Second First Impressions Novels & Stories

Her expression is serene. If someone didn’t know her, they would think she was the victim. The one offended. She turns her head slightly to face me and our eyes meet. Her lips curve into a faint smile. I look away first, not because I’m afraid, but because I refuse to give her that satisfaction. “This is it,” Miranda murmurs beside me. “First impressions matter.” I nod, though my palms are damp, and my hands are trembling but I’m here for me and for my mother.

"I can still clearly remember the first time I met you. You were very optimistic and fearless. Seeing you for the first time….. I saw a young lady who's brave and a lady who believes in herself. I had saved your name on my phone as 'HeartBeat' that day….. and the reason was that my heart seemed to skip a beat…. Immediately I saw you. You have also proven to me that you are a girl of strong will. I love your seal, your kind nature, your forgiving spirit, your stubborn self and I love everything about you….. except the fact that you are a little bit crazy.

“He might need some time to warm up, but I’m not willing to let you go because of one bad first impression.” “Technically, it would be a second impression.” I smiled. “Yes, but that first one wasn’t a set up for a successful encounter. It was doomed from the moment his girlfriend cheated on him.” Her mouth dropped open. “Oh my gosh! The poor kid! I feel horrible I made it worse by being there.” “It’s okay. He’s moved on. I’m excited for you to meet him.” “I hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces,” she muttered.

I heard myself saying. " Excuse me?," he said and I quickly regained my senses, " urm..yeah... I'm fine, y... you don't have to embarrass yourself... I mean be sorry, yah, no need to apologize. Yes, apologize, not embarrass." I chuckled, trying hard to hide my blushing cheek, looking at how I embarrassed my ancestors in front of my role model. I was so head over heels with him that I forgot the saying' first impression matters'.

No one teaches you this but when you are asked a question, you have to be quick and give a definite answer or else people will judge you. First impressions are mostly wrong but they are what etched in people’s beliefs and that’s hard to erase. I had no time to react. Shay whisked me right in the center of the podium in front of the orchestra. “Pick, what should you play?” she spread her arms wide while her friends tattled behind us like buzzing bees.

“So, what made you decide to ask me out on a date, then?” “How about,” he began, making a sharp turn. “You tell me what that once over in the bar told you about me?” “Oh, you remember that?” “Of course, I remember that. So, do we have a deal?” She allowed a few minutes to pass before she replied. “Sounds fair enough.” “Okay, then. You first.” She grinned. “It was just my first impression of you. The things I could pick apart to get an initial understanding. Mostly to make sure you weren’t a psychopath in nice clothes.”

She cooed. "I don't understand what you are talking about." I shook my head. "I just wanted to make a good impression." She leaned in just slightly, lowering her voice. “And you did so don’t be too nervous. First impressions are important, but second ones? Those can make or break you. I just don't want you to set expectations high and later create disappointments. I hope you understand.” "Yes I do." "Good." Her gaze lingered on me a moment too long before she turned, heels clicking away like a metronome of menace.

“Just remember, Natalie. You’ve got more than just looks on your side. Own the room for real next time.” I scour my mind for words that could lighten the tense mood that has started to settle. Finally I mumble, “Maybe it was you, Ric, watching me the entire time with those eyes that distracted me.” He ignores my words, shrugging. “Sometimes, first impressions are last impressions.” I frown, feeling my heart pick up pace. “Did I do something wrong?”

I asked finally. He didn’t hesitate. “Because I wanted to know if what I felt was one-sided.” I snorted. “At a club? With loud music and alcohol?” “There wasn’t that much alcohol.” “Still.” He studied me. “You don’t believe in first impressions?” “I believe in bad timing.” He smiled. “That’s way too straight forward.” I refilled his coffee without being asked. It was an habit. “You know that you don’t owe me anything,” he said.

The employees turned their heads to me as if they were apologizing for what I have to face. I imagined that my first day of work would be better if I did things that he didn't ask me but he needed so I do it without his command. But then that was just my expeculations, and my imagination didn't go well. Now I’m fucked up for ruining my first day, his first impression to me.