Prologue
Seattle – winter – Washington.
December 22nd.
I heard a ringing sound.
I knew he would be coming to pick me up and the dress I was wearing was for the occasion. I couldn't believe I was actually going to perform with the orchestra for Seattle's Nutcracker ballet! Thank goodness it was the George Balanchine and a beloved favorite of mine! I brushed my hair before I heard that annoying ding from my Samsung phone. I groaned and pausing in my movements, reached over and picked up that phone. On Messages, I read clearly his words.
"Can't wait to pick you up! And then get this over with!"
"Is that all he can ever say? Finish up with my dressing and then he'll drop me off? He's not even going to stay and watch the performance!" I thought and I only responded.
"Just about finished. Where are you?"
"Standing outside your door! That's what!" Was the response.
That could explain the ring I heard earlier. I finished what I could with my hair before I rose. Living in Seattle was hard and the pay was even more challenging! Out of sheer need, I agreed to work as a waitress at one of the local restaurants and I was thankful my manager was nice. He gave me some time off from work so I could practice for the performance but I also wished he could be there to watch me play! After I evened out the dress, I turned and exited my bedroom. Entering the small but humble apartment, I heard the ringing noise and I prayed the neighbors would send me complaints about how "my boyfriend" pressed the bell to my apartment! Walking across, I made it in time to hear him mutter.
'And I hope she knows she'll be late if she doesn't get there on time!"
Opening the door, I plastered on the fake smile as I greeted. "Hello, Mr. Ring."
"Hello, Miss Lizzy Bennet. Are you about ready?"
"About. Need to retrieve my jacket and a few other items. Care to wait for me in the lobby?"
He shrugged his shoulders as he replied. "Sure. Car's already outside. You can join me there."
"Alright." I answered and watched as he turned and left. I followed his retreating figure with a slight lump in my throat. How often we would bicker like this and I disliked this greatly! Name one thing I dreamed about was arguing with a potential spouse! Closing the apartment door, I made my way back to the bedroom where I picked up my cellphone. I was thankful for the blessing of the vanity desk, the queen sized bed, the bathroom, and the window which was to the left. The other things I needed to collect were my jacket and then the music sheets. I would use these if I needed them and the performance was going to be this evening!
"Where is the bag?" I asked aloud.
Noticing it was on my bed, I made my over and swung the strings over my shoulder. Then I gazed around the room to make sure nothing was out of place. Except for the light, everything was fine. Nodding, I exited, turned the light switch off, and then walked out of the apartment. I was thankful I had the key. Once I was standing out in the hall, I locked the apartment before I turned and walked down the hall. I knew my boyfriend was outside in the car and he was probably wondering how long it would be for me to appear! When I made it to the main lobby, I noticed the Christmas tree in the lobby and making my way over, I peered up and saw the Christmas star. I smiled remembering how that it was a reminder of the Christ Child and how He came to save us! I stood there for a little longer before a small chime made me jump. It was a small Grandfather clock and the owl on top moved and his eyes reminded me of the Story of the Nutcracker.
"Best be moving along. Can't afford to be late." I thought as I shifted the bag I was carrying. Then I made my way out the front doors. Stepping out into the Seattle air, a brush of wind touched me and I let it play with my hair. I was decided to wear my hair long and not let it in a bun! I knew he was out in the car when I heard a horn's honk before a voice called.
"Lizzy! Hurry it up, would you?! We haven't got all night!"
"There's that annoying boyfriend of mine." I thought as I made my way over to the street He always packed his car here and I knew it anywhere: Honda Pilot.
He didn't even bother to step out and open the door for me as I made my way over. I knew I was going to have to open it myself. Once I was in and ignored how he was drumming his fingers on the wheel, I closed the door and then looking at him, asked. "Ready?"
"Yes. Just get this over with." He replied before he turned the ignition on.
"If I could manage to get out of this relationship, I would in an instant!" I thought as he roared the engine to life. Making sure no one was around, he placed his hand on the back of the seat, before he entered traffic and soon the two of us were on the road. It was winter and when he put his foot on the gas pedal, I wished with all my heart he would open his heart to me. Tell me his feelings… let me know where we were… if we would be going to the altar and start a life together! I longed to be one of the ladies who were getting married but he didn't seem to be in that frame of mind! All he wanted was to drop off at the theater and probably go and do something ridiculous! The trip was spent in silence as we left my apartment and drove where MacHall was. I wanted to slump in my seat and wish he wasn't taking me… perhaps my manger would have been the better idea… but I didn't voice this as I moved my eyes over to the window and decided to count how many streets had Christmas lights on them. We would approach MacHall sooner than I expected when my boyfriend stopped at red light. He muttered.
"Swell. Another fifteen minutes before we're probably going to be late."
"And the pouty mouth he is." I thought as I kept my eyes on the outside world.
However did I manage to court-date a man like this? He only drummed his fingers on the wheel as the two of us waited for the light to change to green. When it finally did, I heard him say.
"Thank goodness!"
Then MacHall was our destination as he pushed his foot on the gas and drove us there.