Melissa Versus The Cherry

Still reeling over my sudden inability to wear anything other than sweat or scrub pants, I started my diet this morning with fierce determination. Just to make sure that there would no unfortunate incidents, I dumped the Christmas cookies in the trash and scooped dog poop on top of them. Feeling virtuous, I went to work and found a 2 pound box of See's chocolates. What's up with that? Christmas is over and we're still getting chocolates. What's wrong with people?

I was so hungry that I felt light-headed and my tummy even hurt. I could smell the chocolate and my mouth was watering like a ravenous dog looking at a steak. I was still in control, though, and I walked out of the kitchen without eating a chocolate.

Just when I thought that I had passed this test, another box of chocolates mysteriously appeared. This time it was chocolate covered cherries, my favorite. (Am I being tested?) I picked up the box to get a better look at them and there was a bag of Hershey's kisses under the box. (Is my guardian angel mad at me?) Just when I thought that things couldn't get any worse, each of my coworkers said that they hate chocolate covered cherries and that I could have them all. (Is the Devil out to get me?)

Not being able to stand it anymore, I took a tiny bite out of one. It was an intensely rich, dark chocolate that practically made my head spin. The juice was running down my fingers, so I tipped the chocolate and drank the juice. I reached in with my tongue, pulled out the cherry and slowly savored it. The chocolate shell I nibbled away at, practically swooning with each tiny bite. The cherry juice was still on my fingers, so I began licking them, tentatively at first, and then with complete abandon, I thrust each finger into my mouth sucking off the syrup. (Did I remember to wash my hands after emptying that last bedpan?)

One wasn't enough. My appetite was insatiable. Weak with desire, I walked out of the kitchen and didn't look back. I went up against a box of chocolate covered cherries and I won.