After Dark

Chapter 2: Murk

murk. /mərk/. noun. darkness or thick mist that makes it difficult to see.

Saturday Evening

Frank has become someone so incredibly romantic, that you think he's got to be the only one to ever make you feel so content. The feelings of comfort that come with being with him has just been so easy.

He makes it feel so simple, and he's always such a present figure in your life. You like to think that maybe his charm is rubbing off on you. His confidence and coolness in holding things together. It must be nice to just exist as someone as strong as Frank.

So this was supposed to be a good thing. Being this close.

The closeness, Frank's boldness has really rubbed off on you. You don't mean to ask it. The question comes from curiosity. It was supposed to be a relaxing evening together. Just the two of you, lounging in this booth together. You would usually wrinkle your nose at couples who sat next to each other at a restaurant, but in this situation, you understand why they do it.

"So what do your parents do?" You don't like going for small talk like this. Usually, you never bring up family until months of dating, but Frank leaves you asking so many questions. Does he go to school? Does he have any hobbies? Does he just live freely?

The mood changes drastically. It's like you flipped a switch.

"Why?" He asks, his eyes narrowing. He had his fingers close to his mouth after eating from the fry basket. He chews slowly, still eyeing you suspiciously.

You blink, confused. "I don't know. I just, talk a lot about myself. I just wondered if maybe–" you trail off. Now you're just rambling. It's intrusive, is what it is. You glance away from him. You fawn. "I'm sorry, it's rude. I don't need to be nosing into your life like that."

Frank licks his lips. "Hey, it's alright." He waves at you dismissively.

"You're a girl with a lot on your mind. I can tell you a bit about me, yeah?"

You shake your head. "I don't want to make it seem like I forced you though."

Frank pinches your cheek, and you wince a little at the pain. "It's all good, girl."

He leans back, taking a sip from his water. "I don't know my real parents." There's a pause and you frown. "I never knew them. I was in the foster system for as long as I can remember. I have a foster dad right now. Clive's alright. He's usually fucking off elsewhere though. It's a good thing I aged out."

He shrugs. You blink away that bit of sadness you're feeling. It doesn't fare well to react to a situation that's not yours.

You try to not think about it too much. "So do you still live with him?"

Frank shakes his head. "Nah, like I said he's fucked off somewhere else. I'm at home but I never see him much anymore."

"So you live on your own?"

Frank nods. "Have been for a year. I'm twenty now."

You sigh, trying to uplift the mood a bit. "Well, if you ever want some company, I can always stop by."

Frank looks at you for a moment, but his smile turns lethal. He leans over to whisper in your ear. "If I say yes to that?"

You laugh, trying to move away from him. "Please, that's not what I meant."

"It's what I meant," he says, giving you a wink.

Once you both finish off your meals. You walk out into the night together, leaving behind the diner. Frank, always the gentleman opens the passenger door for you. It's little things like these that remind you how sweet Frank can be. Despite his intimidating looks and the way he dresses, he's everything a sweet boy–like–friend should be. You're still a bit unsure if you can even call him your boyfriend.