The System In My Head
The right first date
7 days.
For the 100th time today, Samara's voice from The Ring is ringing in Ben's head...
It was also how many times he had checked his cell phone clock since he sat down. "He must be late."
He was sitting at a candlelit dinner table in Gregori's, an Italian restaurant, alone. The voice of a chatting couple is combined with light classical music to create the perfect romantic atmosphere for dating. Ben had spent a lot of time researching online to find this place, trying to make this event perfect, but he was not meant to enjoy it alone.
Yesterday ended up not getting a new phone number, so he depends on today's date. She arranged to meet Katie, the anime fan girl from the park a week ago. They confirmed it yesterday for this time and place. "He said yesterday that he's coming, so I'm sure he'll be coming soon."
An old male servant with a good disposition put his hand on Ben's shoulder. "Young man, it's been 2 hours. I don't think he's coming ..." She has a sympathetic face and eyes that protect their own painful memories, the kind of eyes that have stories to tell.
Ben stared long into those honest eyes. It was as if he could see himself in it; he who made stupid mistakes, he who hid from pain and difficulty, who avoided the truth...
"Who?" ask Ben. "Who's coming?"
...
"I'm not waiting for anyone. I'm alone. I like it here..."
They stared at each other for a few seconds, before the two glanced at the empty seat opposite Ben. There are five dishes there!
...
It was Ben's first date. She was so nervous that whenever the waiter asked her if she needed anything, she could not help but order something else for her and Katie.
He looked back into the old man's sincere eyes, feeling uneasy over the ridiculous lie he said earlier ...
"My wife died." Ben's doubled.
...
"Today is our 3rd anniversary..."
The old man's eyes were like a clear puddle of water. They are deep, full of life changes. He listened to Ben's story while nodding his head with warmth and understanding. "...Is she?"
"No."
...
As the waiter's bitter eyes stare at Ben's desk, they get a more bitter touch ...
"He didn't pay."
Ben is running away! He left a dozen dishes untouched!
As the bitter waiter's eyes stare at Ben's desk, they get a sweeter touch ...
"I'll eat it."
Life change! Sadness and joy!
That was his goal all along!
***
A little far from there, Ben was on the run. 'Forgive me parents. I can't afford that food. Plus, your weird squint eyes scare me...I'll pay you back in my next life so you can buy Lasik...'
His head bowed as he walked to the place he agreed to meet Antonio. His first date was a splinter.
"Yo cuz! Why is his face long?"
Ben looked up and found Antonio waiting for him on the bench on the sidewalk. Grabbing the seat next to him, Ben struggles through depression and recounts his failed date over the sound of cars and pedestrians.
After hearing the full story, Antonio nodded as if he knew what the problem was. "Because, there are a lot of things I don't know, but I've been dating a lot, I've read them and Beluga told me a few things. In short, you make a lot of mistakes. I'll break it down ... First off, you've never had one of your first dates at a restaurant. Food is high octane fart fuel ... You should always prefer your chicks with electric power or hybrids."
Ben is confused. "I can't speak mister donkey or whatever language you just spoke ... but don't most people go out to dinner on a date?"
Antonio sneering. "Most people don't know anything. Food dating has too many problems. First, some chicks expect you to pay for them since you invited them. You already know that paying is for suckers, so there's no point in trivializing ...'
When he thought of his next point, Antonio shook his head in disdain. "Then, after eating, the girl will feel fat and tired, she will not want to be naked while feeling like a butter golem."
...
Ben's eyes widened. "He suggested dinner. So you mean. It's a trap..."
Antonio nodded. "One where you'll end up with nothing, even handjabba the Hutt ..."
