Enigma

Flee-ing

"Forever?" I asked.

"Why not?" He replied.

"Isn't it a cliche to call something forever, Robbie?" I answered back.

"May or may not be. As far as our friendship is concerned it will be forever, " said Robbie.

Robbie aka Robinson Norkins was a friend of mine who stayed not far Annapolis. It was my birthday and Robbie had handmade a card for me that read 'best friends forever'. I never believed the concept of forever, hence the question. Robbie had always been a sidekick for events that took place in my life. And today, on my B-Day he happened to be sad and upset about something. While we sat by the county, watching the sunset, he had a series of questions popping out.

"Are you sure about Sean?" he asked. "Do I have a choice?'' I answered.

"This is not what you wished for. Why are you settling then?"

"Look, Sean is a nice guy. And my family is very fond of him"

"Are you?"

"I think we should leave. Have to catch up with Sean for a birthday surprise"

"How come a surprise is a surprise when you know about it?"

"Doesn't matter. Let's Go. Drop me Home," saying this I picked up my backpack and was walking towards the roadside.

"Hey wait! Does Sean know about THE FLEE MAN?"

I stopped at this. And looked around at Robbie with surprise. To this I hustled back to my spot.

"Why should he know about the flee man?"

So here is the thing.... Sean was the guy whom I was supposed to get married. It was 2 years since the "Neal Thing" happened. Neal was now a virtual figure whom I don't know to call a friend or something. It was during this time when I had started talking to Neal, when Sean too came in my life (for real). Few months and Sean had asked me out. Had this discussion with Neal than with anybody else and Neal pushed me to have a chance with Sean. Honestly, had nothing for Sean. But he did. And that made a lot of difference. Sometimes it is better to fall out for someone, that is out Neal talked about. In a world of hooking up after chats on a dating website, Neal was one person who was sobersome and spoke 'life' to me. We had spoken over calls, chatted and shared a lot of life's fascinating and bitter truths with each. Not even sure, what it was between me and him. The reason Robbie called Neal a "Flee-man" was he has this trait to disappear for months and then appear out of nowhere. It has been two years now, I was used to Neal "fleeing" all the time. The idea of Sean knowing about him was not an appropriate one.

"I never understand why haven't you met him till now?" Robbie asked.

"That's the beauty. I think its better like this. He has a life and I have one too"

"So are you two being catalysts for each other?"

"Maybe. Ummm I don't feel like going out with Sean." I said wearily to Robbie.

"Then don't go!" exclaimed Robbie.

At this my phone beeped

"Birthday wishes to the queen of darkness. Make sure you have a great time with someone who loves you. Imagine you make plans for someone and that person doesn't turn up! Have a great time. Neal''

"How does he know?"

"What? Was that a text from Sean?" Robbie asked.

"No. Lets go. Sean must be waiting"

"Wait... What?!"

"Robbie! Drop me Home"

And then I walked along with Robbie. Ever wondered how much a difference a text message can make and it stopped me from breaking somebody's heart. That was me and the Flee man, we had each other but we still didn't have each other. And how ironical is this that someone who always fled made sure I don't do the same mistake . There is a lot that was going to happen and a lot to be happy about.... Until next time!