Eric

Veronica stood up from the movie theater seat and whispered into Eric’s ear. “I’m just gonna go into the ladies room real quick.” Eric nodded his head and smiled warmly. Veronica faked a smile and stepped out of her chair. As she started to walk through the darkened room she noticed her step was getting quicker. Once the door to the theater room closed behind her Veronica could only focus on the next set of doors that were facing the street. While Veronica knew what she was about to do was a cowardly move she also couldn’t ignore that strong urge she felt to leave. “I have to leave. I’ll just text him. I’ll just tell him I got sick in the bathroom. Yeah, that’s perfect, no one can fight someone about that” Veronica started to run to the doors. As soon as she pulled them open she could breathe and she felt free. She was so glad she always insisted on driving herself everywhere. She got into her car and decided she would text him as soon as she got to the nearest gas station. Oh, god here comes the guilt. Veronica always felt guilty afterwards.

“Why does this keep happening to me?" You see, this isn't the first time Veronica decides to leave in the middle of a date. Her consistent pattern has been: she meets a guy, she dates the guy and then she runs from the guy. She can't help it, she keeps meeting new beautiful, kind men wherever she goes. The men show interest and want to be with her, and who doesn’t want that? It feels good to be wanted and appreciated right? Also, Veronica secretly believes that maybe this new man will be the one that will make her stay, maybe this new man is the one who will not cause her to run.

As Veronica approached the gas station and parked she pulled out her cell phone to start writing the stupid text. She noticed she had a missed text from him. He was asking if she was alright. She quickly texted back an apology and let him know she had to leave due to stomach problems, how embarrassing. He replied with an “I’m sorry to hear that. Call me when you are feeling better.” There it was again, the guilt. That pang in her stomach and the voice in her head that called her names. Still at the same time she felt a relief because she wouldn’t have to go through with the date or continue to see him. Veronica got out of her car and started to pump gas. Across from her she saw a couple pull up. They looked so happy and comfortable together. She wondered how long they were together and how the girl was able to maintain it. Then Veronica got angry at herself for not pushing and making herself stay in a relationship even when she felt the urge to leave. Suddenly Veronica heard a voice behind her.

“Veronica?” It was Eric. He had parked in the pump next to her.

“Eric? Why are you not at the movie theater?” She quickly put her gas cap back on again and prepared to flee. There it was that same old urge to run.

“I don’t really like to watch movies by myself, so I decided to head home. Then I saw you at the light. Are you feeling better? Was it the popcorn? It did taste a bit stale” He was smiling at me and getting closer.

“Stop right there Eric. I-uh threw up and I don’t think you should come closer. Also, it's all over the car too, so I really need to get home” I quickly got in my car. Eric backed up and he started to run his hands over his head.

“Sure, right. I guess I’ll call you later” Veronica nodded a yes and got in her car. She looked at Eric walking back to his car. He knew what was happening. He was going to go home and wonder what he did wrong. It wasn’t his fault. Veronica looked at herself in the side view mirror and for a minute imagined herself with Eric but then fear set it. It was better this way.