Laurels Literary Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 87

Roberta: She thinks I embarrass her. I’ll stop talking and let you guys finish eating. William (whispering): Father, we thank Thee. Katrina: I’m sorry, did you say something? William: Oh, no, I was just talking to the Father. Zach (whispers): Freaks . . . Roberta: Excuse me, Zachariah, did you say something? Zach: Oh, I said . . . ummm, Jesus! Katrina: Zach, baby, go ahead and finish your dinner. We don’t want to keep the Douglas’. Katrina looks at Zach as if to say, “Hurry up and eat your food so we can hurry up and go!” Zach: Ok. Everyone quietly finishes their dinner and Zach helps Ramona remove the dishes and leftovers from the table. While in the kitchen, they begin to talk. Zach: Mona . . . ummm . . . about the other night . . . you know what I asked you? Well, forget it. I shouldn’t have asked you that. Ramona: Oh, it’s okay, Zach. Zach: Ummm . . . what I’m really trying to say is . . . I don’t know if this will work out. You know, you and me. You’re a nice girl, but I don’t think . . . Ramona: What are you saying? Is it me? Is it my parents? I know they’re weird, but they’re harmless! Zach: I don’t know . . . I just don’t think that this will work out, I mean, your dad seems really hardcore . . . but we can still be friends. Ramona: But, Zach, don’t do this . . . we have such a good thing going on. Zach: Keisha . . . I mean, Mona . . . I . . . (Zach grabs his head realizing he just called Ramona by her best friend’s name.) Ramona: What did you just call me? Zach: I said Ramona. Ramona: No, I think I heard you say Keisha! You know, I’ve just had a change of heart. I don’t think this is going to work. Are you talking to my best friend? Zach: Ramona, it’s not like that . . . I’m not . . . . Ramona: Ok, we’re done in here. I’ll see you to the door. Ramona and Zach come back into the dining room where their parents were sitting and talking. Katrina: You ready, buddy? (She says getting up from the table and locking her arms in his.) Zach looks at Ramona with a look of sorrow. No one else notices. Zach: Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas. The food was really good. 87