3. I'd Prefer to go to a Restaurant. In Public. Just in Case.

"We could do the regular dinner and a movie thing," Danton said as he sped past a Corvette in his Lexus GS F Sport, "but I think you'd prefer a more personal experience. I'd like us to get to know each other better." Mira didn't know what to do. She was pretty much paralyzed from the shock of going on a date with Danton, whom she just met earlier that day. As she looked over at him, she saw he wasn't watching the road, but instead looking directly at her. I really wish he wouldn't stare at me with those eyes. As if he read her mind, Danton quickly turned back to the road just in time to do a sharp right hand turn into a long, secluded driveway. "Where are we going, Danton?" She realized that maybe this was a mistake. What if he's a psycho? He could kill me out here and no one would know. "I think maybe I'd prefer to go to a restaurant." In public, just in case. "Are you sure? I cooked. I know it's not as fancy, but I thought we could enjoy the evening without worrying about other people. I want you to know where I live, so you might get to know me better. I really like you, Mira." As they pulled past the driveway gates, and onto the circular driveway, Mira gawked at the huge mansion before her. It stood 3 stories high and was long enough to get lost in. Even though the front yard had a few leaves on the ground, it was kept in immaculate shape. The topiaries were symmetrical and the hedges were perfect enough to give a toddler's geometry lesson. The five stone stairs leading up to the front entry way had twin statues of strange looking animals on either side. What really confused Mira was that the statue on her left had a sad, longing face and the other had a mad, fighting face. It took Mira a moment to realize that she was being led gently up the stairs, and to the front doors by Danton. He had such a soft, gentle look on his rough face, that Mira couldn't help but feel at ease. He turned the doorway and they walked into the biggest entry hallway Mira had ever seen. There was a stone fountain on the marble tile directly in front of them that had an angel standing over a man with a thick pointed staff directly over the fearful man's heart. The angel didn't look mad or evil in any way, but in fact he looked sad. There was water trickling out of the angel's eye and dripping down onto the scared man. As they continued walking, Mira saw other statues in the hallway depicting scenes where the man has some sort of weapon and the assailant is sad for him. The last statue in the hallway though, depicts the man covered in a cloak holding a woman that looked as though she was sleeping very deeply in his arms. "You have been very quiet, Mira. Are you OK?" "I had no idea that this place was even here. It is so.... so..... big! Do you live here with your friends or family?" "Actually, no. We all live separately, but as I said, they are only an adopted family. My blood family left this house to me when my father died many years ago. It's been vacant up until about 3 years ago when I returned to my hometown from traveling. Only the caretaker stayed on the grounds while I was away, but now he is old and can no longer care for the place by himself, so I've allowed him to live out the rest of his life as he wishes and have come home to care for my family's house." Danton seemed uneasy that Mira was looking at the artwork. "Did you paint any of these pieces yourself?" Mira asked. "No. They were done many years ago by my Grandfather. The statues were as well. The fountain was his inspiration for all the artwork. He inherited it from a family in Europe during his travels there." "There is so much pain and suffering on the faces of the man. Even when he is not being attacked, he is in pain," Mira noted. "Yes. It is something my family can relate to." Danton looked troubled, so Mira didn't push it, even though his answer made her even more curious. As they proceeded into the front room, he seated her on a luscious couch and asked her to wait while he fetched dinner. Just a few moments later, Danton arrived with a decadent salad and then went back to get the bread. This time, Danton came out with a basket filled with gourmet breads followed by a man carrying out two covered plates on a tray. "Will there be anything else I can do for you and the lady, Mr. Tompkins?" the man asked. "No, thank you, John. I appreciate your help this evening. You are free to go." With a nod, John walked back the way he came and a short while later Mira heard the faint closing of a door somewhere in the house. "John comes by here twice a week and helps me catch up on things around here. He helps with keeping things in order and anything else I happen to need while he's here. I asked him earlier today to help me with tonight, and he thankfully obliged. I, honestly, cannot cook, and you would have been very hungry here," Danton let out a small chuckle. "Lucky for me, John knows a few tricks in the kitchen. He usually cooks a few meals while he's here and leaves them in the refrigerator for me. Your dinner is getting cold." "Danton, thank you for this, but I must confess, that I'm not really all that hungry now. Uh, um, but maybe a little taste wouldn't hurt though," Mira amended when she saw the hurt look start on his face. "It has been a few hours, I guess. I just didn't realize that the time has gone by so fast!" When Danton put his napkin on his plate, Mira looked down and was surprised that she ate the last bite. I must have been hungry. I do feel better though. Danton cleared away the plates while Mira used the restroom that was adjacent to the room they were in. Thankfully, or I'd probably get lost! When she returned, Mira noticed that there was a fire blazing in the fireplace and Danton was leaning on a pillow in front of it. "I always find a controlled fire very comforting, don't you, Mira?" "I do. Reminds me of home," she said as she got down onto a pillow next to him. "I haven't been back for a few years now, I forgot how comforting some of these small things can be when you're alone." They sat in silence for a few minutes watching the flames dance, when Danton said, "Mira, I don't want to be alone anymore." He looked so deep into Mira's eyes that she felt he could see her soul, "I don't want you to be alone anymore, either."

