Champagne Toasts and Butterflies

After the fiasco at dinner, I left and went home for the night to get some rest.  My mom apologized to me before I left and said she didn’t know.  I told her it wasn’t her fault, I should’ve updated her.  After snotting all over Zach, I had separated uncomfortably from him.  There were a lot of things left unspoken between us, but it wasn’t a good time to talk.  All he mentioned was that he was flying back to Arizona on Wednesday.  My brother had gone to his room and shut the door, so I didn’t speak with him.  It wouldn’t have been pretty if I had.  My dad shook his head and gave me a hug  and told me his departing words that he always does when one of us is leaving from the other, “Goodbye my beautiful girl, and always remember that in my arms is where you are loved.”  He kissed my forehead.  Zach opened my car door for me and gave me one last hug goodbye and whispered in my ear, “You deserve better.”  I looked at him blankly as he closed my car door and I drove away.  My roommates were all asleep in bed, when I got home, so I just quietly got into bed and slept hard.

I met Joe early to hit, like we planned, on Saturday morning.  We didn’t hit for very long, though.  He quit and made me sit down with him on a bench next to the court, before our other teammates started showing up.  He asked me what was wrong, and said I looked exhausted.  I told him about the previous night, in all its glory.  He sat quietly and listened.  When I was done, he asked me his usual question when I come to him with issues.  “Do you want my guy answer, or my girl answer?”  I smiled at him.  “The girl answer, please.”

“Aleah, we have been friends now for two and a half years.  I value you, and respect you.  I witnessed the very end of your relationship with Zach, and your whole relationship with Derek.  As good of a guy that Derek is, does he really give you what you need?  Why are you dating him?  For fun times, or to find a life partner?  Can you really imagine spending the rest of your life with him?”  I knew he was asking me rhetorical questions.  I also knew the honest answers to all of them.  “He treats you well on the surface.  But you aren’t shallow.”

I started crying again.  I hate being emotional, especially right before a match.  “Ok Joe.  Stop.  Give me the guy answer.”

He put his arm around me and pulled me over so my head was resting on his shoulder.  “Derek’s a dick.”  I smiled.  We sat like that until the team started showing up, and then we hit again.

During the first match, I pushed my emotions aside and the killer instinct in me arose.  We were playing doubles first.  Cara, my doubles partner, was off today.  She was making a lot of mistakes, and generally seemed to be in a bad mood and out of sync with me.  I snapped at her between points.  “Get out of your slump, Cara!  Good grief.”  She busted up laughing.  I scrunched up my face at her.  “What is so funny?”  She took a deep breath and said, “What is this slum you speak of?”  I looked at her, confused.  Then I smiled.  “Slump, Cara.  Slump,” I emphasized the p.  She giggled again.  Whether intentionally or accidentally, I had the uncanny ability to make Cara laugh and relax on the court, and when that happens, everything just flows.  We ended up coming from behind to win.  Singles, not so easy for me.  I played against a foreign girl.  She was phenomenal.  I wish my parents would have sent me out of the country to play!  Maybe I could have been that much better.  Anyhow, towards the end of my singles match, I was talking to myself and walked towards the back of the court between games to pump myself up, and I looked up to see my parents sitting there, with Zach.

After my singles match, I went to speak with my parents and Zach.  My parents were talking to my coach, and Zach was standing off to the side, half-listening, half-watching me walk over.  As I walked up, he said, “You look great out there, and your game wasn’t half bad, either.”  He smiled and looked me up and down.  I blushed and rolled my eyes.  My parents hugged me.  My dad started giving me pointers and lecturing me about how I played.  I asked if they were staying for the second team we play against, after lunch.  They said they were going to stay for doubles, but needed to get back to get ready for Zach’s dad’s birthday party.  Zach asked me if I would come out to it.  I was torn.  I knew if I didn’t, I may not get a chance to speak with him again before he left, but Joe was having some of the tennis team over to that house that night, too.  I told Zach I would.  I could always hang out with the tennis people any time.  Zach, I didn’t have that luxury with.  Zach asked me if he could stay and watch my whole match, and ride with me to the party.  I told him we may be late.  He said the party was actually at a Country Club in a neighboring town, and was only 15 minutes outside of the city, as opposed to the full 45 minute drive.  I told him that was fine.  I asked if what he had on was what he was wearing, and he said it wasn’t, but would call his mom and have her take it to the Country Club for him, and he’d change there.

