Chapter 3: Getting to Know A Girl That Is Country
At one point, I noticed Karla quickly consume the food that had been delivered to her plate after she had placed her order, as we conversed amicably at the motel's long dinette counter and gradually but pleasantly got to know each other better.
Her fork-grasping and prodding indicated that she wanted more, so I asked, "That sandwich you were eating looks good; I might order a plate of it once I finish mine; would you like one? It's on me."
Karla appeared to be very hungry, so I had to ask her in a roundabout way to avoid making her feel self-conscious about an eating disorder or something.
I didn't know much about women, so I was extra cautious when asking this question, just in case some helpful dating stereotypes I'd heard about were correct. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to mention or allude to women's eating habits, her desire to eat more, or a second plate.
Thankfully, she didn't seem concerned about her eating habits or anything like that.
Instead, she smiled and said to me in a very cool and genuine manner, "I'm pretty hungry and could use some more food, but the money I've saved is just enough to cover my room until tomorrow night. I won't say no if you want to feed me."
I was glad she was honest, and spending time with her felt even more refreshing.
"Well, in that case, feel free to order anything else you'd like in addition to that," I offered, then subconsciously looked at the glass of water she was drinking, unsure what else she might want.
She had told me that she was recovering from a few rough nights of drinking and partying. So it was no surprise that she stuck to water, which was known to detoxify.
"I feel a little hungry, but not too much. I just want to eat the same dish again. Thank you."
She politely expressed her gratitude, and I nodded and smiled before calling the person behind the counter to take our new orders.
As our food and my drink arrived at the counter, Karla was getting a refill of that complimentary H2O from the lady behind the counter.
Then, with a curious expression, Karla turned to me and asked me three questions, "What are your next steps now that you've completed that voluntary stint in the military? Surely, you're not going to wander the country indefinitely, right? Let me guess, I bet you're just getting yourself fully ready to look for a nice place to live, get a job, and start a family like most people in their twenties do, aren't you?"
I responded, nodding, "I can't speak for that family since I'm single and childless, but yeah, I definitely have some big plans on the horizon. Speaking of which..."
I glanced at her and remembered to open her status window to check her out.
Karla stared at me as she began to dig into her food, eating a fry with her fingers, before frowning and asking, "Speaking of? What?"
[Name: Karla Dixon]
[Age: 21]
[Sex: Female]
[Background and Credentials (Unlocked): Small town country girl, raised in a conservative home with athletically inclined boys, versatile child tomboy, nonconformist college dropout, good brain, brilliant academic achiever, stable mind, tolerant to pain, knows how to make efforts]
[Bio-Status: Virus-Free]
[Overview: Raised a tomboy. A naturally fit and talented young woman who figures out how to accomplish tasks efficiently, excelling in sports, martial arts, and other physical activities that she quickly masters. She also possesses strong cognitive abilities, particularly in numerical skills]
[Inhuman Features: 0]
[Passive Skills (Unlocked): 0]
Individuals' personal experiences and skills were frequently recognized and acknowledged by others, at least one person, and they served as the foundation for their background and credentials. These accomplishments demonstrated their areas of expertise rather than their shortcomings.
Someone with a similar life experience would not always have things displayed in their status windows. Karla had those, which said a lot, spoke volumes about her.
After reviewing her background and credentials, I suddenly had a better understanding of her journey and the type of person she was. It became clear that she may have left home and abandoned her college education to pursue her true passions or figure out what she wanted to do with her life, a path not paved for her by her family's pressure.
As I continued to stare blankly, she inquired, "What's the matter? Are you okay?"
I stopped spacing out on her and smiled apologetically, "Nothing, I was just wondering what your life goals are too... Have you considered finding a job, particularly in California?"
If I had to be a police officer, I would prefer to have a good partner in the same promotion and class graduating from the cop academy. Karla appeared to be even more talented than Roberta.
Roberta had also graduated in Missouri and was set to join the police force as a Rookie right away, so she would most likely be my superior by the time I joined the department.
I had a basic understanding of how the police system works in California; I knew what I needed to know, albeit not in depth.
I probably couldn't decide who I'd frequently work with in my patrol car (my shop) after I would start my career, but once my probationary period was over, it would be easier to bend and renegotiate my schedule and the rules that surrounded me within the police department.
In every location, police officers were friendly and supportive of one another, especially when their lives were at stake on the job. This included the mindsets of higher-ranking officers and their subordinates. People who wanted to work with each other or who worked well together had a good chance of being paired up. Also, the most common combination was one man and one woman on the same team.
Karla responded to my unexpected inquiry with curiosity, asking me, "Why are you asking me that? Do you have a job offer for me or something? You're not also planning to visit California, are you?"
I was a bit puzzled, so I said, "I feel like I might have a proposition for you, not a prearranged job per se, but rather a suggestion for what to pursue if you have no idea... But why do you ask if I intend to visit Cali? Are you going there?"
