Sunday, Day 1 – Simple Sorrows

                 As she walked into the room looking around in well disguised boredom she resigned herself to yet another evening of “Hellos”, “How are yous” and “When are you getting married.” At 35 Sheila was considered over the hill by this extended family, who secretly wondered if she was straight. It had amused her no end when her younger cousin had tried to find out if she was a lesbian. 

This had come after yet another “Man Attack” as she called them. Her relatives were always trying to set her up with some man they found eligible. She knew it was because they cared for her, but she really did not care for the men that came her way. That was not to say that she did not care for any man. If she closed her eyes and saw that face she felt her knees wobble.

A loud “Hello my dear” brought her back to the present instantly. It was her Aunt Jasmine. One of the more out spoken critics of her single status, yet that grouchy persona hid a heart of gold beneath it. She was going to be tough to dodge tonight Sheila could tell from the determined look on her face. This was the beginning of a well thought out “Man Attack.” 

Briefly she wondered about the face she had been fantasying about, wouldn’t it be great if he was the ammo of a man attack directed at her. That would be one attack that just might succeed, but it was hardly likely to happen. After all where would Aunt Jasmine meet him? Sheila gave a small sigh and paid attention to what Aunt Jasmine was saying.

It didn’t seem like she was talking about a man at all. It was all the excitement about Aunt Jasmine’s next art exhibition. Maybe she had misread the signs of the man attack. Anyway, it was comfortable to chat with her about the upcoming exhibition knowing that all she would have to do would be to contribute a couple of paintings to it.   

She dutifully noted the dates of the exhibition next, asked what the venue would be and if Aunt Jasmine needed any help. Predictably the request for three oil paintings came in. Sheila promised to have them ready in time for the exhibition. It would give her something to do after work in the evenings. She also made a mental note to pick up some fresh art supplies on the weekend.