After my match was completely over, Zach and I went back to my apartment.  I asked him how fancy this shindig was going to be.  He said it was formal, but not black tie.  I love dressing up.  Luckily for me, my parents are well off, and big “to do’s” in the area.  They go to a lot of charity events and I had attended many of them, so I had a wardrobe that was quite extensive and would suit many occasions.  Zach turned on the tv and I jumped in the shower.  While showering, I had time to process seeing Zach again.  There was something about him that just brings normalcy to my life.  When things are rushing around and a blur, he is just my constant.  Even though it had been years, it felt like nothing had changed, except our relationship status.  Given, we did date for 4 years, but had known each other our whole lives, since we were neighbors.  I smiled to myself thinking back to some of my fondest memories of him.  I was rinsing my hair out, and was thinking about our first kiss when I heard the bathroom door open.  “Zach, not appropriate.”

The shower curtain whipped open and there was Maddie and Sarah.  “Is that THE Zach?” questioned Sarah.  “Close the curtain, nosy!  And yes.  It is.”  Maddie winked at me and said, “Wow.  Now if I were single, you’d need to watch out.”  I rolled my eyes and yanked the curtain closed.  The girls giggled and exited.  I finished showering and wrapped a towel around me.  I peeked into the living room area and saw Maddie and Sarah chatting it up with Zach.  They were laughing, and Zach looked engaged in their conversation.  Good.  They can keep him busy while I get ready.  I slipped on a matching lacy black strapless bra and thong.  I don’t know about you all, but when I wear sexy lingerie, it makes my confidence sky rocket.  I slipped into the bathroom and shut the door.  I dried/curled my hair.  My hair dresser had taught me to use a round tube brush (or whatever they’re called) to curl my hair while blow drying at it, to make loose, large curls.  I’m really not good at it, but I give it my all when I do attempt it.  I perfect my makeup, minimal but elegant, and go back into my bedroom.  I pull on a simple, black one-shouldered, knee length cocktail dress.  I decide on some white with delicate black flower pumps.  Even though with 5 inch heels it puts me at 6’ even, Zach will still stand a good 4 inches over me.  Thinking about that causes my thoughts to drift back to Derek.  He was only an inch taller than me, and I never felt comfortable towering over him, so a lot of my gorgeous heels were left to collect dust.  I shook my head, as if my head was an etch a sketch, and I was erasing that memory.  I looked in Sarah’s and my full length mirror on the back of our door.  I approved.  I strutted out into the main living area.  Zach’s back was to me.  Sarah and Maddie both smiled, and Sarah whistled at me.  Zach turned around and his mouth opened ever so slightly.  “Wow, Aleah.  I haven’t had a date this gorgeous on my arm since…” he paused, “since the last time you were on it.”  I glanced over at the girls.  They looked like they were watching the best RomCom to come out in years.   

I grabbed a mid-thigh length black wool coat out of the closet and Zach took it from me and helped me into it.  I said goodbye to the ladies and Zach held out his arm and I linked mine through his.  I felt so giddy, being on the arm of Zach again.  As we were walking up to my car, I saw him look down at my feet.  I handed my keys over to him.  I knew what he was thinking.  We drove to the Country Club in silence.  Comfortable silence.  I was looking out the window, lost in thought.  

 Before I knew it, we were parked and Zach came around to get my door.  He held out his hand for me to grab to help me up from the seat of the car.  I paused for a second, looking thoughtfully at his hand.  I placed mine delicately in his and immediately felt the intensity of emotions through our touching.  He pulled me up to him.  He placed his hands on the small of my back, my arms folded up with my hands resting on his chest.  We were just looking into each other’s eyes.  Speaking nothing, but saying everything.  His brown eyes pulled me in.  He leaned closer and stated, “You look amazing.  I’ve missed this.  I’ve missed you.”  He nodded his head down slightly, and I tilted mine up.  His lips parted slightly and barely touched mine.  My eyes closed.  It felt like forever, but went by too fast.  His smell, his touch, his taste.  And he pulled away, studying my face.  He grasped my hand and linked our fingers, and led me inside.