She ate and replied, "No, not me; it's just that my friends left me here to go there; they're off to a concert in California. But what's your offer to me?"
After giving it some thought, I responded, "I have a feeling that you would excel as a police officer. It's a solid career choice if you're comfortable with and enjoy firearms."
She let out a small laugh and responded, sounding amused; I wasn't sure if she was seriously considering my offer. "I once thought about joining the army, but trying to convince me by appealing to my interest in guns? Do you really think that would sway me? How would you even know if I had some interest in it?"
I pondered and remarked while continuing to playfully banter with her. "I'm not quite sure, but it seems like you're the kind of person who might carry a firearm even without being in law enforcement. Also, if my memory serves me right, open carry is permitted in Missouri, where you're from right? It's particularly common outside of Kansas City, which you've told me is not your hometown."
We were now inside Kansas City, albeit in a run-down and filthy motel on the outskirts near the highways.
She observed my joking expression, which I tried to keep unwavering for a moment, before she resumed eating.
After a long bite, in a playful tone, she couldn't help but chuckle and say, "You know, you're spot on. I don't know how you figured it out, but I've grown up around guns and I actually enjoy using them… Lawfully of course. I'm also pretty skilled at caring for and looking after those babies. I even have a couple in my room, just in case I run into any trouble. Although, I highly doubt you fall into that category, of course."
I nodded to her and to myself; if she were carrying right now, I would have noticed, but she didn't.
I glanced at my own plate and remarked, "Was that a sneaky offer to me? I'm not entirely opposed to checking out your room, but rest assured, I can assure you that I'm not a strange guy or some kind of creep."
The playful banter and flirtation between us was enjoyable, and despite my lack of expertise, I began to feel at ease.
I was changing, maybe even evolving, but I hadn't reached that point yet and didn't want to. I found myself drawn to women and enjoying their company more. I must admit that I had developed a bit of a naughty side, but I wanted to remind myself and Karla that I was not a dangerous person.
In my previous life, the opportunities to assault women and sexually abuse them without repercussions were limitless in the chaotic environment. However, I refrained from engaging in such behavior back then, and I still had no intention of doing so in this current and new life, even if I had to adopt a negative demeanor in other ways.
Even if I became the most despicable person imaginable, I would never harm women or children. I would only consider harming women if I had to engage in combat or take their lives, but I would never engage in sexual assault unless they had committed similar acts or were responsible for such heinous crimes.
I do not think I would be morally reprehensible for raping women who caused others to be raped. It's the same principle as robbing a thief or killing a murderer; there was nothing wrong with doing the same to them.
She stopped playing with me, despite her lovely smile, and replied, focusing on me rather than her food, "You like me that way already? You fall quick it seems… I think we might end up in that kind of relationship someday, but for now, I think it's too soon, no? I'm not even sure if you're a serial killer looking for attractive women or something."
I couldn't help but be a little taken aback as I gasped, acting duped and swindled, "Heyyy… So you know you look stunning, right? And here I was thinking that your killer smile was just innocent. If there is a killer in the room, it would be you, not me."
Karla grinned at the praise and unabashedly told me, "I have some insight into how people perceive my beauty, but I don't manipulate them for my own benefit. But, regardless, don't you think it's only fair to embrace my enviable qualities? They're a part of me, and you appreciate them, so everything's fine, is it not?"
The girl knew how to mess around and didn't need any form of approval on this. It was only a joke I was saying anyway.
I didn't back down or back off however; instead of doubling down, I told her, "I'm not a serial killer, but if you truly believed that I was one, which I know you don't, trying to win me over and charm me with your face might not be the best strategy, I reckon?"
She burst into laughter and replied, "Like I said, I have guns, it's all fine, if you don't believe come to my room to check those out later,"
It appeared that it didn't take much to make her laugh, or perhaps she was just getting this cozy with me, or perhaps the food put her in a good mood.
I didn't decline this time and replied, "Okay then… I'm coming to your room, but if you have any intentions of making unwanted advances towards me, I want you to know that I won't allow myself to be vulnerable to you."
She chuckled again, this time in hushed tones, and continued our banter. "Luckily, I don't have any plans like that... Even if, I am curious to see some of those self-defense moves you must have picked up during your time in the military."
I casually responded, hoping not to come across as a privy instructor that one couldn't afford or access. "If you are unfamiliar with fighting, I can show you some ropes. Ever heard of MMA? But in exchange, you should consider my job suggestion."
We were still pretty much strangers, but I had a feeling we'd be traveling or do some road together. We were already feeling a budding connection and developing some nub of friendship.
I was just hoping that the playful and teasing banter would stop soon because I was kind of assing it and didn't want to be exposed and end up in some friend zone.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone