What if you loved someone, but you could never tell them how you feel? What if that person was one of your best friends and you saw them everyday? What if you knew that no one else could make you feel the way that person makes you feel? How long do I have to suffer? These are the questions I ask myself everyday. My name is Stacy, and this is my story...
It was an ordinary weekday evening as I sat at work staring at the clock, waiting for it to hit five so I could finally go home. Well first, I would be going to Stratler’s Bar to hang out with my friends for a while. It had become our nightly ritual. I really look forward to it because I get to see Joel.
I know what you are thinking: boyfriend? Nope. Joel and I have been friends since grade school. He is my best friend and I am secretly in love with him. He has no clue though, which is fine because I do not think that he sees me in that light. Besides, I have a boyfriend, his name is Ron. To be completely honest, the flare in our relationship is gone and it is only a matter of time before it ends, but I feel comfortable around him. It is nice to have a sense of security. That is what’s important right?
Stacy sat in her chair at her desk, staring at the clock in agony, trying to will the hands to the five o’clock position. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the thirty minutes passed and she was free to leave. She gathered her things and rushed toward the elevator, where she entered along with several of her co-workers.
When the elevator reached the ground floor, the doors slid open to reveal Ron, who was waiting by the front doors of the building, holding a rose. When Stacy saw Ron, she smiled.
Just when I think the spark is gone from our relationship, he goes and does something sweet like this.
“Aww,” said Stacy, walking up and embracing Ron while still smiling, “how sweet!”
“Just thought I would surprise you,” said Ron. “I figured you would rather me take you home than ride in a smelly cab.”
“Well, you did surprise me,” responded Stacy, before kissing Ron. “And you are right, I would much rather have you take me home.”
“Let’s skip out on Stratler’s tonight,” said Ron. “I am not really in the mood to go there.”
“Not even for a little while?” asked Stacy.
Ron shook his head at the question, then saw the disappointment on Stacy’s face. He gave in, saying, “Well, if you really want to, then we can. It’s just that-“ Ron stopped himself, then hesitated before saying, “Never mind.”
“What is it?” asked Stacy, walking toward the door beside Ron, her arm interlocked with his.
“Well,” said Ron, “To be honest, I am not a big fan of those guys, especially Joel.”
“You know that Joel is my best friend, Ron,” said Stacy, pulling away from him. “Why would you say that?”
“They just rub me the wrong way, especially Joel,” explained Ron. “I just get the feeling that he doesn’t like me.”
“Have you ever put forth any effort?” asked Stacy, exiting the front doors, then turning and walking toward the parking deck beside her building.
“Well, no,” answered Ron.
“Then maybe you shouldn’t judge them until you give them a chance,” said Stacy sternly, as the two of them had reached Ron’s car.
“You are right,” said Ron. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok,” said Stacy, getting in Ron’s car. He followed her lead and the drove off, heading for Stacy’s apartment building.
I hate going to Stratler’s straight from work because I feel so grungy when I get off, so I always head back to my apartment to freshen up. I know what you are thinking and you are partially correct. Joel is one of the reasons why I want to freshen up.
After stopping at Stacy’s apartment long enough for her to change, her and Ron headed for Stratler’s. Upon reaching the small bar, Ron dropped Stacy off in front and found a parking spot not far down the street. Stacy entered Stratler’s and stopped just inside the door. Scanning the bar, Stacy found her friends, focusing on Joel.
Oh no, I’m starting to get nervous, but look at him. Can you blame me? He is so cute. I can’t help but melt when I look into those eyes. Joel is the one person who has always been there for me. We have been best friends since I can remember. If only he felt the same way about me. I wish that I could summon the courage to just tell him how I feel so that I could find out once and for all if he felt the same way.
Stacy smiled warmly and waved at Joel as she started toward him and the rest of her friends. Joel smiled awkwardly, although Stacy did not notice, and waved back. The closer Stacy got to the table, the more nervous she got. I need a drink to calm my nerves. Shortly thereafter, Ron entered behind her and followed her to the table.
“H-hey Stacy,” said Joel, stammering slightly as he stood to embrace Stacy. “How are you?”
“Good, but I will be better once I get a drink in my hand,” replied Stacy, not noticing Joel’s nervousness.
“I know the feeling,” replied Joel, turning his attention to Ron.
Stacy walked past Joel as he spoke to Ron and said hello to the rest of her friends, Jack, Brian, Lauren, and Dustin. After Ron said his hellos, the two of them joined their friends at their table.
For about an hour, we sat around having drinks and talking about our days at work. I was already tired, but I loved the times that we spent together at Stratler’s every night. Not many people can say that they see their best friends everyday. It is one of the things that sets our group apart.
Jack and Dustin had decided to go see a movie and had asked the rest of us to go, but before I could say no and ask Ron to take me home, his beeper went off. I should probably mention that he is an EMT and was on call the night.
“I need to go,” said Ron, standing from his seat. He leaned down and kissed Stacy. “See you later, babe.” Everyone said their goodbyes to Ron, then he left.
“We need to get going too if we are going to be on time for the movie,” said Jack, taking the final sip of his current beer.
“I’m going to have to pass,” said Stacy. “I’m not really in the mood for a movie tonight.”
“Yeah, me either,” said Joel.
Good. I will get Joel to walk me home.
“There’s a shocker,” said Dustin, rolling his eyes at Joel.
I wonder what Dustin meant by that.
Everyone who was going to the movie paid their tabs and left, leaving Stacy and Joel sitting at the table by themselves.
“Walk me home?” asked Stacy of Joel.
“Sure,” responded Joel with a smile.
The two of them finished their drinks, settled their tabs, then left the bar, walking away from downtown.
It was easier for me to open up to Joel than it was anyone else, even my own family. We had a great friendship which allowed us to talk about anything and everything. The more we talked on that night, the more I felt my feelings growing stronger. I have no idea what it was about this particular conversation because it was no different than any other one we had, but the feel of it was different. We seemed to click on this particular night; I felt more connected to him than I ever had before. It was when I realized this that I decided to just tell him how I felt.
As we came closer to my apartment building, I began to grow nervous. There was a weird feeling in the air that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I started to get the feeling that he knew what I was about to do. I know, I know, I am still with Ron, but like I said previously, the flare is all but gone from our relationship. I have loved Joel pretty much since the day I first met him when we were kids. The time was just never right. However, the feeling of our conversation on this night set the mood perfectly.
When we got back to my apartment, I purposefully stopped at the bottom of the stairs leading up to my building’s front door.
“Thank you for walking me home,” said Stacy, embracing Joel.
“Anytime,” said Joel, unable to keep himself from smiling.
What a gorgeous smile. And look at those eyes; I can’t help but get lost in them.
“What is it?” asked Stacy.
“Nothing,” said Joel. “I am just lucky, that’s all.”
And there was my opening.
“Yeah,” agreed Stacy, “I know what you mean.” Then I panicked. What about our friendship? If I confess to him and he does not feel the same way then it will ruin our friendship. Not only that, but if he does feel the same way and we do date and break-up then that will definitely destroy what we have. Besides, Ron has been good to me. I cannot do that to him either. Before Joel could go any further Stacy quickly blurted out, “Not everyone can have a friendship like ours. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Joel nodded as Stacy turned and walked up the stairs and entered the code into the keypad to unlock the door. She then opened the door and entered, stopping just inside. She looked back through the window and watched Joel walk away, wishing the circumstances could be different.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Random Sports Rant
As I sit here already having withdrawals from the lack of the NCAA tournament the past few days, I actually realized that there are actually other things going on in the world of sports...
Jose Canseco is back in the news. Who cares? No one believes a word he says. He supposedly loves the game of baseball, yet he repeatedly tries to flip the game upside down. I am pretty sure that everyone realizes that Canseco is just bitter because he feels, in his opinion, that he was "blackballed" by baseball because no one would sign him so that he could try and eclipse the 500 homerun mark. Now he is trying to bring down baseball, but no one believes him. Good luck with that Jose.
Tiger Woods went off on Sunday. During his back swing on one hole a photographer snaps a shot of him which apparently threw Tiger's shot off and sent him on an obscenity-laced tirade which continued after the he left the green. Tiger is the number one player in the world, but the small click of a camera messes up his swing? I did not realize that golfers were so easily distracted. Who would have guessed.
Well, that's it for me. Later!
Jose Canseco is back in the news. Who cares? No one believes a word he says. He supposedly loves the game of baseball, yet he repeatedly tries to flip the game upside down. I am pretty sure that everyone realizes that Canseco is just bitter because he feels, in his opinion, that he was "blackballed" by baseball because no one would sign him so that he could try and eclipse the 500 homerun mark. Now he is trying to bring down baseball, but no one believes him. Good luck with that Jose.
Tiger Woods went off on Sunday. During his back swing on one hole a photographer snaps a shot of him which apparently threw Tiger's shot off and sent him on an obscenity-laced tirade which continued after the he left the green. Tiger is the number one player in the world, but the small click of a camera messes up his swing? I did not realize that golfers were so easily distracted. Who would have guessed.
Well, that's it for me. Later!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Episode 9: Her Confession
It has been two weeks since I said that I was done with Dustin and I am not going to lie, it has been a great two weeks. It has not interfered with me hanging out with my other friends either, because he has been busy with work so he has not been joining us on our nightly trips to Stratler’s.
Apparently I was not the only one who enjoyed Dustin not being around because Brian made it clear that he, too, was getting tired of his roommate as well. Being with Brian without Dustin was almost like being with a guy who had just got out of jail. He even adjusted his schedule to minimize his time at home alone with Dustin. I feel bad for the guy, but like I have said many times before: he has done this to himself.
In other news, I have been on a few dates with Amber and so far that is going well. Although I do not think that Stacy is very fond of her. Amber has only met my friends once, but I still got the feeling that Stacy doesn’t like her. I don’t know why though, she is a great girl. The thought that she may be jealous has crossed my mind, but she has made it perfectly clear...twice...that we are just fiends so I do not think that is the case.
