One Night Stand

One Night Stand : Crash and Burn

Months had passed since Clyde and I met, I think it's been about 4 months. That one night sort of made me confused in what I want. I'm not yet ready.

It's been 4 months, and I think Mark is as confused as I am. I want things to be clear, but how will I make things clear?

None of them wanted to talk about things that happened between them, the messages made them confused, the actions, the looks, the feelings, the mood, everything made them feel uneasy but longing. It wasn't as if they want to run away from that state, in fact, they wanted to do the opposite, they want to face the fact that they are confused, and one must need to talk to the other, and so a meeting was settled. 

Some coffee shop around the metro which is very accessible for both parties was made venue. Clyde came in the spot 30 minutes earlier. 

Waitress: Can I get you anything miss?

Clyde: Yes please, mocha frappe, venti.

Waitress: Mocha frappe, venti, coming right up.

The waitress smiled beautifully, Clyde thought. She turned her back from the counter and looked for a free table. She found one in the smoking area, she waited for her order, lit a cigarette, waited. 

Clyde: *Sigh* I must not give in to my emotions, I'm not a kid anymore. This is nothing but infatuation. Infatuation is for kids. I'm not a kid.

She repeated it to herself, she wanted to believe she is no longer a kid, just like everyone does. 5'7 in height, a bit buff, wearing his usual get up, jeans and a tee sporting a new haircut and wearing his favorite DC shoes, Mark Viado came into Clyde's view. She looked away, puffed the last of her cigarette and smiled at Mark.

Mark, feeling that he tried too hard to look good and feel good, smiled at Clyde when he finally came at the table. 

Mark: Stressed?

Clyde: You know I smoke when I am, why bother to ask when you know the answer?

Mark: I feel the greatest storm building up. 

Mark called a waitress and made an order, brewed coffee. Thinking it's manly to drink one.

Clyde: So, how have you been? 

Mark: You don't know? We exchange sms everyday. I doubt if you don't know what's going on in my reality.

Clyde: I might be the greatest storm that you're saying, but you're the harshest winter.

Mark: Winter does not exist here in Philippines.

Clyde: I wonder if it'll start raining snow.

The waitress came about with Mark's order. He took a sip and tried not to spurt it out. He forgot it was hot, and it was bitter. Smoking another stick, Clyde finally broke the ice;

Clyde: So what exactly is the score?

Mark: I'm not yet ready. I don't want you to get hurt too. I'm nothing, I can't possibly make you happy since I can't make myself happy too.

Clyde: I was expecting this. I didn't thought it would be this hurtful. But it's okay. I know what really is going on. We can't be together because I have a child already, fear of what others might say. Right?

Clyde's tone didn't sound like a question to Mark. He was too busy being tired and looking lonely in her eyes. 

Clyde: I'm fine. Don't worry. I was hoping, even if I know that nothing really will happen. That was nothing but a one night stand. I know this fact, and yet I hoped. Stupid really.

She smiled so beautifully and yet her eyes are fighting wild tears that are fighting their way out of her. 

Clyde: I'll sign off now, take care of yourself.

Clyde stood up, gave him a peck on the lips. She did it on purpose, just so she can at least have that as a parting memory. She knows what will happen after. Dull moments, no more messages, awkwardness at its best. She turned her back, surprised that the tear fell after looking away from him. She walked fast, wiping her tears and trying to to stumble in the crowd. She didn't want to make a scene. She was tired. 

Mark still sat on the same spot, he wasn't sure what just happened. But, he was sure things will never be the same again. Less communication, less of everything. He wonders what will happen of her, will she really be alright? He was aware of the tears she was wipig off while walking. It felt like she was running away from him.

Clyde finally arrived home, she opened a bottle of beer, cried her heart out. Mark arrived home, changed clothes, ate dinner, tried to sleep.

Clyde & Mark: This is over, I guess.