I loved her, even if she never knew my name. She was my Ariel, and I know I am her Eric.
No matter what she says.
#1 in short story on 02/07/18
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A good portion of the morning was left to silence after that. Finally, she pushed away from the table.
"Thank you so much for inviting me to have tea. You've given me some things to think about." I smiled and clasped one of her hands in mine, and ignored the way she pulled away ever so slightly.
"I could never deny a beautiful and sweet girl such as yourself the chance to talk about her worries," I let that hang in the air for a second, thinking about how I would go about this. Finally, I let her hands go and grabbed my phone. "I know how I can make up for my lack of manners earlier! There's this wonderful spa my mother loves, I'll book an appointment for you and your friend from the other day!"
My falsified cheer was sickening, grating upon my ears.
She looked bewildered. "Oh, uh, no, that won't be necessary." She backed up slightly. Was I being too forceful?
"I insist. Ah, how about Tuesday, from 5 to 9? Under the name Eric Price, two people..." I muttered all the details to myself as I filled them out, enjoying the slight horror and powerlessness that seemed to emit from Ariel. I may be in love with her, but what's life without a little fun?
"Seriously, this isn't necessary, It's not that big a deal." She had a little bit of an edge to her voice, so sharp below the surface, it was a wonderful feeling, knowing I could elicit such a small yet powerful emotion.
I want to bathe in that feeling, even now. It was like a drug, fueling my newfound addiction.
But, I have a stronger addiction. The need to inflict harm, to feel how my actions can affect someone else. And the woman that was in front of me was about to be my dealer.
And so, I sent away a bewildered human, with the silent promise of a new world.
Looking back, I shouldn't have invited her foolish little friend.
