Lorenzo Reyes was someone I had long admired from a distance, his presence always intriguing to me. But on this day, as we found ourselves deep in the dense woods, I had the opportunity to observe him up close. His soft smile and the dimples on his cheeks seemed even more enchanting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. It was a moment that felt almost surreal, like a dream come true for someone who had long admired him from afar. As we walked through the woods together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at his presence. It was like witnessing a rare and beautiful sight in nature, something that took my breath away. In that moment, I realized that my admiration for him had only grown stronger, akin to how a mermaid might feel upon encountering a human on land for the first time. He looked frightened, as if he didn't want to be there. Like he was second-guessing his decision. 

"It's getting late… maybe it's time to head home…" 

"But don't you want to be with me-" 

"Look, I don't think this between us isn't going to work." A drop of sweat rolled down his chin, dropping to the ground in an instant. Furious, I stood up from my once admiring pose. "We'll, why'd you bring me here then?!" I anxiously look around for something to throw, with a pebble landing in my vision. I picked it up and shot at the man before he got the chance to react. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" He yelled. It angered me. "You're a freak!" He said as he stood up. He ran to his car as I chased after him, my dress in hand. I watched as he quickly got into his car, the brightest, red paint shouting at me. He looked at the engine then at me. Think Lorenzo! Think! Do you really want to make me walk home in the dead of night? Click. The door unlocked and I stepped in. He started the engine; his hand firmly gripped the keys when he turned them. The car ride was silent, nothing but crickets could be heard. My eyes sometimes wandered to his, trying to see if he'd glance at me. Not once did he look my way. He pulled into my neighborhood, drunks and drug dealers watched and talked as he drove. One walked up to him as he was putting in the gate code. "Where are you from?" He asked, it was Mike. "Mike It's fine, leave him alone. "I spoke. He nods, backing up from the car. He enters the code with a steady hand, focusing on each digit as he inputs it. The creak of the disassembled gate opens, and Lorenzo quickly speeds off. My house, being the second left, promptly unlocks the door. "Goodnight, Valencia." He spoke. I slowly got out of the car, turned, and leaned forward. "Vexed. I have been vexed." I stepped back, slamming his car door, leaving a dent. I walk in front of his car, my now shining tan croquet dress with small hints of sunflowers and lilies surrounding dirt.