Red Velvet Cake

I sit in a small café on the edge of the street in Melbourne. It wasn’t exactly well known, nor was it popular but it was nice. I always thought they had lovely cakes, the sweetest in the state. They definitely weren’t good for my teeth I thought. That doesn’t matter much though, it was about today and today was the day I get to go on a date with the pretentious Edric von Vale. Fun!

He always seemed to insist on going somewhere expensive but I don’t have the money nor time to waste with bigwigs. Especially not the type Mr. von Vale seems to enjoy. Nevertheless, he let me choose the date spot. He was late though, he seemed to never be on time. The ‘fashionably late’ type.

“Greatly sorry, Darling, there was traffic. Melbourne is horrible this time of day. I honestly should’ve taken the train, maybe people would think I’m going to the Melbourne show.” I feel a large hand on my shoulder, the colour of ebony. Blood red claws just barely touch my skin. I look up to see the smiling face of the quite handsome Edric.

“It’s fine you’re only 20 minutes late this time.” I say gesturing towards the seat in front of me. It was red and black, almost like him, with a metal backrest.

“Please, will you ever forgive for that? It’s not my fault my car broke down twice it’s from the 60’s!” He mock cried. You could tell he did drama in high school. He really is one for the dramatics. 

“Yeah, but you missed your OWN birthday party. You were 3 hours late; we were packing up and everything!” I laugh at him as he pretends to sulk.

“What are we ordering?” He swiftly changes the topic as to avoid any more slander from me. He can never seem to deal with it.

“Um, maybe a tea? I was also going to get a cake.”

“Splendid! I think I might order the same as you, Darling, wait here.” And with that he stands again, leaving to order God knows. It is at this point that I take in what he’s wearing. A lovely vermilion velvet coat and pants. Under the coat was a simple black button up which was open so you could see his chest and stomach. He never seemed to wear a shirt properly. Was he ever cold? I continue to ponder on it. What if it was snowing…? Does it snow in Melbourne? No. 

“Here you are, Darling, An earl grey tea and a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing.” With a clean click of the plates, he sits back before me. 

“Thank you.”

“No need, my darling, it is but a gift.”

God, I thought, he sounds so stupid. He’s sitting across me now, all prim and proper, sipping his tea like he’s having a lunch date with the Queen herself. I take a generous bite out of the cupcake. It is beautiful. The cream cheese adds to the taste. Yum.

“I see you’re enjoying your muffin. They are my favorite. Though, I’ve never had them here. They do the job.” I watch him take a large bite of his muffin.

“it is nice, I think.” 

 Edric looked like he had just thought up something truly amazing as he slides his now empty plate towards me.

“How about we take a walk? Find a nice park and, oh who knows? Hmm?” I watch him smile a little, like that was his ulterior motive. Maybe it was?

“I don’t see why not?” 

“Lovely! I’ll just wait for you to finish, Darling.”

-------

We had stumbled out of the café quite quickly. It was like he was rushing me. What was so good about going to a park anyway? All there is is grass and trees and more grass. He opens the passenger side door for me and waits for me to sit down before closing the door and getting in his side. Edric turns the car on and drives away. There wasn’t any traffic now. Maybe he was lying about there being too many people on the road... come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing many people on I stroll there.

“It wont take very long, Darling, just a quick drive.” He pauses as I lift an eyebrow at him. “Oh please, it isn’t that bad.”

------

Once we arrive at the park I am greeted by lovely gate and tall trees. This looked like it took all of the tax payer’s money. The grass was cleanly kept and the dirt path looked as though someone vacuumed it daily. There was a fountain a long way down the path. It was very pretty.   

“Wow, it is pretty.” I shoot a glance at Edric.

“Oh thank you, shall we?” And with that he grabs my hand and we start walking through the park.

The thing with Edric was his was so damned tall. I was nothing to him. How can someone be 7 feet tall? That surely shouldn’t be possible. But it is, somehow. He had to lean down to hold my hand. His was warm and you could tell he was good with his hands, not in the way you would normally use that phrase. He could twirl a knife in his hands and you could tell. They were strong. I think he could strangle someone too. Maybe.

Edric von Vale was a little scary, but that’s ok, I like scary.