So, today was my Mom's birthday. Uncharacteristically for me, I remembered it, AND, I remembered it ON her birthday, AND remembered to call her to wish her happy birthday. (Usually I get one out of three or so.) I actually called earlier, but she was out and about doing research at some Indian reservation for her Anthropology class, and I had to leave a message. When she got home, she called back, and we chatted for a bit.
Suddenly, it hit me: my anniversary is the day before Mom's birthday.
I shrieked, "Oh my GOD, yesterday was my anniversary!"
"Did you forget it?" Mom asked.
"Oh my GOD, I totally forgot it. I forgot my FIFTEENTH anniversary! I can't believe it." I was freaking out.
"I'm surprised Charlie didn't remember," Mom exclaimed in shock. After all, Charlie's the one who usually remembers stuff like this.
"Well ..." I said, "He did offer to take me out to the Gold & Silver for pie yesterday. Maybe he remembered and wanted to do something nice for me for our anniversary."
We chatted a bit longer, then said our goodbyes and I hung up. I still couldn't believe I'd completely forgotten our anniversary. I decided I was going to pretend to believe that Charlie did remember, and the pie thing was his way of celebrating.
I went out to the carport where Charlie was preparing to put new struts on our new (used) car.
"Hey, honey," I said.
"Yes," he muttered from under the car.
"You know what?"
He came out from under the car for a second and looked at me. "What?" he asked.
I went over to him, and knelt down beside him. Gently, I took him in my arms and said, "We've been married for 15 years..."
I paused, gazing into his eyes, and continued, "And one day."
"Oh, shit, I totally forgot!" he yelled. "I am so sorry!"
He looked so crestfallen I had to suppress a grin. "I figured that's why you took me out yesterday -- 'cause it was our anniversary, and you wanted to do something nice for me."
"No, I just totally forgot," he said, "I can't believe it. I am so sorry."
"Well, I'll just take the pie as my anniversary present, and we'll call it done," I said.
"Glad it worked out well for you then," he said a bit doubtfully.
I giggled, and he disappeared back under the car muttering.
I went back into the house, grinning at the thought of another fifteen years.
