Think Before You Speak

“That was a short workout, Babe.  You just left fifteen minutes ago.”

“I know how long ago I left.  What have you been doing while I’ve been gone?”

“Working on the computer.  Is there something wrong?”

“I wonder if you would've even heard the baby cry.”

“Greg, Reese is asleep right on the couch. What are you talkin' about?”

“As if you would notice if he woke up.”

“Are you mad about something?”

“You get so engrossed in your work that nothing else matters!”

“Shhhhhhhhhh. Talk about waking the baby.  What are you shouting about?  You never get mad, ever.  Mr. Unemotional.  What's up with you?”

“I've been calling since I left, and you haven’t answered the phone.  I couldn’t go work out.  I kept thinking  something might have happened to you or the baby.  And I come home to find the reason for my worry is because you are so self-absorbed in the true love of your life, your laptop.  And as far as Mr. Unemotional, you are getting emotion now.  I hope you’re happy.”

“Honey, the phone didn’t ring.  I swear.  I wouldn't ignore your calls.”

“Except when you’re on your precious computer.  Ever since we’ve got it, nothing else matters.  I hate the damned thing!  You get on it and everything else disappears,”

“Greg, this isn't you;  I’m always the one freaking out.  I don’t even know what to say. You know I’m a good mother and wife.  I didn’t hear the phone. You have to believe me!”

“It’s right there beside you!  How could you not hear it?”

“I don’t know.  Maybe it isn’t working.”

“Of course it’s working.  I called you and told you to pick up diapers on your way home from work. Go ahead pick it up, see if there's a dial tone.  Just admit it!  The computer has some sort of sick hold on you.”

“I don’t know.  Maybe you're right.  I don’t see how, but I guess I could've been thinking so hard about what I was working on. Oh God, Sweetheart,  I’m sorry if I worried you.  I’ve never seen you like this; I would never do that purposely.  Greg, really I’m sorry.  Please say something.  Don’t just stare at me like that.  Honey, please . . .  What were you calling to tell me anyway?”

“I was calling to tell you I turned the ringer on the phone off so it wouldn’t wake the baby.  What the hell is so funny?”

WC - 431

(This is a true story.  Yes, I swear!  It was written for 500 Dialogue Contest)