First meeting

"I'm ok,'' I told myself, as I gingerly climbed out of my seat, my feet were still shaking from the frightful thrill.

"I'm ok," I said again, patting myself down to make sure all my body parts were still intact.

Vanessa, on the other hand, had a huge grin on her face. She pulled me along once again and did the same with Nicholas.

The next thing I know she pushed me into him.

"Sorry, clumsily me. I'm going to the bathroom. You two, you know, talk and whatnot." She walked off.

We walked in silence for a while before Nicholas broke it by saying, "Royal-Reign. Is that your real name or?"

I almost laughed, "I get that a lot, but yes it is, though I would rather people call me Reign. Royal is just so... too much."

"Never heard a name like that before."

"My mother gave me the name, you should hear my little brother's name. King Elijah-Prince."

"Interesting, and the middles name?" He said.

"That I won't say out loud."

"Last name?"

"Belmount."

"Ok. Are you really single?" He awkwardly said after a pause.

“I- yess. I never really get out that much." I told him truthfully.

"So then, you wouldn't mind going out on a date with me?" He scratched the back of his neck.

I gave a small smile, "sure."

He breathes out, "good cause that would have been so awkward."

"Let's exchange numbers." I handed him my phone.

I could see him trying to hide a grin, but it betray him.

"This might sound weird, but do you believe in love at first sight or soulmates?" He inquired.

"I do now," I answered honestly.

He let out another breath, "good. I didn't want you to think I'm a creep by asking that."

"No, I was actually thinking that life... Sometimes people meet for a reason."

"Right? I thought that the first day I saw you and kept seeing you after that on the same day. At first I was like, wow she's, she is beautiful and I should say something. Then you left. But then, there you were in that diner, then you were across the road and here we are again." His words came out in a stutter, telling me that he was nervous.

"I wanted to say something but, I was afraid that you would blow me off or your boyfriend would come along." He added.

I couldn't help my laugh at that. “Well, I'm glad we finally get the chance to meet."

"I'm glad too."

somehow we forgot about Vanessa and made our way over to the snack shop, where I got a hot dog and another slushie that I now loved.

"So Nessa, she talks about me." I inquired.

"To ever guy she thinks is single or available.'' Nicholas nodded.

"I swear, if she wasn't my best friend."

"She is something else."

"Imagine knowing her as long as I do. There is no getting rid of her."

"I know. I can't shake her at work. Even when I want some time to myself, there she is."

"That's Nessa. She forced me to come here."

"I can tell, but we have to extend our thanks to her. Otherwise, I doubt I would be brave enough to approach you on my own."

The time went by with the two of us talking about random things.

"So she said you are into real estate?"

"Yeah, I took over my parents' business after they passed away. I also recently opened a salon."

"Oh wow, and here I thought I was doing well for myself as an art teacher."

"Trust me, there is a lot of pressure in what I do. Real Estate in itself is a full-time job, not to mention having to run my own business."

"Oh, I wasn't aware that you had your own business as well. Nessa only told me that you do real estate."

"I'm also a designer. I have a blossoming boutique, where I make wedding dresses and I had the privilege of dressing a few celebrates, even had a couple of my pieces on the runway. And I recently opened a salon."

"Wow, that is a lot. How do you manage?"

"I really don't know. Tell me about yourself. What is it like to be you?"

"I quit medical school hoping to live my own life and not the life my mother wants me to live. Since I moved to the city, maybe three years ago, that was the last time we spoke to each other."

I said nothing to that.

"Even though I'm a teacher, my ultimate dream is to become an architect. But without experience, you know how that goes."

"Maybe I can put you on a few projects of mine."

"You're planning on making houses."

"I think."

There was an awkward silence after that, which made me suggest that he win a prize for me, just to lighten the dark mood that fell on us.

"Anything for the little lady." He helped me up and together we walked over to the ring toss.

"Let's see. How about the blue bunny?" I pointed.

"Ok, let's see if I can do this."

I cheered him on, clapping and telling him he can do it.

"Ok, my own personal cheerleader." He smiled.

"I could be more."

I didn't mean it to sound that way, but it came out more than sexual, causing him to miss one bottle.

"Nooo." I pouted.

The man behind the counter still handed me the bunny with a wink.

"Thank you." I told the man.

Then gave Nicholas a hug, "thanks."

"No problem."

"You want to go on a ride, maybe something simple?" He asked after a pause.

"No, no."

"Are you really that afraid of rides?"

I sighed, about to tell him something only Nessa and my case workers knew.

"My parents died when I was thirteen, along with my little brother. He was six, had just finished my first year at a boarding school and was supposed to meet them at Frankfield mall. That day there was this mass shooting and booming."

"I'm so sorry to-"

"Wait, I'm not done." I cut him off.

"I never went back to that school, decided that I would rather a public school. Gain street smart instead of being cooped up, where I won't know much of the world."

"The school took us on a field trip to a theme park. I have never been before, until then. I was used to hotels, fancy dinners and fashion shows."

"So, I went on the ferris wheel with a few others. The next thing I know, the wheel stopped with us at the very top, turns out the ride operator shut the ride off because the was a shooting and was trying to save us."

"Even though he did, a stray bullet hit the controls, sending the wheel into over drive. It threw me from my seat. Luckily, I landed in another seat on someone, but when that seat went around, I was thrown from it again."

"I don't know how I held on to a railing but I did and climbed until I could sit on that bar. I waited for hours before I could get taken down."

"And that only added to my anxiety. I don't do public spaces much. Do background checks on all of my clients and don't trust anyone."

"But you trust me?"

I gave a little laugh. "I guess."

Just then, his phone rang. “Shit, my little cousin." He held up a finger and took the call.

I used that moment to call Nessa. She picked up on the first ring.

"Nessa, I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"Wait, where are you? Are you watching Grey's Anatomy?"

"Oh, did I not tell you? I never actually went to the bathroom. I left so you two could get to know each other."

"You sneaky little.''

"Bye, kiss, kiss, make sure to give me every single detail." Nessa hung up after that.

"Hmm, I have to go. My little cousin is ready to leave. One of her friend was throwing up." Nicholas said.

I nodded in understanding, "well I'll see you soon then."

"On our date?" Nicholas smiled.

"Our date." I nodded.

I walked to the dark parking lot, that had a few people making out in different locations, like a scary movie waiting to happen.

I paused, remembering my bunny.

When I turned around, only to come face to face with Nicholas.

"Sorry, you left this." He held the stuff toy up.

"Sir Hops." I took it from him.

''Sir Hops?" He questioned, not holding any judgement.

I gave a nod.

"Well, I hope Sir Hops keep you company tonight and I'll see you soon." Nicholas said.

He lingered a bit.

"I should," he pointed over his shoulder, then walked off.

I sat in my car smiling before starting the ignition. Maybe life was finally looking up for me.