True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  Her knees gave out and she stumbled to the edge of the bed and rubbed her eyes.

  She could feel the hum between the bracelet and her tattoo like she could feel the plush carpet beneath her bare feet. Nia looked at the time and saw it was six forty seven in the morning. If she didn't get showered and ready to go she'd be late for her day with Aaron. Shaking herself deciding she would deal with the bracelet later, she figured she had better get moving.

  Nia gathered her things and went into the bathroom taking her phone and setting it on the counter. She was pretty freaked out about the bracelet being real and what that meant and she didn't have time to tell Rhea all about it.

  Nia promised to make time to tell her soon. Showering quickly she got dressed and snuck to the front door as quietly as possible. Rhea would just have to forgive her.

  'Crap!' She had never gotten his address! She would make her way to Starbucks to get her morning fix, she'd handle directions after that.

  Clicking the door shut softly she locked up with her spare key and noticed a text that had come during her shower. It was Aaron with the address, gate code and an apology for forgetting to give it to her before. Also reminding her that he wasn't used to getting picked up.

  ‘Perfect!’ Nia laughed at the last part and replied quickly with a Thank you and see you soon. Well that takes care of that she glanced at her phone and it read seven thirty five. She had plenty of time to spare. She double checked Rhea's door and walked groggily to her car.

  "Let the fun begin. I hope."

  Chapter 4

  Aaron woke up startled, his heart pounding. He got up and went to splash water on his face. He had never dreamed so vividly before. He reached for the faucet and froze staring at his wrists.

  "What in the hell?" He examined the beautiful new and completely healed, marks.

  'It was just a dream, wasn't it?' He thought to himself.

  This didn't make any sense. He splashed cold water on his face, slapped his cheeks and looked again.

  "Yup! Still there." he said looking at them closer rubbing a hand over the marks trying to see if it would smudge. But it didn't. "Oh man!" he said to no one.

  The buzzing alarm was going off when he came back from the bathroom signaling that it was seven. This was going to be a long hour and a half. He quickly sent the text with his address and an apology for forgetting to send it yesterday. He took his shower, got dressed and waited.

  It was seven thirty four a.m. now and he was anxious for eight thirty to roll around, that was when she said she'd be there. He also gave her the gate code, thinking she might as well see the place now. He got a short reply, a simple "Thank you. See you soon.” he smiled and went to the living room and sat in his recliner and drifted back to sleep…

  Nia mapped the directions and it really wasn't that far so she sat in Starbuck's and drank her coffee. She had breakfast worked out and had loads of ideas for the rest of the day but was still wary of the lack of a solid plan.

  ‘Oh well here we go.’ She finished up and was on her way in no time. She pulled into his parking garage and checked the time. Seven fifty-five. She sighed.

  "Well I could wait here.” she said to no one.

  She turned on the radio and flipped through the stations. She turned if off after realizing it was too early for good music, it's all just annoying morning shows. Blek! She had to pee after that Venti so she did the only thing she could, she didn't want to wait anymore anyway.

  “Here goes nothing.” She said as she texted Aaron.

  A buzzing startled Aaron out of his sleep and he dug his phone out of his pocket. It was Nia.

  Nia: Hey um, I'm downstairs but if you're not ready yet it's ok. And could I please use your bathroom. I may have had a Venti Mocha on the way....

  Aaron: I've been ready for an hour already, it’s cool. Come on up!

  Nia: Thanks be right there.

  Aaron quickly scrambled to the bathroom when she'd asked about using it. He brushed his teeth again quickly and cleaned up the splatter, spraying air freshener one last time. Standing hovering around the door when the doorbell chimed, he counted to five trying not to seem over eager and opened the door.

  There she was in the flesh, beautiful Nia. She was a knockout.

  Even though he knew that she was lovely, he was still struck by her beauty. He found himself wondering if she had any clue how stunning she was. No one could possibly look that good in jeans, a t-shirt and hoodie.

  Right then he let all the drama of vows, Guardians and true identities go, at least for now. Why not enjoy the time they have and get to know the woman he will soon be "bound" to.

  "Hey", he said with a smile.

  "Good morning." she said nearly taking his breath away with that in combination with the shy look on her face looking at him from under her lashes. The thought of her in his apartment saying good morning gave way to thoughts of why a girl would normally be there to say good morning. He shook himself a little ashamed. That may not be the best line of thought so early in the morning.

  "Good morning Nia." he said with a goofy grin. "The bathroom's right through that door." he pointed out, not wanting to keep her awkwardly there while he knew she had to go.

  She gave him a shy smile and said "Thank you." so sweetly.

  He tried not to make his sigh audible he just wasn't sure he succeeded.

  Taking the opportunity to grab his house keys and his phone and checked for his wallet. Nia may be guiding this day but he intended to be the one treating. She came out rather quickly and he gave her the grand tour.

