"So, Carly, how we going to tell your family?"
"That's the easy part. We walk in and I say Mom this Brian, my fiance. Brian this Melinda, my mom."
"She doesn't have a clue that we've been dating or anything?"
"Not unless she has a crystal ball or something."
"Is your mom going to freak out or hit me or something like that?"
"Mom has been thinking that I need to get married. She got married at 19 and thinks that everyone should get married as young as she did. She'll love the moment she meets you. She'll probably kiss you on the cheek and give you a big hug and treat you like you've been friends for years."
"Is that what she did with all your other boyfriends you brought home?"
"Brian, are you sure you want to ask that question?"
"What's wrong with that question, Carly?"
"You see nothing wrong with that question? Really?"
"Look at me Brian." I turned and looked at her. She kept looking at me as much as she could while driving. "Brian, I never really had a boyfriend. Sure my circle of friends included boys, and yes they came over, but none were considered my 'boyfriend'."
"Oh sorry. If you think about it, I was never your boyfriend either. I went from a date to fiance in the matter of hours."
"Yes, you did, so my boyfriend records remains untarnished. However, Brian, I will not trade you for any number of boyfriends in the world."
"Thanks Carly. I love you"
"I love you." Carly replied.
The road signs told me that we were getting close to Smithfield's exit. After getting off the exit it was still another 20 minutes. I was trying to decide if I was getting nervous yet. The nervous butterflies tried to work their way into my stomach, but they could only get as far as the boundaries of consciousness. Meeting Carly's family just might turn out okay. But then again, nothing with her was what it might seem.
We've been engaged for about a month. No one knows it except Sully. Co-workers at the office know that we are dating, but they haven't been told that we're engaged.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Drive to Smithfield
"My first choice is to stay home and be a mom. Until we have kids I want to be a teacher in an elementary school." I would have never pictured standing in front of a classroom full of kids, but now that she has mentioned it, I can see it. Would she let me be in her class?
Carly was quiet for awhile. I really didn't want to interrupt her, so I watched her with interest.
"Brian, I'm ready to back to school."
"Okay. What year are you in school?
"I left after the first semester of my sophomore year. I was an undecided major at the time."
"Where did you go to school?"
"I went to Snow College. It's a small 2 year college in Simpson Springs. I really loved it there. Though I left early, it was a great place and have always wanted to return there to finish up. Would you consider going there?"
"I can look into it. I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. However, I currently I want to be an airline pilot. I've been tempted to go for an introductory ride, but I've been chicken."
"I don't think they let chickens fly airplanes, Santa Fe. Maybe you should be a train engineer." Carly was trying not to show too much of her smile, but it wasn't working. I think if she wasn't driving she would have laughed herself to the floor."
"Thanks, Carly, Thanks. Am I going to have to live that for the rest of my life?"
"Oh yeah. I will not let you forget that day...at least for as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, I still have the remnants of a bruise on my leg."
"Sorry." I said repentantly.
"So, Brian, how old are you, and when's your birthday?"
"Well, I'm the ripe old age of 24 and my birthday is 13 April. I grew up in Apple Valley. I played baseball from little league through high school. I was on the high school baseball team. I played third base. I also played trumpet in the band."
"Oh, I've heard about those trumpet players. My friends in the band thought that they were the gift to world, and that the world can't live without them. Is this true?"
"You have living, breathing proof sitting right here. We are the greatest and yes we are the gift to the world." Carly slowed down and eventually pulled off the side of the road. I was looking around. I could tell that we didn't have a flat, and I didn't hear any sirens. "What are you doing?" She looked at me and said nothing. Then with her finger she motioned me closer. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. She pulled away and looked up like she was contemplating something. She kissed me again. Again, she pulled away and looked up. Then she pinched my lips between her forefinger and thumb. After that she poked my lips with her finger, not hard, but firmly. "What in heavens name are you doing?" I asked getting more than a little irritated.
Looking up and speaking to no one in particular, "They are pretty good." She put the car in drive, gained some speed, turned on the signal, and we continued on our way.
I think I now what she was doing, but I couldn't be sure.
Carly was quiet for awhile. I really didn't want to interrupt her, so I watched her with interest.
"Brian, I'm ready to back to school."
"Okay. What year are you in school?
"I left after the first semester of my sophomore year. I was an undecided major at the time."
"Where did you go to school?"
"I went to Snow College. It's a small 2 year college in Simpson Springs. I really loved it there. Though I left early, it was a great place and have always wanted to return there to finish up. Would you consider going there?"
"I can look into it. I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. However, I currently I want to be an airline pilot. I've been tempted to go for an introductory ride, but I've been chicken."
"I don't think they let chickens fly airplanes, Santa Fe. Maybe you should be a train engineer." Carly was trying not to show too much of her smile, but it wasn't working. I think if she wasn't driving she would have laughed herself to the floor."
"Thanks, Carly, Thanks. Am I going to have to live that for the rest of my life?"
"Oh yeah. I will not let you forget that day...at least for as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, I still have the remnants of a bruise on my leg."
"Sorry." I said repentantly.
"So, Brian, how old are you, and when's your birthday?"
"Well, I'm the ripe old age of 24 and my birthday is 13 April. I grew up in Apple Valley. I played baseball from little league through high school. I was on the high school baseball team. I played third base. I also played trumpet in the band."
"Oh, I've heard about those trumpet players. My friends in the band thought that they were the gift to world, and that the world can't live without them. Is this true?"
"You have living, breathing proof sitting right here. We are the greatest and yes we are the gift to the world." Carly slowed down and eventually pulled off the side of the road. I was looking around. I could tell that we didn't have a flat, and I didn't hear any sirens. "What are you doing?" She looked at me and said nothing. Then with her finger she motioned me closer. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. She pulled away and looked up like she was contemplating something. She kissed me again. Again, she pulled away and looked up. Then she pinched my lips between her forefinger and thumb. After that she poked my lips with her finger, not hard, but firmly. "What in heavens name are you doing?" I asked getting more than a little irritated.
Looking up and speaking to no one in particular, "They are pretty good." She put the car in drive, gained some speed, turned on the signal, and we continued on our way.
I think I now what she was doing, but I couldn't be sure.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Shopping Again and Her Family
"Carly, I know that you're disappointed about not finding a ring. I saw some that looked beautiful, but it didn't feel right to buy any of them. I think we had better wait for a while."
"But I don't want to wait!" Cary said with a bit of a whine.
"I know, but something will present itself." I said with more confidence than I felt.
The ride to Carly's apartment was a quiet one. I never knew that I could be with someone and the quiet could be so comfortable. This felt great, but I also knew that Carly was disappointed.
I had learned that Carly grew up in a small much like I did. However, Smithfield was a couple of hours drive south of the city. She was part of the cheerleading squad and played volleyball. Her volleyball team went to the state championship game all three years of high school. They had won the state championship her sophomore and senior years. Though I was nervous about meeting the family, I was excited to see photos, trophies, and all the other things that get collected over the years. Oh how I love this girl and want to learn everything about her.
If you haven't picked up on it yet, but Carly likes to surprise people. As far as I have been told Carly's family doesn't have a clue that I am even coming let alone in the picture. I'm not sure what she has planned, and to be honest I'm just a tad bit nervous.
The next few days had flown by. Thursday morning was here. I had that nervous excited feeling. I couldn't say that I had butterflies in my stomach, because if I did I wouldn't have been able to eat breakfast.
Carly had wanted to get an early start on the day, but I convinced her to let me sleep in. I was on vacation dang it and wanted to enjoy my mattress a little more than usual. Carly picked my up at 9:00. I was excited that she was driving. I liked to drive, but she had insisted that we were going to her turf and she wanted to drive.
"Carly how did you end up at Seaver Stats?" I had been wanting to find out this info for awhile, but the opportunity had never presented itself before.
"I'm not sure really. I moved to the city and was looking for a job, and happened to get this one."
"Is it where you want to be though? It's not really a job that I see anyone doing for any amount of time. With your outgoing personality I can't really imagine you working there at all. I tend to think that you could get any job you wanted."
"You think I have an outgoing personality Mr. Brian?" she asked with a her killer smile.
"Ah...yeah. You know that you're outgoing, don't be smug with me." I just had to shake my head and chuckle.
"I really don't know how I ended up at Seaver, but it's not where I want to be. I was in school for a while and needed what I felt like was well deserved break from that.
"But I don't want to wait!" Cary said with a bit of a whine.
"I know, but something will present itself." I said with more confidence than I felt.
The ride to Carly's apartment was a quiet one. I never knew that I could be with someone and the quiet could be so comfortable. This felt great, but I also knew that Carly was disappointed.
I had learned that Carly grew up in a small much like I did. However, Smithfield was a couple of hours drive south of the city. She was part of the cheerleading squad and played volleyball. Her volleyball team went to the state championship game all three years of high school. They had won the state championship her sophomore and senior years. Though I was nervous about meeting the family, I was excited to see photos, trophies, and all the other things that get collected over the years. Oh how I love this girl and want to learn everything about her.
If you haven't picked up on it yet, but Carly likes to surprise people. As far as I have been told Carly's family doesn't have a clue that I am even coming let alone in the picture. I'm not sure what she has planned, and to be honest I'm just a tad bit nervous.
The next few days had flown by. Thursday morning was here. I had that nervous excited feeling. I couldn't say that I had butterflies in my stomach, because if I did I wouldn't have been able to eat breakfast.
Carly had wanted to get an early start on the day, but I convinced her to let me sleep in. I was on vacation dang it and wanted to enjoy my mattress a little more than usual. Carly picked my up at 9:00. I was excited that she was driving. I liked to drive, but she had insisted that we were going to her turf and she wanted to drive.
"Carly how did you end up at Seaver Stats?" I had been wanting to find out this info for awhile, but the opportunity had never presented itself before.
"I'm not sure really. I moved to the city and was looking for a job, and happened to get this one."
"Is it where you want to be though? It's not really a job that I see anyone doing for any amount of time. With your outgoing personality I can't really imagine you working there at all. I tend to think that you could get any job you wanted."
"You think I have an outgoing personality Mr. Brian?" she asked with a her killer smile.
"Ah...yeah. You know that you're outgoing, don't be smug with me." I just had to shake my head and chuckle.
"I really don't know how I ended up at Seaver, but it's not where I want to be. I was in school for a while and needed what I felt like was well deserved break from that.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Time to Tell
"Brian, I want to tell my family about us. It's been a couple of weeks now, and I can handle the questions about our quick engagement." Carly said matter of fact like.
"Great when do you want to go?"
"Well, I'd like to have a ring to show off. Do you have much PTO available?" Carly asked hopefully.
"I have a few days that I can use."
"Today is Thursday. We could go shopping for our rings tomorrow for our date and if we don't find one we can go Saturday."
"I don't know that I can handle shopping that long. How about I go to a movie and you shop for a ring?" I stated teasingly trying not to smile.
"How about I punch you in the face for making a stupid comment and you come shopping with me anyway?" Carly wasn't smiling.
"Will you kiss my better after you punch me in the eye?"
"I said I'd punch you in the face, and no, I would punch you in the nose and made sure it was broken. I might be nice enough to bring you some ice, but don't hold your breathe."
I was starting to get worried. My face must have showed it, because when Carly turned around she was smiling cunningly and said, "Gotcha!"