While Zach went to change clothes, I entered the room.  I saw Zach’s mom and dad standing towards the middle of the room.  I didn’t see my parents, yet.  I made my way over to them.  When they saw me, their faces lit up.  “Oh Aleah!” his mom gushed, “it has been way too long.  And look at you!  You have grown into quite the exquisite young lady!  Even though your parents are right next door, somehow we always manage to miss you.  They update us all the time, though, and I’m so happy you are doing so well.”  Zach’s dad wasn’t as elaborate.  He pulled me into a bear hug and said, “Young lady, when are you and my son going to reconcile?”  I laughed and shook my head and pulled away.  “Ben, Gloria, it is so great to see you both.  One of these weekends I’ll have to come out to my parents house and we can all get together for some cards?” 

“Of course, sweetheart.  Oh, and there’s my son!”  I turned my head to see Zach walking in.  I subconsciously brought my hand up to play with the earring I had in as I watched him casually strolling towards us.  He gave his mom a hug, put his hand on the small of my back and shook his dad’s hand with his open hand. 

My parents arrived shortly after.  The evening flew by uneventfully, mingling with a lot of long lost family friends.  No matter whom I was talking to, or where I was in the room, Zach and I always had each other in our sights.  It was a beautiful celebration of Ben’s life, thus far.  As it got later into the evening, and after the champagne toast, I yawned.  It had been a long, tiring day.  I went and said my goodbyes to Zach’s parents, and my own.  I found Zach talking to an older man.  I interrupted and apologized, but told him I was tired and going to be heading out.  Zach tilted his head to the side.  He excused himself from the man, and lightly held on to the back of my arm and guided me towards the door to the foyer.   

Zach was always straight forward and honest, and had never been one to beat around the bush.  “Aleah, I meant what I said to you when we got here.  I’m only here a few more days, and know you are busy during the week.  I feel like we still have so much to talk about.  I want to be alone with you, for a little longer.  Will you please stay with me tonight?”

The Ghost of Boyfriends Past

I arrived at my parents’ house at about 5:45 p.m. tonight.  I walked in and melted into the smell.  I absolutely love my mom’s cooking.  She and my dad grew up on farms, and so we are a “meat and potatoes” type family.  I entered into the living room and saw my dad watching ESPN.  He loves sports.  I take after him.  I am definitely a daddy’s girl.  I skipped in and plopped down next to him on the couch and wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek.  He gave me a happy but tired smile and told me he and my mom were coming to my matches tomorrow.  We chatted for a bit and I headed in to where my mom was.  I sat down on a stool at the island in the kitchen while I watched my mom chop up some vegetables.  I picked up a piece of carrot and popped it in my mouth.  My mom smiled and expressed how good it was to see me.  I definitely look like my mother.  She keeps her hair a lot shorter, just above her shoulders, now that she’s getting older.  My hair is also a lighter brown color with some natural hi-lights in it, whereas my mom’s is a dark chocolate brown.  But otherwise, it’s almost like looking in a mirror.  We are both tall and slender, though from my life being spent playing sports, I had a more athletic build, and my mom is 3 inches taller than I am.  I asked her about Tom and she said she thought he would be making an appearance. 

Speaking of…  “Leelah?” I heard called out from the living room.  That’s my family’s nickname for me.  I also recognized the voice as my brother’s.  Even though we don’t get along often, he’s still my baby brother.   

I got up and walked to the living room to greet Tom.  When I walked in, I saw him standing in there with Zach, the neighbor’s son.  Who also happens to be my first boyfriend ever, and the guy who took my virginity.  We dated for 4 years, throughout most of high school and the beginning of college, but grew apart, as I stayed in state, but he went to Arizona for school.  It had been over a year since we’d last spoke, a couple years since we had seen each other, and even longer since we’d broken up, but the sight of him still made my heart skip a beat.  I guess it’s true they say you never really get over your first love.  “Look who I ran into when I was walking up the drive.  We were chatting and I told him you were here and he wanted to say hi.”  I could see my brother’s smirk.  He adored Zach.  Even though he was my age, Zach was the brother Tom wished he had, instead of a sister.  I think Tom was more devastated we had broken up than I was.  I walked over and gave Tom a hug and awkwardly looked at Zach, not knowing quite how to greet him.  He opened up his arms and enveloped me into a warm embrace, which felt like home. 

