Hetty and Ryan: Overcome

Karaoke

As he stared across the restaurant at her, he quickly realized Hetty was nervous and remembered how uncomfortable she used to be in social situations. Without thinking, he jumped up and floated towards her, reminding himself each step of the way not to hug her, not to kiss her and not to touch her.

"Hey, you're here! This way." He put his hand lightly on her shoulder and it burned like fire. Ryan led Hetty to the table where several co-workers waved and greeted her warmly. She deposited her tiny purse and sunglasses onto the chair Ryan had saved for her, then headed to order a drink at the bar. Ryan followed.

"What would you like?" he asked.

"It's okay, Ryan, I'll get my own drink." Her demeanor was firm, almost harsh sounding. Ryan laughed nervously.

"Come on, just let me buy you a drink. It's no big deal." He leaned against the bar counter in a posture of confidence and gazed openly at her.

"Ryan, please." She lowered her voice. "You have to back off." There was no hint of a smile this time, no flirtation behind her words. His body felt cold.

"Okay," was all he could think to say. Ryan ordered a Corona for himself and headed to the table alone.

Hetty returned a couple minutes later with a strawberry margarita. Jason struck up a conversation from two chairs down.

"I heard you're engaged - congratulations!" Hetty shot a look at Ryan, and Ryan glared at Jason with the stare of death.

"Thank you," Hetty replied with the tiniest bit of sass behind her pleasant tone. Ryan knew that when she was angry, she became more confident.

"Is your fiancé planning to come by for karaoke tonight?" asked Tiffany. Ryan was just now noticing that Melissa, their principal, was sitting directly across from them and was now looking their direction. Fantastic.

"Nope, he's been out of town this week and won't be home until tomorrow."

"That's probably for the best," responded Jason. "He doesn't want to spend time with the likes of us crazies!"

"Crazy Walnut Grove teachers," chimed in Eddy.

"Walnut Grove!" Jason called out in a goofy sing-song voice, raising his arm above his head and pumping his fist exaggeratedly in the air. "Salud for another spectacular school year!"

Hetty snorted out a small laugh, eyebrows raised in amusement, and Ryan made a dramatic face palm.

Ryan was quiet for a while, still somewhat stricken by her earlier tone. He boyishly twirled a coaster on the table as he watched Hetty sip her pink margarita out of the corner of his eye. Finally, he spoke up to say, very softy, "Where's your ring?"

"What?" asked Hetty, with a bit of snap in her voice.

"Your engagement ring."

"It's being re-sized," she responded without pausing, sounding irritated, condescending and other tones that were completely uncharacteristic.

Two employees were setting up the microphones and sound equipment for karaoke. Ryan considered leaving, but sitting this close to Hetty was like a drug to him, and he knew very well he wouldn't be able to extract himself from this situation.

After a bit, Mariana arrived with her bright smile and carefree energy. Hetty waved her over, and they made space at the table to squeeze in another chair. Hetty attempted to slide away from Ryan, but he scooted over exaggeratedly, practically dragged Hetty in her chair towards him and then pushed in a new chair for Mariana. Hetty glared at him for the second or third time that evening.