Serendipity

Chapter Eight

There was not much I could wear, because no clothing felt right.  Nothing ever felt right.  Except when I was with her.

My dad kept the same Mustang car all through out his life.  His parents gave it to him on his 18th birthday, and he treated it like his third child ever since.  When my older sister turned 18 and passed her license test the first time, he refused to let her even touch her the car, let alone drive it.  During my childhood, mum described it as something called OCD which I eventually discovered the meaning to in my seventh grade health class.

The Christmas after my father got a raise for his accounting job, my mum decided to gift him with the newest Mustang, and hasn't looked at his old since he gave it to me that afternoon.  

"Don't wreck it.  I did whatever I could to keep it in it's very best shape."  He said.  "But in case you do, I have a new one anyways...so it wouldn't really matter."

Her house wasn't far away, but I drove over anyways.  

Her mom engulfed me in a hug when she answered the doorbell.  "I'm so glad you're doing this.  Rem could really use someone after all she's been through."

"Mom."  She butted in behind.  When she turned around, I believe my mouth dropped, but I couldn't recall.  She took the time to straighten our her hair, so it hung well below her hips.  The black eyeliner was replaced with a shimmering shadow that danced across her eyelids.  A tight, olive, lace shirt clung to her slim figure, that she wore with a white overcoat, leggings that matched her eyes in the night, and the same boots she wore the first day we met.  

"Hi."  She spoke softly to me before facing her mother, "I'll see you later."

"Yes dear!"  She called as Remi followed me into street.  Her face lit up when I held open the door for her, then ran back to my side.

"How are you?"  I asked once we left the neighborhood.

"Pretty good.  How are you?"

"Yeah good thanks."  

"I like this."  She tugged at the top of my cardigan.

"Thanks.  I wasn't really sure about it."

"No I like grey.  It suits you."

"Thank you.  You look really pretty tonight."

She hid her face in the shadows of my car.  "Thank you."  She replied gently.  When neither of us spoke she asked, "Where are we going?"

"You'll have to see."  I said with a smirk.

"Pleeeeaseee."  She began patting my leg with anticipation.  "I don't like surprises."

"It's a surprise!  I can't tell you!"

"Well when will we be there.  So I know how much longer I have to wait."

"We'll be there soon.  It's only on the other side of town."

It wasn't the silence I was usually forced to sit through.  I drove, she listened.  She listened to the engine of the car, the nipping of the cold, and the pounding of my heart.  She listened to the whistling of tree leaves and the minimal mummers belonging to the radio that I had turned down the volume of.  

The cafe was small and lit with lights that glimmered in Beverly's powerful night sky.  "Harry!"  The host yelled when I walked in with the stunning girl behind me.  "Good to see you again!"  We shook hands and he said, "Who is this we have here?"

"Rich, this is my friend..er date.  Her name's Remi."

"Hi sir, nice to meet you."  She stuck out her hand too, and shook Rich's firmly.