2. I Think I Have A Stalker

After her shift was over, Mira called her roommate. "I need you to help me with something," she said.

"What's up? Is something wrong with your car? I can come get you. I also have this mechanic friend-"

"Jessie, wait. Nothing's wrong with my car. I think I have a stalker."

"A WHAT?!" Jessie exclaimed. "You have got to be joking, right? I mean, that's crazy!"

Mira was starting to regret calling Jessie. "Hey, listen, I'm driving right now, so I don't want to talk, but I'll see you at the house in a few, okay?"

As she drove the familiar road home, Danton's face echoed clearly in Mira's mind. Dark, clear eyes that seemed to penetrate into Mira's soul were the focal point of his beautiful face. A strong jawbone and sweet lips were accented nicely by high cheekbones and a small amount of facial hair. His wavy dark hair was pulled back into a low pony tail and his pale complexion was the perfect color on his lean, nearly six foot tall body. There was something familiar about him, but Mira was sure she'd never seen him before in her life. Except for that nagging feeling that she knew him. That must be it, he just reminds me of someone I have met before.

Long before her daydream was over, she was pulling into her spot in the driveway, and noticed Jessie's car was gone. That's odd, I was just on the phone with her.

As she turned the handle, she realized the door was unlocked. Puzzled, Mira called out, "Jessie? Jess? Are you here? I pulled up and your car was gone, I thought you might be gone-" Just then, Mira spotted a note on the table:
Mira, just stepped out for a bit. Be back soon. Love ya, Jess

I can't believe she left the front door unlocked! How irresponsible! Mira looked up over the note to find the front door still open from when she came in, and Danton was leaning in it, smiling at her.

"Hello, Mira. I wanted to apologize earlier about frightening you. I really wish we could get to know each other better. May I ask you to join me for dinner this evening?" Danton held out a half dozen roses for her to take.

"I, uh, well," Mira stammered as she tried to think of a good excuse to not go. "I have this, this..."

Danton smiled sweetly. "If you would rather not, I understand," then he turned his deep eyes right into Mira's own and said, "but I would prefer if you gave it an honest try, Mira Geller."

"Uh, um, pick me up at eight?"

Danton smiled and turned on his heel, "Until then."

Mira was still reeling when Jessie returned a few moments later, "Was that your stalker? I wouldn't be complaining if I were you, Mira!"

"I am going out with him tonight. At eight. What am I thinking!!"

Jessie snorted, "You're thinking he's a tall gorgeous man who wants you. Why would you complain?! You said eight, right? It's 5:45 right now. That means we have exactly 2 hours to make you absolutely gorgeous. Get in the shower, you smell like coffee."

Mira let the warm water rush over her as she calmed down. There is something so soothing about taking a hot shower. Mira toweled off, and twisted her hair into a turban to dry. As she was barely putting on her robe, Jessie opened the door. "Jeez, Jess, can't a woman take a shower in peace anymore?"

"Not when that woman is about to go out with the most gorgeous guy her roommate has ever laid eyes on! Now let's get to your closet. Hmm... Not to sexy or revealing, and not to shy. Oh this is perfect!" Jessie yanked the zipper down on the deep purple sleeveless dress and pulled it over Mira's toweled head. As she pulled the zipper up, Mira wondered why Jessie was doing this. "Because. You're my friend, and I want you to be happy. It's been almost three years since Luke, and I think it's time to move on, finally."

"Not dating has nothing to do with Luke or not moving on. It has everything to do with the lack of market out there. Have you seen the male population lately? Not interested. But Danton has a mysterious presence about him. This should be interesting."

For the next hour, Jessie fussed over Mira's hair and face while they talked about Danton. Every excuse Mira made, Jessie knocked down with logic and reason. Then the doorbell rang.

"Oh crap! Is it eight already?" Mira started to get flushed, and Jessie grabbed her shoulders.

"You'll be fine. Sit here, and breathe while I get the door. Come down in a moment when you've had enough air."

