(Set shortly after The Long Sleep) Her I’m not surprised he walked away so abruptly. Any normal man would have. After all, it wasn’t a pretty sight was it? Lying in that bed looking haggard. Age can do that to some people if they don’t make an effort, though of course I look after myself properly. No wrinkles for me! A lengthy and strict regime of daily cleansing…
Her: I overheard him talking to Freeman. About poetry. Wanting a word to rhyme with Lake. He looked over at me as he said it as well. I love a man who writes poetry. A man with blue eyes who writes poetry. And especially a man with blonde hair and blue eyes who writes poetry. Wonder what he used to rhyme with Lake? Take…? Forsake…? Ache…? Partake….? Can’t wait to…
Her. Ever since that first meeting, when we discussed the Utronic equipment and I offered to show him everything in intimate detail, I have been watching him. I know what he intends. I have seen the requisition to security –ordering an identification card for a new recruit. Even now I am anticipating a phone call to his office, the presentation of that card with my name on it. My passport…
Her: Finally. Signed and sealed. The deed is done. There is no turning back now. After so much heartache, so many broken promises, so many rejections, tonight I will finally get my heart’s desire. Tonight. I have given up everything for this. Oh, the sacrifices. My post in Westbrook Electronics, my research, my lovely lovely home. But it will be worth it. Tonight I will achieve my heart’s desire, and,…
Her: How do I tell him? Surely he must have noticed by now. I mean, it is glaringly obvious, and I am sure even someone like Ford must have seen. It stands out a mile and…. yet I cannot bring myself to tell him. He will be devastated, I am sure. It will be such a blow to his esteem, such a deep wound, something that I am sure he…
Her: It was horrible. I mean, really horrible. I can’t remember ever being as scared in my life. I thought I was going to die, that it was all over. It looked at me and I could hear my heart pounding as it came towards me, lethal intent in its every move. There had been no warning, nothing to prepare me for it. And, strong willed woman that I am,…
Her The nerve of the man. To speak to me in that sort of way. Who does he think he is? Nothing more than second-in-command. I have greater ambitions than a mere lackey. I deserve the best. And anyway, shouldn’t he be flying the plane instead of trying to invite me on a dinner date? Not even a good chat–up line. I have done my research thoroughly. Tall and slender….
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…
Her: He sipped my coffee. He actually picked it up and sipped it. Craig never did that, neither did Paul. Not that I would have let them. No way. It’s MY coffee. Made just the way I like it. Hot and strong and sweet. Just like me, as all the men used to say. But he took a sip. I held the mug afterwards, wondering whether the taste of his…