A second chance

The next day

Odessa opened her eyes slowly, feeling the exhaustion from the day before wash over her. She knew that there would be another meeting arranged by her father, and the thought of facing another suitor made her stomach flutter.

She didn't really know what to do with herself. Maybe she would just take a walk or read a book, anything to distract herself from the idea of her upcoming date.

**Afternoon**

The afternoon had gone by quickly, she had taken a walk through the park and now she was back home. She was in the library, reading a book and trying to settle her nerves. She felt a little lost, without much purpose, without the drive to find a suitor.

She felt a sense of comfort in this library, in the small world that the book had created. She let her attention wander, the story playing out before her.

The doorbell rung, interrupting her thoughts.

Doorbell rings

Odessa jumped, startled by the doorbell. She put the book down and got up to answer the door, wondering who it could be. It was still too early for the arranged meeting, so could it be her father? Would she be going on a date once again?

She walked over to the front door, taking a deep breath before opening it.

It's Alexander

She saw Alexander on the doorstep, a smile on his face. He wasn't a total stranger, they had met yesterday for dinner. But he was still a stranger in a way, as she still knew very little about him.

"Hello," she said softly, trying to be polite.

"Good afternoon, Odessa," he replied. "I hope my presence isn't too unexpected. Can I have a moment of your time?"

She lets him in

She nodded, stepping out of the way to let Alexander enter the house.

She was still unsure why he was here, but she decided to be polite and hear him out. Perhaps he was here to apologize for his rude behavior at the dinner the day before, she hadn't really given him the chance to explain himself.

Odessa led him to the living room, where there was some space to talk.

"Of course," she said softly. "What is it you wanted to discuss?"

"I just wanted to apologize for yesterday," Alexander said, stepping into the living room. "I realize that I didn't really give you much time to communicate, and after thinking about our meeting, I think I owe you another chance."

"Yesterday was my first date with anyone," he continued. "Being so nervous, I completely neglected to ask you anything about yourself. Now I realize that I should have given you the chance to speak as well."

"So, may I have a second chance myself?" He asked.

She stayed silent for a moment, taking in what Alexander had said. He had indeed neglected her for much of the dinner, but maybe that wasn't a reason to completely cut off communication. He had asked for another chance, and she wanted to hear him out.

"Alright," she said softly, her tone thoughtful. "I suppose that I could spare time for another meeting."

She thought he deserved this second chance. It would be unfair to disregard him completely after one bad date.

Odessa met Alexander the next evening, her father having once again arranged the meeting. Her excitement grew as she got dressed and prepared to go on another dinner date. She didn't really know what she felt towards him, but if she could possibly form some kind of connection and find a husband, it would be great.

She headed to the restaurant, meeting Alexander as he arrived. There was a romantic air to the place, one that wasn't hard to fall into.

Dinner was a much better experience this time, as Alexander took the time to learn more about Odessa. She in turn felt herself becoming more comfortable as they spoke, learning about his life in a way that she hadn't done before. It was nice to have a person that she could talk to, instead of just being talked at. It didn't feel like a job interview, there was nothing to impress.

They even joked a little together, which Odessa found refreshing for a man of Alexander's position. She had never met someone like him before.