Through Chrissie's eyes

Jo's new date

I was in my messy room that I shared with my friend Jo in our university, trying to enjoy the tranquility of the afternoon to study a little more for the test of my course, which made me committed to the dream of one day being a teacher, that would happen the next day when my colleague burst into the room, opening the door, the noise made me grimace, but Jo didn't even care about my irritation. I took a deep breath and let my book.

"Can you explain why you interrupt me like that?" I said softly, more to myself than to her.

"You won't believe to who I gave my phone number!" I said, confirming that she had hardly heard what I had said before.

"Should it be to someone very ... important?" I asked, since I had been curious now, but I also knew Jo's flirtations, not long lasting, and with endings that made her pass the weekend eating ice cream. But did she learn from her mistakes to choose nicer, more responsible guys? Of course not.

"You know that band?" She sat down in front of me, not losing her energy.

"Which one? You know I don't know the university bands because I barely go out, "I answered honestly.

"Chissie, you're a crank when you want," Jo said of my behavior.

"You're making me impatient with all this coaxing," I said.

"Right, the band I'm talking about is Smile," she clarified and returned to the interest in her story.

"The weird boys? I think I've seen them at a glance but I've never seen them personally" I remembered "what about them?"

"Well, I just got a date with the drummer!" Jo jumped again.

"Uh ..." none of that was sounding good, "and may I know the name of the lucky fellow who's going to date you?"

"Roger, Roger Taylor," she smiled in delight.

"Just by the name seems to be your type," I shrugged.

"And what do you mean by that?" She distrusted me.

"Oh you know, but as a good friend, I will hope that works" I guarantee, being sincere.

"Now it's more like the old Chrissie I know." Jo was pleased.

"Well you disturbed my studies, what did you expect?" I gave a convinced smile, which made Jo smile and nod, finally understanding the message and leaving me alone to study in peace.

Usually Jo and the other girls at the University were mad and astonished at every band that came to perform. But me ... well, I really liked music, but having to go out, being in the unknown, in a tight place, where most of the young people did things they would regret, had nothing to do with me. I had heard of Smile in the hallways of the dorms. Some girls praised them, some girls thought they were funny. Unfortunately, the impression they had on me was that they were the weird boys. So I knew them just from hearing.

The following week, I did my didactic test and even having to study between the extended conversations of Joanne and Roger, I managed to take a reasonable result, which was already good for me. I didn't put much faith in Jo's and Roger's long-distance dating, but because of her excitement and Roger's constant connections, I began to change my mind little by little.

On a day when I was reading The Hobbit in a surprisingly quiet week, I tried to concentrate as she spoke to Roger one more time. When she finally hung up, I had to say,

"This thing between you guys is working out very nice, huh?"

"Yeah, see?" Joanne looked at me like she was always right "I said he was a nice guy, it looks like I got lucky this time."

"Yes, I have to believe it," I admitted aloud.

I had not known Roger properly, I knew he had come over and over to see Jo as the band's schedule timed out. So far, she hadn't complained about him, except he was thoughtful and talented, and that I should go to one of the band's shows when they came to our University again.

"I said I don't feel good in these places," I tried to dismiss the subject.

"Oh, Chrissie, what do I have to do to get you out of here?" Jo waved her hands in disarray. "I knew you are weird, but-"

"Hey, you can stop there," I raised my hand as I prepared my defense, "I thought that since you met me you've got used to my way."

"I didn't mean to offend you," Joanne sounded regretful. "I just wanted to make a joke, since you're like that, you wouldn't mind seeing the weird boys."

"I ..." I grimaced and scratched my head. "I'll think about your case, okay?"

"Okay, okay, it's a lot better than a no" Jo nodded and then left, to let me read in peace again.