I Think I'm Being Followed: Chapter 5
Jack:
My darling Jane did not disappoint this evening! She was perfectly attired, the red dress hugging her figure perfectly, not showing too much either, She really is very classy. I am so happy I could burst, finally after pining for her company for so long I have spent several hours together with the woman of my dreams, she really is the most perfect creature I could imagine, and such a wonderful conversationalist as well, I could not have asked for anything better.
After we had left her flat she seemed unsettled, probably nervous about being alone with me, I had to stop myself from reassuring her, because knowing my I would have just spoken endlessly about our future together, and apparently women do not like this kind of pressure on the first date, something which sadly it took me several years and 6 short lived relationships to learn. But rest assured, no mistakes were made this evening, and I do believe my queen enjoyed herself as well.
I behaved just like a perfect gentleman should, in the taxi on the way here we got to know each other a little better, and I realised we have enough in common to enjoy each others company but are different enough not to constantly argue. We both books and going to the theatre and cinema. A dark room and enclosed space together with Jane, what place could be better for me to be silently romantic? I can picture it now, her, me, two not-quite comfortable seats in the showing of some romantic comedy, full of clichés, and slowly, ever so slowly my hand snakes along her arm, the arm closest to her wraps its self around her, she's pulled close to me, and after we've both laughed at something at the same time, we look into each others eyes, and then I slowly lean in and kiss her, she's surprised at first, but she smiles, and we both can feel an explosion of emotions, endorphins speeding through our bloodstreams.
But, alas, our evening went a bit differently, we had a nice meal at some not-too upper class restaurant, and I do believe I've caused a huge dent in my bank balance, but truly it was worth it, I hadn't built her up in my mind, she was more than I could have imagined. I don't remember what we ate or drank, what I do remember is, that she looked stunning, the dimmed down lights, created a beautiful atmosphere, I think she enjoyed my company, I made her laugh, I made her smile, she talked and I listened. The perfect first date, the kind you see in movies, where the heroine looks comfortable in her own skin, happy and most importantly, her eyes sparkle with intelligence and knowledge and genuine interest, and the male lead is charming, and simply can't take his eyes off of the woman he is with.
And even now, strolling down the street, hand in hand with Jane, I still cant stop looking over at her and smiling, it's strange to say it but tonight, I truly am the happiest I have been in a long time, I've never been a hopeless romantic, but I feel as if all I've ever wanted is to make her happy, I feel as if it is my purpose.
Were walking down an almost completely deserted street, which I suppose may explain how tense Jane's grip has suddenly become, but it's not as if she's alone, she has me with her, and after looking a little more closely, I see that not only has she become very tense, her expression is worried, she bites her lip without realising what she's doing and although she tries to be casual about it, she keeps glancing behind her. Now anything than causes my ladylove any level of discomfort is something I have a problem with, yet honestly I have no idea how to reassure her she is safe with me, I mean after all, I know kung-fu.
The closer we get to Jane's flat, the more restless she becomes, and I am genuinely very worried now, this is more than just paranoia, she looks behind herself every few seconds and has more than doubled our pace, as we reach the entrance to the block of flats, I decide to take action.
I pulled us to a stop and for a second Jane's eyes widened in surprise, and if im not mistaking, terror.
I couldn't find an explanation for her sudden change from the down to earth beauty I had spent my night with to the terrified, jumpy girl in front of me, I was sure that she was the cause of her own fear, and irrational fear of the dark maybe?
'Jack, what are you doing? Why are we stopping here?' She asks, the fear creeping into her voice, I don't respond, instead I lift my finger to her chin and tilt her head slightly, encouraging her to meet my eyes, I try to convey my feelings for her, and can't help but lean down to kiss her, lightly, our lips only barely touching, yet still causing a hint of euphoria. Then I pull away, her expression a mix of joy and unease. I spread open my arms, and she almost glides into my embrace, pulling away again far too quickly for my liking, but I don't stop her.
She takes my hand and wordlessly still, leads me inside the building, up the stripped wooden stairs, tripping slightly on the edge of the well-trodden carpet. We stop at the door to her flat, I silently hope that whatever Matt and Sarah got up to, has either ended or moved into another room. That's not something I want to see when the door opens.
Maybe Jane thinks the same thing, because she hesitates slightly before opening the door, but quickly the locks retract, and the door swings open inwards. A quick glance shows that the other two have indeed vacated the shared living room.
'D'you want to come in for a bit, Jack?'
The question throws me, I hesitate to answer, because although I know I'd love to spend the night with Jane, I also wouldn't want to rush anything, and I've come to understand that this kind of invite tends to precede the type that encourages a sleepover.
The pleading look in her eyes shows however, that this is not immediately present in her mind, and that she just doesn't want to be alone, the fearful expression from before hasn't been forgotten, and in an attempt to lighten the tense atmosphere, I nod and smile. Then I take her hand again, pulling her inside, and shutting the door.
She leads me towards the couch, and motions for me to sit down.
'I'll just get us a drink' she says, her voice not portraying any of the strain from before, 'Back in a sec.'.
