Rick and “Hayley” walk in silence, ‘this feels so weird, I don’t really understand what is going on,’ the “girl” thinks to herself, ‘I’ve just kissed a guy, not once, but twice, who I just met like an hour ago. The kiss was weird, it reminded me how dad kisses mom, but it felt really nice, now I have agreed to go with him. I’m even holding his hand, and it feels… right… this is so weird. Mom always told me to never go with strangers, but… I feel strangely safe with him… and besides: it’s my free choice and Rick is a really nice guy, I trust him totally… besides… as Rick said… I’m old enough to make my own decisions. I may be a 10-year-old boy, but I know who to trust and not to trust, the more time I spend with Rick, I feel protected and safe’.
Rick notices the “young woman”, unaware that “she” is only 14 years old, seeming to be deep in thought, “you seem to be thinking about something,” he then says, “is everything alright?”
“Hayley”, snapped out of her train of thought, blinks before looking up at the man, “oh… yeah, I’m fine,” she says, “I just feel a little nervous and confused from these feelings I’m feeling. I mean… I never felt this way before, and my parents always told me to never talk to strangers… but… I don’t know… the longer I’m with you… the more I feel protected and safe”.
Rick smiles, lying an arm around the “girl”, placing his hand on her hip, “Hayley, it’s normal to be nervous, especially if you never had a relationship before,” he says, “I promise to not rush you, we’ll take it slow and see how it will develop. You have nothing to worry about, and as I have said: you are old enough to make your own decisions”.
“Hayley” smiles back, “I trust you, Rick,” she says.
Rick’s smile widens, “I’m glad to hear that,” he says, “I promise to not disappoint”.
“Hayley” smiles, “I doubt you will,” she says, ‘it feels kinda nice, the way he’s holding me. I feel so safe and protected,’ she thinks to herself.
The two soon arrive at the restaurant and find a table and sit down, the waiter soon comes by and hands each a menu.
Rick orders a bottle of the restaurant’s best wine, a beer, a salad and a Salami pizza, while “Hayley” orders a glass of lemonade, a salad and a Pineapple pizza.
The waiter leaves and returns shortly after with the drinks, pouring both some wine, “Hayley” hesitates, staring at the glass, “what’s the matter,” Rick asks.
“I… I’ve never drank wine before,” the “girl” says, “I’ve always wanted to try it, but my parents always tell me that I am to young”.
Rick snorts, “sorry, but your parents are weird,” he says, “you are more than old enough to drink wine. Your parents aren’t here, so go ahead and try it”.
“Hayley” lowers her head and stares at the glass with the red liquid, the “girl” then takes a deep breath and picks up the glass before taking a little sip, immediately she feels a pleasant warmth spread through her body and she takes one more sip.
Rick smiles, “well? What do you think?”
“It tastes a little bitter,” the “girl” says, “but not unpleasant and it causes my body to feel warm. It feels nice and kind of calming”.
Rick smiles, “thought you’d like it,” he says, raising his glass, “to us,” he says.
“Hayley” smiles, raising her own glass before both clank them together, “yes, to us,” she says.
The two then start to talk, Rick telling the “woman” about his life, what he enjoys and doesn’t, his hobbies and what his desires are.
When it’s “Hayley’s” turn, the “girl” tells Rick everything about herself, her family, friends, her hobbies, what she enjoys and doesn’t, what her desires are, however she doesn’t tell him about the Chronivac and who she really is, ‘he’d think I’m crazy anyway,’ she thinks to herself, ‘besides, I’m enjoying my time with him to much’.
After paying, Rick and “Hayley” leave the restaurant, “that was absolutely delicious,” the “girl” says, she had drunk three glasses of wine, and she feels incredible relaxed, “I really enjoyed my time with you, Rick”.
Rick smiles, “I’ve been enjoying my time with you too, Hayley,” he says, “you’re such an amazing young woman, however… the evening is still young”.
‘So weird being called a “young woman”, but somehow his comments and compliments make me feel so happy and proud,’ the “girl” thinks to herself, ‘never has anyone told me I’m amazing before’. “Hayley” smiles at Rick, “I’m in no rush,” she says.
Rick smiles, “would you like to come back to my place,” he asks, “we can play a game, or do something else. You’re welcome to spend the night, if you’d like”.
“Hayley” tilts her head, she then smiles, “sure, I’m curious to see where and how you live,” she says.
Rick smiles wide, “sweet, my place isn’t far,” he says, “we can take a shortcut through the park, my apartment is on the other side”.
“Sounds good to me,” the “girl” says.