Once Every Four Years
(Historian’s Note: In the British Isles it is a tradition in some places that a woman may propose to a man on Feb 29th)
Her: It only happens once every four years. Tomorrow is my chance. Leap Year, and of course I am English through and through. We have our traditions, our heritage, our customs.
I have been planning it for weeks now. What I will say, where I will say it, even what voice I will use. I have the clothes back from the dry-cleaners as well. The purple blouse and scarf. He will remember those. We shared a special time together then.
I am going to ask him while we are in the Control room. In front of everyone. It will be very romantic and I shall probably cry.
I have bought a ring. A diamond. I think he will like it. Of course men don’t think about these things and I want to be able to wear it tomorrow after I have asked him. He can’t refuse can he? Not tomorrow.
I know he would ask me himself, if it wasn’t for the fact that he is my boss. He might have to give up work, but that won’t matter. I can run SHADO, while he looks after the Studio. What does it matter, as long as we are together. I will do a good job as well.
Tomorrow. I can’t wait.
I can see it now. Commander Virginia and Mr. Edward Straker
Him:
Forgot we had an extra day tomorrow. Useful though; I can go up to Moonbase this evening and check through the reports myself. Alec can stay here and look after things until I get back in a couple of days.
Why today of all days? Why did he have to go to Moonbase today? My only chance and he wasn’t here. I had even worn my favourite perfume. So what do I do now? Do I wait for another four years in the hope that he will recognise that unspoken attraction between us? The bond that is there every time he speaks to me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I don’t know what to do. The ring is in my pocket, this month’s edition of Brides magazine in my briefcase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . He isn’t here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oh well. Never mind. I wonder where Paul is. Or Craig. Or Keith would do as a last resort.
I have to confess I love this “Her” “Him” stuff. The humour is so dry and yet so right-on re the opposite sex’s attitudes.
Loving the Virginia Monologues!! Spot on 🙂
These are sooo good I hope Col Lake is successful. They make me smile so much. i can hardly wait to know what happens next.