Enter the world of the Kolidescope

[jsmith506]

Michael was in the middle of his nightly home workout regimen, his fists hammering away on the speed bag he had mounted in the entrance to the hall that had his bathroom and bedroom.  Ever since he signed on with Don at Heaven Can Wait he had become pretty big on physical fitness and it was starting to show.  The old guy had been putting him through his paces too in their down time between jobs doing self defense and weapons training with him.  The livingroom and kitchen were open concept, there was a tiled area adjacent to the kitchen and island countertop with bar stools one could assume was intended for a dining room table and chairs, but in their stead was a weight lifting bench and dumbbells'.  He had some Lacuna Coil playing in his wireless headphones as he pummeled the speed bag over and over getting lost in the gothy melodies. 

His phone was in the pocket of his sweat pants though, which was all he was wearing at the time.  He felt the buzz of Jen's text in his pants and reached in to check it.  The speed bag flopped back and forth a few more times with the momentum and he dodged it with a quick bob of the head to reach in the linen cubby in the hallway to grab a towel.  He padded the sweat off his face and slung the towel over his shoulder.  Hmm, text message... He opened it and a smile spread across his lips when he saw it was from Jennifer.  A somewhat fancy party huh?  It had been a couple days since he had been out with her last, and the thought of seeing her in fancy form was intriguing to say the least.  He quickly thumbed out a reply.

"HEY! To you too miss Jennifer.  I would be most delighted to accompany you to said fancy party m'lady.  I held onto the plain black suit from when I was doing the chauffer job, do I need to wear the tie though? Those things are just so stuffy." 

[Jennifer]

*The invitation said cocktail party so I'm afraid so. Care to drive? Let me know when you're on your way so I'll be ready?*

Jennifer would grin from ear to ear as she hit send. It had been a crazy last few days. Some ridiculous and frankly dangerous things had happened around her and yet not once was she hurt. Some crazy secrets had been spilled that she was honestly still trying to come to grips with. But every bit of it had been worth it to have met Michael. Her face was beginning to hurt and she quickly slipped her phone into the pocket of her hoodie so she would stop staring at it, waiting for him to text her back. She'd never be ready in time otherwise.

[jsmith506]

Before Jen's fingertips released her phone, it would buzz.  "It'll take me a half hour to get ready, you caught me mid workout so I need to hit the shower first.  Then I can make it to your place in about thirty minutes I think depending on traffic.  But I will text before I start driving like you asked.   "

[kinkednitemare]

Safi Marie Hayes

-=To say she was surprised to get a text at this time from Mel was only kind of a thing, they talked back and forth here and there.  She would glance at her phone as she flipped a page in the book she was reading and sat up straight to read the message.  A grin on her lips as Mel was sending out an SOS because she was with her mom.  At this point those in the group text all knew what this meant.  Her eyes looking at the time then around trying to figure out what she would even wear to an event like that.  

She had a nice white sundress with lace... It wasn't overly fancy but it would do the job probably.  Course what would be an issue was she didn't have dress shoes so a pair of low top green all stars were going to have to do.  Closing her book and shutting her computer off before tucking it all away in her space in the dorm.  A chance to get out of that space was fine with her.  Her body stopping in mid stride as she went to text back.=-

~Oh no! I can stop by.~

-=With that she would drop her phone on her bed and start to get ready to go.  She wondered if anyone else would go.  It was kind of very much out of her element so she'd be awkward as fuck, but she supported her friends in the ways she could.  Which was usually emotionally because she didn't have money to do anything else.  

She'd fluff her curls and put on a little mascara and lip gloss after getting dressed, it was as good as it was going to get really.  She'd gotten a separate message from Kai that wasn't in the group text saying he'd go as well.  