"My dear Carly you are very smooth. However, what makes you think that I wouldn't punch you in the face?"
In one of those damsel in distress, southern accents I hear, "You wouldn't do that to this pretty face now, would ya'?"
"Now that I you mention it Peachie, I would not do such a thing, because I'm a fine southern gentleman. However, I would do this."
Miss Carly found herself with her back on the floor and her arms pinned. This is when I discovered that little Miss Peachie has a weakness. Miss Carly Smith is extremely ticklish. The best part is, I don't have to even touch her. I act like I am going to touch her and she starts giggling like a little school girl.
Among tears, giggling and Carly trying to catch her breathe I hear pleas of mercy. This situation required some contemplation. "Um...this is interesting. You are here begging for mercy. I've not really done anything to warrant these cries of mercy. Carly, after all our time together, I have discovered one of your weaknesses. Um...very interesting.
"I know that I have shown you several of my weaknesses, but discovering this has been an exciting discovery." Pinning her arms over her head again I look into those deep blue eyes and claim, "I'm going to get up now and then, if you wish, I would be happy to help you up. Regardless if you let me help you up or not, it will cost you one kiss. Deal?"
Carly agreed.
It was getting late and I needed to head home. Carly walked me to the door and stood on her tippy toes to give me the kiss that I had required earlier. I could feel her heart beating. I could feel the warmness of her breath and smell of her perfume always took my breathe away. As she moved closer I closed my eyes in the anticipation of a sweet tender kiss. Before I knew what had happened, I was all wet. Without me noticing, Carly had picked up a glass of water and poured it over my head.
Shaking my head and spraying her with water I turned and walked out the door to my car. I left without a word.
"Great when do you want to go?"
"Well, I'd like to have a ring to show off. Do you have much PTO available?" Carly asked hopefully.
"I have a few days that I can use."
"Today is Thursday. We could go shopping for our rings tomorrow for our date and if we don't find one we can go Saturday."
"I don't know that I can handle shopping that long. How about I go to a movie and you shop for a ring?" I stated teasingly trying not to smile.
"How about I punch you in the face for making a stupid comment and you come shopping with me anyway?" Carly wasn't smiling.
"Will you kiss my better after you punch me in the eye?"
"I said I'd punch you in the face, and no, I would punch you in the nose and made sure it was broken. I might be nice enough to bring you some ice, but don't hold your breathe."
I was starting to get worried. My face must have showed it, because when Carly turned around she was smiling cunningly and said, "Gotcha!"
"My dear Carly you are very smooth. However, what makes you think that I wouldn't punch you in the face?"
In one of those damsel in distress, southern accents I hear, "You wouldn't do that to this pretty face now, would ya'?"
"Now that I you mention it Peachie, I would not do such a thing, because I'm a fine southern gentleman. However, I would do this."
Miss Carly found herself with her back on the floor and her arms pinned. This is when I discovered that little Miss Peachie has a weakness. Miss Carly Smith is extremely ticklish. The best part is, I don't have to even touch her. I act like I am going to touch her and she starts giggling like a little school girl.
Among tears, giggling and Carly trying to catch her breathe I hear pleas of mercy. This situation required some contemplation. "Um...this is interesting. You are here begging for mercy. I've not really done anything to warrant these cries of mercy. Carly, after all our time together, I have discovered one of your weaknesses. Um...very interesting.
"I know that I have shown you several of my weaknesses, but discovering this has been an exciting discovery." Pinning her arms over her head again I look into those deep blue eyes and claim, "I'm going to get up now and then, if you wish, I would be happy to help you up. Regardless if you let me help you up or not, it will cost you one kiss. Deal?"
Carly agreed.
It was getting late and I needed to head home. Carly walked me to the door and stood on her tippy toes to give me the kiss that I had required earlier. I could feel her heart beating. I could feel the warmness of her breath and smell of her perfume always took my breathe away. As she moved closer I closed my eyes in the anticipation of a sweet tender kiss. Before I knew what had happened, I was all wet. Without me noticing, Carly had picked up a glass of water and poured it over my head.
Shaking my head and spraying her with water I turned and walked out the door to my car. I left without a word.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lullaby
Dinner Sunday night was fantastic. Carly does some mean spaghetti. It was good to sit and just talk. Our conversation didn't dive into anything to serious such as, talking about telling parents, friends, etc. We will let things take their course for the time being. I really like our plan for work. I really hate taking a lunch, though I do it to save some a little money. We decided that we will take turns bringing lunch. Our building has, for lack of a better idea, an observation deck. It has tables with umbrellas over them. The view of the city is pretty good. On bad days we can eat in the break room. Our agreement is that we will try whatever the other partner brings. I can handle tuna fish, but any other fish is out of the question. Carly said she will try just about anything. Look, I don't like to fix lunch, so she really doesn't have to worry too much.
What else did we decide?
I believe we decided something similar of dinner. Except dinner will be at Carly's place.
If I say that the first two weeks were great you may think that following weeks were much less than that. Suffice to say that after the first two weeks that it was time that the future Mrs. Owens and I started talking about some serious stuff.
I have to say that the last two weeks have been the most excellent of my life. I cannot remember life without Carly. I know I had one, but I seriously can't remember it. And I am okay with that. She is wonderful.
What else did we decide?
I believe we decided something similar of dinner. Except dinner will be at Carly's place.
If I say that the first two weeks were great you may think that following weeks were much less than that. Suffice to say that after the first two weeks that it was time that the future Mrs. Owens and I started talking about some serious stuff.
I have to say that the last two weeks have been the most excellent of my life. I cannot remember life without Carly. I know I had one, but I seriously can't remember it. And I am okay with that. She is wonderful.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wedding Rings?
An update: I have been reading this story to my class. I told them today that if I were to get this published I don't have a name for this book. I received 2 suggestions. The first is Cube 5 and second was Cube 5 and Me. I then asked that if I used one of these titles if I had to pay them royalties. The answer...YES.
After going to Carly's place and then mine we were out to shop for the ring. I had no idea how many jewelery stores there were in this city. I'm a guy I would care. I had no intention on needing a wedding forever. Marriage was the farthest thing from my mind.
We spent the day shopping. I will admit that when it comes to shopping I am a typical guy. We shopped til I dropped. I think Carly could have gone on for hours. We found 4 or 5 that we liked, but they weren't quite right. Two things I really appreciated about shopping: First and most important, I enjoyed just being with Carly. Most of our talk was small talk. I liked that we didn't have to talk and I didn't feel nervous. The second most important thing about shopping was that we found an ice cream shop and Carly bought me some. Obviously, Carly likes ice cream as much as I do.
"Carly, are we going to tell anyone at work about this weekend? I'm not friends with anyone at work really. I mostly show up to work and then go home. Now that I think about it you are the first friend that I have had since I moved here."
"I don't know if I should be happy about that or not."
"Be nice to me. I am your most favorite fiance." I said chuckling. Am I the only fiance that she has had?
"How do you know, Mr. Brian?"
"I guess I am assuming that you don't run around getting engaged to everyone that asks you to marry them."
"Well, Brian, you may never know will you?" Carly beamed.
"Miss Carly I have a confession."
"And that would be?" Carly asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I know for a fact that I am your only fiance...don't ask me how I know because that is a secret that I may share with you or may not."
"Oh great we have been engaged for about 24 hours and you're already keeping secrets from me. That's not a good way to start of our relationship." Carly stated with a look that was both jovial and serious.
"Carly, like a present on your birthday or Christmas all my secrets will be revealed, but in due time."
I wasn't looking forward to dropping Carly off at her apartment. I was sad knowing that I had to leave her. I don't remember a time in recent memory that I have felt so relaxed and happy. Content may be a more appropriate description, but content or happy or both, it felt good.
I have been engaged for more than 24 hours. This new status was sinking in. The more it marinated the better if felt. Not that I have to convince myself, but this is right. As I drove home in silence, I felt the rightness with every imaginable fiber of my being. Carly felt like home. The day's memories mixed with her perfume floated on the air.
In the coming days there were questions that needed to be asked and answered. Some of them may not be so pleasant. Of all the good this has done for me there is one thing I fear; going home to my family. I've not talked with any of them since I moved to the city. I have emailed mom to let her know that I was okay, but not much more than that.
Tonight is Carly's night. My thoughts quickly returned to her and a day of finding just the right wedding ring to match Carly.
Tomorrow night wasn't coming fast enough. If I brought a green salad and French bread Carly would make some spaghetti and a surprise for dessert.
I went to bed that night with the taste of Carly's kiss on my lips.
After going to Carly's place and then mine we were out to shop for the ring. I had no idea how many jewelery stores there were in this city. I'm a guy I would care. I had no intention on needing a wedding forever. Marriage was the farthest thing from my mind.
We spent the day shopping. I will admit that when it comes to shopping I am a typical guy. We shopped til I dropped. I think Carly could have gone on for hours. We found 4 or 5 that we liked, but they weren't quite right. Two things I really appreciated about shopping: First and most important, I enjoyed just being with Carly. Most of our talk was small talk. I liked that we didn't have to talk and I didn't feel nervous. The second most important thing about shopping was that we found an ice cream shop and Carly bought me some. Obviously, Carly likes ice cream as much as I do.
"Carly, are we going to tell anyone at work about this weekend? I'm not friends with anyone at work really. I mostly show up to work and then go home. Now that I think about it you are the first friend that I have had since I moved here."
"I don't know if I should be happy about that or not."
"Be nice to me. I am your most favorite fiance." I said chuckling. Am I the only fiance that she has had?
"How do you know, Mr. Brian?"
"I guess I am assuming that you don't run around getting engaged to everyone that asks you to marry them."
"Well, Brian, you may never know will you?" Carly beamed.
"Miss Carly I have a confession."
"And that would be?" Carly asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I know for a fact that I am your only fiance...don't ask me how I know because that is a secret that I may share with you or may not."
"Oh great we have been engaged for about 24 hours and you're already keeping secrets from me. That's not a good way to start of our relationship." Carly stated with a look that was both jovial and serious.
"Carly, like a present on your birthday or Christmas all my secrets will be revealed, but in due time."
I wasn't looking forward to dropping Carly off at her apartment. I was sad knowing that I had to leave her. I don't remember a time in recent memory that I have felt so relaxed and happy. Content may be a more appropriate description, but content or happy or both, it felt good.
I have been engaged for more than 24 hours. This new status was sinking in. The more it marinated the better if felt. Not that I have to convince myself, but this is right. As I drove home in silence, I felt the rightness with every imaginable fiber of my being. Carly felt like home. The day's memories mixed with her perfume floated on the air.
In the coming days there were questions that needed to be asked and answered. Some of them may not be so pleasant. Of all the good this has done for me there is one thing I fear; going home to my family. I've not talked with any of them since I moved to the city. I have emailed mom to let her know that I was okay, but not much more than that.
Tonight is Carly's night. My thoughts quickly returned to her and a day of finding just the right wedding ring to match Carly.
Tomorrow night wasn't coming fast enough. If I brought a green salad and French bread Carly would make some spaghetti and a surprise for dessert.
I went to bed that night with the taste of Carly's kiss on my lips.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Brunch Continued
Our omelets came shortly after the juice. Holy Cow! I thought I was hungry, but I'm not sure I could handle what was set in front of me. The plate was oval shaped. The hash browns covered about 70% of the plate and the omelet covered the other 70% of the plate.