I heard from Jack the other day. He is doing good so far in Michigan. He has only been there for about a month and already has a girlfriend. I am not sure what the thought process is there because he is only going to be there for another month or two at the most, but what do I know? Just look at my situation. Oh well, whatever makes him happy.
On this particular weekend, we had decided to go to our favorite comedy club, Chuckles. Brian said that he “accidently” forgot to invite Dustin, and yes, he did the thing where you make quotation marks with his fingers when he said accidently. I know it was not the nicest thing for him to do, but nobody seemed to mind.
As Joel was driving himself, Stacy, and John to pick up Tiffany at her apartment, John sat in the back while Stacy rode in the front. Joel was flipping through the radio stations while driving when a song caught John’s attention. Joel let the song play for a few seconds before changing the station.
“Hey,” said John, “go back a station.”
“Why?” asked Joel, being intentionally difficult.
“Just do it,” protested John. “I like that song.”
Joel furrowed his brow as he changed the station back and looked at John in his rear-view mirror. “This song?” he asked, almost disgusted at the thought.
“Yeah.” answered John.
“Dude, you do realize that you just made me turn it back to a Miley Cyrus song, do you not?” asked Joel.
“So,” answered John. “I like this song.”
“There are so many things wrong with that, I do not know where to begin,” said Joel, shaking his head. “I guess I should start with the fact that you are a guy.”
“What’s wrong with a guy liking this song?” asked John.
“Everything!” exclaimed Joel. “No self-respecting man listens to Miley Cyrus.” He then turned the station.
“Come on!” yelled John.
“No,” said Joel. “I will not sit idly by and let you do that to yourself.”
“I like that song,” said Stacy.
“It is ok for you to like that song,” responded Joel. “You are a girl.”
“Fair enough,” answered Stacy.
“Yes!” said Joel loudly. “You insisted, but I told you that it would wear off on you.”
Stacy was puzzled as she looked at Joel and asked, “What?”
“You just said ‘fair enough,’” answered Joel.
“No I didn’t,” said Stacy, thinking about her previous comments.
“John?” asked Joel.
“Yeah,” said John, not looking up from his text message, “you said it.”
“No!” said Stacy, slapping her knee playfully. “I swore that would never happen.”
“It was only a matter of time,” said Joel, smiling while nodding his head.
When the trio arrived at Tiffany’s apartment complex, John exited the vehicle and entered Tiffany’s building. Joel and Stacy sat in his Charger, awaiting the arrival of John and Tiffany.
“So,” asked Stacy, “you really like this Amber girl?
“Well, I haven’t known her very long, but she seems like a really cool girl,” said Joel.
“You think so?” asked Stacy.
“Yeah,” answered Joel. “Why? Did you get another impression?”
“You want my honest opinion?” asked Stacy.
“Yes,” responded Joel.
“I think you could do better,” said Stacy.
If I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn that Stacy was intentionally trying to get me to shy away from Amber, but why would she do that? Maybe I am reading too much into what she is saying. She is probably just trying to be a good friend. After all, we have looked out for each other since day one. That has to be it. Now I feel bad for thinking that she would try to sabotage Amber and myself.
“Thanks,” said Joel, “but the girls aren’t exactly lining up at my door.”
“You will find the right girl,” said Stacy. “Who knows, she could be right under your nose.”
Wait, what? Does she mean her? No, I can’t get caught up in my feelings for her again. It has bitten me twice recently and I will not go down that road again. I just can’t help but think that she is trying to tell me that she likes me. But if she does, why would she play the friend card twice? This is making my head hurt. I need to get over her as soon as possible, so I will stop overloading my brain with nonsense.
“Yeah I guess,” said Joel.
“Any girl would be lucky to be with you,” said Stacy.
Any girl huh? Then why not you? Say that to her! No, this isn’t the time or place. Besides, I am supposed to be getting over her. Why does this have to be so hard? If it were up to me, I would have squashed my feelings for her the first moment I started to have them as a kid way back when.
“If you say so,” said Joel, with a sigh.
“I do say so,” responded Stacy.
Okay, my mind and feelings are starting to revert back to that place. New subject!
“I hope the comedians are good tonight,” said Joel.
Stacy grimaced slightly, seemingly disappointed at the subject change, but quickly hid it so that Joel did not see. “Yeah,” she said softly. “They usually are though.”
There was an awkward silence for a few minutes after Stacy’s comment, but then John returned along with Tiffany. When the two got into Joel’s Charger, they looked at each other as if they were entering a hostile environment. When Joel, who was deep in thought, did not start the car right away, John tapped him on the shoulder, bringing him out of his trance.
“You okay up there?” asked John.
Joel snapped out of his deep thought. “Uh, yeah,” he said. “Yeah. I am good.”
“We need to get going then,” said Stacy. “We don’t want to keep Brian and Lauren waiting.”Joel nodded and started the car, put it in drive, and pulled away from the curve.
When the four of them had reached Chuckles, Joel circled the parking lot once before finding a spot. He pulled in and the four of them exited the vehicle.
Stacy and Tiffany walked ahead as John held Joel back.
“What the hell happened when I went to get Tiffany?” asked John.
“I uh, I don’t know,” said Joel, shaking his head while looking down at his feet.
“Well something did,” said John, “because Tiffany and I had to waft the tension aside just to fit into the car.”
“Yeah,” replied Joel. He then stopped in the middle of the parking lot. “It may just be me, but it seems like everything that Stacy says and does implies the she has feelings for me.”
“I haven’t payed that close attention,” responded John.
“Am I an idiot?” asked Joel. “I try to confess my love for her twice and twice it goes worse than horrible, but do I give up? No, here I am believing that there is something there. What is wrong with me?”
“Ok, you need to slow down,” said John. “Take a deep breath and, for the love of God, stop beating yourself up over this. You want to know what I honestly think?”
“Yeah,” answered Joel softly.
“I think you were right when you decided to bury your feelings for her,” said John. “This is tearing you up inside and it is obvious to all of us who know about your feelings for Stacy.”
“You really think so?” asked Joel.
“Yes,” answered John confidently. “You need to let it go for your own well being.”
“It is just hard,” said Joel. “I have built it up for so long now that the thought of letting it go is just too much to handle.”
I never intended on having a heart-to-heart with John on this particular evening, but there I was in the middle of the parking lot having it. I knew that my inner turmoil was taking its toll, but for it to be apparent to my friends? It has to stop. But little did I know that fuel was about to be poured onto the fire, because it was at that point in the conversation that Stacy approached with her confession.
“Joel,” said Stacy, walking up to him, “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay,” said Joel, looking over at John, who nodded and walked away.
Stacy watched John walk away, then turned back to Joel. “There is something that I need to tell you,” she said.
“What is it, Stacy?” asked Joel.
Stacy appeared to be having some inner turmoil of her own. It was then that she sighed and said the last thing I expected to come out of her mouth.
“I cannot do this anymore, Joel,” said Stacy. “I am tired of hiding behind false feelings.” She paused and looked down, but not long enough for Joel to get a word in. Stacy then raised her head and her eyes met Joel’s. “I love you, Joel.”
At last, the words that I have been waiting to hear! Wait a minute, I have waited for such a long time to hear them, but why am I not more happy? Oh no, why is anger welling up inside of me?
“So at Shenanigans you knew that when I said I love you, I meant as more than a friend?” asked Joel.
“Yes,” answered Stacy. “I am sorr-” Before she could get her apology out, Joel interrupted.
“Then why did you say you loved me only as a friend?” asked Joel, who at this point was growing angry. Before Stacy could answer, Joel continued. “You do not know the heartache that I have gone through since then, Stacy. If you knew what I meant, then why did you do that to me?”
“Maybe I was scared,” said Stacy.
Joel gritted his teeth behind closed lips and took in a deep breath through his nose as he looked around aimlessly, completely befuddled by the situation.
“But I am telling you now, Joel,” said Stacy. “Why are you angry?”
Joel finally looked back at Stacy. “You have no idea what that did to me. I was devastated!” he shouted. He quickly regained control of himself and continued. “I have been torturing myself for thinking that there was more between us than what really was.”
Stacy, obviously regretful, looked down at the ground. “I am sorry, Joel.”
“Yeah,” said Joel. “Me too.” He walked past Stacy and up to John, Tiffany, Brian, and Lauren, who were watching intently. “Can you guys get a ride home with Brian?” he asked John. “I don’t much feel like hanging out tonight.”
“Yeah,” said John. “You okay?”
“To be honest,” answered Joel, “no, I’m not.” He then turned and walked back to his car, got in, and left, leaving Stacy standing in the middle of the parking lot, crying.
* * *
Rewind...
Episode 10: Just Tell Him
What if you loved someone, but you could never tell them how you feel? What if that person was one of your best friends and you saw them everyday? What if you knew that no one else could make you feel the way that person makes you feel? How long do I have to suffer? These are the questions I ask myself everyday. My name is Stacy, and this is my story...
Apparently I was not the only one who enjoyed Dustin not being around because Brian made it clear that he, too, was getting tired of his roommate as well. Being with Brian without Dustin was almost like being with a guy who had just got out of jail. He even adjusted his schedule to minimize his time at home alone with Dustin. I feel bad for the guy, but like I have said many times before: he has done this to himself.
In other news, I have been on a few dates with Amber and so far that is going well. Although I do not think that Stacy is very fond of her. Amber has only met my friends once, but I still got the feeling that Stacy doesn’t like her. I don’t know why though, she is a great girl. The thought that she may be jealous has crossed my mind, but she has made it perfectly clear...twice...that we are just fiends so I do not think that is the case.
I heard from Jack the other day. He is doing good so far in Michigan. He has only been there for about a month and already has a girlfriend. I am not sure what the thought process is there because he is only going to be there for another month or two at the most, but what do I know? Just look at my situation. Oh well, whatever makes him happy.
