"HAVE WE MET?"

" Hi Ed!"

The other two young ladies had simply introduced themselves by mentioning their names. Belindah and Caroline, they had said. None had called my name in return. Only Belindah had tried to add something. She had appreciated my hospitality. Even so she did not call me by name: Edmund.

But her, my crushie, she had smiled at me. That was the most cute smile I had ever seen. Then she had said, in her most melodious voice, "Hi Ed!"

Not only had she called me by name but had also modified and shortened it from Edmund to Ed! I felt my breath catching at the throat. I tried to respond but no voice was forthcoming.

Oh my! What kind of magic spell was she having over me? Had she planned to come here at the studio with a love charm? I asked myself all these questions within a span of a second. All this while, I noticed, Belindah and Caroline were giggling with each other. I found this situation awkward because, as far as I was concerned, I had never met any of these ladies before. I did not know any of them.

Because I could not find my voice I simply put forward my hand to greet her. She took my hand into hers! She was so soft and warm. " Ah Hi too...aw how should I call you?" Phew!! That was a great deal of effort I mastered to ask for her name.

My girl, still holding my hand, looked straight into my eyes and smiled. That simple act was all I needed to faint. I felt my knees going limb. I suddenly felt like she should have already let go of my hand. It was like the connection of our hands was transmitting some powerful energies and emotions back and forth between the two of us.

But then I decided not to let her have dominion over me. No! So I lifted up my eyes and looked straight into hers also. She looked back at me. Will this work?

I now opted to put one of my magic tricks into play. While looking into her, I winked an eye then squeezed her hand a little bit. That did the trick. She broke. She let her guard down and I won her over. I felt her going limp also, her cheeks turned colour and I could feel her body shaking a little bit.

Her girlfriends looked shocked. That is when I realized that she was the de-facto leader of the lady gang. I made up mind to grasp this opportunity to my advantage.

"You look so cute!" I said, still holding her, " I think I should call you Angel!"

"Wow!" It is all that her fellows could say. They were liking what was happening.

My girl was fainting under my spell. She was glowing like a real angel. That name suited her so well.

She looked at me all blushing. I thought she was not going to say anything but then she said, " Please call me Victoria."

" Or Vicky, right? Angel Vicky."

" Yes Ed, call me Vicky, as you used to."

" What! Have we ever met before?"

I was puzzled.