Extra 1950s Stuff
from Don't Look Back in Anger

The Conversation, Part I
Ryan approaches Sue after their English class.

"Hello Sue, will you marry me?" Ryan asks in a confident voice.

Sue looks terrified, and rightly so. All she can manage is a strangled, "No," before dashing off to her Home Economics class.

AfterMath
Yikes! No sane girl would even consider marriage until at least the fourth date, unless the boy's family is very, very wealthy. Ryan needs to pace himself a little better.

The Conversation, Part II
Ryan approaches Sue, who is storing books in her locker. "Hello, Sue," says Ryan in a friendly voice.

"Oh! Hi, Ryan. You startled me," Sue says smiling, as she drops her books and tries to remain nonplussed.

"Sorry. Let me help you. With those books. How about this spring weather we've been having?"

"Yes, quite sunny. And warm. Unusual even."

"So. Anyway. I was wondering if you would be. Interested in attending the hayride jamboree next Saturday?"

"Hmm. I'll have to ask my parents. But. I should be able to. Only if you promise not to propose to me again."

"Ha-ha. Of course not. I learned my. Lesson. So, I'll pick you up. At eight. P.M."

Telephone Popularity Begins With Planning
It's a few weeks later. Ryan has seen Mr. Nixon's "Checkers speech." Buoyed by the forthright nature of Nixon's embarrassing apology, Ryan is going to ask Sue out again. This time, however, Mr. Smith has decided to use the telephone. As well, he has ensured that the car will be available, and radish free. Dial those numbers Ryan!

Sue's little sister Cindy answers the phone, giggling before she even touches the receiver, since she finds the ringing sound terribly amusing. The fact that there's a boy on the phone asphyxiates her with laughter.

Of course, all girls sound the same on the telephone, so when Cindy finally pauses from her guffaws, Ryan adopts a do-or-die approach.

"Now-that-you've-stopped-laughing-will-you-go-for-dinner-with-me-Sue-please-say-yes?" asks Ryan, slurring the words like an auctioneer.

Cindy's cackling re-ignites and Ryan hangs up. He calls back a few minutes later. In his first bit of good luck, thus far, Sue answers the phone, although she has been warned by Cindy about Ryan's intentions.

"Hello," begins Ryan, "this is Ryan Smith, from Oakville Trafalgar High School."

"Hello, Ryan," says Sue. "How can I help you?"

"I was wondering if you'd be interested in going for dinner next Saturday night?"

"Sure, I'd be delighted, although I'm not sure why," says Sue, ever the cheerful optimist.

You can almost hear Ryan smiling as he says, "goodbye."

The Date I
Ryan has decided to take Sue to the local pizza parlour. After Sue allows Ryan to order for her, Ryan commences finding out more about his future wife. "So. How is your English class progressing?" he asks earnestly.

"Fine, but let's not talk about school. Okay? We're supposed to be having fun!" responds Sue.

"Okay," says Ryan. He then takes a few sips of water. Then he studies the menu for a while. Then he takes a few more sips of water. He smiles nervously at Sue. She smiles back. He clears his throat and asks, "So, how is your math class progressing?"