On this particular weekend, we had decided to go to our favorite comedy club, Chuckles. Brian said that he “accidently” forgot to invite Dustin, and yes, he did the thing where you make quotation marks with his fingers when he said accidently. I know it was not the nicest thing for him to do, but nobody seemed to mind.
As Joel was driving himself, Stacy, and John to pick up Tiffany at her apartment, John sat in the back while Stacy rode in the front. Joel was flipping through the radio stations while driving when a song caught John’s attention. Joel let the song play for a few seconds before changing the station.
“Hey,” said John, “go back a station.”
“Why?” asked Joel, being intentionally difficult.
“Just do it,” protested John. “I like that song.”
Joel furrowed his brow as he changed the station back and looked at John in his rear-view mirror. “This song?” he asked, almost disgusted at the thought.
“Yeah.” answered John.
“Dude, you do realize that you just made me turn it back to a Miley Cyrus song, do you not?” asked Joel.
“So,” answered John. “I like this song.”
“There are so many things wrong with that, I do not know where to begin,” said Joel, shaking his head. “I guess I should start with the fact that you are a guy.”
“What’s wrong with a guy liking this song?” asked John.
“Everything!” exclaimed Joel. “No self-respecting man listens to Miley Cyrus.” He then turned the station.
“Come on!” yelled John.
“No,” said Joel. “I will not sit idly by and let you do that to yourself.”
“I like that song,” said Stacy.
“It is ok for you to like that song,” responded Joel. “You are a girl.”
“Fair enough,” answered Stacy.
“Yes!” said Joel loudly. “You insisted, but I told you that it would wear off on you.”
Stacy was puzzled as she looked at Joel and asked, “What?”
“You just said ‘fair enough,’” answered Joel.
“No I didn’t,” said Stacy, thinking about her previous comments.
“John?” asked Joel.
“Yeah,” said John, not looking up from his text message, “you said it.”
“No!” said Stacy, slapping her knee playfully. “I swore that would never happen.”
“It was only a matter of time,” said Joel, smiling while nodding his head.
When the trio arrived at Tiffany’s apartment complex, John exited the vehicle and entered Tiffany’s building. Joel and Stacy sat in his Charger, awaiting the arrival of John and Tiffany.
“So,” asked Stacy, “you really like this Amber girl?
“Well, I haven’t known her very long, but she seems like a really cool girl,” said Joel.
“You think so?” asked Stacy.
“Yeah,” answered Joel. “Why? Did you get another impression?”
“You want my honest opinion?” asked Stacy.
“Yes,” responded Joel.
“I think you could do better,” said Stacy.
If I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn that Stacy was intentionally trying to get me to shy away from Amber, but why would she do that? Maybe I am reading too much into what she is saying. She is probably just trying to be a good friend. After all, we have looked out for each other since day one. That has to be it. Now I feel bad for thinking that she would try to sabotage Amber and myself.
“Thanks,” said Joel, “but the girls aren’t exactly lining up at my door.”
“You will find the right girl,” said Stacy. “Who knows, she could be right under your nose.”
Wait, what? Does she mean her? No, I can’t get caught up in my feelings for her again. It has bitten me twice recently and I will not go down that road again. I just can’t help but think that she is trying to tell me that she likes me. But if she does, why would she play the friend card twice? This is making my head hurt. I need to get over her as soon as possible, so I will stop overloading my brain with nonsense.
“Yeah I guess,” said Joel.
“Any girl would be lucky to be with you,” said Stacy.
Any girl huh? Then why not you? Say that to her! No, this isn’t the time or place. Besides, I am supposed to be getting over her. Why does this have to be so hard? If it were up to me, I would have squashed my feelings for her the first moment I started to have them as a kid way back when.
“If you say so,” said Joel, with a sigh.
“I do say so,” responded Stacy.
Okay, my mind and feelings are starting to revert back to that place. New subject!
“I hope the comedians are good tonight,” said Joel.
Stacy grimaced slightly, seemingly disappointed at the subject change, but quickly hid it so that Joel did not see. “Yeah,” she said softly. “They usually are though.”
There was an awkward silence for a few minutes after Stacy’s comment, but then John returned along with Tiffany. When the two got into Joel’s Charger, they looked at each other as if they were entering a hostile environment. When Joel, who was deep in thought, did not start the car right away, John tapped him on the shoulder, bringing him out of his trance.
“You okay up there?” asked John.
Joel snapped out of his deep thought. “Uh, yeah,” he said. “Yeah. I am good.”
“We need to get going then,” said Stacy. “We don’t want to keep Brian and Lauren waiting.”Joel nodded and started the car, put it in drive, and pulled away from the curve.
When the four of them had reached Chuckles, Joel circled the parking lot once before finding a spot. He pulled in and the four of them exited the vehicle.
Stacy and Tiffany walked ahead as John held Joel back.
“What the hell happened when I went to get Tiffany?” asked John.
“I uh, I don’t know,” said Joel, shaking his head while looking down at his feet.
“Well something did,” said John, “because Tiffany and I had to waft the tension aside just to fit into the car.”
“Yeah,” replied Joel. He then stopped in the middle of the parking lot. “It may just be me, but it seems like everything that Stacy says and does implies the she has feelings for me.”
“I haven’t payed that close attention,” responded John.
“Am I an idiot?” asked Joel. “I try to confess my love for her twice and twice it goes worse than horrible, but do I give up? No, here I am believing that there is something there. What is wrong with me?”
“Ok, you need to slow down,” said John. “Take a deep breath and, for the love of God, stop beating yourself up over this. You want to know what I honestly think?”
“Yeah,” answered Joel softly.
“I think you were right when you decided to bury your feelings for her,” said John. “This is tearing you up inside and it is obvious to all of us who know about your feelings for Stacy.”
“You really think so?” asked Joel.
“Yes,” answered John confidently. “You need to let it go for your own well being.”
“It is just hard,” said Joel. “I have built it up for so long now that the thought of letting it go is just too much to handle.”
I never intended on having a heart-to-heart with John on this particular evening, but there I was in the middle of the parking lot having it. I knew that my inner turmoil was taking its toll, but for it to be apparent to my friends? It has to stop. But little did I know that fuel was about to be poured onto the fire, because it was at that point in the conversation that Stacy approached with her confession.
“Joel,” said Stacy, walking up to him, “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay,” said Joel, looking over at John, who nodded and walked away.
Stacy watched John walk away, then turned back to Joel. “There is something that I need to tell you,” she said.
“What is it, Stacy?” asked Joel.
Stacy appeared to be having some inner turmoil of her own. It was then that she sighed and said the last thing I expected to come out of her mouth.
“I cannot do this anymore, Joel,” said Stacy. “I am tired of hiding behind false feelings.” She paused and looked down, but not long enough for Joel to get a word in. Stacy then raised her head and her eyes met Joel’s. “I love you, Joel.”
At last, the words that I have been waiting to hear! Wait a minute, I have waited for such a long time to hear them, but why am I not more happy? Oh no, why is anger welling up inside of me?
“So at Shenanigans you knew that when I said I love you, I meant as more than a friend?” asked Joel.
“Yes,” answered Stacy. “I am sorr-” Before she could get her apology out, Joel interrupted.
“Then why did you say you loved me only as a friend?” asked Joel, who at this point was growing angry. Before Stacy could answer, Joel continued. “You do not know the heartache that I have gone through since then, Stacy. If you knew what I meant, then why did you do that to me?”
“Maybe I was scared,” said Stacy.
Joel gritted his teeth behind closed lips and took in a deep breath through his nose as he looked around aimlessly, completely befuddled by the situation.
“But I am telling you now, Joel,” said Stacy. “Why are you angry?”
Joel finally looked back at Stacy. “You have no idea what that did to me. I was devastated!” he shouted. He quickly regained control of himself and continued. “I have been torturing myself for thinking that there was more between us than what really was.”
Stacy, obviously regretful, looked down at the ground. “I am sorry, Joel.”
“Yeah,” said Joel. “Me too.” He walked past Stacy and up to John, Tiffany, Brian, and Lauren, who were watching intently. “Can you guys get a ride home with Brian?” he asked John. “I don’t much feel like hanging out tonight.”
“Yeah,” said John. “You okay?”
“To be honest,” answered Joel, “no, I’m not.” He then turned and walked back to his car, got in, and left, leaving Stacy standing in the middle of the parking lot, crying.
* * *
Rewind...
Episode 10: Just Tell Him
What if you loved someone, but you could never tell them how you feel? What if that person was one of your best friends and you saw them everyday? What if you knew that no one else could make you feel the way that person makes you feel? How long do I have to suffer? These are the questions I ask myself everyday. My name is Stacy, and this is my story...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March Madness!
Well it's that time of the year again. Time for all eyes to be focused on college basketball. Everyone's favorite post season tournament started today, the NCAA tournament. I know I will be watching every game, yes even the ones involving teams I have never heard of and I will be pulling for some of those no-name teams because I picked them in one of the many brackets as an upset pick. I already have my brackets spread out on the table, watching with much anticipation to see what I have gotten right and wrong. I won't reveal my picks just yet, though.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Episode 8: Done
Well it happened again. Stacy played the friend card. I should have been more specific when I talked to her in Shenanigans, but who would have thought that she would assume that I meant I love her as a friend; I sure didn’t. My heart leapt when she told me that she loved me and in an instant, the jubilation turned into an overwhelming sense of despair.
I was devastated.
All I know is that I did not want to have that feeling ever again, so I made a decision that night when I got home. I absolutely, without a doubt, had to bury my feelings for Stacy. That turned out to be the real challenge because since our reconciliation, Stacy had called me pretty much every day. Don’t get me wrong though, it is great to have her back as a friend.
The thing about it is, she has been acting the same way toward me that she did at Shenanigans last weekend. It really makes me think that she has feelings for me, but I cannot afford to go through yet another failed attempt at a confession. If she did feel that way, she would have to be the one to make the move this time.