We both ate quietly over this massive amount of food. What I saw convinced me more that Carly was my kind of girl. She did not hesitate to dive right in; and she did it with gusto. I had to look under the table.
"What are you doin'?" Carly asked with some concern.
"I was looking to see if you had a hole in your leg." I said smiling.
"What do you mean by that?" There was no light bouncing in the those eyes. I think I just got myself in trouble.
"You are diving into that omelet with gusto."
"Sorry." I could see a tear well up in corner of her eye. Man, how do I fix this? I can't believe I have made her cry. I'm not even sure what I did. While these thoughts were going through my head Carly's excitement lessened and she pushed the plate away.
"What's wrong?" I asked hoping to fix the problem I had just created.
"Nothing." Carly lied.
"Ah, I may not be a smart man, but I know when something is wrong." I said in my best Forest Gump voice. That made the corners of her mouth turn up, but I could also tell that she didn't want to smile. "Carly, don't start clamming up on me. Eternity is a long time and we can't start off this way."
"I know Brian, I'm sorry, but your comment made me feel bad. I like to eat."
"Carly, most of the time girls don't show their appetite. I'm glad to see you digging in. I like the fact that you like to eat. It happens to be one of my best talents."
Carly began laughing. After that she started back into her omelet and hash browns.
"Um...Brian, I realize that you didn't intend on asking me to marry you last night, and I also know we touched on the idea that we want don't want to share our news, but when can we go get me a ring?" In the short time that I have known this women sitting before me I never thought I'd she her act a bit timid or embarrassed.
"Good question. Can I ask you a few questions, before answering?" She nodded. "Are you into big fancy kinds of things?
"I never thought about it much, so I can't answer that one." Carly said.
"Would you like to pick it out or do you trust me to do it?"
"I think I'd like to have some say in it. But it's not that I don't trust you."
"Fair enough." I say.
"How does this sound? I don't know about you, but I won't have to eat anything for the rest of the day. By the way this place is a great. How 'bout we go after we're done here, if you don't have plans for today?"
"Whatever I had planned was drastically changed last night. Today, I'm all yours."
"Just for today? Bummer." That brought the light bouncing in her eyes that I quickly fell in love with, again.
We finished our breakfast without much conversation. Carly paid the bill. I think I like that. We left and headed to her place.
We both ate quietly over this massive amount of food. What I saw convinced me more that Carly was my kind of girl. She did not hesitate to dive right in; and she did it with gusto. I had to look under the table.
"What are you doin'?" Carly asked with some concern.
"I was looking to see if you had a hole in your leg." I said smiling.
"What do you mean by that?" There was no light bouncing in the those eyes. I think I just got myself in trouble.
"You are diving into that omelet with gusto."
"Sorry." I could see a tear well up in corner of her eye. Man, how do I fix this? I can't believe I have made her cry. I'm not even sure what I did. While these thoughts were going through my head Carly's excitement lessened and she pushed the plate away.
"What's wrong?" I asked hoping to fix the problem I had just created.
"Nothing." Carly lied.
"Ah, I may not be a smart man, but I know when something is wrong." I said in my best Forest Gump voice. That made the corners of her mouth turn up, but I could also tell that she didn't want to smile. "Carly, don't start clamming up on me. Eternity is a long time and we can't start off this way."
"I know Brian, I'm sorry, but your comment made me feel bad. I like to eat."
"Carly, most of the time girls don't show their appetite. I'm glad to see you digging in. I like the fact that you like to eat. It happens to be one of my best talents."
Carly began laughing. After that she started back into her omelet and hash browns.
"Um...Brian, I realize that you didn't intend on asking me to marry you last night, and I also know we touched on the idea that we want don't want to share our news, but when can we go get me a ring?" In the short time that I have known this women sitting before me I never thought I'd she her act a bit timid or embarrassed.
"Good question. Can I ask you a few questions, before answering?" She nodded. "Are you into big fancy kinds of things?
"I never thought about it much, so I can't answer that one." Carly said.
"Would you like to pick it out or do you trust me to do it?"
"I think I'd like to have some say in it. But it's not that I don't trust you."
"Fair enough." I say.
"How does this sound? I don't know about you, but I won't have to eat anything for the rest of the day. By the way this place is a great. How 'bout we go after we're done here, if you don't have plans for today?"
"Whatever I had planned was drastically changed last night. Today, I'm all yours."
"Just for today? Bummer." That brought the light bouncing in her eyes that I quickly fell in love with, again.
We finished our breakfast without much conversation. Carly paid the bill. I think I like that. We left and headed to her place.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Lunch/Brunch the Next Day
This is me facing my fear. Here it goes.
Carly took me to a Mom and Pop shop on the outside of town. I love these kinds of places.
"How did you find this place, Carly?"
"I was out driving one day, was hungry, and I came upon this place. I was feeling adventurous and stopped. They have the best breakfasts ever. I really like the omelet."
"Which omelet? I see several of them."
"Well, it doesn't matter. I have tried several of them and they all have been fantastic."
In the last 2 days I have come to love seeing the light that bounces in Carly's eyes. It is very playful. I wonder if light is always there, as in the rule and not the exception.
"Welcome, I'm Sam. I'll be your waitress, what can I get for you this morning?" Sam said with a smile.
"I'll take the largest orange juice you've got. And the Country Omelet with hash browns." Carly's eyes grew bigger as I ordered. "What? I'm hungry."
"And for you ma'am?"
"I'll take the Spanish Omelet with hash browns, and apple juice, if you've got it."
"Not a problem; I'll get that ordered. Be back in jiff with your juice."
"Thank you, Sam.
"How are this morning, Carly?"
"I'm fine. Should I be any different?" I just shook my head.
"You are an engaged women now."
"Yes, I am."
"Have you even told anyone?" Carly just shook her head. This surprised me. I thought women just ran around and tell everyone.
"Does that surprise you?" she asked reading my thoughts.
"Actually, it does. How come?" I ask quizzically.
"There are a couple of reasons. The first is that you and I have been on two dates. When I think about telling anyone I just can't think of a way to tell our story that will help them understand. How about you?"
"Well, I haven't told anyone pretty much for the same reason. Quite honestly, I am enjoying hiding this secret for how ever long."
"Me, too." Carly replied with a chuckle.
"What about your family, Carly?"
"Mom will be excited of course. My dad...well, that's another story. I'm not sure how to prepare you for him. I'm a daddy's girl. So, when he doesn't like you don't take it personal. If it was the dude next me with the red curly hair that picks his nose constantly. Heck, I could be engaged to Matt Damon and he would not be a happy camper."
"That makes me feel really good."
"What about you, Matt...I mean Brian?"
I was about to question who "Matt" was, but I caught it after a minute.
"My Mom will be cautiously excited."
"Cautiously?" Carly asked with raised eyebrows."
"I didn't necessarily leave home under the best circumstances. It's a long story. I promise I'll tell you about it."
"What about your Dad?"
"Dad, died a couple of years ago. I don't think he'll be a problem."
"Oh, I am so sorry. What happened?"
"He was working in the yard, mowing the lawn and had a heart attack. The ambulance had gotten him to the hospital. The staff were able to get him stabilized in the ER, but he died while he was on the operating table."
"How old was he?"
"He was 59."
"Are you okay to talk about it?"
"Oh, I'm okay with it. I made my peace long ago."
"Sorry, this has taken so long, but here is your juice. You omelets are next up." Sitting on the table in front of me was a quart jar full of orange juice. I don't care what the omelets taste like this place has just become my favorite place.
"Thank you." both of us said.
Carly took me to a Mom and Pop shop on the outside of town. I love these kinds of places.
"How did you find this place, Carly?"
"I was out driving one day, was hungry, and I came upon this place. I was feeling adventurous and stopped. They have the best breakfasts ever. I really like the omelet."
"Which omelet? I see several of them."
"Well, it doesn't matter. I have tried several of them and they all have been fantastic."
In the last 2 days I have come to love seeing the light that bounces in Carly's eyes. It is very playful. I wonder if light is always there, as in the rule and not the exception.
"Welcome, I'm Sam. I'll be your waitress, what can I get for you this morning?" Sam said with a smile.
"I'll take the largest orange juice you've got. And the Country Omelet with hash browns." Carly's eyes grew bigger as I ordered. "What? I'm hungry."
"And for you ma'am?"
"I'll take the Spanish Omelet with hash browns, and apple juice, if you've got it."
"Not a problem; I'll get that ordered. Be back in jiff with your juice."
"Thank you, Sam.
"How are this morning, Carly?"
"I'm fine. Should I be any different?" I just shook my head.
"You are an engaged women now."
"Yes, I am."
"Have you even told anyone?" Carly just shook her head. This surprised me. I thought women just ran around and tell everyone.
"Does that surprise you?" she asked reading my thoughts.
"Actually, it does. How come?" I ask quizzically.
"There are a couple of reasons. The first is that you and I have been on two dates. When I think about telling anyone I just can't think of a way to tell our story that will help them understand. How about you?"
"Well, I haven't told anyone pretty much for the same reason. Quite honestly, I am enjoying hiding this secret for how ever long."
"Me, too." Carly replied with a chuckle.
"What about your family, Carly?"
"Mom will be excited of course. My dad...well, that's another story. I'm not sure how to prepare you for him. I'm a daddy's girl. So, when he doesn't like you don't take it personal. If it was the dude next me with the red curly hair that picks his nose constantly. Heck, I could be engaged to Matt Damon and he would not be a happy camper."
"That makes me feel really good."
"What about you, Matt...I mean Brian?"
I was about to question who "Matt" was, but I caught it after a minute.
"My Mom will be cautiously excited."
"Cautiously?" Carly asked with raised eyebrows."
"I didn't necessarily leave home under the best circumstances. It's a long story. I promise I'll tell you about it."
"What about your Dad?"
"Dad, died a couple of years ago. I don't think he'll be a problem."
"Oh, I am so sorry. What happened?"
"He was working in the yard, mowing the lawn and had a heart attack. The ambulance had gotten him to the hospital. The staff were able to get him stabilized in the ER, but he died while he was on the operating table."
"How old was he?"
"He was 59."
"Are you okay to talk about it?"
"Oh, I'm okay with it. I made my peace long ago."
"Sorry, this has taken so long, but here is your juice. You omelets are next up." Sitting on the table in front of me was a quart jar full of orange juice. I don't care what the omelets taste like this place has just become my favorite place.
"Thank you." both of us said.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Taking a break from Brian and Carly
This is confession time. One of my friends couldn't believe that I have been showing my first draft. Honestly it has been fun. However, I am scared to continue. Seriously. I am seriously scared to continue. I don't really know the reason. I am not sure how to overcome this fear. I'm even more scared now that I've admitted it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Next Day
It didn't take long to get to the parking garage at work where my car was parked.
I slid into the driver side seat, put the key into the ignition, turned it, and the car started up perfectly. Carly looked at me with some suspicion in her face.
"What?"
"Is there something you need to share with me?" There wasn't any play in eyes or at the corners of her mouth. This was a serious question.
"I swear Carly the car would not start yesterday. I promise. Look at me Carly. Last night was a complete shoot from the hip. I had planned to go the coffee shop in one of the hotels downtown and then go to an art gallery. Why would I lie to you? The events of last night had never entered my mind."
"Brian, get out of the car. Look at me. Tell me that you didn't plan this."