About a half and hour later they'd be strolling into he event. Her heart thudding in her chest as she got nervous around people especially people she didn't know.  She pushed through for the most part, but this would be draining to say the least.  Her eyes glancing at Kai before looking around for Mel.=-

[Danü Rèalta]

Ana Wilkes stepped out from the Auction room, heels of her white Jimmy Choos heralding her arrival into the main gallery. She'd drop the ticket she had just procured for the artwork purchased down into her clutch. She had done her civic duty, purchasing a piece of art to adorn the walls of Northside Emmanuel Baptist Church. Only to have it auctioned off once more at a later date to support their local and offshore missions.

Her gaze would scan the room before her to see who still remained, blue eyes with hints of green observing all of the familiar and unfamiliar faces, finally landing on Senator Huckabee, his son, Richard & Martha Collins, and their Daughter. How opportune she would think, smiling and making her way over. Ever the serene picture of grace and poise.

"Senator Huckabee..." The light British accent with her husky voice breaking through the ongoing conversation at the polite time. She'd extend her hand gracefully to which the Senator would lightly grasp, bringing her knuckles up to brush a kiss upon them. To which she would only politely smile and feign her approval. "How wonderful to see you all out tonight. And Richard and Martha. The pleasure is mine once more."

The Senator chuckled lightly. "Mrs. Wilkes. How is your husband? I hear his cancer returned."

She would smile and simply nod, humbled that he would ask and concern himself. "It is true Senator. The Doctors had believed the Myeloma in remission but it does appear to have come back. They are doing all they can and he remains strong by the blessings of God. He has is rough days but he has yet to miss a Sunday sermon. Some of the other days of the week though he has left the preaching to some of the other resident pastors. The Doctors insist he rest, after all he just turned 65 last year. But my husband is a fighter and insists the Lord will deliver him to a second remission. God willing it will be so. Thank you for your concern and your prayers."

Mrs. Wilkes appeared to be no more than a little over 30 and had only been married to the local celebrity of a Pastor for the last 5 years. Many rumored her to be nothing more than a gold digger at first, but when the Myeloma appeared and she remained faithfully by his side, those rumors went away.

"Tell me though, is this your Son Senator? And Martha, is this your Daughter? I never would have believed they would be this age already. I do not believe we have met."

The Senator and his Son would happily gush over Chadwick's accomplishments to the beautiful lady. When they had finished, she'd turn her brilliant eyes to Mel with a welcoming smile.

"Tell me of yourself dear."

[Mel Benett]

A smile crossed Mel's face when she saw Safi's reply before tucking her phone away and leaving the ladies room. She sent a quick text back -THANK YOU!- and sent the address of the gallery. It was not lost on Mel how blessed she was to have an amazing support system in her friends. They were really more like her siblings. A bunch of misfits that all filtered into her life for a reason. If it wasn't for them she was certain her sanity would have been lost a long time ago. 

Senator Huckabee and Richard had made their way back to Martha, Mel, and Chadwick. Mere minutes later, Mel saw a graceful figure moving towards the group. She recognized Mrs. Wilkes but had not been formally introduced. Martha put a hand lightly on Mel's back. If they weren't in public Martha would have told Mel that if she came to church with them she would know her. But Mel wasn't big on church. She had her faith and spirituality but didn't feel like she had to attend church to prove that. Besides, she didn't think showing up at church hungover was a great idea.  

"Ana, this is my daughter, Melissa. Melissa, this is Mrs. Wilkes."

Mel nodded and offered her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wilkes. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health troubles. I will be sure to keep him in my prayers."

She took a sip of the champagne she was nursing as the Senator and Chadwick gushed over his accomplishments. Mel turned to meet the women's eyes and offered a warm smile in return. 

"Well, I am currently in my junior year at Cal-Tech working towards being a veterinarian. I plan to go for my DVM right after I graduate. It will mean another 3-4 years of schooling but will be well worth it. I also do quite a bit of volunteer work for local charities. I think it is important for people who have been given much to give back to their communities." She paused briefly. "Are you purchasing some art for the church?"