Anyway, there are other things going on in my life besides my ongoing dilemma with Stacy, believe it or not. The situation with Dustin has started to resurface. He has always talked down to me and treated me like a second class citizen every since I started hanging out with him. Lately, he has gone overboard with it though. I can’t put my finger on it, and I do not mean to sound pompous by any means, but I am quite sure that he is jealous of my friendship with Jack.
Well not long after Jack left, he did something to push me over the edge. It was nothing big at all like hitting on my girlfriend, but it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
It was nine thirty on Saturday night when Joel, Stacy, John, and Tiffany piled out of a cab in downtown Charlotte and walked into a bar by the name of Stanky’s. When the foursome walked through the door, they quickly scanned the crowded bar to find their friends, Brian, Lauren, and Dustin. John found them sitting in a booth and started toward them, leading Tiffany, Stacy, and Joel.
Upon arriving at the table, the seven of them exchanged greetings and poured into the booth, large enough to fit the seven of them. Not making it noticeable, Joel deliberately sat on the opposite side of the table from Stacy.
Dustin, who was sitting beside Joel, nudged him with his elbow and said, “I have been scouting the prospects and I have found a few. I could use a wingman, so if you are going to be whipped by Stacy all night, let me know now so I know that I am flying solo.”
Joel turned his head and cut his eyes over toward Dustin, giving him an evil look. He rolled his eyes and sighed, not caring if Dustin saw him or not. “I’m in,” he finally said. “Who do you have in mind?”
“The two over there,” said Dustin, pointing to two beautiful blondes standing near the bar.
I am not fond of the guy, but I cannot knock Dustin’s taste. He knows how to pick them. Now if I can just keep him from being overly obnoxious and scaring them away... nah, I have to remember who I am talking about here.
Joel nodded in approval and turned to the rest of his party. “We will be back in a few,” said Joel as he stood. He and Dustin made their way to the bar where Dustin, who was not the least bit shy, walked right up to the two blondes and started talking to them. Joel followed his lead and shortly thereafter, the conversation was off and running.
The girl’s name that I was talking to was Amber and the one that Dustin was talking to was Kelly. They were local college students, both juniors. The longer we talked, the more Amber and I found out we had a lot of things in common. Then, as he usually did, Dustin made an obnoxious comment that, judging from the look on Kelly’s face, did not sit right with her. The conversation fizzled out soon after, so Dustin decided he would intrude on my conversation with Amber.
“Dude, what are you doing?” asked Joel, as the two girls walked to the restroom.
“I like Amber,” replied Dustin.
“Well that’s a shame,” said Joel, “because I am talking to her. We have a lot of things in common.”
“You can talk to Kelly,” suggested Dustin, much to the dismay of Joel.
“No,” said Joel. “You started talking to her. Don’t do this.”
“Fine,” said Dustin. “I will go find another girl to talk to.”
Dustin then turned and made his way through the crowd of people, disappearing moments later.
“Well that was easy,” said Joel to himself. “In fact, it was way too easy.”
An uneasiness started to come over Joel, but he shrugged it off as he turned to see Amber and Kelly approach him. “Where did your friend go?” asked Amber.
“Actually,” said Joel, wanting to call Dustin out, but then thought better of it, “I am not sure where he disappeared to.”
“Good,” said Kelly.
“Fair enough,” said Joel, sharing a laugh with the two girls.
Joel and Amber continued to get to know each other as an hour passed. The more Joel talked to her, the more he liked her. At times, it was as if they were in there own world.
Amber is great. Kudos to Dustin for initiating the conversation and talking to Kelly first. For the first time in a while, I was having a great time. Then, for reasons that I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around, Dustin had to ruin it.
I don’t know why he has to do some of the things that he does, but for some odd reason, I seem to be the target for most of them. It happened right after Amber and I had exchanged numbers.
As Joel slipped his phone back into his pocket, Dustin approached, making his way back through the people that filled the bar. When he reached Joel and Amber, he pushed passed Joel, almost knocking him down and walked up to Amber.
“Hey, let me get your number,” said Dustin.
Amber looked at Joel with a confused look as Joel looked at Dustin the same way. “I don’t think so,” she answered.
“Why not?” asked Dustin.
“What are you doing, Dustin?” asked Joel, putting his hand on Dustin’s arm and turning him around.
“Back off,” said Dustin bluntly. He then turned back to Amber. “Are you going to give me your number or not?”
“No,” answered Amber. “I’m not.” She then turned to Joel. “My friends are waiting for me. Call me.”
“Ok, have a good night,” said Joel.
“You too,” said Amber with a smile. “Bye.” She then turned and made her way to the door where her friends were waiting. Together, they exited the bar.
“Why did you do that again?” asked Joel, turning to face Dustin.
“Again?” asked Dustin.
“Yeah,” said Joel, “again. You do this kind of thing all the time.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Dustin, obviously clueless.
“Just forget it,” said Joel, shaking his head as he walked back to the table where his other friends still sat.
To tell you the truth, I wasn’t even that mad at him. He does that kind of stuff to me all the time, especially hit on girls that I am talking to, so I have learned to let it roll off. It was what he did next that thoroughly angered me.
As Joel stood at the table, talking to Stacy and John, Dustin came up and stood quietly for a few moments. It was obvious that he was bothered by something. Brian glanced over at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” said Dustin, glowering at Joel, who did not notice. A few minutes passed before Dustin spoke again. This time he said, “I’m leaving.”
Remember when I mentioned the straw that broke the camel’s back? Here it comes...
He said his goodbyes to Brian and Lauren, then made his way around Joel without saying a word to him and told Stacy, John, and Tiffany goodbye, then turned and as he walked back by Joel, he lurched forward, striking Joel with his shoulder.
The impact dislodged Joel’s beer from his hand, which fell to the floor. The glass bottle shattered as the liquid spilled and went everywhere. Dustin stopped, looking up from the floor, he and Joel now stood nose to nose.
Brian quickly stood and got between them as John launched out of the booth to grab Joel. By this time, the eyes of everyone in the bar were on the two men as they were being restrained by their friends.
“What is your problem!?” shouted Joel.
Dustin did not say a word. Instead he continued to stare at Joel as he took a few steps back and eventually turned and walked out of the bar.
“What was that all about?” asked Brian.
“Apparently that girl I met,” responded Joel. “He tried to get between me and her when we were talking and I called him out on it, but not in front of her.”
“You two need to stop,” said Brian sternly. “You are friends.”
Joel shook his head. “No. Not anymore,” he said. “I’m tired of the way he acts toward me.”
“You don’t mean that,” said Brian.
“Yeah, actually I do mean it, Brian,” said Joel. “I’m done with that guy.”
That felt great to say! It felt as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It was at that moment that I knew that I meant what I had just said and that it was definitely the right decision. My friendship, if you can even call it that, with Dustin was over.
I was devastated.
All I know is that I did not want to have that feeling ever again, so I made a decision that night when I got home. I absolutely, without a doubt, had to bury my feelings for Stacy. That turned out to be the real challenge because since our reconciliation, Stacy had called me pretty much every day. Don’t get me wrong though, it is great to have her back as a friend.
The thing about it is, she has been acting the same way toward me that she did at Shenanigans last weekend. It really makes me think that she has feelings for me, but I cannot afford to go through yet another failed attempt at a confession. If she did feel that way, she would have to be the one to make the move this time.
Anyway, there are other things going on in my life besides my ongoing dilemma with Stacy, believe it or not. The situation with Dustin has started to resurface. He has always talked down to me and treated me like a second class citizen every since I started hanging out with him. Lately, he has gone overboard with it though. I can’t put my finger on it, and I do not mean to sound pompous by any means, but I am quite sure that he is jealous of my friendship with Jack.
Well not long after Jack left, he did something to push me over the edge. It was nothing big at all like hitting on my girlfriend, but it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
It was nine thirty on Saturday night when Joel, Stacy, John, and Tiffany piled out of a cab in downtown Charlotte and walked into a bar by the name of Stanky’s. When the foursome walked through the door, they quickly scanned the crowded bar to find their friends, Brian, Lauren, and Dustin. John found them sitting in a booth and started toward them, leading Tiffany, Stacy, and Joel.
Upon arriving at the table, the seven of them exchanged greetings and poured into the booth, large enough to fit the seven of them. Not making it noticeable, Joel deliberately sat on the opposite side of the table from Stacy.
Dustin, who was sitting beside Joel, nudged him with his elbow and said, “I have been scouting the prospects and I have found a few. I could use a wingman, so if you are going to be whipped by Stacy all night, let me know now so I know that I am flying solo.”
Joel turned his head and cut his eyes over toward Dustin, giving him an evil look. He rolled his eyes and sighed, not caring if Dustin saw him or not. “I’m in,” he finally said. “Who do you have in mind?”
“The two over there,” said Dustin, pointing to two beautiful blondes standing near the bar.
I am not fond of the guy, but I cannot knock Dustin’s taste. He knows how to pick them. Now if I can just keep him from being overly obnoxious and scaring them away... nah, I have to remember who I am talking about here.
Joel nodded in approval and turned to the rest of his party. “We will be back in a few,” said Joel as he stood. He and Dustin made their way to the bar where Dustin, who was not the least bit shy, walked right up to the two blondes and started talking to them. Joel followed his lead and shortly thereafter, the conversation was off and running.
The girl’s name that I was talking to was Amber and the one that Dustin was talking to was Kelly. They were local college students, both juniors. The longer we talked, the more Amber and I found out we had a lot of things in common. Then, as he usually did, Dustin made an obnoxious comment that, judging from the look on Kelly’s face, did not sit right with her. The conversation fizzled out soon after, so Dustin decided he would intrude on my conversation with Amber.
“Dude, what are you doing?” asked Joel, as the two girls walked to the restroom.
“I like Amber,” replied Dustin.
“Well that’s a shame,” said Joel, “because I am talking to her. We have a lot of things in common.”
