Forever's End

[newmommy1993]

Closed RP.

The day was an uneventful one for Sophia. She woke up that morning and had her daily running, in her collie form. It was one of her favorite parts of the day. Shifting and just running, not caring about anything in the world. When she got home after running, she shifted back to human form, slipping on a robe to cover her nude body. She lived in a small, one bedroom house in a tiny neighborhood. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was home. She had a doggy door to the back door in the kitchen to go in and out of. She had yet to take a shower, so after drinking a cup of coffee and eating some cornflakes, the young woman removed the robe and stepped into the shower, enjoying the hot water hitting and rolling down her back.

After her shower, Sophia picked out a simple black dress, black heels with aqua green, and a pink cropped leather jacket to wear for work that night. She curled her hair, topping it off with a pretty head piece. It was about time for her to be at work, so after brushing her teeth and putting on her make-up, Sophia headed to work. She pulled into the parking lot, beside Travis, the owner of the bar, was. He drove a gray pick-up truck, parts of it rusted from age. Her small Volvo looked miniature compared to his truck. She got out, heading inside. She greeted Travis, who was drying and shining up some glasses, placing them in the cabinet. "Hey, Soph. How was your day?" He asked, placing the last two cups up.

The place she worked at, Burton's Bar & Grill, was a bar and a diner. The two cooks, Jason and Oliver were in the back, doing some prep work. The two waitresses on duty, Arlene and Hollie, were chatting as they waited for the busy night to get started. A few minutes after Sophia took place behind the bar, they started to get busy. It was the time of day, after the sun had went down, that they got most busy, mostly because of people just getting off work and looking to get a beer and relax. Sophia had to remember to keep her temper in check, because one thing from one drunk ass hole, then she went off her grid. It happened twice before, and Travis was always lenient with her, but who knows for how much longer.

~

Bryson had spent most his the daylight under ground, sleeping. If the vampires didn't sleep during the day, then they would start to bleed from the nose, ears, and often the mouth. After the sun had went down, Bryson pushed up the door to his underground bedroom. He owned he own two story home, it was old from age, but in still good condition. After he moved back, he dug himself an underground bedroom, blocked by a small wooden trap door. After he washed up a bit, Bryson hunted. He settled on a couple camping out in the forest behind his home. He drank from the female, and 'glamored' the couple to forget that every happened.

Glamoring was a fancy way of saying compelling. Only vampires could do this special ability. He quite often took advantage of it. After leaving the couple, both dazed and confused, Bryson went home to changed into some clean clothes, after noticing blood was spilled on his white top. After changed, he headed to the bar. He went there almost every night, alone most nights, but for the past decade he had been alone. In every way. Sure, he had his meal he'd seduce and feed on during, but he had started to miss that real feeling of being wanted.

Wanting to look more human, he took a seat up at the bar. The pretty bartender, who's name he had come to figure out was Sophia, had served him his order, whiskey. It didn't taste as delightful as it did when he wash human, but it did calm his nerves. After she handed him the glass of whiskey, he thanked her and took a sip, looking around before keeping his gaze on his drink, a lot stirring around in his mind.

[Dannyel]

Kylie stood on her apartment’s balcony, staring out into the sunset. With a wave of her hand she summoned a light breeze, manipulating the currents around her just enough to blow it through her long red hair, lifting the mass of her shoulders and twisting it behind. She loved her apartment, as it was on the edge of the town, letting her look out into the wilderness that surrounded the small refuge that humanity had carved for itself. If she wanted she could leap from the ledge, pulling the swirling currents around her to slowly drift her to the ground, her bare toes curling into the soft grass beneath her feet. But that would attract far too much attention, and she did not want to risk it, even if she could not see any of her neighbors around to spy on her.

Sighing, Kylie turned around and reentered her small apartment, comfortably furnished with a homey and rustic style that could have past for anytime in the past few centuries, if one ignored the occasional pieces of technology scattered randomly about. She scooped up a colorful scarf, wrapping it around her shoulders and draping it down her back. It complimented her light summer dress, a soft white shift that hung off her shoulders, cinched at her waist, and flared past her knees. She slipped into a pair of soft sandals, grabbed her purse and headed out the door. It was about time that Sophia should start her shift, so Kylie thought she might finally stop in at this Burton’s place.