"Hello, my name is Danton. Danton Tomkins. Is Mira ready?" Danton's velvet voice carried up the stairs into the bathroom where Mira was.

I could listen to his voice all day, Mira thought. She slowly got up from her seat and walked toward the song that called her.

"Hello, Danton," Mira tried to keep herself steady when she saw him, "just let me grab my bag and we can go."

1. Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee?

I can't believe I've been working for only 3 hours! Will this day EVER end? Mira thought. The endless rain storm made her feel as though time was moving slower than it should be. Finally! A customer!

As the young woman came through the front door, Mira shuddered from the blast of cold, humid air. "Hi there! Can I get you a warm cup of coffee while you decide on your order?" The woman gave Mira a weary smile and nodded.

As Mira poured the steaming liquid in the paper cup, she noticed that the woman wasn't looking at the menu at all. In fact, she was looking as though she was nervous about something. Mira handed her the coffee and prepared to take her order.

"I'll just have some fresh fries please," the woman ordered without looking at Mira.

"Okay," Mira responded. "Will that be all for you today?"

"Yeah, but is it okay if I wait here for someone? He shouldn't be too long, I hope," she said as she looked out the glass front doors through the rain. Mira noticed her eyes were a very pale blue, almost clear. That's odd, I've never seen that color before.

"Excuse me, you probably get this a lot, but I wanted to just compliment you on the color of your eyes! I've never seen eyes like yours before," Mira offered her warmest smile, but the blue-eyed woman didn't seem to notice as she took her tray with warm, salty fries to a table and sat down.

Twenty minutes and 2 cups of coffee later, the glass doors were pushed open and Mira felt the cool blast of wintry air again. When she looked up, Mira saw a tall, well dressed man sit down with the blue-eyed woman and start whispering to her immediately. Mira, who couldn't contain her curiosity, poured another paper cup of coffee and brought it to the man.

When he turned his face toward her, she felt a dizzy rush overcome her. It was all Mira could do to keep standing.

"W-Would you like a cup of coffee?" Mira stammered.

"Yes, thank you," he said with a warm smile. The voice he used was a rich velvet blanket that made Mira forget that she still hadn't handed him his coffee.

Okay, Mira, pull it together, She thought. Seriously. "Can I get you anything else today?"

Mira hoped to hear the beautiful voice again, but she was brought to awareness quickly, "No thank you, Mira, is it? We'll be fine for now," the blue-eyed woman said smoothly.

As Mira went on about her duties, the couple continued to chat for the better part of 2 hours, when suddenly the woman stood up and said, "Fine. If I can't convince you that your little fetish isn't good for you or any of us, then maybe you shouldn't be a part of our family anymore. Go be with the humans if you love them so much." Then she left with an icy escape.

The velvet-voiced man exhaled loudly and hung his head in his hand. Mira walked over and instinctively put her hand on his shoulder and he jumped. "Are you okay, sir?"

"Not yet, but I will be. Would you like to sit down with me for a minute? I could use a friend right now." Mira decided to take her lunch break right then, grabbed a soda and sat across from him on the bench.

Before Mira could ask what that was all about, the man said, "I live with a group of people who sort of adopt each other as family. She is more-or-less the big sister of us all. We've been together for a very long time, but she doesn't like to add new people to our family. I think that we need to branch out and start making new friends. She doesn't think that it will end well for us," he paused for a minute while Mira waited. "Maybe she is right, but I think I have fallen in love with someone outside of our close-knit community. Not that I have pursued her, but maybe soon I will be able to," he looked at Mira with eyes that were inferring.

"Who-" Mira started, but he grabbed her hand that was sitting on the table and she lost her thought. Who is this man? "Pardon me, sir, but may I ask..." Mira looked at their hands together. The beautiful man looked away with his large penetrating eyes and pulled his hand away.

A piece of his dark brown hair fell into his eyes and he brushed it away before going on. "I've fallen for someone who only just recently knows of my existence. I have loved her my whole life, and only recently become aware of her presence. I visit her every day, but only now have I been able to speak to her, for fear I scare her away. You're not scared, are you?" Mira shook her head. "Good. I wouldn't want you to be scared of me..." He looked deep into her eyes as he brushed her face with the back of his hand.

"Woah, woah..." Mira stood up, startled, "I don't even know your name, let alone who you are. This is too much!"

"Excuse me! Forgive me please! I forgot you weren't as aware of me as I am of you. My name is Danton. Danton Tomkins. You are Mira Geller. The woman whom I have fallen in love with."

Mira just stood there with her mouth open. After a few moments, she turned and walked away from him slowly, and headed back in to work.