My mom walked in then and said, “Zach!  What a pleasant surprise.  How is school going?  Would you like to stay for dinner?”

Zach gave my mom a heart-stopping smile and replied, “Mrs. Lange, always a pleasure.  School is so great.  My Pre-Med courses are so interesting, but require a lot of studying.  That’s so sweet of you, but I don’t want to intrude upon your family dinner.”  My mom and dad had repeatedly told Zach to call them by their first names, but he was taught to be a gentleman and refer to his elder’s as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

My dad chimed in, then, “Don’t be ridiculous, son.”  I closed my eyes and shook my head ever so slightly.  When I opened them, Zach was looking at me.  He smiled and responded to my dad while looking at me.

“Well, if you insist.”  At that, my mom turned to go finish dinner, Zach went and sat in a recliner to watch tv with my dad, and my brother walked with me into the kitchen.

“Thanks.” I said dryly to my brother.  Even though things ended very amicably with Zach, I haven’t tried to maintain a friendship with him.  He smiled.  I then smiled back.  “So, I hear you have a new female friend?”   

My brother glared at my mom, whose back was to us.  My brother and I continued bantering back and forth.  We started setting the table when I heard the doorbell ring.  I frowned towards the door and my mom simply said, “Oh, Aleah dear, it’s a surprise for you, please go get that.”

I went to open the door and found a bouquet of flowers being held by Derek.  Really, mom?  Really.

Derek was smiling brightly at me.  I plastered a fake, overly big smile on my face and opened the door for him to come in.  I took off towards the kitchen and walked up to my mom.  I leaned in inches from her face and snarled between my clenched teeth smile, “What.  The.  Hell.”

My mom smiled pleasantly at me.  “Aleah.  Watch your language and tone, young lady.”  Then, “Tom, make sure you set the table for six!”

Maybe I should have mentioned to my mom that we had broken up, and may or may not be back together.  It just hadn’t been long, and I hated having that conversation with them over and over again, so I was waiting a few weeks to make sure it was permanent.  Apparently, that was a poor life decision.  My mother always has the best of intentions.  Derek and Zach had never met, but Derek knew who Zach was.  And with Derek already accusing me of cheating on him, and being overly jealous, I could only assume how this was going to go.  I turned to see Derek walking into the kitchen with a very pissed off look on his face.  When he saw my mom, he handed her the flowers and thanked her for inviting him to dinner.  Mom put the flowers in a vase and then started putting the food on the table.

“Is that Zach?” Derek hissed at me.  I shook my head yes.  “We will talk about this later.”  I closed my eyes and went to a happy place.  Which was anywhere but here.

For dinner, I sat beside Derek on one side, and Tom and Zach were on the other and my parents at either end of the rectangular table.  My first inclination was to have a glass of wine with my parents and Derek and Zach, but decided it might be best for me to have a clear mind during this evening.

The first part of dinner was calm (and delicious, might I add!), if not tense.  Until we were sitting around after chatting.  Zach started telling everyone he was in town for his father’s 50^th birthday party the next night.  Derek was working on his third glass of wine at this point.  Clearly he should have gone the route I did.  “So Zach, if this weekend is so big for your dad, why aren’t you there, and instead of here?”  I glanced around the table and saw my mom raise an eyebrow at Derek, my dad narrowed his eyes, my brother smiled, but Zach, of course, remained completely calm.  At that moment, I got the sneaking suspicion that Tom knew Derek was coming for dinner.  Zach coolly responded, “My mom took him out for a surprise dinner.  Plus, the Lange’s are like my second family, so when they invited me to stay for dinner, how could I say no?  And there’s the added bonus of getting to catch up with Aleah.”  Derek whipped his head over to me.  I shrugged my shoulders, but could feel myself blushing.  My mom and dad started talking about my matches the next day and that they were coming to them.  Zach started gushing about how he loved watching me play when we were in high school, that I was always so great to watch run around the court.  Then he winked at Derek.  I thought Derek was going to jump across the table.   I excused myself from the table. 

