THE RELUCTANT PARTNER
MONOLOGUE
by Michele Lourie c 2018
Now, let’s get one thing straight!
The only reason I went was because my mother practically begged me. Well, to be honest, she actually bribed me.
She offered me the choice of a couple of new video games if I would go, so how could I resist an offer like that?
When I walked in, I was so embarrassed. Not that I was the only one, there were loads of others all dressed up, hair slicked or spiked, all looking like we had swallowed poison
Not that the food was poison – it was pretty good – plenty of cheerios and sausage rolls and stuff. I spoke to one guy I knew from Tae Kwon do and asked him why he was there.
“My sister,” he said in this strangled voice. I think he tried to smile but it was more like a grimace. I saw him later, on the dance floor, and all I could think was how low he had fallen from being a black belt contender to looking like a frog jumping about.
And the noise! All the girls together sounded like a flock of crows (makes noise like crow) and the perfume. I mean, do they shower in the stuff?
I tried hiding in a corner but my sister found me and brought this girl over to be introduced.
“Elle wants to dance,” she said, and before I could say ‘no’ she whispered,
“If you don’t, I’ll tell Mum.”
I could see my video games going down the drain, so I ….. reluctantly, you understand …. got down and boogied.
And then this Elle said,
“You know, you’re a terrific dancer.”
I thought at first she might be having me on, but she seemed really sincere.
From then on I must have danced with every girl in the room and when the
band packed it in …. well …. I felt a bit disappointed.
I’m not saying I’ll partner my sister at every one of her school dances but …. with the usual inducements …. maybe I’ll go to one or two.
(Exits dancing)
