First Date Jitters
The Conclusion!

As Angie awakened on Saturday morning, she knew this day was one of the most important in her life. That evening she was about to take part on her very first date. She already started to feel very nervous when the warm sun touched her face. "I can't believe it…this is it. Today's the day. I'm just…worried. Maybe I can get some help from Mom and Dad."
She got into her meditative position and started breathing deeply and calmly in order to reach out to her deceased parents spiritually. "Mom…Dad," she whispered. "I need some advice from you…can you help me be calmer for tonight?"
Deep in her mind, she found herself in the living room of her family home with her parents once more.
Robert patted her on the shoulder. "Feeling nervous, honey?"
"Yes, Dad. I don't know if I can go through with it."
"It's okay. Most people going on first dates are nervous enough, making sure every detail is right. In fact, don't be surprised if Victor himself is anxious also."
"I figure most guys were prepared. No offense, Dad."
"None taken, Angie," he laughed. "Believe me, I was probably more nervous than Nancy when our first date came along. I had to double check everything."
Nancy then added, "So did I. I wanted my hair to be perfect, my dress to look exactly the way it should, the earrings, the make-up, everything just had to be just right…but you know not everything did. I just hope we don't end up jinxing you about it."
"Mom, if something does go wrong, I won't blame it on you or my darker shadow. It's Ronald Sikes I'd like to get my hands on. Of course, that may not happen because Victor sidetracked him with the wrong location."
"That's right. He told that man Sikes your date was at the Croesus Palace. But, what will you do for your part?"
"I'm going to tell Mona, who can then inform her father…Black Jack. I have a pretty good idea he can take it from there." She then gave a rather wicked smile.
"Oooh, you're becoming a sneaky little devil, aren't you?"
"Yeah. My darkness needs some freedom to move."
Robert quickly answered, "I agree. Ronald Sikes has been nothing less than a vulture searching for its prey."
"I know. Paparazzo was bad, but Sikes is a lot worse."
"Now, back to your situation, Angie. I know you're very nervous and very excited about tonight, but just remember not to expect anything. Let everything play by ear."
"And don't worry if anything goes wrong," added Nancy. "Just think of it as part of the lesson."
"I like the advice. Thanks, Mom and Dad. I just need to stop worrying so much and go one step at a time. It all starts this morning with my hair at 10. The guys will have to go without me cooking lunch and dinner."
"What did they say?" asked Robert curiously.
"Well, Cosmo didn't take it too well at first, but Ace reminded him about tonight, so he eventually accepted."
Nancy laughed and said, "Anyway, we know you have a big day ahead of you, so we want to wish you well. We'll be watching over you as always."
Angie hugged her parents lovingly. "Thank you."
Returning to reality, she opened her eyes and calmly walked to the kitchen to cook up a special breakfast. "Let's see, French toast with a touch of cinnamon, eggs benedict, and the fluffiest pancakes they've ever had." Gathering the ingredients, she got herself to work on making a good meal for her friends. "Oh, I need to give Zina something, too. Perhaps some extra lean bacon? No, no. Zina's a predator, too. She needs some meat." She went to check the refrigerator for anything. "Ah, here we go. This thick sirloin should satisfy her breakfast needs."
After cooking was completed, she thought, Ace…wake everyone up, please. Breakfast is ready.
When Ace heard her telepathic message in his room, he quickly sat up on his bed. Thanks, Angie. I'll have everyone there in less than five minutes.
Sure enough, everyone enjoyed her exceptional breakfast.
"Angie," said Cosmo happily with his mouth full of egg, "this is the best eggs benedict I've ever had!"
"Aww," blushed the chef. "You're just saying that."
"No, he means it," said Ace, "and so do I. This is the best breakfast you've done yet. Of course, today is a special day. What time do you have to be at Madame Scalia's?"
"10. I'm gonna make sure my hair comes out right. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, we'll be fine. This is your day, Angie. Take as much advantage of it as you possibly can."
