PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
I love this place. The contrasting chrome and plastic. The shiny faux-leather seats. Huh, they’ve got a new bubble gum machine. This is my fried food-smelling world. I need to get a table.
Oh my God, she’s here already, on the high stool at the counter. She’s beautiful.
She’s smiling. Perfect teeth.
Suddenly, I ‘m Charlie Chaplin with blisters, my feet too big and the toes pointing at ten to two.
Oh God, how do I get from here to her?
Act cool, don’t mess it up. Ouch, the corner of that table hurts.
Deep breaths, you can do this.
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Michael Wynn 
Hah, know the feeling 🙂
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We’ve all been there
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I love the Charlie Chaplin metaphor. Mine would be even more slapstick–like one of the Three Stooges. The teeth are an important factor too. You don’t want to get into a serious relationship and discover your new love requires extenstive dental work. Good one, Mick.
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Thank-you. His self confidence sees the perfect in her and only his own faults
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I could totally feel his angst! That was a good take on those first-date jitters!
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Thanks Dale
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If he just makes it to the table and gets his first words out, he’ll be fine. It’s a big ‘if’ though!
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Yeah, he needs to cross that chasm
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I think you covered the angst of the chronically worried beautifully!
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Thank you
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Fantastic descriptions. This rang so true. Very funny, but I’m sure he’ll get there eventually.
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Thanks. I’m sure he will
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Oh, if I had a nickle for every time my self talk included the line, “Deep breaths, you can do this,” I wouldn’t need to work for the rest of my life. Excellent description of the scene. Maybe they met online. Maybe it was a fix up. There’s more to this story, for sure. Nicely done, Sir.
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Thanks Honie. He’s tried to get the date on his turf to be comfortable but at the end his nerve just deserted him
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Oh I felt his anxiety building. I’m rooting for him.
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Yeah, hope when he gets there she’s there because she wants to be and because she likes him for himself
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That was such a sweet story. We could feel his anxiety and love the Charlie Chaplin metaphor!
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Thank-you, glad you enjoyed it
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Love the description especially the Charlie Chaplin part. Truly inspired.
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Thank-you
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This is really funny and probably resonates with many remembering a first date. I loved the line ‘Suddenly, I ‘m Charlie Chaplin with blisters, my feet too big and the toes pointing at ten to two.’ You illustrate his awkwardness perfectly.
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Thank you Clare
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I wonder how she feels… maybe just the same.
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I think she did, which is why she got seated early and scuppered his plans to get comfortable
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Oh! I love this! The angst. The doubt. The ouch. The opening scene! I’m so glad I read your story. Thanks for making me smile and cringe at the same time.
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Thank you Alicia, that’s a lovely comment
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Dear Michael,
His angst was tangible. Perhaps he should try Chaplin’s dancing rolls routine. 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DLdMa98JdM
Enjoyable piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sending that Rochelle
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That is so sweet and really takes me back. She’s probably as nervous as him underneath but has found sanctuary already on the high stool. Perhaps if she had arrived after him, that walk across the room would have been just as painful for her!
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I think she is as nervous. His plan was to get there first but she obviously had other ideas. They are probably as bad as each other but can’t see beyond their own nerves
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You;ve capture that gauche self consciousness so well Michael. I remember that very well! Very well written
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Thanks Lynn
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My pleasure 🙂
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That wouldn’t have been me because I was way too shy in high school. It’s a painful time of life. Good writing, Michael. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne
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Great explanation of nerves… i always bang my hip on the table! Good luck to him 😊
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Thanks, Laurie. The hip banging thing seems to be common, I wrote that from personal experience
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made my first date video can u comment on this, appreciated for your time ||Don’t Watch||||Viral video||secret revelled||What NOT to do on the First Date??|| first date??|| leave ur comment
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