New Story
Hey, guys, I got a new short story I've written. Here it is! Let me know what you think.
Matchmaker
Another long week and Brody found himself at yet another square dance. His good friend and roommate Jeff always told him to come to these things. Brody found he actually liked it now, especially with events like “literal square dancing.” But that was neither here nor there, and Brody was catching his breath after ten dances, standing on the side next to Viola. She hobbled on crutches and everyone else forbade her to join in the next two dances because of it. “Hey, gimp, what’d ya do this time?” Brody asked, looking at the familiar ACE bandage Viola always had with her.
“Sprained my ankle, I shouldn’t put these crutches away.”
Brody laughed and looked back out to the promenaders.
“Looking for that girl you were dancing with? She’s right over there,” Viola pointed out Tessa and her baby blue crinoline. The song ended, and Brody thought, it’d be nice to get another dance in with her.
Diana came over to him, “Come on, Brody, let’s go. There’s a square that needs a couple.”
Diana promptly dragged Brody to the square. Everyone agreed that Diana had control over any situation. She made it perfectly clear after a few movies with her. The caller picked out a new song, “Standing Outside the Fire,” for this dance. Square dancing is best when you don’t know what’s coming, just knowing you’ll enjoy it, Brody thought.
Diana danced surely, making every move smoothly, simply, and easily. It was a pleasurable exercise with her: she moved step by step, from allemande left to scoot back to peel the top (which is best in literal square dancing). She took in short breaths between each move, breaking each one down in her head, keeping her shoulder-length dark brown hair from jabbing her eyes, and double checking her feet when she stepped next to someone. Things only Brody recognized. Only a boyfriend would recognize.
The dance came to a close after a few more songs. Everyone thanked the caller and grabbed their things to go. “You coming back to the room for a bit?” Brody asked.
“Sure, I got some time,” Diana said.
Tessa walked over to Brody as they were leaving. “Bye, Brody, thanks for dancing with me tonight,” her blue eyes glowed.
“It was my pleasure,” Brody smiled.
Diana waited by her car and waved Brody over to leave. Brody came.
It’s too cold out tonight, spring needs to come sooner, Brody thought. Diana pulled into the small campus and made a left towards the dormitories. “Why’re you headed to the dorms, don’t ya need to park?” Brody asked.
“I forgot, I work early in the morning, I thought it was Saturday for a second.”
“Oh, well, did you want to get dinner after I’m done classes?”
“Don’t think so, I need to catch up on the reading for my research methods class.”
“Alright, guess I’ll give you a call then.”
“Ok, Brody, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Diana pulled up to Brody’s dorm.
They kissed and hugged and Brody got out of the car and walked back to his room to get some sleep.
Brody sat at his desk and looked over his C++ book. His phone rang, and he answered it, “Hi, Brody. Are you dressed?” Viola said in her typical greeting.
“Only half dressed.”
“Which half?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Did you want to get lunch with me? I was thinking of getting some pizza.”
“Sure, I can meet you at the Food Court in about twenty, just want to finish this part.”
“Ok Brody, I’ll be there.”
Viola sat down across from Brody. Brody looked up from his tray, “Have you noticed Diana acting strange lately?”
“Ever since you got shy, little Tessa into a square, yes.”
The first time I got Tessa into a square, Diana did look a little disappointed. “That’s not a big deal, though, and we’ve been going out for about a year now. Besides, she wouldn’t dance unless someone went there and got her.”
“Yes and brave Rutgers senior Brody had to go out and save her from shyness.” Viola smiled.
Tessa was sitting there alone that night, and didn’t even try to dance until he grabbed her. Someone had to get her out on the floor. Jeff and Diana were dancing by that point. “You know she wasn’t going to get out there unless someone grabbed her.”
“Oh, come on, I thought you two made a cute couple.”
Tessa just glided across the floor that night, and even if it was just a night of Basic, I enjoyed it. She knew how to dance, it was art for her, even if she didn’t know all the calls. “She’d look cute with anyone, especially with her mountains.”
“You’d rather see her bush.”
“How would you know this anyway?”
“It’s just my talent; I know who’s supposed to be with who.”
“Right, like you’re psychic, sure.”
“Oh, crap, I gotta run. Listen, we can talk later, I gotta go to work.”
Brody studied in his room with his open C++ book. What was Viola talking about, he thought, Tessa just needed someone to dance with. Brody picked up his open book and tried to read his assignment. The first time I met Diana, she was nice. It was at a square dance, and she picked me out while we were in the same square. Couldn’t keep her eyes off me. She was so pretty.
