Clara Oswald sighed in front of that full-length mirror of her bedroom, smoothing the hem of her black crossed strapped dress. She frowned having second thoughts about her outfit but somehow refrained from changing again.
On the dresser, her cell phone screen still glowed with the message from her date, Rory Williams, she smiled feeling excited. After her civil but sad divorce from her ex-husband, David Smith, Clara honestly thought she'd never find love again!
It had been a year since the divorce, a very bittersweet year, Clara sighed heavily, remembering how hard it was, deep down she had wished the marriage had worked out, but things happen, people grow apart. Not even the birth of their daughter, Robin, could mend the relationship but thankfully the divorce went smoothly, and they were able to remain friends. Still, it hadn't been easy, they had been together for a long time, but somehow she got through and now, here she was, preparing for her first date with a wonderful, sweet guy!
A simple chance encounter at the grocery store checkout, their hands touching as they both reached for the same pack of gum, it was like something out of a Hallmark movie, who knew chewing gum would lead to something wonderful.
Rory was a shy yet sweet, intelligent guy with an adorable laugh that made her smile with every phone call.
Like her, he loved traveling and reading and he actually laughed at her cringy teacher job jokes! Even better he adored kids, and Robin seemed to adore him. He was perfect!
Tilting her head to the side, Clara examined every angle of her reflection, the dress hugging her curves perfectly!
Clara smiled satisfied, sophisticated yet cute!
She stepped back, practicing her greetings in the mirror. "Good evening, Rory," she tried, then scrunched her face, too formal. Clara smiled, again, "Hi, Rory. Glad you came," She then frowned, it sounded better, but still a bit awkward. She groaned slightly annoyed, wondering why this so hard!
Suddenly, Robin's voice echoed from behind her, "Mom?" The seven‑year‑old said standing there with curious eyes.
Clara turned, blushing faking a casual smile. "No one, honey. Just getting ready for my date with Rory." She touched up her mascara.
Robin fought a grin. "Ooh, are you going somewhere super romantic?"
"It's just dinner at a café," Clara said, giving her daughter a look mixed with mild scolding and affection.
Robin then looked at her mother, "Does dad know?" She asked carefully.
She nodded, "Yes. He knows, and he's fine with it," Clara answered, shrugging into a purple jacket. "Your dad wants me to be happy just like I want him to be happy." She smiled softly.
Robin nodded then frowned, "Okay just no weird nicknames. Courtney's mom's new boyfriend does that and it's so embarrassing! He actually calls Courtney, 'Tiny Diva', eww!" Robin groaned.
Clara laughed softly. "No. No nicknames, he's already sworn to that." She assured her.
Robin arched her brow, "Does he make you happy?" She pressed.
Clara paused, slowly smiling. "Yes. He does." She replied confident.
Robin grinned satisfied, "Good!"
Clara then briefly turned back to her reflection, straightening her jacket collar, "Now, I want you on your best behavior while Miss Flood is here." She said.
Robin made a face, "Yuck." She muttered.
Clara gave her a warning look, prompting Robin to quickly smile, "I mean yes mam." She said.
Clara then sighed, "Well, wish me luck." She said smiling.
Robin just grinned blowing her mother a 'good luck' kiss.
Clara grabbed her purse and left the house, stepping out of the room outside, the chill of the evening breeze greeted her as she stepped into the evening sky, she smiled feeling hopeful about the night.
"Here's to new beginnings," She murmured before walking down the street.
Meanwhile, Rory was standing in the middle of his messy bedroom apartment with his robe on and his wet hair still wrapped in a towel slightly panicked. Thanks to a nurse not reporting for their shift in time, he was running late for his date with Clara!
He scavenged through his closet searching for a suitable outfit, pulling out several shirts including a crisp white t-shirt before quickly placing it back, too casual, he frowned.
After several minutes, he finally settled on a simple but nice black button down shirt and jeans.
Suddenly, his cell phone began chiming with new messages. He sighed glancing at the screen on the bed. It was another text from Amy, his friend since childhood.
She was still trying to find out more about his date, "Still waiting for details," Amy's message read. "Who is she? How do you meet? Spill!"
Rory just rolled his eyes and continued dressing.
But a second later another message popped up, it was Amy, again, "Come on, at least tell me, she's not that quirky patient with all the cats from the hospital, that never ends well!"
Rory rolled his eyes. His friend had been watching too much Netflix.
He picked up his phone finally texting back, "No, I didn't meet her at the hospital, if you must know it was at a grocery store checkout." He texted before placing his phone down hoping that would feed her curiosity. But a second later, his phone buzzed again, "Ugh, that's even worse!" Amy replied teasing.
Rory smirked, "Oi,' keep it up and I won't tell you at all how the date went." He remarked back.
Another text then popped up, "Seriously, you know I only want the best for you. I won't take just any girl dating my little Roman Century, yeah?"
Rory winced at that nickname but smiled. "Thanks, I appreciate it, 'Legs'." He joked back.
Amy then texted back, "Oi'!," She remarked. "Anyway, have a great time with Clara and I want every awkward detail!"
Rory just smiled shutting his phone off and started putting his shoes on, the butterflies swarming in his stomach. It had been quite a while since he had gone out on a proper date. Being a nurse didn't exactly make things easy. Neither did being shy and slightly guarded but there was something different with Clara, something special. She was pretty, thoughtful, kind. There was a certain connection with her he had never felt before, he felt comfortable with her.
Rory then stared at himself in the mirror, exhaling, "Okay, Rory," He muttered. "It's just a date, she's a nice girl. Just don't spill any wine or say something stupid and everything will be fine." He told himself.
He then grabbed his jacket and headed towards the door, briefly pausing readying himself before opening it. He stepped outside his flat, a gentle breeze ruffled his dusty brown hair. He took a steady breath and smiled, "Here we go." Rory muttered feeling more confident as he walked along the sidewalk towards the café.'