Timing Is Everything

Chapter 15

      Timing is everything and here's a proof, had Emma rejected my invitation politely as she did but earlier, I wouldn't have been that angry. She must know that most people don't like to be kept waiting, at least I don't.

"What?" Asked Chris breaking the silence and bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Nothing" I said laying my head down on the couch.
"What do you mean nothing? What did she say?"
"Of course, Chris. You know how busy girls are, so busy that it takes them twenty four hours to reply to a simple invitation saying she wouldn't be able to make it as she and her friend are busy studying biology. Studying for the course that I take with them, and that makes her one of two things: Either she's too dumb to notice that if there were any studying, I myself wouldn't go. Or she's so bold that she's thinking of me as an idiot who wouldn't notice"

"Or, she just doesn't wanna go, and doesn't want to upset you, so she made up an excuse"
"Maybe, that would be so good of her, but there's only one thing bothering me, her timing. Was it really that hard for her to decide? After all it's a just a bloody party in some middle school"

"Well, maybe it was. Maybe she wanted to come, but her friend didn't. There're a lot of probabilities, Nick. So just let it go, you invited her and she rejected politely. It's not even a date, so don't give it much thought. However, the whole timing thing, you'll never know why"

"You're right, such a drama queen I am" I laughed.
"So that's it then? You're going single for prom?"
"Actually, I was thinking of not going at all"
"You're kidding. Right?"
"No, man. Me and Joe aren't very much into the whole prom thing. We'd rather hit the gym" I said flexing my pecs sarcastically.
"Bastards! You're gonna leave me all alone in that dramatic show with Nora?!"
"That's the plan" I laughed giving a thumbs up.

We're chilling there, watching TV, eating. All one could wish for in a summer day at home.
Except a phone ringing announcing an incoming call from Nora.

"You're gonna get that?" I asked pointing at his phone.
"Yeah, but on my way home. See you later, Nick" Said Chris as he picked his phone and got up to leave.
"Fun spoiler!" I shouted behind him, so she could hear it.

   It became sort of a habit for Chris to talk to Nora alone, even if he's gonna tell me all about it anyway.

As I became alone, I thought again of Emma's response, and to end that struggle I texted Sophie to try to understand how the female's brain work. After all they're all girls, right?

Sophie: She said no?!
Nick: Technically, she didn't.
Sophie: What do you mean?
Nick: She said she couldn't come, not she wouldn't.
Sophie: Seriously?
Nick: Soph, let's not make a big deal out of it. Okay?
Sophie: Okay. So you're gonna ask someone else to prom or what?
Nick: Nah, enough of the drama shit for me. I'm not going.
Sophie: WHAT?!
Nick: Do you really have to make a big deal out of everything?
Sophie: I'm not making it, it is a big deal.
Nick: For you. For me it's just another boring party with a little bit more formal costume.
Sophie: Okay tough guy.

I wasn't in a very talkative mood so I just left the conversation there and put the phone on the desk and laid down my body into the loving arms of my bed.
I kept thinking how trivial I became, how my whole mood and behavior would be based on a certain person, how I amplified simple incidents to disastrous events just to fill the void in my heart, in my mind.
And most importantly, how I convinced myself that I cared for someone when I really didn't.
How I turned a simple attraction which may happen with anyone you see to a priority.

At a certain point, I despised myself. For I saw myself becoming an attention seeking manwhore, searching for drama and the so called real love, losing all of my integrity and dignity along the way.

But looking back, I realized something rather important. I never knew love, did I?
Well, let's start off with my first crush: Michelle.. After our short timed romance I hated her, but now I barely remember her.
Kate.. There was romance at all, just a kick in the butt to warn me to never pretend to be in love and it doesn't count for a thing.
And finally Emma.. She was the solid evidence that one cannot search for love or have plans for it.

So, my conclusion is that love is just like shit.
Doesn't they say "shit happens"?
Well, yeah. So does love.

Truth to be told from that moment on, I was so much relieved. Cause when I saw Emma after that I knew what all she was to me.. Pretty face, cute smile, wide black eyes. She was a girl who met a few of my checklist points.

"Today is the big day" said Chris with his recently rare wide smile.
"It's an ordinary day, dude. Don't get too excited, but if it'd make you stay that happy then it is" I said yawning on the bed.
It was about a week since the confronting myself session I had, and it was prom night.
You can tell from Chris' excitement.
He was at my place getting ready so that I could help him with his tie. Typical Chris.
"You and Nora are cool, right?"
"Yeah yeah"
"So, I wouldn't be needed to distinguish any fires?"
"Hopefully, but keep your phone close" said Chris laughing
"Thought so" I chuckled.
"What you're gonna do today?"
"Call Joe, hit the gym, watch the game, sleep early. Couldn't ask for more"
"Sounds fun, all of that and it's already 7:30?" said Chris grinning.
"Yeah, and get outta here. You don't wanna be late for your little princess"
"Oh shit, I forgot I gotta pick her up" said Chris face palming himself.
"Hell of a way to start the night, mister"
"Okay okay, see you later"

He ran out to the car and drove off and I'm sitting there texting Joe to meet me at the gym.
Instantaneously he replies "I'm on my way there". Gotta love Joe.

I reached the gym and there he was "late as always you asshole"
"Missed you too, Joe" I said laughing.
"Whatever, let's lift some weights"
About an hour and a half later, we finished. As I was about to take shower I received a text.

"Come this instant" -Chris.