Mel's love for her friends was only rivaled by her love of animals. Martha wanted Mel to follow in her foot steps and go into real estate. Unfortunately, there was no reasoning with Mel once her heart was set on something. Her love of animals started when she was young. Martha had brought home a dog for Mel when she was three. Frank didn't hide his displeasure about Martha making that decision without discussing it with him first. 

The entrance was in Mel's line of sight. As the conversation carried on, she would keep an eye out for Safi and Kai. A wave of relief washed over her when they arrived. "If you'll excuse me, a few people I know just arrived. I must go greet them." She gently but firmly shook Ana's hand one more time. "Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's ever anything I can do to help at the church." 

She made her way to Safi and Kai. She gave Safi a hug and a kiss on each each cheek, offering a smile. "You look gorgeous." She hugged Kai next squeezing him a little too tight. He'd purposely been avoiding her and she knew it. "We are going to have a talk later.....butthead," she whispered to him before breaking the hug. 

"I cannot thank you both enough for coming. Jen and Michael should be here soon as well. Let's head to the second level. I believe there's photography there but more importantly, it's less crowded." Mel may be headstrong and determined but she wasn't insensitive. She knew how much this was going to take out of Safi and she wanted to try and make it a little easier for her. She looped an arm through Safi's, leading her through the crowd gracefully and with ease, leaving Kai to follow. Mel slipped her arm free once they reached the stairs.  

[Atraya Crowe]

"Every time you ask, and without hesitation."



His words made her pulse accelerate in her throat again with anticipation. Feeling his hand move to encircle her back, and pull her into his lap smoothly like she weighed absolutely nothing. She’d settle in when drew her in close against him. She’d turn her face towards him as he leaned in and pressed his lips softly against her own. She closed her eyes and held her breath. His thumb warm and illicit feeling against her thigh. But not enough of a distraction to take away the sensation of his lips. When he exhaled she exhaled and took a quick breath before he kissed her again. She wanted his mouth to linger. And let the kiss last forever. But he pulled back resting his forehead against her own. Her eyes were open watching his face and closed eyes listening to more beautiful words that spilled out of his mouth.



"I am glad you are nobody...somebody can be taken by anybody, but nobody remains true. There is only the now, and the ceaseless longing I will endure until next I am able to kiss you again. Were I to thirst to death spending my time with you in my arms and drinking nothing but your kiss, I would die happy and complete."



‘There’s no reason to wait’ She would whisper. This time taking the initiative, she’d tilt her head and kiss him again. There was a little bit of urgency to her kiss. The way she pressed them harder against his, and ever so gently urging him to deepen it and open it for a more deeply sensual kiss. Her hands would move up to clasp his face as she kissed him deeper. The hunger was infectious. She could feel it thrilling her every nerve. She wanted to be closer to him, feel his skin beneath her fingers. Explore what was hidden beneath the armani suit. She had to reluctantly pull away to catch her breath, a smile crossing her face as she breathed a little heavier than before. She’d lick her lips savoring the taste of his mouth. A sly smile crossing her face, as she still held his encapsulated in her hands.



‘Are you sure you’re not an incubus that has casted me under his spell?’



She’d lean in again to kiss him, but it was cut short as she pulled back sharply. She could hear with her supernatural hearing footsteps on the ramp heading upward. It wasn’t a single set but several.



‘Someone’s coming.’



Reluctantly she released his face and sighed as she shifted to move off of his lap and back onto the bench. To make it appear as if they were simply sitting there admiring the photography in front of them. But her hand would slide over and slip into his, lacing her fingers between his, as if to say. This ‘conversation’ wasn’t over.

****

Kai refused to dress up. For one he actually read the newspaper and knew that by the time he and Safi arrived it would no longer be a black tie event. And two he only did formal for weddings and funerals. The rest of the time the man lived in jeans. The place was still bustling as he and Safi approached, his hands shoved deep in his slacks (that was the compromise he’d been willing to make). Until they found mel. Kai stood to the side as Mel greeted Safi like they had been best friends forever. Funny how life worked out. Kai though to himself remembering how horrible Mel had once been to Safi, now she was one of her biggest supporters. His turn was next and she squeezed him extra tight whispering in his ear. She was on to him.

