The First Date
Nora
I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking. Why is it that every time I imagined his face, the butterflies in my stomach would flutter non-stop? It's not like I'm 15 years old. But I can't contain the emotion Edward provokes in me. Is it love at first sight? No, no, that doesn't exist, does it?
I turned onto my side and hugged my pillow. Since the charity ball, I have not seen or spoken to Edward, and I'm so distressed and anxious. I want to at least talk to him on the phone. That would cure my anguish for a moment. Edward, that day, true to his word, was with me the entire time. Explaining what they did, how they did it, and why they needed to do it. He detailed every, carefully planned, and conveyed the difficulty of the situation, rescuers face during an incident.
They are always at risk of losing their lives. I was awed by Edward's bravery. Every word that came out of his mouth was a new understanding for me. I wanted to experience everything he was telling me, with him. I cannot believe that. What madness.
“Ah!” I threw my pillow on the floor. Standing up, I went to the bathroom. Some aromatic oils and a bath may help reduce my anxiety. In the end, I was more relaxed when I got out of the tub, after half an hour.
In the afternoon, Hilda and I are going out to eat. I'm craving sushi right now. I love Japanese food, it is so enjoyable for me, and I will take advantage of every chance available.
Getting ready took me less than 30 minutes. I wore casual clothes. More wouldn't have felt right. My outfit was denim shorts, a hoody, and trainers. I braided my hair and laid it on its side. Makeup zero. Since, I have decided not to use it any more, unless it is for special occasions. According to a professional cosmetologist, as your skin ages, more difficult it becomes to achieve softness and smoothness. This is especially true if you wear makeup for extended periods of time. I will begin taking these precautions.
After leaving my room, I went down to the living room to join Gonzalo and Hilda for tea. They smiled at me when they saw me. I was touched, and I thanked ten thousand times because now I was with them, In a place where I was not abused and humiliated.
As I greeted them with a warm smile in return, filled with appreciation and thanks, I said, “Good morning, what are you doing?”
“Ah! My dear Nora, it is good to see you here. I was just mentioned to Hilda if you could prepare us a French-style onion soup tomorrow. If you are busy, we can put it off until later.” Gonzalo looked at me with a look that said: you have no choice.
In response, I laughed and said, “Of course, I don't have anything better to do. You know, cooking is my passion, and the best part is when people like it. You can count on me. Now, can you tell me how many people will be eating the dinner, and will it be a special meal?”
With relief, Hilda turned to me. Was she expecting me to refuse? It'll never happen, because of what they have done for me, I owe them my unconditional loyalty.
“Some of my associates are coming, so I'd like to offer them something special. And Hilda here,” Gonzalo turned to gaze at his wife, “She keeps telling me how wonderful your seasoning is. There will be about 15 people attending.”
He then turned to Hilda and took her hand, saying, “We will just be discussing business. No need to worry about anything.” Hilda raised an eyebrow. The challenge was on the table. This pair was fearsome.
“Gonzalo, darling, Nora and I are going to the Japanese restaurant in the mall to eat. We will then take advantage of the opportunity to buy some things. We will return no later than six in the afternoon.” But Gonzalo looked Hilda in the eyes and without taking his eyes off her, he gently lifted her chin, kissed her, and said, “Be careful, my love. There will always be danger around every corner. Don't get too comfortable, constantly be alert. Anything can happen at any time. Security is with you, leave all the work to them.”
Hilda nodded, returning the kiss. Gonzalo closed his eyes, and he looked as if he were feeding on it. Tears welled up in my eyes, which I refused to let out. So, I said, “I'm going to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I'll be right back.”
I made my way to the kitchen and went straight for a cup to make myself a coffee. The coffee machine they have here is completely out of touch with reality. I have never seen anything so modern. With the push of a button, I can have whatever drink I want. This is all worth it. And I swear I'll get one of these when I find a good place to start my life.
When I got back to the living room, Hilda was alone, waiting for me. She turned to see when I arrived, and said, “Ready?”
“Of course I'm ready. I can't wait to try that tempura sushi roll.”
With a smile from ear to ear, I approached Hilda and took her by the hand. We left the house and the limousine was already waiting for us. The driver helped us up, and we immediately set off, heading to the shopping centre that I adore so much.
