yesterday, I was on my way to Booksale, hoping to scavenge some Grisham novels, when this sprightly guy came up to me. I kinda noticed him walking by my side early on but paid no attention and went on with my short, fast strides. Out of nowhere he asked, “Miss are you in a hurry?”
wait: what’s up with guys’ pick-up lines?
i wanted to say none of his business but thought it better to reasonably answer, “nope, I just walk fast” It’s a complex situation when strangers come up to girls. If we accommodate them, we’re a flirt. If we don’t we’re a snob.
so I thought: well he looked harmless. Besides I can give a good kick, a quick run, and a loud howl, if necessary. Que sera sera…
eventually, this stranger had a name: Michael. Though I never asked, he gave me a brief rundown about his age, occupation, address, I didn’t catch the others. If he wasn’t tagging along my side and I saw him in a crowd, I’d say his shy. But I’d say no shy person could ask a girl (whose also a stranger to him) if she has a boyfriend, tell her he’s attracted, and ask if they can talk, all in less than 5 minutes.
my response: I asked him if he was gonna sell me something or invite me to join his networking group. I couldn’t help but ask further if I was on a gag show. (Yes, I kept on looking for the “hidden cameras”).
He kept on asking for my #, trying to win me with that flash of bedimpled smile.
again i was thinking... Should I give it? Why not? Digits don't hurt...
I… didn’t give it. So goes the thought of serendipity, destiny, fate, and all that crap—crap I embarrassingly crave for. In the midst of my presently-crazy-life, I was contemplating if this Michael guy is God’s sign. What the heck, I let him go, with the thought of seeing him again left to the 6 degrees of separation. Actually, I don’t regret it. The 15-minute could-have-been-newfound-love has gone as fast as it came. Know what, it’s all right. This stranger brought about a stupid smile on my face. I felt God giving me a pat on my shoulder telling me to take it easy and chill. That happiness could be found in other places.
i realized: We ask God to make us happy but we are fixated on where we want it to come from. Happiness could be found elsewhere.
I didn’t at all feel strange towards that stranger. He could be an angel, I’d never know. But one thing’s for sure, he left me feeling good about myself. So what happened: here’s my line, “It’s not that I don’t wanna talk to you…” he cut me off, said ‘twas all right, smiled, and left. I smiled all the more. I’ve been sulking all week then he came and lit up my face. Things may not be better for me but I’m still wearing that smile. Hmm… isn’t life beautiful?
p.s. to Michael, thanks!
Author's note: This was like 2005. I was lamenting with a soon-to-be-ex or pseudo-ex when I met this gutsy guy. A few months after I worked in the same company he told me about, I never did see him again. I guess angels are just like that :)
No comments:
Post a Comment