Gentleman's Excuse Me

Annie looked up, and her eyes widened in surprise, “Edward,” she breathed.

“Hello Annie.” Edward had wondered for years what had happened to her, he thought back fondly to their perfect summer.


They were enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up on old times. Edward looked at Annie, “Do you still keep paper flowers in the bottom drawer with your Belgian lace, taking them out every year to watch the colors fade away?”

Annie smiled faintly, remembering with fondness their time together. She remembered his final words to her and her smile faltered.

“All I have to offer is the love that I have, it's freely given. You'll see its value when you see what I've tried to say. It's a gentleman's excuse me so I'll take on step to the side. Can you get it in your head I'm tired of dancing?”

Edward also remembered, he could not give her what she needed, he was tired of dancing, tired of trying to be something that he was not. He looked at her as he stood to leave, “I loved you Annie. Can't you see it's hard for me, can you see what I am trying to say? I'm tired of Dancing.”