CHAPTER FIVE
Denise sat in her room, her fingers nervously tapping on her phone. She had just finished texting her friends, relaying the details of Lewis asking her out on a date.
While she was excited, there was also a nervous edge to her feelings. Am I ready to take this next step with him? Lewis had been so supportive and kind, always there when she needed him, but this was different. This was personal.
A message notification pulled her back from her thoughts. Her friend Sabrina had replied first.
Sabrina: "Girl, if he's supportive and nice, what's the hold-up? You've been talking about him for weeks!"
Denise smiled, but before she could respond, her other friend, Tasha, chimed in.
Keisha: "Exactly! He seems like a good guy. You should definitely go out with him. What's the worst that could happen?"
She sighed, appreciating their encouragement. They had met Lewis a few times, and they could see how much he cared for her. But Denise had always been cautious. Opening her heart wasn't something she took lightly, even if Lewis had already done so much to prove himself.
She typed out a quick response.
Denise: "Yeah, I know. You're right. I guess I just need to stop overthinking it. I'll go out with him."
Sabrina : "That's the spirit! Have fun! And remember, we want all the details afterward."
Denise laughed softly, shaking her head. She knew her friends would demand a full report after the date, but right now, her mind was spinning with anticipation. It had been a while since she had gone out on a proper date, and with someone as special as Lewis, she couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach.
The evening of the date arrived quicker than she expected. As she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress for what felt like the hundredth time, Denise reminded herself to relax. Lewis had already seen her at her most vulnerable; he had supported her through tough moments, and now, they were finally taking the next step.
Her phone buzzed, and she saw Lewis's message.
Lewis: "I'm outside."
She took a deep breath, grabbed her purse, and made her way downstairs. As she opened the door, she saw Lewis standing by his car, looking as charming as ever. He smiled warmly when he saw her, his eyes lighting up.
"You look beautiful," he said softly as she approached him.
Denise blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you," she replied, her voice a little shaky. She wasn't sure why she felt so nervous. Lewis had never given her a reason to doubt him.
The car ride to the restaurant was filled with light conversation. Lewis kept the mood easy and fun, talking about work, random events from his week, and making her laugh with stories about his friends. It was exactly what Denise needed to calm her nerves.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Lewis led her inside, holding the door for her and guiding her to their table. The atmosphere was intimate but relaxed, and as they settled into their seats, Denise began to feel more at ease.
The conversation flowed naturally throughout the evening. They talked about their childhoods, their favorite movies, and what they wanted out of life. Lewis was attentive, genuinely interested in everything she had to say. There were moments where he would lean forward, his eyes focused solely on her, making her feel like the only person in the room.
After their meal, Lewis looked across the table at Denise, his expression serious yet tender. "Denise, I've been thinking a lot about us," he began, his voice soft.
Denise felt her heart rate pick up, unsure of what he was about to say. "What about us?" she asked cautiously.
"I know we haven't known each other for that long, but I care about you. A lot. You've been on my mind constantly, and I just… I want to know if you feel the same," Lewis said, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation.
Denise's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't sure how to respond. She did care about Lewis, more than she had expected, but the intensity of his feelings scared her a little. Was she ready to dive into something serious?
"I… I do care about you, Lewis," she said slowly, her words carefully measured. "But I'm scared. I don't want to rush into anything and end up getting hurt."
Lewis reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "I understand," he said gently. "And I'm not asking you to rush into anything. I just want to be honest with you about how I feel. I want us to take this step together, but only if you're ready."
Denise felt the sincerity in his words, and it softened her hesitation. She could see how much Lewis cared for her, how much he was willing to be patient for her.
After a brief silence, she nodded. "Okay. Let's take this step. I'm willing to try."
A wide smile spread across Lewis's face, and Denise couldn't help but smile back. The weight of uncertainty began to lift, and for the first time that evening, she felt a sense of clarity.
The car ride home was quiet but comfortable. Denise leaned her head against the window, her thoughts swirling with everything that had happened. She had taken a step—a big one—and while it scared her, it also felt right.
When they pulled up to her house, Lewis parked the car and turned to face her. "Thank you for tonight," he said softly. "I had a great time."
Denise smiled. "Me too."
For a moment, they sat in silence, the air between them filled with unspoken tension. Then, slowly, Lewis leaned in. Denise felt her breath hitch, her heart pounding in her chest. When his lips met hers, it was soft and tender, a kiss that spoke of promises and possibilities.
When they pulled apart, Denise felt a warmth spread through her. "Goodnight, Lewis," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
"Goodnight, Denise," he replied, his smile gentle.
Denise stepped out of the car, her heart still racing as she made her way to the front door. She turned to wave at Lewis one last time before heading inside.
But as soon as she entered the house, something felt wrong. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, and her stomach twisted with a sense of foreboding. "Mom?" she called out, her voice echoing through the quiet house.
No response.
Her heart rate quickened as she walked further into the living room. That's when she saw her mother, lying unconscious on the floor
, her face pale and motionless.