“You can talk to Kelly,” suggested Dustin, much to the dismay of Joel.
“No,” said Joel. “You started talking to her. Don’t do this.”
“Fine,” said Dustin. “I will go find another girl to talk to.”
Dustin then turned and made his way through the crowd of people, disappearing moments later.
“Well that was easy,” said Joel to himself. “In fact, it was way too easy.”
An uneasiness started to come over Joel, but he shrugged it off as he turned to see Amber and Kelly approach him. “Where did your friend go?” asked Amber.
“Actually,” said Joel, wanting to call Dustin out, but then thought better of it, “I am not sure where he disappeared to.”
“Good,” said Kelly.
“Fair enough,” said Joel, sharing a laugh with the two girls.
Joel and Amber continued to get to know each other as an hour passed. The more Joel talked to her, the more he liked her. At times, it was as if they were in there own world.
Amber is great. Kudos to Dustin for initiating the conversation and talking to Kelly first. For the first time in a while, I was having a great time. Then, for reasons that I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around, Dustin had to ruin it.
I don’t know why he has to do some of the things that he does, but for some odd reason, I seem to be the target for most of them. It happened right after Amber and I had exchanged numbers.
As Joel slipped his phone back into his pocket, Dustin approached, making his way back through the people that filled the bar. When he reached Joel and Amber, he pushed passed Joel, almost knocking him down and walked up to Amber.
“Hey, let me get your number,” said Dustin.
Amber looked at Joel with a confused look as Joel looked at Dustin the same way. “I don’t think so,” she answered.
“Why not?” asked Dustin.
“What are you doing, Dustin?” asked Joel, putting his hand on Dustin’s arm and turning him around.
“Back off,” said Dustin bluntly. He then turned back to Amber. “Are you going to give me your number or not?”
“No,” answered Amber. “I’m not.” She then turned to Joel. “My friends are waiting for me. Call me.”
“Ok, have a good night,” said Joel.
“You too,” said Amber with a smile. “Bye.” She then turned and made her way to the door where her friends were waiting. Together, they exited the bar.
“Why did you do that again?” asked Joel, turning to face Dustin.
“Again?” asked Dustin.
“Yeah,” said Joel, “again. You do this kind of thing all the time.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Dustin, obviously clueless.
“Just forget it,” said Joel, shaking his head as he walked back to the table where his other friends still sat.
To tell you the truth, I wasn’t even that mad at him. He does that kind of stuff to me all the time, especially hit on girls that I am talking to, so I have learned to let it roll off. It was what he did next that thoroughly angered me.
As Joel stood at the table, talking to Stacy and John, Dustin came up and stood quietly for a few moments. It was obvious that he was bothered by something. Brian glanced over at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” said Dustin, glowering at Joel, who did not notice. A few minutes passed before Dustin spoke again. This time he said, “I’m leaving.”
Remember when I mentioned the straw that broke the camel’s back? Here it comes...
He said his goodbyes to Brian and Lauren, then made his way around Joel without saying a word to him and told Stacy, John, and Tiffany goodbye, then turned and as he walked back by Joel, he lurched forward, striking Joel with his shoulder.
The impact dislodged Joel’s beer from his hand, which fell to the floor. The glass bottle shattered as the liquid spilled and went everywhere. Dustin stopped, looking up from the floor, he and Joel now stood nose to nose.
Brian quickly stood and got between them as John launched out of the booth to grab Joel. By this time, the eyes of everyone in the bar were on the two men as they were being restrained by their friends.
“What is your problem!?” shouted Joel.
Dustin did not say a word. Instead he continued to stare at Joel as he took a few steps back and eventually turned and walked out of the bar.
“What was that all about?” asked Brian.
“Apparently that girl I met,” responded Joel. “He tried to get between me and her when we were talking and I called him out on it, but not in front of her.”
“You two need to stop,” said Brian sternly. “You are friends.”
Joel shook his head. “No. Not anymore,” he said. “I’m tired of the way he acts toward me.”
“You don’t mean that,” said Brian.
“Yeah, actually I do mean it, Brian,” said Joel. “I’m done with that guy.”
That felt great to say! It felt as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It was at that moment that I knew that I meant what I had just said and that it was definitely the right decision. My friendship, if you can even call it that, with Dustin was over.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
From The Web To Print?
For about a week or two, I have been toying with the notion of turning my written series into a book. The episodes could easily be turned into chapters which would make the transition very smooth. The only problem with this would be that if I did turn it into a book, I would stop posting the episodes, or chapters, on my blog for obvious reasons.
I would hate to do that to everyone who reads the episodes every week and quite frankly, I enjoy posting them. They have really started bringing a lot of traffic to my site. Since the first episode, I have gotten a ton of positive feedback which makes me think that a book would be very successful.
What I am thinking as of right now is that if (actually it's more of when) I convert my written series into a book, I will post a few more episodes to keep those of you who are loyal readers hooked and hopefully get a few more people addicted to it. Fear not though, until I make a decision, the episodes will keep coming every Monday.
I would hate to do that to everyone who reads the episodes every week and quite frankly, I enjoy posting them. They have really started bringing a lot of traffic to my site. Since the first episode, I have gotten a ton of positive feedback which makes me think that a book would be very successful.
What I am thinking as of right now is that if (actually it's more of when) I convert my written series into a book, I will post a few more episodes to keep those of you who are loyal readers hooked and hopefully get a few more people addicted to it. Fear not though, until I make a decision, the episodes will keep coming every Monday.
Shut Up Clooney!
When is George Clooney going to realize that as an actor, he is nothing more than an entertainer? He is not a politician, nor is he an ambassador of the U.S.(which he hates I might add) or any other country for that matter. Now he is trying to get long time Olympic sponsor, Omega Watches, to pressure China into solving the Sudan crisis?
Last time I checked, National Governments do not take advise from sponsors, let alone entertainers. Clooney, like most celebrities in Hollywood, thinks that we care about his opinions on certain things just because he is famous. So, somebody needs to say this to Clooney, so I will take it upon myself: Shut up Clooney!
And my rant is over...and as you can tell it has been building up for quite a while, starting with Clooney bad mouthing America while in England. If you hate this country that much George, then why not go elsewhere and just stay there!
Last time I checked, National Governments do not take advise from sponsors, let alone entertainers. Clooney, like most celebrities in Hollywood, thinks that we care about his opinions on certain things just because he is famous. So, somebody needs to say this to Clooney, so I will take it upon myself: Shut up Clooney!
And my rant is over...and as you can tell it has been building up for quite a while, starting with Clooney bad mouthing America while in England. If you hate this country that much George, then why not go elsewhere and just stay there!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Episode 7: Confession
It has been a week and a half since I played Floyd Mayweather and knocked out Ron. Luckily, Stacy was able to talk him out of pressing charges. That is the only time that I have heard from her in the week and a half and even then, we only talked for a minute at the most. I tried to apologize, but she wasn’t having any of it.
I heard through Lauren that she did not get back together with Ron. So here she is, single at last and I cannot make a move because she pretty much hates me right now. I tried to call her a few times, but gave it up about five days ago. The way I see it is, she will call me when she is ready to talk.
All I can do is wait.
To add to all of the bad things happening right now, we just found out that Jack has to leave us for a while. His job is sending him to Michigan for a few months. He does not really want to go, but the pay is good and it is a very good opportunity for him. Anyway, we are having somewhat of a going away party for him at his place the Friday before he left. Even Stacy showed up.
Joel, John, and Tiffany exited Joel’s apartment at eight thirty that night to make their way to the elevator and head down to Jack’s apartment. The trio did not have far to go as Jack lived in the same building as Joel.
“So, Stacy is going to be here,” said John, glancing at Joel out of the corner of his eye.
“And?” asked Joel, obviously not excited about seeing Stacy.
“She obviously is not that mad at you anymore if she agreed to be in the same room with you,” responded Tiffany, trying to lift Joel’s spirits.
“I guess,” said Joel.
“I still think it is awesome that you hit Ron,” said John, smiling.
Joel cut his eyes at John as Tiffany swatted his shoulder. “Are you trying to make him feel better or worse?”
“What? I’m just saying,” said John. “It was sweet.”
“Well I am glad that someone thinks so,” replied Joel. “Because Stacy doesn’t.”
“She will get over it,” said Tiffany. “Try to talk to her alone tonight.”
“I doubt it,” said Joel.
“You aren’t even going to try?” asked John. “That does not sound like the Joel that I know.”
“You are right,” said Joel. John smiled at the prospect of restoring Joel’s since of pride, but it was quickly ripped away by Joel’s next comment. “I don’t really feel like being myself right now.”
“How long are you going to beat yourself up over this?” asked John.
“As long as it takes,” answered Joel.
“Have you ever thought that it does not work out for a reason?” asked Tiffany. “Should it really be this hard?”
Joel’s face was solemn as he turned to face his friends. He took in a short, quick breath and let it escape his lips as he said, “Nothing in this world worth having comes easy.”
At that point, the three of them had reached Jack’s apartment. As Joel reached out to turn the doorknob, John leaned in and said, “Just talk to her.”
“Not another word,” said Joel sternly.
“Fine,” replied John. “Just trying to help.”
“Yeah I know,” said Joel somberly. “I messed up big this time though. I guess I will eventually get over it.” Joel then shrugged his shoulders and opened Jack’s door, which he traversed.
Upon entering, Joel hung back while John and Tiffany walked past. They were greeted by Brian and Dustin, then Jack, Lauren, and Stacy, who upon seeing Joel, turned and walked into the kitchen. She was followed by Lauren.
Joel’s dejected look said it all as sighed and shook his head. Jack greeted him with a sympathetic smile and a pat on the shoulder. “You’re good man,” he said. “She will get over it.”
“I hope so,” replied Joel, “but tonight it is about you, not me, so let’s have a good time.”
“Fair enough,” said Jack.
As the night continued, Stacy kept her distance, making it obvious that she wanted nothing to do with me. I wanted to talk to her, but I did not want to press the issue. Jack was right, she will get over it...hopefully.
