Love Strikes Back

Two years ago…

Nadia and Greg sat at a McDonald’s. He ordered two quarter pounders, fries, and a mega chocolate shake. Nadia sat next to him smiling. Herself with a latte and one of those McCafe muffins. She didn’t like fast food the same way Greg did. He didn’t **** her to eat it — and she loved looking at him happy and full.

“Hic… Hic… Hic…” he hiccuped.

She rubbed his back. He ate too fast.

”Slow down my dear,” she chuckled.

Other patrons looked at the pair oddly, thinking she must be his carer — which wasn’t far from the truth. Greg’s need to be cared for transformed Nadia into an obedient nurturing wife. Greg, a manchild — dribbling Big Mac sauce on his collar.

Nadia wiped away the sauce. It wasn’t the first time. She knew just how to get the stain out.

Greg smiled. Full. Bursting. Satisfied. Completely. They waddled over to the train station and a few stops back home. Greg resting on the couch. Nadia cleaned up a bit. She went outside on the landing to get some fresh air.

Life was sweet. A little island among the sad lonely cruel world. She had been out there long ago — with people who didn’t care about her. Her parents… Her friends… Men wanted to sleep with her. Women thought she would tempt their boyfriends. She was happy with her Greg — my little teddy bear.

She went back inside — Greg. Sound asleep. Snoring. She rested her head on his tummy.

“I love you…” she said.

Leon had said the same thing. Nadia hesitated. But it was enough for him to doubt. He sat up.

“Sorry… Too soon?” He said. Nervous smile.

”Um… I—“ Nadia tried to make sense of her feelings. She was stuck. Nothing came out.

Leon took a deep breath. Maybe he was trying too hard. Trying to win her over. But he had a feeling like Nadia had one foot out the door.

“Sorry… That was my fault,” he said.

“No… I care about you… I just — I,” Nadia said, but was cut off.

”It’s okay…” He smiled. They got dressed. Awkward. Anxious. Standing on needles. Pricking.

Nadia shut the door as Leon left. Then leaned back on it — sliding to her bum. Knees hugging her chest.

“Why am I such a mess?”