Mr. Reaper

2.) This Should Be Interesting

The steam wafted upward from my first cup of morning coffee. Being an early bird has become a frequent part of my agenda, which I can give thanks to my insomnia for. Though I'm far from a morning person, I still manage to be awake at the ass crack of dawn. Stupid sleeping disorder.

Sometimes, I wonder if some witch has cast an indefinite spell on me, which would explain my unorthodox nocturnal behavior. I also wonder if I was born in an insane asylum, 'Lord, am I crazy?' I've asked that question many a time. I know the answer. I've been told my whole life that I have the most active imagination, and at first, I was flattered. But, I eventually grasped the double meaning to the statement.

Still with a half full coffee mug, I walked off to my room, abandoning my caffeine - filled breakfast.

After dressing for the day ahead, I dialed Katherine's number. I was answered immediately, not surprising. "Hey, are we still on for tonight?" I asked, remembering our plans. "Yes!" I heard Mimi yell from a small distance. "Mimi, would you calm down?" Katherine scolded her lightly.

"I swear, you guys are attached at the hip. I could've guessed you were together." "Well, we used to be conjoined triplets until you hurt yourself and stayed in the house for two months because you 'needed to recover'. Traitor!" Mimi joked. "I apologize for amputating myself due to necessary physical circumstances." I played along. "Ash, honeybun, we aren't responsible for the fact that you broke your leg." Katherine stated matter - of - factly. "Neither can I help the fact that I'm prone to excessive clumsiness." "But, why punish us for your careless mistakes? We desperately missed our third who was M.I.A. for nine weeks!" Mimi exaggerated. "You know, Mimi, I find it very difficult to believe that you didn't major in drama. So, what are the plans for tonight?" "Why not just have a girls night? I feel like our triplet bond has been horribly injured and only tissues, chick flicks and chocolate can mend the delicate wound." On the other end of the line, I was pretty sure Mimi was drying her fake tears. "Mhm, and what 'chick flicks' might you recommend?" "I would suggest The Notebook, Dear John and Titanic." "Why depress yourself with that film, Mimi?" I asked. "You love the movie and you know it!" Katherine playfully shouted through the telephone.

"You're right. So chocolate, films, and tissue boxes. Sounds like a trip to the store. Goodbye, my lovelies." "See you later, Ash." And that was the end of the conversation. Resuming my day, I made my way to the door after providing kibble for Blu.

Upon exiting my apartment, I was met with a smug grin that belonged to none other than Mr. Reaper. "I'm surprised to see you out in the daylight. On your way to go raid the local hospital of all the blood bags?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "It depends, you gonna put on your signature hoodie and go rob a bank?" I gave him a smirk, my hands resting on my hips. "Maybe you should tell me your name so I know what vampire to ship back to Transylvania. I'm sure Dracula misses you." At this point, he was desperately trying to contain his laughter.

Now that the sun had come out, I had the privilege of witnessing the beauty within his eyes. The most brilliant shade of honey with golden particles scattered throughout the curves and grooves of his magnificent irises.

"So, where are you headed?" He asked after he regained his composure. "I'm on my way to the grocery store." I plainly stated. "I request that you bring me a twelve pack of beer." He ordered. "And to who do I owe the alcohol?" I questioned. "Jason." He grinned while widening his eyes. "What's the celebration for?" I pressed. "We're throwing a bachelor party for my buddy." He confessed. "Small world, I'm having a girl's night with my friends." I revealed. "Do they happen to be strippers? If so, tell' em they've got a few willing customers." He smirked with raised eyebrows. "Sorry to rain on your bachelor party, but my friends aren't strippers." I assured. "Well, I guess one's better than nothing. So, how much should we pay you for your service?" He grinned the cheesiest grin ever. "Excuse me, I am not a stripper!" I scowled playfully. In mock disappointment, a little pout formed on his full lips.

A childish grin spread across my face. Shaking my head, I asked "What type of alcohol shall it be?" while retrieving my wallet. "And exactly what are you gonna do with that?" He quizzed, pointing to the the leather compartment. "Well, since I plan on not being arrested, I'm going to pay for the groceries with my money." I stated the obvious. "I'm not just going to let you pay for my beer." He blocked me from walking down the corridor. When he pulled a twenty from his jean pocket, I shook my head. "No, it's o-" "Here, oh, and Corona is fine." He smiled. I hesitantly took the money from him. I gave him a half smile and started down the hallway. "Wait a second, I still don't know your name." He said. "Call me Ashly." I grinned. "Thanks for the beer, Ashly." He winked, smiling like a child. "No problem." I rolled my eyes at his immature behavior.

After descending the torturous three flights of stairs, I was reminded of my lack of physical education all through my academic career.

Approaching my vehicle, I started to think about how tonight was actually going to unfold. My new neighbor hosting a congratulatory celebration for his friend while I mingled with Katherine and Mimi. Ha. Something interesting was bound to happen.

The traffic on the highway was moving at an agonizingly slow pace and road rage was rapidly consuming me. Deciding against ramming the bozo in front of me, I miraculously gained some patience. That is, until I received a text from Mimi.

I have big news! But you'll have to wait until tonight, no spoilers!! ;-) - M.

Absolutely fantastic. What small amount of patience that I had possessed vanished into thin air in a matter of seconds.

The traffic was slowly letting up and I proceeded to thank the Lord for allowing the long line of vehicles to move. After thirty more minutes of pleading for the delay that was currently in front of me to dissappear, the vehicles started to move at a normal pace.

When I reached my destination, I first made my way to the isle containing candy. Marveling at the long rows of delicious, sugar-filled happiness, I was absent-minded when I reached for a large bag of fun-sized Hershey's chocolate bars. I pulled myself away from candy land, making my way to the film section.

Although I was a sucker for horror movies, I was desperately trying to avoid that genre for Mimi's sake. Two racks away, I found the romance division. Much to Mimi's dismay, there wasn't a single display of Titanic in stock. I sighed. Settling for The Notebook and Letters to Juliet, I realized I was short a film. Concluding that we might need a breather after enduring hours of sappy love stories, I opted for a horror movie. 'Looks like Mimi is gonna have nightmares' I thought to myself as I smirked, selecting the Poltergeist along with the Exorcist for myself. This should be interesting.