"Thanks, Ace. Cosmo, are you gonna be—"
"Hey, I can go without lunch and dinner from you for a day or two. Like, have fun today. Don't worry about a thing."
"Okay. You're right. Oh, and there's one little thing I need to ask Mona."
The Magician eyed her with arousing curiosity. "What is it?"
"Let's just say her father's going to be involved heavily."
"Angie…you're really being a little wicked, but I think it's good."

A couple of hours later, Angie and Mona arrived at Madame Scalia's Hair Salon, where Angie would get her special style done by Madame Scalia herself.
"Ah, welcome," said the owner and professional stylist. "You must be Angela."
Angie shook the hand of a truly gifted hairstylist. "It's nice to meet you, Madame Scalia. You're the one fixing my hair for tonight, right?"
"Yes, my friend. After Mona showed me the printout on Wednesday, I made sure everything was ready for you today. I promise your hair will be a knockout."
"I appreciate you doing this, Madame Scalia. Boy, I'm getting extremely nervous about tonight."
"I understand. A first date is to be special, but it has been watched closely by everyone, including those awful reporters."
"Don't worry," said Mona with a smirk. "Victor said the wrong location about the date."
"Which reminds me, Mona," interrupted Angie. "I need to ask you something. Does your father, um, like Sikes?"
"No, Father likes Sikes 100 times less than Paparazzo. Sikes pushes that ethical envelope at times. Why?"
"Victor told Sikes my date was going to be at the Croesus Palace."
Mona's eyes widened. "I see."
"I hope you don't mind—"
"Are you kidding? It's downright perfect! He'll never know the truth until it's too late. While Madame Scalia does your hair, I'll let Father know about the situation."
"Thanks, Mona. I was worried you'd be mad at me after how I reacted to your song."
"Angie, you had every right to be upset with me last week. Now, you enjoy your hair while I contact Father."
As Madame Scalia got to work on Angie's hair, Mona went to her car to telephone her father at the Croesus Palace. "Father?"
In the main office on the top floor, "Black Jack" Malone heard his daughter's voice. "Mona? Is something wrong?"
"No, but how would you like to get a chance to humiliate Ronald Sikes?"
Jack's blue face showed a wicked smile. "Humiliate him? I have been waiting for that opportunity for a long time. How?" After being told about the details, he smirked, "Very clever. I think it's the perfect idea. He needs to be punished severely, and humiliation is just what he deserves. I'll have things arranged here for him. I also know he will probably bring his boss Victoria Corliss here to prove himself. She needs to get her just desserts, too. Tell Angie and Victor thank you for me."
"I will, Father. Thanks for helping out on this."
"In this case, I'm glad I can help." After the line disconnected, he called in Spade, Diamond, and Clockwise. "Boys, Ronald Sikes and Victoria Corliss will be here tonight. Clockwise, let them enter. They believe that Angela Jacobs and Victor Raven's first date will be here. I want to personally humiliate them both myself. Then you will both have the honor of throwing them out as soon as I tell them the truth."
Spade became curious. "Will you tell them where Jacobs and Raven are really at?"
"Maybe I shouldn't. I would rather see them cringe in desperation for the story on Monday morning."
Diamond chuckled. "That's brilliant, boss."
"Thank Victor Raven for telling Sikes the wrong location and Angie Jacobs for letting Mona know, which in turn alerted me. I am part of this big plan against those two people from The Inquisitive. Shall we go ahead and prepare a scrumptious meal for them tonight?"
The crime boss and his lackeys laughed very hard, seeing that everything for their part of the plan would not fail.

A couple of hours later, Angie's hair was done.
"Ah, Miss Jacobs," said Madame Scalia happily. "Look in the mirror."
The female magician did so and became very excited. "This is…wonderful! It's just the way I wanted it! Very wavy and lots of body! Madame Scalia, thank you!"
"It was an honor doing your hair, Miss Jacobs."
Mona nodded in delight. "Angie, your hair is definitely right for tonight. Victor will not believe his eyes!"
