9Okay, so sorry to take so long. Homework and sh…shtuff. Yeah, shtuff, that's it. So here is chapter 2!
Disclaimer: I wish.
Chapter 2: Social Callings
He found the number easily, but it took Charles a whole month to get up the courage to call. The phone rang on the other line.
"Hello?"
"May I speak to Sarah Whitley?"
she laughed. "I was wondering when you'd call."
"Good thing you picked up."
"It's a private line."
"Oh." Charles felt a bit stupid. They could have been talking! He could have saved himself from the last month's agonizing doubt.
"So…"
"So what?"
"You called me, remember."
"Right" smooth Charles, really. He couldn't think of what to say. Drat.
"Care to come to dinner Friday night?"
"hmm…?" he had still been trying to figure out what he wanted to say.
"My father's hosting a dinner for my brother and said I could invite someone. I'm inviting you."
"What time should I be there?"
"Five is good." She quickly rattled off an address, "See you there! I've got to go, bye!"
"Bye…" Charles mumbled, though the receiver had already gone dead.
-zzz-
Charles pulled up to the house and got out of the car. He checked the address, then checked it again. Damn, that was a big house. No time for nerves now, Charles. Be cool. why was he having such a hard time keeping cool lately? He took a deep breath, thought once more that this was not a good idea, and rang the doorbell. The door opened almost before his hand left the bell.
"So glad you could make it! Come in,"
"Hello, Sarah." Charles gave one of those little half bows he seemed so good at. Sarah's heart began to flutter and she smiled.
"You're early."
"It's better than late."
"True. By the way," she glanced around conspiratorially, "I told papa that I saw you in town last week and invited you then."
"So the phone call never happened?"
Sarah smiled. "What phone call?"
Charles was not looking forward to dealing with her father again. The man seemed to have taken an instant dislike to Charles. No reason why, he just had. Mr. Whitley glared at Charles throughout dinner, despite the disapproving looks from his wife. Sarah's attention was fixed entirely on Charles. She laughed at his jokes and listened intently to all of his stories. Charles was suddenly sorry that so few of them were true. Dinner was wonderful, roast lamb and potatoes, and he wished that he could taste more than just the ghost of their flavor. Charles began to miss food. Kind of a lot. He hadn't missed food in at least 300 years! This is the last time I ever go to one of these dinners. He vowed silently. Charles would have the exact same thought at every dinner after that. And there were many.
So, basically, the point of this chapter was to integrate Josef/ Charles into Sarah's life a bit. This chapter is not really important, but it sets up for the next chapter. Hopefully chapter 3 will be up in the not-so-distant future. Please R & R!