Shit. Now what?



He just grunted as an immediate response before replying with his usual sarcastic wit



‘whatever you say mom.’



He wasn’t in a great mood. Eylssa had texted him earlier. Making their breakup harder than it needed to be. Their lives had been so entwined it seemed impossible to untie them. Relief flooded through him when Mel said that Jen and Michael were coming. Maybe those two could keep mel occupied enough to keep her off his back.



He let the ladies lead the way towards the stair/ramp. Slowly trailing behind them, glancing around the gallery. He spotted Martha and Richard talking to who was pretty sure was the pastors wife and the senator. He wondered idly if Marthat was trying to set mel up with the young man he could only assume was the Senators son.



The thought made him smirk. Mel hated it when her mother did that. He chuckled to himself as he followed the girls. IF only he’d been here for that. The only reason he’d come tonight was because safi had said she was going. And Landyn had encouraged him to get out of the apartment and have some fun with the rest of his friends. But having mel so close and so suspicious was not going to make for a good evening. And this was NOT the place he wanted to air his dirty laundry. Especially about Eylssa.

[Danü Rèalta]

Ana watched Melissa as she explained her studies. She was attentive and focused with a soft smile upon her face that told how interested she was to hear in her future plans. It was really no wonder the Senator and his Son might have gone a little overboard as they spoke about themselves. Ana was incredibly easy to talk to and you felt encouraged to do so. And when ever she was asked to speak about herself, as when Mel asked her about the artwork she would do so with an air of humility and gratitude that you asked.

"I did make a purchase. I found a beautiful landscape of tuscany that I found particulary inspiring. We will hang it in the main hall of the church for the next two months before we sell it."

The Senator would laugh. "A tuscan sunset in a church? Not very religious is it."

There was perhaps the faintest flicker of diappointment in the graceful lady's gaze as the Senator teased before once more that brilliant smile traced to her lips.

"I find all landscapes religious, Senator. Especially when viewed as painted with God's brush."

The Senator's chuckle would lose some of it's bravado and as if on cue, Mel would dismiss herself.

Ana reached out to take the girl's hand in her own for a shake.

"Of course my dear, perhaps we will speak again. Take care."

[Jennifer]

Jennifer let Michael know to just pull up to the main office of her apartment complex, she would be waiting by the front door when he arrived so he wouldn't have to deal with the parking garage. She was dressed simply, lightly curling her hair with understated makeup. The dress she wore a lovely shade of sapphire blue that hung to her knees. Classic, almost a vintage look with the full skirt and black heels.

She'd pull out her phone as she waited, pulling up the text messages to see that Safi was also coming. Her smile would only grow brighter. She didn't know what she would do if she hadn't met these girls. Probably stay in her apartment all the time with her nose in her books since she would never think to go to a place like this on her own. She hated the awkwardness of social situations, especially when she didn't know anyone. Never would she be the type to just walk up and introduce herself.

A few minutes later she'd spot Michael's Lexus approach the building and she instantly felt three times lighter. It had been two days since she had seen him last. No cranes had toppled over. No buses had crashed into buildings. No water mains had broken, and no one had gotten hurt. It had just felt odd not having him there, seeing as the first three days of their blooming relationship had them stuck together in close proximity. What was it his friend Angela had said? Fate was a bitch and she was sorry? She didn't quite understand since no one bothered to explain but as far as she was concerned, there was nothing to be sorry for.

She'd slip out the door as he pulled to the curb, not bothering to wait and see if he would open the door for her. It was never expected.

"Hi!"

She'd smile wide, the hint of a blush coming to her cheeks as she realized it might have come off as a little over excited.

"Looks like we're going to an Art Gallery."

Once settled in the car, she'd send the group a quick text.

