An enduring silence flooded their cozy spot on Todd\u2019s 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\u2019s low drone beneath some oldies but goody film noir movie only deepened the depression he felt, then light fingers began caressing his shoulder.
\u201cSo\u2026I really think\u2026I really think if we do move into a place together, we could live quite comfortably, don\u2019cha think, Todd?\u201d
He shifted slightly, maintaining his gaze down at the table, watching the reflection from the television on the polished wooden surface. Carla\u2019s frustrations built up, her voice cracking a bit as she pressed up against him.
\u201cWhy won\u2019t you say yes, Todd?\u201d she said.
Again, Todd remained silent. His face showed no signs of acknowledgment or that the idea, her idea, meant anything to him.
\u201cTodd,\u201d Carla called again with more force this time, \u201cSay something.\u201d
A deep sigh followed, Todd\u2019s hands pulling rhythmically on the end of the t-shirt he wore. Finally, Todd sat back. \u201cYour father,\u201d he said, \u201cHe won\u2019t like it.\u201d
Her lips pressed tight; Carla ready to scream but forced the urge back. \u201cFather!\u201d she snapped, drawing up onto her knees, arms crossing with a huff. \u201cI think we are old enough to do what we want with my father having anything to say about it, Todd.\u201d
More silence followed.
\u201cI don\u2019t 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.\u201d
\u201cLiving in sin,\u201d replied Carla. She couldn\u2019t believe what he just said. \u201cWe have been together for almost a year now, Todd. We both have jobs, we\u2019re not getting any younger, and we both have known each other intimately several times.\u201d
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. \u201cAnd if you really want to please everyone\u2026well we could make it a bit more\u2026official.\u201d
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.
\u201cYou want something to drink?\u201d he asked.
Carla realized then where this was heading, sensing the confusion and touch of fear emanating from Todd\u2019s attempt to shift topics.
\u201cTodd,\u201d she called, more of a plea than as a lover\u2019s 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, \u201cDon\u2019t you want me?\u201d
He said nothing, allowing a moment to pass before opening the door looking inside\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An enduring silence flooded their cozy spot on Todd\u2019s 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 … Continue reading