"I hope you're right, Mona." Turning to the owner herself, Angie said, "A job well done, Madame Scalia." She then paid in full with an extra 20% tip.
After receiving the money, Madame Scalia said, "Thank you, Angela. If you ever need me for a special hairstyle for a special occasion, let me know."
"I will. Thanks again."
When the pair left the salon, on-lookers found themselves in surprise.
"Um, excuse me," said one woman, "but who is your friend?"
Mona answered, "A good friend of mine who's about to have her first date tonight."
The two then went to Mona's car and left for home.
"Wow, just seven hours left," Angie stated with her nerves slightly increasing.
"Don't worry, Angie, everything will be fine. Just have faith."
Meanwhile, at the Raven home, Victor felt more nervous than Angie. "Wow…so close now."
His father came into the living room. "Victor, relax. Things will go fine tonight, I promise."
"I know, Dad. I'm sorry, I think I'm more nervous about this than Angie is."
"Hey, just take it easy. Tonight will prove to be a most memorable night for you and Angie, no matter what happens."
Victor took a deep breath and beamed with calm. "I hope you're right, Dad. This means a lot to me. Angie's the first girl I can honestly say I truly love. Her spirit is so…"
"Alive, real, and true," his father completed calmly. "She loves you for you and vice versa. To the two of you, celebrity status means nothing. Your true love for each other is what will make it work."
"Thanks, Dad. I feel a little better."
For both Angie and Victor, the closer the time came, the more nervous they both became.
At about 5:00, Angie changed into her evening gown, the one she had chosen earlier in the week. She made some adjustments to her hair to make sure the body was still there when she would meet Victor.

Angie looked at the clock in the living room as she paced very nervously. "I've never been this anxious in my life, not since high school graduation."
Ace stood up and said, "Take it easy, Angie. It's 6:30 right now. Victor should be here any minute."
Soon enough, Angel made an announcement. "Victor Raven is standing by at the door."
"Let him in please."
Victor entered through the front door and found Angie in the living room. He gasped in complete surprise at how she looked with her wavy hair and sparkling blue evening gown. "Angela…you look so beautiful this evening."
Angie looked into Victor's eyes and said, "You look more handsome than ever."
He then took something out from behind his back. "For you, a beautiful bouquet of roses to match your true beauty inside and out."
She took the bouquet from her first true love. "They are beautiful."
"Oh, and I have something else in the car. It's a special corsage for this occasion."
The last corsage brought very painful memories to the female magician. This time, though, she calmly said, "Thank you, Victor."
Ace noticed the change in her. Angie's not frightened about the corsage anymore. That means she really is healing. This is your night to shine, Angie. Just go for it.
Victor took Angie's hand and looked at her friends. "Ace, I'll make sure she comes home safely tonight."
"I have complete trust in you, Victor. Don't worry." He then thought to Angie, I won't go through your mind or heart. This is very intimate, and we have our inner agreement.
Yes, we do. Only in emergencies do we contact each other. I just hope I don't lose control tonight.
You won't. Just have faith. Now, have a good time, and we'll see you at home.
"Well, I'm off to the Planet Electric for the evening. See you guys later on tonight."
"Okay," said Cosmo, "now, like, go on already. You're gonna be late."
Victor escorted Angie to his car and gave her the corsage. "Here it is."
"It's beautiful, Victor," she said as she noticed the pure red rose. She used her magic to levitate the corsage over her left wrist. "I'm ready now."
As soon as he helped her into the car, the pair took off for the Planet Electric.

Meanwhile at the head office of The Inquisitive, there were only two people there: Victoria Corliss and Ronald Sikes.
"This is it, Sikes," said Corliss wickedly. "We'll have the exclusive scoop on Jacobs and Raven's first date on the newsstands first thing Monday morning."
"Yeah, really dumb of that Raven guy to tell us where their date would be…at the Croesus Palace."
The two were dressed formally and went to Victoria's expensive car and left for the casino.
"Just think, boss. We've got the story of the year right here!"
"That's right, and nobody can stop us this time!"
