Toka-Ace #1: The Re-Emergence
Chapter 3

The rest of the week passed entirely too slowly for my liking. Is it just me, or does time move more slowly when you have something that you’re really looking forward to?

I endured good-natured, yet relentless ribbing from Andrew over how “in love” I was with Elyse. I was hardly in love with Elyse, but I was very excited.

I laid out a neat collared shirt on my bed. It was next to a pair of freshly ironed jeans. I did a ten-point inspection. I made sure my hair was neat. I checked my face for blemishes and I made sure that I smelled good. I dressed and made sure that I looked presentable. I went downstairs.

Mom was waiting for me downstairs. She was swelling with pride, her eyes fond. “Looking good Troy,” she complimented.

“Thanks.” I said appreciatively.

“Troy, now that you’re going on a date, I’d like to talk to you about the birds and the bees.” Mom continued.

My mouth gaped and my stomach felt like it had a stone in it. I felt myself flush with embarrassment.

“I’m kidding,” Mom laughed.

“Oh thank God.” I said.

“Ha! I got you!” Mom crowed. “Actually I do have something for you.” She reached for a box that was sitting next to the door.

“Cologne?” I asked.

“Yup, just wear this,” Mom instructed.

I applied the cologne. “Well, wish me luck.”

Mom was gracious enough to let me use the car. I grabbed the keys off the counter.

“Bye Mom.” I hugged her. “See you later.”

“Have a good time Troy.” Mom said hugging me back. “But not too good, I don’t want this night resulting in any grandchildren.”

“No promises,” I teased.

Mom crossed her arms and grinned. “Very funny,” she said.

Before I headed over to Elyse’s place I did some writing in my journal. It helped to calm the butterflies I was feeling: My first official date, I can’t believe it. Mom joked with me not to take things too far with Elyse and gave me some cologne. Andrew just made fun of me. It’s fine though. I’m on cloud nine. Aah, life is good.

I drove to Elyse’s place. I rang the doorbell and waited.

Elyse answered the door. She had her hair straight and she wore a blue silk blouse and a blue jean dress. It was so simple and yet so stunning on her.

“Hey there Elyse, ready to go?” I asked enthusiastically.

“Not quite yet. Come in Troy, my parents want to meet you,” Elyse said. She took my hand and led me inside.

I followed. A short hall led to the living room. There were two couches and an easy chair arranged in a semi-circle around the television. A wooden table sat in the middle of the room. On the wall hung pictures of Elyse’s family and various paintings.

Elyse’s parents stood in the living room.

I’m not going to lie. I was a bit nervous but I was going to do my best to present an unshakeable game face.

Elyse was the spitting image of her mother. Her mother wore her hair curly and short. Elyse was shorter than her mother was.

Elyse’s father was only slightly taller than me. He was a stout, powerfully built man. I would have believed that he was a boxer or a wrestler or something. Elyse had informed me that he was a security guard of some sort.

“So this is Troy,” Mr. Art said inspecting me. He stepped forward and stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you.”

I did my best to present a strong handshake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Art,” I shook Mrs. Art’s hand too. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“So where are you taking my little girl tonight?” Mr. Art asked me.

“We’re going to Shahrazad.” I replied.

“It’s a Persian restaurant,” I added when Mr. Art looked as though he was going to question it.

“I see.” he said.

Mr. Art proceeded to question me about my life. It was nothing too personal. He asked about my family and my grades and what I wanted to do when I got older. After he was satisfied that his daughter didn’t bring home a bad guy he gave us his blessing and instructed me to have her home at ten thirty.

Afterwards Elyse bid farewell to her parents and we were on our way.

Later I sat across from Elyse. She was so beautiful to me. Her eyes caught the light and made them sparkle in her face like two diamonds. Her skin was so smooth and perfect.

“This is so nice,” Elyse commented looking around.

The waiter came to our table and asked us what we’d like to order. Neither of us had been to Shahrazad before. I talked Elyse into ordering what I ordered. It was the Lamb Kefta Mashwee.

“So did my dad freak you out?” Elyse asked jokingly.

“Nah.” I said. “Especially not after what my mom said to me.”

“What’d she say?”

“If I told you it’d only make the evening awkward.” I replied.

“Tell me.” Elyse pressed.

“You really, really don’t want to know.” I insisted. “Parents,” I shook my head. My anxiety had eased a little. “So what kind of music do you like?”

“Kaki King and Kelly Clarkston are tied for my favorites.” Elyse answered.

I winced a little. “Nothing against them but, I need to turn you on to Lupe Fiasco, Coheed and Cambria, and some old school stuff like Metallica.”

We chatted some more about music and then our lamb arrived. “This is delicious.” Elyse said in delight after taking a bite.

“I told you.” I said feeling both smug and happy that she was liking it. “Just imagine that this is normal Persian cuisine. Can you imagine that?” I paused and then leaned in a little. “So?”

“So what?” Elyse wiped her mouth.

“So, if you could go anywhere else in the world, where would you go?” I asked.

“I’d go to…” She considered. “Italy.”

“Why Italy?” I asked.

“Because of the food,” Elyse answered. “I’ve always been a fan of Italian food. Though this is pretty amazing too, But Persia, that’s Iran, right? I’d prefer Italy.”

I couldn’t blame her for that. “What about riding the gondolas?” I asked. “Have you ever fantasized about taking a romantic ride on one of those boats?”

Elyse looked as though she was pleased by the fantasy. We talked more about travel, then books, movies, and school. Our date was going so well, my anxiety had completely vanished.

I was about to tell Elyse a joke when I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket. I ignored it.

We finished our meal. I paid the bill and we prepared to leave. Elyse excused herself to go to the bathroom. I checked my phone. Fifteen missed calls from Andrew and as many text messages. As I read them, my heart stopped and I could do nothing but stare wide-eyed and stunned. My entire world had just changed.