Mesmerized

o’clock on Thanksgiving evening. “Welcome to Charlie’s. What is the name the reservation is under?” the host asked. 
    “My name is Sandra, but we don’t have a reservation,” Lily’s mother responded. She lightly touched the button on her plunging black shirt, and then slowly ran her hand across the crease of her breast and up her neck. 
    The host visibly swallowed.
    “Maybe you could check the list again?” her mother suggested, making eye contact with the young man. 
    He looked back at the list and then said, “We can fit you in right away. We have a special table in the back reserved for VIPs like you, Miss Sandra." 
    She gave her throaty, sexy laugh and entwined her arm in the crook of the hosts arm. His face turned bright red, and he broke into a goofy smile. Lily and her father followed behind. 
    "Thank you James. This table is lovely." Her mother crossed her long legs and bit her lip. 
    "Anytime. I hope you come back again soon."
    Dinner was the traditional turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and pies. Lily thought it was delicious—much better than cafeteria food. She ate ‘til she couldn’t eat anymore. She felt like she was going to pop. Waiters kept coming over every few minutes to cater to her mother and her mom loved it.
    Lily leaned over and whispered to her father, “Seriously, Dad, doesn’t that bother you at least a little bit?”
    He laughed. “Not at all. She needs the attention like flowers need water. I know she’s not going anywhere.”
    Lily sat back and picked at a roll. She could see the logic in his statement. Watching her mother, she wondered if she’d turn into her someday. She really hoped she wouldn’t. She didn’t like how superficial her mother acted. There was more to life than looks and attraction. Lily wanted boys to like her for her, not for how she looked or what kind of pheromones her body gave off.
    The next day, her mom took her shopping. Lily bought some warmer clothes, boots, and an umbrella. Her mom tried to get her to buy tight-fitting, revealing sweaters.
    “Isn’t that counterproductive? I thought I wanted to avoid attention.” Lily shoved the short, tight sweater dress back on the rack.
    “I guess you’re right. I just love to shop.” Her mother sighed and handed her a cardigan.
    They shopped for hours until Lily’s feet were killing her. Her father had a much better idea. He was sitting at the bookstore relaxing. She would much rather be with him than shopping with her mom.
    On Saturday, her mom and dad said goodbye. As much as she missed them, she was glad they were gone. 
     
    Lily was out for a stroll later that day when the other students began returning to school. Bundled in her fall jacket and new boots, she enjoyed the time alone. “Hey Lily!” a voice called.
    She whirled around and came face to face with Ben. Sheesh! Couldn’t this kid take a hint? “Hi Ben.”
    “Let me walk with you.”
    “Actually, I’d rather be alone.” Lily wrapped her arms around herself. 
    “Aw, c’mon, don’t be like that.” He grabbed her arm. 
    “Let go, Ben,” she said sternly.
    “Just one more kiss,” he pleaded.
    “No!” she glared at him. 
    Surprising her, Ben grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her up against a tree. She screamed, “Don't!” as he pressed his lips against hers, which allowed him to shove his tongue in her mouth. Lily’s eyes widened as he continued to kiss her. She struggled and tried to break free of his grasp. Using her fists, she pounded on his chest. He kept his lips on hers and she could feel the life leaving his body.
    His body relaxed. His hands let go of her, and his eyes rolled back in his head. He dropped to the ground. Oh no, oh no, not again! This can’t be happening. She leaned down to check his pulse. It was there, but very light. Something told Lily this was more serious than last time. 
    She ran off to look for help. As if he knew she needed him, Jake walked out of a building. “Oh thank God! Come quick! I really think I did something bad this time,” her voice was quivering. She grabbed Jake’s hand and led him to Ben.
    Jake kneeled down and checked his pulse. “Lily, tell me the truth. What did you do to him?”
    “Nothing. He tried to kiss me again. Next thing I knew he was on the ground.”
    Jake knew there must be more to the story than that. He stood up and grasped the sides of her arms. “Lily, this is serious. I know there is something different about you. The way men