Short Story

I really liked today's story. It just kind of wrote itself!

I had to look up how to spell chique, then cross reference the definition to make sure I got it write.


"Pretend I'm her." Dot Gilliam said. Conrad Parrott dug his toe into the ground nervously.

"Are you sure about this? I don't know..." His face was flushed red. "I just don't want it to seem rehearsed."

"Just paraphrase it then." Dot said. "Now, pretend I'm Karen and ask me out."

"Ok, here goes." Conrad took a deep breathe and began. "Hi, Karen."

"Hi, Conrad." Dot answered immediately.

"Um, I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me."

"Of course!" Dot exclaimed overjoyed. "See, that wasn't so hard!"

"It won't go like that, come on!" Conrad turned away and peeked over the display racks at Karen who was working the register. "She'll never say yes. She's so pretty and perfect. Why would she go out with a geek like me."

Dot shook her head, walked over and stood next to Conrad. "Karen? Karen Black. She's far from perfect. She's human like everyone else! She'd be stupid not to date you. You're smart, funny, and kind. Any girl would be happy to be with you." Conrad kept staring. Dot elbowed him to get his attention. "Besides," she continued, "geek is the new chique." She winked at him.

Conrad swallowed nervously. "Maybe I'll ask her out tomorrow." He looked back and watched her gather her things from the register as her relief took over.

"Conrad, just be yourself." Dot reassured him. "The worst she can do is say no."

Conrad nodded. "I'll go talk to her now." Conrad walked off.

Dot sighed deeply.

"He doesn't know you like him, does he." George said as he walked up and stood next to Dot.

"No." She turned to George. "I need a hug right now."

George held her and she buried her face in his shoulder.