The Dark One

A long time ago, I began my first online dating stint, on Yahoo Personals (I don't even think that still exists). I met some great guys, had some fun dates and even a relationship or two, albeit short ones. During that time, one date in particular comes to mind. I call him... The Dark One.

Fairly attractive, probably falling into the tall/dark/handsome category,  he was within my 5+ age bracket. He came over to my dorm for a movie date. In my early stages of online dating, I didn't understand the importance of meeting in public places, for fear of being a victim of a serial killer. I was so naive, and have since learned.

He arrived late, and I only remember that because I was pretty miffed when he finally arrived. But, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. We went to my room and I set up the TV so we could sit on my bed and watch it. I honestly don't even remember the movie...

After about 10 minutes of watching this movie, he told me he was super hot. Now, this was winter, in New England and our heat was not on high. So, I knew it was his way of trying to make a move. I didn't respond to his statement, but he apparently didn't care. He proceeded to take off his shirt, probably just trying to show me his body. He had a few tattoos. That intrigued me more than his body... it wasn't anything to brag about.

BIGGEST MISTAKE. I asked about his tattoos. He showed me the first one, a HUGE piece on his back, that terrified me. Now, I have a few tattoos, and I understand they are self expression, but this one was really creepy. An unfinished tree was centered in his back, taking up space from just above his natural waist to the top of his shoulders. The trunk of the tree was comprised of dead human heads with sad or horrified expressions. The branches of the tree snaked out and hanging from one of them was a dead man in a noose. In the distance, faded out, was the grim reaper. I didn't ask him the meaning of the piece, because I didn't want to know. When I asked him why the piece wasn't finished though, he told me his tattoo artist was dead and he would never let anyone else finish the piece.

I don't remember the rest of the date... That can either be attributed to my being thoroughly creeped out, or that I'm old and have intentionally blocked it out. Needless to say, there wasn't a second date.

Lesson: Outward personal expressions can allude to something much deeper.