I descend the stairs and head over to the dining room. I take some sheets and runners from the drawers. The pile sits in my arms as I make my way outside the house. I reach the sad, quiet lawn of the Heelshire's house. I start setting up a round table in the middle of the gazeebo, along with two chairs, and lay the white sheet on the table. I drape a runner on top then place a candle at the middle.
My hand run along the top of the table, smoothing out the wrinkles, making sure everything looks nice.
The dinner's tonight. I wasn't nervous at all, but the moment I realize that I might get a chance to see him...I get butterflies. I'm not so sure if it's the good kind or the bad kind of butterflies.
But somehow, I feel okay. A smile creeps on my face, I feel okay. I'm okay. It's gonna be okay.
I look up from the lawn and to the top window of the house, supposedly my room. Something inside me tells me that someone's in there, but I can't really see anything. The window's locked and covering most of my vision of my room. All I see is a reflection of the outside. But I have a feeling that there's someone.
My attention is diverted to the loud crow who just passed by. I sigh and continue to make my way back in the house.
My fingertips run over the seams of my dress, "Finally gonna wear you, now." I smirk. Never thought I'd wear my favorite black dress for this reason. I have this weird sentimental mindset.
It's just that clothes are amazing. They help a person express themselves, and also help them disguise themselves and turn themselves into something they aren't. It's all about identity, and it's also a need.
I shake my head. I'm zoning out again.
I go inside the shower now then close my eyes as I allow myself to savor the warm water pouring over me.
Will he be there?
I shake my head again. Stop.
He'll show himself. He'll show himself.
I pull all my hair in one hand and push them to one side as I stare at how the dress looks on me. The halter top fit my torso and hugs my curves, as well as the skirt. It's not too formal, not too casual.
I turn around and reach for the door, hoping he'd show himself. "Please." I mutter under my breath, my eyes closed.
I light the candles and straighten out the runner on the table. I glance down at my dress, making sure I'm okay.
Everything's okay.
Why am I so nervous? Well, obviously, because I'm meeting up with a stranger.
Am I nervous, though? Or am I excited?
I sit on the chair, waiting for him. It's almost 8pm. I left a note in Brahm's room with the words "meet me at eight at the gazebo" so that's enough details for the first date. Enough effort, too. All of this feels weird, but it also...it also feels so right to finally clear things up.
I glance at my silver wrist watch and see that it's 2 minutes to 8pm. I align the pasta-filled plates. I align the empty goblet glasses. I align the wine bottle next to the candles. Everything's good.
Damn, it's been a while since I've dated someone. I never thought my next date would be a blind date. Funny how I never thought I'd be in this position a few weeks ago.
Never thought my life would be this interesting.
It's 8:15 pm.
He's just probably getting the predate jitters. Like I am. But the difference is, I'm here, ready to take on whatever surprise is thrown at me. And he's probably hiding somewhere, probably in the attic or something.
I tell myself to be patient.
8:16 pm. I'm gonna be patient. I eye the wine bottle.
It's okay. He can take his time.
8:21 pm. I suddenly have the urge to look up the windows of the house. The lights are on. I kept them on so I could somehow see a silhouette of him walking down the stairs, and hopefully going over here. But there's no sign yet.
I become aware of the sound the crickets are producing around me. I realize how dark it is around us, except the gazebo, where our table is. I purchased some Christmas lights from the store earlier today with some of my little money just to spice things up. I allowed the lights to dangle above and around the table, just to make everything bright this late at night.
8:29 pm. I've opened the bottle of wine and drank a bit. I only filled 1/5 of my glass or so. Just to waste some time waiting for him.
I decide to stand up from the seat. My ass is aching. I chuckle. I walk away from the gazebo. It's dark out here, and it's cold. I suddenly feel one drop of water fall on my bare arm. I glance at my arm, then up the sky. Another drop falls on my face. It's starting to rain again.
My face falls in my hands and I sigh then laugh.
Did I really think he'd come?
Whatever I asked for is clearly impossible. Did I really expect him to come over, reveal himself over dinner? Might as well show up with some flowers and chocolates then give me a peck on the cheek.
I laugh at my own stupidity. No, idiocy. Because I am a complete idiot.
I shake my head and turn around to go back to the gazebo to get my things and call it a night. But before I walk, I turn around and shout out to the universe, but really, at the house for him to hear "You could've said no!" I shake my head, "A rejection would have been better."
"Instead of you making me wait for shit." I say a little lower than my voice. My eyes are glued to the windows, and it suddenly focuses on my room window. I see a figure of a man.
It's him.
It has to be him.
That asshole.
He just watched me look like an idiot.
I blink once and realize he's gone. Oh he is definitely not going anywhere.