It did not take her long to find the place, since she knew the town so well, yet she had never had the inclination to go there. She had gotten over her bar and diner phase decades ago, but since a friend worked there she felt obligated to go in at least once. Upon entering she released a small pulse of magic that caused her hair to blow back a little. She was not an attention whore, but she did have a soft spot for dramatics. Nearly bouncing towards the bar, she shot her friend a smile as she settling down on a barstool, wedged between an elderly man who had cleared finished just finished a long shift at work and a younger man nursing a glass of whiskey and a glum expression. Kylie was ridiculously out of place, with her bright clothing and soft skin, looking like she belonged out on a summer’s picnic, but she did not seem to mind, waving over Sophie as soon as she finished with a girl at the other side of the bar.

“Hey!” she said, her voice soft and musical, “do you guys serve food here at the bar or do I have to move? Either way, I’ll take…ummm…perhaps hard cider, if you guys have it.” She knew her taste in alcohol was quite strange, but it was probably a result of her past, and she had never gotten into the mixed drinks that have become popular this past century.

***

Gale stumbled out of the house, still drowsy from his day’s sleep. The inverted sleeping schedule should have been stranger for him, but the years he had spent working with Claudius had acclimated him to it. What he was not used to was this town, not anymore. He had not been here in years, not since the attack, but now that he was alone for the first time since it happened he was drawn back to the familiar. He doubted anyone would even recognize him anyway, since he had grown since then to full adulthood before the turn.

The thirst was burning in him, a strange mix of pleasure and pain that he was slowly getting used to. He had only been like this for a few months, but it was as if he had been born to be one, a monster stalking the night for prey. Slipping into one of the more populated areas of town, he saw a young girl, couldn’t have been older than fifteen, sneaking out of her house. It was not much of a chase, he could tell that much already, but he had not had much opportunity to hunt while traveling, so he need to replenish his strength before he could even properly settle in. Following her, Gale waited until she was had slipped around the corner, snatching her and covering her mouth with his hand.

Without preamble, he bit into her soft throat, the fight fading out of her as he quickly drained her. He bit back a moan, cherishing the sweet taste of her blood, but it was over too soon. In his hunger he had taken her quicker than normal, not giving himself a chance to truly enjoy it. But in the end it does not matter, his strength returned to him. Licking the few stray drops that had managed to spill, he dropped the girl’s body and walked off. “Huh,” he muttered to himself as he wandered through the town, “Burton’s still open.” He remembered that place, having eaten there a few times in the past. Shrugging, he pushed open the door to enter, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light.

[newmommy1993]

Sophia glanced up and smiled warmly when she saw one of her good friends, Kylie. She shook her head and laughed. "Of course not, I'll get that cider for you." She said, taking a glass from the cabinet. She made the drink and handed it to Kylie. "Would you like anything to eat?" She asked, when the bell rang, meaning someone had came in, she turned her attention to that direction. The man that had walked in was.. gorgeous. He came to the bar, and she to him, excusing herself from Kylie for a moment. "Can I get you anything to eat.. or drink?" She asked the young man. His skin was pale, his hair dark, but there was something like pain in his face. Was he in pain?

Sophia heard yells and screams close by, and she turned to see where the commotion was coming from, just another bar fight. "Excuse me." She said as she rolled her eyes. Sophia made her way out in front of the bar where the fight was going on. "Alright, break it up!" She said, easily pulling the man on top up and pushed him back. "Get on out of here, both of you." She said. She had got a little blood on her hand from the guy's bleeding nose, but she wiped it off with a nearby napkin. Shaking her head, she turned to Kylie. "It's astonishing how people get with too many drinks in their system." She stated, taking her place back behind the bar.

~

Bryson caught the scent of something.. amazing, the blood of someone amazing. He looked beside him where the scent was coming from. A beautiful girl in bright clothing had took the vacant seat beside him. He kept his gaze from her, but was eavesdropping on what she was saying to the bartender. Looking up, he laid down a ten dollar bill. "On me." He said, looking at the girl. "I'm Bryson, and you are?" He asked. Usually, gentleman's shook the woman's hand, but he knew how cold he was from death, like the pale skin didn't reveal that much.

She seemed like a bright, cheerful person. She was.. breathtakingly beautiful, that was for sure. "I like you're dress, you really stand out in here." He complimented, meaning it to be a light humored joke, he was hoping she didn't take it personally.

