Wasps’ Picnic 496 words by Rhona Gorringe

She thought she had planned for every eventuality and indeed she had but, as the saying goes, ‘best laid plans and all that.’

Emily inspected the dainty sandwiches,  assorted cheeses, chocolate Florentines and glistening cherries she packed for their celebratory picnic.  She had a chilled bottle of wine ready for the cool bag and two cans of Roddy’s favourite beer, in case he preferred it.   She even had romantically themed paper napkins she had secretly bought in Paris when Roddy whisked her off on a surprise weekend as a thank you for nursing him when he broke his arm.

 He was like an exuberant Labrador puppy and accident prone to boot!    They had lived wildly and loved fiercely through their student years but life was serious now and Emily felt it was make or break time.  She had to make Roddy see that.   She dared to hope that now after their finals he would show more commitment in return for her ironing his cricket flannels in the summer and washing his rugby kit in the winter.  She overlooked all his mishaps and accidents because she loved him and the overwhelming support he always gave.  

 They had their picnic at the foot of an ancient hill fort, scene of one of their first dates.   To Emily everything was perfect, a beaming sun,  sweet smelling flowers and herbs and, far off, a lark singing for its mate.  Drowsy with the sun and beer, Roddy lay back and closed his eyes.   Emily knew how hard he worked at his evening job and training and got out her book for the last chapter.   She propped herself against his broad shoulder..

“It’s a lovely story.” she turned to Roddy, “If only life were so simple.   The film’s showing next week at Cineworld.  Shall we go?” 

“Mmmm”, Roddy grunted, wrapping an arm round her.   “Yes, of course, if you like but not Wednesday.   That’s my judo, remember?”

A large wasp buzzed over his beer.  Roddy sat up and swatted it with his sandal.  The can fell, swamping Emily’s triangular sandwiches.   She felt the warm liquid trickle onto her ankle and the rug was wet too.  

The wasp transferred its attention to the cheese and was joined by another.   Emily wondered if they were related, brothers, perhaps?   She stood up and began gathering the soggy sandwiches.  Roddy poured the remains of the drink onto the ground.   “Yeow! I think the bastard’s stung me.” and he sucked his finger.   Yes, this was Roddy, always accident prone.   She bent and kissed his finger.   He stood bolt upright and looked at Emily with a serious expression. 

“I’ve had a thought.   Instead of going to Cineworld, let’ s visit your Dad, see if he fancies a pint?”  Emily blinked, wondering what was coming next, “I’ve something I want to clear with him.”

And Emily had the strongest feeling that despite her carefully planned picnic, this was what she had hoped would happen in the first place.