"Would it change anything? Carly, cross my heart I did not plan anything that took place last night."
"Okay Santa Fe, I believe you. You fixed your car in record time. Again, I am impressed."
"I had better stop that. You'll be expecting me to impress you all of the time." I replied with a touch of worry. "I think you said something about brunch or lunch?"
"It's only 10:30."
"I believe that 10:30 is a perfect time for brunch. Please don't make it McDonald's I would vomit in your lap."
"First, Miss Carly lets take your car back to your place, and we can take mine."
"Actually, this is my date, we'll take your car back to my place and I'll drive."
"Fair enough." I wonder if I realized what a pistol my fiance was. Between you and me I kind-a-like it.
I slid into the driver side seat, put the key into the ignition, turned it, and the car started up perfectly. Carly looked at me with some suspicion in her face.
"What?"
"Is there something you need to share with me?" There wasn't any play in eyes or at the corners of her mouth. This was a serious question.
"I swear Carly the car would not start yesterday. I promise. Look at me Carly. Last night was a complete shoot from the hip. I had planned to go the coffee shop in one of the hotels downtown and then go to an art gallery. Why would I lie to you? The events of last night had never entered my mind."
"Brian, get out of the car. Look at me. Tell me that you didn't plan this."
"Would it change anything? Carly, cross my heart I did not plan anything that took place last night."
"Okay Santa Fe, I believe you. You fixed your car in record time. Again, I am impressed."
"I had better stop that. You'll be expecting me to impress you all of the time." I replied with a touch of worry. "I think you said something about brunch or lunch?"
"It's only 10:30."
"I believe that 10:30 is a perfect time for brunch. Please don't make it McDonald's I would vomit in your lap."
"First, Miss Carly lets take your car back to your place, and we can take mine."
"Actually, this is my date, we'll take your car back to my place and I'll drive."
"Fair enough." I wonder if I realized what a pistol my fiance was. Between you and me I kind-a-like it.
Date Cont., Cont., Continued
We left Mr. Tay...Sully and walked to where we could catch a cab. I never thought that walking holding hands would be so enjoyable. As we walked I found that I had retreated into my own little world. Again, not starting off on the right foot. When I finally came to myself, I saw that Carly, too, had regressed into what I hoped was reverie.
"I thought that I'd take you home and go back and see about my car." I said to Carly, bringing her back from whatever pleasant place she recessed to by the look on her face.
"I don't think so, Santa Fe."
"What do you mean Carly?"
"Tonight you went from being just you to us. We. A pair. Need I explain further?"
"No, you have explained enough." I replied a bit embarrassingly.
"What do you propose, my dear...dear...Carly?"
"Is that the best you can come up with?" Carly said while jabbing me in the ribs.
"At the moment, but something will present itself. Remember? I am the clumsy oaf that created my own nickname."
"That you did Santa Fe. But I still love you. The surprising thing is that I love you more now than I did the moment you asked. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. That is two surprises in one day. I'm not sure I can handle this."
"Ah, Miss Carly, what do you propose to do about my car?"
"Here we go Mr. Owens, we go to my apartment, you can take my car to your place. You come by in the morning, say, around 9:00. We go take care of your car, and then I take you out for brunch or lunch."
"I like the sound of that. However, there is one thing that you need to understand. It takes me four or five times longer than the normal person. Unfortunately, sometimes longer. It depends on what's wrong with whatever I am suppose to be fixing."
"That is fine with me, Brian, I am in this forever." Carly smiled.
"Good, that may be how long it will take." Brian laughed.
Considering the fact that we had just got engaged, I won't share the details of the door scene. Suffice it to say that it was ever bit as tender as the park. She told me where her car was parked and I headed for home.
I was emotionally exhausted, which led to physical exhaustion. Again, the drive home was a blur, as well as the nightly routine of showering, brushing teeth,...you get the drift. My head was scarcely on the pillow 10 seconds before I was asleep.
I was up at sunrise, managed to clean the place and was at Carly's apartment by 9:00 A.M.
"Morning Santa Fe. How'd you sleep?" Though it's not too early Carly is perky in the morning.
"Best sleep in a long time."
"Good, do you want a bagel, cream cheese, and o.j.?"
"Sure. Thanks."
"I thought that I'd take you home and go back and see about my car." I said to Carly, bringing her back from whatever pleasant place she recessed to by the look on her face.
"I don't think so, Santa Fe."
"What do you mean Carly?"
"Tonight you went from being just you to us. We. A pair. Need I explain further?"
"No, you have explained enough." I replied a bit embarrassingly.
"What do you propose, my dear...dear...Carly?"
"Is that the best you can come up with?" Carly said while jabbing me in the ribs.
"At the moment, but something will present itself. Remember? I am the clumsy oaf that created my own nickname."
"That you did Santa Fe. But I still love you. The surprising thing is that I love you more now than I did the moment you asked. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. That is two surprises in one day. I'm not sure I can handle this."
"Ah, Miss Carly, what do you propose to do about my car?"
"Here we go Mr. Owens, we go to my apartment, you can take my car to your place. You come by in the morning, say, around 9:00. We go take care of your car, and then I take you out for brunch or lunch."
"I like the sound of that. However, there is one thing that you need to understand. It takes me four or five times longer than the normal person. Unfortunately, sometimes longer. It depends on what's wrong with whatever I am suppose to be fixing."
"That is fine with me, Brian, I am in this forever." Carly smiled.
"Good, that may be how long it will take." Brian laughed.
Considering the fact that we had just got engaged, I won't share the details of the door scene. Suffice it to say that it was ever bit as tender as the park. She told me where her car was parked and I headed for home.
I was emotionally exhausted, which led to physical exhaustion. Again, the drive home was a blur, as well as the nightly routine of showering, brushing teeth,...you get the drift. My head was scarcely on the pillow 10 seconds before I was asleep.
I was up at sunrise, managed to clean the place and was at Carly's apartment by 9:00 A.M.
"Morning Santa Fe. How'd you sleep?" Though it's not too early Carly is perky in the morning.
"Best sleep in a long time."
"Good, do you want a bagel, cream cheese, and o.j.?"
"Sure. Thanks."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Date Continued, Continued
"Hello, Brian. If I call you Carly, does that mean that I am considered your friend?"
"By all means yes." Carly replied joyfully.
"My name is Sully. Sully Tayler. And it's pleasure to meet the both of you."
"Carly, you have made an old man very happy. I am very grateful. Thank you oh so much. I had better let you two get on celebrating."
"Actually, you are the first to know about our news." Brian said.
"Well, yeah, I watched it happen."
"No, Mr. Tayler you don't unde..." cried Brian.
"Brian, my friends call me Sully; and I would be offended if you didn't consider me a friend."
"Oh, sorry." Brian replied sheepishly. "...you really are the first one to really know. To make it short. This is our first official date. Our second if you count that Carly coerced me into buying her an ice cream sundae yesterday. The first time I talked to her was just I after knocked her down as she was coming out of her cubicle on Wednesday at the office...yes two days ago."
"Well, blow me over and tickle me pink. How 'bout that? I have heard and seen a lot of things, but never anything like that." Sully chuckled.
"By all means yes." Carly replied joyfully.
"My name is Sully. Sully Tayler. And it's pleasure to meet the both of you."
"Carly, you have made an old man very happy. I am very grateful. Thank you oh so much. I had better let you two get on celebrating."
"Actually, you are the first to know about our news." Brian said.
"Well, yeah, I watched it happen."
"No, Mr. Tayler you don't unde..." cried Brian.
"Brian, my friends call me Sully; and I would be offended if you didn't consider me a friend."
"Oh, sorry." Brian replied sheepishly. "...you really are the first one to really know. To make it short. This is our first official date. Our second if you count that Carly coerced me into buying her an ice cream sundae yesterday. The first time I talked to her was just I after knocked her down as she was coming out of her cubicle on Wednesday at the office...yes two days ago."
"Well, blow me over and tickle me pink. How 'bout that? I have heard and seen a lot of things, but never anything like that." Sully chuckled.
The Big Date Continued
While we stood leaning against the fence I looked at our hands. I couldn't tell whose fingers belonged to who. I had heard this statement from others and have never quite understood it. Now I understand. I also understand that those that have this experience cannot really describe it to those who have not.
"Excuse me, but is this your camera?" an older man asked.
"Yes, it's mine." I replied.
"My intent is not to intrude, but something tells me that, if you don't mind, that you need a picture of this moment. May I?" he asked holding up my camera bag.
"We would love it." Carly said with eyes bright and beaming, and a smile that made my heart go pitter-patter.
"Let me guess. You two have just become engaged to be married?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Carly asked.
"Well there two ways that I know. The first is that I have been watching you since this young man started taking your picture here by Larsen Pond. The second is that any observant human being can tell by the look on your faces."
We placed ourselves so the pond was behind us and there was good light. You know, all those things that photographers worry about.
After the gentleman snapped a few pictures he said, "Son, hang on to her tight and treat her right. I lost my Claire a year ago and my arms ache to hold hug her again. I come to the this park, sit on a bench, and rest my hand on my leg with the palm up. Sometimes, just sometimes, I feel a light touch on my palm and between my fingers."
I am not sure if Carly is in the habit of running around and hugging strangers, but she stood and hugged this man around his middle. At first he was taken back, but soon he returned his hug. His face was content and happy. It wasn't Carly he was hugging it was Claire.
After a long embrace they let go of each other. Carly stepped back, "Sir, there are two things I need to do. Would you mind holding out your hand?" He did as was requested. His hands have seen many years of physical labor. I assumed that he was retired, but I could see that he still labored. There was some ground in dirt and some remnants of some grease that doesn't come off with soap and water.
Carly simply put her hand in his and looked into his eyes and conveyed as much love as a stranger could. With tears forming in his eyes he looked and said without words, Thank you.
Again, after a long silence, as the heart of young women and older gentleman spoke with feelings rather than words, Carly again spoke so quietly that both our new friend I had to lean closure, "That was the first thing that I need to do. The second...this is my fiance Brain Owens, and I'm the future Mrs. Brian Owens," Carly leaning closer, "but between you and me my friends call me Carly."
"Excuse me, but is this your camera?" an older man asked.
"Yes, it's mine." I replied.
"My intent is not to intrude, but something tells me that, if you don't mind, that you need a picture of this moment. May I?" he asked holding up my camera bag.
"We would love it." Carly said with eyes bright and beaming, and a smile that made my heart go pitter-patter.
"Let me guess. You two have just become engaged to be married?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Carly asked.
"Well there two ways that I know. The first is that I have been watching you since this young man started taking your picture here by Larsen Pond. The second is that any observant human being can tell by the look on your faces."
We placed ourselves so the pond was behind us and there was good light. You know, all those things that photographers worry about.
After the gentleman snapped a few pictures he said, "Son, hang on to her tight and treat her right. I lost my Claire a year ago and my arms ache to hold hug her again. I come to the this park, sit on a bench, and rest my hand on my leg with the palm up. Sometimes, just sometimes, I feel a light touch on my palm and between my fingers."
I am not sure if Carly is in the habit of running around and hugging strangers, but she stood and hugged this man around his middle. At first he was taken back, but soon he returned his hug. His face was content and happy. It wasn't Carly he was hugging it was Claire.