[Dannyel]

Kylie glanced up at the man sitting next to her. She had not really paid any attention to him when she sat down earlier, but now that she was paying some attention to him she was drawn to his eyes, a lovely warm brown. Kylie always had a thing for eyes, believing that old adage that they were windows to the soul, and this man’s eyes spoke of age and weariness, despite his young appearance. It was a feeling she could identify with, so she offered him a smile, even though she could not help but feel that there was something…off about him.

She could not quite place her finger on what it was, just a vague sense from her attunement to the natural world. Having been a practitioner for as long as she has Kylie had developed a passive ability to read people, able sense their illnesses or injuries without even trying. He was not hurt though, but he was not normal either. In the end she decided that it didn’t really matter, since it was not her place to pry.

“Hi,” she said, “the name’s Kylie.” Glancing down at her dress, she gave a shrug, having not taken offense at his comments. “Yeah. I have my own style. So, you new around here? I’ve been here a few months and I don’t think I’ve seen you before.” Picking up his ten dollar bill, she shoved it back at him, her hand brushing over his for a brief moment. “And keep your money! I can take care of myself,” she said with a bit of chuckle to take the edge off.

***

Gale smiled at the bartender as she came over to take his order. She was a pretty little thing, a freckled wild girl that woke the beast in him. Though he had just fed, he felt the hunger spike in him, a powerful drive that nearly drove him out of his seat and onto her. He clenched his fist, a grimace clean on his face as he fought down the impulse. A couple of deep breaths later he forced a smile on his face, “Just a beer, whatever you have on tap.”

Before she could pour him his drink the girl dashed off to break up a bar fight. Gale watched her with an amused grin on his face; didn’t bars usually hire bouncers for this kind of thing? Still she was a joy to watch, the confidence in her stride and her actions drawing him in. Oh, she would be fun to mess with, so much so that he might just take it slow with her, try to discover just how much she could take before she would break. Smirking at her as she walked back, he caught the scent of blood on her. It was well-known that humans could not smell blood, and that change was one of the most startling for him, aside from the instinctual fear of sunlight of course. The smell hit his nostrils, his barely contained hunger racking him.

Jumping to his feet, his eyes sought out the bathroom and he made a beeline straight for it. He slammed the door behind him, thankful that it was a singled stall, locking himself in. Leaning against the wall, he felt in his mouth, running his fingers over his elongated teeth. He grabbed his leg, clenching down as he fought the killer’s instinct, waiting for it to pass. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long, and he was able to exit the bathroom with much more dignity then he entered with, though he supposed he had not done a very good job at making a good first time impression on her.

“Hello,” he purred as he sat back down, his drink waiting for him. “So do fights like that happen often around here? Cause if so, they should hire a bouncer so that you don’t need to put yourself at risk.”

[newmommy1993]

"Kylie, that is a beautiful name." He said in his thick British accent. He chuckled and shook his head. "Me? New? No, love. I've been here for quite some time, just never really got out. Busy with other.. stuff, I guess you could say." He stated with a sigh. He took another sip of whiskey. Bryson watched as she returned his money, he just smiled at her, but his smile quickly faded as he hand brushed against his. She felt.. powerful just by the small gesture. "I should be going, it was very nice meeting you, Kylie. I do hope to see you tomorrow night here." He said, getting up. Bryson took her hand in his own and place a small kiss on the top before he walked out of the bar.

Once outside, he ran with inhuman speed back to his condo. The windows were blacked out, so no sunlight could get in. He felt hungry, but he knew he had his fill for that night. He just couldn't go biting every mortal he had came across. The Kylie girl, something about her was different. Bryson could sense it, he felt that energy before decades go, but where? Rubbing his temple, Bryson drew himself a bath and undresses, relaxing in the water as he sorted his thoughts out. Tonight was very... eventful to say the least. After his bath, he changed into a pair of gray boxer brief's. The typical vampire usually slept underground or in a coffin, but he preferred his bed in his dark bedroom. It was a lot more comfortable, and since dawn was slowly approaching, he had decided to turn in early, but he found sleep was impossible, all he could think about was the girl. Kylie, and about what she truly was.

