Opera
You check your watch in the lobby. Five more minutes and still no sign of Adam. You try not to think about it too deeply, but secretly you can't deny that you suspect one time soon you'll be left waiting at one of these gala's and you just won't see him again. Adam seems to be out of town more and more, gaining wider acclaim as an entertainer, moving in evermore refined circles. You however still have your day job, still show up in $20 dresses to exclusive black tie evenings, and still hate opera. You feel like a hick, completely out of your element, and wonder how long it will take for Adam's eye to begin to rove. You check your watch and it is now time. The ushers have opened the doors and the crowd has begun to enter the theater.
You're not sure what to do. Go to your seat and wait some more? Won't that just make it more difficult to duck out gracefully when you realize Adam's abandoned you? You deliberate until the lobby is nearly deserted and they've begun to flicker the lights to show the opera is about to begin. You decide to buck up and go for it. If Adam has gone, you won't be seeing any of these stiffs again. Who cares if their last image of you is a crying ninny? 'Gee, way to think positive!' you chuckle to yourself.
You rise and present your ticket to the usher at the top of the stairs. He takes it and you pass through the doors.
"Oh wait Miss? Are you Mr. Klaus' guest?"
"Yes." 'Thanks a lot Junior! Rub in that 'Miss' thing a little more will you?'
"We've been waiting for you. There's been a slight change in your seating arrangement. You won't actually be seeing the performance tonight."
You laugh. "He didn't show, did he?" 'Great Adam, no phone call, no letter, I get to get the news from some kid barely out of High School.'
"Oh no Ma'am. He's been here for hours. Come right this way." He begins to walk down the hallway.
You are obviously surprised but trail along. He shows you to a door. "Through here Ma'am." He leaves.
You take a deep cleansing breath and twist the knob. The room is aglow in candlelight. Adam is standing with his back to the room, looking out a window. He turns at the sound of the door. He is smiling mischievously and holds a single white rose out to you. You return his smile and close the door behind you. You take the rose from his outstretched hand and he embraces you, brushing your lips with a kiss.
"That was nice. What was that for? Why didn't you tell me we..."
He puts his finger to your lips. "Shh, come sit down love, I need to talk to you."
'No, it couldn't be. He did all this just to what? Let me down easy?' You let him walk you to the antique sofa and sit you down. You avoid his eyes, clear your rapidly constricting throat and speak. "I um, I think I know what you're going to say."
Adam smiles, "Clever minx."
Tears are stinging your eyes. You force yourself to continue. "I understand," you lie. "I won't make this difficult for you."
"Well, I'm awfully glad to hear that," he purrs.
"Just go ahead and say what your came here to." You can't help but look at him. If he's dumping you, he's going to at least have to look you in the eyes to do it.
Adam sees your tears and a look of confusion crosses his face. Then he seems to realize. He nods his head solemnly. "Yes, well I guess there's no point in prolonging this is there? We've had some really wonderful times but," he sighs dramatically, "we really can't continue the way we have been. There's only one thing for it."
"Okay." You get ready to stand.
"We're just going to have to get married, no question about it."
You freeze. Did you just hear what your thought you heard? "Wh-what?"
Adam grins brightly and slips a ring on your finger. "Now, you said you won't make it difficult for me. So just say yes like a good girl and we'll begin the celebration."
'Damn him.' "I love you."
"Well, that's a promising start." Adam slips his arm around your shoulders and kisses you....
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| The character of Adam Klaus and the show Jonathan Creek were created by David Renwick and are © the BBC. No infringement is intended and no profits are being made. |