Stood Up - Episode 1
by Sarah Hawley
I pace nervously in my bedroom.
My laptop is open on my desk, waiting.
He’s seven minutes late.
My first date in a year, and he’s late.
I look over at my cat, Pepper.
I spent an hour on my makeup.
If he doesn’t show up, I’m gonna be ticked.
I blow a stray curl out of my face.
Virtual dating sucks just as much as real dating…
Doesn’t it, Pepper?
I sit at the desk and stare at our chat window.
Can’t wait to see you! I’ll call you at eight.
I narrow my eyes.
I’m an empowered woman.
I’ll call HIM.
I click on the video symbol next to his name.
A video call screen pops up.
"Calling Marcus" shows at the top.
My own video starts as it rings.
I fuss with my hair anxiously.
Finally, the call connects.
A startlingly handsome guy appears on the screen.
Marcus’ profile pic did NOT look this good.
Marcus?
You look…different from your pictures.
The guy laughs.
Oh, I’m not Marcus.
I’m Theo, his roommate.
He was supposed to borrow my laptop for a call…
But I haven’t seen him tonight.
Oh.
My shoulders slump.
Never mind, then.
No, wait.
I can try to find him.
He probably doesn’t want to be found.
My voice sounds bitter.
Theo looks at me with concern.
Are you okay?
I sigh.
Yeah. Just disappointed at being stood up.
Wait, this is a date?
Marcus has a date with a girl like you…
And he stood you up?
What do you mean, a girl like me?
Theo looks embarrassed.
Um…
I guess I would have said you are out of his league.
He winces.
Don’t tell him I said that.
My cheeks start to heat.
You really mean that?
The sound of a door slamming comes through the speakers.
Bro! Let’s get some pizza and play Fortnite.
Theo looks off screen.
Don’t you have plans?
No?
Pretty sure you do.
I huff.
Forget it.
Nice to meet you, Theo.
Wait, is that…
The date you stood up?
Yeah.
Shoot, I totally forgot.
Is she hot?
Theo looks at me.
Yes. Also, she can probably hear you.
Bye.
Wait—
I disconnect the call, then look at my cat.
What a disaster.
I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.
I slump in my chair and rub my eyes.
At least his roommate was nice.
Why aren’t guys like THAT on online dating?
Pepper jumps in my lap, and I smile.
At least I have you.
Even if I’m doomed to be single forever.
The next day
I get out of bed and stretch.
My phone pings.
It’s a message from Marcus.
Hey. Sorry about last night.
I’d love to make it up to you.
I type back.
How?
Video call. Tonight. I promise I won’t be late.
Please? I’m really into you.
I look at Pepper.
This is a bad idea, isn’t it?
But I can’t resist.
I’m tired of being single.
I type back.
8 p.m. I’ll call you.
It’s 8 p.m. I’m dressed in my nicest blouse.
I sit in front of my laptop.
He’d better answer this time.
I click on the video chat option.
"Calling Marcus," it says.
I wait…and wait…and wait.
Ugh!
Just as I’m moving the mouse to click out…
The call connects.
Hello?
My jaw drops.
Not only is it not Marcus…
But Theo looks really good.
His tight t-shirt highlights broad shoulders…
And his hair is tousled in a sexy way.
Hey, Amber.
Why did you answer?
Theo runs his hand through his hair.
Well, Marcus isn’t…he’s…uh…
He’s not there, is he?
Theo winces.
Not yet.
I huff.
I’m hanging up.
No, wait.
I haven’t talked to anyone but my family in ages.
Do you want to chat?
He looks so earnest.
And honestly, I’ve been lonely.
Sure.
His face breaks out into a huge smile.
Great! So tell me about you.
Are you in college with us?
What are you studying?
What are your hobbies?
How do you know Marcus?
I laugh.
Slow down on the questions there.
Theo looks embarrassed.
Sorry, I’m just excited to talk to you.
Yeah, I’m in college with you.
I study engineering.
Beautiful AND smart.
Marcus is a lucky guy.
I mean, we aren’t together or anything.
We haven’t even had a first date.
Still, you like him.
I barely know him.
He’s not the best with scheduling…
But he’s a decent guy.
I’m not looking for someone who’s just decent.
I want someone reliable. Smart. Kind. Passionate.
I chuckle self-deprecatingly.
You probably think that’s ridiculous.
No! Not at all.
That’s what I want, too.
But I’ve been single for ages.
Seriously?
You’re so cute, though.
Theo looks delighted and embarrassed at the same time.
Really?
Well, I think you’re—
A door slams on his end.
Bro! Get off the laptop!
I’ve got a date.
First of all, it’s my laptop.
Second of all, you’re late.
Again.
Only by five minutes! She can wait.
I open my mouth to say something…
But my cat takes that moment to race across the table.
She knocks over my glass of water…
Onto my keyboard.
No!
My screen flickers and goes black.
I frantically try to dry my laptop.
No, no, no…
It’s no use.
It’s totally broken.
I groan.
Well, that date wasn’t going anywhere, anyway.
But I was enjoying talking with Theo.
I glare at my cat.
You’re lucky you’re cute…
Since I’m destined to be a crazy cat lady.
The next day
I’m finishing setting up my new laptop.
A notification appears on my screen.
Incoming video call.
From…Marcus?
Really?
I answer the call.
You have a lot of nerve—
I trail off when I see Theo.
He’s wearing a dress shirt.
A candle flickers on the desk next to him.
Theo? Why did you call me?
He takes a deep breath.
I feel bad that you got stood up twice.
You deserve a real date.
I roll my eyes.
I am NOT speaking to Marcus again.
I know he’s your friend, but—
The date isn’t with Marcus.
He holds out a single red rose.
It’s with me.
I gasp.
Seriously?
His smile falters.
Unless you don’t want to…
No, no! I want to!
I can’t stop smiling.
I liked you the moment I saw you.
This is so sweet.
Theo grins.
I think we’re going to have a great time.
Me, too.
App