Her Eyes

Chapter 10: PROXIMITY

The next day began the toughest case of Romero's career so far. He got the call around noon. Blair Watson had been found dead in her house, the housekeeper found her. It was obviously murder—her throat had been slashed open, but Alex had no idea who might have done this to her. She was a nice woman, though she had her fair share of men.

            Alex worked day and night on this case but still found no leads. After a whole month had passed, he finally decided to take the day off...just to clear his mind.

He decided to go to the movies. Alex rarely went to the movies—mainly because he had no one to go with, but tonight he decided he'd go alone. He needed to go somewhere that wasn't home or the station. To his dismay, however, he wasn't entirely alone. Norma and Norman were there. They were over at the concession stand, and Alex thought he could sneak past them, but sure enough Norma spotted him.

            "Alex?" she called out to him. She seemed surprised he was there.

            He was surprised he was there. He wanted so badly to avoid a conversation with her, but he wanted to avoid a lecture from her even more. He turned around as she approached him, Norman following closely behind. "Hey," Alex replied plainly.

            "What are you doing here?" she smiled, eyeing him up and down.

            He looked off to the side, checking to make sure no one else recognized him. "I needed a break."

            "I guess even the sheriff needs a day off sometimes," she laughed. "What movie are you seeing?" From behind her, Alex could see Norman's irritation grow. He clearly was annoyed by his mother's friendliness towards the sheriff.

            "Strangers on a train," Alex mumbled, looking towards the theater.

            "That's what Norman and I are seeing. You should join us," she blushed. Her eyes filled with happiness and anticipation.

            He was slightly embarrassed by the offer. "I don't want to impose."

            "You're joining us," she demanded, giving him a stern look. This woman wasn't taking no for an answer.

            "Mother, he doesn't want to," Norman interjected over her shoulder.

            "Norman." She glared at her son in discipline. She turned her attention back to Alex. "Come on, it'll be fun," she told him. She winked at him and smiled once more, warming his heart.

            "All right," he uttered. He kicked himself for giving in so easily.

           

They went into the theater and took their seats. Norma sat in the middle of the two. Alex felt uneasy sitting so close to her. He was afraid he'd accidentally touch her, so he kept his hands in his lap. Soon the smell of her perfume filled his nostrils, creating a pain in his gut.

            Towards the middle of the movie Alex started drifting off to sleep. Norma nudged him, "You're not falling asleep, are you?" she whispered.

            He looked at her with tired eyes and smiled. She stared back at him for a while...perhaps too long because she caught herself and awkwardly turned back to the screen.

            Alex felt an odd urge to reach out and touch her, but he ignored it and went back to the movie.

            When the movie was over the three walked out to the parking lot together. When they reached Norma's car, Norman got in and waited for his mother. "You didn't fall asleep," she laughed.

            "That's because I was afraid you'd keep waking me up," Alex joked.

            "I'm glad you joined us," she smiled. "It was nice to see you out of your element."

            "Yeah. I need to get out more," he laughed. He loved the way she looked in the moonlight. There was a moment when their eyes met and Alex felt something he hadn't felt in a very long time, but he pushed it away. "I should get going. I'll see you around." He paused to take her appearance in one last time. "Night, Norma."

            She gave him a wave as he left. He smiled back at her and turned to walk back to his car. He got in and drove home where he would be alone. He was always alone.