Mark & Me

My First Encounter with Mark

I remember when I first saw Mark. It was the first day of Tuesday/Thursday classes. It was time for my last class of the day, Public Speaking. I tend to arrive to my classes early so I was one of the first people in the classroom. I looked at all the people that would walk in. Mark walked in and I immediately thought that he was cute. I didn't know why. It's not like he's a top model or Zac Efron! He was slightly above average in the looks department, in my opinion. I think I mostly liked his hair. He has nice hair, not gonna lie! He sat in the same row as me. I tried not to stare at him because I didn't want to seem like a creep! What a turn off!

I can't remember if it was the first day or second day that we did our introduction speeches. But I remember when he did his with his partner. Whenever he would read the answers to the questions that his partner gave him, he would make a witty comment that I found funny. His humor reminded me of Cole Sprouse. Especially when he would talk about himself. In most cases, I probably would have forgotten about him. But his partner revealed something about Mark that was so crazy, I knew I would never be able to forget Mark.

Mark's partner revealed that Mark had no sense of smell. Everyone in the classroom gasped and were in complete shock. He told everyone the story since we all wanted the details. He said that he was involved in a chemical accident at his high school's science lab while the teacher was out of the classroom during his senior year. Someone asked him if he sued the school. He said he didn't see the point. I said that he should've sued. I mean, he lost one of his most essential senses! That's like going blind or deaf! Ever since then, Mark remained in my head.

After that day, I would constantly think about Mark. I would picture us being a couple. Holding hands, going to his room, him coming to mine, having date nights off campus, you know, college couple stuff. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I had to find a way to get closer to him. What made things super frustrating was the fact that he had no social media. NONE! No facebook, twitter, instagram, nothing! How am I suppose to know if he's a psychopath?!

If I remember correctly, we did have one small interaction prior to me getting his digits. I work as a security guard in the residence halls. My permanent shifts are in his building. One time he entered and I noticed through the CCTV that he was looking at me. After going through the turnstile, he came over to the other side of the booth. He asked me about the job. I told him not to get it because it's the worst, which it really is! Ask anyone who works here! He asked about the pay and I told him that it's below New York minimum wage. He said thanks and said see you around. I was freaking out! He actually talked to me!

As time went on, I never really gotten the chance to get close to him. Not in that classroom at least. Thankfully, our class got moved to a different building. The desks were a lot easier to move around for group work. But it wasn't enough. I needed a way to get his number since he had no social media. Thankfully, my friend, Alisa, messaged me about my "not so surprise" party. She asked me to send her a list of people and their contact info. I thought that this was a perfect way to get Mark's number.

I emailed him first. I felt weird asking for his number in person right off the bat. Emailing him first seemed best. That way if he didn't respond, I can say to him in person, "Did you get my email?". I wrote out what I was going to say in the back of my notebook. I wrote:

Hey! This is Jasmine from class. This is the only way I know how to contact you. Anyways, my friend is throwing a "not-so surprise" party for me and asked me to make a guest list. I added your name because I want you to come because you seem really cool and I need more than two people to invite. Lol! If you give me your contact info, I can give it to my friend so she can give you more information about the party.

Have a great day!

Jasmine F.

I was so nervous after sending him that email. I kept telling myself that the worst he can say is no. That gave me some comfort.

The next class, I gave my commemorative speech to my best friend, Pia. After class we walked out together. In the main lobby of the building, I saw Mark sitting in one of the chairs. I don't know what came over me but I decided that that moment would be the best to talk to him.
"I'll be right back", I said to Pia. I walked over to Mark.
"Hey!", I said.
"Hey!", he replied.
"So, did you get my email?"
"No, I didn't. What's up?"
"So basically, I'm having a 'not-so surprise' party and I want to you to come because you seem really cool."
"Sure. Sounds good!"
"So can I get your number so my friend can send you more information?"
"Yeah, sure!" He put his number in my phone. He also took a selfie for his contact picture. That made me laugh.
"Cool! Thanks! See ya!"
"See ya!" And that was that. I felt so accomplished! I actually got his number! He must've kind of like me if he gave it to me. We barely talked prior to this moment. It was a sign.