Matched: A Tragedy.

Only an Ask

I had done a few moves at home to prepare myself. I couldn't look like an idiot and be a spy at the same time. Knowing was half the battle, strategy was key here.

In swift motions I unrolled my mat, slid out of my shoes, and sat down. She wasn't here yet.

I tried hard to ignore the other women and their mundane conversations, I wasn't here for friendship or community. But one word sought me out before I could react, "matched" one girl said. I was tuned in now.

I leaned back on my elbows and stretched my toes to get a better listen. I was being natural, carefree. 

"There's no way she left him," the previous girl whispered.

Her friend confirmed with a hum. "Got that match, saw he was rich and handsome and was out!" She laughed but then sighed with pity. "I feel bad for the poor guy. Least now he can find his."

I leaned forward then, grabbing my thighs to lean against. That wouldn't be me and Bobby. Not if I had anything to do with it. We had made vows that I intended on keeping. This match bullshit wasn't anything more than faux-science. We had something different. I was sure of it.

And then I wasn't.

It was like she felt my confidence swelling in my chest and had to humble me.

Megan walked into the room, a smile preceding her every action. She was golden, like the sun had specifically chosen her to glisten. Her long hair was tied into a calm bun but soft curls sat against her forehead and sideburns. She wanted to look effortless. She did.

As if wanting to fight, she took the spot in front of me and gave me a genuine smile. She was flawless. What the fuck was she? A Barbie.

I wanted to scrutinize her pores or the plaque in her teeth but I couldn't. She smelled wonderful. Her cute yoga top and matching pants outlined a wonderful figure. Rivaled my own.

"You're new here?" She asked me, having caught me watching her. I had known she was from London but her accent shocked me. Would shock him if he knew.

I nodded, "Yes, I wanted to try something new. You're a regular?" Of course she was.

"Annie's a friend. Doesn't give me a discount so don't ask," she laughed and stuck her hand out. "Megan." I grabbed it. I wanted to crush her but kept it soft.

"Tia," and I smiled softly.

"I wish I could do braids so effortlessly," she complimented me. Two week old twists, softened with cute baby hairs and snatched into a ponytail. "My forehead looks two times bigger when I do." She was a sweet girl.

It made me sick.

Annie, the instructor, entered and we began.

The heat rose of course and I felt I would die. This would be the last time. I would stick to the rivers I was used to. Gym and the park near our home.

At the end, I noticed how calm and natural Megan was. Her chest wasn't heaving like the rest of us and she took the time to dispense out the complimentary towels Annie offered.

"Will you return?" She asked, taking a seat down in front of me. She stretched her legs out before grabbing her water bottle. "You seem like fun and I barely know anyone, besides Annie, in this city." Her expression was sad although she tried to maintain a smile.

"It was a bit too hot for me," I laughed and she did too. "But if you like, we can grab lunch?" This wasn't the plan but I was good at adapting.

Her eyes said yes but then she shook her head, "I actually have to get down to this children's center."

Fuck, was she a saint, too?

"You work with children?" I said while folding my towel on my lap.

"I'm volunteering some of my time this weekend helping a school with their holiday costumes." She smiled before offering, "I'm a stylist but one wonderful seamstress." She boasted, "What do you do?"

"I'm a third grade elementary school teacher," I cleared my throat and began to gather my things. "Don't worry about lunch. I'm sure we can get together at some point,"

"How about dinner tomorrow? At my place?" She said with a smile. "I should probably mention that I'm straight," she laughed. "Not that I think you think I'm coming on to you, it's just such a distinct time.. am I sticking my foot in my ass?" She stood to her feet as well.

"You're fine, I'm married," I showed her my ring and smiled.

"That's beautiful! How long?" She exclaimed.

"Two years now. We've known each other for five." I closed my eyes thinking about Bobby. How lucky I was. How determined I was. "I'd love to have dinner with you."

"You can bring your husband!" She said, cheerfully. "I'm single but I'm sure I can find a bum to host," she laughed again. It was again, making me sick.

"Oh no, he's a pretty busy guy." I was going to turn her off. "Wouldn't want to be bothered." She frowned.

"Well, how about we exchange numbers and I text you the details," she checked the time. "Looks like I won't be able to stop and grab some snacks for the kids." She winced. "But I can probably order some pizza on the way." She slid me her phone and I wanted to roll my eyes.

She even had to impress children.

"Well, there you go," I said with a smile. "I look forward to dinner. I'm not a vegetarian or anything," she smiled at me back.

"It's a date!"

I hoped she wasn't a good cook. One more flaw to hang up.