  "Oh wow. You know my mom would have a field day with your place. She would love every second. She's really good too. I could give you her number.” she said looking around.

  He was a little embarrassed but not really, he knew it needed some TLC. "Well maybe I should take you up on that.” he said with a wink.

  She quickly added, "It's a great space and believe me I know what the rent is like. I considered moving here myself. I'm still living at home.” she said rolling her eyes.

  His eyes went wide, "Really?" she looked at him confused or was that offended, he couldn't tell. "Oh, I just... I mean it's so close to the ball park and it gets super noisy when there's a game. I love it because I love baseball.” he added quickly feeling awkward and hoping she didn’t misunderstand him.

  She laughed at his rambling, "Way to stereotype mister." She teased.

  He laughed too then asked, "So... you like baseball?"

  She grinned, "Oh, I don't just like it. I love it and I happen to have season tickets too."

  He stood there dumbfounded. Where has this woman been all his life, beautiful and a season ticket holder! That's two for two.

  He grinned, "Well that is pretty awesome. Maybe we could go to a game sometime. I don't think I've ever been with a girl. Well besides my mom.” he frowned at the last thought.

  Aaron always missed his mom and she did take him to games. She was the one that took him to his first Yankees game. They drove into New York and spent the day together, just the two of them.

  It was one of his favorite memories. He put a smile back on his face then and promised himself that nothing would ruin the day.

  "My mom was awesome. She would have loved to meet you." Aaron told Nia.

  "The feeling would have been mutual I'm sure." Nia said sincerely.

  "Should we go?” Aaron asked and she nodded. Placing his hand on the small of her back he gently led her to the door and his pulse picked up pace at the small touch. She seemed to melt back into his hand for a moment and then walked forward. Making sure he had his backpack Aaron locked the door behind them.

  "I'm parked right around the corner.” Nia said.

  Once they got to the car Aaron was sure they were in the wrong spot but she pressed a button on her key ring and it beeped and the lights flashed.

  His jaw was practically on the floor. "Holy crap!" was all he could manage to say out loud. He couldn't believe it! The girl of h
is dreams in his dream car! Seriously! This had to be a sign this was going to be an amazing day.

  "What's the matter Aaron?", she asked grinning as she unlocked the doors with a pop.

  "You have the 2013 Charger! Leo is going to freak out! It's the Srt8!"

  Smiling at the excitement sparking in his blue eyes Nia felt confused, "Wanna check under my hood?" she asked batting her lashes playfully. She was feeling so drawn to him it was astonishing.

  Now Aaron couldn't help but laugh and he gave an almost overeager, "Hell Yeah!"

  Nia popped the hood and went to the front to unlatch it like a pro, he couldn't help but watch the way her lips turned up at the corners and her dimple was so visible just then, 'Wow, That would be a great spot for a kiss.’ He thought to himself.

  "Umm... Hello, earth to Aaron, are you going to check out my motor or not?" She said almost pouty, with her hand holding up the hood. He could tell by the smile and giggle that followed that Nia was enjoying messing with him.

  His eyes went wide at the Hemi, Edelbrock conversion engine that was there in all it's chromed out glory. The entire thing was decked out and pristine.

  All he could do was stare. "Wow!" was all he managed followed by a long whistle as his eyes roamed over its shiny surface.

  "So you like it then?" she asked interrupting his dream weaver moment with her car.

  "Of course!” he blurted with his voice cracking. They both laughed at that and she closed the hood.

  "Get in.", Nia all but commanded. "If you liked the outside you might just love the inside."

  Aaron opened the door and saw an interior anyone would envy, she clearly went all out. "It really is awesome!" he said with a great big smile that had melting abilities.

  "Thanks.” She showed him the USB plug for a phone or whatever and how to connect it to the stereo. Her MP3 Player was hooked up now and she showed him how to work it. He was apparently going to be the DJ. He had no problem with that, he hit play, "I love this song." Aaron said quickly as Tunnel Vision came on.

  "Me too." Nia responded.

  That's definitely what he had for her, tunnel vision, he sighed nothing else mattered when she was around. This was all new to Aaron, he had never experienced anything like this and neither had Nia really.

  As the song played on she felt her cheeks flush at the intensity coming from where Aaron was it pulsed over her like a heartbeat with the music. She couldn't deny how much she liked that she felt the warmth coming off his hand that was close by hers on the center console.

  "So where are we headed?" he finally asked with a smile.

  "Well it's been a favorite all my life and it was a tradition for a while. It's not far." She said thumping the wheel.

  Oddly they enjoyed the lack of conversation while he took in his surroundings. Nia took him through town instead of hitting the freeway pointing out things along the way. She told him about growing up and the fun of having a large Latin family at least on her dad's side.

  Aside from Aunt Amarie there was no one at all on her mom's side, though she was certain a Cajun family would have been just as fun.

  Aaron wondered what it must be like not knowing any of your family. Nia told him that her grandmother's death was a mystery and her mother didn't even know who her own father was.

