You smell so good!

Aubrianne Ivanov

Daniel and I carried on light conversations on our drive to Gloria's. He told me a little about himself apart from what I already knew, like where he works, places he likes to hang out, etc.

Nevertheless, I listened.

Daniel likes swimming, an activity he and I enjoy.

Though, because of his work schedule and community responsibilities, whatever that means. He said he rarely gets to do it, which was less often than he would like.

He used to be up in those mountains daily as a youth.

Like me, he also enjoys binge-watching TV series or watching a movie marathon.

Then he starts listing off TV shows, "shut up! Dude, you watch Anthony's Anatomy? No way!" I said, shaking my head at him and pointing an accusing finger, my body slanting in my seat, facing him.

"Yes, I do," he admits, "but I don't anymore. It lost its fervor a long time ago."

I leaned back in my seat and stared at him in shock and disbelief, eyes blinking, eyebrows creased, because I felt the same way, and maybe he really did watch it. "Wow! OK, well, I agree with you on that one."

I managed to get out after my first initial response of utter shock.

"See, Yea, I do, I really do, as hard as it might be for you to believe," Daniel says.

"OK then, tell me what else?" I asked, still sitting comfortably in the front seat of Daniel's jeep.

Soon he started talking about a car he was thinking about buying, but he wanted to go check out a few more before making a final decision on which to go with. He told me he would take me car shopping with him.

Then he went on to talk about the kind of neighbors I have in the community, 'Boris Heights.' He glances at me a few times when he explains, "the families are nice, very kind, making for a tranquil and wonderful area to live in."

"Cool, I can't wait to start meeting them." I had said out loud in my excitement at meeting new friendly people.

This was nice. I do not know anyone here and am still finding my way around. Well, except for Daniel, and I just met him yesterday. I was new here, after all.

I looked at him and told him I appreciated my new neighborhood and hoped I would get visitors bearing food. I grin like a Cheshire cat.

I was not accustomed to that sort of thing when I lived in that apartment building. I figured that's what the neighbors do in these types of neighborhoods from what I've seen on TV.

He stole a quick glance at me, smiling, and said, "Be careful what you wish for. They just might!"

"Bring it on," I replied with some attitude, sweeping my hair back and clicking my tongue.

He chuckles, "OK, missy, I am surprised no one has come yet. You just wait."

Then I thought he must be serious. Oh well, so was I. Let me fill my fridge and store the rest in the freezer until I am ready. I am starting work next week, so this is actually perfect.

I smile inwardly as I am pleased with my plans for the many meals.

Now I was wondering if I was beginning to accept my new home? But I can't! I needed answers, and just like that, reality whacked me in the face.

Glancing at him again, I said, "Hey, Daniel?"

"Sup," he replies with a quick glance at me.

I went on, "I just thought that I honestly didn't need too much of a grand tour today, OK…. I mean, I would love to visit a few places in the city... driving where maybe too far to walk.

Moving around the city in the vehicle, making stops at the places that jump out at us, or if you have any places you already thought of, and you know what? Given the time, I am sure I will get to see the city at night".

Though my mood was rapidly changing, it suddenly picked back up at the possibility of seeing the city I passed yesterday at night in all its magnificence. It would indeed be a sight to behold.

He said, "Yes, you will. I sure don't mind that idea at all, and I have a few places in mind. Don't worry, OK!"

"OK, that's perfect, Daniel! I would love to see the museum, believe it or not, I spent a lot of time in places like the library. We had a little art museum with replicas of the greats painted by past students and really amazing original paintings by the talented students who would go on to become one of the greats, oh my god, even some amazing art sculptures," I breathed out breathily.

"No way did you spend all your time in the library at school," he chimes in.

"Yes! I kid you not. I was basically friendless, so most of the time, I hid there. Anywhoos, I would love to visit the museum in a place like this, as well as that amazing library we passed yesterday."

"Don't you worry, I got this," Daniel said, "anywhere you would like to go."

"OK, thank you, Daniel....."

After a moment, I did not want to be a party pooper, but I just had to know. Turning to Daniel, I asked him if he suspected anything regarding my situation. If things indeed seemed out of the ordinary...

"Hey look Aubrianne... I do, but I won't say anything as this is a delicate situation, and people can get hurt if I am wrong, so please believe me when I say I can't, OK."

"I am not sure of anything, just my suspicions, which could be very wrong. So please don't ask me that. Ask me anything else. What do you want to know?"

"And by people, you mean me?" I asked. Daniel seemed like he didn't want to talk about it. Still trying to figure out why, but he seems genuine in his concerns.

He begged me, eyes pleading, to drop it. So I reluctantly did with a very heavy heart, and I sighed audibly and obviously, as I was exasperated by this situation. And for a brief moment, I wondered if Jada might be right. And where did you disappear to, Ms. Jada?

Anyways, the more and more I dig or put thought into it, the more confused I get. However, I decided to put it behind me until tomorrow, when I see Mr. Grey. But who is Mr. Thornton, and what is this all about? Anyways, like I said behind me...

We pulled up to Gloria's and went right in, Daniel leading the way. This time we were greeted by another attendant and were directed to Daniela, who was already seated going through her phone. She looks caught up in it.

As we approach, she looks up and smiles beautifully at her brother. Then her eyes switch to looking at me when she says, "Oh Daniel, you didn't tell me she was this GORGE."

"Hi, Aubrianne. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Daniela, Daniel's sister and the smartest of the two," stretching out her hand after she rests her phone gently on the table, completely done with it for the moment.

I respond with a smile of my own, "Hi Daniela, so lovely to meet you," meeting her hand with my own, then she pulls me in for a hug and sniffs me….., wait did she sniff me?

She moaned and said, "you smell good."

Quickly pulling away, I glanced at Daniel just in time to see him roll his eyes at his sister.

OK, now I was confused as I watched the interaction between the two on what happened. I raised an eyebrow, questioning or simply curious to know what that was about.

However, as I sat in a comfy chair, it dawned on me I was rocking expensive cologne. I definitely smelt good. Yes, Aubrianne, how daft can you be? I quickly said casually with a shrug, "Symphony, it was in my closet. First time wearing it."