Mary Sue Does the Grocery Store
Alternate Universe: Somewhere on the space-time continuum.
Our plucky heroine pushed her cart resolutely down the bread aisle. Mary Sue was on a mission. Someone in the store needed her help. She could feel it. Clad in blue jeans which hugged her slim hips and a loose cotton shirt, with her blonde hair in a neat twist, Mary Sue garnered looks of appreciation from everyone she passed. She was the epitome of casual elegance. But our beloved heroine was much too modest to be aware of all the attention. Nor would she have cared. She much preferred to be admired for her PhD in Astrophysics. Or her winning ways with animals and small children.
She was almost at the end of the aisle when she spotted him. A long haired, blue eyed man lying on the floor amidst loaves of bread and several jars of peanut butter. Bystanders watched helplessly as the man writhed around. His face was twisted in pain and he was clutching his ankle as he bit back a groan. Mary Sue's tender heart was touched by his stoicism. Almost immediately, however, our heroine put aside her tender feelings and took charge of the situation. It was what she had been created for, after all. Ordering everyone to stand back, she knelt down beside the injured man and stroked a tender hand across his brow as she probed at his ankle with gentle fingers. Tearing a strip off her shirt, she then efficiently bound up the man's ankle and helped him to his feet.
"Thank you, Miss." The man smiled shyly as he gazed into her eyes.
"Call me Mary Sue, Mr...?"
"Tanner. Vin Tanner."
"Well, Vin. Do you need some help getting home?" she offered sweetly, returning his smile with a dazzling one of her own.
"No thank you. I have a ride. But maybe you could help me find the things on this list?" He thrust a wrinkled, foodstained piece of paper in her direction.
"Of course." Mary Sue's smile didn't waver as she took the grimy piece of paper from his fingers. She was glad to help. Really.
"I see you like this particular brand of pasta, as well. It's organically grown from reclaimed land in Guatemala by small, independent farmers. Therefore, it is not only environmentally friendly but it is an economic investment in the future of these third world countries. Don't you just love lending a helping hand to those less fortunate than ourselves?"
"And this kind of orange juice brings back memories. I used to take my Mother a glass every morning until she passed away. Leaving me with five younger siblings to take care of by myself. But it was no hardship, really. They were absolute angels." Mary Sue continued to chatter blithely and knowledgeably about a variety of topics as they wended their way through the grocery store. She thought her companion's lack of response was due to a becoming shyness. And that the lines of tension in his face were due to pain. They had just finished the produce section when she noticed that her handsome escort was quite some distance ahead of her.
"Vin? You shouldn't be walking so fast with your injured ankle."
"See? Here, let me help you up and you can put your arm around me. I trust you to be a perfect gentleman." Mary Sue let a delicate giggle escape her at this last part. The long haired gentleman flinched.
"Oh are you in pain? I think we've got everything on your list. Shall we go wait in line?"
"What? Nonsense. It's no trouble at all. And just think what a cute story it will make for our grandchildren."
"What? It was just a joke, Vin. There's no need for that kind of language."
"I am NOT a crazy, goddamn annoying bitch!"
"Now, now. I am going to forgive you this time. I know it's just the pain talking.
"Why are you screaming that name? Who is Chris?"
END