The Date

After I walked Arania home that night, I decided I was going to take her on what the living call a date. Unfortunately I did not know exactly what one does on a date. As I walked home, I saw a video store, and thought there might be some movies to help me. The clerk was very helpful, making a few suggestions of his own for what I could do, after explaining the situation, as well as helping me find some movies he said his girlfriend found romantic. Romantic was a word I knew the meaning of, so I was very happy for the suggestions. I thanked him, and rented the movies and took them home to watch. I had gotten "Bridges of Madison County", "Sleepless in Seattle", "When Harry Met Sally", as well as a few others. The next few days at the store were spent cleaning up, replacing the inventory, and preparing to reopen, so I did not have much time to talk to Arania. But all of my free time was spent preparing to ask her out on this "date". Finally the store reopened, and I decided I would approach her the next day.

The following morning, on my way to the store I stopped at a florist and the chocolate shop next door. Arania wasn't there yet, so I set the gifts on the coffee table and waited. As she walked in I stood and held the rose and small package of chocolate. She smiled at me, and I felt as though I was going to melt into the floor, her eyes were so warm. She saw what I had, and looked to my face with curiosity in her green eyes. I handed her the rose, and got my nerve up to meet her eyes. As I handed her the heart shaped box, chocolate covered cherries, I had heard her mention those were her favorites, I spoke,"I would like it if you would join me for dinner Friday night. Would that be acceptable to you?" I then lowered my eyes.

She touched my arm lightly and answered."Yes, I would like that very much." She smelled the rose, walked back to the counter, and laid them both down. We opened the store and the rest of the day went uneventfully, even though I felt like I was floating the whole time.

Friday came quickly. I picked her up at the shop after it closed. I had decided to take her to this one little restaurant that served French food. I had made reservations so we were seated with no trouble. I did not wish to try any food, so I watched her as she ate, and we talked. She told me about growing up in Ohio, and her family. She told me how she found Meow, and that it happened two and a half years ago. Finally she finished, and I asked her not to order desert as I had something special planned. We left and went back to the store where I lead her around to the back. She looked around, and then looked at me. I smiled, "May I?" motioning to put my arm around her. She nodded, and I did. She was a little surprised when I lifted us to the roof.

Waiting on the roof was a blanket lit by candles. Sitting on a platter on the blanket was a chocolate cake, only big enough for two people. I had a radio waiting there, and I turned it on. The tape was playing slow country music, all by her favorite singer. I had that knowledge thanks to the cat, and the promise of fresh tuna. She looked at it all, then turned and smiled at me. I felt weak when she did. I was able to stay standing long enough to walk her over to sit on the blanket. I handed her a fork, and cut the cake in half giving her hers on a small plate. She thanked me, and ate it slowly. She hummed along with some of the music, as she was very familiar with all of the songs. I watched her as I ate. After we both finished I stood and offered her my hand, which she took and stood. I shyly looked at her from behind my forelock and asked her if she would like to dance. She said yes, and when the new song started I put my arms around her and we danced. She was singing along softly, her voice was even more beautiful than the one coming from the tape player. She laid her head against my chest as we danced, and I buried my face in her soft brown hair. She smelled like raspberries and lavender. She looked up at me, smiling softly.

"This has been a wonderful evening, thank you MusiKai." She said. She smiled at me again, and then, to my amazement she kissed me. I actually did fall over then. Unfortunately, she went with me. She pulled back and laughed a little. "Wasn't quite expecting that reaction."

She stood and looked around. "I should really be getting home. I have to open the store in the morning." She walked over to the edge of the roof and looked down. "I'll need a little help down though." I walked over and put my arm around her again and lowered us to the ground, and escorted her home. As she walked up the steps, she turned and looked at me again, and hesitated a second. I looked at her, wondering what to do, when she laid her hand on my shoulder. I looked at her hand then at her, and she leaned into me and again kissed me. I was able to stay standing this time and gently held her like that until she pulled back and smiled at me. "Goodnight MusiKai, I'll see you tomorrow." She went inside, and I slowly walked away.