Brody read another few sentences from his C++ book and stared at a chart. He saw only seemingly random numbers. This is no good, maybe I should just call her. He looked at the phone. He picked up the phone and started dialing Diana’s number. She’s not going to be in class now, I think. “Hello?”
“Hi, Diana.”
“Are you dressed?”
“Yes,” Brody pushed his book away from him.
“There something wrong?”
“The C++ book is bothering me.”
“Well, tomorrow you won’t need to worry about it.”
She has plans, “Why’s that?”
“We’re going to see a movie. I want to see The Amityville Horror again.”
Despite objection from his homework, Brody agreed. Five o’clock sharp.
“Is the popcorn almost ready,” Diana asked.
“Just a sec, hun.”
As soon as the popcorn was done, Brody brought it over to Diana. Popcorn on the table, him next to her. Diana put Brody’s arm around her as she burrowed into him. Brody started the tape. The perfect couple drove up to their new perfect house like they did every time the movie started. It was beautiful but cheap. Diana looked up at Brody, “Could you get me a Coke?”
Brody got up, “Sure,” and got her a Coke.
Brody sat back down next to her, and Diana adjusted Brody’s arms again. She made herself perfectly comfortable, laying there next to him. She could even burrow herself in his chest if a scary part came up. Her face nuzzled into his chest; it was rough, uncomfortable, forceful, and familiar. It was Brody’s signal to put his other arm around her, shielding her from seeing the blood and gore and guts. Brody gave her what she wanted. Afterwards, he returned to his room and read his C++ book.
Brody flipped through the TV channels the next day, with nothing to do and Diana at work he watched in boredom. The phone rang, and he answered it, “Hello?”
“Hi, Brody!”
Tessa? “Hi, Tessa! How’d you get this number?”
“Viola gave it to me. She said you wouldn’t mind.”
Only Viola. “What’s up?”
“Well, I was wondering if you were going to be at the next square dance. It’s Friday, the usual place. Jeff’s going to be calling this time, well, some of it. Still, I’d like it if you’d be there.”
“Of course I’m going to be there. Jeff would kill me if I wasn’t there.”
“Ummm, well, I guess I see you then. Bye.”
Why’s she so nervous? “Bye, doll.” How long is it to Friday?
Another long week passed and Brody was at another square dance. Diana was arriving late, work at the library kept her. Jeff had a peculiar calling style where he used songs that no one thought they’d square dance to. Viola walked over to Brody, “There’s a square looking for a couple, and I’m off my crutches.”
“Then what are we waiting for.”
Viola brought Brody over to the last open square, and Tessa was at the other end with a new person from Missouri, blushing. The “Masochism Tango,” and Jeff’s calling, started. Brody waited for the chance to dance with Tessa, and square dancing let you dance with all the girls in the square. Tessa danced beautifully, for her the calls stopped being calls. It was just one part into the next. She could have done it with or without a caller; simply, elegantly. After the “Masochism Tango,” Brody stole Tessa from the new guy, Dan, and Dan danced with Viola for the rest of the night. Brody and Tessa danced together. After about twelve songs, they both rested on the side near the drinks. “Thanks for dancing with me again,” Tessa said.
“It’s my pleasure. You dance beautifully.”
“Thank you.”
Brody inched over to Tessa and put an arm around her, “Want some water?”
“Sure.”
They moved closer to each other, got comfortable. He ran his fingers through her long, red hair. She rubbed his back lightly. The doors to the floor opened and Diana walked though them. Brody slid his arm back to his side and stepped away from Tessa. Diana beckoned Brody over to get in a square. He came.
Diana danced with Brody for the rest of the night. Tessa stayed in the same square as them. Still, Brody followed Diana home that night.
Twenty years later, Diana and Brody had been married for eighteen years. They were invited to an open house that Jeff and his wife Karen had every year. All their old square dancing buddies were there, including Viola and Dan. Everyone brought their kids except for Diana and Brody, who didn’t have any. Viola talked with Karen, and Brody heard some of their conversation. “Uncle George could always tell when someone was going to be born. When I had Heather, the doctor told me that the child would be born in April. Uncle George had already told me March 24, and I looked up at him and said, ‘Nope, she’s going to be born on March 24, just like my uncle told me.’ He didn’t believe me until I was in the hospital and giving birth to Heather.”
“What is this with you and your family?”
“Everyone in the family has a special talent. I’m able to tell who should be with who.”
“Well, you did introduce me to Jeff.”
“Only one person didn’t listen to me.”
Brody grabbed a can of beer and walked back over to the table the guys were sitting at, mumbling, “Right, you’re psychic, sure.”
