Real Life

Photo by Felipe Bustillo on Unsplash

As the credits rolled, Ted wondered what Nina was thinking. Especially after their fight right before the movie had started. “I’m sorry I’m such a slob,” he blurted out. “I’ll try to be better about putting my dirty laundry in the basket.”

Nina turned to him, still misty-eyed from the romantic movie they had just watched. “Sure. Wanna grab a late dinner?”

Things always went like this. They’d have a blow-up and after Nina cooled off, she acted like it hadn’t happened. Ted wasn’t going to let that happen this time. As they waited for their meals to arrive at their favorite little hole-in-the wall restaurant, he asked, “Are you disappointed that our relationship isn’t like the ones you see in the movies? I mean, I don’t really measure up to those Hollywood stars.”

Nina laughed. “Seriously? Ted, those movies are fantasy. They might as well be filled with wizards and dragons. They’re fun to watch and imagine, but no one is like that, not even the actors portraying the characters.”

“I’m not very romantic.”

“You could work a little harder at it. But you’re great in so many ways. I’m not perfect either, you know. Look, real relationships require work and a willingness to compromise and accept our partners’ imperfections. I love you.”

 “I love you too.” Ted felt his mouth shift into that lopsided grin Nina liked so much. “Just don’t leave me for Renaldo what-his-name.”

“I might, you know,” Nina grinned back. “If I can just figure out how to make my way into the movie.”

Ted’s heart gave a little leap. He had come up with the most romantic idea of his life. He would recreate the proposal scene from the movie, complete with a flash mob to do the singing.

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This story was inspired by a Reedsy prompt to write a story that begins in a movie theater as the movie ends. I love romance in stories but am always struck by how they create unrealistic expectations around relationships. This prompt gave me a chance to write about that as well.