When I woke up the next day, I was almost sure it was all a dream. If that was the case, good job, brain! But even I was not that creative.
Was it my brain's way of begging me to get a good night's sleep once in a while? Nah, it felt way too real. I could still picture his smirk and I remember the way I kept reacting to each of his words. Sadly, I remembered every embarrassing comeback that escaped my mouth.
Maybe my brain got super advanced from all the games I have been playing. I mean, it could happen, right? Creating a simulation for a dating game? Ugh, I need to get some coffee.
I vowed to listen to myself and to never drive when I'm sleepy after yesterday's incident. What if I actually fell asleep? What if I didn't hit the brakes on time?
Those thoughts were disturbing me and my brain suddenly decided it was the best moment to throw in the image of the mysterious guy I met who knew my name.
Ugh. I felt like the narrator of a thriller novel. A cringe-worthy one at that. Let me know how is "My hot stalker" an option for the title. Never mind, it sounds dirty.
I decided it was time to stop after I got stuck in a loop of thinking about his pretty eyes and how bizarre the whole encounter was. I must have told my name and forgot about it when he smiled at me. That's completely plausible given the state I was in yesterday. I mean sleep-deprived. Not frustrated. Not at all.
Was thinking about it worth leaving my coffee to get cold? Nothing is worth it.
There is only one way to get some peace of mind. That was asking him directly if I ever see him again. Sigh. The thought excited and worried me at the same time.
Did I want to see him again? No. But yes. Imagine seeing his smile again. No, Alex. But I just wanted to ask that question.
What was I trying to convince myself for? Let's say for the sake of argument, I meet him again and ask how did he know my name. He might think I was weird, if he didn't already assumed. Or he might introduce his date and I might end up with a broken heart.
If I were to ignore this and move on, it would just be a memory, somewhat weird but a good one. Heck, it might even provide me with some well deserved laughter when I think about it in the future. I chose the blissful ignorance.
I started to get ready for what I hoped and prayed - an uneventful and forgettable day. I was happy with the solution my delusional brain came up with and who was I to even question it?
I picked up my friend Rose from her home at 9. She was really enthusiastic to see me.
I later realized how naive I was to even think that. She was looking forward not to see me but to brag about her date.
"Have I mentioned it? Jake is a really nice guy. He could be my soulmate." Yeah, I heard it the first time and when she said it for the fifteenth time. I lost my count after twenty.
Well, I wish I could say that I tuned her out then. But no. Never. She made sure I heard every sentence by repeating it till I got annoyed.
Once she finished her rendition of the 'oh-so-perfect' date with Jake, I thought of sharing my bizarre story but I decided against it.
She would definitely think I was not taking care of myself and putting myself in danger. She was too worrying for her own good.
Rose and I have been close friends for almost 10 years now. She was a nice girl. Many of our friends have asked if we were together.
But we never thought of each other in that way. She was like a sister that I never wanted but I loved her like one.
On any other day she would have studied my face and questioned me until I gave up the information.
But today she was high on the memories of her date. She probably thought I was just not sleeping enough as usual.
When we arrived at work, she looked at me with concern and said, "Leave early and get some rest today, Alex. You look like a zombie."
I nodded and walked to my cabin.
Who doesn't like to work when that 'job' involves playing games? Shh. We called it 'research'.
Anyway, I would not have much free time once I started my next sprint in a week. That would be good for my heart though. Being busy might make me forget about weird strangers.
However, blue-green eyes were haunting me during my dedicated game time. I mean 'research' time.
I had to get an extra cup or two of my caffeine fix to get through the day. Not that I was complaining.
Finally the evening came and I finally got what I prayed for. A brand new car waiting for me in the parking lot. Just kidding. I wished for an uneventful and forgettable day, remember? But why was I disappointed to get what I wanted?
I got home early and decided to get some rest. I must have been really tired after all the 'research'. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
A/N: Do you think they will meet again? I can hear you say "Duh". But where and when? :)
Were you ever in a similar situation? I know reality is stranger than fiction! :)
I believe the below quote resonates with the chapter and hopefully with YOU!