~

After the two men left, she made the charming male his drink, but when she turned to hand it to him, he already disappeared into the bathroom. Frowning, she sat it down where he was, hoping he'd return. When he did, she was drying a few glasses. She smiled over him and shrugged at his question. "Not every night, but most nights. It's just the alcohol, some people just don't have a limit on how much to drink. If they could, they'd drain everything in this bar." She joked with a laugh. They had started to empty out, so Sophia could get some of the closing things done. "I'm Sophia, by the way." She said, looking towards the mysterious man.

"We do have a bouncer, he's just not very good at it. I'm strong, I can handle little fights like that one. Believe me, we had much worse." She said. They were two of the only people left now in the main area. "We're getting ready to close." She said, looking to the man. She didn't really want him to leave, and she couldn't believe that it would soon almost be dawn. It was close to two, and the sun usually rose around 6. Being clumsy, she dropped the glass she was holding. Cursing under her breath, Sophia bent down to pick up the shards of glass, but ended up cutting her finger in the process. "Dammit." She mumbled, casting an apologetic look to the man.

She grabbed a green rag and pressed it on the cut on her finger. "I'm usually not that clumsy, I promise." She chuckled.

[Dannyel]

His accent was delicious, and Kylie gave a shudder as she let the sound of his voice wash over her. She had not heard her native accent in so long, at least not in person, and her own had faded centuries back. She figured that she could probably bring it back if she concentrated on it enough, but that would be kind of odd given the situation. “It’s a shame we haven’t run into each other sooner, Bryson,” she said with a grin, though it quickly faded as he got to his feet. Had she offended him by rejecting his money? Surely he wasn’t that kind of dense alpha male, not with his refined accent and collected appearance.

"I should be going, it was very nice meeting you, Kylie. I do hope to see you tomorrow night here.”

Feeling a bit foolish for jumping to conclusions, Kylie merely arched an eyebrow at him. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said with a smirk, “l just might be busy. Guess we’ll have to see.” Unmoved by her response, Bryson merely took her hand and placed a gentle kiss to the back of it. “My, what manners!” she exclaimed, stunned by the archaic gesture. Turning in her seat, she watched as he walked out of the bar. Well, he was certainly a sight to see, this relic of an age long past. What was he doing here, in the middle of nowhere in the twenty first century? Oh, he was a mystery indeed, and Kylie was suddenly very happy that she took Sophia’s advice and come out to the bar.

***

Sophia, she said. It couldn’t be…he stared at her as she began to clean up the bar. She had the same long auburn hair, wild and hanging free, same freckled face and warm eyes. How could he have missed it? It was Sophia, Mikey’s sister, friend and object of a silly, misplaced childhood crush. The long atrophied feelings deep in his chest started to flare again, and Gale decided that he did not like the feeling.

Realizing that she would want his name, he thought quickly, thinking up a lie. “David,” he said, knowing that he should not go by Gale, not here. He downed his drink, wishing he had gotten something stronger, something that burned as it went down, something that would chase the shock away. Reaching into the pockets of his jeans, he fished out a ten dollar bill and threw it down. “That should cover the drink, keep the change for yourself, sweetheart.” Standing up, he smelled the blood as she cut herself again. Was she the clumsiest girl on the face of the earth or something?

As if she read his mind, the girl chuckled and said, "I'm usually not that clumsy, I promise." He only nodded, then turned on his heel as he stormed out dramatically, though that was not his intention. Flustered, he drew in several gulps of the cold air. Though he no longer needed to breathe, the shock of the cold in his chest still helped to clear his head, and for that, he was grateful. Restful, anxious, and confused, Gale began to prowl around town, the memories hitting him hard and fast. Rounding a corner, he found the playground where he and Mikey had spent so much time as children, laughing and climbing that worn jungle gym. Close inspection proved that it was the same exact one, rougher from age and rust. He swore, turning away from it and running out of the playground. He was too young for nostalgia, and too evil for sentimentality.

[newmommy1993]

Bryson slept the day away, and when he got up that night he felt relaxed and well rested, also very hungry. He took himself a quick shower, speeding it along with his super human speed, and dressed in dark jeans, and a satin green button-up top, leaving the top couple buttons undone. He ran a comb through his hair, but it just fell back in place. After he was dressed for the night, he left his blacked out condo to look for dinner. He found a young girl, no older then twenty-two. After compelling her not to panic or scream, he bit into her neck, sucking the sweet blood from her juicy vein. After he took his fill, Bryson punctured his finger, rubbing his blood over the two bite marks, they began healing instantly.

