Chapter 5: Creattive Writing

George faced the ultimate challenge: a blank “page” of pixels. After a staring match, he decided to just “get it over with.” He wrote:

Rolando was a gentlman. He was rich, witty, and very attractive. Young women traild after him, hoping he would ask them to a date. One day, a pretty girl caught his view. Sara was brown haired and black eyes. Her body was good. After introdoucing him to her, he kissed her hand and then they danced and danced. Back at table, he grandly unscrewed a bottle of fine red wine. After having cookies and ice creams, he took her to his big new car for a ride home. That is, her home. When they got there, he took her to the door. I had a good time, will I see you again, Rolando? He said, You bet and he kissed her a lot. They got married and lived happy ever after.

George brought the story to their next session. Bea read carefully and then steepled her hands. He watched her with increasing nervousness. “George, your story is not long enough, but it leaves me so much to unpack. I suppose you want to be like Rolando? A hit with the ladies?”

“You have a lot to learn, young man, about spelling, about punctuation marks, and most importantly, about women. The only woman you describe is Sara, just her appearance. What is she like? Is she older? Younger? What does she do, except wait around for Mr. R to date her? And then, after one date, they’re married for life!”

“I am going to continue coaching you on reading and writing. But you are going to have new homework. On the next available night, you are going to take your mother on a date. This is the way to learn what women enjoy. Your father can come along, but only to take notes. If I get a good report, I will have a surprise for you.”

George did his best to prepare. He found and watched “Dating Do’s and Don’ts” on the internet.

The first surprise was for Emmy and Paul Durand. “You have been getting coaching? Tell us why? Who?” George laid out the whole story. Emmy mused, “I can’t see any harm. I know how you struggled with learning at school.”

“There’s more. For homework, I have to take you, Mom, on a date.” Paul snorted, Emmy chuckled. “Ms. Barlow says I need practice. You can come along also, Dad.”

On the appointed evening, George prepared for the weirdest night of his life. He dressed in a coat-and-tie, and met Mom and Dad at the front door. “Maria Elena, yo soy Jorge. May I escort you to dinner this evening? And you look pretty tonight.”

He opened her door and helped her in, while Paul went to the back. At the restaurant, George helped her out and handed the keys to the valet. And, inside, he remembered to pull out her chair.

Dinner was a relaxed affair, with George playing the role of “new boyfriend” and Paul keeping his vow of silence. Conversation flowed easily, with jokes and laughter. For her dessert, he had arranged a steaming mug of mexican chocolate (with cinnamon); while the men drank coffee.

Back at home, he escorted her to the front door. “Thank you, Jorge, for a wonderful evening.” “The pleasure was mine ... Mnph!” Emmy had kissed her son, enthusiastically.

She gave Paul a look: “Attend me, servant. Good night, Jorge!” Emmy flounced inside, followed by her husband. George went for a shower, so he avoided hearing any parental love-making noises. Mostly.

At his next appointment, George brought notes from his parents for Bea to review. “There’s good news and bad news. According to your parents, you did very well on your date. Your father complains that he has needed to up his game since you were such a gentleman. Your mother also praises you as being extra-polite and thoughtful. The chocolate drink was definitely a hit. Are you ready for the bad news?”

George sagged into his chair. “Go ahead, please.”

“She says, ‘He was so careful with me, as if I was fragile, made of glass. I felt his tension, and I was afraid he would be made frantic by the smallest misfortune or complaint. This inhibited me. I wanted to have a fun night, not fear his anxiousness.’”

“Going on: ‘George is such a sweet guy. It grieves me that he is so nervous around women. He would be so attractive if he had the self-esteem to go with his good looks. Paul and I are so frustrated. He needs to be out on his own, not for us, but to make his way to full adulthood. We appreciate that you are coaching him to read and write and talk. But, no offense, he also needs to discover his worth, and someday have his own family. Thank you for helping our boy to express himself.’”