Another Stereotypical Love Story | Teen Ink

Another Stereotypical Love Story

March 23, 2012
By TheWordSmith SILVER, Placerville, California
TheWordSmith SILVER, Placerville, California
5 articles 0 photos 51 comments

He was handsome – strong as a lion, powerful as a falcon. She was beautiful, delicate as a butterfly, graceful as a swan. It was a perfect match in all possible ways, except for one: they did not love each other.
Jacques and Elizabeth first met at a small coffee shop in Paris. Elizabeth had been reading “Pride & Prejudice,” a classic novel by Jane Austen. She raised her cup of coffee to her lips just as a loud crash sounded throughout the café.
“Monsieur, I am so sorry!” exclaimed the horrified waitress as she stared helplessly at the shattered glass and spilt coffee.
“Be more careful next time,” growled the man as the waitress hurried to clean up the mess. The man had harsh features, Elizabeth noticed: a sharp chin, perfectly trimmed hair, and cold, black eyes. She instantly did not like him. He reminded her of the prideful Mr. Darcy from the book she was reading. Miffed by his rudeness towards the innocent waitress, she stood up and strode boldly over to where he was sitting.
“Monsieur, is it common for you to treat people with such contempt?” she inquired.
The man looked up and studied his interrogator’s face for a moment. Elizabeth felt uncomfortable under his piercing gaze but held her ground. After memorizing each of her features – the lush, soft golden-brown curls, the fiery hazel eyes, and the elegant, almond-shaped face – the man responded.

“Those I treat with contempt deserve it.”
“And what type of person do you deem worthy of being treated with such contempt?” Elizabeth asked sarcastically.
“Those that are lazy, those that are clumsy, those that are too bold, or too shy, or too inquisitive,” said the man, heavily emphasizing the last word.
Elizabeth sat down in the chair across from her and set her mouth in a thin, straight line. “You think I am too inquisitive, then?”
“For a woman – yes. It is the woman’s duty to be seen and not heard,” replied the man.
“What an ancient view you have on women! –Indeed, that is how women used to be viewed, but not currently. After all, we are in the twenty-first century. I suppose you also believe women should be meek and submissive to their husbands, and their sole responsibility is to bear children and clean the household?”
“You have a sharp tongue,” noted the man.
“You have a dull mind,” quipped Elizabeth, whose dislike for the man was growing increasingly stronger by the moment.
“What is your name?” said the man.
“Why is it of importance to you? I am a woman; I should be seen only, not heard.” Elizabeth stood up. “I am through with this conversation. Good day, Monsieur.”
“Good day, Madam.”
“Do not call me ‘madam,’ for I am not married.”
“My apologies, Mademoiselle.”
Elizabeth stomped away, her blood boiling. This man was prideful – no doubt about that – and cruel and rude. He also had quite a twisted view of women! For a solitary woman that enjoyed her freedom, his comments about “being seen and not heard” were insulting and pricked her pride. But as she exited the shop, Elizabeth shook these frustrations off. I will never see him again, she thought.
How little she knew!


The author's comments:
Usually, I try to avoid the commonplace plots that everyone seems to write about. But for once, I thought I'd try writing something stereotypical. And so "Another Stereotypical Love Story" was born.

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This article has 2 comments.


on Apr. 5 2012 at 5:56 pm
TheWordSmith SILVER, Placerville, California
5 articles 0 photos 51 comments
Yes, there is more to the story. It's a novel I'm working on, but I haven't finished it yet! Haha. Thank you for the suggestions! :)

paige14 GOLD said...
on Apr. 5 2012 at 12:23 pm
paige14 GOLD, Portsmouth, Ohio
17 articles 0 photos 50 comments

Favorite Quote:
Say what you need to say--John Mayer

I like this Elizabeth!! Her snarky comments were great! Is there more to this story? I really liked what was there, but it doesn't seem to fit the "stereotypical love story" the title promises. That made me think it would end with them in love, not just her storming off angrily. My only suggestion would be that the references to Pride and Prejudice seemed a bit stilted. Perhaps cut out the bit about who wrote it? And then later say "her book" instead of "the book she was reading." Those were the only bits that jolted me, otherwise this was really good!!