After a long embrace they let go of each other. Carly stepped back, "Sir, there are two things I need to do. Would you mind holding out your hand?" He did as was requested. His hands have seen many years of physical labor. I assumed that he was retired, but I could see that he still labored. There was some ground in dirt and some remnants of some grease that doesn't come off with soap and water.
Carly simply put her hand in his and looked into his eyes and conveyed as much love as a stranger could. With tears forming in his eyes he looked and said without words, Thank you.
Again, after a long silence, as the heart of young women and older gentleman spoke with feelings rather than words, Carly again spoke so quietly that both our new friend I had to lean closure, "That was the first thing that I need to do. The second...this is my fiance Brain Owens, and I'm the future Mrs. Brian Owens," Carly leaning closer, "but between you and me my friends call me Carly."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Big Date
I had the perfect date planned; at least the way I define a perfect date. After I got home and changed I sat down and started brainstorming ideas. I hate planning first dates. I had narrowed my list down to 3 things, had some dinner, and played some video games. After losing a few games I decided to finish up my plans. I was excited, and looking forward to this date.
Friday morning I beat Carly to the office. When walked by she tapped on my "door" and winked at me. I took that as a good sign. With smile on my face I again uncharacteristically dove into my work, and very fortunately the day went quickly.
"Hey, Santa Fe, I'm ready for our date."
"Carly, did I ask you on this date or did you ask me?"
"You asked me." she replied with some confusion.
"Due to the fact that I am not picking you up at you place, I'd suggest you retreat back to your cubicle and let me come and get you."
"Okay, I'll just do that then. I didn't mean to offend you."
"No offense taken. I just want to be able to be a gentleman." I replied confidently, but gentle. That even surprised me. I've never at least felt this confident on a date before, let alone sounded this confident.
I walked by her cubicle and gave her the one minute sign. A man has to do a little primping, too. On the way back to my cubicle I flashed her another one minute sign. She sighed.
I put my stuff away in my desk and slowly walked to Carly's cubicle. After knocking I stoically stated, "I am here to pick up Miss Carly Adams. Is she in?"
She stood and replied, "I am Miss Carly Adams." She then held out her hand for me to take and kiss the back of. Being the gentleman that I am, I graciously did just that.
So far, so good I thought.
"I hope your are wearing comfortable walking shoes."
"I am." She replied.
"Great."
The walk to the car was silent, but comfortable.
"I hope you like good old American food." I stated with a smile.
"I do and I am starving."
"Let's go then."
The date was fantastic up until the point I turned the key. To keep in the theme of the last 2 days it was perfect. In terms of the perfect date it was not looking good. I turned the key again and nothing. "I should have known."
"You should have known what?"
"My car won't start. I don't have a clue why. I guess we're walking a little more than I thought."
"Plan B I take it?" said Carly. "I impressed."
"Why?" I asked quizzically.
"Most guys I know would be freaking out."
"Hey, Carly sit tight for just a second I'm not going anywhere. I've got to get something out of my trunk and I'll come open the door for you."
"Sure."
As I walked to my trunk I was more than curious to know what Carly was thinking right now. However, I was not going to ask that stupid question, "What are you thinking right now?" that some girls like to ask. At least that's the way the movies portray it.
Even with my car not starting I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't frustrated and slamming things.
"May I take your hand to help you out of the our broken down chariot, Miss Adams?"
"Oh yes, dear sir."
This could be fun.
I had her fooled. This is not plan b, this is shooting from the hip. After getting to the ground floor we headed to a deli close by. I knew Carly had eaten there, so I knew that would be a safe place to eat. With sandwiches and Cokes in hand I flagged a taxi and headed to park.
"I'm still impressed. This is a pretty good Plan B."
"You don't come across as one to be easily impressed."
"I'll take that as a compliment, I think?"
"Good, you should. It was intended to be one, Carly."
Before leaving my car I got my camera out of the trunk. When taking pictures I am in my element. I took out my camera and started snapping pictures. I turned and got Carly while taking a bite of her sandwich.
Carly didn't disappoint.
"Do you have to take pictures of me and even when I'm eating?"
"Ah, yea. Some of those can make the best pictures. If I ever see that picture displayed anywhere I'll rip it up."
"That's okay, I can keep the original on file and reprint it."
"Brian, you wouldn't?"
"Yes I would." If I was able to look at myself I would have seen the biggest, honest smile that could be formed by my face.
"Carly, are you finished with this sandwich stuff?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind going for a walk around the park?"
"Oh, no not at all."
"Great. Let me take care of cleaning up the dinner dishes."
"You are quite the gentleman."
"Nah, not really. I'm trying to make a good impression. How am I doing?"
"You were doing pretty well...up until you made that last statement."
"Bummer, I take it back then."
The sidewalk we were on followed the shoreline of the pond. I led Carly to a fence and placed her against it. The pond was behind her and I had looking focus on something off to her right. I asked to think of a sad memory. The sun was in that late afternoon setting, not quite sitting on the horizon. It did shadow her face, but from the 2x2 screen on my camera it did have the right effect.
Then I turned her around and put the light of the sun on her face. This time I asked to her focus on something just above my head and behind me, with a pleasant, happy memory. I took several rapid fire shots as she slightly adjusted how she was looking.
I hung my camera around my neck and just stared at her.
"Carly?"
"Yeah."
"Marry me."
I'm not sure what my facial features said, but she just looked back at me. I could tell the question registered with her. Her silence didn't say, "Oh, how do I tell this guy no without hurting him.
"Brian, if desire me to answer that question seriously, I need to put your camera in the bag, kneel down right here in front of me and ask me again. It would be wise if you took my hands in yours."
I know when to do what I am told.
"Carly, will you marry me?"
What happened next, I will never forget. Carly leaned down and kissed me. Her kiss soft and tender, and reached into the depths of my heart. Those places that one never knows he has until moments like this. Carly's blue eyes sparkled. The light in countenance would have lit the city.
Looking into my eyes, "Brian, I will marry you."
Holding my hand as I stood up she kissed me again when I was on my feet.
Silence.
Holding hands we turned, leaned against the fence looking at our future that lay before us.
Friday morning I beat Carly to the office. When walked by she tapped on my "door" and winked at me. I took that as a good sign. With smile on my face I again uncharacteristically dove into my work, and very fortunately the day went quickly.
"Hey, Santa Fe, I'm ready for our date."
"Carly, did I ask you on this date or did you ask me?"
"You asked me." she replied with some confusion.
"Due to the fact that I am not picking you up at you place, I'd suggest you retreat back to your cubicle and let me come and get you."
"Okay, I'll just do that then. I didn't mean to offend you."
"No offense taken. I just want to be able to be a gentleman." I replied confidently, but gentle. That even surprised me. I've never at least felt this confident on a date before, let alone sounded this confident.
I walked by her cubicle and gave her the one minute sign. A man has to do a little primping, too. On the way back to my cubicle I flashed her another one minute sign. She sighed.
I put my stuff away in my desk and slowly walked to Carly's cubicle. After knocking I stoically stated, "I am here to pick up Miss Carly Adams. Is she in?"
She stood and replied, "I am Miss Carly Adams." She then held out her hand for me to take and kiss the back of. Being the gentleman that I am, I graciously did just that.
So far, so good I thought.
"I hope your are wearing comfortable walking shoes."
"I am." She replied.
"Great."
The walk to the car was silent, but comfortable.
"I hope you like good old American food." I stated with a smile.
"I do and I am starving."
"Let's go then."
The date was fantastic up until the point I turned the key. To keep in the theme of the last 2 days it was perfect. In terms of the perfect date it was not looking good. I turned the key again and nothing. "I should have known."
"You should have known what?"
"My car won't start. I don't have a clue why. I guess we're walking a little more than I thought."
"Plan B I take it?" said Carly. "I impressed."
"Why?" I asked quizzically.
"Most guys I know would be freaking out."
"Hey, Carly sit tight for just a second I'm not going anywhere. I've got to get something out of my trunk and I'll come open the door for you."
"Sure."
As I walked to my trunk I was more than curious to know what Carly was thinking right now. However, I was not going to ask that stupid question, "What are you thinking right now?" that some girls like to ask. At least that's the way the movies portray it.
Even with my car not starting I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't frustrated and slamming things.
"May I take your hand to help you out of the our broken down chariot, Miss Adams?"
"Oh yes, dear sir."
This could be fun.
I had her fooled. This is not plan b, this is shooting from the hip. After getting to the ground floor we headed to a deli close by. I knew Carly had eaten there, so I knew that would be a safe place to eat. With sandwiches and Cokes in hand I flagged a taxi and headed to park.
"I'm still impressed. This is a pretty good Plan B."
"You don't come across as one to be easily impressed."
"I'll take that as a compliment, I think?"
"Good, you should. It was intended to be one, Carly."
Before leaving my car I got my camera out of the trunk. When taking pictures I am in my element. I took out my camera and started snapping pictures. I turned and got Carly while taking a bite of her sandwich.
Carly didn't disappoint.
"Do you have to take pictures of me and even when I'm eating?"
"Ah, yea. Some of those can make the best pictures. If I ever see that picture displayed anywhere I'll rip it up."
"That's okay, I can keep the original on file and reprint it."
"Brian, you wouldn't?"
"Yes I would." If I was able to look at myself I would have seen the biggest, honest smile that could be formed by my face.
"Carly, are you finished with this sandwich stuff?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind going for a walk around the park?"
"Oh, no not at all."
"Great. Let me take care of cleaning up the dinner dishes."
"You are quite the gentleman."
"Nah, not really. I'm trying to make a good impression. How am I doing?"
"You were doing pretty well...up until you made that last statement."
"Bummer, I take it back then."
The sidewalk we were on followed the shoreline of the pond. I led Carly to a fence and placed her against it. The pond was behind her and I had looking focus on something off to her right. I asked to think of a sad memory. The sun was in that late afternoon setting, not quite sitting on the horizon. It did shadow her face, but from the 2x2 screen on my camera it did have the right effect.
Then I turned her around and put the light of the sun on her face. This time I asked to her focus on something just above my head and behind me, with a pleasant, happy memory. I took several rapid fire shots as she slightly adjusted how she was looking.
I hung my camera around my neck and just stared at her.
"Carly?"
"Yeah."
"Marry me."
I'm not sure what my facial features said, but she just looked back at me. I could tell the question registered with her. Her silence didn't say, "Oh, how do I tell this guy no without hurting him.
"Brian, if desire me to answer that question seriously, I need to put your camera in the bag, kneel down right here in front of me and ask me again. It would be wise if you took my hands in yours."
I know when to do what I am told.
"Carly, will you marry me?"
What happened next, I will never forget. Carly leaned down and kissed me. Her kiss soft and tender, and reached into the depths of my heart. Those places that one never knows he has until moments like this. Carly's blue eyes sparkled. The light in countenance would have lit the city.
Looking into my eyes, "Brian, I will marry you."
Holding my hand as I stood up she kissed me again when I was on my feet.
Silence.
Holding hands we turned, leaned against the fence looking at our future that lay before us.
C5 P9
I had been in the restroom a long time and was wondering what to do next. I didn't want to be embarrassed like this in front of Carly again. I'm a praying type of guy and needed some help. So, I said a quick prayer, I need some help. Amen. Within 5 seconds Mike, the guy at the counter, came in. He was about to say something, but then saw my predicament. "Man, I'm so sorry. I thought I had the problem fixed last week.Don't worry I have just the thing." Mike was gone only for a minute and came back in with an extra apron. "Brian, I'm not sure which is worse wearing this work apron in public or having everyone think you had an accident."
