The First Step

Finally the lights to Kate’s Diner shone through the pouring rain. ‘So…classy.’ Viper was just about to voice her thought when a well timed smirk from the driver made her hold her wayward tongue. Quickly Trent parked the car and dragged Viper to the restaurant’s entrance. More than slightly disgruntled she stood dripping just inside the entryway as Trent gave the hostess a brilliant smile.

“Welcome to Katie’s Diner! Table for two?” The girl chirped from behind her stand, Viper’s eye twitched. Trent nodded and the girl pulled two menus from the side slot and seated them in a booth at the far back of the restaurant. During their short walk Viper glanced around the room. She noticed that all of the waitresses looked barely legal while the customers could all apply for Social Security.‘Talk about a pedophile’s wet dream.’ A waitress arrived and took their drink orders. Viper fidgeted, she could not seem to keep her body still as she tried to plan her escape. Trent carried on the conversation as her mind wandered.

“I’ll be right back.” She rose from her chair. Before she could step away from the table a hand clamped around her wrist. His fingers were warm against her still chilled flesh; they sent a tingle up her arm. Viper glared at Trent.

“Where are you going?”

“To powder my nose of course.” Viper pulled her arm out of his grip and continued to the hallway where the bathroom doors were located. Once Trent was satisfied that she was not going to dash out the front door he started flirting with the waitress. Keeping one eye on the hallway and one on the blushing female he kept up a one sided banter to the tune of her giggling. Viper peeked around the wall and noticed Trent’s distracted demeanor. But she was not stupid. She knew he was watching the entrance like the vulture he was. With impeccable timing a busboy left the kitchen to pick up more dirty dishes from the tables.

“Excuse me. Do you have a back door through the kitchen?” The busboy looked confused for a second before nodding. His hands slipped slightly on the wet plastic tub and nervously he wiped his hands on the dishtowel stuck in his apron.

“Would you mind if I used it?” Viper smiled as the boy continued nodding eagerly. He escorted her though the teeming kitchen and do the discrete exit. None of the cooks or the harried waitresses even glanced up at the intrusion of a customer into their back sanctum.

“Thanks. I really owe you one.” With a small wave and a wink she was out like a flash. She pulled the collar up on her trench and dashed for home. About twenty minutes later Trent gave up tapping his fork against the table and signaled for his new admirer. The girl hurried over and gave Trent another reason to like the uniforms at this particular diner.

“What can I get for you?” The girl, Mary by her nametag, could barely contain her enthusiasm for what had to be the hottest customer ever. She was out to please, in more ways than one. Unbeknownst to her this one had already slept with both of her sisters. Idly Trent felt the tug of remembrance before pushing it aside to deal with more important matters.

“The girl I came in with. The one all in black. She hasn’t returned from the restroom yet and I am starting to get a little worried. Would you mind checking for me?” More charm was heaped onto his face and Mary jumped to do his bidding. ‘It is good to be me.’ Trent smirked as he took a sip from his soda. He enjoyed the view as Mary practically wiggled out of her uniform on her way to the restroom. She popped her head inside only to find both of the stalls empty. A slight frown marred her painted mouth. This was not going to please the cutie on table seventeen. Mary brightened as she realized that she got off of shift in five minutes. Perhaps she could entertain him, that other girl certainly did not know when she had something good going.

“I am sorry sir. The bathroom is empty.” Mary beamed at him. “Would you like another soda?” Trent glowered at the girl before tossing a couple dollars onto the table.

“No.” He stood and strode out of the diner, anger flowing off of him in waves. Trent paid no attention to the pouring rain as he got to his car. ‘Well, at least I know where she lives…I can probably find her on the way.’ The car revved up and he screeched out of the quiet parking lot. Trent forced himself to stay only five miles above the speed limit; he knew this place was infested with cops. His hazel eyes scanned the sidewalks looking for a dark figure with an orange pack. Then he saw her. Standing on the corner waiting for the light to change was his prey. He ground to a halt right in front of her, ignoring the fact that he was parked on a corner, got out of the car and grabbed Viper’s arms. Belatedly he realized that the only reason he caught her was because she had not moved.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He snarled, unconsciously baring his teeth. “You must be certifiable. Do you realize what could have happened to you?” Viper raised her eyebrow at his ranting before forcibly prying her arms out of his grip. She grimaced slightly at the bruising pressure. Her eyes went upward and she blinked raindrops from her eyes. A very noticeable tic started just below Trent’s left eye.

“Answer me.” Trent commanded.

“Why do you care?” She turned and sauntered down the street leaving him alone in the rain. At least she tried to. Before she could take three steps Trent stationed himself in front of her. He reached out to stop her but she pulled back before he could touch her. Trent maneuvered in front of her as she tried to get past him.

“What is it about me that makes you so bitchy? I am being perfectly amazing here and you insist on completely ruining what would have been a great night.” Trent darted to Viper and encased her in his arms once again. She struggled violently and then suddenly stopped all movement. Startled Trent loosed his hold a smidgen and peered into her rain dotted face. Quick as the snake she was named after Viper struck and latched onto Trent’s neck. Shocked he released her and jumped back. A thin stream of blood flowed from a small puncture wound.

“What the fuck!” Trent grasped at his throat, grimacing at the shot of pain.

“You really want to know why I hate you? Fine. Do you remember your Homecoming Dance in freshman year?” Viper paused long enough for Trent to nod. “Good, then do you remember asking another freshman to dance before taping a sign on her back stating ‘Loose Cunt – Ask me for a lay’?” His eyes widened in recognition. “Yeah…that was me asshole.” With one last glare Viper skirted around him as realization hit causing him to bang his head on a nearby lamppost. She grinned. ‘How about that for a third step.’

A/n: Don’t ask me what the hell that was. I don’t even know. I hate transition chapters.