I went to the bathroom and leaned on the sink staring at myself in the mirror.  Squinting at myself, I tried to determine if this was real, or if maybe I was having a nightmare.  The door burst open and there was Derek.  He looked as if he was going to combust.  Although he started out speaking at me in a whisper, as he spoke, his voice got louder and louder. “Aleah, how DARE you invite Zach here to dinner, knowing I was going to be here.  Was this a joke?  Do you think I’m just a joke?  I’m not laughing.  You’ve been cheating on me this whole time with him, haven’t you?  I can’t believe you thought I would be alright with this.  You know, I thought that this time, it wouldn’t end up like this;  that you would grow up, and realize I’m 24 and don’t want to play your stupid, childish games.  You are such a bitch.”  He screamed the last part.  He turned to leave and bumped into Zach.  Derek paused, as if to say something, seemed to think better of it, and then walked out. 

I was left standing there, crying.  Zach walked over, and drew me in to him.  I fit perfectly in his arms, against his chest.  I could see just over his shoulder, my brother standing down the hallway, looking at me, sadly.

Ice, Friends, and Family

After I got home on Saturday, the girls gave me a hard time, and teased me, but they weren’t jerks to me, like they probably could’ve been.  School has been pretty tame all week.  I did all my homework and even went to all of my classes, so far.  I’m not trying to turn over a new leaf or anything, only trying to keep my mind busy.  Work and practice were both pretty quiet.  Going through the motions to try and escape from the confusion involving Derek and James.  At least for now.  Derek and I have been talking, mainly texting.  Definitely my choice, so I can avoid any “relationship” talks for now.  I’m really not good at being 100% honest about my emotions, wants, and needs.  He wants to go out this weekend.  I told him I thought that was a poor idea due to double header matches on Saturday, and having to work on Sunday.  I think he was disappointed, but I couldn’t tell, since it was through texting.  I need more time to sort out my emotions and such.

Yesterday after tennis practice, I went to the athletic trainer to have her work on a knot I had in my shoulder, and also to get ice for my knees.  The joys of competitive tennis.  Not that I’m complaining, but you get used to various parts of the body being kneaded and/or ice cold.  The athletic trainer, Katie, and I have been building a relationship, because of how much time I seem to spend in there.  Most days after practice I see her for awhile to get myself worked on.  We were having normal chit chat about work, school, tennis, when in walked in the tallest human being I’ve ever seen in real life.  And might I add that he was not bad on the eyes either.  Brown, shaggy, wavy hair, tan, dressed like he just stepped out of a high fashion magazine, and a killer smile.  “Whoa!  How tall are you?”  I’m not known for my ability to censor myself.  Plus, what I meant to say was, “Where have you been my whole life?”  At least I didn’t blurt that out.  He chuckled and said, “Nice to you meet you, too.  6’7”.”  I blushed, and tried to shift so my long ponytail would help shield my face.

He exchanged pleasantries with Katie, discussed his ankle, and then made his exit.  Katie laughed.  I looked at her defensively.  “So I think you two would be good for each other.”  Wow, Katie, way to not beat around the bush. 

“Excuse me?”

“Listen, he transferred here this semester, he will be playing with the basketball team next year, and he has to sit out the rest of this year.  He could use someone to show him around.  Plus, getting to know him, and knowing you, I think your personalities would mesh well.  Not to mention you weren't exactly subtle when you were looking him up and down.”  Oops.

“I’m kind of dating someone.”

“Kind of?”

“Yeah, it’s… complicated.”  It probably says a lot that I’ve never mentioned Derek to Katie before.

“Well, firstly, it doesn’t sound like you’re that invested.  Secondly, it doesn’t hurt to have a new friend, does it?”

“I mean, I guess not… I just don’t want to add any more complications.”

“Before you go, I’ll write down his name for you.  Find him on Facebook, and go from there.  You don’t have to date him, but he could use some friends.  And you’re a quality person, which he needs in his life.”

