---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book... “Waterlogged” Down in the Dirt, v144 (the April 2017 Issue) You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:

Order this writing in the book Study in Black the Down in the Dirt July-Dec. 2016 collection book		get the 418 page Jan.-April 2017 Down in the Dirt issue anthology 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Annie’s Present

Betty J. Sayles

    Annie slipped the little black cocktail dress over her head and smoothed it over her hips. She sighed, her little black dress wasn’t so little anymore. Not that she was fat, just no longer a size 12. Well, she still had good legs and a pretty face and one thing she was sure of, Claude would love her no matter what she looked like. He always saw her as she looked the day they married ten years ago. He was still jealous of every man she talked to.
    Claude had worried for weeks about Annie’s anniversary present. It had to be good; this was the big One O! He had never stopped marveling at his good luck when Annie said she’d marry him. He knew that he wasn’t much to look at with his prominent nose and just a fringe of hair around his shiny dome. And he had always been skinny, with a potbelly because he hated to exercise. What he didn’t know was that Annie saw a smile that delighted in the world and all it’s crazy ways. And mischievous eyes that danced when they looked at Annie.
    It seemed a stroke of good luck when Claude heard a couple on the subway talking about the dancing lessons they were taking. “Of course,” he thought, Annie loved to waltz and Claude had never learned. He had never seemed to have an aptitude for dancing. But he hated it when Annie danced with other men, even the 80 year old ex-mayor who thought she was delightful. But then, every man thought Annie delightful, there was no dodging that fact. Shortly after hearing the conversation, Claude stopped at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio and signed up for waltz lessons.
    Claude had always known that he was a blue collar kind of guy and Annie was a classy woman. He still worked at the same printing company, although he had been promoted to manager. Annie owned a beautiful beachfront home on Lake Michigan and worked at volunteer jobs. They talked about moving to the city to be closer to the shops and theaters, but they both knew that Claude would do whatever Annie decided.
    Now, Claude had to take dancing lessons without Annie knowing, so he could surprise her on their anniversary. Annie knew Claude was up to something. He was only secretive when he was planning a surprise for her or being devious about some prank he meant to play on someone. Usually, it was a male who found her attractive and voiced his opinion. He was in high spirits over this intrigue. So, Annie watched and waited.
    Claude showed up for his first dancing lesson on time and eager to start. He had told Annie he was going to play cards with some friends. Even though Annie knew he hated cards and didn’t have any friends who played cards, she nodded and said, “Have fun.” Claude’s dance instructor was a middle aged woman named Miss Caperino. She was tall, a head taller than Claude, had a beehive hairdo and a glorious bust, which she showed to advantage in a low cut gown. She was a business like woman and got right to it. After pushing Claude around the floor for an hour, she gave him a book of diagrams and told him to practice at home.
    “Sure, Miss C, that was a good start,” said Claude. Miss C rolled her eyes.
    Annie came home from a volunteer turn at the hospital gift shop and discovered Claude skating on the living room floor. He had pushed back the rug and was surely skating on the wood floor. He would take a long stride, then do a tight turn and another long stride. He couldn’t possibly be meaning to take her ice skating. She was 65 years old. Quite spry and energetic it was true, but she would not go ice skating.
    She called to Claude and he quickly put the rug in place and hid a book under the sofa cushion.
    “Claude, did you ever ice skate when you were younger?”
    “Sure, I was pretty good, could turn circles and everything.” he answered. “I’m pretty rusty now though.”
    Annie said, “I never ice skated when I was a child and it’s too late now. I would never try it now.”
    That’s the wrong attitude to take, Annie, a person should never close oneself off from new experiences.”
    “No,” said Annie, firmly.
    “Sure, Annie,” said Claude. When she checked later, the book was gone.
    Claude’s second dance lesson started off badly, his feet got tangled together and he ended up on the floor on his back. He had taken Miss C with him and his prominent nose was pushed firmly into the crease of her bountiful bosom.
    “Mr. Panney,” croaked Miss C.
    “Oh, sorry, my trick knee,” Claude said, as soon as he could get air.
    “Mr. Panney, I really don’t think you are cut out for dancing,” said Miss C.
    “Oh, I’m sure I am,” replied Claude, “I once saw Fred Astaire dancing in a movie and had a strong feeling that I could move like that. Let’s try again.” Miss C sighed and pulled Claude to his feet.
    Annie was at a loss to figure out what Claude was up to. His intrigues had never gone on so long before. She tried to subtly question him, but he evaded her questions. It just wasn’t like him; it was exasperating. So much so that she bought him something for their anniversary that she knew he wouldn’t like.
    Claude’s third dancing lesson was a short one. Miss C said, “Well, that’s the best we can do, there’s no use having you come again.”
    “That’s okay, “ said Claude, “I can waltz fine now.”
    Miss C shook her head.
    Claude took Annie to the country club for dinner. He got them a table near the dance floor and after the meal he stood, took Annie’s hand and said, “Happy Anniversary, Annie, would you like to dance?”
    Annie’s surprise and delight were short lived. Claude was no Fred Astaire. He pushed her around the floor and stepped on her foot. He told her about the wonderful Miss C and how she had taught him to dance. When Annie told him she was tired and they sat down, Claude asked, “What did you get me, Annie?”
    Claude opened the envelope Annie gave him and pulled out a certificate for 10 dance lessons at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio.
    “But, Annie, I can already dance. Maybe we can get a refund,”
    “Maybe you should use them, Claude, if you keep on you may dance like Fred Astaire.”
    Claude closed his eyes, saw Miss C smiling at him and saying, “We’ll make a wonderful dancer of you, Mr. Panney.”

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...