Only Skin Deep

Written in response to the prompt:
Something bizarre occurs at the table next to a couple on their first date.

Wearing his dad’s old suit that was two sizes too big, Jason shifted on the plush dining chair as he gazed around the elegant restaurant. Feeling like a five-year-old in a nursing home, he was afraid to speak lest he disturb the peace of his elders. He could only gaze in awe at his beautiful date, Elise.

Elise blushed under his intense stare. “Can you really afford this?”

Looking into her green eyes, Jason nodded. Several months ago, he had heard Elise’ speech on equality for all races and his heart had soared. For months, he had saved and planned. Finally, his dream of taking Elise out on a date was reality.

Unfortunately, reality came with a very noisy neighbor. Just as Elise was about to speak, the woman at the table next to them began wailing. They, and everyone else, turned to see what the commotion was about.

“This dressing has too much vinegar!” Spittle flew from the woman’s blood red lips. Her cheeks were a deep crimson, a mix of make-up and anger. The gold bangles on her arms clanged like gongs and signaled a waiter to rush to her side.

“I apologize, Mrs. and Mr. Stevenson.” The waiter bowed and ordered the servers to dispose of the offensive salads. As the waiter began to fuss over the woman, Mr. Stevenson sat motionless, staring at the bare table with fork still in hand.

“What a witch,” Elise muttered to Jason. “If she’s so particular, why doesn’t she stay home and cook?”

“Cook is probably a noun to her, not a verb.” Jason sighed; he felt sorry for the husband.

Elise blinked at him then laughed. “That’s a good one!”

His face reddening, Jason ran a hand through his hair. “Uh, thanks.”

“That’s what I like about you—you’re so smart and witty.”

“Th-thanks,” he stammered as his face turned a darker shade. “I, uh, like how pretty your eyes are. Like emeralds. You know, emeralds are more precious and rarer than diamonds. Diamonds are only expensive because jewelers limit their distribution.”

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled as she leaned towards him. “I didn’t know that. Tell me--”

“What slop is this?” cried Mrs. Stevenson.

Groaning, they turned to see what her problem was this time.

She was pushing a bowl of soup away from her with a look of pure horror on her face. The waiter started to apologize when Mr. Stevenson stood, his chair screeching against the hardwood floor.

“That’s it.” He slammed his fists on the table. The restaurant went silent except for the sputtering of Mrs. Stevenson. Her sputtering turned into a shriek as she recoiled from his stare.

“I won’t take any more of your whining,” Mr. Stevenson growled as he hunched over the table. Sounds of cloth ripping filled the air as sharp spines burst through his jacket. Along his back, black twisted bones protruded.

All was silent for a moment until the waiter’s serving tray clattered to the floor one moment before he did. Like a bomb strike, the whole restaurant exploded. Women screamed, fainted or stood stock still. Some men did the same, but most grabbed and dragged their respective partner towards the front doors. Both Elise and Jason were frozen in place by the spectacle right in front of them.

As people struggled to leave, men in full red uniforms stormed in. Quickly and efficiently, they seized Mr. Stevenson, injected something into his arm and hauled him away.

Mrs. Stevenson trailed after them. “I can’t take you anywhere! How embarrassing! You’ve ruined my life.” A sob was the last sound out of her mouth as the doors swung closed.

As some patrons settled back in their chairs, Elise turned to Jason. Pale-faced and wide-eyed, she sputtered, “I can’t believe that!”

Jason merely nodded as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. Life was hard enough without episodes like this pitting the public against--

“Monsters! They should be exterminated, not protected.” Elise scowled.

As Elise’ words pierced his heart, Jason’s eyes went wide. “What?”

“That poor woman. I bet she didn’t even know what a freak he was before she married him. No wonder she’s always complaining. She’s had to live with that disgusting thing!” Elise cocked her head to the side. “What’s wrong?”

Shaking his head, he stood. “Nothing.”

“Are you leaving? Why? It’s not like you’re a monster.”

“No.” Sharp fangs slid down from his mouth. “But you are,” he growled as he turned and stalked away.


(749 words)