Bewitched Hearts

1. Run with a Pun

It was quite early in the morning as Danny stared out of her window. The sun filtered through the clouds, signalling the end of the rain. A golden glow spread across the sky as the sun chased the dark clouds away. The whole landscape was bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun. Fresh air filled her lungs and Danny felt freshened and exhilarated.

She felt the need to get out of the house and take some more fresh air. So she quickly changed into a pair of tracks and a t-shirt.

She tiptoed down the stairs so as to not wake her stepdad. Once she reached the living room, she saw Michael sprawled on the floor, passed out amidst all the alcohol bottles and rotten food. She shuddered in disgust and made her way out the door.

She plugged in her earphones and started jogging at a slow pace. After around 20 minutes, she reached a park that she couldn't recognize. So she went in and walked around the park for a bit and finally sat in one of the benches. The park was completely empty except for the people who walked or jogged past it.

Danny sat in silence as she hummed the tune of Stereo Hearts by Adam Levine.

"Turn me up when you feel low. This melody was meant for you. Just sing along to my stereo."

A voice sang the words from behind her and she whipped her head to see a man with a smile on his face. Danny got a creepy feeling, so she turned back and tried to ignore the man.

The man then walked towards her and stood in front of Danny.

"I'm lost," The man said and Danny looked up to see him with furrowed eyebrows, "I'm lost. Can you give me the directions to your heart?" He said and Danny raised her eyebrows in amusement.

"Sorry. It seemed to have exploded after that pickup line." She retorted and the man gave her a huge smile.

"Do I know you?" He asked her inquiringly.

"No."

"That's a shame, I'd sure like to." He winked at her.

Danny shook her head and replied with a smile, "Is that so?"

"Smith. Paul Smith is the name." He said as he extended his arm out.

"Girl. Stranger girl." Danny answered with a small smile but didn't accept his hand.

"Are you French?" He questioned her but before Danny could answer, "Because I Eiffel for you." He plopped down beside her with a hand on his heart and she rolled her eyes at him.

"Are you always this corny with strangers?" She asked and he laughed out loud and shook his head.

"You just seem to be a really special doll in the rack!" He flirted with her, which only amused Danny further.

Paul had a grey t-shirt and tracks on which were covered in sweat.

"You must be exhausted! You've been running in my mind all morning." He let out and Danny chuckled at him.

"You are one who seems to have been running all morning." She pointed at the sweat-covered shirt.

"Guilty as charged." He surrendered his hands up and she shook her head.

"So you don't seem to be from around here?" He quizzed her.

"I am from around here. I just never came to this part." She confessed.

"That is why I haven't seen you around."

"Have you seen all the girls that came around here?"

"All. They fall at my feet like birds." He boasted proudly.