Dreaming is like Springtime
(CHAPTER BEGIN: Dinner Alone, So She Thought)
"Martin, I'm glad we're having this dinner. There is just so much we need to talk about." Ruthie said from the passenger seat of his car.
"Yeah well, you are my best friend Ruthie. At least, I hope we're still best friends."
"Of course we are," Ruthie said smiling. 'Gosh, it's been so long since I've seen him.'
The rest of the drive was mostly silent as each thought about what they would say at the dinner. Martin thought about his present for Ruthie and hoped she would like it, while Ruthie wondered if this was a real date or not. Finally, thirty-three minutes later at 5:43 PM they arrived at a restaurant. The name was 'Au Lé Par' and it gave off a French air.
"Here we are, Ruth," Martin said proudly as he parked a close to the entrance as he could get.
"Wow, Martin, this is absolutely amazing. Really, it is; I wasn't expecting something this nice. This would explain why you are wearing a nice shirt!" Ruthie teased as she unbuckled her seat-belt.
"Well you know, I couldn't take you just anywhere, especially not on your birthday."
"Oh Martin that's ridiculous. I wouldn't care if you took me to the greasiest fast food joint in Glenoak."
"Really? Because that could save me a lot of money, and since we're early I could just cancel reservations and you know…"
"Martin," Ruthie interrupted sharply. "This is fine."
"Okay." The two of them broke out into a fit of laughter.
Martin opened the door to his car and stepped out, then walked over to Ruthie's side.
"Mademoiselle Ruthie, you have arrived." Martin used a faux French accent to add humor to where they were dining.
Ruthie giggled and stuck her hand out for Martin to grab. "Merci, Monsieur Martin."
AT THE DINNER TABLE
"Martin, this is fabulous, but why the whole room of tables?"
"Oh, so we can be alone while we celebrate your birthday. It was the only room they had," Martin looked proud of himself, and so Ruthie decided not to giggle and burst his bubble.
"Alright Martin," Ruthie said, looking at him.
"Monsieur, Mademoiselle, are you ready to order?" A tall waiter with dark hair that was beginning to bald on the top and a small mustache asked. He held a pencil and a piece of paper.
"Yes, I believe we are," Martin looked one more time at his menu before ordering a steak and a glass of wine.
"How classic…" The waiter joked as he wrote the order down. "And for the lady?"
"I'll just have a chef salad and a water," She teased playfully. "For now."
"Alright, I'll be back with you shortly." The waiter left and Martin sighed.
"Gosh, he was a little bit too much like a Frenchman to be working here." He laughed silently and Ruthie joined in.
"You know what, I'm starting to get hungry now," Ruthie cocked her head. "They better get my salad out here soon."
"Oh, I'm sure they will Ruthie."
"I hope so,"
"Ruthie, I got you a present. You know, for your birthday."
"You did?" Ruthie asked, shocked. He even bought her a present.
"Yeah, it's in my pocket…" Martin reached into his shirt pocket, and Ruthie nearly fainted when he pulled out a medium sized box encrusted with her name in diamonds.
"Oh my gosh, Martin it's… well, it's just so fabulous! Too fabulous!"
"Here, open it up." Martin handed her the box, and Ruthie accepted it with shaking hands.
Ruthie opened it, but instead of a ring she saw a diamond necklace. After she let it settle in that this was not a date, or a proposal, she finally spoke. "I love it," Was all she could manage to say. She was sincere, she did love it, she was just a little disappointed. But, they were only best friends and hadn't seen each other for years. That was explainable.
They talked for a while, laughing and remembering the good times; while trying to avoid the bad times.
"Ruthie, I have had so much fun tonight." Martin said, smiling. "This is one of the best dates I've been on in forever."
"A date, Martin? This is supposed to be a date? I thought…"
"Yes, it's an official date… if you want it to be."
Ruthie's eyes started to water. "Yes Martin, I do want it to be an official date."
"Then it's settled, so let me kiss you before your parents and family get here."
They both leaned in for a kiss, but as soon as their lips touched Ruthie back away.
"My family is coming!" She asked in a startled tone. "They are coming here?"
"Yeah, I invited them after I called you. For your birthday dinner; I bought a cake and everything."
"Am I interrupting anything?" A new voice asked, and Ruthie turned to look who it was.
"Simon Camden, my goodness it's been forever since I've seen you!" Martin said, and Ruthie just sank back into her chair. Her first real date with Martin and her family would be there.
Nobody seemed to pay any mind to the little girl standing beside Simon. She had curly dark blonde hair and beautiful shy brown eyes; her overall stature was petite, and she was holding Simon's hand.
"Hey Simon, who's the little girl?" Ruthie asked, looking at the cute sundress the girl was wearing that went to her knees.
"She's our daughter, Samantha." Said another new voice. The voice belonged to a young woman with dark curly hair that was holding two infants. One was a boy and one was a girl. "And this here is Madeline and Cole."
Martin just looked at the person that he had despised so many years ago. He still didn't like her much, but now she was a part of Ruthie's family. He had to accept her.
Ruthie just held a stunned look on her face as she realized what was going on. Simon and Sandy had gotten married and had kids. 'No wonder I haven't heard from Simon in so long, he probably didn't want to hurt me by telling me that the one person to ruin my life with Martin was my sister-in-law.' She thought quickly.
"Sandy!" Ruthie said before fainting.
"Sorry if we're a little early," Simon muttered with a concerned look on his face, as Martin shrugged and walked over to help Ruthie.