  "Aunt Amarie raised my mom and she was worried someone would try to take her away. Aunt Amarie is a little... off." she said wrinkling her nose. Aaron thought of his own family and how scattered and distant they were.

  His thoughts drifted to his Aunt Millie. "Yeah I have an Aunt that's a little off too.” he said thoughtfully.

  Amelia Bouvier Pierce, how does one describe Great Aunt Millie? He mused.

  "My Aunt Millie was young when she had her first child, apparently she was forced to marry or arranged. Same thing in my book. Anyway, my dad said it was an arranged marriage. Millie was so distraught about the babies’ lineage that she'd suffocated it in its crib. I never understood it really” he looked at Nia all wide eyed and added. "Crazy is probably a better word to describe her. She was in a mental facility for decades and released when she was fifty five." Shaking his head Aaron relaxed and slumped into the seat a bit.

  Nia was so silent and it looked as if she was holding her breath. "Wow!" she let out with a gust. "I’ve got to say, I think you have me beat.” she said honestly. "But I have to warn you though you've peaked my curiosity so I might get nosy and ask you more about that story in the future.” he just smiled at her again.

  "I won't mind."

  The future, Aaron thought about that small statement. Could Nia want a future with him after knowing him for not even twenty four hours? He sure felt like it could go there eventually.

  Nia slowed and pulled into a small fenced in parking lot. Across the street was a little restaurant. As he opened the door the amazing smells of what was sure to be a good breakfast assaulted his senses. Nia grabbed her phone and yanked out her Visa that he wasn't going to let her use from her wallet. She stuffed both items into separate pockets. She removed her hoodie and threw it in her bag.

  "Grab your stuff so we can put it in the trunk." Nia told him, while getting her messenger bag and throwing her chargers, wallet and MP3 player inside. She popped the trunk and they put their stuff inside. Nia hit the lock button on her keys till her car honked.

  "So why the trunk?", Aaron asked as she started walking out of the fence and looked both ways as some cars went by. He followed close behind.

  "Oh, someone is less likely to smash up my baby if there's nothing to 'quick sell' lying around." Shrugging her shoulders Nia said it like it was common sense known by all.

  They started to cross the street and Aaron placed his hand protectively on the small of her back again. He could feel her warmth through her thin, black Reading Rocks t-shirt. 'Was she shivering?’ he thought to himself swearing he felt her tremble.

  Aaron opened the door for her and he was overwhelmed by the amazing smells. His mouth watered as the hostess came up, speaking only Spanish. That was a skill he lacked, Spanish. He was never really good at it. Nia spoke to her in English but obviously understood her just fine.

  They sat at a table close to the kitchen. It was a simple restaurant with simple white walls a light wood bar that was definitely a full bar tucked in a nook off to the side. There was a mirror along the longest wall in the place and TV's with Spanish and English programs going on.

  The hostess set down their menus and it was hard to decide what to get. With Nia's help he ordered a traditional Mexican breakfast... The chips and salsa were so good. He was sure he had never tasted food like this before and he made sure to tell her so. The conversation was great again they laughed and talked about food experiences and movies.

  He was finding himself shocked again by Nia when she said she liked chic flicks but loved action movies. Thinking to himself that there must be a catch. Drinks were ordered, a coke and an horchata whatever that was because Nia insisted. She got the same. It only got awkward a few times when one would notice the other staring. The air between them seemed to spark and sizzle but neither acknowledged the occurrence.

  Perhaps she was feeling what he was after knowing each other such a short time. He just wasn't ready to ask. 'Maybe closer to the end of the day. Maybe.'

  His laugh mesmerized her as he said he loved the food. Nia was happy he was happy.

  "So, I have a question.” Nia asked then bit her lip.

  "Ask away.” Aaron replied happily.

  "I have loads of ideas and great places to go. I just wanted to know what types of sights you want to see. Also is there anything you are opposed to?" His lips quirked into that half smile she was starting to love to see.

  "I am pretty much up for anything just lead the way." It was Nia's turn to smile then.

  Excusing himself from the table, Aaron made his way to the restroom, he caught the waitress by the door and gave her his credit card. Returning rather quickly and getting it back on the way to the table. Ni
a was finishing up her drink and getting another horchata to go.

  "This is really good.” he said motioning to the odd drink.

  "Yea I love it. It's a comfort thing for me but it's not good everywhere they make it. I always taste it first.” Nia said.

  Aaron smiled he really did love to hear Nia go on and on. He thought it was cute. "I'll definitely keep that in mind."

  The waitress returned and asked if they needed anything else, Nia asked, "Can I get the check, please?" But the waitress just smiled, "It is already paid senora." Nia stared at the waitress who left the table saying, "Have a nice day.” in a thick accented English.

  Nia looked at Aaron, "How...”

  He interrupted, "You are showing me around but I insist on paying, it wouldn't be a date otherwise."