After spending a couple of hours at Jack’s place, we headed downtown to one of our favorite clubs, a place called Shenanigans; great name I know. It was at Shenanigans that I decided that I became fed up with the wait and see approach regarding Stacy. I knew I needed to do something, but what? It was then that I decided that I would confess my love to Stacy. I know that I have tried this before, but this time it would be different.
It was a little past eleven when the eight friends arrived at Shenanigans in downtown Charlotte. They stood in the long line for about fifteen minutes before finally reaching the door. There, the bouncer checked their ID’s to make sure that they were of age and then let them enter.
Loud music greeted the group as they walked through the entrance. The club itself was practically alive as the walls were vibrating from the boom of the bass. The floor was not visible as people stood and danced shoulder to shoulder.
Shenanigans was a two story club, situated so that when you walked in through the front doors you were at the back of the dance floor. The D.J. stood in his booth, which was located on the back wall. There were two long bars, lining the sides of the interior of the building.
Upon advancing past the bar on the right, a door led to the restrooms. Also in this doorway, stairs could be taken to the second floor of club. The dance floor upstairs covered a little less than half of the first floor, leaving it open to look down at the dance floor below. Exiting the door at the top of the stairs, a walkway, which hugged the wall, led to the upstairs portion of the club, which was above the front doors. After passing a bar, the walkway opened up into the rest of the upstairs area.
Electing to stay on the first floor, Jack and Joel led the group through the sea of people that covered the dance floor and to the bar, where each of them ordered and received drinks. It was not long before Lauren and Tiffany dragged John and Brian onto the dance floor. Stacy was not far behind them as Joel, Jack and Dustin remained at the bar for the time being.
“This place is packed!” shouted Jack, trying to talk over the loud music.
“Even more so than usual,” said Joel loudly.
Jack and Dustin eventually waded out into the middle of the fray that was the dance floor and began to dance. Unable to bring himself to do so, Joel hung out by the bar. He was often visited by one or two of his friends at a time, who had come over to get another drink from the bar.
Then, out of nowhere and much to Joel’s surprise, Stacy came over to him. She smiled warmly as she stopped in front of him. “Do you not feel like dancing?” she asked.
Joel smiled. “You know me,” he said, “always a wallflower.” There was a bit of an awkward pause for a moment, before they both started to speak. Both of them stopped to let the other one talk, but Stacy insisted that Joel be the first.
“I really am sorry, Stacy,” said Joel.
“I know,” responded Stacy. “I know you were just looking out for me, but you could have gone about it a different way.”
“Are we going to be ok?” asked Joel, his concern was obvious.
“Yes,” replied Stacy, nodding her head.
“Good,” said Joel.
“Come on,” said Stacy, grabbing Joel’s hand and pulling him away from the bar. “Let’s dance.”
And just like that, everything was back to normal. You don’t know how good it felt to see her walk up and smile at me, and not to mention grab my hand and pull me out onto the dance floor. What a relief. I really thought she was going to be mad forever.
The rest of the night was perfect. Stacy and I danced like we were the only two people in Shenanigans. Then we had some drinks and danced some more. I honestly do not remember the last time we had that much fun together. Then, out of the blue, it happened...
As Joel and Stacy exited the dance floor to return to the bar for another drink, Stacy tripped. Joel quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, catching her and hoisted her back to her feet. Stacy smiled and thanked him as their eyes met.
It is amazing how one look, one glance, one smile, one moment, can make you feel. I felt invincible standing there with my arms around Stacy and she was reciprocating. The moment was perfect. I knew what I had to do.
“Stacy,” said Joel, “I have a confession to make.”
“And what is that?” asked Stacy.
“I love you,” said Joel.
“Aww,” said Stacy, smiling brightly. “I love you too...” Stacy hesitated, but Joel did not notice as pure jubilation surged through his every fiber. She loves me too! I cannot believe that this is happening! She just made me the happiest person- “...as a friend.”
Joel immediately choked up. He felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach and knocked the air right out of him. He felt the tears coming and fought intensely to keep them in, but it was just too much. “I- I need to go,” he said through short quick breaths.
“Are you ok?” asked Stacy, a confused look took hold of her face.
“Y-yeah,” he said. “I am fine.” But I wasn’t. I had just confessed my love for the girl that I have loved since the first moment I saw her when we were kids and she returns it only to add as a friend to the end? It couldn’t be right. I saw the way she looked at me throughout the night, the way she smiled at me, touched me. I wasn’t mistaken; I couldn’t have been, no way, no how... or maybe I was. I don’t know. I just don’t know.
Joel turned and left Stacy standing there as he headed for the door. He exited the club and got in the first cab that stopped for him, fighting back the tears all the while. When his cab dropped him off in front of his apartment building, he paid the driver and got out. He stood there for a moment and watched the cab drive away. Then, he turned and walked up the stairs leading to the front door of his building. A single tear ran down his right cheek.
I heard through Lauren that she did not get back together with Ron. So here she is, single at last and I cannot make a move because she pretty much hates me right now. I tried to call her a few times, but gave it up about five days ago. The way I see it is, she will call me when she is ready to talk.
All I can do is wait.
To add to all of the bad things happening right now, we just found out that Jack has to leave us for a while. His job is sending him to Michigan for a few months. He does not really want to go, but the pay is good and it is a very good opportunity for him. Anyway, we are having somewhat of a going away party for him at his place the Friday before he left. Even Stacy showed up.
Joel, John, and Tiffany exited Joel’s apartment at eight thirty that night to make their way to the elevator and head down to Jack’s apartment. The trio did not have far to go as Jack lived in the same building as Joel.
“So, Stacy is going to be here,” said John, glancing at Joel out of the corner of his eye.
“And?” asked Joel, obviously not excited about seeing Stacy.
“She obviously is not that mad at you anymore if she agreed to be in the same room with you,” responded Tiffany, trying to lift Joel’s spirits.
“I guess,” said Joel.
“I still think it is awesome that you hit Ron,” said John, smiling.
Joel cut his eyes at John as Tiffany swatted his shoulder. “Are you trying to make him feel better or worse?”
“What? I’m just saying,” said John. “It was sweet.”
“Well I am glad that someone thinks so,” replied Joel. “Because Stacy doesn’t.”
“She will get over it,” said Tiffany. “Try to talk to her alone tonight.”
“I doubt it,” said Joel.
“You aren’t even going to try?” asked John. “That does not sound like the Joel that I know.”
“You are right,” said Joel. John smiled at the prospect of restoring Joel’s since of pride, but it was quickly ripped away by Joel’s next comment. “I don’t really feel like being myself right now.”
“How long are you going to beat yourself up over this?” asked John.
“As long as it takes,” answered Joel.
“Have you ever thought that it does not work out for a reason?” asked Tiffany. “Should it really be this hard?”
Joel’s face was solemn as he turned to face his friends. He took in a short, quick breath and let it escape his lips as he said, “Nothing in this world worth having comes easy.”
At that point, the three of them had reached Jack’s apartment. As Joel reached out to turn the doorknob, John leaned in and said, “Just talk to her.”
“Not another word,” said Joel sternly.
“Fine,” replied John. “Just trying to help.”
“Yeah I know,” said Joel somberly. “I messed up big this time though. I guess I will eventually get over it.” Joel then shrugged his shoulders and opened Jack’s door, which he traversed.
Upon entering, Joel hung back while John and Tiffany walked past. They were greeted by Brian and Dustin, then Jack, Lauren, and Stacy, who upon seeing Joel, turned and walked into the kitchen. She was followed by Lauren.
Joel’s dejected look said it all as sighed and shook his head. Jack greeted him with a sympathetic smile and a pat on the shoulder. “You’re good man,” he said. “She will get over it.”
“I hope so,” replied Joel, “but tonight it is about you, not me, so let’s have a good time.”
“Fair enough,” said Jack.
As the night continued, Stacy kept her distance, making it obvious that she wanted nothing to do with me. I wanted to talk to her, but I did not want to press the issue. Jack was right, she will get over it...hopefully.
After spending a couple of hours at Jack’s place, we headed downtown to one of our favorite clubs, a place called Shenanigans; great name I know. It was at Shenanigans that I decided that I became fed up with the wait and see approach regarding Stacy. I knew I needed to do something, but what? It was then that I decided that I would confess my love to Stacy. I know that I have tried this before, but this time it would be different.
It was a little past eleven when the eight friends arrived at Shenanigans in downtown Charlotte. They stood in the long line for about fifteen minutes before finally reaching the door. There, the bouncer checked their ID’s to make sure that they were of age and then let them enter.
Loud music greeted the group as they walked through the entrance. The club itself was practically alive as the walls were vibrating from the boom of the bass. The floor was not visible as people stood and danced shoulder to shoulder.
Shenanigans was a two story club, situated so that when you walked in through the front doors you were at the back of the dance floor. The D.J. stood in his booth, which was located on the back wall. There were two long bars, lining the sides of the interior of the building.
Upon advancing past the bar on the right, a door led to the restrooms. Also in this doorway, stairs could be taken to the second floor of club. The dance floor upstairs covered a little less than half of the first floor, leaving it open to look down at the dance floor below. Exiting the door at the top of the stairs, a walkway, which hugged the wall, led to the upstairs portion of the club, which was above the front doors. After passing a bar, the walkway opened up into the rest of the upstairs area.
Electing to stay on the first floor, Jack and Joel led the group through the sea of people that covered the dance floor and to the bar, where each of them ordered and received drinks. It was not long before Lauren and Tiffany dragged John and Brian onto the dance floor. Stacy was not far behind them as Joel, Jack and Dustin remained at the bar for the time being.
“This place is packed!” shouted Jack, trying to talk over the loud music.
“Even more so than usual,” said Joel loudly.
