Nothing to Say

Writers Prompt: Mini story that begins with, "They had nothing to say to each other..."

They had nothing to say to each other. They were sitting across from one another at a table seated for two in Chicago's newest downtown bistro. The atmosphere was dim but cozy, with neutral walls, nice hardwood floors, with red velvet fabric on the cushioned seating. The table between them was black wood, with condiments resting to the side. the place was on the verge of bordello, but had a certain class to it. The lighting above each table gave everyone a soft glow, and the quiet chatter and clinking of plates gave the bistro life on this quaint October evening. 

They had just finished discussing what they both did for a living, and were now waiting for their food to arrive. They both sat there in silence, trying to figure out something to say. Both suffered through their shy smiled and awkward glances. 

He couldn't help but be shy. He thought her beautiful. she had hair the color of burnt chestnuts, and ivory skin with a hint of freckles across her nose. Her eyes though, so soft of a brown, he could tell she smiled a lot. And when she did smile, his heart stopped. No, he couldn't help but be shy. If he could just think of one joke, or of one interesting thing to say, she would smile, and they would click. Unfortunately, he was neither funny, nor interesting. So he just sat there and smiled at her. 

He started to open his mouth and say something about the weather when the food arrived. He saw her face light up as the food was being set down. He felt like a fool, what kind of blind date was this. his confidence was breaking. He was boring her so much, that she was grateful for the food arriving. 

She peeked up at him while she was eating. His hazel eyes looked worried as he ate his meal. She hated that she was so boring. She thought he was cute, wit his dirty blonde hair that had obviously tried to be tamed, and wasn't working. She stuck her fork in her glazed pepper chicken. She hadn't eaten much today due to nerves, and she was starving. She wished she could just swallow her plate whole. 

They ate in silence, each swearing the would say something when they were done eating. He cleared his throat and took a sip of water. Her hoped raised as she thought he was going to say something. He looked as if he wanted to, but it got stuck in his throat, and he went back to his food. 

They finished eating, and he finally spoke. "How was your dinner?"

"It was very good. How was yours?" She replied.

"Was good. I'm glad you liked your meal."

They both smiled at each other and they both could feel the butterflies. She took a sip of water, hoping she would relax. 

the waiter came, took away the dishes, and gave them a dessert menu. He recommended the chocolate lava cake to share, as it was perfectly sized for two. Her date looked at her and asked what she thought. 

"It sounds wonderful" She replied, smiling. She loved chocolate cake! 

He hoped she didn't mind sharing. How presumptuous of him! He shouldn't of assumed. It's too much for her, too much pressure! It was too late now, they will both have to suffer through it he thought grimly. 

She looked at him and saw his beautiful eyes looking grim, and she wondered why. Dare she ask what's wrong? No, it was probably her. Maybe he doesn't like chocolate cake. 

The waiter brought the cake, and served it with two dessert forks. Setting in onto the table he nodded his head, saying enjoy, and walked away. The couple picked up their forks and started eating, their forks intimately bumping into each other, each taking small bites. The piece of chocolate lava cake was small, but delicious, and it was soon gone. She finished the last piece of cake, the fork leaving her mouth and a small smile on her lips, and he was struck with the realization he wanted to see her again, and would do anything to make that happen. He only hoped she felt the same way, 

She wanted to say something, she needed to. She mustered her courage and settled her gaze on him, brown eyes sparkling. "That cake was perfect. I hope you didn't mind sharing. I've had a wonderful time, and I'm glad my sister brought us together here tonight. I hope you feel the same way" She felt herself blushing, and she was getting warm. She wanted to sink into her chair, and prayed he didn't notice.

He saw her blushing, and he smiled gratefully. "So did I actually. I didn't mind sharing one bit." 

They both sat there, smiling at each other for a few moments before the waiter arrived to take the plate. He asked if they wanted the check and they nodded. She looked down at her hands, clasped on her lap, not knowing what to do. She wanted the conversation to flow, for the night not to end, to make this end perfectly. Maybe she should of ordered coffee.

He looked at her, and she looked upset. He didn't know what to say, or why she was upset. She put her hands on the table, and reached for her water. He met her hand with his. He did't even realize his mistake until it was too late. she looked at him surprised, and he was surprised! They both were speechless in their own ways, and just sat their, fingers entwined, hopelessly perfect. 

