I cleared the dishes away and decided to go for a walk. It felt strange thinking back to my chatting with Khal, looking in like a fly on a wall, seeing this strange person – me – chatter on and on like verbal diarrhea. I started to wonder what was wrong, what was making me be someone I wasn’t.
It was dusk out, the sun faded into the night sky, filtering its last rays behind the homes of the town. The moon was high and the street lights were slowly coming alive, illuminating my steps across the promenade. There were many people around, enjoying the pleasant evening: dog walkers, couples walking hand in hand, and me. I seemed to be the only one alone. I didn’t mind, didn’t really care. It was just good to be outside, to clear my head.
“A pleasant evening.” I physically jumped at the voice behind me. I turned to see a dark shadow walking quickly with a dog.
“Yes, yes it is.” My heart raced and as I turned around and saw a tall slender man, it gave another little skip. He was handsome, debonair, and not what I expected with such a dog. I was not a big fan of dogs at the best of times, but this dog looked particularly scary, a cross between one of those fighting dogs and a wild wolf.
“It is not very often we see pretty single ladies walking alone.” He slowed his pace to mine. His steps were flawless and it was difficult to make out if he was actually walking or floating.
“Really? You surprise me.” God, he was a bit forward and it wasn’t the most original of pick-up lines. I supposed there was nothing like jumping in with both feet.
“You are not from here? Your accent?” He showed no inclination that he got my sarcasm at all, something I’d picked up from my dad.
“New York. You?” I wasn’t the only one with an accent.
“Lebanon.” He had a large mouth and when he smiled the white of his teeth twinkled in the moonlight and under the streetlights. Stunning. His skin was pale white, almost waxen, his hair dark, probably black, and he had incredibly deep blue eyes. Quite beautiful actually and not what I’d expected for someone from Lebanon; maybe his mother was Scandinavian. I could understand now why he saw himself as a charmer. He was obviously used to women swooning over him. Mmm, he was going to be disappointed tonight.
“What’s your dog’s name?” Considering how scary looking the dog was, it was certainly obedient, hung on every word, every step, of its master.
“Gadreel. He’s a wonderful companion. And I am Greg”
“I’m Abby.”
We walked along the main hub of the promenade, chatting for a few more minutes. Greg asked me about why I came to Mablethorpe. I just told him I was here to work for the summer. I didn’t expand on the family or friend connection, and I didn’t mention where I was working either. Instead, I asked him about his home in Lebanon.
“Where in Lebanon are you from?” I knew very little about the country except that it was near Israel.
“Near the border with Syria, on Mount Hermon. It is very old with a rich history that dates back to before biblical times.” I’d never been further east than Spain so it was interesting listening to Greg talk about his home. I enjoyed asking him questions and he took great pleasure in answering, describing the mountains and his people, the conflicts and wars that have resided there, and how Israel now has a ski resort not too far away. The more I listened the more I saw his voice as being majestic, eloquent, and I began to wonder where he learnt his perfect English.
Even though he didn’t hesitate at answering my questions about his home, he rushed in with his own questions about my life which I veered away from answering. When I didn’t give him what he wanted, he continued chatting about such totally random topics that I didn’t have a clue what he was going on about. Then he’d throw in compliments telling me how beautiful I looked in this light, that he loved the color of my hair, could fall into the abyss of my eyes, that my skin-tone was exquisite etcetera. Each time he leaned in a little closer. I didn’t mind at first. It was in complete contrast to Khal. But I’d heard most of it before, albeit from drunk frat boys trying to get in my pants. I smiled to myself – Greg was probably doing the same, even though he was a good ten plus years older than I.
But I soon felt like puking as he went over the top, showing no sign of stopping, and began to touch me on my arm and shoulder and face. He also didn’t get the hint that all his gushing didn’t have an effect on me. I wasn’t impressed. Although, I did admit to myself his cool hands sent tingles running down my spine. Pleasant tingles.
Having met Greg, I hadn’t spent any time on my own. I was tired which probably added to my building annoyance. It had been a long day and I was probably still suffering from jetlag. Well, that was my excuse and I was sticking to it.
“I’ve got to go. I’m still unpacking. It was nice meeting you.” I didn’t wait for Greg’s response. Instead, I turned away from him and began my walk home…alone. I just needed these moments unaccompanied so I didn’t feel forced into having to talk to someone, or to listen to someone else talk. And it wasn’t because I was still dwelling on my evening with Khal. Khal’s visit was now a distant memory. Honestly, it was. I hadn’t forgotten, but I no longer focused on my stupidity, or his strange behavior.
“Will I see you again?” He called behind me.
“I’m sure you will. I’ll be here for the summer.” I didn’t tell him where I was working, or where I was living – I didn’t know him. I quickened my step, giving a nonchalant wave over my head as I left.
Thank-you for reading! Hope you enjoyed Sarjikris so far. Please leave comments and let me know what you think.
If you wish to keep reading, you can find the completed version here: http://www.amazon.com/Sarjikris-Book-1-Benita-Pearse-ebook/dp/B00OWL2KAQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415404763&sr=8-1&keywords=sarjikris
and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sarjikris-benita-pearse/1120681321?ean=2940046380323
and other major ebook outlets. The Paperback will be available 11/15/2014
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Sarjikris
RomanceIf an immortal sat next to you on a bus, would it occur to you he was different from everyone else? If a man walked up to you on a promenade and began talking to you, would you question if he was human? If you found a man so drop dead gorgeous you...
