Alibi

Suddenly, I always had a reason, an excuse. It was a cover story, my little song and dance.

I could get out of almost any quandary, the smallest of small talks. It was like I had some sort of disease or handicap and I was just let off the hook. 

haha, suckers.

This thing I told people - honestly I could have gotten away with murder. All I had to do was explain myself, in only three words, and suddenly everyone understood. 

"I'm in love."

They would tilt their heads and their eyes would soften, drooping in sympathy. Nodding knowingly, sometimes they would put hands on my shoulders. I got a lot of pats on the back and every mistake I made was set aside because love, love was my alibi.

I'd be late to work and everything was falling through because of something I forgot again. Expectant looks from everyone in the room... "Oh, I... I'm sorry. It's just, well, I'm in love, is all."

"Mmm she's in love", they wold all nod in unison. Some would bow their heads and put their hands over their hearts like I was some sort of memorial.

"You're in love?" one woman asks. "Well, my condolences".

It was like I was the last person to catch the joke. 

"But this is love!" I'd tell them. "I'm in love!" It was like winning the golden ticket. 

"Oh honey", they would say.

"It'll be okay."

"Don't worry about the files, we'll get everything sorted out."

"You'll feel better in the morning."

"Here, take some Tylenol."

"Take a deep breath, sweetheart. Nothing to worry about here, it's all taken care of."

I didn't understand, but this alibi, it seemed to be perfect. Fool proof. The ultimate guise, though it was the honest truth. Just three words, "I'm in love!" and all was forgiven and forgotten.

This, this love thing. Love was my alibi. The perfect alibi. 

Until I figured out why.