ᴍʏ ʙᴜꜱ ʙᴜᴅᴅʏ. [ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ ᴊᴀᴄᴋꜱᴏɴ ꜰꜰ]

Ch.4-Dinner with Darryl.

Ophelia dusted and vacuumed around the house. Darryl was coming over soon, and she wanted her home to look presentable. It was Saturday, and the plan was for him to come over and they'd have dinner together. "Dinner," she suddenly announced. "I don't even know what he likes or dislikes!" She hurriedly went over to the phone, dialing his number.

"Hello?" A soft voice rang out from the phone. "Hi, Darryl! I meant to ask, what would you like to have for dinner?" She twisted the phone cord around her finger. "Anything as long as it's not spicy, pork, or pasta." She nodded, making a mental note of the things she knew he wouldn't eat. "Could you hold for a second?" She asked. "Sure."

She made her way to the deep freezer, opening it and looking for what she could make for herself and him. "Nothing good," she muttered to herself. Ophelia walked back over to the phone. "I'm a little under-prepared at the moment." Her cheeks lit up from embarrassment.

"Would pizza be ok? I know that's nothing fancy, but-"

"No, it's ok! Pizza is fine. I actually really like pizza." He unintentionally interrupted her. Ophelia was surprised but grateful at his reply. "You don't have to be formal, either. Just be yourself."

She nodded. "Alright, thank you. Goodbye, Darryl. I'll see you soon."

"Bye, Phelia."

= = = =

A pizza box sat on the table, fresh and unopened. Two glasses of water were present, across from each other. Ophelia didn't know if he liked wine, pop, or juice. She sat on the couch from time to time, eyeing the food. She tapped at her thighs, her leg jumping up and down repeatedly.

-Why am I so anxious? It's not like this is a date. It's dinner. We're just good friends. Why would I even suggest wine?- she thought, her brows angling downwards. It felt like eternity, but a knock at the door distracted her from her troubling mind. "Coming!" She stood and smoothed her clothing out before getting the door. "Hi," Darryl greeted her. He wore a black turtleneck and black pants with penny loafers.

Even in what seemed to be casual clothing, he seemed so formal and well-mannered. "Hi. You look nice." Ophelia complimented him. Though, in her mind, he was absolutely stunning.

"Thank you. You look beautiful, as well." He paused. "Always," he added on, smiling at her. "Ok, charmer," she joked. They both laughed. Ophelia cleared her throat. "In all seriousness, thank you."

She welcomed him in. "You have a nice apartment. I love the decor." She thanked him. "I cleaned a bit before you came. It's my home, and I wanted it to look tidy."

Darryl nodded. "You seem like a tidy person. I appreciate that, but you don't have to make it all up to my standards. Be yourself." He spoke sincerely.

"Noted." She led him to the kitchen. "I know we figured out food, but I'm not sure what you like to drink. Is water alright?"

"Yes. I do like pop and any orange drinks. I like wine, specifically champagne. One thing I certainly don't like is Pepsi." She nodded. "So, are you more of a Coke guy, then?" He giggled at her. "You could say that." He opened the pizza box and made a gesture with his hand. "Ladies first."

Ophelia grabbed a piece of pizza. Darryl followed suit. "Cheers!" He announced.

Childishly, they bumped their slices together and ate.

"I've been waiting to ask," Darryl spoke up. "Hm?" She tilted her head to the side? "I hope this isn't rude, but where are your parents?" She swallowed her food before speaking. It would be rude to talk with a full mouth. "That's not rude. To answer, they live in a different state."

"Oh." It was silent for a minute. She didn't know what to say next. "Do you see them often?" The woman shook her hand back and forth in a so-so motion. "I see them as much as I can. Mostly on holidays." He nodded. She was sure he could relate. Before his term ended, he didn't come here at all, or so it seemed.

"Maybe you'll meet them someday. I'm sure they would like you." His brow lifted at that. "What?"

He glanced down while grinning. "You make it sound like I'm a boyfriend you wanna introduce to your parents." Ophelia's eyes went wide, and her cheeks lit up again. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that!" She panicked. He comfortingly put his hand on hers. "It's ok. I'd love to meet them. Would you like to meet my mother, as well?" She quickly calmed down and smiled softly at Darryl.

"I'd like that."