maya gave him a smile that didn't quite touch her eyes as he disappeared behind the ancient door. It swung shut with a solid clang, and suddenly Maya felt very cold.
"I'm being ridiculous," she told herself, walking a few paces and stopping in front of the cleanest section of wall she could find. She leaned against it, arms wrapped around her torso, and took in her surroundings.
They weren't that far from the road, really. Only a couple of meters out of sight of people walking past, not that there were many. The glow from the streetlamps edged into the mouth of the alley enough to illuminate most of it, and she would certainly see if someone decided to poke their head in here.
Maya took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. She was just being paranoid of course; her mother had put the fear of Goddess in her when she moved to the city, even gave her a rape whistle, and as much as Maya wanted to deny that her mother's ramblings had affected her, her pounding heart said otherwise.
Raeger would be back any second, and as soon as she saw him Maya knew she'd feel silly. Nothing terrible ever happened around here anyway. What was she afraid of?
"Hey."
Maya jumped a full foot away from the voice, her heart clamouring to escape her throat. She clutched her chest until her knuckles turned white, blinking in the direction of the voice.
"Sorry," a gruff looking man coughed in her direction. "Didn't mean to scare you."
Maya let out a gust of breath, mentally berating herself for her foolishness.
"No, no," she dismissed quickly, trying to slow her heart. "That wasn't your fault. Can I help you with something?"
The man stepped closer to her. He'd emerged from the back of the alley, where another entrance was hidden in shadow. Maya tried a smile, but the action felt brittle on her cold lips.
"I'm looking for the coffee shop," he explained, his eyes burrowing into hers. They were pale blue, and hard as ice. It was the only colour on him- his hair was grey, his clothes black and tattered. He looked homeless, or at least incredibly poor.
"Um, I think it's around the corner," Maya answered shyly, jabbing her thumb in the opposite direction. The man nodded, but made no motion to leave.
"You'll see it if you just follow the main road," Maya tried again, edging towards the door that Raeger had disappeared into. The man shifted too, inching forward and cutting off her path.
Maya's heartbeat was drowning out all other sound. She was so close to civilisation, so close to other people, and yet she felt so utterly alone.
"My boyfriend can give you better directions," she tried, hoping to intimidate him into leaving her alone. She was probably overreacting, but she didn't like the blank look he was giving her, "he's on his way back now. Should only be a second."
The man didn't falter. Either he didn't believe her, or he didn't care. Maya was almost at the door, but the man was closer to it than she was. If she wanted to reach Raeger before he cut her off entirely, she'd have to practically throw herself at him. Maybe if she just-
Faster than she could scream, the man reached out and wrapped his cold fingers around her wrist, yanking her further into the darkness of the alley. Maya struggled against him, trying desperately to strike him away.
"Shut up," he growled, and she realised she'd been screaming. She didn't listen, crying louder in the hopes that someone would hear.
"I said shut up," the man grumbled, sounding more annoyed than threatening. He threw her towards the brick wall, barely reacting as she slammed into it with a sickening thud.
"Leave me alone!" Maya commanded, striking out at him. Her knuckle clipped his bicep, but he simply readjusted his grip. She screamed again, kicking fiercely, refusing to give into him.
That was the worst thing she could do. If she stopped fighting, she would lose. If she just kept trying, there was at least a chance of-
Amidst her strangled yells, Maya heard the unmistakeable sound of a zipper being undone.
Ok, so I kind of lied a little about the super light chapter thing right at the end there… my bad.
(Note for those of you triggered by sexual assault: there will be none of that in this story. Promise.)
Follow, Favourite, Review!