*On our way. ETA 30 mins?*

[darkheart]

Atraya's fervency and hunger stirred something in him he had never felt before. Sliding his hand up her thigh towards her hip, he pressed himself against her inviting warmth, his forehead furrowing as he longed to explore every inch of her form. She would pull away gently to joke, and he was about to stand to pull her somewhere they could truly be alone and one when she stiffened slightly and moved away.

‘Someone’s coming.’

Were he in the habit of cursing, he might have done so, but as she slipped beside him and intertwined her fingers with his he released her and smoothed his hair subconsciously with a gentle smile. Propriety seeped back into his mind as he nodded to her. Savoring the fading warmth of her kiss on his lips and the tingle of excitement on his skin from the touch of her hand, he shuddered in unrequited desire that bounced around inside his body like electricity that needed to discharge.

He would pull the suitcoat across his thigh, letting it hang loosely but neatly there as if he were simply warm and needing to cool off. It wasn't much of a stretch, given his elevated body temperature from the blood thundering through his heart from the adrenaline and endorphins she had stirred unequivocally in him.

He would look up and see Mel, Safi and Kai cresting the stairwell at the far end of the hall. He thought he at least recognized Mel in passing from campus, but it was dimly lit and he was having trouble placing her. Noting Kai's dress, part of him regretted not doing more research about the event and showing up in his normal clothes. That thought quickly slipped away as he caught Atraya in his periphery and reflexively took her in from head to toe to head again. He was instantly glad that he could look nice for her and compliment her appropriately. Turning to whisper gently in her ear, his tone was turning light and playful again.

"I hope you'll consider a second interview...I am deeply interested in the position, if you'd have me."

He would grin, then lean to the side and wave to the trio with a bright smile. He suddenly placed Mel in his mind and called out cheerily with a wave.

"Peace be upon you! Mel Bennett, right? I think I was the TA in your Zoology course - Pre-Vet Science with hopes for a DVM, right? Good to see you here!"

[Mel Benett]

Martha listened as the Senator scoffed at Ana's choice of paintings for a church. She nodded in agreement with Ana as she stated that she found all landscapes religious. "There is no greater painter." She paused as Mel slipped away, Martha idly wondered if Mel would ever settle down. All she could do was hope for the best. "Did you notice the sunset last night? It was unmatched in it's beauty."

Mel smirked at Kai's reply. Smartass. She wasn't going to push it here but they'd be having a conversation before the night was over - that she would make sure of. They'd known each other long enough that they couldn't lie to each other. It did amuse her that he did occasionally try to hide things from her. As they reached the top of the stairs, Mel's phone buzzed. Since they were away from the crowd she didn't feel rude pulling her phone out and taking a look. A smile crossed her face when she saw Jen's text.

-Great! See you soon.-

It was as she was putting her phone away she heard her name. Her eyes followed the sound and landed on Zaid. It took her a moment but his face registered and she returned the wave. Her smile brightened. "Hi, yes! I saw you arrive and thought I recognized you. Please forgive me for not coming over to say hello. It's nice to see you." She paused a moment. "Let me introduce you to my friends. This is Safi and this is Kai." She motioned to each of them as she introduced them. "Are you enjoying your evening so far?"

[jsmith506]

Michael smiled as he watched Jen hurry over, she seemed excited to see him and be getting out. She looked beautiful in her blue dress which was nearly a perfect match to the blue paint job on his Lexus.

He didn't have a chance to try and be gentlemanly, she just piled right into the passenger seat. He leaned across and planted a quick kiss on her lips. "Hello beautiful, you look stunning in that blue dress, you accessorize my ride perfectly." He grinned and twirled his index finger through one of her curls.

Michael's suit was clearly dry cleaned and pressed and had been hanging in a garment bag in his closet, he looked pretty dapper in it though plain as it was. The tie was also plain and black not quite perfectly straight and tight where it should be. The look was completed with a white button up shirt and a pair of polished plain black dress shoes. "An Art Exhibition huh? Neat, I've never been to one of those before. This should be interesting."

