I didn't think I would see him again soon. Ok I was lying. I might or might not have been looking for a familiar pair of blue-green eyes in local cafes and bookstores.
What? Those are the places I frequent. But it might not be his scene. He looked like someone who liked going to loud places and mingle with people. I could just imagine him being the life of any party.
I scolded myself for stereotyping based on his looks. But the books I have read and shows I have watched taught me exactly the same thing.
Even if I met him, what would I say? Or even worse, why would he remember me? But again, he might remember me as the "weird sleepy guy who almost put a dent in his car". Heck, who wouldn't want to be remembered as 'the one who acted like a baby'?
But you know me, I have prepared a mental monolog to recite to him if I ever come face to face with him again. Well, wouldn't I like that?
So that's why I was shocked to finally see the familiar pair of eyes that were haunting me for some days. And not just in dreams.
All my preparations went out of the window when I saw him. Monolog, who? My brain felt as if I did a factory reset recently and very empty. He had that power over me even if we just met once. Human mind works in mysterious ways, huh?
So I tried to look nonchalant as much I could possibly pull-off. But, hey, if I could act that well, I would be in a movie with Sandra Bullocks or Meryl Streep and not here looking like I just swallowed a piece of gum.
Anyway, this was not the place I had in mind for our most awaited reunion. If it was not already clear, I was the one who was doing all the waiting.
It might not be even in your top 10 guesses. Ok, no more suspense. It was in front of a gas station restroom. What were the chances?
Wait, before you think I went crazy and looked for him there, let me correct you. I was not that desperate and it was not what happened.
It was a beautiful evening. Beautiful because I was going home early for some well deserved rest after a hectic day of work and meetings. No more 'research' as the next sprint started.
I was on my way to enjoy any introvert's dream destination, their own room. But I had to stop at a gas station to get some fuel for my car and take care of some urgent business.
Life lesson #436 - Don't drink a tall glass of orange juice before starting your car.
So much for taking care of my health by cutting caffeine. I knew there would be side effects if I gave up coffee.
When I came out of the restroom I saw him and immediately froze on my tracks. He didn't seem to share my reaction though.
How could he always stay calm and look cool? Look at me, probably gaping like a fish.
I tried to look uninterested and failed. Remember my confession about my non-existent proficiency in acting?
My brain was asking me to confirm if his eyes were blue or green. Not now, brain.
I could figure it out today if I just stare at him for a couple more seconds. He wouldn't mind, right? It seemed like he did. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
I snapped out of it and I had to say something to cover my tracks. Immediately. "Hello! You're David, right? What are you doing here?"
Wow. Thanks brain. I sacrificed my game time and spoiled you with all the sleep and this is what I get in return?
He raised an eyebrow and said, "It's Dean, baby. And why do people come to restroom? To pee, of course."
I was shocked at his response and all I could say was, "I am not baby. I'm Alex and you know it".
He still looked amused. "Yeah, I know".
I decided to be brave and confront him. Serial killers and bad guys wouldn't look like this, would they? But yes, this might have been some poor guy's thought too before getting stuffed in the back of an unmarked van. Ok, no more true crime podcasts for a week.
"How do you know my name?" I asked him. It was now or never.
He was confused for a second. "You told me on that day. Remember? You almost hit me and I saved you like a hero".
My brain said he side-tracked me from my question successfully but my mouth seemed to have a mind on its own. I should start listening to my brain more. But most of the time it is of no help so I tune it out.
"Like a hero? I don't remember seeing you in a suit". Wouldn't it be a sight for my sore eyes?
"What if I forgot it at the laundromat? What if I were the Superman?"
I shook my head at his antics to provoke me. "Oh, yeah? Nice to meet you, then. I'm Batman. Same laundromat". I whispered for some dramatic effect.
He laughed out loud and I felt something when I heard the sound of his laughter. I shook myself from that thought and prepared to leave. It was fun and he was easy to talk to. But it would not be easy to get the feelings involved.
Staying here wouldn't do any good for my heart. I think we have already established that. Let me save my last shred of dignity by escaping out of here. It wasn't too late for that, right?
"Oh, look at the time. I have a date with my bed. Bye Dean. See ya". With that I turned to leave. I prayed that I sounded casual and not like a sad puppy leaving it's home.
What he did next was not something I was prepared for. He stopped me by pulling back the collar of my shirt and asked "When?"
A/N: Superman and Batman? I smell a fanficton right there! ;)
This meeting was a coincidence, guys! Trust me!
But again, stay cautious when interacting with strangers!
I'll dedicate a song for my lovely readers this time :) You're amazing just the way YOU are!