On the way, Hilda and I were talking about the coffee machine that caught my attention. “Ah, that, yes, it was a gift that the Italian ambassador gave us at our wedding.”
Wow! I was surprised, No, I was stunned.
“You have to get me one like it. My life won't be the same without it.” Hilda looked at me in amazement, “Why do you say you wouldn't be the same? It is at your disposal whenever you want, and you know it.”
I gave her a shy smile and shook my head in denial. “No, Hilda, you have stolen my heart, and I really appreciate all that you did and keep doing for me. But I need to find a place to call home. Once upon a time, I thought I had it, but it wasn't true. Afterwards, I thought I had found it, but that was not the case either. Now, it is up to me to form it. And this time I'll make sure no one can screw it up.”
Hilda just kind of smirked like she wasn't quite getting it. Despite what I said, she wasn't quite convinced. But I was willing and excited to start over from scratch. I would be starting a new life this way.
I was brought back to reality when my mobile rang, then, I took it out of my handbag and looked at who it was. Seeing the name, bloodshot to my head, steam practically poured out of my ears, with my heart began to beat a thousand beats per minute. I had a difficult time sliding my finger across the screen to accept the call since my hands were sweaty.
Hilda saw my predicament and snatched my mobile from me. Seeing who it was, she looked at the screen and smiled mischievously at me. Her response was, “Hello, Oh! Hi, she's unavailable right now, so you will have to call her again in a few hours. Nope, she's not available. No, Yes, I'll give her your num…”
But before she finished speaking, I desperately snatched my mobile back. Giving her a: don't you dare look. Then, I answered, “Hi, It's Nora, Hilda was playing a joke on me, excuse her. How are you? Oh! Excellent, don't worry. Yes, of course. In an hour, sure, Bye.”
After hanging up, I threw the mobile on the seat, leaned my head on the backrest, and closed my eyes. After my ribs threatened to pop out of my chest, I had to calm down.
“Tell me what happened, tell me now!” Hilda laughed and at the same time ordered me to tell the details.
“We'll see Edward in an hour.” It's all I could tell her. When I heard his voice, I was unable to react, I was completely unnerved. Despite this, knowing he would be with me soon was a complete blow to my sanity. A week has gone by without me stopping to think about him.
“I don't know what's wrong with me. I can't stop thinking about him, and I react strangely whenever I'm with him or hear his voice. Not only that, but I think I'm ill.”
Gazing at the car's roof, I sighed deeply. Hilda laughed. Some things this woman does make no sense. With a look, I told her that she was a weirdo. Hilda stopped laughing after a few minutes, and said, “Nora, you are not sick, you are in love.”
∞∞∞
Finally, we arrived at the restaurant. We took our seats and ordered drinks. We decided to wait for Edward to order all at once. It was very stressful for me. And the worst part of the situation is that I decided not to wear makeup and wear a hoody today. It was terrible, what if he gets disappointed in me? The charity ball was the only time he saw me, and I looked entirely different from what I do now.
“Hilda, lend me your makeup bag, I'm a fool, not having brought mine.” But she shook her head and said, “Don't even think about it, Nora, you are beautiful without makeup. Never doubt it. Moreover, I can see that Edward is drooling over you, and who wouldn't? You are beautiful, and you have the quality of a person. I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. You already have him in your pocket, you know?”
“But what if …” I couldn't finish telling Hilda what I was thinking because I heard Edward's beautiful voice from afar.
“Nora, Hilda, here you are.” I was unable to answer him, shyness had attacked me right now. Not only that, but I could only follow him with my eyes. He greeted Hilda first with a kiss and then me. And when he came closer, the scent of his perfume, combined with his skin, forced me to take a deep breath. I closed my eyes and felt as if I had been transported to paradise.
But when I opened them, Edward was looking at me with such intensity, I didn't know what to do. I couldn't even meet his eyes. Oh! But what did I do? Now he'll think I'm a creep with fetishes for sniffing at people.
I was about to apologize when he surprised me with what he did. He leaned closer like he was going to kiss me on the cheek, but instead of the cheek, he kissed my neck. The contact with his warm, moist lips sent a stream of desire straight to my belly. Yet, that was not all he did. Edward gently took a bit of my skin and began to suck it up with his sinful mouth, marking me forever.
