Chapter 1 -- Shelia and Thomas Meet
It was late at night and Shelia was lonely. After dumping her boyfriend two months ago, for cheating, she had finally gotten over the "all men are dogs" theory and wanted to simply have someone appreciate her for her. Not wanting to just meet someone at a bar she had started complaining to her girlfriends about there not being any good men left. With their agreement she sank deeper into her loneliness.
Work was always the same. There was Mark in Marketing, this made her laugh each time she said it out loud, who would hit on her occasionally. In his mid forties and balding, not her type. Of course the mail delivery boy Steve stuttered each time she said hello. This made her smile too. A warm, heart felt smile for such a nice boy, not someone to whom she felt even remotely attracted. Life seemed a simple repeat of each day. Weekends however, were always an option...
Thomas had been looking for someone with whom he could share his sexual fantasizes. He had in mind a "sex buddy" he could explore all his kinky and fetish thoughts. He wanted that perfect woman who was non-judgmental, trustworthy and sexy. One problem, he was too shy to actually approach someone. This caused frustration at first, but Thomas realized the thought of someone was often enough. To get the boost needed, Thomas would go to public places. The mall, movie theaters and restaurants pick a woman and build an entire fantasy around her. Once he got home he would continue the fantasy until he finally found release.
Of course, one day, Thomas saw Shelia.
Shelia had all but given up hope of finding someone to love her. She had tried a one-night stand only to change her mind at the guy's apartment. His disappointment punctuated by cursing and words like "tease" and "slut" and "cunt". Shelia was done with men at after that. Her girlfriends had consoled her. One had even made a pass that was gently, but firmly, rejected. Shelia had found solace in watching romance movies. A public, but simultaneously, private place. A fantasy on screen shared with many other people. Shelia had talked herself into believing this constituted a form of relationship that would not cause the pain of a broken heart.
Thomas spied her when she arrived. He had long ago learned to arrive early, sit up high in the back and watch other patrons as they found their seats. Many a couple choose their place and the woman would go for treats. These were the women Thomas liked. These women were servants doing the man's bidding. Waiting on him. These women were the ones he would control, dominate, and subjugate. The women's husband (for Thomas she must be married) would never know.
Shelia saw him as she picked her chair. A single man was almost always waiting for "his woman" to return with popcorn and drinks. She never failed to be disappointed by that. A couple out to watch a movie seemed to think the girlfriend's place was to serve. Why men could not understand the importance of being together for those wonderful details like buying popcorn and drinks, well, if it had to be explained, he was not worth it.
Shelia sat down. Thomas noticed she was alone immediately. Observing people for so long gave him insight to those who watched alone and those waiting for others. As more people arrived and took their seats the theater became full. Thomas hoped a group would arrive asking the single girl (all single women were girls) to move and possible sit closer to him. It never happened.
The previews started, loud as usually. The movie lights darkened and the movie started.
Two hours later Thomas stood up, stretched and tried to time his departure with that of the girl's. It did not work. She had spotted him and made sure she left before him. In a small way flattered at his attention but more creeped out about the single guy stalking others at the movies.
