Acquaintances

by Valley Fey/Pinprick

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I can’t sing.

I don’t know what I’m doing standing here next to you, biting my lip, hoping you’ll hold my hand. I sure as hell don’t know why I keep thinking of random things about myself I want you to know.

I think Hemmingway’s writing sucks.

I don’t want to tell you these things while we’re at dinner, or- even worse- blurt them out while we stand outside, waiting for a table. I just want you to know them, eventually.

I hate pickles.

I can’t help but stare awkwardly at my feet as you light up a cigarette, not purposefully ignoring me. I think.

I wish on broken shoelaces and spilled shots.

I put my hands behind my back, having realized you won’t hold them. “So…” I try to begin, try to formulate a thought… But I can’t.

I used to think onion rings were calimari.

Why can’t you just look at me? Please?

I love listening to death metal.

The buzzer goes off in your hand and you stand up. I want to scream.

I want you to know these things, because I want you to know me, Dad.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. Acquaintances

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted 28 days ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    I love how it feels like a first date, with that same awkwardness, that same wish to reveal yourself wholly to this stranger, so that they can really know you, only for it to turn out as the narrator’s father at the end. Genius.

  2. Acquaintances

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 28 days ago

    Ah, great twist to it, and lots of raw emotion. Very, very endearing and downright cute, but not in a condescending way.

  3. Acquaintances

    Krulltar's Buddy Icon Krulltar

    Posted 28 days ago

    This rocked. It reminded me of Reba Mcintire’s The Greatest Man I Never Knew

  4. Acquaintances

    Mistress Elsha Hawk's Buddy Icon Mistress Elsha Hawk

    Posted 28 days ago

    Ana just said exactly what I wanted to say! So I say Ditto!

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