Matchmaker
Another long week and Brody found himself at yet another square dance. His good friend and roommate Jeff always told him to come to these things. Brody found he actually liked it now, especially with events like “literal square dancing.” But that was neither here nor there, and Brody was catching his breath after ten dances, standing on the side next to Viola. She hobbled on crutches and everyone else forbade her to join in the next two dances because of it. “Hey, gimp, what’d ya do this time?” Brody asked, looking at the familiar ACE bandage Viola always had with her.
“Sprained my ankle, I shouldn’t put these crutches away.”
Brody laughed and looked back out to the promenaders.
“Looking for that girl you were dancing with? She’s right over there,” Viola pointed out Tessa and her baby blue crinoline. The song ended, and Brody thought, it’d be nice to get another dance in with her.
Diana came over to him, “Come on, Brody, let’s go. There’s a square that needs a couple.”
Diana promptly dragged Brody to the square. Everyone agreed that Diana had control over any situation. She made it perfectly clear after a few movies with her. The caller picked out a new song, “Standing Outside the Fire,” for this dance. Square dancing is best when you don’t know what’s coming, just knowing you’ll enjoy it, Brody thought.
Diana danced surely, making every move smoothly, simply, and easily. It was a pleasurable exercise with her: she moved step by step, from allemande left to scoot back to peel the top (which is best in literal square dancing). She took in short breaths between each move, breaking each one down in her head, keeping her shoulder-length dark brown hair from jabbing her eyes, and double checking her feet when she stepped next to someone. Things only Brody recognized. Only a boyfriend would recognize.
The dance came to a close after a few more songs. Everyone thanked the caller and grabbed their things to go. “You coming back to the room for a bit?” Brody asked.
“Sure, I got some time,” Diana said.
Tessa walked over to Brody as they were leaving. “Bye, Brody, thanks for dancing with me tonight,” her blue eyes glowed.
“It was my pleasure,” Brody smiled.
Diana waited by her car and waved Brody over to leave. Brody came.
It’s too cold out tonight, spring needs to come sooner, Brody thought. Diana pulled into the small campus and made a left towards the dormitories. “Why’re you headed to the dorms, don’t ya need to park?” Brody asked.
“I forgot, I work early in the morning, I thought it was Saturday for a second.”
“Oh, well, did you want to get dinner after I’m done classes?”
“Don’t think so, I need to catch up on the reading for my research methods class.”
“Alright, guess I’ll give you a call then.”
“Ok, Brody, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Diana pulled up to Brody’s dorm.
They kissed and hugged and Brody got out of the car and walked back to his room to get some sleep.
Brody sat at his desk and looked over his C++ book. His phone rang, and he answered it, “Hi, Brody. Are you dressed?” Viola said in her typical greeting.
“Only half dressed.”
“Which half?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Did you want to get lunch with me? I was thinking of getting some pizza.”
“Sure, I can meet you at the Food Court in about twenty, just want to finish this part.”
“Ok Brody, I’ll be there.”
Viola sat down across from Brody. Brody looked up from his tray, “Have you noticed Diana acting strange lately?”
“Ever since you got shy, little Tessa into a square, yes.”
The first time I got Tessa into a square, Diana did look a little disappointed. “That’s not a big deal, though, and we’ve been going out for about a year now. Besides, she wouldn’t dance unless someone went there and got her.”
“Yes and brave Rutgers senior Brody had to go out and save her from shyness.” Viola smiled.
Tessa was sitting there alone that night, and didn’t even try to dance until he grabbed her. Someone had to get her out on the floor. Jeff and Diana were dancing by that point. “You know she wasn’t going to get out there unless someone grabbed her.”
“Oh, come on, I thought you two made a cute couple.”
Tessa just glided across the floor that night, and even if it was just a night of Basic, I enjoyed it. She knew how to dance, it was art for her, even if she didn’t know all the calls. “She’d look cute with anyone, especially with her mountains.”
“You’d rather see her bush.”
“How would you know this anyway?”
“It’s just my talent; I know who’s supposed to be with who.”
“Right, like you’re psychic, sure.”
“Oh, crap, I gotta run. Listen, we can talk later, I gotta go to work.”
Brody studied in his room with his open C++ book. What was Viola talking about, he thought, Tessa just needed someone to dance with. Brody picked up his open book and tried to read his assignment. The first time I met Diana, she was nice. It was at a square dance, and she picked me out while we were in the same square. Couldn’t keep her eyes off me. She was so pretty.