The waiter brought the check and saw their hands together, at last. He smiled graciously, didn't say anything to ruin the moment, and walked away. She started to move her hand to pick up the check. He held firm onto her hand, and said he'd get it. She smiled kindly, glad he was a gentleman. He put cash onto the table, including a generous tip and stood up. He shrugged into his coat, and she did the same. As she was doing up the last button, he held out his hand and she took it, smiling. 

They walked outside into the brisk air where his car was parked. He asked if she had drive, and she said no. He then offered her a ride home, and she accepted. 

They drove in silence except when she told him to turn left then right, and told him to pull up. He looked to his right, and saw she lived in a brick townhouse, with a well manicured lawn. He could tell it was a cozy abode from outside. 

They sat in the still silence, both unsure what to say or do. They both started to say something at the same time, and both smiled. He asked her the question that he was afraid of, and that she longed to hear. If she would be interested in doing this again sometime soon. It took all of his courage, and his heart was pounding. He didn't know what he would do is she said no, he wouldn't be able to bear it. 

She looked at him, her eyes soft and caring, a small smile played on her lips. She took his hand and looked into his eyes. She replied yes, and that she would love to do this again. 

His heart rose, and he smiled in great relief. They both exchanged numbers and she opened the car door to get out. He waved goodbye, and so did she. She walked up to her front door. She looked back out at him, and he met her gaze. they held for a moment. She smiled and turned to go inside. 

Even though her date was silent, and at times awkward, she couldn't wait to see him again, she wanted to know more about him.

as he drove, he thought of what he could talk about next time. It would not be awkward like this one he promised himself. He was thankful she said yes, and was stupefied. He wanted to yell out to the world, stand atop a mountain and sing.

Silence really can speak a thousand words... 

Author's Note

This is from a writing prompt, which I enjoy doing.

This is a rough draft, and thought I'd share before making a good copy.

Feel free to add ideas, and to give me feedback.
Specifically, the talking between them. Quotes or no? I realize some words are just included in the paragraph, and others are separate and in quotes.

Thanks!

Reviews

[Writer360]

Hey Sarah I am Camille and I also have been writing for a while, and I just found this site through my school's writing club, so I am very excited to be here. But enough of that I think your idea is good, but it can be adjust just a tad bit. First things first, you have some places that words should be and isn't ,others have the wrong word placed in the sentence so it doesn't flow as well. Don't worry it's nothing major just little simple common mistakes like connecting words. Another idea that I wanted to through your way is that the whole plot of the story is good but I think you could take it a step farther. Instead of just saying they're nervous tell why ,put a little spin on it, and tell why it is so hard to put yourself out there and how nerve racking it is going to met a total stranger you no nothing about. But also tell the perks of dating and how it can be exciting and fun to met someone new and tell of the butterflies you get when u met the one and how two people connect and sparks start flying then they know they were met to be. But you could also put a glimpse of the situation that no one wants to be in, the down fall of dating, the being stood up or the person that you thought might be worth the time of day turns out to be a total butt head routine. But it is totally up to you what to do with it I just thought u might want some advice and a good push in the right direction. Well I hope we get to talk soon I would love to hear from you. Well see ya.

-Camille

[Sarah Jane]

Thanks so much for the review!

Yes, I plan on expanding it, but I wanted it to be like a fly on the wall perspective. I wasn't too sure I wanted to expand on the reasons why, but I could be more descriptive with the characters nerves, and 'butterflies' and elation when they meet with their eyes, or they both smile at each other.

I ALSO thought to bring the waiter's perspective into it, like have a paragraph in his POV every so often explaining a stranger's view of love, their attraction, and I think it would add a cool spin.

I'll be going through and fixing & what not to (grammar/placed words, etc)

Thanks again,

-Sarah

[Writer360]

Hey Sarah, I am glad to hear that you have more of a plan and general direction that you want to see in your writing. Oh and I am sorry if me suggesting to go in depth of why made uncomfortable that's how I learned how to write to put a little more emotion into the story and emphasis on what the main point is of the story; It also makes it flow easier and makes it pop so it's more appealing to the reader. But you sound like u already got it all figured out.

[Sarah Jane]

It's a work in progress :) We'll see where this story leads me.

[Writer360]

Kay that awesome, I too am working on something but it isn't done yet.

[Robert Parlange]

I liked the story. It could use a little editing, but the story is tight. It reminds me of a couple I knew in high school. They were together since junior high and eventually got married. But they never talked. It was a little creepy. We thought they must be in telepathic communication or something. As far as I know they are still married. Sometimes words aren't really necessary.