Waiting For Superman

Masks Hide Pain

“That was a really great dinner Glenn,” Estella said sweetly as they walked out of the café together. “No problem,” Glenn said as he shut the door. “I like to come here to get some quiet time, especially since the divorce.” Estella smiled at him and said, “I get how you feel.”

“You’re sure you don’t want a ride home?” Glenn asked as they reached the taxi stand. “I’m fine,” she assured him. “Besides, I live in the opposite direction of your house.”

“It would be no trouble Estella,” he said with a shrug, but she shook her head firmly and said with a smile, “Goodnight Glenn.  I’ll call you soon.” He watched her get into a waiting taxi before waving and walking off.

He’d been opposed to the idea of online dating at first. After all, who wanted to date a broken hearted, grumpy and divorced man? Hardly anyone. What put people off he’d decided, was the fact that he was divorced. Very few seemed to be bothered by his overuse of sarcasm, but mention the word 'divorced' and they would flee. Rachel had even pretended to go the washroom and never returned.

As he climbed into his car, his phone buzzed and he glanced at it, smiling to himself when he saw who it was. ‘Just thought I’d let you know that I’m home already. Thanks for the great night once again- Estella’ it read.

As cliché as it sounded, Estella really was one-of-a-kind. She could actually tolerate Glenn’s grumpiness and often teased him about it. Even Marianne had often asked him to grow up and quit acting like a child, and look where the two of them were now.

As he drove home, Glenn couldn’t help but wonder about what would happen between him and Estella. Would he finally be able to settle down for good? Despite his bad temper, all he really wanted was to settle down and have a nice family. Not that he’d ever admit that openly to anyone.

“Hey Mum,” he said as he took off his shoes and plopped down on the sofa next to his mum. “Hi Glenn,” she said gently, her wrinkled-creased eyes scrutinizing him. “You doing okay?”

“Mum, I’m not a kid anymore,” he whined. “I can handle things on my own.” She smacked him on the arm saying, “Shush, I’m watching my show. Now go and don’t bother me.”

Glenn stood up, chuckling to himself as he walked into his room. Secretly, he was rather touched by his mum’s concern for him. She had even graciously offered him his old room when Marianne had kicked him out of their apartment. He sank down on the bed and looked over at his bedside table.

He picked up the photo he had on the bedside table and looked at it forlornly. On one side, was a photo from his wedding, and on the other side, was a photo of his mum and dad at they’re wedding. “I’m sorry I let you down Dad, I really thought she was the one,” Glenn murmured to himself before suddenly setting the photo down.

“Get over it Glenn. Move on already,” he said to himself as he slowly shook his head. He got up and walked into the toilet, staring at the reflection of his dejected face in the mirror. “You’re bloody Glenn Chua. You can catch criminals but can’t get over a messed up marriage? Pathetic,” he mumbled to himself.

As much as he tried to deny it, he was really upset over what had happened between him and Marianne. But he refused to let it ruin his reputation of being grumpy and sarcastic. After all, Marianne could take everything from him, but his attitude would never change.