Seraphina's Awakening

Chapter Three: First Dates

"Jack?"

He blinks. It's almost like he forgot she is sitting only a few inches away. "Sorry, what was I saying?"

"I don't remember." That's the truth, because she starts to get this cold shiver down her spine, like an ice cube is dripping down her shirt. Her skin prickles. She looks around the shop once more. It appears different somehow; darker. The candles dim and the December night's coldness creeps in. Something is off here, she's not getting that homey and welcoming vibe—instead it's almost eerie and creepy.

"Sera, can I be honest with you?" Jack's question startles her before meeting his blue-green eyes. There's that feeling again, the strange one in the pit of her stomach. The one that tells her something is wrong.

"Of course." Her hand reaches for the coffee, desperate to chase away the chill.

"There's something about you." He leans in, placing his elbows on the table. "I'm drawn to you for some reason." One of Jack's hands slips inside hers. Words escape her as she stares down at their clasped hands. For months, she had been fantasizing about this moment, yet deep down, she knows it doesn't feel right. Saving her from having to respond, something clatters to the floor in the kitchen. They both jump when it echoes.

"That's weird." Jack rises to check it out, leaving Sera sitting alone, staring after him apprehensively. A cool breeze sways past, causing another shiver to rack through her. When Jack reappears from the double doors, she doesn't miss that he's rubbing his arm. "It was just a pot that fell, must've piled them too high." His tone indicates there is nothing to worry about, but his eyes depict otherwise. Those blue-green eyes scan the air around them and the tables behind where she's seated. His body language is making Sera so anxious, she attempts to change the subject.

"The Panini was delicious as always."

"I knew it was your favorite." By favorite, she can only assume he meant it's the only one she's ever ordered. Forcing a smile, she can only assume it is a joke. Jack walks toward the table, looking back only once. He's still mid-squat when the cash register behind the counter starts beeping incessantly. He freezes. The drawer clinks open, and they are both on their feet this time. Jack swings around the bar, but Sera approaches the countertop apprehensively. He inspects the machine, pushes a few buttons, and closes the open drawer. The register falls silent. Their eyes meet across the counter once again dark with fear. They have met like this millions of times, but tonight it's different—Jack is hiding something.

"Well, that was weird." He tries to joke to dispel the awkward tension.

"I'll say." Her eyes dart about feeling the hair on her arms stand on end. Something weird is definitely going on here, and she doesn't want to stick around to find out what exactly it is. Quickly, she racks her brain for an excuse to leave as Jack comes around the counter. He walks determinedly up to Sera and places his arms on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. He looks rattled, too. He seems... tense.

"This isn't going as planned."

"You planned for me?"

"I tried."

"Things happen, Jack, don't worry about it."

"You're being a really good sport. I'm glad you came..."

Despite the strange happenings, she has to say that she's happy, too. Her first date in a year was long overdue. She needed this to get back on the proverbial horse, so to speak. Even if nothing comes of tonight, she had to know. "Me, too."

His lips crack a smile before he takes a step closer, leaving their feet toe-to-toe. His eyes close, and his lips purse slightly. Sera holds a breath, unable to move, when commotion springs to life in the kitchen once again. The clanging doesn't stop, pots and pans bang around, beeping starts, and a crinkling sound begins. Sera is on Jack's heels as he dashes for the back door, not bothering to hide his alarm anymore. He attempts to block her view, but Sera pushes past him to get some answers. The kitchen is in shambles; everything is thrown about like a tornado hit. The timers all beep repeatedly, food is tossed this way and that, pots scatter the floor, and doors hang off their hinges. She's starting to think the ovens are on as well because there's an intense heat emanating from the room.