When he pulled away, and our gazes met, my mouth was open, and my eyes reflected the desire I felt for him. And what I saw in his, opened my heart to a new world of carnality and passion. I knew at that moment that Edward, wanted me as much as I wanted him. This trip to the mall is something that I can never forget.
∞∞∞
This day, was full of new experiences, and I discovered feelings that I did not know existed. We also had a lot of fun. After we finished eating, we went shopping, but not only that, we found an arcade, Edward vs. Nora because Hilda refused to take part. Saying that this was for children and that she was already on the other side. Whatever that means.
Then Edward took us to buy ice cream. This store had at least 50 different flavours. I chose one that said piña colada and coconut. Edward went for a plain vanilla. But the ice cream, on his lips, looked more like an exotic treat. Hilda selected the pistachio one.
I didn't want this day to end, but unfortunately, it was time to go back. Gonzalo would be waiting for us for dinner.
“Hey, Nora, we have to go now, my beloved Gonzalo must already be hungry. I'll wait for you in the car, while you say goodbye to Edward.”
Hilda went to him and kissed him goodbye. And here we were, the two of us. Face to face.
“Thanks, Nora, I've had a fantastic day. It has been a long time since I've been able to relax like today. Sadly, I don't have the time to take these trips very often due to my job.”
I didn't hear what he said. I was too focused on watching those succulent lips move.
“Nora, hey! Are you there?”
“Of course, I'm here, Edward, what were you saying?” Edward laughed, his laughter was contagious, so I started laughing with him. Little by little, our laughter faded, leaving us silent. I gaze upon him, and he at me. It was impossible for me to stop watching him, but I refused to.
Between us, he shortened the distance until he was only a few inches away. The gentle summer breeze of his breath blew across my face. My nervous hands brushed against his until our fingers intertwined. To taste his tender, pink lips, my mind was shouting at me to get closer to him. And that's what I did.
I took a step forward, our bodies touched, and the distance between us disappeared. Getting closer, my lips brushed against his. Unbridled adrenaline was rushing through my entire body. He responded to my kiss with unknown intensity.
I had never felt this, never.
It was as if it were my first kiss, the first lips that I had ever tasted. I could feel the hunger and passion that I was awakening in Edward and in me. Our tongues met, recognizing each other, dancing together. Endless desire was building up in my belly. I felt my arousal wetting my panties. And I also felt how his desire was taking shape until it became hard, and firm, leaning against my abdomen.
Without thinking, I brought my hips forward, trying to feel it more. Edward moaned into my mouth, his sound was honey spilling into my soul. I released his hands and brought my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me, as if I could absorb him. Making him part of me.
Edward took my hips, squeezing them, letting me know how much he wanted me. He intensified the kiss until we were out of the air. Our mouths unintentionally detached. At that moment, shyness washed over me, and I would rather not meet his eyes, but Edward didn't accept any of it. Gently, taking my face in his hands, he forced me to look at him. As our gazes collided, I felt my face blush.
I felt very immature doing that, even though it was unconscious. “I like the way you blush, Nora, I like it very much.” I hid my face by lowering my head and resting my forehead on his chest. I felt his arms wrap around my body, hugging me tightly. When I hugged him back, I had never felt so calm and protected in someone else's arms. Edward already held a special place in my heart.
“Hilda is waiting for you.” Oh! His voice was so melodious when he said my name. I wanted to hear it over and over. I would rather not leave him, I wanted to be with him.
“I don't want to go,” I told him without looking at him. Thereafter, I felt his chest vibrate. His satisfied and calm laugh made me want to hug him even more, so I hugged him until my arms were tired. But he was right, Hilda was waiting for me, so without letting go, I raised my head and searched his gaze.
He saw me and smiled, kissing my head. We finally parted, and I said, “Please, I want to see you again.” I could hear the desperation in the timbre of my voice. I needed to see him again, to be with him.
“It will be an honour if you agree to go out with me on a date, Nora.” I nodded, at the edge of crying, and I didn't want to show him how vulnerable I was at that moment.
“Tomorrow, after my shift is over, I will call you. Maybe you want to go out to the cinema with me?”
I felt my face light up with his words. And my smile formed immediately with pure happiness settling in my heart.
“See you tomorrow, Edward.”
“See you tomorrow, Nora.”