"I'll take the apron any day 3 times on Sunday. Thanks Mike you're a lifesaver."
"Happy to do it. I am really sorry though."
"If I told you what has happened the last 24 hours you would think this is a walk in the park. I'll have to tell you about it sometime."
"I'll take you up on your offer, and I'll supply the ice cream." Mike said with a big smile on his face. "If Carly has anything to do with it...I'd love to hear that story."
I have known Mike all of about 30 minutes and I feel like I've known him forever. He's the second person in my life that has made feel that way.
"Holy Cow, I was about to call the Coast Guard or the plumber. I thought you had drowned. Why the apron?"
"Well, the faucet on the sink doesn't know which way the water is suppose to flow."
"Yea, sure it doesn't. Is there something you need to share with me?" she said grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, Miss Carly if you don't believe me go in yourself and give it a whirl."
Carly and I made small talk on the way back to work. It was sometime between the ice cream shop and work that I realized that I didn't feel nervous being with Carly. She too felt comfortable to be around. I would say that I couldn't do anything more embarrassing around than I already have, but that would be a lie. Things can always get worse.
"Carly, I need a favor."
"What's that Santa Fe?"
"I need you to tell Amy that I've gone home sick, and I plan on being back tomorrow."
"You'd better be back tomorrow, we have a date remember?"
"How could I forget? Don't you remember? I make my dates pay for the outing."
"Brian, may I walk you to your car?"
"Aaah, sure."
The walk to the car was a comfortable quiet. On the drive home I was surprised by the comfortable quiet as we walked to the car. In the short time that I have watched Carly from afar or even the last 24 hours I always pictured her to always be talking. And not in a bad way either.
"I'll take the apron any day 3 times on Sunday. Thanks Mike you're a lifesaver."
"Happy to do it. I am really sorry though."
"If I told you what has happened the last 24 hours you would think this is a walk in the park. I'll have to tell you about it sometime."
"I'll take you up on your offer, and I'll supply the ice cream." Mike said with a big smile on his face. "If Carly has anything to do with it...I'd love to hear that story."
I have known Mike all of about 30 minutes and I feel like I've known him forever. He's the second person in my life that has made feel that way.
"Holy Cow, I was about to call the Coast Guard or the plumber. I thought you had drowned. Why the apron?"
"Well, the faucet on the sink doesn't know which way the water is suppose to flow."
"Yea, sure it doesn't. Is there something you need to share with me?" she said grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, Miss Carly if you don't believe me go in yourself and give it a whirl."
Carly and I made small talk on the way back to work. It was sometime between the ice cream shop and work that I realized that I didn't feel nervous being with Carly. She too felt comfortable to be around. I would say that I couldn't do anything more embarrassing around than I already have, but that would be a lie. Things can always get worse.
"Carly, I need a favor."
"What's that Santa Fe?"
"I need you to tell Amy that I've gone home sick, and I plan on being back tomorrow."
"You'd better be back tomorrow, we have a date remember?"
"How could I forget? Don't you remember? I make my dates pay for the outing."
"Brian, may I walk you to your car?"
"Aaah, sure."
The walk to the car was a comfortable quiet. On the drive home I was surprised by the comfortable quiet as we walked to the car. In the short time that I have watched Carly from afar or even the last 24 hours I always pictured her to always be talking. And not in a bad way either.
Monday, March 15, 2010
C5 Part 8
We weren't sitting too long before Mike brought Carly's sundae.
"I take it you come here often."
"Yeah, more than I really should. I will admit to having one weakness and that would be ice cream."
"Just one weakness?" I ask with raised eyebrows.
"Do you know of any others?" she replies coolly.
"Considering that I talked to you the first time yesterday. I have not been able to pick up any weaknesses, yet."
"You call that talking? It was more like grunts."
"You know what I mean."
"If you say so."
"Here's your sundae Carly."
"Mike can you grab me another spoon?"
"Already brought one. I thought you might let this guy share in the fruit of his labor."
"You know me too well, Mike. Just don't tell anyone I'm such a softy."
So far in my personal experience with Carly, softy would not be a word I'd use to describe her. However, I'm not going to totally discard it either. I need to let it marinate for awhile, it may grow on me.
Carly dug into her sundae with a vigor that I have never seen from one of her gender. I was a bit timid to dig in myself. Up to this point she had led me to believe that I was not worthy of sharing such a treat with her.
"I didn't ask for a second spoon so that I could use both hands. My mom taught me how to share."
"Thanks." I started to help myself. This was a good combination. This girl knows how to order a sundae.
I watched her eat. She had dove into this sundae and forgot I even existed. This was okay by me. I have had more than enough embarrassing moments in front of this girl. I was due a little reprieve.
The ice cream was nearly gone before she spoke another word.
"Are you saving that for a snack later." she said pointing to my shirt.
"Ah, man. Thanks for telling." I excused myself and went and washed it off. While in the restroom I turned on the water in the sink. The water exploded from the faucet. Unfortunately, it didn't go into the sink. The water came right at me. Suffice it to say that I looked just like I did when I was potty training as a kid and didn't quite make to the bathroom. "What am I going to do know? I wasn't wearing a jacket or sweater. Was Carly?"
At this rate I am going to cancel my date with her. I've had more humiliation in the last 24 hours to last at least a couple of years at least.
"I take it you come here often."
"Yeah, more than I really should. I will admit to having one weakness and that would be ice cream."
"Just one weakness?" I ask with raised eyebrows.
"Do you know of any others?" she replies coolly.
"Considering that I talked to you the first time yesterday. I have not been able to pick up any weaknesses, yet."
"You call that talking? It was more like grunts."
"You know what I mean."
"If you say so."
"Here's your sundae Carly."
"Mike can you grab me another spoon?"
"Already brought one. I thought you might let this guy share in the fruit of his labor."
"You know me too well, Mike. Just don't tell anyone I'm such a softy."
So far in my personal experience with Carly, softy would not be a word I'd use to describe her. However, I'm not going to totally discard it either. I need to let it marinate for awhile, it may grow on me.
Carly dug into her sundae with a vigor that I have never seen from one of her gender. I was a bit timid to dig in myself. Up to this point she had led me to believe that I was not worthy of sharing such a treat with her.
"I didn't ask for a second spoon so that I could use both hands. My mom taught me how to share."
"Thanks." I started to help myself. This was a good combination. This girl knows how to order a sundae.
I watched her eat. She had dove into this sundae and forgot I even existed. This was okay by me. I have had more than enough embarrassing moments in front of this girl. I was due a little reprieve.
The ice cream was nearly gone before she spoke another word.
"Are you saving that for a snack later." she said pointing to my shirt.
"Ah, man. Thanks for telling." I excused myself and went and washed it off. While in the restroom I turned on the water in the sink. The water exploded from the faucet. Unfortunately, it didn't go into the sink. The water came right at me. Suffice it to say that I looked just like I did when I was potty training as a kid and didn't quite make to the bathroom. "What am I going to do know? I wasn't wearing a jacket or sweater. Was Carly?"
At this rate I am going to cancel my date with her. I've had more humiliation in the last 24 hours to last at least a couple of years at least.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
C5 P7
"Hey, Santa Fe, what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?"
"I like Burnt Almond Fudge."
"Is that it? Sounds kinda boring."
"That's me. Kinda boring."
"Have you always liked, what was it, burned almond fudge?" Carly asked this with her nose scrunched up.
"Not burned almond. It's burnt almond fudge."
"Oh, excuse me. How could I ever be so improper?"
"I believe that wouldn't be hard for you." It took me several microseconds to realize what had just rolled out of my mouth.
"Thank you very much, Santa Fe."
"I didn't mean it that way." I stammered as I was trying to back pedal my way out of my comment.
"Please share how you meant it."
"I...um...I..."
"I, um , am waiting." She was having too much fun with this. And once again I find myself wondering why did I not keep my mouth shut.
Carly knew I had become frustrated and kept quiet for the rest of the walk to the ice cream shop.
There wasn't many people in line. "Hey, Carly, how ya doin'? The usual?"
"You got it Mike, thanks." Carly replied enthusiastically.
"I like Burnt Almond Fudge."
"Is that it? Sounds kinda boring."
"That's me. Kinda boring."
"Have you always liked, what was it, burned almond fudge?" Carly asked this with her nose scrunched up.
"Not burned almond. It's burnt almond fudge."
"Oh, excuse me. How could I ever be so improper?"
"I believe that wouldn't be hard for you." It took me several microseconds to realize what had just rolled out of my mouth.
"Thank you very much, Santa Fe."
"I didn't mean it that way." I stammered as I was trying to back pedal my way out of my comment.
"Please share how you meant it."
"I...um...I..."
"I, um , am waiting." She was having too much fun with this. And once again I find myself wondering why did I not keep my mouth shut.
Carly knew I had become frustrated and kept quiet for the rest of the walk to the ice cream shop.
There wasn't many people in line. "Hey, Carly, how ya doin'? The usual?"
"You got it Mike, thanks." Carly replied enthusiastically.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
C5 P6a
The more I thought about it the more mad I got. What is this girl thinking? I can be a real jerk and walk down the row and tell her where to jump off the train. Or I could brush it off. I did inflict bodily harm. And the cost of ice cream is not a big price to pay. Why do they do this to men? They make you think that they are soft, kind and gentle, but they are really beasts. A wolf in sheep's clothing come to mind.
The nerve of some women...no...strike that...girls.
I dove back into my work like never before, at least at this job. As I worked my madness/frustration melted away like snow under a late spring sun.
"Hey, Santa Fe, you ready? Hey, Santa Fe, you ready?"
I heard someone call Santa Fe, but I didn't know anyone by that name. I didn't turn around to see who was calling who.
"Hey, Freight Train, I'm hungry."
Again, I really wasn't paying attention to who was calling who.
I hear this deep female voice. Whoever was calling had rolled some paper into a megaphone and said, "Santa Fe Freight Train is leaving the station and bound for the land of Ice Cream. Toot, toot!"
Annoyed, I turned and there standing in the doorway of my Cube 5.
"Oh, Sorry!"
"This is going to be an interesting lunch."
I look at her with a big question mark written on my face (it wasn't literally written there).
"In the last 24 hours I have only heard you say, 'Sorry, Okay, Yes, and Oh. That is not a lot to go on."
"Sorry." It was at this point that I had to turn my head because I was smiling and I did not want Carly to see it.
When the elevator doors opened I held out my hand to gesture for her to lead the way. This she did. Again, I smiled. This may turn the tables in my favor. I don't know what tables, but I was tired of feeling like a total idiot around this girl.
The nerve of some women...no...strike that...girls.
I dove back into my work like never before, at least at this job. As I worked my madness/frustration melted away like snow under a late spring sun.
"Hey, Santa Fe, you ready? Hey, Santa Fe, you ready?"
I heard someone call Santa Fe, but I didn't know anyone by that name. I didn't turn around to see who was calling who.
"Hey, Freight Train, I'm hungry."
Again, I really wasn't paying attention to who was calling who.
I hear this deep female voice. Whoever was calling had rolled some paper into a megaphone and said, "Santa Fe Freight Train is leaving the station and bound for the land of Ice Cream. Toot, toot!"
