Intramurals Series: Marriage Booth 1: FRIENEMIES

Con't 1

“Erm…  Mrs. C, We’ll have the wedding lunch and cake, thank you,” Eric said, slightly embarrassed as well.  He guided her bride to the nearest seat.  “Are you OK?”  Tanya rolled her eyes as she sat facing Eric.  Seconds later, their lunch was served – a cup of rice on each plate, fried chicken, a bowl of Chopsuey, and stir fried veggies for garnish.  Tall glasses of iced tea were served next by a beaming waitress.  Eric’s mouth instantly watered.  His stomach grumbled, and immediately dud into his food.  Tanya, on the other hand, looked like she was ready to bail out of the canteen.

“Would you stop eating like a pig?”  She could not help whisper irritably.  “It makes me sick.”  Eric looked up and saw she did not even touch her food. He remembered hearing mumble about being hungry earlier, yet now she could not lift a fork after looking at the variety of food in front of her.  Eric stopped eating.

Was this his doing too?  Did he make her hate food?

“Please eat, Tanya.  Everything is delicious.  I Swear.”  There was a note of affection in his voice that made her blink twice. 

“No, thanks.”  She swallowed the resentment rising in her.  How could he be so insensitive?

“I would really love to stay out of your way if my eating is making you sick, but we’re stuck.  I’m starving.”

“Go… go ahead and eat.  I’ll keep myself busy with something.”

“Eat with me, Tanya.  You don’t have to finish all of these.  Just have something in your stomach.”

”Since when did you become so health conscious?”

“I’m an athlete.  It’s a must.  Here,” Eric spooned a small amount of rice, dipped it in the Chopsuey’s creamy sauce and tried to feed her.  Tanya was shocked… and embarrassed, especially when some of the students watched them with interest.

“Stop it!  You’re killing me.” She snarled at him.

“I’m trying to feed you.  Com’mon, everything tastes good.”  He coaxed her once again.  “This is not fun for me too, Tan.  But do you see me giving up on you?”

Hmm… a point there.  Summoning her courage, she opened her mouth and allowed Eric to feed her.  She balked at first, tasting the sweet-salty-peppery flavor of the sauce, but her taste buds quickly adjusted… as if wanting the taste all along.  She closed her eyes, savoring every soft grain of rice in her mouth.

Gosh!  How could I turn my back on this?  How could I forget how wonderful food taste like?  She didn’t notice her own moan of pleasure until Eric chuckled in front of her.  She opened her eyes guiltily and almost melted when Eric smiled at her tenderly.

“Eat.  Join me.  I know you’re starving.”  Tanya didn’t need to be told twice. 

“I can’t believe you’re making me eat.  Are you the same guy who transformed me into an anorexic?”

“I’m trying to make it up for you, OK?  Finish your food.”

Two slices of icing -covered chiffon cake were served after lunch.  Once again, Tanya’s mouth watered.

“I…I shouldn’t,” she shook her head when Eric raised his brow.

“Be anorexic tomorrow, Tanya.  But today, let’s indulge ourselves.  After all, it’s our wedding day.”

“Ha!  I can’t believe you’re taking this seriously.  Don’t forget we still need to find our bailer.”

“Then, hurry up with your cake!”