Flare: Chapter 2-The Date- an excerpt

 

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 2: The Date)

Cher started her day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before heading off to work. As she assisted customers at her job, she couldn't help but notice Dolan entering the shop. He had a confident aura about him, dressed in a stylish black leather jacket, a white tee shirt, jeans, black high-top Reeboks, and sunglasses. A flirtatious smirk played on his lips, “I will have her,” he thought to himself as his eyes gazed at her curiously.

His intuition proved to be right, as Cher's hidden desires were not so hidden after all. Once the customer left, Dolan took the opportunity to approach Cher. “Wow, it’s a small world isn’t it,” she said, as she nervously chuckled, referring to Dolan's unexpected presence in the shop. However, deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that his appearance was not a mere coincidence. Unbeknownst to her, Dolan had done his homework and strategically chose to show up at her workplace occasionally, believing it would make it easier to persuade her to go out with him.

Cher's uncertainty about Dolan's intentions weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her feeling nervous and on edge.

"What time do you get off?" he asked.

"I get off at six," Cher replied, flashing a sly grin.

"I was thinking of taking you out for dinner. Would you like that?" he asked, almost as if seeking her approval, reminiscent of a vampire seeking permission to enter a home. He removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that seemed even greyer than usual. Cher brushed off the peculiarity, assuming he wore colored contact lenses. Little did she know, Dolan requires a virgin; it had been a decade since he last had one. 

A virgin's purity rejuvenates him, and the energy she emits would help replenish his vitality, his youthfulness. Dolan, who is one-hundred years old, has spent a lifetime hunting and siphoning human energy. Many women who crossed paths with him found themselves ensnared in his intricate web of deception. By the time they recognized the dire situation they were in, escape was but a distant dream, forever out of reach. Among the countless women he encountered, he had the power to transform some into energy vampires, while others met their untimely demise. Cher, with her enigmatic aura, could potentially follow the path of those unfortunate souls. Yet, there is an inexplicable allure that captivates him whenever he is in her presence. During their dinner, he will probe her with thought-provoking inquiries, attempting to unravel the depths of her being. Should she exhibit qualities of value, he will contemplate the possibility of bestowing upon her the gift of eternal life as an energy vampire.

 "I accept your offer for dinner," Cher murmured softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. A rosy blush crept up her cheeks, betraying her shyness. Dolan, with a keen sense of smell, detected her innocence and purity. Thoughts swirled in his mind, contemplating the possibility that she could be the one he had been searching for. A satisfied smirk danced across his face as he casually slipped on his sunglasses. "I will be at your place to pick you up at seven," he declared confidently. Cher reached into the pocket of her blue apron, retrieving a notepad to jot down her address. She handed it to him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Dolan's smile widened, resembling that of a predator ready to pounce on its prey. "I can’t wait for tonight," he said, just as another customer entered the shop. Stepping back, he allowed Cher to attend to the newcomer, a smirk lingering on his lips.

Before she could finish with the customer, Dolan had vanished into thin air, leaving her with a sense of disappointment. "And just like that, he disappears," she muttered under her breath, a hint of amusement in her voice. Cher couldn't shake off the mysterious allure of Dolan, wondering what the night would bring. As soon as her workday ended, she made her way home and decided to give her friend Maddie a call.

"Hey, you won't believe what happened!" she exclaimed excitedly.

 "What's going on?" Maddie asked eagerly, curious to hear Cher's news.

 "Dolan came by my workplace and asked me out. Isn't that amazing?" Cher shared her joy, though Maddie couldn't shake off her doubts about Dolan.

 "I'm happy for you Cher but just be careful. There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me," Maddie cautioned. Cher was feeling perplexed by Maddie's disapproval of Dolan. She couldn't understand why Maddie thought he wasn't a good match for her. "I can't explain it, but I just have a feeling," Maddie replied, trying to convey her concerns without revealing the real reason behind her unease. 

Maddie had seen Dolan chatting with a woman with blonde hair, and they appeared to have a close relationship. She didn't want to alarm Cher, especially since this was her first real date, and she had been sheltered by her parents for far too long. Cher had always carried an air of reserve when it came to interacting with men, displaying a clear shyness that was hard to miss.

This intriguing combination of traits has played a significant role in her remaining a virgin up until now. Moreover, her parents deeply ingrained conservative values have further reinforced this decision, as they firmly believe in the sanctity of marriage before any sexual encounter with the opposite sex.

Adding another layer to the equation, Cher's upbringing was heavily influenced by her parents' Catholic faith, which has undoubtedly shaped her perspective on relationships and sexuality. Maddie expressed surprise upon hearing that Cher and Dolan were going out that night.

