DINNER DATE

     The restaurant was filled up with people, discussing and eating. Charlotte led them through the table, cheerfully greeting other people there and other staff there. She led them to a round table for four. 

       "Charlotte, you seem quite popular amongst your colleagues," Ethan observed. 

      She smiled that bright smile of hers that always covers up her whole face. "You said it yourself, I'm a cutie." 

      Ethan smiled and spread his hand and she sat beside him and went into his arms. Faith sat opposite them and it was as if what she had thought would come to pass. Why were they both sitting opposite her? 

      A waitress came over to their table with a smile and they placed their orders. The waitress, who also had a cheerful smile walked away to get their orders. 

        "Warning, this place, as boring as hell, but the food here is second to none. But we are just beginning the night here." 

         "What?" Faith had blurted. 

          Charlotte had looked at her. "Yes! We are going to a party tonight. It's Monday, I know, but I know where we can party even on Monday." 

           Faith had thought it was a dinner to come to eat and go back and either lie down on her bed or at least draft a chapter. She started giving excuses why she won't be able to go out anymore. 

       "No, I have to go home and take my drugs and I feel sick." 

       Ethan looked at her. "What are the drugs you need to take? There is a drugstore by the corner, I'll just get them for you, you can take your dosage and keep the rest." 

       Faith glared at him. "What are you? A doctor or what?" 

        Their orders arrived. "Guys, let's eat!" Charlotte said aloud and clapped her hands. 

        The waitress set out foods on the table. "Enjoy your meal!" she said before leaving our table. 

         "Thank you," Charlotte replied. "We have the night all planned out, it's going to be fun." 

           "Why do I feel I wasn't included in this plan?" I asked and scooped a spoon full of the potato soup. 

         "Because, it was supposed to be a surprise," Ethan said. 

         "Hmm, this is really great," Faith said savouring the food. She was grateful that Charlotte was there and she wouldn't have to speak directly to Ethan.

         "I know right?" Charlotte said. "I can't boast of this anywhere at anytime." 

       Faith wondered why she wasn't working that day. "Are you on a leave or something?" 

        "Yes, I am on leave and I'm grateful that it came now that I met you two. I want a lot of happiness and freedom in my life." 

       Faith wondered where that was coming from. "But you are free and happy." 

        "Because, I'm with you guys, my mom and br won't let me breathe." 

         "Your mom?" Ethan and Faith chorused. "

     She looked at us surprisingly. " What? I can't have a mom? "

         Faith didn't know exactly why she had asked that question, but she figured that any body who was as boisterous as Charlotte never had a mom, at least not close. 

      "Well, as a matter of fact, my phone has been switched off since I came to Ethan's place, I don't need any disturbance." 

       Ethan and I exchanged glances.