The Phoenix's Mark Book 1: Dogs of War

Chapter 3

Sarah groaned as her and her family entered the restaurant. The place was  full of people. After the twenty minute wait, the hostess finally escorted them to a table. Sarah instantly shot up to get her plate, a few seconds after sitting, having waited long enough. She retrieved a plate from one of many stacks and began looking at the foods offered in the buffet, trying to decide what she wanted. She reached for the spoon to scoop some macaroni and cheese onto her plate, when someone's hand brushed hers.

"Sorry," she said, blushing slightly. She turned to look at the stranger. She found herself staring into golden eyes. For a moment it was as if all else stood still, and all that existed was his gaze, as his golden eyes bore into her own, as if they were looking not only at her, but into her, examining her soul. She felt herself drifting closer to him, drawn to him like a moth to the flame, his eyes shining ever-brighter. She felt as though she were standing in the clouds.

"Its fine," he assured her with a smile. His gentle voice brought her back to reality, as the noisy chatter of people talking and metal scraping porcelain came back into focus.

"Do I know you?" she asked. Something about his bright blonde hair, golden eyes, and bright, warm smile set a feeling of recognition in her.

His smile caused a tingling sensation to spread through her body. "No, I don't believe so. I just moved here with my aunt, Caroline," he explained. "Do you live around here?" She nodded, not being able to think of anything to say. She turned her head as Emil called her name from behind her.

"How's Greg gonna feel about you flirting with other guys?" he questioned, hate in his voice. Something about that guy never sat right with Emil. "Emil Louak," he greeted, extending his arm for a handshake. The stranger excepted it.

"Laurence Dowes," he replied, shaking his hand.

"I'm Sarah," Sarah informed him. "Sarah Louak."

Laurence took her hand in his, pressing her fingers against his lips, and bowed slightly. "Its a pleasure to meet you," he said, smiling. A bright red shed across Sarah's face. His lips sent a sensation of warmth up her arm like she had never felt, before. Laurence looked between the two twins. "You two look awefully alike," he exclaimed.

"We're twins," Emil stated.

Laurence nodded. "So, who's Greg? If you don't mind me asking."

"My boyfriend," Sarah answered quietly, listing her eyes to the ground.

Laurence raised his eyebrow, as if surprised by the news. "What?" Sarah asked, confused by the facail expression.

Laurence smiled. "Nothing, its just-" he drowned in thought for a second before recovering with, "I just noticed what an interesting birthmark you have," he exclaimed.

Sarah had grown so accastomed to it, she had forgot it was there. "Oh, is that a compliment?" she asked, somewhat confused.

Laurence smiled again. "Yes, it is. It looks somewhat like a bird," he noted aloud, pressing his fingers against her neck, where the mark lay. Both Emil and Sarah looked shocked by the gesture. "I appalogize," he said, quickly withdrawing his hand. "Well, I suppose, I'll leave you to your meal," he said, walking away.

When he was far enough away, Sarah placed her hand over her birthmark. Its strange, but when he placed his hand there, a relief washed through her body. "That guy's weird," Emil spoke up, after a few seconds.

"But nice," Sarah added, followed by a smile. "Beside," she continued, glaring at him. "Who are you to call weird, you loser?" she teased, rubbing his head. He responded by smacking her hand away.