Brody read another few sentences from his C++ book and stared at a chart. He saw only seemingly random numbers. This is no good, maybe I should just call her. He looked at the phone. He picked up the phone and started dialing Diana’s number. She’s not going to be in class now, I think. “Hello?”
“Hi, Diana.”
“Are you dressed?”
“Yes,” Brody pushed his book away from him.
“There something wrong?”
“The C++ book is bothering me.”
“Well, tomorrow you won’t need to worry about it.”
She has plans, “Why’s that?”
“We’re going to see a movie. I want to see The Amityville Horror again.”
Despite objection from his homework, Brody agreed. Five o’clock sharp.
“Is the popcorn almost ready,” Diana asked.
“Just a sec, hun.”
As soon as the popcorn was done, Brody brought it over to Diana. Popcorn on the table, him next to her. Diana put Brody’s arm around her as she burrowed into him. Brody started the tape. The perfect couple drove up to their new perfect house like they did every time the movie started. It was beautiful but cheap. Diana looked up at Brody, “Could you get me a Coke?”
Brody got up, “Sure,” and got her a Coke.
Brody sat back down next to her, and Diana adjusted Brody’s arms again. She made herself perfectly comfortable, laying there next to him. She could even burrow herself in his chest if a scary part came up. Her face nuzzled into his chest; it was rough, uncomfortable, forceful, and familiar. It was Brody’s signal to put his other arm around her, shielding her from seeing the blood and gore and guts. Brody gave her what she wanted. Afterwards, he returned to his room and read his C++ book.
Brody flipped through the TV channels the next day, with nothing to do and Diana at work he watched in boredom. The phone rang, and he answered it, “Hello?”
“Hi, Brody!”
Tessa? “Hi, Tessa! How’d you get this number?”
“Viola gave it to me. She said you wouldn’t mind.”
Only Viola. “What’s up?”
“Well, I was wondering if you were going to be at the next square dance. It’s Friday, the usual place. Jeff’s going to be calling this time, well, some of it. Still, I’d like it if you’d be there.”
“Of course I’m going to be there. Jeff would kill me if I wasn’t there.”
“Ummm, well, I guess I see you then. Bye.”
Why’s she so nervous? “Bye, doll.” How long is it to Friday?
Another long week passed and Brody was at another square dance. Diana was arriving late, work at the library kept her. Jeff had a peculiar calling style where he used songs that no one thought they’d square dance to. Viola walked over to Brody, “There’s a square looking for a couple, and I’m off my crutches.”
“Then what are we waiting for.”
Viola brought Brody over to the last open square, and Tessa was at the other end with a new person from Missouri, blushing. The “Masochism Tango,” and Jeff’s calling, started. Brody waited for the chance to dance with Tessa, and square dancing let you dance with all the girls in the square. Tessa danced beautifully, for her the calls stopped being calls. It was just one part into the next. She could have done it with or without a caller; simply, elegantly. After the “Masochism Tango,” Brody stole Tessa from the new guy, Dan, and Dan danced with Viola for the rest of the night. Brody and Tessa danced together. After about twelve songs, they both rested on the side near the drinks. “Thanks for dancing with me again,” Tessa said.
“It’s my pleasure. You dance beautifully.”
“Thank you.”
Brody inched over to Tessa and put an arm around her, “Want some water?”
“Sure.”
They moved closer to each other, got comfortable. He ran his fingers through her long, red hair. She rubbed his back lightly. The doors to the floor opened and Diana walked though them. Brody slid his arm back to his side and stepped away from Tessa. Diana beckoned Brody over to get in a square. He came.
Diana danced with Brody for the rest of the night. Tessa stayed in the same square as them. Still, Brody followed Diana home that night.
Twenty years later, Diana and Brody had been married for eighteen years. They were invited to an open house that Jeff and his wife Karen had every year. All their old square dancing buddies were there, including Viola and Dan. Everyone brought their kids except for Diana and Brody, who didn’t have any. Viola talked with Karen, and Brody heard some of their conversation. “Uncle George could always tell when someone was going to be born. When I had Heather, the doctor told me that the child would be born in April. Uncle George had already told me March 24, and I looked up at him and said, ‘Nope, she’s going to be born on March 24, just like my uncle told me.’ He didn’t believe me until I was in the hospital and giving birth to Heather.”
“What is this with you and your family?”
“Everyone in the family has a special talent. I’m able to tell who should be with who.”
“Well, you did introduce me to Jeff.”
“Only one person didn’t listen to me.”
Brody grabbed a can of beer and walked back over to the table the guys were sitting at, mumbling, “Right, you’re psychic, sure.”