The Beginnings - Part 162: BEING PRUDISH

This indifferent readiness, this cool accommodation, the notion of such a quick and driven…encounter, was…shamefully exciting.
-Alice Munro
OPEN SECRETS, Short Story:
Spaceships Have Landed

The Beginnings – Part 162:   BEING PRUDISH

December 12, 1983, Monday

Work was okay.   I bought mom her French Royal telephone and a new sweater for Christmas.   I bought myself some speedo swim trunks and a pair of gray pants.   I found all of these items at CAPWELL’s.

My section had a good time making cracks about SI-24, a code about honesty and company policy rules.

I received a message from Bill.   He wanted to suggest dinner tonight.   I agreed.

Bill arrived at my place in Alameda at around six o’clock.   We decided on the BLUE DOLPHIN Restaurant.   We had a very pleasant evening.   We came to my pad where we studied for his Spanish exam.   I learned that his exam was at CAL STATE HAYWARD, so I insisted that he spend the night.  
Bill expressed hurt feelings when I made a point of saying, “I don’t think we should sleep in the same bed because my brother and sister-in-law are here.   I don’t know what time they’ll be hitting the sack.”

And so, Bill chose to leave with a very hurt feeling and attitude.  
I couldn’t help myself but I expressed my own hurt feelings by asking, “What about the fooling around on one’s partner and hurting the partner’s feelings?”
“Grow Up!” I shouted.
Bill didn’t appreciate any of it.   He was being senseless.  Was it all about the sex?
Bill shouted back, “Well, I don’t like your living arrangement!”

Needless to say, I don’t feel very good about him now.   He didn’t stay the night.   I mean…he still could have stayed longer and spent more time with me.   The sleeping together arrangements were not necessary.   He was being prudish.   That’s the word for it.   He was thinking of his own spoiled, selfish feelings.   He wanted his way…only (or else). 

Well, I say, “Forget it!  Later…Good Bye…for now!  And yet, I can’t help but wonder about the way he left and if he’ll ever care to discuss anything ever again.”

Oh well…Per my recent conversation with Tammy she is coming over on Wednesday to cook dinner.   We’ll see how that goes.

Everything happens twice…once as something real, and then as farce.
-Christopher Bram,
SURPRISING MYSELF, a novel