Can we try again?

Hundred

Samira and Daniel talked some more. They watched a funny program on ITV, and laughed till their bellies hurt. Samira apologized that she didn't have any food to offer Daniel.

"It's fine, honestly. I'm not hungry." Daniel said to her.

"How about some crisps? Biscuits?" She insisted and without even waiting for a response from Daniel, she said, "Nevermind, I'm going to get it. I need something to munch on sef."

She disappeared into the kitchen and then reappeared with a pack of crisps and some biscuits which she tossed at Daniel, who gracefully caught them.

"You know what, apart from what Kim said to you," Daniel started. "I thought it was a great evening. I mean, it was going well until she said what she said."

Samira pursed her lips and gave Daniel a look. "Hmm. . .okay. For you, maybe."

"What do you mean? Don't you think so?"

She shook her head. "You want my honest opinion?"

"Something tells me you're gonna tell me anyway."

Samira chewed her biscuit and then started. "Actually, I wasn't having a great time. I didn't even want to be there in the first place, remember, you convinced me. First of all, it was awkward. Having to sit there with you and whatshername -"

"Kim." Daniel reminded. "Her name is Kim."

"Yeah. Her. And then watching you snuggled up with each other, making your inside jokes and laughing together. No! It wasn't fun. I felt like a third wheeler on a date with you two. Actually, I was the third wheeler. It wasn't fun at all. And then you Daniel," Samira shook her head.

"Me? What did I do?"

"You didn't even talk to me. You just ignored me all through. Apart from the beginning when you arrived and we all exchanged pleasantries, you didn't bother to strike any conversation with me. I might as well have been invisible - 'cos that's how I felt." She shrugged. "Anyway sha I know it's because you didn't want your wife to be pissed with you, therefore, you chose to ignore me instead. So, yeah, I felt left out. And no, I didn't have a great time."

There was silence. Neither of them spoke for nearly a minute. The only sounds were the hums from the TV in the background.

"Listen," Samira continued. "I know it's hard for you having your. . . wife, baby mama and son at the table together - there's bound to be some kinda awkwardness. But there are certain ways of doing things, you know? There has to be a balance."

Daniel's mind was spinning. This was awful. The purpose of getting together was so that they could all get to know each other - as a family that they were now. But no, he was so busy that night messing about with Kim, giggling and whispering like teenagers in love, that he didn't even realise how Samira, who was sat opposite them felt.
And she was right, there has to be a balance. He could have done better.

"Woah! I. . .uh. . .Samira, I had no idea. I didn't know you felt that way. I didn't even realise what I was doing to be honest."

"Yeah." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure."

"Again, I am so sorry. I really am. I guess you were right saying that it's because Kim was there. I just. . ." Daniel shook his head slowly. "I'm so sorry. Really really sorry."

She sighed. "And again, it's fine. You're forgiven, Daniel." Then a smile spread across her lips. "But the next time you'll be apologising to me, I won't be accepting it in words o. You'll have to apologise to me in a different way."

Daniel chuckled. "Okay? And what way is that?"

For a moment, they both paused, eyes glued to each other. Daniel could sense that Samira was holding back. He could almost see the cogs in her head turning - like she had something to say. Or maybe it just all in his head?
Then she broke eye contact and stood up abruptly.