Chapter 3: The Ideas In His Mind
This is NOT their first date; this is about two years after they start dating. I know it's another HUGE jump forward, just bear with me, okay? I thought it was cute.
HERSHEL SAT AT the small, round, mahogany table, looking around at the restaurant's décor. He couldn't help but wonder if perhaps she wasn't coming. Maybe she'd forgotten? No, it's very unlike her to forget. Maybe she had... skipped out on him? No! She would never... Would she? Hershel shook his head vigorously. No. She wouldn't. She's just running late, that's all. He continued looking at the beautiful art on the walls, and the fabulous decorations on the tables, with the champagne-colored tablecloths and a small vase of roses. He'd brought his own, though; for her. He'd brought her a white one; he knew she'd love it. Speaking of "her"...
"Sorry I'm late!" Claire stammered. Hershel stood. "Oh, no, it's fine." He held out her chair, and she smiled, sitting down, and he did the same. "I got stuck in traffic. I thought I'd forget the place, but you sent me a text message with the address, didn't you?" Claire asked. Hershel nodded. "Right, then I wouldn't just forget it. It's very unlike me, you know." He smiled. "I know." They sat in silence for a moment, before Hershel plucked up the courage to say, "This is for you." He handed her the flower; a beautiful, fully-blossomed white rose; very rare in London. "Oh!" She exclaimed, taking the flower. "Hershel, it's beautiful! Thank you!" He blushed. "And, there's something else..." He went into his pocket and pulled out a gold pocket watch. It was in a small white box. He handed it to her. "What is it?" He smiled. "Open it and find out." She did, and gasped at what she saw. "Oh, it's just beautiful, Hershel!" He blushed a bit more noticeably. "Oh, do you really like it." Claire beamed. "I don't just like it... I love it! Thank you so much." He played with his thumbs. "Picking out the right gift can be... quite the puzzle." Claire giggled. "Lucky for me, every puzzle has an answer... Isn't that what you always say?" The two laughed for a moment. "Yes, well..." Hershel murmured. He played with a spot on the tablecloth for a moment before speaking. "I've been thinking..." Claire looked into his eyes. "Go on." He blushed again. "If I were... to get the... teaching job, then we-" He stopped. "Hmmm?" Claire hummed. He smiled, blushing yet again. "Oh! Erm..." He chuckled, "I'll tell you later." Claire giggled. "Come on now! Tell me more about these plans of yours!" By that time, their food had been ordered and had arrived at the table. "Oh, it was nothing." Hershel waved it away. "Now, let's eat before our food gets cold." Claire stopped him. "Hey! No fair, changing the subject!" She laughed. "What are you talking about?" Hershel smirked. "I did nothing of the sort!" He laughed, and so did she. "You most certainly did!"