Valentine
Lucy glanced over at the tall man in the corner, perusing the Valentine’s cards. There was something intimidating about him. It was February 12th and although the store was busy, people were avoiding the Valentine’s section. One customer had actually jumped away from him as if he had gotten some kind of electric shock.
“Holly, would you cover the register? I’m going to see if that...gentleman needs any help.” Lucy straightened her name tag and made way for her co-worker behind the cash register as she headed for the shocking pinks and reds of the card display.
The closer she got to the man, the bigger he looked. He was dressed all in black and his hair was dragged back into a harsh gelled style which made him look all the more fearsome. As Lucy came alongside him she saw his strong, dark features and those thick black eyebrows. She started as the man gave the most cursory sideways look at her. “Can...can I help you find something Sir?” she squeaked, calling up all of her five feet and two inches to make herself look less like a pixie.
He wrinkled his brow at her and finally looked back at the card display. “I need a Valentine’s Day card.”
Lucy nodded, swallowing. “And what kind of sentiment are you hoping to convey?”
He tilted his head thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. I’ve never done this before.”
Lucy softened at hearing this and gave him a warm smile. There was no doubt he was handsome, it was just his brooding countenance which made him a little scary. He just needed a little help with the romantic side of Valentine’s Day.
“Well, we have this series of cards with bunnies on them? Does your girlfriend like bunnies?” She tensed a little at the dark look he gave back to her.
“If HE was interested in bunnies he’d probably be experimenting on them.” He growled.
“Okay, so we’re looking for a card for a gentleman, that’s no problem.” It’s okay Lucy she thought to herself. Just remember your diversity training. “How long has your relationship being going?”
“Seems like forever.” The man replied, drifting off momentarily.
“Okay, well we have some very sophisticated cards for gentlemen, were you thinking passion, love, or fondness?” She selected a few cards in black and red and fanned them out.
“I’m thinking a deep, relentless burning which threatens to consume us both. I’m thinking pain and denial, lust and destruction, a spiral of wanting and loathing which will ultimately lead to either complete blissful salvation or death.”
Lucy’s mouth hung open. “This one says “You’re My Snugglebunny”?”
Sylar shot her a look and his right index finger twitched. “I’m not sure I’m going to find what I want here.” He started to leave but felt a hand on his arm.
“Wait! How about the Card Wizard?” Lucy smiled desperately. This had become a challenge, she wanted this sale.
“Card Wizard?” The man seemed suddenly intrigued. “Does this man have the ability to create the perfect greetings card? Where can I find him? I’d like to see how that works.” He grinned wolfishly.
“No Sir, it’s our card making machine. You just use the computer to design your perfect card, and it’s printed to your exact specifications. It’s for those customers who require something a little…special.”
“Special?” The man smiled widely, his face looking so different now he was happy. “Lead the way!”
Twenty minutes later Lucy wandered back over to her customer. “How are we doing Sir?”
He turned and smiled. “It’s perfect. I believe it’s being printed as we speak.”
As if on cue a young man darted out of the back of the store. “Special order for a Mr Sylar?” Lucy took the card and headed for the register. She couldn’t resist a look at the card but then wished she hadn’t as her stomach flipped over and threatened to bring up her lunch. Shaking, she shoved it into a bag and rung up the sale. “$8.50 please. I hope you enjoyed shopping at Card Universe”.
Sylar smiled, handing over the money and taking the bag. “Thank you, you’ve been most helpful”. He paused for a moment, looking her up and down before leaving.
Lucy took a deep breath and went over to the Card Wizard. She typed in the admin password and called up the card, just to see whether her eyes deceived her. She gulped as the card flashed up.
