It only took Stephanie a few days of texting back and forth before Travis asked her on a date. With the realization she would be going on an actual date with a very cute boy, the girl couldn't help but pace anxiously as Ann and Jackie helped her get ready.
"Should I wear a sundress," she asked Ann and Jackie nervously. "Or maybe something more casual. What about shorts? Maybe a skirt? Do these shoes go with this top?"
"Just breath Steph," Ann smirked. "You're going to give yourself a panic attack if you don't take a moment to breathe." Stephanie paused, nodding as she gazed into the mirror. This wasn't the first date she had ever been on but, it was probably the one she was most excited about. Previous dates had usually involved some pity date set up by Ann. A friend from work who had an equally lonely son who Ann thought would be perfect for Stephanie. Needless to say those dates hadn't gone great and usually didn't lead to a second. "This is important for me Jackie," Stephanie sighed. "I mean a guy I actually like asked me out. I don't want to blow it!" Jackie simply smiled, offering the teen a reassuring hug as she now helped her pick out an outfit. "Here try this" she said as she handed Stephanie a very cute sundress. "It compliments your eyes."
Thanking Jackie, the girl now began to put on some light makeup as Jackie made her way downstairs. While she seemed to spend alot of time at Ann's age, she could identify with Steph's anxiety. Sixteen wasn't that long ago for Jackie, the 19 year old chuckling softly as she recalled her own frantic date nights in high school. "How's Stephanie doing," Ann asked.
"Shes fine," Jackie smiled. "Freaking out just like any 16 year old about to go on a date."
"Ugh remember those days," Ann groaned. "Although I'm sure you remember them alot clearer than I do." Jackie paused, noticing the impish smirk on her girlfriends face. "Oh ha ha Angel," the 46 year old Jackie replied as she placed her hands on her hips. "Keep up the age jokes and you might find yourself reliving those days."
"Maybe that's my plan."
Jackie smirked, it had been too long since the couple had relived their younger days. Maybe after Stephanie left on her date the pair could have some younger fun? "Later," Jackie stated. "Do you really want to meet Stephs date as a teenager?'
"Good point," Ann said. "Really hope he's a nice guy. Stephanie has been so excited, I really want this to go well." Jackie nodded in agreement, she really wanted this date to go smoothly. The sound of the bell ringing now drew both adults attention. The two exchanging a nervous glance as they now answered the door.
"Hi," they both smiled. "You must be Travis. We're Stephanie's moms."
"Hi Mrs. and Mrs Marsh," Travis replied shyly. Ann and Jackie now studied the boy carefully. He was certainly handsome, piercing grey blue eyes, well kept dirty blonde hair and a face that even made Jackie's heart skip a beat. Dressed in a polo shirt, khaki shorts, and white sneakers the teen had decided on a casual yet appropriate attire for a first date. "Please call us Ann and Jackie," Ann stated, inviting the young man in.
Escorting the teen into the living room, the pair now offered him a drink, which he politely declined. "What kind of flowers are those Travis," Jackie asked.
"Chocolate cosmos," he replied nervously.
"Really," Ann gasped. "Thats amazing! They're so rare! Where did you get them?"
"My mom is um kind of an expert on growing things," Travis replied sheepishly. "I hope Steph likes them. I wanted something special for her."
"Thats so sweet Travis," Ann smiled. "We'll have to thank her sometime. What does she do anyway?"
"Moms um..kinda of a gardener."
"And your dad?"
"He's um...an undertaker."
As Ann continued to chat with the polite teen, Jackie continued to study him carefully. As Travis spoke he explained how his family had only recently moved into town. His father opening up a mortuary, while his mother operated a flower shop. From what Jackie could gather the teens parents had been married for quite sometime, Travis stating he had several older brothers and sisters who no longer lived with them. "Do you see your siblings often?"
"Not as much as we would like."
As Ann continued, Jackie tried to get a feel for the boy. Something seemed different about him. Outwardly Travis was a polite and handsome young man who's parents had obviously raised him right. But, there was something Jackie couldn't quite put her finger on. A sense of power that was neither good nor evil. She couldn't quite tell what Travis was. A demon? A wizard? Something else?
As Stephanie now made her way downstairs, all three stood. Travis immediately went wide eyed, complimenting Stephanie's appearance as he blushed himself. As the pair began to say their goodbyes, both Ann and Jackie watched as Travis held the door for her, escorting her to the car before entering himself. "You two have fun," Ann called.
"Have her home by eleven," Jackie added. Stephanie blushed, rolling her eyes in typical teenage fashion as the pair now drove away. "He seems nice," Ann said as the car vanished from sight.
"Maybe."
"Maybe," Ann asked, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean maybe?"
"I don't know," Jackie shrugged. "But, just talking with that kid. I...I just got a weird feeling about him and his family."
"What feeling," Ann stated. "Jackie, darling I love you and I'm nervous for Steph too but, this kid Travis didn't set off any alarm bells. He's polite, courteous, respectful. I think Stephanie hit the jackpot as far as teenage boyfriends go. I mean, this kid didn't even mindlessly start scrolling through his cellphone when he sat down. How many teenagers do you know who do that?"
"Its just a feeling," Jackie stated. "I don't know. I...I felt something, like an energy I can't describe that's not good or evil. I've had this ring for too long to just let that go." Ann sighed, her shoulders slumping as she now handed Jackie's phone to her. "Here," she sighed. "You might as well call my niece and check things out."
"Seriously?!"
"You're not going to let this go darling," Ann grinned. "I know better than that. Why don't you and Gloria go check out this mortuary his dad owns and see what's up. Maybe call Sasha in for backup."
"Thanks Angel."
"Dont thank me yet," Ann stated. "You owe me for this and it better not be a wild goose chase." Jackie nodded, hoping it was a wild goose chase but needing to be sure for the sake of Stephanie.