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Perfume? Christina's finger traced the edge of the bottle. She hoped it wasn't an expensive brand. Already Daniel had sent her dozens of flowers, each one with a separate note quoting some lover's limerick, and never mimicking the same bouquet as the last. This gift was accompanied by a request: dinner for two at an extravagant restaurant.
She wanted desperately to go, to be swept off her feet in romance, but quickly reminded herself why she couldn't. If she were to accept his invitation, it would only mean that she would have to admit she was disabled, something she didn't offer freely.
As a young girl, Christina had often pretended she was normal like the rest of the kids in her class. Her parents told her that she was special, but all that meant to her was that she was different. Now, as a grown woman, she found herself still wanting to pretend, although, now she couldn't understand why. She lived an above average life, had a wonderful job with great pay, her own apartment, and the romantic interests of a wonderful, Christian man. What more could she ask for? Still, it was not enough to fill the hole that told her she wasn't complete, wasn't good enough.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the telephone. What ever was she going to say? Dialing his number, Christina tried to swallow the lump of anxiety that crept into her throat.
"Alexander's residence." That voice sent goosebumps scattering across her arms.
"D-daniel? Hi, this is Christina." The lump grew larger.
"Christina! Hi, uh, did you get the gift?" His voice was soft and easy to her ears.
"Yes, I did, thank you."
"So?" Was that a whisper of doubt?
"Of course I'd like to go to dinner with you." She could feel her face burning.
"Good! Tomorrow at six. How does that sound?"
"Great!"
The tremble in her fingers had made its way into her stomach. What would she wear?
Christina stood at the entrance of the restaurant, her stomach trembled. The simple black halter dress was the perfect choice for tonight, the fall had been very favorable this year, and she made sure to wear the perfume he had bought for her. She did a quick check of her hair in the window's reflection, and proceeded through the doors.
"Ma'am." The host nodded in acknowledgment as he reached for her coat. "Reservations?"
"I believe my date has already arrived, a Mr. Daniel Alexander." She spotted him sitting in a corner examining a single, white rose.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Alexander. Please, follow me." Christina followed the man to the table where her date was waiting.
Daniel flashed a jubilant smile as he rose from his seat. As Christina returned his smile, the host fumbled to pull her chair out for her. When the two of them were finally seated, the host turned to Daniel.
"Your waiter will be with you shortly." And he whisked away, back to his post.
"I'm so glad you could come." As he handed the rose over to her, his cheeks flushed. "I see, er, smell that you're wearing your perfume. I love that fragrance, don't you?"
"Well, to be honest, I don't know. I can't smell." Relief mixed with anxiety brought tears to the corner of her eyes.
"You can't smell? Have a cold, or...?" He seemed confused.
"No, not a cold. I was born without my sense of smell." She fidgeted with her rose, avoiding his eyes.
"So, all the flowers and the perfume I sent you, you couldn't smell them?" His question revealed disappointment.
"Not at all, but I enjoyed them!" She tried to humor him.
"Well, just so you know, none of the flowers I sent you can compare to the way you smell, and look, right now." His hand reached out and squeezed hers. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." She liked the way his hand felt on hers.
"Would you mind, if I, uh, courted you?" He pulled his hand away, and began rearranging the silverware beside his plate. "I mean, dating is fine for someone else, but a true lady deserves to be courted. We could..."
She interrupted him. "Yes, I mean, no. I mean, I would love it if you would court me."
Again Christina felt her cheeks burning. The hole began to shrink.
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