Page 41 of Meet Me at Midnight

ThunderStruck: How about you tell me some more things I should know about you?

ElizaBeth: More things about me? Well…I like the sound of the rain, but I hate thunderstorms. And I’m not a Disney adult, but sometimes I get scared that I could be a closeted one.

ThunderStruck: What the fuck are Disney adults?

ElizaBeth: You know, the people who love going to Disney World, to the point of wearing Mickey ears and Minnie Mouse sweatshirts even though they have no kids.

ThunderStruck: Why do you think you could be a closeted one?

ElizaBeth: This is so cheesy, but…I really want to believe in happily ever afters.

ThunderStruck: What’s holding you back from believing now?

ElizaBeth: Everything.

ThunderStruck: I think you need to let that go. You need to let yourself believe.

ElizaBeth: That’s easier said than done, you know? My childhood didn’t inspire hope for Prince Charming.

ThunderStruck: Is that what you want? Prince Charming?

ElizaBeth: That would be a big fat no. He’s too…predictable. Too…boring.

ThunderStruck: I think Cinderella would disagree.

ElizaBeth: Yeah, but I’m not her biggest fan either.

ThunderStruck: And what exactly do you have against her? The poor girl was mistreated by that evil stepmother of hers and worked for everything she got.

ElizaBeth: And her stepsisters. Don’t forget about them.

ThunderStruck: My thoughts exactly. Why the beef with Cinderella?

ElizaBeth: I don’t have beef with her. LOL. I just think she deserves better than some man who has to go around putting her shoe on people’s feet to find her. He should’ve known who she was the moment he looked into her eyes. It just feels like their connection wasn’t soul-deep, you know? And that’s what she deserved.

ThunderStruck: Is that what you want? Soul-deep?

ElizaBeth: Isn’t that what every woman wants?

I snort to myself. My answer to that question is an obvious one.

ThunderStruck: I don’t know. I’m a man.

ElizaBeth: Oh boy, macho macho. I man. I strong. I beat chest.

A soft laugh jumps from my throat.

ThunderStruck: I didn’t say that. lmao. I’m just saying I don’t know how the female mind works. If I did, I wouldn’t be single and starting fights with nice women on the internet, thinking they’re my ex.

ElizaBeth: Well, I can’t speak for femalekind, but I’d like to think everyone wants the soul connection, wouldn’t you? What are we here for if not?

ThunderStruck: I don’t know. All I know is that I’ve never had it.

ElizaBeth: Me either.

Silence hangs heavy around me as I consider the thing we’re both not saying.

What ifthis thing between usis that?

---