After sending the girl on her way, he headed to the same bar he was at last night. There was a different bartender, but the one from last night was there, just hanging out, talking to a few friends of hers. He didn't see Kylie, though, a part of him hoped she would be there that night, and if not he'd just come every night until he did see her again, and when that day came, Bryson would make sure to get her number, so they could spend many more nights together. He did enjoy her company, made him feel almost human again.

~

After work, Sophia went straight home to go to bed. The next morning, she woke up and shifted, taking a nice long and relaxing run. When she returned home, she took herself a shower, made her a western omelet with a cup of coffee, and changed into skinny jeans, a plaid top that showed her midriff, and white cowgirl boots. She brushed and crinkled her hair. After she was dressed, she ran a few errands around town, doing a little grocery shopping and such. She had that night off, so she was going to take that night to just let loose and relax.

When the sun went down, and the moon came out, Sophia headed to the bar she worked at. She found herself a table with a couple of her close friends. They all ordered them a round of Tequila shots, and Sophia guzzled three shot glasses down, but her thoughts went to the man from last night, and how familiar he looked. It was like she knew him from somewhere a long time ago, but where?

[Dannyel]

Kylenna spent the day outside, having travelled out of town to go hiking. It was one of her favorite past times, getting away from people and technology and communing with the natural world. In some ways it was nostalgic, reminding her of the time she had spent in her youth so many years ago, though she had to pretend she did not carry her cell phone with her otherwise the overall effect was ruined. Still, it was one of the best ways she had to spend her free time, and by the time she returned back to town that evening she was refreshed and relaxed.

Sophia had said something to her about meeting her at Burton’s, so she stopped at home to quickly changed from her hiking gear, snug boots, shorts, and a tank top, into a cool sundress and simple sundress. Like most of her clothing, it was bright in color, reflecting her bubbly nature. At least that’s what she told herself every time somebody gave her a strange look for it. Glancing at her clock, she was that she was already running late, so she dashed out the door, barely remembering to slip into her sandals.

She burst into Burton’s, a smile on her face as she scanned the room for Sophia. She was not supposed to be working tonight, so she was not surprised when she saw Sophia sitting with some friends, throwing back a few shots. Well, she did not need to drink as heavily as they did, but she really hoped that she would not make them uncomfortable. Sometimes all it took was one person not partaking to really kill the buzz of a group. Sidling up to them, she took the empty seat next to her friend and nodded at the others. “Hey Sophia,” she said, her voice light and cheery. “Enjoying your day off?”

She flagged down one of the waitresses, asking for another of those hard ciders. They were one of her favorite drinks, a sort of alcoholic apple cider, with just about the amount of kick of a beer. As she was settling back down, she saw him staring at her across the room. The man from last night – Bryson. She felt her throat go dry as she met his gaze, a small smile coming to her face. She nodded at him, a gesture of recognition, but gestured helplessly at the girls, mouthing “Sorry.”

---

Gale woke up, feeling restless and agitated. He had barely gotten any rest that day, and if his body hadn’t absolutely demanded rest he knew he would have spent all day thinking of her – Sophia. Regret washed through him, knowing that he should have never returned to this town. He still did not know what had compelled him to do so, just that when Claudius left him he felt so lost. Perhaps it was the lure of something familiar, and that feeling still stuck with him, encouraging him to stay just a little bit longer.

Knowing that it was a foolish thing to do, Gale made his way straight to the bar and skipping his normal dinner. As long as he got something by the end of the night he would be fine, and his curiosity was just too strong. The path to the bar was different though, police tape roping off the area where had killed last night. There were still some bloodstains on the ground, but the body was long gone, and the area itself had a desolate air to it. He should have been more careful, disposed of the body and all that, but what’s done is done.

Heading into the bar, Gale’s eyes immediately went to the area behind the bar. She was not there. He felt his stomach drop out, a heavy weight over his chest. Still, he might was well not waste his time, making a beeline straight for the bar, sitting down next to a young, dark haired man. Barely glancing up, he ordered himself some whisky, leaning his head into his hand as he waited for it. Once it arrived he downed it, the burn making him feel alive, if only for a moment.

