Love At First Fright

I'm excited this evening as I'm going for a date tonight with Carrie. She never failed to impress me since the first time I saw her- a genuine smile in her face which made the world around her warm and pretty. Our first date worked out just fine. We move in the same wavelength and decided to talk more to get to know each other. hence, this arrangement.

"What shirt to pick-black or blue?" I asked to myself.

"What's the occasion bud?" asked my co-worker/roommate Sean.

"Well, it's uh... you know I've a meeting with someone important." I better not tell about Carrie to him. That idiot will definitely ruin everything I worked for.

"Someone's being a naughty boy," said Sean with a crooked smile.

"Any calls from the emergency ward?" I tried to divert the topic because I know who Sean is. He'll screw and strangle, tease and literally do anything to know the truth.

"Nothing so far. But you better be ready when a call comes. You're their only choice-all hail the paramedic!"

Sometimes I wish I never came to this ward. They always give me overtime, always. Well, I can't blame them, it's not their fault as I'm the only experienced paramedic in this suburb. I wonder how Carrie is going to take this; hopefully, she'll adjust to my work timings.

"Side note-I think you'll look great in the white shirt for whatever the occasion that is," said Sean before leaving the room.

Anything but not a white shirt. Last time I wore it, I swear I regretted wearing it. That silly shirt couldn't even cover up the drastic amount of sweat seeping around my neck and armpits. The hotel was air-conditioned, no problem with that, but that was the first time I'm seeing a lady who could potentially be my wife. But thankfully the tension eased up as Carrie didn't seem to notice it.

"Hey, Josh!"

"Hello, Miss Spencer. Nice to meet you."

"Please. Call me Carrie. I'm sorry I made you wait for so long. Come let's have a seat."

That's when I realised that I couldn't conceive an angel more beautiful.

We discussed various things, we met quite often. From books to bands; the discussion was going on without an end. I wanted to express my desire in making this relationship happen, but every time I want to, we drift off, making me all the way fall for her. And so this time I resolved to tell her what's in my mind.

By 6:50, I'm already at the venue,10 minutes prior to the appointed time; with royal purple shirt paired with brown chinos. She said she liked shrimps-so I reserved our seats in a seafood restaurant- so that she'll enjoy the courses; not that she is picky at eating, but I wanted to give what she likes. A couple of minutes lapsed before she came.

"Hey, Carrie. You look stunning," as I pulled the chair for her to take the seat. And man did she look stunning! Her black dress matched the pearl chain perfectly, her curls hanging down from her shoulders making her even more elegant. She didn't seem to have heard the compliment, as she took the seat with an air of dullness. Her skin was pale and didn't have that warm smile that she usually harboured.

"You look sad. Is anything wrong, Carrie?" She looked out through the window, the best view I managed to reserve. Her eyes reflected the sputtering lights on the road. Yellow and white lights moved in streaks illuminating the dark black sky which brought the news that this busy neighbourhood will soon experience a downpour.

"Is everything ok, Carrie?" I asked her once again not sure whether she heard my first enquiry. She turned back to return my gaze- plain. Hazel eyes which I'm used to as being the brightest now is staring back at me- pitch black. Fearing I might drift off like we did last time I started, "Carrie I want to tell you something," I said clearing my throat.

"Shall I take your order sir?" came the waiter.

We gave our orders- correction; I gave our orders as she didn't seem to react to the waiter's question.

"Carrie, based on how our previous dates were, I presume you enjoyed the visits because I did. I think there's something between us-more than having the same taste in music, food and whatnot. We haven't talked about our future and it's about time we talk about it. Before you tell, I'll tell first." She wasn't in a hurry to speak so I continued. "Carrie I want to take this to the next level. All my life I've been searching for the right person, and I'm delighted to see that person right in front of me. Living the rest of our lives holding hands, giggling to some silly joke, having a family of our own is how I picture us. I'm a paramedic who's able to support himself and his family through his means, and I ask you this question..."

"Will you marry me?" My phone buzzed. Sharon it read. If it's from Sharon then I gotta answer it because she calls me only if there's a fatality in the Emergency Ward.

"Tell me, Sharon."

"Josh I need you here. Car accident. Mansfield Park. Driver seriously injured. It'll take at least an hour for the doctors to treat her and I'm afraid she won't last if you don't come."

"Will be in ten minutes." I hung up.

I couldn't say a proper goodbye to Carrie and I could still see her motionless figure turning around to glance the window pane again.

I checked my phone for any updates from Sharon only to see there are some messages in my inbox.

"Not the right time to see these junk," as I hit the gas pedal. With my car roaring on the road, tiny streams of water blinding my view I Reached the spot several minutes later. I reached for the victim to help her.

"Don't worry miss. You'll be alright." I Said while I came near her.

My spine froze when I saw the bloodied spectacle. My eyes betrayed me in giving this vision. Sharon stood beside her giving me the patient details-first her name and how she died. I didn't listen to what she said. I knew what I saw. It was Carrie.

I wouldn't have believed what I saw if I were delusional. But there she lay, her head leaking warm blood, staining her black fabric, staining her pearl chain-the same costume that she wore this evening. Her eyes; her hazel eyes stargazing the horizon-lifeless and pitch black. I checked for my phone as was my practice despite all of this shock. A message from Carrie. Sent 7:03pm.

With trembling hands, I opened her message.

"Hey, Josh." It read.

"Sorry I won't be coming tonight as I've to meet my grandma at Mansfield park, she's not feeling well. I'm looking forward to meeting you soon :)

love,

Carrie."