Photo by Emre Altitok on Pexels.

Writing inspired by the following SWC prompt:

“Would it be okay if I came along this evening?”

Write a story which both begins and ends with this line of dialogue.

The Invitation

by Franziska Singer

“Would it be okay if I came along this evening?”

“Absolutely! I’ve been waiting for you to say these words.”

Leila laughed. “Hold on, I am trying to put on my shoes.” She held the receiver between her neck and chin, while she slipped on her pumps. It crashed to the ground. “Shit,” she said and picked it back up. “Alright, see you in 20!” She did not wait for a reply, hung up and took a look in the mirror. “Looking good,” she said, winked at herself and rushed out the door. 

Outside it had begun to rain. Not that it mattered – one was always a bit damp in her part of the world – but she feared her eye make-up would smear. At the bus stop, Leila checked herself in her pocket mirror. Everything was still where it ought to be, no panda eyes. Good. Shuddering in the autumnal breeze, she pulled her cape tighter. Perhaps she should have worn a coat, there really was no need showing off her full attire during a bus ride. But before she could even think of turning around and heading back for something more appropriate for the weather, the bus arrived, and Leila got on. 

There were few passengers spread across the length of the bus, a couple of parents with their children, one dressed like a mummy, and the other like Indiana Jones. She sat down and let her thoughts wander… to last night, with Patricia and her lovely bosom. Suddenly, a voice tore her from her thoughts. A woman on the other side of the aisle had just asked her something. 

“Sorry, I must have mistaken you for someone else, I did not mean to startle you,” the woman said. “I thought you were my friend Laura. You look just like her. I like your dress. Are you going to a party?”

“That’s right,” Leila said. “I’m going to my friend’s house for a big Halloween party. I don’t usually run around dressed like a vampire. I even have fake teeth in my purse.” She laughed. “But I see we had the same idea! Are you also going to a party?”

The woman smiled. “Yes. Well, I was. But I did not feel welcome, so now I am heading home.”

“What? No. It is way too early. It’s only nine. My name’s Leila, by the way. Not Laura. But very close.”

“Carmilla”, the woman said, and extended her hand.

Leila grabbed and shook it. She noticed Carmilla had very long fingers with long and perfectly manicured nails. She pulled her hand back and tried to hide her own nails, or what was left of them from years of nail biting. “You’re not from here, right? I think I can detect an accent,” she said. “What is it – French?”

Carmilla chuckled. “No, I am from Austria, not France. But it is Europe. So… very close.”

Leila nodded. She had had no idea that Austria was in Europe. Or even that France was in Europe. Wasn’t it its own country? With all the funny animals you don’t get anywhere else?  “What brought you to Seattle? Work?” she asked.

“Something like that,” Carmilla replied. “Life is funny, you know. You never know where it may take you. Or when it ends.” She laughed. “Where is this party you are going to?”

“Oh, it’s at my friend Bernie’s. He throws this huge party every year and everyone has to come as their favourite monster. That’s why I am a sexy vampire!”

“You think vampires are monsters?” Carmilla asked.

“Uhm, yes, I mean … they do kill people to drink their blood, so basically they’re all serial killers.” Carmilla seemed taken aback. “But sexy,” Leila added hastily. 

Carmilla smiled and softly shook her head. “Don’t worry, I understand. Although I do have my own thoughts about it.” She paused. “Your party sounds really fun.”

“It is, it’s the absolute best. And we’re almost there. Hey, do you want to tag along? Since you’re already dressed up?”

“Oh, I don’t want to impose”, Carmilla said.

“No, no,” Leila said excitedly. “You’ll love it, and everybody is so nice, and it will be great.”

“Are you sure I would be welcome in the house?”

“Yeah. Of course you’re welcome. I’m not gonna let you stand on the curb in the rain,” Leila laughed. Carmilla was kind of funny. But she was cute, and Leila did feel a strong attraction to her. You never knew what the night might bring. She pushed the button for the next stop, jumped up, and pulled Carmilla out after her.

As they were entering the park, Leila felt her new friend tense up. “Do you really think it is smart to walk through a park in the dark of the night?” Camilla asked.

Leila shrugged. “It’s the shortest route. I always take it. Don’t worry – if a serial killer approaches us, I’ll pepper spray him right in his stupid face! I have it here in my bag.”

“That is good to know,” Carmilla replied.

After a few yards, the streetlights started to flicker and then they went out altogether. Leila suddenly felt alone. “Carmilla?” she whispered. She did not get a reply. She turned to look for her, and as her eyes acclimated to the darkness, she saw that she indeed was alone on the path. What the hell? 

“Carmilla? That’s not funny. Where the fuck are you?” Leila said. She felt a slight breeze on her neck, took a step back and bumped into something hard. She shrieked.

“I am right here, Laura,” Carmilla said. She seemed to appear out of nowhere. Leila felt with her hands behind her. It was just the wall that parted the park from the street. “Did you get scared in the dark?” Carmilla asked. “It happens. Nothing to be ashamed of. The way I see it, the night is just like the day. Why would you need the sun, if you can look at the stars?” She motioned up to the clouded night sky.

“The sun is also a star,” Leila shot back. She realized her voice was trembling and cursed herself for not appearing cool in front of the beautiful woman. She was already picturing them in bed together. Buying a couch. Moving in and getting a dog. She cleared her throat. “Hey, I’m not afraid of the dark, okay? I just got a little spooked, that’s all. But I am getting cold, so, shall we go on?” She noticed she did not have her bag anymore. “Damn, I must have dropped my purse. Can you help me find it?” she said, already going down on her hands and knees. “Hey, by the way, you called me Laura again,” she said. “Who is she? Should I be worried?” she laughed. She was hoping it had sounded sexy and not jealous.

“Laura was my … friend. You remind me of her. I am sorry I called you by her name,” Carmilla said, and then: “Oh look, I found your bag!” 

The lights flickered on again, and Leila saw that Carmilla looked absolutely immaculate – very unlike Leila herself, who now had dark, damp patches forming on her dress, and very muddy palms. Carmilla did not seem to mind. She offered her her hand and helped Leila up. “You look gorgeous,” she said, and Leila thought it was weird that her lips did not move. Carmilla reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Leila’s ear. “Can I kiss you?” she asked – again without moving her lips, but Leila nodded. 

Never had Leila felt calmer than she did at that moment. And then Carmilla’s lips did move. And her tongue. First gently and tentatively, then more vigorously. Leila reciprocated, and when Carmilla moved from her mouth to her neck, she let out a big moan. She heard her blood rushing and dug her fingers into Carmilla’s back, as she experienced an orgasm like never before. Weird, she thought. Who knew you could come from neck kissing. And suddenly, she was alone. She felt lightheaded, but happy. Why was she in the park again? And why was she lying on the ground behind some bushes?

As her life left her, Leila heard laughter from the other side of the wall, and then a familiar sounding woman’s voice. “Yeah, it really sucks being dumped on Halloween. But hey, your party sounds fun. Would it really be okay if I came along this evening?”