[newmommy1993]

Sophia had definitely started feeling the Tequila know after her fifth shot, and she grinned when Kylie took a seat beside her. "Hey, I was beginning to wonder if you were coming or not." She said with a small laugh. When Kylie greeted her and asked how her day off was going, Sophia just shrugged. "Okay, I guess." She said with a small shrug. "Just one of those uneventful days, you know." She said, downing one more shot before she stood up. "I'm going to change the music, maybe play a little pool. It's so boring in here." Sophia complained. She walked over to the jukebox, her white boots clicking on the wooden floor. Once approaching, she leaned forward flipping through the music before putting on some newer, but upbeat, county music. Once it began playing, she smiled from ear to ear. "Perfect." She mouthed.

When Sophia turned around to go over to the pool table, she saw the guy from last night. Without thinking much about it, Sophia made her way to him, leaning against the counter, looking ahead. "Hello, stranger." She said with a smile before turning her gaze to his. "Want to meet me around back? Great." She said, loose her footing slightly before she turned on her heels and walked outside, going around back to wait, hopefully, for the mysterious man from last night, who seemed so familiar, the only way she was going to find out who he was was to get to know him a little bit better. In more ways then one.

~

Bryson didn't see the girl at first, but the second she walked in, he caught her scent. Trying to to be too obvious, he didn't acknowledge the fact she was here, but he slowly turned his head and their eyes met. She was sitting with a few other female companions, chatting and drinking Tequila, or she was drinking some sort of hard cider, the others were drinking Tequila. One of the girls, the bartender from last night, got up to change the music on the jukebox, then whispered something to the guy sitting beside Bryson. Almost immediately when the man sat down, Bryson knew he was his kind, a vampire. A fairly new vampire at that.

After the girl walked off, Bryson leaned in to say something to the young vampire. "Don't kill her." He smiled and sat back. "I'm Bryson, over two hundred years old." He said, taking a sip of his drink. "If you need help, I live just around the corner, you're welcome to come over any night. I can help with the lasting hunger, I can help control it, and you." He said, poking his finger into the boy's chest. "Think about it. Now, you got dinner waiting." He said, getting up. The other two girls' had went to play a game of pool, Bryson took one of their seats by Kylie.

"Hello, I'm glad I got to see you again." He said in a smooth, deep voice.

[Dannyel]

Gale started when he heard her, having not noticed her presence earlier. Swiveling in his seat, he turned to tentatively make eye contact with her, but he couldn’t stand it, staring into her deep brown eyes, knowing who his was and what had happened last time. What would she think of him and what he has become? Worse than all that her scent suddenly hit him, enveloping him and he immediately knew he would never forget it. It was a soft, earthy scent, reminding him of a long walk in the woods, and he breathed it in, savoring it. “Ahh, outside?” he asked, rather confused but her words, but Sophia didn’t respond.

Raising his gaze, he turned to the man next to him, amazed that he hadn’t noticed it before. The man was clearly one of the undead, his heart not beating in his chest, his skin pale and clearly untouched by the sun. Getting to his feet, he considered stopping by sometime, it would be nice to talk to another one of his kind, and just maybe he would know if there was some way to find Claudius again. “She’s not my dinner,” he muttered, surprising even himself with his vehemence. There was no way that he could, not with the memories he still had of her.

Zipping up his hoodie, he threw his hood up, letting his face fall into shadow. He knew better, he knew he should not go out to talk to her at all, but he couldn’t help it. Hopefully by staying in the shadows she wouldn’t quite recognize him, so he followed in her footsteps, finding her waiting outside for him. “Hi,” he muttered, his gaze flicking to the pulse in her throat, beating away in a steady beat that he could hear, and it was it was slowly driving him mad.

---

Kylie ignored the girls as they made their way over to the pool table, starting to wish that she had not accepted Sophia’s invitation to come out with them. Luckily, as the other girls left she saw Bryce stand up and make his way over to her. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she gestured at the now empty seat next to her, scooting over so that she could face him properly. “Hi,’ she responded to his greeting, “I’m glad that you made it.”

Gesturing vague at the other girls, she gave a bit of a sheepish shrug. “They’re young,” she said as a way of apology, for what she was not quite sure. Perhaps she was a little bit embarrassed. “I was hurt by the way you ran out on me like that last night!” she joked, the small smile blossoming into a full one. “I hope I didn’t do anything to scare you away.”