Luke Hammond.  So, that’s who I Facebook stalked last night.  It appears he’s majoring in business.  And is gorgeous, in case I didn’t mention that previously.  Based on some of his pictures, he may have dabbled in some modeling.  Before I could over think it, I clicked on “Request Friendship.” 

Nothing like a cup of regret in the morning

I’m not proud to admit this, but I ended up at a hotel. 

With Derek.

After the initial shock of seeing him, and fighting off Sideline Guy, I drunkenly made my way over to Sarah and Derek.  Sarah looked like she wanted to tackle me to the floor and hide me from what was about to happen, I was beaming, and Derek was glaring at me.  I may or may not be the overly happy drunk type who talks way too much.

“DEREK! I’m SO happy to see you.”  Sarah shook her head and started making her way over to where Maddie and Elena were at the bar.  “What are you doing here?  Did you come out to see me?”

He looked at me in disbelief and said, “No, I’m here with Justin and Paul.”  Oh yes, his eternally single friends.  I threw my arms around his neck and started slurring on about my tennis match.  He grabbed his arms and took them from around him.

“Aleah.  What are you doing?   You broke up with me.  Once again.”

I winced at the word “again.”  But it rolled off of me immediately.  “Let’s dance.”  I grabbed his hand and tried dragging him out to the floor.  He held his ground.  I walked back to him and leaned in close and said, “Derek, you never would come to these places with me.  Make it up to me now.  I know you miss me.”  He looked away.  I once again tried pulling him to the floor, and although he initially resisted, he did give in and let me pull him out there. 

After a couple songs, Maddie came out to the floor and leaned into my ear and said they were leaving.  I looked at Derek and told her to go ahead.  A brief argument ensued, where she told me it was a bad idea and I told her it was fine, but she eventually shrugged and left.

Fast forward to me telling Derek I needed a ride, to us drunkenly making out in front of the bar, to taking a cab to a hotel.

Once in the hotel room, he ripped the comforter off the bed (he knows I get completely grossed out by them and won’t touch them), and gently pushed me down on to the bed.  He climbed on top of me and started kissing my neck.  Usually Derek has been a sweet, gentle lover, but I could tell immediately that this was more desperate; more hurried.  He reached down and hiked my skirt up.  He ran his fingers along the edge of my thong.  He lifted the top part up and slipped his finger inside me.  I immediately felt myself start getting tingly and hot.  He stopped kissing me and moved the panties aside and his tongue touched right where it matters.  I knew it wasn’t going to take me long tonight.  But within seconds he stopped, stood up, unbuttoned his jeans and pulled them and his boxers down, and got back on top of me.  I felt him rub against me, and about to enter me when the memory of peeing in the barn arose.  No.

No.  Nonono!  I put my hand against his chest and pushed him up.  I told him to stop.  He paused for a second and then pushed inside of me.  My back arched in natural response.

Wait.  No. 

“STOP, Derek.”  I pushed against him again.  He looked at me, without removing himself.  “This,” I gestured towards our connected nether regions, “is NOT going to happen.” 

He pulled out and looked at me angrily and demanded, “Why are you doing this?”

“No condom?  No this,” I said as I flourished my hand in a circle in front of my body.  He rolled his eyes at me.  I absolutely hate when he rolls his eyes at me.  I was going to respond, but at that moment, I felt an excess amount of saliva forming in my mouth, and my stomach churning.  I stood up and ran to the bathroom, hitting the door frame as I entered, half falling, and half crouching, towards the toilet.  As I cradled the toilet lovingly, I felt my hair being pulled away from my face.  Derek.  Always the gentleman.  He tucked my hair behind my ears and held it back as I finished puking.

I woke up the next morning full of regret and tummy bubbles.  Derek had water, ibuprofen, and room service breakfast, waiting for me.  He was reading the paper.  “See, I don’t deserve you,” I mumbled.

