Chapter 3 The Beginning of Something New

Ella's heart raced as she watched Victor walk away, disappearing into the busy streets of London. Their chance encounter at the café had left her both exhilarated and anxious. She had agreed to dine with a man she had just met, something she hadn't done ever.

During her university days, Ella had ventured onto a few coffee dates with some boys, but the experience always left her feeling out of her element. The prospect of a proper date or dinner had remained elusive as she grappled with a persistent sense of awkwardness that kept her at a distance from potential romantic connections. Ella's world had been defined by textbooks and equations, leaving little room for the intricacies of dating and romance, and those few coffee encounters had served as a reminder of her unease in the realm of love and relationships.

Her cozy apartment, with its familiar books and numbers, and her past failed experiences suddenly felt like a world away from the possibility that had just entered her life.

As she returned to her apartment, her mind buzzed with a mix of excitement and trepidation. What had she gotten herself into? But amidst the flurry of thoughts, her phone chimed, startling her from her reverie. It was a message from Victor.

Victor: Hi Ella, it was really nice meeting you today. I hope you made it home safely.

Ella smiled at the thoughtful message. She quickly composed a reply.

Ella: Hello Victor, thank you for the message. Yes, I'm home safe and sound.

Victor: Great to hear. How about planning that dinner we talked about? Would Friday evening work for you?

Ella's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of their upcoming dinner. She paused, considering her schedule and the need to gather her courage.

Ella: Friday evening sounds wonderful. Where should we meet?

Victor: There's a charming Italian restaurant downtown that I've been wanting to try. How about Il Cielo at 7:30 PM? I hope you like Italian food?

Ella was familiar with Il Cielo, known for its romantic ambiance and exquisite cuisine, as she had heard in the past some of her work colleagues talking about it. The thought of sharing a meal there with Victor filled her with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Ella: Il Cielo at 7:30 PM on Friday sounds lovely. I'll be there.

Victor: Perfect, Ella. Looking forward to it. Can I pick you up?

Ella, cautious and thoughtful, replied with a smile at her text.

Ella: "Sounds lovely, Victor! Let's meet directly at the restaurant. It's not far from where I live."

Victor: "Of course, Ella, whatever makes you feel comfortable. Looking forward to our dinner. See you there!"

Ella felt a sense of relief in Victor's understanding response, and the anticipation of their upcoming dinner began to flutter in her chest.

She set her phone down, her heart still fluttering from the exchange. She couldn't deny the excitement that bubbled within her. Her life, once defined by numbers and solitude, was now opening up to the possibility of something new and beautiful. She had agreed to a date with Victor, and as she looked out her window at the city lights, she couldn't help but wonder where this unexpected journey might lead.

After the text exchange with Victor, Ella retired to her bedroom, her heart aflutter with the anticipation of their upcoming dinner date. She slipped beneath the covers, her mind buzzing with excitement like that of a schoolgirl on the eve of a long-awaited field trip.

The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, casting a warm ambiance that matched the warmth she felt within. Ella couldn't help but smile as she replayed their conversation in her mind, the prospect of an enchanting evening with Victor filling her thoughts.

Her imagination wandered, picturing the restaurant's cozy atmosphere, the aroma of Italian cuisine, and the captivating blue of Victor's eyes. She wondered about the stories he might share and the laughter they would exchange over dinner.

Her thoughts still dancing with the excitement of her upcoming date with Victor, a practical voice in her mind suddenly stirred to life. It was a voice that whispered caution and urged her to be responsible. With a reluctant sigh, she threw off her covers and sat up, realizing that she didn't know much about Victor beyond their brief interactions.

Despite the late hour, her curiosity got the better of her. She reached for her phone and, with a determined sense of responsibility, opened her Face book app. She hesitated for a moment, then began typing "Victor Smith" into the search bar. Her fingers moved deftly across the screen as her eagerness to know more about him had led her to the edge of feeling like a bit of a stalker, and a soft, nervous giggle escaped her lips.

With a sigh of resignation, Ella's attempt to search for Victor on Face book proved to be a daunting task. Hundreds of "Victor Smith" profiles appeared, and without his last name, there was no way for her to pinpoint the right one. Frustration mixed with a hint of amusement as she realized the absurdity of her late-night search.

She closed the Face book app with a huff, resigning herself to the mystery surrounding Victor for now. Pulling her blanket closer, she nestled back into bed and tried to find solace in the comfort of her cozy cocoon. Tomorrow was another workday, and she needed her rest.