Ergo, the Ogre

Serena was bored.

She was one of those people who had seen everything, been everywhere, and had everything she ever wanted. She’d inherited a lot of money from her parents and was set for life. There was nothing left for her want, materially-speaking.

Serena had tried marriage a couple times, but neither of them worked out. She had no children because she didn’t like sex very much, which could be why her marriages didn’t last. Serena had never been around children and didn’t really want them, anyway.

Serena had acquaintances rather than friends. There were a couple of girls from school she stayed in touch with, but they were busy with their families and children.

The only thing that gave her life meaning and purpose was her pets. She adopted homeless and unwanted animals. So far, she had six dogs and eleven cats. Serena loved them all and took excellent care of them.

Yet, there was something missing: a meaningful relationship with another human being, perhaps?

But how to meet people in your mid-30s?

Then she read about a group in the Daily Tablet called People Without Partners. The advertisement said you could meet new friends, romantic interests, and just plain people. Being an introvert, Serena was leery, but she knew she had to do something.

So, one evening she got all dressed up, fired up the Chariot, and made herself go to the meeting. She sat in the parking lot for a while, watching all the different people milling around.

They appear to be harmless. Maybe it will be okay. If not, I’ll just leave. Simple.

Serena locked up the Chariot and walked confidently toward the building and through the door. The ambience was warm and inviting. They were playing music from the 80’s that she remembered well. Songs by The Malakas, Big Bob and the Baklavas, Nickolos and the Nick Tones … What a trip down Memory Lane!

She went up to the bar and ordered a drink. There was a woman sitting at the bar to Serena’s left, so she said hello. The woman introduced herself, “Hi, my name is Cecilia. Is this your first time?”

“I’m Serena and yes, it’s my first time. I was so nervous, at first!”

“It can be an intimidating prospect, for sure.”

The bartender brought her drink, and Cecilia told him to put it on her tablet.

“Thank you, Cecilia. I’ll get the next round.”

“Evíva!” They both said and clinked their glasses.

The two women talked most of the night. They seemed to have much in common and enjoyed each other’s company.

Eventually, the bartender gave Last Call, and it was time to leave.

“Uh, Serena.” Cecilia began. “I um, I … would you like to come home with me?”

“You mean … like, you and me, together?” Serena was intrigued but not quite ready to jump that particular fence.

“Well, yeah … ” Cecilia almost laughed.

“How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow night and we get to know one another a little better?”

Cecilia seemed surprised, as if she were expecting a flat-out no. “Uh, sure. That would be great! I’d like that.”

“Great!” Serena said. “How about Nicky’s on 12th at, say, 6:30?

“One of my favorites. It’s a date!” Cecilia said. “Can I walk you to your Chariot?”

The two women walked outside in the cool evening breeze, both feeling like they’d made a new friend.