"Flirting with Death"

Being the Grim Reaper, I have next to no friends, and I certainly don’t go on many dates. So, after all these millenia, I signed up for online dating. It was a risky plan; I didn’t even have a decent picture of myself. But miraculously, I found a match and I found myself speeding down the road, late for my first date with Alina Tyson.

According to her profile, she had just finished college and was teaching kindergarten at a local elementary school. Her profile also told me that she had a passion for cooking, which was something I also thoroughly enjoyed. After all, I have had more than a few years of practice. Alina apparently enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, which was something I didn’t agree with. It just got too hot in the summer, especially in my cloak. Oh well. The only real problem was that she was mortal, but I’d cross that bridge later.

I coasted into the parking lot of Aurea Lux, the only Greek restaurant in town. It was decent, as far as American-Greek food goes. There was no time to fix my hair or bowtie in the rearview mirror. I was already late enough. That last reaping had taken longer than expected. Stupid defibrillator.

When I entered the lobby I got a strange look from a couple exiting the restaurant, and realized that I was still wearing my cloak. I quickly slipped it off and hung it on the coat rack, hoping no one else had noticed. I smoothed out my blazer as best I could and looked around for my date.

I recognized Alina as soon as I saw her, and my breath caught in my throat. She looked exactly like her picture: Long, honey blonde hair framing a slightly oval shaped face, and eyes that sparkled like moonlight on a scythe. She was absolutely stunning.

Alina spotted me and smiled, waving. I returned her gestures and walked over to our table. There were already two waters on the table, a courtesy I appreciated about this restaurant.

“Sorry I’m late,” I apologized, “I had a… meeting that took a little longer than usual.”

“That’s okay. I wasn’t waiting long anyways.”

Suddenly my mind was blank. I had no idea what to say. What could I say? We hadn’t even ordered, and the awkward silence had already come. Alina twisted her hair around her finger. I looked down at my lap, hoping by some miracle I would be able to find the right words--any words.

“So, Mortimer,” Alina broke the silence. “It is Mortimer, right?”

              I looked back up at her. “Yes, but my friends call me Morty.” At least, they would if I had any.

“Morty. Got it.” I took a drink of water as she continued. “Your profile didn’t mention a profession. What do you do for a living?”

I nearly choked. “I… um, collect… things.”

It was a vague answer, but Alina seemed genuinely intrigued. “What sort of things?”

“Uh, old things,” I brushed a hand through my hair, hoping to appear calm. “Though sometimes I dabble in modern stuff.”

Before Alina could ask any other questions, I cleared my throat and picked up the menu sitting in front of me.

“Shall we order?”

She nodded, picking up her menu as well.

When Alina had made her decision, I signaled to a waiter.

“What can I get for you two tonight?”

Alina responded first. “I’ll have the stuffed grape leaves, please.”

The waiter scribbled something on a pad, then turned to me. “And for you, sir?”

“I will have the dolmadakia as well.”

The waiter made another note before taking our menus and scurrying back to the kitchen.

“How did you know what it was called?” Alina inquired.

“What what was called?”

“The dolmadakia. Their real name wasn’t on the menu.”

I smiled. “I’ve had them before, in Greece.”

Alina looked impressed. “Do you travel often, then?”

“My career takes me all over the world,” I responded. “What about you? I saw on your profile that you like to spend time outside.”

She smiled. “I do. It’s always been a dream of mine to travel the world.”

Suddenly there was nothing else to say, and we lapsed into another silence. I fiddled with my red bowtie, still not exactly sure how dates worked. But I was pretty sure that two awkward silences was bad.

“I… um, think that you look very beautiful, Alina.”

She blushed, and returned the compliment without hesitation.

I didn’t have a mirror, but I knew that my face was as red as my hair. I looked down, a shy smile on my lips.

At that moment, the waiter returned, saving us from a third silence.

“Your dolmadakia, sir and ma’am. Enjoy your meal.”

We both thanked him, and he left. I waited for Alina to begin eating before digging in as well.

After a few bites I made a comment about how I enjoyed cooking Greek food. Alina agreed, and we launched into a conversation about cooking. I was surprised at how easily the conversation flowed, especially compared to our previous attempts.

When Alina laughed, it filled me with an unfamiliar sense of happiness. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time, and I realized that I had missed feeling it. The more I thought about it as we talked, the more I understood something.

I really liked Alina. And I wanted to always be the one to make her laugh.

So I made up my mind right there to ask her out again.

When there was a break in the conversation, I was ready to seize the moment. I realized that if I was going to ask Alina on a second date, now was the time. I took a deep breath. “Alina?”

“Yes?”

I straightened my bowtie. “I’ve had a really great time tonight, and I think that you are an amazing woman. Would you like to go on another date?”

“Yes,” She smiled. “I would like that very much. When were you thinking?”

“Well,” I pulled out my phone to check my schedule, grinning. “I think I’m free next Friday. Maybe we could--”

I stopped mid-sentence, staring at my phone.

“Morty? Is something wrong?”

Something was very wrong. A notification had appeared on my screen, reading, Reap Appointment in 20 minutes! Olivia Tyson: 1094 North Pine Rd.

“Um, Alina?”

“Yes, Morty?”

“Your mother wouldn’t happen to be named Olivia, would she?”

“Yes, that’s her name. Why do you ask?” Alina seemed extremely confused.

I swallowed, ignoring her question. “And does she live at 1094 North Pine Road?”

“Morty, how do you know this?”

I stood up so fast that I bumped the table, spilling both glasses of water. “I have to go.”

“Morty,” Alina stood as well. “what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

I turned and made a beeline for the coat rack. I grabbed my cloak and slipped into it, not caring if my blazer got wrinkled or creased. I walked up to the door and was about to leave, but instead looked back.

Alina was still standing at our table, watching me with a sad, confused expression. I swallowed the lump of emotion in my throat as I raised my hood, eyes still on Alina. Suddenly her face paled, and realization flashed in her eyes as she saw me for who I was. Her mouth hung open. I tore away my gaze, shoved open the door, and stepped into the night.

 

This story was written by guest blogger, my daughter, Ally. It was a work for her creative writing class. It reminded me of a story I wrote as a high school junior. Ally is currently a sophomore. I'm sure she would like some constructive criticism. (Maybe.)