COMPATIBLE INDIFFERENCE

Chapter 10

Jam and I found a cheap apartment near the university as we continued our path as postgraduates. With our busy schedules at the university, we were still able to squeeze a part-time job. The Wonder Woman in us emerged gloriously as two thriving young adults strive to attain success. I tutor college and even high school students while Jam decided to let her cerebrum take a rest by waiting tables at our new favorite pizza parlor across the apartment. She also finds the son of the owner cute. The usual Jamaica.

Louise secured a spot as one of the dancers in Bring It On: The Musical held on Broadway. Jam and I went to New York to watch the opening and even created an outlandish banner to support her but she took it away when we visited her prior to the show. Too bad, it was a two-day work and I even drew a spitting image of her but she barely recognized it.

Louise was amazing. The whole show was fun and I can't help but be amazed by how people can twist their hips and bend their backs whereas my lack of flexibility disgraces the female society. Tom had to close my mouth a couple of times. Yes, he came to watch. Louise liked the idea that Tom and I seem to have hit it off. Jam thought it was fishy at first, but softened when Tom gave her a Night Terrors of 1927's album- one of her favorite bands.

Jam and I didn't have time to tour New York. So Tom invited us to a meal from the famous, De Fara Pizza. Jam and Louise seem to like his company more than I expected. When he excused himself to answer a call, Jam asked the famous question they never asked before, "What happened to you and Tom back in high school?" I looked at both of them and gave the same response. "Nothing." Lou chuckled and stashed a pizza at Jam's mouth. "Do you ever think she'll answer that?"

Months have passed and nothing big happened except for one thing. I haven't heard from my virtual friend, emperor_frost for the last 10 months. After he congratulated me a week before my graduation day, he didn't email me back. I probably sent a dozen, 'What's up?', 'Earth calling!', 'You still alive?', messages on the first couple of months but all I see are sponsored ads on my inbox.

Louise called me on Skype one time while she was taking a break at a coffee shop. It was at that time I was feeling bored and bummed so I told her about my dilemma. She started her creative musings.

"He could have been kidnapped by his great uncle who is probably in Mafia. OR, he could have moved to one of those places that do not have any internet connection or worse an intermittent one. OR, he could have gotten ill and is not with us anymore. Oh my god, Sam?!" I threw a big sigh. "It's a good thing you're on the other side of the country. If not, you could be saying eulogies to your hair, right now." She laughed while playing with her beloved braid. Then she squealed silently while ducking her head.

I whispered into my laptop. "Hey, Lou. What's up? Is your kidnapper theory correct only that he is there to capture you?" Her face filled my whole screen while she's trying hard to hide in that small screen. "Big scoop. Let me give you a live update on what's happening." I laughed quietly and watched her nose and mouth work together.

"Tom entered the premises with a blonde woman in her tight Spandex. She's like a model for those jeans that makes you think your legs are thinner but they are not. He led them both at the corner of this shop. My 2 o'clock. He pulled her seat and hot blondie smiled at him seductively while sitting down. Was he a gentleman? He didn't even pull ours last time! These men and their fake chivalry."

"Hey, keep going. Jam just came in and I already briefed her in. We're listening." Jam huddled beside me as she took the other earphones to listen to Lou's Star Gossip. "Okay. He went to the counter and ordered... wait. Hmm, a macchiato and double shot espresso. He is now approaching hot blondie and sat beside her. He didn't take the seat in front of her!"

Jam and I looked at each other knowingly. Louie's whole face came back on the screen. "Guys, blondie saw me. Oh my God! I have to sneak out! Tom is coming!!" She whispered loudly. Tom came on the screen right then and we saw him tapping Lou on her shoulder. He said something to her and finally saw us on the computer. Jam and I waved at him, grinning like a Chester cat. Lou smiled and said, "Sorry Tom, I was chatting with the girls and you came in. Can you blame me? It was too interesting to keep it to myself, honey." Tom took one of her earbuds and narrowed his eyes on us, "Did you girls enjoy the live podcast?"

"Yes. Too bad we got caught. Your blondie's peripheral vision is majestic. When's the next show?" I asked teasingly. He clicked his tongue and said, "You know spying is a crime, right?" "So? Sue us, Thomas." Jam menacingly replied. He helplessly shook his head and handed back the other earbud to Louise. We waved him goodbye as he left to continue his date. Sadly, Lou had to leave for her next show. Good thing, I got rid of my boredom.

Emperor probably realized that emailing someone he has not seen can be considered pathetic and childish. Yet for me, it was refreshing and fun. It even became a part of my routine. I'd start my day with a 30-minute run, check his emails while waiting at Subway for our to-go sandwiches, go back to our dorm, hit the shower, then sprint to class if we're running late. When I haven't heard anything from him on the 3rd month, I decided to remove him from my morning schedule and move on.

On Jam's final year in Law School, I've finally heard from my mysterious virtual mate. He said sorry for being out of the grid, adding that he has been reading my old messages. He didn't point out though the reason for his absence but profusely apologized throughout the email. As I was busy helping Jam pack her things for her one-week seminar in Canada, I ignored the blinking reply button. Importantly, I have no intention of answering him back any sooner.