Luminous Nights

VII. Friendly Outings

It was a chilly, Tuesday morning while in class. I made it home last night, after spending the rest of the day with Dad and Emily. "Alright everyone, for today's lesson we will be learning about stocks." Our professor informed us. Oh, how I wish I could skip out on class today; especially since I have other things running through my mind at the moment. What did Mom's letter mean exactly? Why would she write something so bizarre? When I asked Dad about everything she mentioned in the letter, he just brushed it off and said that Mom was a bit superstitious about random things, and to not worry much about it--but how could I not? I also noticed the way she wrote the letter was almost as if she knew that she wouldn't be around. Did she know that something would happen to her? I pondered all of these questions I had.

I arrived for my shift at work, after class. My supervisor decided to move me to the clothing section of the store for this week. At least it's a change of scenery away from the canned goods isle. I tried to focus on work and take my mind off of all the things running through my head, but I just couldn't. I'm the type of person who has to have answers to everything, or else it will eat away at my mental state. I was getting frustrated by this point, since I had no other theories as to what Mom was talking about. I did, however, wear the ring as she instructed in her letter.

I was sorting through the clearance rack of shirts doing price changes, when I heard a voice come from behind me. "Umm, excuse me Miss, but this shirt was in the wrong price section and I find it offensive." The voice was familiar, no doubt. Probably just another one of our usual, cranky customers. I began to turn around. "Oh, I'm very sorry. Let me take care of that for-"

Instead of a cranky customer, I found Corwin standing there instead. He wore a childish grin on his face. "So, did I do a great job impersonating a Karen, or what?" I rolled my eyes at him sarcastically. "You sure did." He stood tall in his dark colored clothing, and slid his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. "Funny bumping into you; I had no idea that you worked here. I guess I still don't know a whole lot about you though. Also, how's the hand doing?" "It's doing a lot better now, just slightly bruised. See?" I showed him my fist, and he nodded and smiled. "I actually get off here in thirty minutes; they're letting me off early tonight for some reason." I mentioned to him. We haven't had a chance to really talk since that night he helped me, so maybe I should ask if- "Cool, would you maybe wanna go grab some drinks when you get off?" He asked before I got the chance to. It would be nice to get to know him a bit better, but then again, is it wrong for me to hang out with him? Just the two of us? Besides, Logan hangs out with random people all the time, so why can't I hang out with a friend just this once? "Sure, sounds good! I know a great place." I agreed to his proposal.

I finished up with my shift, and met Corwin out in the parking lot. "Ready to head out then?" He asked as he pulled out his car keys. "O-Oh, you don't have to drive me. I can just take the bus there and meet you." I responded awkwardly. He raised an eyebrow at me. "Why? It'd make the most sense just carpooling there. It's not an issue, Violet. Unless... you don't trust me?" I looked up at him, feeling embarrassed. "No, no! Not at all! I just feel embarrassed that I still don't own a car yet, so I feel bad having to rely on others for transportation, that's all." It was the truth. I don't get any sort of creepy vibes from Corwin at all; I feel like I can trust him. I mostly don't want Logan finding out that I'm hanging out with Corwin, let alone riding in his car with him. Not that I would ever cheat on Logan, by any means. Corwin tilted his head at me. "So, is that a yes, or are you not comfortable?" "Yeah," I said, "It's okay with me. Let's go."

We approached a Dodge Challenger that was a dark-orange shade. I wasn't sure what year it was, but based off its looks it was definitely a modern make. The flawless looking vehicle sparkled under the street light. I'm guessing he's into cars, based off of what he drives. "This yours?" I asked. He nodded toward me as he pressed the unlock button on his keys and the car unlocked. "It's really nice, I like it. Although, it's definitely no 1967 Chevy Impala." I joked. God, I'm such a nerd. I doubt he even gets my reference. "Touche'." He opened the passenger door for me and let me in. "That's a reference to something, isn't it? This is why we're going out-- so I can finally understand the silly things you say." He said with a smile, as he started the car.