They soon arrived at the Croesus Palace and parked across the street.
"Got that special camera ready, Sikes?"
"Yup. It's concealed inside the second button of my dress shirt."
Across the way, Spade and Diamond noticed them approaching.
"Here they come," said Diamond in his watch to Clockwise.
The right-hand man said, "Very well. Let them in with no incident. I will lead them to the…special table."
When the two walked up to the door, Corliss did all the talking. "Yes, Victoria Corliss and Ronald Sikes. We're here…with Angela Jacobs and Victor Raven."
Diamond acted like he understood. "Of course, Miss Corliss. You and Mr. Sikes may enter."
When the pair walked by the two bodyguards, Sikes was surprised. "I thought they wouldn't let us in."
"Ha, they knew about the story with Jacobs and Raven."
Entering the lobby, they soon faced Clockwise.
The lawyer and accountant knew what to do. "Ah, welcome, both of you. Please follow me to the special table." The fools, they don't know anything at all.
Clockwise led the two to the table close to the window and near the stage.
"What a perfect place to see them," whispered Sikes. "Raven and Jacobs will surely be able to dance up there on stage, and I can get some wicked shots of 'em in action."
"You sure can. Only thing is…where are they?"
"Probably not here yet. Most dates are never on time."
"I guess. Since they're going to end up paying for our bill anyhow, let's eat."
The maître d' gave them their menus in order to decide just what expensive meals they wanted.

Meanwhile, five minutes before 7:00, Victor and Angie arrived at the front door of the Planet Electric.
They soon exited the car and allowed the parking valet to take care of the vehicle.
Victor put out his arm and said, "Shall we go in, Angie?"
"Of course." She wrapped her arm into his, and they walked into the restaurant itself.
They came up to the front, where the maître d' said, "Good evening. Can I help you?"
"Yes, sir," said Victor. "Victor Raven and Angela Jacobs."
"Ah, yes. Your special booth is ready, Mr. Raven. If you and Miss Jacobs would follow me, please."
The pair came up to a special booth in the center of the restaurant.
"Wow, this is it?" asked Angie curiously.
"Yes, this is the booth I reserved. It stood up for us."
"Whew, I'm glad." After being helped into the booth by Victor, she said, "This place is very nice."
"Thanks. I'm happy you like it. You'll like the grab-bag menu, too."
"Okay, I think I will."
The maître d' brought them both their menus. "Here you go. Take your time in choosing your meals."
She then noticed how long the menu was. "Wow, what a list of foods. I may have a hard time choosing."
"Angie, I need to ask you something. Do you drink wine or champagne?"
"Uh, no…never had either in my entire life."
"Well, how about milkshakes?"
"Milkshakes? Homemade and not like the fast-food places?"
"That's right. Would you like that?"
"Sure. I love homemade milkshakes, particularly chocolate skim milk with vanilla ice cream. That's my favorite."
Victor nodded. "Very well. One milkshake made for two. Now, choose your meal carefully."
After it took about 10 minutes of carefully eyeing everything on the menu, she finally came to a decision while Victor had already done it five minutes earlier.
Angie felt slightly embarrassed by the long selection time. "Most of this I've never had, but I did spot something familiar."
"That's okay. Considering you barely eat out at all, I can understand you don't know a lot of these dishes."
The maître d' came back and asked if they had decided on their meals for the evening.
"I would like linguine pasta with scallops and meatballs," said Victor.
Angie stated, "I would like to have the chicken shrimp chow mein, please."
"Very well. And for a drink?"
They looked at each other, and then Victor said, "Homemade milkshake with chocolate skim milk and vanilla ice cream. Two straws in one shake."
"Of course." He then took the menus. "Our appetizer special tonight is mildly hot wings, coming to you in about five minutes."
"Thank you," said Angie. "I apologize for taking so long in choosing a dish."
After he left, Victor laughed some. "Angie, don't worry about anything. We're going to have a good date. I really don't think anything could go wrong."