He smiled and brought me everything.  I licked my lips.  My mouth and lips were so dry; dehydrated.  I drank the water like I was a camel saving up for a long desert journey.  I didn’t talk much.  Derek chatted my ear off.  Unusual.  Overly happy, I thought.  I told him I needed to get home because I had a lot of homework and worked at the Club on Sunday, so I needed to get it done today.  He called a cab for me, escorted me to the lobby, and waited with me for the cab to arrive.  I had glanced in the mirror before I left and so I knew why I was receiving judgmental looks.  Nothing like doing the walk of shame.    I also knew I would have to do it again once I got to my building.  When the cab showed up, Derek walked me to the door and gave me a hug and said, “I knew it wouldn’t take you very long,” then kissed me gently on the lips before I could respond, despite my morning after drinking breath.  I pulled away and looked at him quizzically.  I was about to ask him what he meant when he told me to get going before the cab left me.  I hustled out, thinking the fewer people that see me, the less mortifying it will be.  Then looked back at Derek after I was seated in the cab and he was giving me the “I love you” sign.  I sighed.  He thought we were back together.

Winner!

Whoop, whoop!

I would like to start off by sharing my exciting news of winning the opening match yesterday, as a team, and individually!  I mean, not to brag or anything, but I’m kind of good at what I do.  Tennis is one passion I have and love, and I excel at it.  I’m the best on the team and play the number 1 singles and doubles spots.

Now on to Friday night.  I’m sure you’re all wondering why my non-single friends were willing to go out on Valentine’s Day.  Maddie is all anti-commercial holidays, and Elena’s boyfriend had to work.  After my match, which my lovely roommates came and supported me at, we all went home and got ready.  I’m the only one who needed to shower, clearly, but we all needed to do our hair, make-up and get dressed.  By the time we were all done and ready to go, it was 10:40 p.m.  And we all looked so dang sexy! Tight, mini dresses and stilettos for everyone!  Our first stop (which ended up being our only stop) was at a popular dance club/lounge downtown.  Even though we’re young, we all have more mature alcohol tastes.  Jagger bombs and Jack and Cokes?  No way.  It makes me gag thinking about, actually.  We all ordered different variations of martinis.  I mean, we still are 21, though, so we had a couple rounds of shots, but more girlie shots than anything.  

I want to take this moment to point out that I am FULLY aware that I am unable to dance well.  I love it, though.  And I’m sure I look like a fool doing it.  This is my theory:  As the alcohol enters my body, it must exit my body through my toes and fingers, making me flow and grind beautifully across the dance floor.  Or look like a seizing, gyrating, blow up silhouette of one of those used car lot things that wave their hands in the a-air like they just don’t ca-are.  It’s neither here nor there, really, but all that just to say when alcohol hits my blood stream, I must dance.  Luckily for me, my friends like dancing, too.  So we all drank, had a blast, and danced the night away.   

At one point, I noticed that my friends were not around me.  But I was being creepily eyed by a “sideliner.”  You all know who I’m talking about.  The guy that stands on the edge of the dance floor and just stares at the women dancing.  All creeper-like.  It's gross, really, like they're sitting there looking for their next piece of meat to bite into.  So I see him look at me, and he sees me looking at him looking at me, and he gives me a one-sided smile and starts making his way towards me.  I’m in the middle of a crowd, so it’s not like I can just flee quickly.  I start dancing through the crowd and feel drinks splashing down on my feet, and my shoes sticking to the floor.  When I’m in full-on dance zone mode, I don’t notice these things, but when I have a mission, like fleeing for my dancing life, or bolting for the bathroom, I notice every ounce of liquid spilling onto my feet.  The other thing about dancing across a dance floor, is that no one wants to move, or let you through.  It's as if the moment they separate from their dancing group, they lose all life force, or something.  Unfortunately, that gave Sideliner Guy the perfect amount of time to catch me, like I was playing hard to get.  I’m still dancing, and he must have taken that as an invite and pounced, because I feel his snaky hands glide onto my hips, and pull my backside into his pelvis.  I look up and see Sarah walking back into the bar and she meets my look and gives me the “noooooo!” look.  The alcohol had really kicked in by that point, and so while cheesily grinning at her, I see her mouthing something to me, but can’t understand what she is saying.  The room is slightly spinning.  And staying focused on her is not the easiest task at hand.  But then I see someone else next to her, spinning around the room, too.

Happy Valentine's Day!