Why Not?

An enduring silence flooded their cozy spot on Todd’s sofa. Sitting close together he and Carla waited for the other, allowing time to pass before the mood could change back into its comfortable tone.
Hopefully.
Todd stared at the coffee table wanting to be free of this situation, however Carla maintained her steady gaze upon him, her dark eyes literally burning holes into the side of his head. The television’s low drone beneath some oldies but goody film noir movie only deepened the depression he felt, then light fingers began caressing his shoulder.
“So…I really think…I really think if we do move into a place together, we could live quite comfortably, don’cha think, Todd?”
He shifted slightly, maintaining his gaze down at the table, watching the reflection from the television on the polished wooden surface. Carla’s frustrations built up, her voice cracking a bit as she pressed up against him.
“Why won’t you say yes, Todd?” she said.
Again, Todd remained silent. His face showed no signs of acknowledgment or that the idea, her idea, meant anything to him.
“Todd,” Carla called again with more force this time, “Say something.”
A deep sigh followed, Todd’s hands pulling rhythmically on the end of the t-shirt he wore. Finally, Todd sat back. “Your father,” he said, “He won’t like it.”
Her lips pressed tight; Carla ready to scream but forced the urge back. “Father!” she snapped, drawing up onto her knees, arms crossing with a huff. “I think we are old enough to do what we want with my father having anything to say about it, Todd.”
More silence followed.
“I don’t want to make anyone mad, Carla. Both our families would not like that, why mother alone would scream holy murder at me for living in sin.”
“Living in sin,” replied Carla. She couldn’t believe what he just said. “We have been together for almost a year now, Todd. We both have jobs, we’re not getting any younger, and we both have known each other intimately several times.”
She caught his timid glance back at her and relaxed not wanting to sound too oppressive. Again, she leaned against him, hugging Todd in a firm embrace. “And if you really want to please everyone…well we could make it a bit more…official.”
The words pressed on Todd. He carefully pulled himself from her arms standing up. The blank expression sent shivers of fear coursing through Carla, watching Todd head for the kitchen.
“You want something to drink?” he asked.
Carla realized then where this was heading, sensing the confusion and touch of fear emanating from Todd’s attempt to shift topics.
“Todd,” she called, more of a plea than as a lover’s call for attention.
With a hand poised on the handle of the refrigerator, he slowly looked back, face still blank like a page in a new notebook. Trembles running though her body, Carla could only stare back at him nervously biting the corner of her bottom lip. Her eyes blinked, vision clouded and in a weakened voice said, “Don’t you want me?”
He said nothing, allowing a moment to pass before opening the door looking inside…