David dialed the phone number; he knew it by heart. He felt apprehensive. It rang once, twice ...
"Hallo,"
sounded Agnes’ familiar voice.
"Buon giorno Principessa," replied David.
Agnes laughed. The greetings was from Roberto Benigni's movie Life is
Beautiful. They had seen the film on their first date. That was three months
ago.
"I was calling to see how you were," David said.
"I'm fine."
"And the girls are well?"
"They were a little grumpy after coming home from their father’s."
Agnes had two young daughters the same age as David’s two sons. They were both
not long divorced.
"I phoned a few times, but hadn't heard back from you," continued
David.
"I went to my folk’s farm for couple of days. I only got in last night. I
was too tired to be phoning anyone."
David was feeling a bit anxious. He had been enamored by Agnes since first meeting her at an adult
education course. He wanted so much to impress her.
"Agnes, there was something I wanted to ask. I'm not sure how to say
it."
"Just try saying it."
David paused, took his breath. He hated having to express his emotions.
"Well! I feel like I'm being a bit of a nuisance when you don’t return my
phone calls."
"I’ve said before that I can not cope with much at the moment."
"Oh, I realise that you’ve a lot to deal with. It is just that I’d feel
better if you could just phone back; even if just say you’d get back
later."
"I
know I'm being difficult, but I can't make that sort of commitment. I’m
sorry!"
"I'm just asking you to phone; that’s not expecting much."
"David. I just can’t do that!"
"Agnes, I don't want to be bother. If you say you don’t want me to phone
I won't. I'm just not sure what to do." This was not going, as David
wanted.
"You should not worry so much about what I think. Do what you want to
do."
"I really should find someone more submissive. Instead I keep falling for
toughies, like you."
"I’m not tough!"
"Yes, you are!" said David lightheartedly "I wouldn't be so keen
on you if you weren't. You might be maddening, but you're never dull."
"I might be at that."
"I've never asked if there are any other guys in your life."
"A different man ever night." Agnes said with a laugh.
"Don't mock me."
"Does it matter?"
"Oh, yes! I'd find it easier competing with anther guy then your
indifference."
"I'm not indifferent."
"Well, maddening then. You've never asked me if I have other
relationships."
"OK. Do you have other relationships?"
"Yes. I don't actually have women throwing themselves at me on street
corners, but there are a few women whom I date regularly." David was being
deliberately vague. There was two other woman whom he saw regularly, but neither
made him feel like Agnes did.
"Are they pretty?"
"I
think so. Does that make you jealous."
"No. But keep trying."
"I will."
"I really have to be going to bed. I've an early start," yawned Agnes
"Look after yourself."
"You too."
David hang up. He felt a little happier.
Published in Readers' World, Volume 3 Issue 19. Joondalup, WA, 1998.