“Well, just be careful, not just physically but emotionally.” Cher acknowledged Maddie's concern and assured her that she understood the importance of setting boundaries. "Well, I guess I get it. I haven't exactly had any experience in that department, so I'm not entirely sure how to handle things if it does happen," she admitted with a touch of sarcasm. "I just hope he's understanding enough to realize that.”

"If he doesn’t, then just forget about him," Maddie advised. Cher rolled her eyes and replied, "Wish me luck then," before hanging up the phone. With her parents both working late shifts, Cher knew she had a small window of time to make it home before her mom returned around midnight, followed by her dad at four in the morning. She plans on closing her door just in case she didn't make it back in time, hoping her mother would assume she was asleep and not open her door to check on her. Since Cher is the only child, her parents had always been protective of her. 

Cher prepared for the dinner date by putting on a stylish cotton silk black mini dress. To accessorize, she added a gold choker necklace adorned with adorable heart-shaped charms. Her matching gold dangle earrings swayed gently from her ears, while two black and white bangle bracelets adorned her wrist.

She added a pair of black three-inch heeled shoes on her feet and complementing the look was her gold Timex watch, a graduation gift from her parents years ago.

Dolan arrived punctually, adorned in a fashionable black leather jacket that exuded an air of sophistication. Beneath it, he wore a blue button-up shirt that perfectly complemented his attire, along with sleek black jeans that accentuated his masculine figure. With an air of confidence, he led the way to his pristine white Acura Integra RS, a symbol of his refined taste. 

Together, they drove to a charming Asian restaurant nestled in the heart of Garden Grove. As they entered the restaurant, the host greeted them warmly and guided them to a secluded corner, ensuring their privacy and intimacy. The ambiance of the restaurant was enchanting, with soft lighting casting a warm glow upon the elegantly set tables. Dolan pulled out a chair for her, a gesture that spoke volumes about his chivalry, attentiveness and charm. They settled into their seats. As the dinner progressed, Dolan’s gaze towards Cher became increasingly intense, filled with a mysterious desire that Cher couldn't help but notice. 

She would occasionally avert her eyes, feeling a shy unease under his penetrating stare. Little did she know, Dolan's suspicions about her innocence were right on the mark. A sly smirk played on his lips, revealing his hidden intentions as he continued to fixate on her with a lascivious hunger. Cher, curious to unravel the enigma that was Dolan, wanted to gain insight into the man who was not only ten years her senior but also sought something more profound than a mere date.

 The silence was shattered when she asked, "Tell me, what do you do for a living?" In response, he simply stated, "I'm a security guard in Long Beach," without divulging any further information.

This lack of transparency left Cher feeling unsettled, as she couldn't help but wonder what he was hiding. Dolan, sensing her unease, decided to alleviate her concerns by sharing a fabricated detail.

 "I've actually been with the security company for about five years now," he added, hoping to ease her apprehension. A warm smile spread across her face, instantly dispelling any lingering doubts he may have had about her trust in him. In a gentle gesture, he reached out and delicately touched her hand, causing a faint blush to grace her cheeks. With a captivating gaze that seemed to hold a mysterious power, he confidently suggested, "You are truly beautiful. Would you like to come to my apartment after dinner?" The intensity of his gaze seemed to have a mesmerizing effect on her, as if it was pulling her towards him, tempting her to give in to his irresistible charm and join him in his apartment. However, Cher was unlike any other woman he had encountered before. Despite his attempts to seduce her, she remained strong-willed and refused to succumb to his charm.

 "Um, I would love to come to your apartment but," she hesitated, her voice trailing off. "But what?" he asked, gently grasping both of her hands in his. Cher shyly averted her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare. "Tomorrow, I have to do something that demands my attention, I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice tinged with unease.

Her heart yearned for reassurance, fearing she may have distanced him. Yet, he remained unyielding, undeterred by a single setback, relishing the chase akin to a predator in its prime. "How about we make plans for this upcoming Saturday? I'd be more than happy to help you with your homework and perhaps we can delve deeper into getting to know one another." She nervously chuckled, "Absolutely, let's consider it a date, or rather, a study date." A smug grin spread across his face, radiating a sense of self-satisfaction. Afterward, he escorted her back to her place, and as she gracefully stepped out of his vehicle and made her way towards her front door; his eyes fixated intensely on the alluring contours of her body. In that moment, he could perceive the vibrant aura surrounding her, pulsating with a concealed longing for intimacy. The desire to taste the forbidden fruit surged within him, yearning for her presence, yet he exercised restraint, for he knew that patience would ultimately grant him the pleasure he craved. Cher ascended the porch stairs and walked into her house.