Stranger

2

Chapter 2: (Daniel's POV)

I can't help but think of that Charlie chick from earlier. She's all that's been on my mind, and trust me I've tried to get her out of my mind, especially with my girlfriend constantly paranoid anyway. Walking through the door to my apartment, Lara runs straight to me like a magnet and practically jumps on me before i drop my bag of my shoulder. 

"Honey" she commented relieved to see me. I held her and tried to feel what i have missed for months but it had vanished like a cube of ice in a fire.

"Hi" I whispered a she hugged me tighter, i'm guessing just to check i'm actually here.

"Is that my boy?" I could hear a male voice from another room shout. Why was my dad here? He never liked Lara and would never come alone so i'm going out on a limb here and i'm gonna guess there is a bunch of people here. There and then, my dad popped his head from around the corner to greet me. Lara let go of me as i went to give my old man a long time no see man hug.

"Son" he said hugging me.

"God help us all, Lara has non stopped talked about marriage since we got here" He whispered in my ear, and there it is ... i was waiting for the complaining to start. I laughed it off as Lara spoke up.

"As soon as you get dressed Dan, we're all going out for a meal at the je'suitatalee" she said picking up my bag and bringing into our room.

"God help us all" Dad hissed making me laugh. I decided on getting changed if we're going out, but when i walked in the bedroom i saw Lara giving me a look that i had seen many times before: she wants me. It's a shame because if it was a few days ago i would be all up for it, but some reason it didn't feel right. I decided on playing it cool to try and push the idea out of her head by pretending to be tired.

"Hey." she said trying to sound seductive. I half smiled and started to undress.

"So what have you been up to since I've been gone?" i asked taking off my boots at the end of the bed. She had a beer bottle she had been drinking i'm guessing with the others before i got here and had finished it before she started her speech.

"I've been working non stop, did you know ..." she said as babbled and went on about what the latest things i missed that even if i was here i wouldn't care about. I pretended to care and take an interest in what she was saying as i could dressed in a suit. She was already dressed and raring to go but when someone knocked on the door, i was so pleased.

"Daniel? Is it alright to come in?" Dad asked as opening the door.

"Come in" I said too enthusiastic. He walked in looking a little uncomfortable with Lara being there but she didn't seem to notice.

"Sorry Lara but could i just have a minute with my dad?" I asked as dad moved out the way of the door.

"Yeah sure, don't be too long now, we've got reservations so we need to be there on time" she explained walking out the door, closing it behind her.

"Son, i just want to say how proud me and your mom are of you and how much you've grown up since you left. And whatever future you see having with Lara, we'll be behind you and your mom will be the supportive one" he said jokingly at the end. I smiled trying to hide my recent development of feelings towards Lara, but he could tell straight away.

"I know that look" he stated

"What look?" i asked lacing up my shoes trying pretend not to know what he is talking about.

"I created the look" he said making me laugh a little.

"No mom created the look" I replied.

"So there is something" he stated feeling happy that he got it out of me.

"Okay fine. I'm not sure i feel the same way about Lara as i did the last time i was back" I explained standing up and to sort my tie out in the mirror. He sat on the bed facing me so i could see him in the reflection of the mirror.

"When did this happen?" he asked to happy to hear what i had said.

"Earlier when i came back" I explained turning around. Speaking of the devil, she didn't give us long until she came back in.

"Guys, we're going now" She said peeping through the door.

***

The car drive there was not only in a awkward silence but it was too long. Once i was parked up, i virtually ran out to get to where the rest of my family and friends were stood.

"Everybody here?" Margret asked looking around us before we all walked in. Someone in our group of people spoke the name for our reservation and were immediately sat down. The menu's were in front of us as soon as we sat down so ordering was quick.

"Hello, i'll be your waitress for tonight. Is there anything i can get you guys to start of with?" the waitress spoke over us before we all started to give her our orders.

"Okay we will be with you all shortly with your orders" she said putting our drinks on the tables.

With the conversations on the large table going of, Lara for some reason placed her hand on my thigh and started to guide her hand up closer to my groin. I looked round feeling guilty and wrong for letting her do this, but when i saw someone catch my eye, I took her hand looking directly in their direction and placed it back on her lap.

It was that Charlie chick from earlier looking stunning. She was with a woman who looked either like an older sister or her mom. Charlie was smiling and laughing at something her and her friend were talking about. A plate full of food was placed in front of me taking my attention from her and onto eating my food.

I got stuck back into conversation with the others and as everyone drank away the night catching me up on what i have missed from each of their lives, I noticed that Charlie has stood up to go to the toilet. I felt like i should go up to her and say hi, and at least attempt to get her number again.

"I'll be right back" I announced to the table as i stood and headed for the toilet. What am i doing? It's not cool to follow a girl to the toilet to get a number. I decided on actually going to the toilet so it wouldn't be so weird but when i came out of the toilet, she saw me too and stopped in her tracks

"Hi"