Jack and Dustin eventually waded out into the middle of the fray that was the dance floor and began to dance. Unable to bring himself to do so, Joel hung out by the bar. He was often visited by one or two of his friends at a time, who had come over to get another drink from the bar.
Then, out of nowhere and much to Joel’s surprise, Stacy came over to him. She smiled warmly as she stopped in front of him. “Do you not feel like dancing?” she asked.
Joel smiled. “You know me,” he said, “always a wallflower.” There was a bit of an awkward pause for a moment, before they both started to speak. Both of them stopped to let the other one talk, but Stacy insisted that Joel be the first.
“I really am sorry, Stacy,” said Joel.
“I know,” responded Stacy. “I know you were just looking out for me, but you could have gone about it a different way.”
“Are we going to be ok?” asked Joel, his concern was obvious.
“Yes,” replied Stacy, nodding her head.
“Good,” said Joel.
“Come on,” said Stacy, grabbing Joel’s hand and pulling him away from the bar. “Let’s dance.”
And just like that, everything was back to normal. You don’t know how good it felt to see her walk up and smile at me, and not to mention grab my hand and pull me out onto the dance floor. What a relief. I really thought she was going to be mad forever.
The rest of the night was perfect. Stacy and I danced like we were the only two people in Shenanigans. Then we had some drinks and danced some more. I honestly do not remember the last time we had that much fun together. Then, out of the blue, it happened...
As Joel and Stacy exited the dance floor to return to the bar for another drink, Stacy tripped. Joel quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, catching her and hoisted her back to her feet. Stacy smiled and thanked him as their eyes met.
It is amazing how one look, one glance, one smile, one moment, can make you feel. I felt invincible standing there with my arms around Stacy and she was reciprocating. The moment was perfect. I knew what I had to do.
“Stacy,” said Joel, “I have a confession to make.”
“And what is that?” asked Stacy.
“I love you,” said Joel.
“Aww,” said Stacy, smiling brightly. “I love you too...” Stacy hesitated, but Joel did not notice as pure jubilation surged through his every fiber. She loves me too! I cannot believe that this is happening! She just made me the happiest person- “...as a friend.”
Joel immediately choked up. He felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach and knocked the air right out of him. He felt the tears coming and fought intensely to keep them in, but it was just too much. “I- I need to go,” he said through short quick breaths.
“Are you ok?” asked Stacy, a confused look took hold of her face.
“Y-yeah,” he said. “I am fine.” But I wasn’t. I had just confessed my love for the girl that I have loved since the first moment I saw her when we were kids and she returns it only to add as a friend to the end? It couldn’t be right. I saw the way she looked at me throughout the night, the way she smiled at me, touched me. I wasn’t mistaken; I couldn’t have been, no way, no how... or maybe I was. I don’t know. I just don’t know.
Joel turned and left Stacy standing there as he headed for the door. He exited the club and got in the first cab that stopped for him, fighting back the tears all the while. When his cab dropped him off in front of his apartment building, he paid the driver and got out. He stood there for a moment and watched the cab drive away. Then, he turned and walked up the stairs leading to the front door of his building. A single tear ran down his right cheek.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Breaking Benjamin Concert
I went to the Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether concert last night at the Greensboro Coliseum and I have never had more fun at a concert. Breaking Ben is my favorite band so I am sure that had something to do with it, but all three bands put on an excellent show. Even the band Hurt, who opened up, was good. Unlike some bands or musicians, I am happy to say that all three bands sounded great live. If you are a fan of any of them and they are coming to a town near you, check out their show. You will have fun... and be sure to crowd surf!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Favre Calls it Quits
The NFL lost not only a truly great player, but also an icon when Brett Favre announced his retirement yesterday. Favre said that he was "mentally tired" and decided to hang it up after seventeen NFL seasons. Favre ends his career with a Super Bowl title, three MVP awards (the most by any player), and numerous records.
This past season, Favre broke Dan Marino's touchdown record (420) and passing yards record (61,361), ending the year, and his career, with 442 touchdown passes and 61,655. He also had the most wins as a starting quarterback (160), completions (5,377), attempts (8,758), and interceptions (288).
Not only will Brett Favre be remembered for his passing records, but he will also be remembered for his heart, enthusiasm for the game, and the way he played the game: like it was just that, a game, meant to be fun.
Brett Favre will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. I know that I will miss watching him play.
This past season, Favre broke Dan Marino's touchdown record (420) and passing yards record (61,361), ending the year, and his career, with 442 touchdown passes and 61,655. He also had the most wins as a starting quarterback (160), completions (5,377), attempts (8,758), and interceptions (288).
Not only will Brett Favre be remembered for his passing records, but he will also be remembered for his heart, enthusiasm for the game, and the way he played the game: like it was just that, a game, meant to be fun.
Brett Favre will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. I know that I will miss watching him play.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Episode 6: No Better
Well as hard as it was, I did what I had to do. It was not fair really, and I do feel bad because Katie never stood a chance. My feelings for Stacy were far too strong. If you haven’t guessed by now, I broke up with Katie. I really did hate to do it, but like I said, it just was not fair to her.
If you think that she was angry the other night, you have seen nothing. She gave it to me pretty good when I went over there that night, but I stood there and took every minute of it because I deserved it.
So now I am back where I was a few months ago... in love with Stacy.
Joel, Jack, Brian, and Dustin sat in Stratler’s on a Tuesday evening waiting for the rest of their group to show up, talking about Joel and Katie’s break up.
“Dude, you are an idiot,” said Dustin. “She was hot!”
“Thanks,” responded Joel, “but somehow, that does not console me.”
“I’m just saying, you should have held onto her,” said Dustin. “That’s what I would have done.”
“Even if you were in love with someone else?” asked Joel.
“Yeah! Like I said, she was hot!” said Dustin.
Joel fought off the urge to roll his eyes at Dustin’s comments and just nodded. The last thing I need is relationship advice from that guy.
“Speaking of hot,” said Dustin, “how come no one has ever tried to hit on our waitress? She is here all the time and no one has ever tried to get her number.”
“That’s because it is almost impossible to pick up a waitress,” replied Jack.
“Very true,” agreed Joel. “There is a way, but like Jack said, it is nearly impossible.”
“It’s a process,” said Jack. “First, you have to make small talk, and be interesting.”
“Second,” continued Joel, “you casually find out if she is single, but you can’t make it obvious.”
“Third,” added Jack, “you have to get some one on one time.”
“Then,” said Joel, his face became serious, “and only then, do you ask her-and this is key-to hangout. You have to make it casual, then make your move at a later time.”
Dustin paused for a moment to take in what Jack and Joel told him. He looked like he was deep in thought, but quickly snapped out of it. “That is way too much work,” he said, “I have a much better way.” Dustin then asked the waitress for his check the next time she came around.
“Your way is to leave?” joked Brian.
“I have to go anyway,” replied Justin. “Just watch.”
The four of them waited until the waitress brought Dustin’s check to him and then for her to come back and pick it up. When she returned to the table, Dustin said, “There is a problem with my check. You forgot something.”
“What did I forget?” asked the waitress.
“Your phone number.”
Joel, Jack, and Brian cringed when the words left Dustin’s lips. They each looked at each other and shook their heads, mostly in embarrassment.
Who says that? No, seriously, WHO SAYS THAT!? The look on Molly’s face-the waitress’s name is Molly by the way-said it all. Needless to say, she was dumbfounded. I actually felt kind of bad for Dustin, but then I realized that he had done it to himself.
Molly forced out a laugh, took Dustin’s check and credit card, and went to run his card.
“Sweet,” said Dustin. “I think she is going to give me her number.”
What planet is this guy on??
Everyone sat there silently hoping...praying that Molly would be back soon to break the unbearable, awkward silence. Sure enough, moments later, she came back to the table and dropped off the black, leather check presenter. Dustin eagerly opened the check presenter and ripped the receipts from it and thumbed through them. As expected, there was not a phone number on any of the copies of the receipt.
“Fair enough,” said Dustin. “No tip.”
“You can’t be serious,” protested Jack.
“Because your stupid pick-up line didn’t work?” asked Joel.
“That line is a classic,” argued Dustin.
“If you say so,” said Brian, holding back a laugh.
“Screw you guys,” said Dustin angrily, slamming down the receipt and pen before storming out.
“We should leave her a tip,” said Jack.
“Read my mind,” said Joel, reaching for his wallet and putting three one dollar bills down on top of the ones that Jack and Brian had put down at Dustin’s seat.
Until Stacy, Ron, and Lauren showed up, I sat and listened to Jack and Brian trash Dustin. I’m not going to lie, I chimed in from time to time, but they really tore into him. It seemed like the two of them had a real problem with Dustin. The only thing that bothered me about the whole situation was that they did it behind his back. Why not just tell him to his face? When our three friends got there, we told them the story and all shared a good laugh. The night was off to a good start.
Little did any of us know, that would soon change.
I am not sure if anyone else noticed it, but there seemed to be tension between Stacy and Ron. They did not seem to have that connection that they usually did. They just seemed off. It was only a matter of time before things boiled over. And no, I did not take pleasure in the fact that they were having problems.
An hour later, Joel exited the restroom to find Stacy marching out of Stratler’s with Ron right on her heels. As he watched the two of them argue through the front window, he quickly made his way back to the table to find out what happened.
“Dude, you missed it,” said Jack, peering out the window along with everyone else.
“Obviously,” said Joel, watching Stacy, obviously concerned for her. “What happened?”
Before anyone could answer, the group let out a collective gasp as Ron went ballistic. His face turned beet red as began to yell at Stacy. His mannerisms were becoming very aggressive. Joel began walking toward the door.
“Where are you going, Joel?” asked Lauren.
“I’m going out there,” said Joel, pausing for a moment to answer, but staring intently at Stacy and Ron.
“Don’t get in the middle of it,” said Lauren.
Lauren’s words did not reach Joel, however, as he had started once again toward the door.
“Joel!” yelled Jack.
