3 "Ruthie - In Dyrroth's Eyes"

The sun has set. It is time for me to meet Carlos. I looked at myself in the mirror again to make sure I looked pretty or at least presentable. I inhaled deeply to gather my courage.

Don't worry too much, Ruthie. You can make it work with Carlos because you are friendly and pretty.

I cried in my mind as I built up my confidence. After this friendly date with Carlos, those ugly rumors will be gone. People will stop looking at me as if I am a witch and stop avoiding me. My life will finally start to become normal again.

"All right. Time to go!"

I put on my cute doll shoes and walked out of the room. I was surprised when Dyrroth's face appeared in front of me as I opened the door. I almost bumped my face on his chest.

"Dy?! Wha— How long have you been standing there?;"

"I just arrived."

He answered calmly, with a straight face, but I did not think so. He looked like he had been waiting there for some time. I stepped back and composed myself.

"Ah..." I awkwardly smiled. "Uhm… Do you need anything from me?"

He took one deep breath, like something cumbersome was weighing him down, and he looked like he had been sulking.

"I came to apologize. I'm sorry about what happened earlier, Ruthie. I thought about it, and I realized you were right. You should go out and make more friends. I am sorry I was such an ass. I do not know why I acted that way. But from now on, I will be here to support you as your good friend. Will you forgive me?"

Aww!

I smiled and almost teared up because what he said was touching for me. Honestly, he does not have to apologize because I understand him. I am so lucky to have this kind of friend. Even though I do not have many friends, I think Dyrroth is enough.

I punched his arm playfully. "Gosh! You do not have to say it like that! It was not a big deal at all. Let us forget about it. All right?"

He laughed softly. "You are always so energetic."

His face finally brightened. I am not used to him frowning and being too serious. I pointed to my red dress, and then I spun around.

"How do I look?"

"You look gorgeous."

"Come on. You answered too fast. That does not feel genuine. I don't look weird or too mature, do I?"

He chuckled. "Okay. Then I'll elaborate."

He took a step between us and then stared at me intently. He carefully raised his right hand to stroke my hair.

"Your silky black hair looks more elegant now that you curled it. The waves look natural, and it suits your red dress," Dyrroth said in a low sultry voice while the palm of his hand smoothly slid down my hair.

He has a glint in his eye that I can not describe, but he sounds sincere. He then shifted his attention to my face. He gently grabbed my chin and stared at my lips like it was something delicious and he wanted to take a bite.

"Even without this red tint, your natural pink lips are kissable and alluring. But I must say, it became a dozen times more tempting now that it is red. And your captivating almond eyes are bea–"

"Stop!"

I cut off the rest of what he was going to say before I had a heart attack. My face burned like charcoal with embarrassment at the words he uttered.

"Yo-You! You're a smooth talker!"

He tilts his head like he is oblivious to what I mean.

"Hmm? I'm just stating facts."

My heart beats faster. I have no idea that is how Dyrroth sees me. It is flustering to hear him say that, but it is also flattering.

"You're just saying that because you haven't seen another woman up close to compare. Try to get out of here to see the world. So that you don't get stuck with only my face as your reference of what is beautiful."

He smirked. "I doubt it. And why should I compare faces? You've got your unique beauty. I dare not compare you."

My chest pounded even more. This guy's tongue is something else. I wonder why he is so slick when he does not have that much experience with women.

"Okay, okay. Fine. I'm beautiful, all right?"

He just laughed, but I am still feeling very embarrassed.

"All right, I have to go, Dy. Thank you for your compliments, even though they are a little exaggerated. I don't feel that nervous anymore."

He nodded. "Yeah, sure. Enjoy your evening with him."

I slightly flipped my hair to one side with a proud look. "Of course! You said so yourself. I'm beautiful, so he'll like me," I jokingly replied.

He just stared at me without opening his mouth. Dyrroth was smiling, but his eyes felt empty.

I playfully grinned at him. "Hey! I am joking! Don't worry. I will make him like me for who I am. I'll know it if he's only after my pretty face. That means he has ulterior motives, so I'll leave right away. And if he turns out to be a good person, I will make sure to enjoy our date. So, don't worry about it."

His smile widened, and then he nodded.

"Yes, please do. Enjoy and take care."

"Thanks, Dy! You're the best!"

I turned to my room's door to lock it. Then I heard Dyrroth speak in a barely audible voice.

"It will be his last night..."

I looked back at him. I was pretty sure he said something.

"Huh? What's that?"

He smiled innocently. "Nothing. Call me if you need anything."

"Oh, okay. I will!"

I hugged him and kissed his cheek before I turned around to leave.

"Wish me luck! Bye, Dy!"

I saw him smiling and waving at me until he was out of my sight. When I stepped out of the gate, I suddenly had a bad and weird feeling. I could not explain it, but it was heavy and chilling. Then I felt like someone was watching me. The hairs on my back stood up as if a cold wind blew in my direction, but there was none. It was not windy at all, nor was it cold. It was summer, for Pete's sake! What is this terrible and familiar feeling?

I turned to look back at the mansion. My eyes automatically went up to one of the windows on the third floor where Dyrroth's room was. My chest pounded when I saw a shadow standing and seemed to be looking at me. Even from a distance, its glowing red eyes were perceptible.

I gasped as my eyes widened in fear. I looked around to check my surroundings. There was no one else but me. I looked back at the window, and the shadow figure was gone. I had never seen anything as creepy as that. Now all the hairs on my body are standing up.

I shook my head violently to ease my mind. That must be my imagination. I do not believe in curses, superstitions, and ghosts. There is just no way those are true. I took a deep breath and headed to the fair.