Days of Our Years Part 4

Days of Our Years
Part 4

Tomorrow

Barney sat on the yellow and red striped convertible sofa and Sheila sat on the other side of the room trying to adjust the controls on the motorized lounge chair.

“This is one hell of a color combination for a sofa, Sheila. Who picked it out, Deirdre? Monty would never ...”

“Do you know how to get the footrest on this damn thing back out of the way. I want my feet on the floor.”

Barney got up and walked across the room. He took the remote control from Sheila and pushed one of its buttons.

“Now you’ve got the back too straight! Why can’t people buy a chair that’s just a chair and not some motorized astronaut couch?”

Barney put the control down and pulled Sheila up out of the chair. “Give it up, dear,” he said, “It’s beyond us, come over and sit with me on the ugly sofa.”

Barney and Sheila volunteered to stay at Monty and Deirdre's apartment while they honeymooned in Disney World. As the days dragged by they commented on the fact that Sheila’s mother had done the same for them many years ago and probably thought the same about their furniture. They both agreed that tastes change, not always for the better––even tastes in where people go on their honeymoons. In retrospect, theirs had been pretty strange too––imagine! Nova Scotia in April! Well, it was Barney’s idea, “wasn’t it, Barney?” Sheila reminded him.

“Damn good one as I remember,” he smiled. “Disney World isn’t bad either. After all, Lennie’s almost four now. He’ll enjoy it.”

Sheila sat on the new sofa tentatively, “Look my legs don’t even touch the floor. Very uncomfortable. Why don’t young people think twice before they buy furniture?” Then she changed the subject. “That’s another thing ... about Lennie I mean ... I wish they waited the way we did.”

“Well, they didn’t, did they? Kids don’t wait for anything any more. Monty told me once that they wanted to be sure before they signed up for the duration.” Barney nudged Sheila. “Do you realize what a chance we took––no samples––no freebies––nothing. Zilch. We just plunged into it, hoping for the best ...”

“Now wait a minute,” Sheila broke in, you’re turning the whole thing around.”

In various and separate ways Barney had brought the subject up all their married life. Most of the time it was in jest, but there were occasions when she could sense he meant every word he said. Sheila could never be sure until it was too late. "It was best," she thought, "to let it pass." She knew she was right, of course––and being right is the main thing, especially for a woman. She looked at him sitting next to her, a far away look in his eye ...

"What are you thinking, Barney"

"I think I've got another surprise for you ..."

©Harry Buschman