Youll vanish, and hell instantly think of me, she hissed. So disappear nicely, or else
What are you pointing at me for? he snapped.
What does any girl expect from a night out at the pictures with her date? It all hinges on how far shes willing to push the boundaries.
Some women are bold enough to invite the bloke over after the film, or even to slip into the back rows and let the tension run hot. Others are more modest, preferring the classic handhold, a whispered comment during the reel, and a polite goodbye at her doorstep.
Either way, the very fact that youre sitting beside a young man in a cinema on his invitation signals that, for now, youre his girlfriend and that the seat beside him was empty until you arrived. It should never lead to a scene like the one that erupted for Natalie in the foyer when a stranger swooped in, grabbed the arm of her date, and shouted, Mark, whos that? Why are you holding her hand? Ive been worrying, losing sleep, thinking youve vanished, and you
Any sensible girl would blush and slip away, at most letting out a startled, Oh, youre seeing two people at once! before storming out, heels clicking. Natalie belonged to the bolder side, but before she could react, Mark snarled at the interloper, I told you to go. If you think its over between us, stop chasing me. Natalie, lets go.
Her retort died on her lips as he grabbed her arm and hauled her toward the right screen. To her, the episode seemed settled. Mark wasnt seeing this other girl. Hed dumped her, right? At least thats what he claimed.
Natalie decided to postpone the conversation until after the film no point airing grievances in front of the entire audience. Besides, Mark had paid for the tickets, so shed rather enjoy the show than interrogate him about every mysterious woman in his orbit.
When the credits rolled and they stepped out onto the lamplit streets toward the park beside Natalies flat, the topic resurfaced.
I hope you didnt read too much into it, Mark said apologetically. I dont collect lunatics; my friends and family are solid. This one just slipped in.
Natalies past was scarred by a previous relationship that fell apart because his mother and sister never accepted her. So whenever Mark found a reason, he tried to reassure her that there was nothing to fear.
What actually happened? Natalie asked, curiosity finally getting the better of her.
We were dating. At least, thats how I saw it. You know the kind of relationship where we walk together, hold hands, kiss, and then, in a crowd, she plops onto my lap and calls me sweetheart or kitten?
Makes sense, Natalie admitted.
And you know what else makes sense? Mark continued. If a girl invites you over to fix her computer and then tells you her brother took it to the countryside, offering to watch a DVD instead
Someone still uses DVDs? Natalie laughed, then refocused. If a girl lures you with a flimsy excuse and then tries to keep you alone in her flat, Id guess shes hoping for more than just a cup of tea.
Add a sheer nightgown, fishnet stockings, heartshaped candles, a bottle of wine with nibbles, and a film rated 18+, and youve got the full setup, Mark listed.
Natalie felt the wind change. Youd just dash to the pharmacy for condoms and jump straight into it, she said, eyes narrowing.
Exactly my thought, Mark replied. I sat on the sofa, the mood was right, she landed beside me, I put my arm around her, leaned in to kiss
He stopped. She shoved my hand away, screamed, What are you doing? Im not like that! The whole apartment echoed with her outburst.
Natalie shook her head. Id have walked straight out of that madhouse.
Which is what I did. I put on my shoes, heard her say it was over, and left.
The next day she texted him. She called like nothing happened, asking why I hadnt called or written, saying we were fine.
What about you?
I ignored her. Why waste time on a lunatic? There was never any reason to stay, unlike some men who cling hoping for a better catch.
Right. And now shes chasing after you, hoping for what?
According to her tirade, she expects me to chase her, to bombard her with gifts and wait for His Majesty to descend.
Im not a creep. You dont need to hunt for a girl; anyone can find a mate without this nonsense. In todays world, hunting is practically illegalany nonconsensual advance could land you in trouble.
Natalie and Mark agreed: no games, no maybe in the bedroom, a clear yes meant yes, a no meant nono loopholes.
Her exboyfriend was dismissed as unstable, a nightmare to be forgottenif the encounter had been a oneoff.
Hey, Natalie, right? a voice called as she left university. It was Alison, an old acquaintance she barely recognized.
Stop, we need to talk. Youve done her wrong. The lad was taken, and you snatched him up.
The lad said he was free, Alison. Ive told you to stay out of it.
Whatever, youll disappear and hell think of me, Alison snarled, flashing a badge that hinted at her fathers rank as a senior police officer. It was the cheap trick shed used to scare off a persistent stalker.
They could have proved him indifferent, even fought, but that would have only entangled Natalie further.
Alisons plan, however, worked like a charm. The sight of a photograph made her pale, mutter curses, and flee. Mark stopped receiving her messages from bogus accounts, a fact he proudly relayed to Natalie a week later.
Alison later confessed her stunt to Natalie, just to keep Mark in the loop, but faced no judgment.
People like that never get what they want. If Id known, Id have never gotten involved, Natalie mused, recalling Alisons seemingly normal façade until she opened her mouth.
In the end, it didnt matter how unhinged that woman was. What mattered was that she vanished from Natalie and Marks lives, hopefully for good.
Perhaps she found someone else to chase, or maybe Natalie finally met a proper sorta charismatic bloke with a kitchenknife edge, just the kind of pair that keeps the world tidy.
After all, every creature deserves a partner, so they can leave decent folk alone. Isnt that a lovely thought?
