The Witching Snakes pt 4

The first date with Agatha goes well, maybe too well. They make plans. Agatha gives Paul a gift.

Read part 3

Hours felt like minutes; they talked about movies and and Foosball. Paul told her about his father and the coffee shop owner that invited him to play in the corner stage every Wednesday. She told him about the family cabin and the squirrel that would steal her food. She touched his neck and he put his arm around her. They kissed. Maggie and Mara had disappeared.

In a smoky voice, she said “I should not tell you this, but if I should die, I don't want eulogies.”

“Yes,” said Paul. He was close to her face, looking into her gray eyes. He stared without contemplation. Her neck moved to the right. Her eyes stayed on him.

"Who are you?" he said.

“I was born in California, but my parents died and I was raised by my mother's sister. She belonged to a cult. I learned obedience. I loved my family. Maggie hated them. I was married last year, but he died. My family didn't want me back. I had protected Maggie from the deacon. I tried to call my aunt, to see if she could change their minds, but she was hitchhiking to Alaska.”

Paul kissed her, soft and sloppy. It lasted as long as need. She put her hand on the back of his neck and he could feel her nails gently scratching.

“We have been alone for so long that when I came into that place. I was also hoping for work. I have money. I just feel so cloistered. I wanted to smell whiskey and hear rage. I saw you instead. Please drink more wine. I need to finish the bottle.”

“I love you,” he said. He meant it. Her kiss brought joy, as if a rocket had launched him into a sky of chocolate.

“I want to marry you,” she said.