"I know. In fact, Sikes and his boss should start to wonder why we're not at the Croesus Palace yet. And to sweeten things, Black Jack will take care of them in an orderly fashion in the next few minutes."
"You're being a sneaky one tonight, Angie."
"Sneaky is as sneaky does."

A half-an-hour later, Corliss and Sikes sat at their table and ate their expensive meals, yet wondered where Angie and Victor were.
"I don't get it," said Corliss suspiciously. "Are you sure Raven said it was here at the Croesus Palace?"
"Yes, he said so himself. I got it out of him earlier this week. There was no way he could've lied about it."
Clockwise kept an eye on them from the front desk. "Boss, they're beginning to grow impatient."
In his office, Jack had decided enough was enough. "Very well, Clockwise. The boys and I will be there shortly."
Soon, all four of them were at the table.
Black Jack himself spoke for the entire group. "So, are you enjoying your meals?"
"Yes, we are," said Corliss, "but we were supposed to have two other people in our group."
"You mean Victor Raven and Angela Jacobs?"
"And just how did you know that?" Corliss questioned. "Is this all a set-up or something?"
"To tell you the truth…yes. This has all been a very well-coordinated set-up. Raven completely lied to you about the location. He and Miss Jacobs aren't here."
Corliss looked at Sikes with a furious face. "How could you have not verified it first!?" She then turned to Jack. "Do you know where they are right now?"
"Maybe, but I'm going to let you find out for yourselves. I have a right to keep that information private."
Sikes jumped out of his chair and started yelling at the owner. "No, you don't! We have every right to know where they are!"
"You, Sikes, are in no demand to force anything from me. Spade, Diamond…"
"With pleasure, boss," said Diamond wickedly as he grabbed Corliss's arm.
"Get your hands off me!" Corliss screamed. "You can't do this to me! I am the editor-in-chief!"
Spade took a hold of Sikes, who himself struggled to get free. "Hey! The public has the right to know the truth! We'll sue you for every cent you've got!"
Clockwise wisely said, "Go ahead. You will lose anyhow, like you have on a number of occasions. And one other thing, you owe more than $150 for your meal, which we expect within a week."
As Sikes and Corliss were dragged to the front door, everyone in the restaurant area laughed at them.
Spade and Diamond cordially threw them out by pushing them backwards.
Fortunately, the two Inquisitive people only staggered backwards and did not fall down the long stairway.
"And stay out!" yelled Spade and Diamond as they walked back into the Croesus.
Inside, Jack felt very satisfied. "Serves them right."
As for Corliss and Sikes, Corliss was none too pleased with what had happened. "Sikes, I oughtta fire you for not doing this right! Now how are we ever going to get the jump on Jacobs and Raven when we don't even know where they are!?"
Sikes actually stood up for himself and said, "I'll tell you what we're gonna do! We're gonna check every damn restaurant until we find them!"
Corliss was shocked by his sudden backbone. "Now you're being a real reporter…someone who isn't afraid to stand up to me when the going gets tough. Now come on, we still have time to find the two lovebirds."
They took off in Corliss's car to check out the swankiest restaurants in Electro City, hoping one of them had Angela Jacobs and Victor Raven as guests.

An hour later at the Planet Electric, Victor and Angie had finished their food and shared their milkshake.
"Victor, this was delicious."
"Good. I'm glad you enjoyed the meal. And you were right about the milkshake. It's really good."
Then, they heard a slow song and decided to get themselves onto the dance floor.
"Um, can you help me, Victor? I've never really done a slow dance before."
"Of course, Angie. I'll lead, you follow."
The pair started slow-dancing, feeling closer than ever before.
Angie wandered into deep thought. Victor, can you read my mind? I mean, do I have to say I love you, or can you tell? I've never felt so…comfortable in my life. I've kept myself closed for so long, and then you entered my life. You are…my first true love. I really love you.
Victor also pondered deeply. Angela, you're just the third girl I've ever had in my life, but you are the first genuine girl I've ever known. You are truly beautiful, inside and out. You let me be there for you when you suffered through your darkest times. You are not alone and never will be. I love you with every beat of my heart.