Annoyed, I turned and there standing in the doorway of my Cube 5.
"Oh, Sorry!"
"This is going to be an interesting lunch."
I look at her with a big question mark written on my face (it wasn't literally written there).
"In the last 24 hours I have only heard you say, 'Sorry, Okay, Yes, and Oh. That is not a lot to go on."
"Sorry." It was at this point that I had to turn my head because I was smiling and I did not want Carly to see it.
When the elevator doors opened I held out my hand to gesture for her to lead the way. This she did. Again, I smiled. This may turn the tables in my favor. I don't know what tables, but I was tired of feeling like a total idiot around this girl.
C5 Part 6
It took a few minutes to register that I woke happier than usually and I think I actually had a smile on my face. I don't recollect that happening before.
I didn't mind going to work today. I had a date with C5 and was happy about it. I have no clue as what we are going to do, but I will worry about that later.
I have seen and watched several office romances. About 99.99% of them did not turn out good. Some were so bad that it actually divided the office. It was a drama that I expected to leave behind at high school. Would this turn out to be one of those? I had a crush, a crush is something that is fleeting. It's one date, if it went poorly then we could avoid each other. Not a hard thing to do.
I logged on to my computer and clocked in. The paper in my IN box had multiplied over night. I had been working for a few minutes when I heard a knock on my divider. I turned expecting to see my supervisor, but this was not the case. My heart instantly did a pitter-patter dance. There, leaning against my divider was Cube 5. I couldn't decipher the look on her face. Her face said, "Dude, Don't mess with me. You are in plenty of trouble." Her eyes said something else, something softer.
"Brian, I am suing you for damages." She put her foot against the edge of my desk, and proceeded to lifter her leg. There, was nice patch of black and blue the ran about 6 inches up the side of her leg; and was about 2 inches wide. I felt my face pale.
I instantly went into that unintelligible words thing again. "I'm so sorry." finally exited my mouth.
"Here's the deal. At 12:30 this afternoon I will be standing in this very spot. You and will proceed to the ice cream shop down the street. There YOU will buy me whatever my heart desires. As for you, you get to sit at the table and watch me eat it. If you're a good boy I may let you buy yourself some ice cream."
"Okay."
And she went to her whole in the wall.
It took me several minutes to recover. It took me several minutes after that to realize that I had just been "manhandled." I didn't being manhandled, even if it's by the girl that I happen to have a crush on. As the day wore on my frustration grew. Not necessarily towards Carly, but my wimpiness at letting her "manhandle" me.
I didn't mind going to work today. I had a date with C5 and was happy about it. I have no clue as what we are going to do, but I will worry about that later.
I have seen and watched several office romances. About 99.99% of them did not turn out good. Some were so bad that it actually divided the office. It was a drama that I expected to leave behind at high school. Would this turn out to be one of those? I had a crush, a crush is something that is fleeting. It's one date, if it went poorly then we could avoid each other. Not a hard thing to do.
I logged on to my computer and clocked in. The paper in my IN box had multiplied over night. I had been working for a few minutes when I heard a knock on my divider. I turned expecting to see my supervisor, but this was not the case. My heart instantly did a pitter-patter dance. There, leaning against my divider was Cube 5. I couldn't decipher the look on her face. Her face said, "Dude, Don't mess with me. You are in plenty of trouble." Her eyes said something else, something softer.
"Brian, I am suing you for damages." She put her foot against the edge of my desk, and proceeded to lifter her leg. There, was nice patch of black and blue the ran about 6 inches up the side of her leg; and was about 2 inches wide. I felt my face pale.
I instantly went into that unintelligible words thing again. "I'm so sorry." finally exited my mouth.
"Here's the deal. At 12:30 this afternoon I will be standing in this very spot. You and will proceed to the ice cream shop down the street. There YOU will buy me whatever my heart desires. As for you, you get to sit at the table and watch me eat it. If you're a good boy I may let you buy yourself some ice cream."
"Okay."
And she went to her whole in the wall.
It took me several minutes to recover. It took me several minutes after that to realize that I had just been "manhandled." I didn't being manhandled, even if it's by the girl that I happen to have a crush on. As the day wore on my frustration grew. Not necessarily towards Carly, but my wimpiness at letting her "manhandle" me.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Cube 5 Part 5
I sat at the table eating cookies and milk. Everything looks better after having homemade cookies and some ice cold milk.
While munching I processed through the events of the day. It certainly was not what I expected, but I couldn't change that now. I had learned in my young life to only worry about the present because that is the only thing I can control. The present was that I have a date with a girl that I have had a crush for the last few months.
I needed to paint a picture for myself no matter how bleak it would look. I have a crush on a girl that works in a cubicle that is not far from mine. I lack self confidence in boy/girl relationships. I crashed head on into said crush and laid her flat on the floor, fortunately, I didn't injure her. I asked her on a date and implied that I make the girl pay for the date or we go dutch. I leave before she can flat out tell me no. She comes to my cubicle and I call her by her code name Cube 5. She then has to tell me how this date will at least start. And like a love sick cow I shake my head when she asks me a question. We are leaving after work and was told to not do anything fancy.
I am so flabbergasted that I do not remember anything between leaving the office and sitting at my table eating cookies and milk.
From the looks of it I don't have anything going for other than she said yes. Hey she did say yes. That has to stand for something. Right? Yeah, she likes to be steamed rolled by some guy pretending to be a bookworm.
I have had a big day and an embarrassing one to boot. I'm heading to bed.
While munching I processed through the events of the day. It certainly was not what I expected, but I couldn't change that now. I had learned in my young life to only worry about the present because that is the only thing I can control. The present was that I have a date with a girl that I have had a crush for the last few months.
I needed to paint a picture for myself no matter how bleak it would look. I have a crush on a girl that works in a cubicle that is not far from mine. I lack self confidence in boy/girl relationships. I crashed head on into said crush and laid her flat on the floor, fortunately, I didn't injure her. I asked her on a date and implied that I make the girl pay for the date or we go dutch. I leave before she can flat out tell me no. She comes to my cubicle and I call her by her code name Cube 5. She then has to tell me how this date will at least start. And like a love sick cow I shake my head when she asks me a question. We are leaving after work and was told to not do anything fancy.
I am so flabbergasted that I do not remember anything between leaving the office and sitting at my table eating cookies and milk.
From the looks of it I don't have anything going for other than she said yes. Hey she did say yes. That has to stand for something. Right? Yeah, she likes to be steamed rolled by some guy pretending to be a bookworm.
I have had a big day and an embarrassing one to boot. I'm heading to bed.
Cube 5 Part 5
I went into a spattering of unintelligible words.
Brian close your mouth and don't utter another word. You have dug yourself a really big hole and it is only going to get worse. Just keep your mouth closed.
"Brian, let me help you out. I would really like to go on a date with you. Yes, you do have to pay for both of us. Now, are you okay with things so far?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now I will not drive my car to work on Friday...Do I need to drive on this date?"
I just shook my head.
"...I will not drive my car to work on Friday and we can leave from here. Please don't plan to go anywhere fancy; I don't feel fancy after working here all day. I have I left anything out?"
My mind was so muddled that again I could only shake my head.
As Carly turned to head out the door she smiled, winked and told be good bye. I very quietly spoke a slow drawn out good bye.
I don't know how long I sat my desk. I really don't even remember leaving the building or how I got home. I awoke from this daze at my kitchen table. In front of me sat some chocolate chip cookies that I had made a few days before and a glass of milk. The milk was still cold. I finally looked at the clock to see what time is was.
6:15. I had not spent the whole night in an unconscious state. When I woke up this morning I would have never guessed what the day might have brought.
In 48 hours I have a date with this girl. Did I ever intend to ask her out? Seriously, when was the last time you went out on a date with someone you really wanted to? You've been on a couple dates to "help" your friends, but nothing serious. Carly is a girl that you really want to go with. It doesn't have to go beyond your date on Friday. Brian, do something you'd think fun. This date is about you.
Brian close your mouth and don't utter another word. You have dug yourself a really big hole and it is only going to get worse. Just keep your mouth closed.
"Brian, let me help you out. I would really like to go on a date with you. Yes, you do have to pay for both of us. Now, are you okay with things so far?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now I will not drive my car to work on Friday...Do I need to drive on this date?"
I just shook my head.
"...I will not drive my car to work on Friday and we can leave from here. Please don't plan to go anywhere fancy; I don't feel fancy after working here all day. I have I left anything out?"
My mind was so muddled that again I could only shake my head.
As Carly turned to head out the door she smiled, winked and told be good bye. I very quietly spoke a slow drawn out good bye.
I don't know how long I sat my desk. I really don't even remember leaving the building or how I got home. I awoke from this daze at my kitchen table. In front of me sat some chocolate chip cookies that I had made a few days before and a glass of milk. The milk was still cold. I finally looked at the clock to see what time is was.
6:15. I had not spent the whole night in an unconscious state. When I woke up this morning I would have never guessed what the day might have brought.
In 48 hours I have a date with this girl. Did I ever intend to ask her out? Seriously, when was the last time you went out on a date with someone you really wanted to? You've been on a couple dates to "help" your friends, but nothing serious. Carly is a girl that you really want to go with. It doesn't have to go beyond your date on Friday. Brian, do something you'd think fun. This date is about you.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Cube 5 Part 4
"Why did that have to happen?" I asked myself when I was alone. "I'll pay...what an idiot...are you stupid or something? She must think I am nuts, pathetic or something. I'm pretty sure you can come up with your own description of me at this moment. Please keep them to yourself. My self confidence has sunk lower than I can remember in years.
I think I'm calling in sick tomorrow. I'll email her and tell her that I will be washing my hair on Friday night. What chance do I have with her?" I realized that I had been talking out loud to myself. I told myself out loud that this was the second time in less than ten minutes time that I have been so stupid. I quickly looked around to see if anyone was around, or eavesdropping on my conversation with myself.
I have two days to plan a date. Did she even say yes?. I really think she didn't give me an answer. Did I just walk away? What do I do now? I am in some serious trouble. How do I know if she answered me? I can't just walk up to her and say, "Did you say 'Yes' when I asked you out on a date? I had to find a different route back to mu cubicle. There is no way, no how I was going to walk by her cube in the next two days. I would go to one of the other floors to take my breaks and eat lunch. I That will take care of the part. I will have to be late for work and leave early so that she won't see me either. I think this will work.
"Brian, what are you worried about? She didn't even know you existed before now. She'll forget all about you asking her out. She won't forget the head on collision, she'll feel that for the next couple of days." My inner self told me. My inner self keeps things in perspective (or maybe not). He's the one that reminds me that I can be an idiot.
After returning to my cube, I was able to bury my outer self in a pile of mindless work. Therapeutically, this was good. It gave me some reprieve from the disaster of the afternoon.
It was quitin' time when I heard, "Hey, Brian, you didn't give me a chance to accept your invitation." Oh, CRAP! She heard it.
"Play it cool man." was the only thing my inner self told me.
"And how do I do that?" was my outer self's reply.
"Um...sorry about that, and knocking you down. Are you okay?"
"I think I'll live to see tomorrow."
"I'm glad to her that Cube Fi...Carly." Did I really just do that? Did I really call her Cube 5? Brian you are more than an idiot.
