Chapter Nine
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Day Five: Constellation
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While Meteoroid goes to work and on dates, I've been walking the streets of the Big Apple. A cute guy comes up and says, “Hey, I’m Michael. Want a tour?”
“Why? Do I look like I need a tour?”
“Yes. You've walked through this square twice.” I look around.
“Oh. You're right. Sorry. Yes, I would, Michael.”
“Sweet. We’ll start with this über ritzy restaurant. I’ll buy you dinner, if you want.”
“So, like a date?”
“Yeah, if you want.”
“Yes, please. I've never been on a date before. I apologize if I do something wrong.”
“Cool. This place has a dance floor and everything.” He whistles, loud and shrill, then he hollers, “TAXI!” A compact yellow car pulls up and Michael climbs in the back. “Climb in, uh… what’s your name?”
“Constellation,” I respond as I clamber into the taxi.
“Cool name. Roderick, take us to the Green Glades, over on Fifth.”
“Sure thing, kiddo. Got a date back there?”
“Yup, real hot chic named Constellation. Givin’ her a tour of the expensive places.”
“Of course, you can afford it, ya rich, little urchin. You should take her to the beach or somethin’.” Roderick calls over his shoulder in my direction. “This little brat’s the richest kid this side of the Continental Divide. Probably the other side, too. Quite frankly, I'm surprised he didn't hire a limo.”
“I may be rich, but those dumb housekeepers, maids, and butlers don’t even notice when I sneak outta that dumb mansion. I could run away forever and no one would even realize I was gone until I’m thirty-five!”
“Oof, I’m sorry. That must be awful.” I shudder.
“It's not so bad,” he shrugs. “If people noticed, I wouldn't be goin’ out with hot chics named Constellation. So really, it all evens out.” I blush the color of crimson. He looks at me and whispers, “I’d much rather be goin’ out with you.” I blush even harder. Luckily, Roderick saves me from further embarrassment.
“We’re here! That’ll be twenty, Michael.” Michael hands him some money and helps me out of the taxi.
“Come on, Constellation. I have a private table for two reserved for me. Plus, it’s near the dance floor.” He winks, escorting me through the gold and glass doors. All the waiters and waitresses are falling all over him, asking things like,
“Oh! Your usual table, sir?” “Can I get you the special, sir?” “How is the waltz, for you and your lady, sir?” It’s all slightly overwhelming.
After we’re safely seated at the private table, the maitre’ d steps into the middle of the empty dance floor. “Guests, the nightly dance is about to begin.”
Michael takes my hand from across the table and asks, “Wanna?”
“Yeah. Let’s do this.” About a dozen other couples are starting to dance.
“May I have this dance, milady?”
“Sure.” I giggle. Michael wraps his arm around my waist and takes my hand in his. With a twist, we are lost among the other dancers, and yet, I don't notice a single other person besides Michael. Somehow, I find myself no longer encircled by one arm. No, now they’re both around my middle, holding me close against his chest. No one else has stopped dancing except us. Michael is just holding me, staring into my green eyes while I stare into his black ones. I close my eyes and tilt my chin up, ever so slightly. He leans his head over and his lips brush against mine, softly at first, but quickly turning into something more. He kisses me over and over again. We stand there until the other couples start leaving the dance floor. He kisses me again, pays the check, tenderly takes my hand and we leave. It’s dark outside, so I turn to him and break the romantic silence.
“Michael, thank you. Thank you for everything. I have to get home though. I’ll call you, okay?”
“Okay, Constellation. I’ll pick you up in Central Park tomorrow morning at nine, OK?”
“Okay, Michael.” He leans over me and kisses me one last time, then turns and disappears into the darkness. I click my teleport bracelet, and soon the sidewalk is empty.87Please respect copyright.PENANAh7IgVK5iNT