The two then closed their eyes and kissed passionately, creating an aura of electricity around them. This kiss lasted about a minute, but between them it felt like an eternity.
When they finally let go, Angie said, "That's…the warmest I've ever felt."
"You deserve happy moments, after all the pain and tragedy you've been through."
The female magician smiled and had a small tear come from her right eye. "I'm sorry, it's just I've never felt this happy before."
"I understand, Angie. I'm glad you're letting me be a part of it."
She then hugged him tightly. "Victor…don't let go, please."
The two felt their intimacy could last a lifetime…that is, until they heard a gunshot hit the chandelier on the ceiling.
The attachment to the chandelier quickly came undone and started falling towards Victor and Angie!
"Hang on, Victor!" Angie yelled as she put her right hand straight up and concentrated her magic on stopping the large chandelier from hitting them. After managing to slow it about 10 feet above them, she started feeling the strain. "Victor, I can't use any magic to get us away from it while I'm holding this thing up…pull me out of the way, fast!"
He ran with her out of the way so the chandelier could crash safely to the floor without anyone getting hurt.
After they took shelter underneath a table, Victor was worried. "Angie, are you all right?"
"Yeah…just tired. What the heck's going on here!?"
Two men in masks appeared close to the front door of the restaurant. "All right," said one of them, "this is a stick-up! Everyone get all your valuables out right now!"
While most people were doing what they were told, Angie started panting in anger. "I don't believe this," she said in subtle fury. "This was supposed to be the night of my life, and these two hooligans are going to ruin it for not only us but also for everyone else here!"
Victor started noticing her body glow in her light-blue aura while her eyes were changing to the same color. "Angie…are you all right?"
"No, Victor, I'm not. I am very angry. Being bumped by a manager is one thing, but it's different when crooks decide to wreck everything!"
Back at the Magic Express, Ace and the others were relaxing in the living room while watching Casablanca.
Just when it reached the climax, Ace jolted his head forward. "Ahhh…"
Cosmo noticed very quickly. "Dude, what's going on?"
"Angie…she's starting to lose control. Something must've happened at the Planet Electric."
There, she bordered on rage, similar to her time in Washington. "You two-bit jerks!" she said loudly as she stood up. "This is supposed to be my special night, but you came along and wrecked everything!" Her hair started flowing in the electricity of her power. "I'm going to make sure you don't cause any more trouble!" She spun around and glowed brightly as she yelled, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!" The second she emerged in her costume, she directed her anger towards the two criminals.
The other of the criminals shouted, "Don't you move another step, or we shoot!"
Her eyes still glowing in anger, she said, "Not if I enclose the two of you in a little barrier where you can't shoot anyone except yourselves!" She focused her magic on the pair only and encased them in the small barrier.
One of the crooks on the inside screamed, "No, you fool! You'll get us killed!"
Within her soul, her darker self made contact. Angie, you'd better consider where you are right now.
She realized the situation. Uh-oh, you're right. If I don't take this outside, an innocent person could get hurt by either a stray bullet or my magic. Thanks. "Maître d', open the front door please. I've got to take this mess outside the restaurant before someone gets in harm's way."
He nodded in understanding and ran to the front door to open it. "Okay, Miss Jacobs."
"Thanks. Now, for all of you in here, please do not follow me outside. This could get ugly, and someone could get hurt." She then looked at Victor. "I'm sorry, but I don't want you getting hurt, either."
"I understand…just be careful, Angie."
The female magician was about seven feet behind the criminals as she moved them out of the restaurant and into an open area across the street, away from drivers and pedestrians. "Now that we're out of the way where it's just the two of you against me, I'll just let you down." She let up the barrier, which dropped them the 10 feet downward and made them land hard on the ground.
The two thieves looked at her with their own anger.
"You think you can thwart us, little girl?" asked one of them.
