Scattered Souls

Chapter 9 - First Date

I could feel a distant, yet persistent, vibration next to me. This annoyance, on what I knew at the back of my mind was a Saturday morning, caused my eyes to dart open in rage as I picked up my phone ready to give whoever was on the other end a piece of my mind.

Hearing familiar sobs on the other end immediately softened me.

"Alexa, are you okay? Is it the rash?"

"No, I just had a bad dream. About Jordan. There was this voice warning me to stay away from him. Apparently it'll bring bad luck. Maybe that's why I've had this breakout."

I had forgotten just how superstitious Alexa was. 

"Alexa, I'm sure it was just a dream." I tried to reason with her.

"I can't take any chances. I can't go on that date with Jordan. I hope you don't mind, but I kind of told him I was into someone else and I think you'd be a better fit for him."

"You what?" I blurted out.

"He's keen. Please don't kill me. Just go for a little while. I'm sure it'll be fun." she tried to convince me.

I don't think she realized I didn't need much convincing at all.

After I got off the phone with Alexa,  Xypher's words played in the back of my mind. 

It'll come to her in a dream. 

He was spot on. How was he able to do that? What was he? What favor does he want from me in exchange? What if it's something dangerous?

My phone beeped.

Hey it's Jordan. Pick you up at 7?

After responding, I decided to push all of those thoughts about Xypher aside and start preparing for our first date.

The excitement of it all was too much for me.  I tried on pretty much everything I owned.  Finally settling on black jeans and a sexy red lace top with red peep toes.

I couldn't eat much for breakfast due to my excitement, then I shocked mom by requesting a green salad for lunch.

I showered and started getting ready by 5pm.

"My my, you're a born entertainer." came Xypher's voice as I was dancing around my room in excitement. 

As I turned towards the teapot, I could feel every part of me flush.

"I've got a date." I beamed.

"Do all girls your age get this excited for a measly date?" he looked amazed.

"A first date with someone is a major deal to most people."

"Movies hardly count as a date."

"What's your idea of a date then?" I wondered out loud.

"Dinner. Dancing. Wining and dining. Romance. And all that good stuff." he had this fond look on his face, almost as if he were reminiscing.

"That's a bit much for a first date in these times. Where flings are prominent and people think pretending to be emotionless is in."

"What devastating times are these?"

"Indeed." I found myself agreeing.  "Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to get ready for my date. "

The doorbell rang at exactly 7pm.  Jordan scored brownie points for punctuality.

"I'll get it." I called out, the last thing I needed was for dad to start interrogating him.

"Hi."

"You look amazing." he said.

"Thanks."  I responded, while eyeing him up. He was wearing light blue jeans and a black T-shirt that hugged his muscles. "You look good too."

We decided on watching "The Turning".

Halfway through the movie was a bit late to realize that movies sucked as a first date.

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience. I couldn't believe, Jordan Smith, the guy I'd been crushing on for the longest time was sitting right next to me,  holding my hand and sharing popcorn with me.

I was still reeling in our first date delight when he dropped me off at home. 

We hugged and he gave me a little kiss on the cheek.

Then he did something really strange. He pulled out a condom. I'm pretty sure this instantly caused my eyes to pop out.

"Don't worry, it's just a souvenir."  he stated like it was the most normal thing on the planet.

"A souvenir?" I was incredibly confused.

"Yeah, so you can think of me." he looked really proud.

"Well, goodnight to you too." I said as I rushed out of his car and into my house as quickly as possible.

"You look traumatized, I expected you to be glowing even more after the date." Xypher commented as I was sitting on my bed, still processing things.

"Oh, trust me,  I am traumatized."

"The creep was trying to give me a condom as a souvenir." I groaned while covering both my eyes with my hands. "Like why would I possibly need a souvenir like that?"

"Perhaps it's a hint for next time? You really are an odd generation."

"And you really aren't helping right now!" I squealed.

"Look, to hell with him. Sounds like he's just one of those frogs you meet while you're on your way to meeting Prince Charming." he said with a warm smile.

"Wow. That was kind." I pointed out.

The vibration of my phone indicated a call from Alexa, it's like she could sense exactly when I needed her. Sure talking to Xypher helped, but it didn't compare to venting to your best friend.

After a long call with Alexa, filling her in on every minor detail and ranting about how ridiculous the end of it was,  I was ready to hit the sack.

"Now, about that favor you owe me." Xypher's piercing voice intruded just as I was dozing off.