He punched the address into the GPS of his Android Auto display and headed out, one hand on the wheel, the other on the stick. Michael chose the standard model transmission because he had done advanced driver training and preferred the control of the vehicle that standard transmission provides.

About 25 minutes later they were pulling up to the Art gallery, Michael entered the lot number into his pay and park app and paid up two hours, he could always re-pay if they stayed longer. This time though he was able to beat Jennifer to the punch as she looked to be doing a final preening and check of herself in the Mirror of the sun visor. Michael scooted over to the passenger side and opened the door, he held out his hand to help her up as any professional chauffeur would, but with a bright smile at the beautiful blue gem he was privileged enough to have on his arm. Michael felt very lucky tonight, he had the chance to spend some time with Jennifer and possibly meet some of her inner circle. She had already met most of his, wild and nutty as they are.

[kinkednitemare]

Safi Marie Hayes

-=Safi already knew that Kai was not going to dress up which made her feel better about her attire. She could feel comfortable if her friends didn't make her feel bad for what little she could afford including nice clothes. Kafi didn't mind that Kai didn't like to dress up, hell she didn't usually like to dress up either, finding things to fit her body wasn't the easiest thing in the world and she did not enjoy shopping. Seeing him in slacks was a little different, but nice. She'd stroll in beside him and look around, entering places like this were always overwhelming to her at first, so she didn't see Mel right way, but Mel would find them and she'd smile at her as she approached.

Hugging Mel back she would kiss her cheek in return and thank her before moving out of the way so Mel could get to Kai. A smirk on her lips as she knew Kai was now trapped and Mel knew something was up. She had warned him she'd find out sooner or later. Maybe this was a bit sooner then he had liked, but here they were and the time was coming.

Safi wasn't sure why Elyssa was doing what she was doing, but she knew it was bothering Kai. She had hoped things would just be clean. She hoped she wouldn't have to chose sides...that was a nightmare in and of itself really and one she wasn't ready to face. She tried to stay impartial as well. She loved them both.

Walking with Mel up to the next floor she'd take it all in and try not to sound like she was dying as she climbed her way up. It was always an insecurity, being bigger that people could just hear you breath going up stairs or ramps she hated it but most times it was a reflex she'd just stop breathing on her way up and then have to pretend she wasn't gasping for air at the top.

She walked arm in arm with Mel and was very appreciative that she didn't want to stay down in the main area. Her mind had already played through the normal replies to questions a million times if she was introduced to someone so ...her social anxiety was pretty much on check for the moment. It wasn't that she didn't like doing things like this, it was more so her brain wouldn't let her fully enjoy it. She however didn't know the full weight of the people attending, she didn't recognize political people aside from the bigger ones everyone knew about.

She'd notice someone saying Mel's full name which was odd to her, but she would stand next to Mel quietly and observe the interaction glancing at Kai curiously wondering if he knew who this was talking to her.=-

Hello.

-=Safi would say softly as she was introduced to the the man talking to Mel. A polite smile on her lips as curious eyes moved between Zaid and Mel.=-

[Kaivion Stone]

Kai would continue to trail behind the girls, reluctant really to give Mel any kind of chance to corner him. Even if the conversation at hand was unavoidable, as Safi had predicted. And she was right it was going to happen sooner rather than later. But Kai was stubborn enough that if mel pushed he’d shut down and tell her nothing. Just get mad at her and she’d get mad at him for being mad at her. Kind of like really close siblings.

When the came to the top of the Landing, he heard a semi-familiar voice calling out to mel, since he was the last one to join the trio, it was clear Zaid hadn’t seen him yet. He only knew Zaid through his roommate, as the guy had come over once or twice since Kaivion had moved in. He was super nice and super friendly. Someone Kai would be willing to get to know.

He offered a friendly wave also greeting him. ‘Hey man, good to see you again.’

