𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙳 || Original Story

thirty-seven | date

I was still completely in love with the ring that Edgar had given me. It was simply beautiful and even more so because of the meaning behind it.

It occurred to me that Edgar's grandmother must have meant a great deal to him and that my birthday was the right moment to gift me her ring. Nevertheless, I was going to be true to my word and take very good care of it. I didn't want to break his trust.

I was excited for the birthday lunch he was going to take me out for, though. A date, he called it. And I very much wanted it to be that.

I'd put on one of my more formal dresses: a baby pink coloured a-line one with off-the-shoulder straps and matching heels. I didn't do anything spectacular with my hair, only tying it up into a high ponytail and adding a few sparkly pins. It was also cool outside, yet dry enough to go out in just a coat; I didn't want to be worrying about an umbrella or boots.

I had slipped on my shoes and was sitting on the sofa, nervously fiddling with my fingers whilst waiting for Edgar. And when the doorbell rang at twelve o'clock exactly my heart skipped a beat.

I opened the door to see Edgar dressed very handsomely in a smart-casual shirt and jacket with his thick coat over the top. Although the wind had seemed to have slightly messed it up, he had done his best to sweep back his hair.

"H-Hello, Kate," he greeted. "You... You look b-beautiful."

"Thank you, Edgar," I replied shyly. "And you look very nice yourself."

"Th-Thanks. I couldn't d-decide what to wear, s-so I hope I'm n-not too overdressed."

"Not at all! I like your jacket."

I reached up, brushing my fingers over one of its lapels, feeling the softness of the material before smoothing it down as it had gotten creased underneath Edgar's coat.

"I've n-never worn it b-before," he said, smiling as I withdrew my hand in thanks. "And now I f-finally have an excuse."

He then explained that he was taking me to Maisie's because he remembered how much I loved it there. He wanted to take me over to Sagedale but hadn't wanted to risk the weather, but I told Edgar that anywhere with him would be wonderful.

Maisie herself was pleased to see us both, greeting us with her usual bright and cheery smile.

"Hello, darlings! Things have been slow this weekend so I'm very glad to have you here."

Indeed, the café was quiet. I recognised the only current customers: the vicar, Walter Ellis, and his sister, Anita, who were sat near the counter and sharing a large slice of cake.

"Oh, and happy birthday for yesterday, Katelyn," she added. "I hope you had a fantastic day."

"I did, thank you," I said cheerfully. "And I'm enjoying it even better today-"

I paused to look up at Edgar with a stifled grin.

"- we're on a date."

Anxiously, Edgar cracked a smile and seemed rather sheepish. But Maisie breezed over it and clapped her hands excitedly, her own smile broadening. "Oh, how lovely! You're very lucky to have each other. Now, go and sit yourselves down and I'll make this a special day for you both."

I thanked her before Edgar and I headed over to the corner by the window (my favourite spot since there was a great view of the street and its colourful shop displays) and sat down.

"Sh-She's very kind," he said as he took of his coat and hung it on the spare chair beside him.

I nodded, doing the same. "She is. Maisie knows that my last few attempts at dating have been pretty dire, so she's playing fairy godmother."