A Yankee has Landed in Texas

The restaurant was chosen carefully.  Several were in the running but this had to be special.  The very handsome prince charming was going to join his princess and her family there.  Her family consisted of her mom and dad and younger sister.  The princess chose the place, which was not too classy, not too plain, not too expensive, not too cheap but just right - the perfect place for a perfect meal.  Reservations were made for 6:00 PM.  The princess and her family arrived on time and were escorted to their table.  The prince had not yet arrived.  Mom & dad summoned the waiter and asked if they could look over the menu.  They were told that tonight they were having a ‘buffet only’.  That would be fine - it makes it easier for everyone.  No one has to make any decisions based on the menu. 

Mom and dad looked at their watches as the prince still had not arrived.  It was now 6:20 and they patiently sat and waited, and waited, and waited.  6:30, still no prince!  They waited and waited.  6:45, no prince yet - tummies were starting to growl!  The decision was made to call prince charming.  Yes, he was on his way!  (He had just gotten out of the shower at 6:20!)  At 7:00 PM, prince charming arrived and met a group of ravished people, especially the mother of the princess.  She had nothing to eat all day!  

“Let’s get our plates”, mom said, and up she went to the buffet table, followed by her family and the prince.  Back at the table, mom devoured her food very quickly and excused herself to go back for a second serving.  This time, no one followed.  With her second plate in hand, she returned to the table and finished off the second plate.  She excused herself and headed back to the buffet.  Once again, with more food on her plate, she rejoined the family and the prince at the table.  The princess and her sister were getting a bit uneasy.  But, good old mom was really, really hungry that night and never noticed that the eyes of the princess, her sister and even prince charming were wide with amazement!  They had never seen their mother eat so much!  As the mother started to get up from the table once again and head tot he buffet for her fourth plate, the sister said aloud “You’re not going back again, are you?”.  The dad joined in, “Don’t tell me you want more!”.  The prince and the princess only looked at each other and said nothing!  The mother explained she was just looking for a few more little shrimp and off she went!  Finally, dinner was over, the prince said goodnight and thanked them all for a wonderful meal, smiling twice at the mom.  He departed and the princess said, “Well that was awkward!”

Was it?

And a beautiful couple they are - young, still in high school, vibrant, energetic and anxious to spend time together whenever, wherever they can.  How about her parents house?  It’s a nice place.  They could sit together on the sofa and watch TV.  Her parents understand young love - they won’t be in the way, even though both the “prince charming” and his princess know full well that nothing improper is tolerated; in other words, no funny business allowed!  At least they’ll be together laughing, sharing, talking.  Wonderful idea! 

The prince shows up at the appointed time, greets the mom & dad appropriately and sits down on the sofa.  The princess and the prince charming decide what they want to watch on TV.  They turn on their special program and the mom and dad disappear into another part of the house.  How perfect!  The young couple are enjoying their program and being together.  Then, something happens.  Right in the middle of their show, a singer appears.  The singer starts out singing a song that was popular perhaps 18 years ago, during the time the mom and dad were dating.  The mom and dad hear the music, that good old rock and roll, and they get excited, so much so that they emerge vigorously from their quiet place, singing loudly and enthusiastically performing the motions they had performed so many years ago.  They swayed from side to side and held one arm in the air as if holding a lighter while at a concert and they grinned from ear to ear and sang their hearts out.  They even danced a little and played some air guitar.  They took their places at the side of the TV in plain sight of the royal couple and, when it was over, back they went to their own space, quiet once again.   The prince and princess just looked at each other and went back to watching their show.

The TV show ended, the prince said goodnight to all and left.  The princess looked at her mom and dad and remarked, “Well that was awkward!”  They all said goodnight and went to bed! 

Was that more awkward for the prince?  Or the princess?  Or no one?!  You decide!