He felt safi glancing at him, as he moved to stand closer to her, just incase she got overwhelmed and needed a 2nd buffer. He leaned in and whispered to her after she offered her own greeting, so she’d know his association with Zaid.

‘He works with Landyn at the morgue, he’s come over a couple of times.’ He paused before he added ‘You look really nice by the way.’ He offered her a genuine smile so she knew he wasn’t just being ‘nice.’ but was sincere. He knew that sometimes she felt self conscious, so he liked to reassure her whenever he could. That’s what friends did right?

Kai would look back over at Zaid noticing the woman sitting next to him. His eyes narrowed then widened. He recognized her picture from the article. She was the actual owner of the gallery. Eyebrows immediately shot up in surprise. He wondered idly if she was just a ‘friend’ or someone he worked with at one of his jobs.

She was very beautiful, but her eyes were the most striking and seemed almost unworldly they were so blue that even from a distance they looked violet. Had he been a supernatural being he’d pick up on the fact that they weren’t actually a shade of blue/violet but purple. But to the trio they would seem violet. She offered a friendly smile, from where she sat almost intimately close to Zaid. Making Kai wonder again. If she was a friend or did Zaid actually have some game after all. From what he knew of Zaid he could be socially awkward. And he too talked a lot. Which was probably why Landyn liked him. The two sometimes seemed like they could talk for hours and not get tired of conversation.

He was just grateful Mel’s focus was on Zaid and no longer on himself. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He pulled it out and a frown creased his face, as he quickly hit the ignore button. He’d glance over at safi with a brief nod, knowing she could probably guess who it was.

He shoved his phone back into his pocket. His mood on the verge of going more sour. But for Mel and Safi’s sake he was at least willing to try his best and be there in the moment and not lost in his thoughts and frustrations at the circumstances of his life.

[Atraya Crowe]

If only he could feel what she was feeling. She thought as reluctant as she had been to vacate his lap so suddenly when all she wanted to do was be lost in that moment with Zaid. Her lips ached to seek his again. It left her hungry for him in ways she’d never known before. Or if she had she didn’t remember them. She was his moth and he was the flame. And she was drawn to him like nothing had ever drawn her before. . Only they had been interrupted by 3 individuals not much younger than herself from what she could gauge probably still in college. She guessed right when Zaid recognized one of them right away.



She felt her cheeks shade a little as he whispered in her ear before greeting one of the trio.


"I hope you'll consider a second interview...I am deeply interested in the position, if you'd have me."

It made her suck her breath in, with anticipation at the idea of seeing him, and potentially being alone with him. Giving him her full and undivided and unneeded attention. She wanted to know this man, just as much as she wished to touch him, and be near him.

'Yes'.

Was all she said. Again she wondered this time silently if he was some sort of incubus putting her under his sex spell and slowly wooing her into submission. And she was all to happy to oblige. She was broken from her thoughts as Zaid greeted the leader of the pack by name.



"Peace be upon you! Mel Bennett, right? I think I was the TA in your Zoology course - Pre-Vet Science with hopes for a DVM, right? Good to see you here!"



He would say. Funny how he always told people ‘peace be upon you’ to everyone he greeted. She would have to ask him about that. There was so much she had to learn about him. He was curious as well as infatuating. Again she as interrupted by her thoughts as this time a fresh voice came out across the hall in greeting.



'I recognized you. Please forgive me for not coming over to say hello. It's nice to see you." The girl named Mel paused before she continued . "Let me introduce you to my friends. This is Safi and this is Kai." She motioned to each of them as she introduced them. "Are you enjoying your evening so far?"



The girl named Safi spoke first, she seemed sigh and almost uncertain of being there. Like someone who knew where every exit was when she entered a room. Was Atraya’s first impression. The boy to the back seemed sullen and not very happy to be there. But he too seemed to recognize Zaid and offered his greeting as well, before whispering to the one called Safi.



It seemed Zaid was a little more popular than he made himself out to be. An interesting fact, that she rolled over in her mind, as she waited silently for him to introduce her.