The Search

Part 7

The first boy took Lauren to a bowling alley for their date. Lauren opens the door. The boy enters first. Door slams on Lauren’s face. The boy keeps pulling up his pants because he is not wearing a belt. He picks up a bowling ball and as soon as he releases the ball his pants fall off, he slips and falls flat on his face. Lauren covers her face in shame and shakes her head. The date is almost over. Lauren and the boy step out of the bowling alley. He pulls out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket and offers Lauren one. Lauren politely smiles and refuses. He lights up a cigarette. Lauren and the boy walk back to Lauren’s dorm. Lauren subtly covers her nose to avoid inhaling any second hand smoke. Lauren and the boy arrive at Lauren’s dorm. He leans in for a kiss but Lauren offers her hand for a quick handshake.

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The second boy leads Lauren to a picnic set-up. He pulls out food out of the basket and starts eating like crazy. Lauren just stares and barely touches her food. Lauren is about to take a bite on her sandwich but the he grabs it and eats it. Lauren is shocked but she just sits there quietly and watches him eat like a wild animal. Lauren doesn’t know what to do. The boy trips every kid that runs pass them and laughs. Lauren is appalled. He runs to the ice cream truck parked nearby. He buys two ice cream cones with sprinkles and gives one to Lauren. Lauren starts eating her ice cream then the boy pushes Lauren’s hand holding the ice cream. Lauren’s nose and lips are now covered with ice cream. He is amused with what he did. Lauren tries to keep her cool and takes a couple of deep breaths. Lauren wipes her face and texted Ally to come and pick her up. Ally arrives at the park. Lauren quickly said goodbye to the boy and left with Ally.

“So, how did the date go?” Ally asked.

“How’d you think it went? Would I text you if it went well?” Lauren replied.

“Was is that bad?” Ally asked.

Lauren sighs. “One more guy, just one more guy. I really hope he’s decent.” She said.

“So no luck finding the guy, huh?” Ally asked.

“”Not even a little.” Lauren replied.

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Inside the dorm room, Lauren is getting ready for her date with Kyle. Ally is reading a book on her bed. Kyle knocks on the door. Lauren checks the clock and looks a bit confused.

“Who is it?” Lauren asked.

“Uh. It’s Kyle.” He answered. Lauren starts to panic. “I know I’m like half an hour early.” He added.

“Yeah, you are.” Lauren replied.

“I’m sorry. Should I wait in the lobby?” Kyle asked.

“Uh, no. Give me a minute. I’ll be right out.” Lauren replied.

Lauren fixes her hair and dress and is about to open the door.

“You look really pretty tonight, Lo, like you always do.” Ally said.

“Thanks, Ally.” Lauren said.

“I hope he’s the one we, you’ve been looking for.” Ally added.

Lauren crosses her fingers, takes a deep breath then opens the door. Kyle lifts his head up from looking down at the floor and sees Lauren.

“Wow! You look, wow!” Kyle said.

“I wonder what your reaction will be if I actually got to finish getting ready.” Lauren said.

“I figured I’d come early so I can spend more time with you. Sorry.” Kyle said.

“Stop apologizing and just go already! Time is gold, you know! So, go on! Get outta here!” Ally said.

Kyle decided to take Lauren to the Student Union for their date. Lauren thought she was too overdressed for a date at the Student Union. But Kyle told her that physical appearances don’t matter to him. When they arrived at the Student Union, Kyle opens the door. Lauren thinks Kyle is going to let her go in first. Kyle walks in first but holds the door for Lauren. Kyle and Lauren sit down. Everything started out nice but then he opened his mouth.

“Did you take Mr. Ericson’s Philosophy class?” Kyle asked.

“Um, no. Did you?” Lauren replied.

“I did. I took it last semester. And the guy is a genius!” Kyle said. “He opened my eyes to so many different things I never even bothered to think about before.” He added.

Lauren’s face is slowly drifting into boredom. Kyle continues to talk about different classes he took and is planning to take.

“Oh and did you know that water can work against gravity, moving up narrow tubes in a process called capillary action?” Kyle said.

“Wow! You really love science, don’t you?” Lauren said.

“Does a white precipitate form when solutions of barium nitrate and sodium sulfate are mixed?” Kyle asked.

“What?” Lauren asked.

“The answer is yes.” Kyle replied.

Lauren starts to block out whatever Kyle says next.

“I’ll be right back.” He said.

“Huh?”

Kyle stands up and leaves. Lauren is bored to death but can’t leave because she doesn’t want to hurt Kyle’s feelings. Kyle comes back with a bag filled with books. He asks Lauren to hold the bag for him. Kyle hands Lauren the book filled bag and proceeds to walk out the Student Union.

“Oh wow! This is really heavy. Oh my God!” Lauren stated.

Kyle dragged Lauren along with him while he runs some errands. Then they go back to Lauren’s dorm.

“Thanks for going on a date with me. I had a really great time.” Kyle said.

Lauren just smiles at him.

“Well, good night!” he said then he went out.

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Lauren slowly and quietly opens the door. Ally opens the light.

“You’re still up?” Lauren asked.

“How did it go?” Ally replied.

“Please tell me a joke or anything stupid. It doesn’t even have to make sense. Please! It could be about anything, anything at all.” Lauren said.

“Why? I don’t understand. What happened?” Ally asked.

Lauren started to tell Ally all about the date, “It started out fine. But then he started talking. It was like being on a date with a walking and talking encyclopedia.”

“I’m sorry.” Ally said.

“Oh but there’s more! He ran some errands while he was with me. It actually didn’t feel like a date. It was more like two long time buddies hanging out.” Lauren added.

“Wow!” Ally interjected.

“Plus he made me carry stuff for him. What am I, his personal assistant?” Lauren said.

“What are you gonna do now? Are you gonna let Kim win?” Ally asked.

(All hope is gone for Lauren! Or is it? Is Kim going to win? Will Lauren give up? What is in store for Lauren? Find out on Part 8.)