Angie did not take that comment particularly well. "Little girl? Little girl!? You fools really think I'm a little girl!? I'm going to make you both suffer for ruining my first date!" Her eyes started glowing again, as her anger returned. "This was supposed to be the most important night of my life, and you decide to wreck everything! Now you will face my wrath!" She directed her angered magic at the two criminals and made them float at least 20 feet off the ground this time.
Back at the Express, Ace could feel Angie's pure rage growing. "She'll lose control unless I can get through to her." He closed his eyes and telepathically reached out to his female counterpart. Angie…Angie…can you hear me?
Angie's anger continued growing further towards fury when she heard Ace's calm mental voice. Ace?
You're losing control again. Remember what I've taught you. Channel your anger.
Her darker self also spoke from within. He's right. Now listen to me. You're accepting the fact you're extremely angry, right?
Yes, Angie thought, I am angry…I am not denying that fact. They destroyed my special night, and they should suffer for it!
They should, but remember what you almost did to Dr. Collins. You need to channel that anger and create something positive, just like you've been learning from Ace.
I'm…not sure…I can.
Find the darkest thing you see. Remember that line I said about "from the darkness you fear comes your rescue"?
Yes, I remember. To reach the light, I have to understand the dark. The guns. I don't want to see those guns. She used her right hand to make the guns leave the crooks' holsters, and then floated them about two feet in front of her. "Something positive," she whispered. Soon, the two guns transformed into two single red roses, to remind her of the bouquet Victor had given her earlier in the evening.
Within minutes, police units had arrived on the scene, with Lieutenant Vega leading the team. "I don't believe it," he gasped as he stepped out of the car. "Angie's got them wrapped up for us."
She found herself calming down again after she was able to channel her fury away from her heart.
Vega then came up to her. "Angie, you all right?"
Taking a deep breath, she calmly answered, "I am now. I almost lost control again."
"Well, you kept enough control to take it outside the Planet Electric and keep anyone from getting hurt." He then looked at the pair of criminals still levitated in the air. "That's them all right. They're responsible for a rash of fancy restaurant robberies, but they don't work for either Black Jack or Sonny Boy. Would you mind putting them down, um, gently?"
"Of course." She moved them to within two feet of the ground and released the magic, causing them to fall hard to the ground for the second time in less than five minutes. "Who are they then?"
"Obviously a pair who thought they could break themselves into the big time. Unfortunately, that didn't work, thanks to you." He then turned to his group of officers. "Take them in and book them on robbery and attempted robbery."
"You better add attempted assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. One of them shot the wiring holding the chandelier, and it nearly took Victor and me." She then made the two guns reappear in her right hand. "Here's evidence."
Vega took out a plastic bag for Angie to float them into it. "Thank you, Angie. I think I will. Add those charges, please."
In the middle of the commotion, Victor ran outside. "Angie!"
She quickly turned. "Victor!" She ran to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry, Victor. I nearly lost it."
"It's all right, Angie," he said calmly. "You're only beginning your healing process. It's going to take time, patience, and…love. You've got plenty of support behind you."
The female magician gave a light smile. "Yeah, I do. I've got support from everywhere around me."
Victor then looked at her. "Angie, I know this didn't end up the way we really wanted it to be, but…I still had a fantastic time with you tonight."
"R-really?" she said in complete surprise.
"Yes. Angie, there's something I need to tell you now, and I'll understand if you get upset with me."
"What do you mean?"
"I've had two previous girlfriends in my life."
Angie just smiled at him. "Why would I be mad? You're the son of a prominent businessman. I thought you'd have more girlfriends than that."
The pair laughed heartily at each other with Victor saying, "Well, this is the first 'first date' I've ever had where a robbery was involved. You were also not scared to show how you really felt. You were true to yourself." He then noticed the scene. "Listen, you and I will probably have to issue a statement at the station tomorrow, but until then, may I…escort you home?"
"I'd like that, but I'd rather do it—" She enveloped herself in her cape and spun around, changing out of her crimefighting costume. "—in the dress I wore for the evening."