"Who's Cube 5? "
"I um...um..." Brian, you are such an idiot. She took a step back from my entry way and counted the cubicles between her's and mine. Yep, there were 5 of them including hers.
"I take it that's my code name that you use when you talk to your friends." The smile on Carly's face was truly from ear to ear. The look in her eyes said, "I have you over a barrel and I kind a like that."
I think I'm calling in sick tomorrow. I'll email her and tell her that I will be washing my hair on Friday night. What chance do I have with her?" I realized that I had been talking out loud to myself. I told myself out loud that this was the second time in less than ten minutes time that I have been so stupid. I quickly looked around to see if anyone was around, or eavesdropping on my conversation with myself.
I have two days to plan a date. Did she even say yes?. I really think she didn't give me an answer. Did I just walk away? What do I do now? I am in some serious trouble. How do I know if she answered me? I can't just walk up to her and say, "Did you say 'Yes' when I asked you out on a date? I had to find a different route back to mu cubicle. There is no way, no how I was going to walk by her cube in the next two days. I would go to one of the other floors to take my breaks and eat lunch. I That will take care of the part. I will have to be late for work and leave early so that she won't see me either. I think this will work.
"Brian, what are you worried about? She didn't even know you existed before now. She'll forget all about you asking her out. She won't forget the head on collision, she'll feel that for the next couple of days." My inner self told me. My inner self keeps things in perspective (or maybe not). He's the one that reminds me that I can be an idiot.
After returning to my cube, I was able to bury my outer self in a pile of mindless work. Therapeutically, this was good. It gave me some reprieve from the disaster of the afternoon.
It was quitin' time when I heard, "Hey, Brian, you didn't give me a chance to accept your invitation." Oh, CRAP! She heard it.
"Play it cool man." was the only thing my inner self told me.
"And how do I do that?" was my outer self's reply.
"Um...sorry about that, and knocking you down. Are you okay?"
"I think I'll live to see tomorrow."
"I'm glad to her that Cube Fi...Carly." Did I really just do that? Did I really call her Cube 5? Brian you are more than an idiot.
"Who's Cube 5? "
"I um...um..." Brian, you are such an idiot. She took a step back from my entry way and counted the cubicles between her's and mine. Yep, there were 5 of them including hers.
"I take it that's my code name that you use when you talk to your friends." The smile on Carly's face was truly from ear to ear. The look in her eyes said, "I have you over a barrel and I kind a like that."
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Cube 5 Continued 3
Those options are available, but not at all cool. This girl does not at all say "I really love the nerds, or send in the nerds.?
Now that I given you some history, you probably want to know what was different about today.
When coming to or leaving for work Cube 5 has to walk by my cubicle. When I go take a break or go make some copies I get to walk by her cubicle. Now, to most this would be such a big deal. But to me OH Yeah, huge big, HUGE BIG deal. Okay enough of huge big. One of my goals this year was to read more for pleasure. It has only been the last year or so that I have enjoyed reading for pleasure. To help me obtain this goal I keep a book to read at work. I will read on breaks and sometimes during my lunch. I happen to be reading one of those spy, espionage, military, blow 'em, shoot 'em up type books. Unfortunately, I reached a very, shall we say, hard time to put the book down part when I started my break. On my way to the break room I opened up to my current page and started reading even before I left my cube. When I started reading I was instantly taken to the cockpit of Capt. Riley's F-16. I was his ghost pilot, mimicking every move he made in his small cockpit as he sliced and diced through hostile air. Trying to escape a fiery death that was sure to be his.
It was at this moment that I ran smack dab into Cube 5. I had hit her with such force (I'm so big and strong...not) the I had thrown her back about 5 feet. Of course she was on her backside sprawled out, legs, arms, and papers flying every where. I had also knocked myself back a step or two.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me help you up." She graciously took my extended hands and I helped her up. She started brushing herself off and making sure nothing was broken, hurt, or ripped. We both bent down and started collecting the paper avalanche that I had caused.
"Will you go out with me this Friday night? I'll pay." I blurted out. I was stunned. Never in my pathetic little life had I made such a bold invitation. It came without bidding. After that I was speechless. The damage had been done. Not only had I freight trained the current girl of my dreams I asked her out on a date.
This invitation and the thoughts that followed happened in a matter of microseconds. She looked at me a moment, "Ahhhh, you don't expect me to out with you and pay do you? Or do you always go dutch on dates?
"No, no it's just a that ahh...I mean that aaaa I...no, I will pay. Sorry, I'll pay. I...ah...don't go dutch on dates. Unless, you want to."
Now that I given you some history, you probably want to know what was different about today.
When coming to or leaving for work Cube 5 has to walk by my cubicle. When I go take a break or go make some copies I get to walk by her cubicle. Now, to most this would be such a big deal. But to me OH Yeah, huge big, HUGE BIG deal. Okay enough of huge big. One of my goals this year was to read more for pleasure. It has only been the last year or so that I have enjoyed reading for pleasure. To help me obtain this goal I keep a book to read at work. I will read on breaks and sometimes during my lunch. I happen to be reading one of those spy, espionage, military, blow 'em, shoot 'em up type books. Unfortunately, I reached a very, shall we say, hard time to put the book down part when I started my break. On my way to the break room I opened up to my current page and started reading even before I left my cube. When I started reading I was instantly taken to the cockpit of Capt. Riley's F-16. I was his ghost pilot, mimicking every move he made in his small cockpit as he sliced and diced through hostile air. Trying to escape a fiery death that was sure to be his.
It was at this moment that I ran smack dab into Cube 5. I had hit her with such force (I'm so big and strong...not) the I had thrown her back about 5 feet. Of course she was on her backside sprawled out, legs, arms, and papers flying every where. I had also knocked myself back a step or two.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me help you up." She graciously took my extended hands and I helped her up. She started brushing herself off and making sure nothing was broken, hurt, or ripped. We both bent down and started collecting the paper avalanche that I had caused.
"Will you go out with me this Friday night? I'll pay." I blurted out. I was stunned. Never in my pathetic little life had I made such a bold invitation. It came without bidding. After that I was speechless. The damage had been done. Not only had I freight trained the current girl of my dreams I asked her out on a date.
This invitation and the thoughts that followed happened in a matter of microseconds. She looked at me a moment, "Ahhhh, you don't expect me to out with you and pay do you? Or do you always go dutch on dates?
"No, no it's just a that ahh...I mean that aaaa I...no, I will pay. Sorry, I'll pay. I...ah...don't go dutch on dates. Unless, you want to."
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Cube 5 Continued
Cube 5 (don't you love her code name?) has been working here for about 7 months, single, a beautiful pearly white smile, and rumor is that she's an eternal optimist. Fortunately for me she has to walk by my cube to come to or leave work. Like most shy guys, I find excuses to be near or run into her; like pretending to do something in cubicle until she leaves so I can be in the elevator with her. I don't do it enough that she might think I am stalking her. Sometimes she heads to the stairs and I will take the elevator. The opposite is true as well. And sometimes I follow her either way.
What else have I learned about Cube 5? Oh, she likes salami, pepperoni, and ham sandwiches with provolone cheese on whole wheat bread. I know this because she has these sandwiches delivered from a deli down the street. I have tried that place and it's a fantastic place to go.
Sorry, I'll get back to the story.
I have yet to discover her poison, i.e. diet coke, leaded coke, fruit juice, or heaven forbid, plain old water.
Now some of you might be sayin', "Dude, just introduce yourself and ask the girl out." Can't do that. That is not my style. I'm having too much fun learning about her this way. Besides I am couldn't handle the rejections; I'd have to take a week off and climb in a hole or wallow in mud before I could show myself at the office. Nope, not going to do it. I would have to write it all down and then read it verbatim and then I will end up saying, "You are my density." This is the Twenty-First Century, neither of those options are available.
What else have I learned about Cube 5? Oh, she likes salami, pepperoni, and ham sandwiches with provolone cheese on whole wheat bread. I know this because she has these sandwiches delivered from a deli down the street. I have tried that place and it's a fantastic place to go.
Sorry, I'll get back to the story.
I have yet to discover her poison, i.e. diet coke, leaded coke, fruit juice, or heaven forbid, plain old water.
Now some of you might be sayin', "Dude, just introduce yourself and ask the girl out." Can't do that. That is not my style. I'm having too much fun learning about her this way. Besides I am couldn't handle the rejections; I'd have to take a week off and climb in a hole or wallow in mud before I could show myself at the office. Nope, not going to do it. I would have to write it all down and then read it verbatim and then I will end up saying, "You are my density." This is the Twenty-First Century, neither of those options are available.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Can I Really Write?
I have spent many moments of the last week looking at this very page. I think that I could actually sit here and write something that anyone would like to read. As I stare at the blank screen I feel that I have have nothing a value to share. Tonight, I had to remind myself that this blog is not for you (sorry), but for me. Not that I write all that well nor do I seem to be very creative on this blog, I made it so as to give me an avenue to write.
I realize that I have used this blog mostly as a journal of sorts. My paper/pencil journal cries for me to put ink to the page.
Even now between answering questions for TaxHawk I cannot think of what I would like to put to "paper." However, let me give a whirl.
The day started like every other day for the past several years. Okay, maybe not several years, but it sure does seem like it. A day can be an eternity when you hate what you are doing. I have been trudging to this office the better part of the last 4 months.
My job description is brief and not hard, answer the phone, listen to the clients complaints, and then promise as little as possible. Be sure to smile, the client can hear the smile over the phone. This is where I pantomime gagging myself with my finger. The upper management stiffs don't give a rat's...a...behind if my "clients" hear my smile. "Show me the MONEY" is their mantra. Funny thing, I think the same thing every time I see my sorry excuse of a paycheck.
I will admit that I do have a bright spot in my day and it doesn't include breaks or lunch; which are usually as bright as my day gets.She lives about 5 cubicles down from mine.
Being shy I usually do my admiring from a far, as far away as possible. I have learned to gather information while avoiding contact with the person of interest.
For example, here is some information I have learned about the person of information living in "Cube 5".
Is this a pretty good start for just sitting and punching away at the computer?
As always and sincerely, Love you,
OLD Man
I realize that I have used this blog mostly as a journal of sorts. My paper/pencil journal cries for me to put ink to the page.
Even now between answering questions for TaxHawk I cannot think of what I would like to put to "paper." However, let me give a whirl.
The day started like every other day for the past several years. Okay, maybe not several years, but it sure does seem like it. A day can be an eternity when you hate what you are doing. I have been trudging to this office the better part of the last 4 months.
My job description is brief and not hard, answer the phone, listen to the clients complaints, and then promise as little as possible. Be sure to smile, the client can hear the smile over the phone. This is where I pantomime gagging myself with my finger. The upper management stiffs don't give a rat's...a...behind if my "clients" hear my smile. "Show me the MONEY" is their mantra. Funny thing, I think the same thing every time I see my sorry excuse of a paycheck.
I will admit that I do have a bright spot in my day and it doesn't include breaks or lunch; which are usually as bright as my day gets.She lives about 5 cubicles down from mine.
Being shy I usually do my admiring from a far, as far away as possible. I have learned to gather information while avoiding contact with the person of interest.
For example, here is some information I have learned about the person of information living in "Cube 5".
Is this a pretty good start for just sitting and punching away at the computer?
As always and sincerely, Love you,
OLD Man
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