The Dating Chronicles – The Ploy

The Dating Chronicles

The Ploy

Rod had seen Donna when she entered the party.  He had come in hopes that she might be there.  It was an annual party she never missed, but he was unprepared for the large lump that came up in his throat and the soft punch that dropped in his stomach.  His hands shook as he walked toward the bar.  He relaxed from the inside as he watched her greet others warmly. He wondered if she would do the same with him. 

She had refused his calls since the incident and he expected no less.  He had messed up and he knew it.  He had made the worst mistake a man could make.  He had betrayed her.  As he stood watching her, he wondered if she’d ever forgive him, and come to the belief again that he loved only her.

Then suddenly, she turned in his direction and stared into his eyes.  Her face lit up and she smiled softly.  His heart leaped in joy.  She’s no longer angry, he shouted from within.  She has forgiven me.  He moved quickly to embrace her, to feel her warmth, and to inhale her scent, but the dance floor stood between them.

He moved furiously through the crowd to reach the other side.  But when he got there…she was gone. He searched the room frantically, but there was no sight of her.  He ran outside to see if he could find her.  As he reached the bottom step, her car whizzed past at top speed.  His heart tore in pieces as he walked back slowly to the party.  His mind raced in confusion.  Why did she appear glad to see me…and then leave?

Donna…

Donna knew Rod would be there.  She had seen him first when she entered the room.  But she had pretended not to.  She was not ready to face him after what he had done.  Her heart still ached from the knowledge of his deception.  He had taken her best friend on a weekend trip to the Bahamas and she had found out about it.  She had been devastated because she really loved him, but she had not said a word.  She had not spoken to either of them since and vowed to never go near them again.

As she drove along, she smiled to herself, as she thought of the two of them, who seemed too ashamed to go near each other.  They wore their guilt on their sleeves for all to see.  They all attended the same church and she watched them every Sunday as they stumbled to avoid each other’s eyes and presence.

She knew the power of silence and at the party, she could see Rod’s discomfort from across the room.  Calculatedly, she had turned, as the dance floor filled, to face him and smiled broadly.  She knew he would interpret it as a sign of forgiveness and head toward her.  She knew him too well.  However, when she saw him move, she dashed toward the door, as the crowd spilled from everywhere in response to the music.  Delight and revenge propelled her steps as she headed toward her car.  She hoped his heart would experience a hurt similar to hers when he realized she was gone. She hoped….and prayed he would feel the same pain of deception she experienced. 

One year later, she married his best friend. Many wondered if it was out of spite or love.