The Fortune Cookies

Violet sat down. Alone. Had her blind date stood her up? Was he late? Or was the letter she received last week a cruel joke? Violet had never been one for Chinese food but the prospect of a secret admirer was just too much to bear. She had spent two hours this morning making sure she was looking just right. Violet had thought letter writing was a lost art. This was New York after all.

"Hello!" The too-perky waitress cried. "What would you like to drink? A glass of wine?"

Violent visibly rolled her eyes at that comment. She waved the waitress away.

"I'm still waiting for someone." Violet replied flatly. The perky waitress' smile faltered for a second but like a light switch, she turned it back on. Violet could not take it anymore.

"I do not need your assistance. Please just come back in a few minutes."

The waitress' blond ponytail swished. Her happy, perky attitude turned sour. Violet realized that she had used a very rude tone.

"Sorry," Violet quickly said. The girl gave her a small, forgiving smile.

"Don't worry. I'm glad I don't have to use that perky attitude. I'll send you a waitress who doesn't want to keep her job."

Violet looked toward the door again. She almost stood up to leave but, an attractive man ran into the restaurant holding a rose, the flower the letter had said he would bring. The man quickly scanned the restaurant, his eyes lighting up when they landing on Violet. The man started walking quickly toward her. He held out a hand.

"I'm Perry. I, uh, saw you at the Coffee Java the other day."

Violet's eyes widened. "So you followed me home to give me this letter?"

Perry looked down at the floor. "Yeah, so?" He mumbled. Violet laughed out loud. She hadn't done that for a long time.

"So, tell me, why are you so late?" Violet asked. Perry again looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

"Job."

Violet gestured for him to sit down. She hadn't had Chinese food in forever. A red haired waitress walked up to the table.

The waitress looked meaningfully at Perry and smiled.

"I'm Mia. And who are you?" She asked, putting her hand on Perry's arm. Violet looked down at the floor, stifling laughter. Perry looked at Violet like she was crazy. Violet found it hilarious that her old high school enemy had turned out a waitress.

"Mia. You're a waitress?" Violet asked. For the first time, the red head turned toward Violet. She frowned.

"Oh. Hi...Violet." Mia was obviously surprised. Mia took her hand off of Perry. Violet gave her a fake smile. Perry shifted uncomfortably. Violet and Perry quickly ordered. Perry started talking to Violet. She knew everything would be alright now.

________ (1 Hour Later)______________________________________________

"Yeah. I knew you would be a nice person. I love that!" Perry smiled. Violet smiled back. She had finally finished her food and was going for her fortune cookie. She broke it open and bit into a half before looking at the paper; "Your life is in danger. Say nothing to anyone. You must leave the city immediately and never return. Repeat: say nothing." Violet looked at Perry.

"What's wrong?" Perry had a strange expression on his face.

Violet drew in a shaky breath." I have to go. It was nice meeting you."

Perry frowned, his face suddenly looking as if tortured. "Violet-"

Violet stood up. She started to move toward the door. She wanted to stay. But she got that tingling on the back of her head. Her spine stiffened as if someone dangerous was watching her...

__________________________(The Next Day)______________________________________

                     Violet turned on the radio before she stepped into the shower. As the steaming water poured over her head, she thought long and hard. Was this fortune cookie just a prank? Violet scoffed at herself. She didn't believe in anything relating to beyond the grave things.  Violet reached over to grab the shampoo and conditioner.  As she scrubbed, she thought about Perry. Oh no! Violet thought. She hadn't gotten Perry's number. And she had made such a horrible impression by leaving him to pay the bill. She had barely said goodbye.