Dinner Guest
She forgot to go shopping yesterday. But he can't bring
himself to be upset about it. She has been working extra hours lately, trying
to make ends meet. He's been working hard too, today is his first day off in
three weeks. He cleaned the apartment, taken care of the bills, which had been
piling up, and was hoping to make a special dinner, but there was too much to
do, and he also forgot to go shopping.
He laid out her favorite nightgown and robe, rented two
romance movies, set a candlelight table, and selected some classical music to
accompany diner.
He rummaged through the refrigerator and pantry, eventually
coming up with a salad, pasta, meat and sauce, and a fruit and cream desert.
It's getting late she'll be home soon. Too soon, dinner
won't be ready, he'll still be cooking. There was too much to do and hunting
for ingredients threw off his schedule.
She comes in, sees him in the kitchen, she looks around the
apartment real quick. The candles are lit, the hallway light adds background
illumination, her favorite aria is playing on the stereo.
"What the Hell are you doing in my house?"
"Cooking dinner."
"I can see that. I.. You.. It.. That's not what I
meant."
"I'm sorry. I thought I would be done before you got
home."
"Yes, that's nice, I see you've put a lot of effort
into this. But.. It's.. Who are you. How did you get into my house."
"Just some guy who came in through the front
door."
"Do I know you? Have we met?"
"That sounds like a pick up line."
"Yes. It does. But it isn't."
"I know. Dinner's done, why don't you sit down and I'll
serve you. After dinner you can change and watch the movies I rented."
"Thanks. Why have you done this?"
"Because I.. To feel needed. Anyway everything's set.
You have a good evening. Enjoy."
"Wait. Where are you going?"
"Like I said everything's set. I can leave. I hope you
have a good evening. Relax. Enjoy."
He takes off the cooking apron and picks up his jacket.
"Wait. Stay."
"I don't think that would be right. I'm a complete
stranger. You don't know anything about me."
"That's fine. I'll find out. For now I know
enough."
