Prompt: This was an assignment for my creative writing course: writing 500 words of dialogue only, with a conflict in the subtext. The story itself was inspired by the song Bored to Death by Blink 182 (specifically the line "It's a long way back from seventeen").
“It’s so good to see you again! You haven’t changed at all, I see.” “You definitely have! How is being pregnant treating you?” “It’s not really a problem yet. I’m past the morning sickness and not at the back pains yet, so it’s pretty good, actually. It’s like the stage where everyone is spoiling you and you are enjoying it way too much.” “So your husband is treating you well, I take it?” “Well, technically, he’s not my husband yet.” “Really? I would have thought you two would have been married by now.” “I think he’s waiting for the baby to arrive. But don’t worry; you’ll obviously get an invite! I wouldn’t marry without you there. All of you guys.” “Does your future husband agree with that?” “What?” “Oh, never mind. So, what would you like to drink? Share a bottle of red wine?” “I really shouldn’t drink, what with the baby… But I guess one time wouldn’t hurt.” “One bottle of your finest red wine, please!” “Certainly, sir.” “So, what are you doing these days?” “Me? Nothing much, really. I’m not settling down like you are; got myself an apartment on the other side of town, not far from Claire’s, in fact. You know me, one job, then another, some travelling if I feel like it.” “You really haven’t changed at all, have you?” “Not really, I guess. I suppose at some point, I might have to find a wife, but and settle for a career, but not right now.” “I don’t think you’ll ever grow up, Rich. You always were the most immature of the group.” “Maybe, but also the most fun, wasn’t I?” “Certainly, or I wouldn’t be sitting here.” “Here’s your wine, sir. Would you need anything else? “No, thanks darling.” “You haven’t aged a bit, I can tell. Flirting with the waitress, really?” “Well, as the youth say, you only live once, my dear Kate.” “You’re not young anymore, even if you pretend to be.” [3 hours later] “We really should stop doing this.” “Why? It feels great. Just like old times. You still have it, girl.” “It’s a long way back from seventeen, you know.” “When did you become this boring? Live a little! And don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.” “Things changed. People changed.” “That’s just what you like to think. You need to find a reason for yourself, an explanation. Well, let me give you one. You just wanted to live a little.” “That’s not what it is, Richard.” “Yeah, it is. You’re just convincing yourself that all of this is a good idea. And I don’t mean us. I mean your husband in his grey suits and maching ties. The baby that’s growing in your belly. Your work from 9 till 5. You’re trying to convince yourself that you’re not making a mistake, because deep down you know you are.” “No, I don’t. You’re misinterpreting everything.” “The scratches on my back prove otherwise, dear Kate.”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
February 2017
About meWelcome to my blog! This is where I post my stories, occasionally accompanied by personal thoughts. I always post short stories, as I keep the longer ones for myself. My stories are often based on songs. I listen to music a lot (mostly pop punk / punk rock), and often get inspired by melodies, lyrics, or music videos. |