Meanwhile, on the sidewalk in front of Stratler’s, Stacy and Ron continued to argue. Finally, Stacy stopped Ron in mid-sentence and said, “That’s it, Ron. I can’t do this anymore.”
“What!?” exclaimed Ron, he began to yell uncontrollably as his face turned beet red.
It was not long after, when Ron started at Stacy. Stacy was terrified as she began to back away. Ron took two steps toward her and raised his hand, looking as if he were going to strike Stacy. She raised her hands, putting them in front of her face defensively.
Before Ron could do anything else, Joel came out of nowhere and punched him right between the eyes. Ron’s feet went out from under him, sending him to the pavement below. When he hit the pavement, he laid there dazed.
I don’t know what came over me. I know that it was none of my business, but Ron was definitely going to strike Stacy and I could not let that happen. When I walked out of the front door, I had no intentions of punching him, but when I saw him go at her, my blood began to boil. Before I knew it, my fist was clinched and I decked him.
Joel was shaking his hand as it was writhing in pain as turned to face Stacy. She was stunned as she looked up at him. It was almost as if she did not recognize him. “Why would you do that?” she asked.
“Stacy, he was going to hit you,” said Joel, defending his actions.
“So you just hit him!?” yelled Stacy, pushing past Joel to attend to Ron. “You are no better than him!”
“I-I’m sorry Stacy, I don’t know what came over me.”
“Just get away from us!”
Everyone inside the small bar was staring through the window at Joel as he turned to reenter. Joel walked back to the table with a blank look on his face, looking back just once to see Stacy helping Ron into a cab.
Nobody said anything to Joel as he paid his tab. They knew that he was already beating himself up over it enough for all of them. After paying his tab, Joel exited the bar and began toward his home, electing to walk so that he may get lost in his thoughts.
What have I done?
If you think that she was angry the other night, you have seen nothing. She gave it to me pretty good when I went over there that night, but I stood there and took every minute of it because I deserved it.
So now I am back where I was a few months ago... in love with Stacy.
Joel, Jack, Brian, and Dustin sat in Stratler’s on a Tuesday evening waiting for the rest of their group to show up, talking about Joel and Katie’s break up.
“Dude, you are an idiot,” said Dustin. “She was hot!”
“Thanks,” responded Joel, “but somehow, that does not console me.”
“I’m just saying, you should have held onto her,” said Dustin. “That’s what I would have done.”
“Even if you were in love with someone else?” asked Joel.
“Yeah! Like I said, she was hot!” said Dustin.
Joel fought off the urge to roll his eyes at Dustin’s comments and just nodded. The last thing I need is relationship advice from that guy.
“Speaking of hot,” said Dustin, “how come no one has ever tried to hit on our waitress? She is here all the time and no one has ever tried to get her number.”
“That’s because it is almost impossible to pick up a waitress,” replied Jack.
“Very true,” agreed Joel. “There is a way, but like Jack said, it is nearly impossible.”
“It’s a process,” said Jack. “First, you have to make small talk, and be interesting.”
“Second,” continued Joel, “you casually find out if she is single, but you can’t make it obvious.”
“Third,” added Jack, “you have to get some one on one time.”
“Then,” said Joel, his face became serious, “and only then, do you ask her-and this is key-to hangout. You have to make it casual, then make your move at a later time.”
Dustin paused for a moment to take in what Jack and Joel told him. He looked like he was deep in thought, but quickly snapped out of it. “That is way too much work,” he said, “I have a much better way.” Dustin then asked the waitress for his check the next time she came around.
“Your way is to leave?” joked Brian.
“I have to go anyway,” replied Justin. “Just watch.”
The four of them waited until the waitress brought Dustin’s check to him and then for her to come back and pick it up. When she returned to the table, Dustin said, “There is a problem with my check. You forgot something.”
“What did I forget?” asked the waitress.
“Your phone number.”
Joel, Jack, and Brian cringed when the words left Dustin’s lips. They each looked at each other and shook their heads, mostly in embarrassment.
Who says that? No, seriously, WHO SAYS THAT!? The look on Molly’s face-the waitress’s name is Molly by the way-said it all. Needless to say, she was dumbfounded. I actually felt kind of bad for Dustin, but then I realized that he had done it to himself.
Molly forced out a laugh, took Dustin’s check and credit card, and went to run his card.
“Sweet,” said Dustin. “I think she is going to give me her number.”
What planet is this guy on??
Everyone sat there silently hoping...praying that Molly would be back soon to break the unbearable, awkward silence. Sure enough, moments later, she came back to the table and dropped off the black, leather check presenter. Dustin eagerly opened the check presenter and ripped the receipts from it and thumbed through them. As expected, there was not a phone number on any of the copies of the receipt.
“Fair enough,” said Dustin. “No tip.”
“You can’t be serious,” protested Jack.
“Because your stupid pick-up line didn’t work?” asked Joel.
“That line is a classic,” argued Dustin.
“If you say so,” said Brian, holding back a laugh.
“Screw you guys,” said Dustin angrily, slamming down the receipt and pen before storming out.
“We should leave her a tip,” said Jack.
“Read my mind,” said Joel, reaching for his wallet and putting three one dollar bills down on top of the ones that Jack and Brian had put down at Dustin’s seat.
Until Stacy, Ron, and Lauren showed up, I sat and listened to Jack and Brian trash Dustin. I’m not going to lie, I chimed in from time to time, but they really tore into him. It seemed like the two of them had a real problem with Dustin. The only thing that bothered me about the whole situation was that they did it behind his back. Why not just tell him to his face? When our three friends got there, we told them the story and all shared a good laugh. The night was off to a good start.
Little did any of us know, that would soon change.
I am not sure if anyone else noticed it, but there seemed to be tension between Stacy and Ron. They did not seem to have that connection that they usually did. They just seemed off. It was only a matter of time before things boiled over. And no, I did not take pleasure in the fact that they were having problems.
An hour later, Joel exited the restroom to find Stacy marching out of Stratler’s with Ron right on her heels. As he watched the two of them argue through the front window, he quickly made his way back to the table to find out what happened.
“Dude, you missed it,” said Jack, peering out the window along with everyone else.
“Obviously,” said Joel, watching Stacy, obviously concerned for her. “What happened?”
Before anyone could answer, the group let out a collective gasp as Ron went ballistic. His face turned beet red as began to yell at Stacy. His mannerisms were becoming very aggressive. Joel began walking toward the door.
“Where are you going, Joel?” asked Lauren.
“I’m going out there,” said Joel, pausing for a moment to answer, but staring intently at Stacy and Ron.
“Don’t get in the middle of it,” said Lauren.
Lauren’s words did not reach Joel, however, as he had started once again toward the door.
“Joel!” yelled Jack.
Meanwhile, on the sidewalk in front of Stratler’s, Stacy and Ron continued to argue. Finally, Stacy stopped Ron in mid-sentence and said, “That’s it, Ron. I can’t do this anymore.”
“What!?” exclaimed Ron, he began to yell uncontrollably as his face turned beet red.
It was not long after, when Ron started at Stacy. Stacy was terrified as she began to back away. Ron took two steps toward her and raised his hand, looking as if he were going to strike Stacy. She raised her hands, putting them in front of her face defensively.
Before Ron could do anything else, Joel came out of nowhere and punched him right between the eyes. Ron’s feet went out from under him, sending him to the pavement below. When he hit the pavement, he laid there dazed.
I don’t know what came over me. I know that it was none of my business, but Ron was definitely going to strike Stacy and I could not let that happen. When I walked out of the front door, I had no intentions of punching him, but when I saw him go at her, my blood began to boil. Before I knew it, my fist was clinched and I decked him.
Joel was shaking his hand as it was writhing in pain as turned to face Stacy. She was stunned as she looked up at him. It was almost as if she did not recognize him. “Why would you do that?” she asked.
“Stacy, he was going to hit you,” said Joel, defending his actions.
“So you just hit him!?” yelled Stacy, pushing past Joel to attend to Ron. “You are no better than him!”
“I-I’m sorry Stacy, I don’t know what came over me.”
“Just get away from us!”
Everyone inside the small bar was staring through the window at Joel as he turned to reenter. Joel walked back to the table with a blank look on his face, looking back just once to see Stacy helping Ron into a cab.
Nobody said anything to Joel as he paid his tab. They knew that he was already beating himself up over it enough for all of them. After paying his tab, Joel exited the bar and began toward his home, electing to walk so that he may get lost in his thoughts.
What have I done?
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Selig Will Not Ban Bonds...But He Should
Allan H. (Bud) Selig has said that he will not ban Bonds from baseball. Of course Bud Selig will not stand up and take a stand; he is a spineless coward. You can blame all of the players who took steroids for ruining baseball, but do not forget about ole Bud. He was the one who swept all of it under the rug when it was happening. He refuses to simply put his foot down and show a little backbone.
Barry Bonds and John Rocker, along with other players, failed drug tests over the span of their careers and what did baseball do? What did Selig do? Nothing. They allowed them to continue breaking the rules and use illegal drugs.
I do not know about you, but in my eyes, using illegal drugs is worse than betting on baseball, but Pete Rose remains banned from the game while drug users, i.e. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and so on, are allowed to be a part of the sport in which they corrupted, while Selig sits back and does nothing.
Focus on the players who cheated all you want, but Bud Selig allowed it to go on all those years, so when blaming people for baseball's corruption, do not forget about Allan H. Selig.
Barry Bonds and John Rocker, along with other players, failed drug tests over the span of their careers and what did baseball do? What did Selig do? Nothing. They allowed them to continue breaking the rules and use illegal drugs.
I do not know about you, but in my eyes, using illegal drugs is worse than betting on baseball, but Pete Rose remains banned from the game while drug users, i.e. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and so on, are allowed to be a part of the sport in which they corrupted, while Selig sits back and does nothing.
Focus on the players who cheated all you want, but Bud Selig allowed it to go on all those years, so when blaming people for baseball's corruption, do not forget about Allan H. Selig.
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