"Of course. Ace probably knows all the robbery details."
"He would…we're bonded by magic, remember?"
The two held each other closely and walked back to Victor's car. Angie was ready to go home for the night, but she would always remember their first date for the journey and the end.

Corliss and Sikes continued looking for Angie and Victor when they came across the action at the Planet Electric.
"This must be where they are!" shouted Sikes. "Come on, let's get that scoop!"
Corliss ran up to Vega and frantically stated, "Lieutenant Vega, we're looking for Angela Jacobs and Victor Raven. Are they here?"
"They were here, but they already left for the evening."
"I don't believe it!" screamed Corliss angrily. "We lost the scoop! Now what are we gonna publish on Monday!?"
"Why not this story? Angela Jacobs single-handedly captured the two criminals responsible for four restaurant robberies."
"This is not the story we wanted!"
"Well, if you don't have a story on Monday, this won't look good for your tabloid."
"Come on, Sikes, we'd better come up with something before tomorrow."
They left feeling flustered after missing out on the best story of the year.

Victor and Angie returned safely to the Magic Express, after an unforgettable evening.
He walked her to the door. "Despite everything, this is the best first date I've had in my life, and I have you to thank for it."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. The robbery just added to the excitement. I just hope our future dates never go through something like that."
Angie laughed. "Yeah, no kidding. I did have a wonderful time, even though the robbers almost got the better of me."
"Look, healing takes time, and you're not going to be in complete control at every given moment. You'll get through this in time." He then gave her a kiss on the mouth. "I have to go. Dad needs me tomorrow for work. Oh, and just 15 more hours, and I'll finally have the riding school open."
"Great. I look forward to being your first student. Good night, Victor…and thanks for a memorable evening."
"We'll cherish this for a long time. We'll figure out what to do next soon enough, okay?"
"Okay."
"I'll call you tomorrow. Good night." He drove off in his car, ending an unforgettable evening for himself and Angie.
She entered the Magic Express to the relief of her closest friends.
"Angie," said Ace as he came up to hug her, "I'm so glad you're all right. You had us worried for a little while."
"I almost lost it. If I had, I don't even want to think about the consequences."
"Maybe, but you took the situation outside before someone could get hurt. You're coming along just fine with your darker shadow."
"I know. I want my darker self to be a part of me. I don't feel rotten when I just express myself, even in anger."
Cosmo smiled as he petted Zina. "It's cool, Ang. We all have those days of, like, being angry with the world."
Ace then said, "We heard from Mona about Sikes and Corliss being at the Croesus, where Jack threw them both out."
"Good! That's just what I hoped would happen. I wonder what Monday's headline will be."
"Who cares?" said Cosmo jokingly. "I'm ready for bed."
"So am I, Cosmo. I'm so tired."
With that, they all turned in for the night, and Angie would always remember her special night.
As she drifted off to sleep, she quietly said, "Thanks, darker shadow. I couldn't have done this without you."
You did most of the work. I just made sure you showed your true feelings. Sleep well…

Monday morning, The Inquisitive hit the newsstands, but the headline was nothing like what the reporters there had hoped. The main headline was Female Magician Thwarts Fancy Crime Spree. It showed Corliss and Sikes looking rather stupid while talking with Lieutenant Vega.
Corliss was completely embarrassed by the look on her face. "Honestly, I never thought I would be so disgraced in the search for two celebrities. Our night was pure hell."
"Maybe, but next time, we'll get the inside scoop before anyone else does."
"We'd better…because if not, you may find yourself out of a job!" She then slammed her office door in his face.
Ronald Sikes realized his job was now in danger because he could not get the big story on a female magician and a prominent businessman's son's first date. All the better, since everything worked out for everyone else…

Angie made it through her first date with Victor, even though she nearly lost control of her powers in her anger against the two criminals. Allowing her darker shadow freedom, she is on her way to healing her own soul. She also knows there will be obstacles ever so often. Fortunately, she has the love of all those close to her, living and deceased, at her side, which is a huge plus to her.