More than a year has passed since the day that we met; one year, three months, and a week to be exact. But who’s counting? In truth, though, I’m surprised that we made it this far at all, given just how, and where, we met.
***
An hour into New Year’s Day, and I’m the only one still awake; maybe the combined excitement of fireworks, alcohol, and crazy neighbors proved too much for the others. At this point, though, the reason doesn’t matter so much as the end result: the house is silent, save for the crackle and snap of dying embers in the fireplace.
I feel as though I’m the only one awake in the entire world, and I wonder why I’m not asleep. I look down, and as if by magic my laptop has appeared on my lap. I wonder how it got there. I'm wondering a lot of things, tonight.
[Insert Chat Website Here] : I wonder upon a chat room. Normally, I wouldn't, but tonight is different and I hit enter. Next thing I know, I’m falling into a new world: one of older men, gross bodies, and hidden gems…
***
“How did you two meet?” my mom asks, looking over as she cuts into her ham and cheese omelet. Her curiosity is almost as palpable as the rich smells wafting over from my own omelet, a ham, cheese, pepper, tomato, and onion creation that I can’t wait to eat.
I put down my fork, and a nervous laugh escapes me.
“I don’t really want to lie to you,” I began earnestly, “and it’s really just too sketchy… so…” I smile, letting her know that as far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed.
My mom shrugs, and then pops a bite of toast into her mouth. In a minute she seems to have forgotten the matter entirely, although you can never be certain with mothers. As for myself, I find myself falling into the dregs of my coffee, remembering…
***
Needsyou: the name stands out to me on the chat list for some reason, though it’s by no means the most exotic. Other names, the likes of which I imagine would shock even someone as indoctrinated as Pamela Anderson, fade away: Needsyou begs to be clicked on.
I click.
Up pops a tiny video box on my screen. My heart just about pops too: butterflies race through my stomach, and I bite my lip.
Needsyou is beautiful; and he looks to be my age. I message him. Moments later, he replies…
***
“We met on a webcam site.” I laugh.
She steps back, her eyes narrowing despite the grin stretched across her face. Her hair, dyed burgundy, seems to coil with a life of its own.
“Oh Ted,” she sighs, “he told me you two met in Tyson’s.”
I grin in return. The number of people I'd told that same lie to when they asked about “this Ted kid,” stretched beyond counting.
“Oops…”
***
An hour has passed since I messaged him, and I decide to give him my number- sleep, the traitor, has come upon me at the worst possible moment and I don't want this to be the last time we talk.
***
An hour into New Year’s Day, and I’m the only one still awake; maybe the combined excitement of fireworks, alcohol, and crazy neighbors proved too much for the others. At this point, though, the reason doesn’t matter so much as the end result: the house is silent, save for the crackle and snap of dying embers in the fireplace.
I feel as though I’m the only one awake in the entire world, and I wonder why I’m not asleep. I look down, and as if by magic my laptop has appeared on my lap. I wonder how it got there. I'm wondering a lot of things, tonight.
[Insert Chat Website Here] : I wonder upon a chat room. Normally, I wouldn't, but tonight is different and I hit enter. Next thing I know, I’m falling into a new world: one of older men, gross bodies, and hidden gems…
***
“How did you two meet?” my mom asks, looking over as she cuts into her ham and cheese omelet. Her curiosity is almost as palpable as the rich smells wafting over from my own omelet, a ham, cheese, pepper, tomato, and onion creation that I can’t wait to eat.
I put down my fork, and a nervous laugh escapes me.
“I don’t really want to lie to you,” I began earnestly, “and it’s really just too sketchy… so…” I smile, letting her know that as far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed.
My mom shrugs, and then pops a bite of toast into her mouth. In a minute she seems to have forgotten the matter entirely, although you can never be certain with mothers. As for myself, I find myself falling into the dregs of my coffee, remembering…
***
Needsyou: the name stands out to me on the chat list for some reason, though it’s by no means the most exotic. Other names, the likes of which I imagine would shock even someone as indoctrinated as Pamela Anderson, fade away: Needsyou begs to be clicked on.
I click.
Up pops a tiny video box on my screen. My heart just about pops too: butterflies race through my stomach, and I bite my lip.
Needsyou is beautiful; and he looks to be my age. I message him. Moments later, he replies…
***
“We met on a webcam site.” I laugh.
She steps back, her eyes narrowing despite the grin stretched across her face. Her hair, dyed burgundy, seems to coil with a life of its own.
“Oh Ted,” she sighs, “he told me you two met in Tyson’s.”
I grin in return. The number of people I'd told that same lie to when they asked about “this Ted kid,” stretched beyond counting.
“Oops…”
***
An hour has passed since I messaged him, and I decide to give him my number- sleep, the traitor, has come upon me at the worst possible moment and I don't want this to be the last time we talk.
He texts me immediately.
I shut the computer down and stare at the screen, feeling strange. I’m not one for God, but I feel as though my fate has just been sealed, as though the stars above me have just solidified into an iron net of destiny.
I shut the computer down and stare at the screen, feeling strange. I’m not one for God, but I feel as though my fate has just been sealed, as though the stars above me have just solidified into an iron net of destiny.
I also feel a little corny at the thought, and laugh at myself. Time will tell whether or not this will go anywhere. I just happen to hope with all of my heart that it does.
***
One year, three months, and a week after meeting him, and vodka is coursing through my bloodstream, laced side by side with nicotine. New friends are laughing all around me and music is playing.
Best of all is Needsyou, who’s been given corporeal form after all this time: Ted is lying next to me on the couch, smiling.
We kiss.
“Be my boyfriend?” he murmurs.
I accept, and we kiss again.
March 7, 2010; after more than a year, we’re finally together.
It was worth the wait.
YOU GUYS ARE WAY TO MOTHER FUCKING CUTE.
ReplyDeleteI am the other Anonymous and you will now know which one I am because I know the difference between "to" and "too", ha ha, love you, other Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteI had your meeting sketched out and figured as much, no worries.
Now it is time to write the "Wild Side" piece.