Expectations Versus Reality

I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the sleek black dress that hugged my curves just right. The soft fabric shimmered under the light, and for a moment, I felt like a star. I’d carefully paired it with strappy heels and delicate gold jewelry, every detail screaming sophistication. Tonight was special—my date had hinted at a “special dinner,” and my mind danced with the images of candlelight flickering over exquisite cuisine, the clinking of fine wine glasses punctuating our laughter.

Just a few weeks ago, I had finally (mentally) broken free from a two-year relationship that had turned sour. My ex-boyfriend had cheated on me, leaving my heart bruised and my self-esteem in tatters. To add insult to injury, I later discovered I had been the unwitting third wheel in our relationship. How could I have been so blind? The realization had hit me like a punch to the gut.

After a year of focusing on myself, I was finally ready to dip my toes back into the world of dating. My close friend at work, sensing my newfound determination, had insisted, “You have to meet my childhood friend! He’s still single and absolutely amazing! He treats women with respect and warmth—total family guy material!” I’d been intrigued. After the chaos of my last relationship, the idea of someone stable and genuine felt like a breath of fresh air. So, with cautious optimism, I decided to give this friend of a friend a chance, hoping for a spark that might reignite my belief in love.

As I stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapped around me like a hug, and I allowed myself to revel in the excitement for just a moment. But as my gaze landed on my date waiting by the car, a chill settled in my stomach. There he was—grinning from ear to ear in an Arsenal Football Club jersey, bright red shorts, and… beach slippers. I blinked, willing my brain to process the sight. The contrast between my glamorous look and his casual attire was jarring.

“Hey, Arisa! You look amazing!” he said, completely oblivious to my stunned silence.

“Uh, thanks…” I managed, my mind racing. What was he thinking?

As I slid into the car, still reeling from his outfit, I decided to keep my thoughts to myself. Maybe he would change once we arrived at our destination. The silence between us felt thick, like a fog rolling in, as he turned the ignition and pulled away.

“So… where exactly are we going?” I finally asked, trying to break the tension.

“Oh! My favorite spot! You’ll love it. I go there all the time!” His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm.

My heart sank a little more with every passing moment. Your favorite spot? This is starting to feel vague…

After what felt like an eternity, we turned into a familiar parking lot. I squinted at the glowing golden arches in the distance. My heart dropped. McDonald's? Of all the places in the city, I was dressed like a movie star for fast food. The sense of absurdity was overwhelming.

“Surprise!” He grinned, looking proud as we parked.

I wanted to laugh, cry, and scream all at once. “I—uh, I didn’t realize we were doing… fast food,” I stammered, glancing down at my exquisite ensemble.

Inside, the bright yellow plastic tables, the scent of fries, and the sounds of laughter from children filled the air. I felt so out of place—like a rare jewel in a pile of plastic trinkets. He was completely at ease, happily munching on his burger while I awkwardly picked at my fries, struggling to express my dismay without ruining the night.

“So... what do you think? Cool place, huh?” he asked, oblivious to my discomfort.

“It’s... unexpected,” I said, forcing a smile. The words tasted like sour milk on my tongue.

“I know, right? Best burgers in town, hands down! And hey, we don’t have to wait forever for the food. Plus, look—unlimited ketchup!” He gestured to the dispensers as if revealing a hidden treasure.

Unlimited ketchup. Wow. I should be grateful, right? I felt the warmth of embarrassment creep up my cheeks.

I tried to push my frustration aside, focusing on the absurdity of it all. This was not how I envisioned the evening going. Each crunch of his loud chewing twisted my stomach—not from hunger but from disappointment. I was supposed to be enjoying a romantic evening, not sharing a fast-food table with someone who didn’t even consider my feelings.

I took a sip from my soda, wishing it had the power to erase the evening's fiasco. Instead, I felt bitterness bubbling inside me, my patience wearing thinner with every story he shared about how McDonald’s reminded him of his childhood.

Doesn’t he get it? I thought, feeling like I was in an episode of a terrible sitcom.

Finally, after a long silence, I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Listen, this is… fine, but maybe next time, give me a heads up? You know, so I can dress for the occasion?”

“Oh, wow, yeah! I didn’t think of that. Sorry!” he replied, looking genuinely surprised. “But hey, it’s what’s inside that counts, right? Doesn’t matter where we are.”

Doesn’t matter? Maybe not to you, I thought, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement.

As I watched him slurp his soda with pure contentment, something shifted within me. Sure, this was not the fine dining experience I had anticipated, but there was an undeniable absurdity to the situation.

Maybe I’ve taken myself too seriously, I mused. My life since being thrown back into my single life had been a series of unexpected turns. This moment was just another ridiculous chapter.

Feeling the corners of my mouth lift, I forced a laugh, trying to see the humor in it all.

“Okay, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this is kind of funny,” I said, surprising myself.

His eyes brightened, and he laughed along with me. “See? I knew you’d come around!”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***