She Keeps Me Warm

4

After a delicious dinner- with a lack of veal because Laura would never allow herself to indulge in something so heartbreaking- Ms. Karnstein decided it a good idea to go for a walk to a nearby park. She drove faster than she had the drive to the restaurant. When Laura asked her why, she simply said she would never waste more gas going towards people than she would getting away from them. Laura couldn't help but agree.

Once at the dimly lit open space, they spent the first few moments in a bit of an awkward silence. Laura didn't know what to say to this woman. How long would they be like this, unable to talk to one another or be closer than they were? If Laura were to reach out for the taller woman beside her, she'd have to take a step or two over just to brush her fingers against her skin.

"This is awkward." she huffed aloud. Ms. Karnstein looked at her out of the corner of her eye, bemused. One eyebrow stood upwards, daring and inquisitive. Laura blushed, covering her mouth with her hand as if it could slap the words back down her throat. "I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Well, I was going to give you a penny for your thoughts, but I guess I can forget about it. Besides, I don't feel so awkward at all, Miss Hollis. I find silence is essential in discovering comfort and safety in the presence of others. How else will we know if we're compatible?" Ms. Karnstein looked forward towards a nearby bench, nodding at it. "Shall we sit?"

Laura nodded back an agreement, placing herself on the cool wood next to her date. It was the closest they'd been all night. It sent a flutter of butterflies through her stomach. Ms. Karnstein's shoulder brushed hers, making her shiver. Noticing, the brunette shrugged out of her jacket and draped it over Laura's shoulders. Another wave of blush made itself noticeable on her skin.

"I like when you blush. Red is a nice color on you. Speaking of which, your dress is lovely. You're a rose, Miss Hollis." Ms. Karnstein brushed a strand of hair away from Laura's face, which blushed once more. It was starting to get embarrassing how quickly this woman could get her flustered. "See? Silence speaks louder, Cupcake."

"You only gave us one week to get to know each other. If we're to know if we're compatible, wouldn't we need to spend as much time as possible learning one another before we actually get married?" Laura suggested.

"Quite the contrary. I agree that time and conversation tie into relationships, no matter how real or fake they may be; but not all relationships start with time. People learn more about one another every day, whether that be a week or a year. Time is infinite so long as both are willing to take time, which is what we must do. And, Laura, you signed a contract. It did state that you had to marry me in a week. It never said we had to stay married. You could divorce me another week later. Though, you never know. You may learn to love me." Ms. Karnstein shrugged playfully.

Laura scoffed at that, which made Ms. Karnstein frown in confusion and slight offense. "Ms. Karnstein, we barely like each other. Do you really think we can love one another in a week?"

Highly unlikely.

"What in the name of all that's unholy would make you think I didn't like you?" Ms. Karnstein pulled her arm behind the smaller woman to drape it over the back of the bench.

Placing her leg underneath the other, Laura turned to face Ms. Karnstein, a challenging look on her face. She cupped her hands together and placed them on her knee.

"You send back every single article that goes through your department with my name on it. Yes, I know we've discussed it, but it remains a point. You shoot daggers into my office almost every day you're in my department. AND your choice of protection was telling someone I'm engaged to you! Not to mention you won't even tell me your first name, but you get to know mine and give me every nickname under the sun! So, yeah, I don't think you like me very much. The sentiment is very much so likewise. -"