“Tasha, “Alice says opening the door.

When she opened the door she saw Tasha standing completely drenched from head to toe. She was so wet a puddle begin to form around her feet. She was out of breath, her eyes were red, and she was shaking. Her shoes and pants legs were covered and splattered with mud.

“Hey—–uhmmmm, I’m sorry I’m late my truck broke down.”

Alice in complete shock stares at Tasha not saying a word.

“I couldn’t call, you know because I don’t have a phone and I didn’t have enough for cab fare so I decided to do the next best thing and ran here.” Tasha not knowing what to make of Alice silence assumes she is pissed and upset with her. “Sorry it took so long I’m not as fast as I used to be, “Tasha says smiling slightly trying to make light of the situation. When Alice didn’t smile the sinking feeling that she was pissed begin to sink in.

“I didn’t want you to think that I stood you up because that couldn’t be furthest from the truth. I have been looking forward to this date so much that I have been dressed since 10 a.m. this morning.”

Alice is still silent but tears were beginning to weld in her eyes.

“I been dreaming about tonight and wanted everything to be perfect and special and I still managed to fuck it up. No matter how much I try not to I just keep hurting and disappointing you I’m sorry—–yeah I know me telling you I’m sorry I know that shit is getting old to. I was hoping maybe when I get my truck fixed you would maybe give me another chance to make tonight up to you.”

When Alice didn’t answer Tasha took that as a no and that maybe she blew the only shot she had at getting back with Alice. The more Tasha talked the more Alice found it hard to hold back her tears any longer and they begin to stream down her face.

“Okay—–uh, I don’t want to hold you up any longer I know it’s late but these are for you, “Tasha says handing Alice the box of chocolates.

The box was soaking wet and there was a bend in the box where Alice could see where Tasha gripped it while she was running. When Alice didn’t take the box Tasha thought it was because the box was soaking wet.