The dim morning sun danced across the white bed sheets
The lamp posts flickered
The cars, enthused, hooted
It could not have been past six in the morning
Drivers, passengers, by standers, they were all part of the pre-Christmas rush
Christmas was a week away.
I smiled at the thought of waking up on Christmas morning
Although I am not one to socialise (you know that)
I was excited to see family members that I would only see next year, this time, again
They would bottle up the year’s stories and once the glasses clink,
The liquid fizzles,
The stories will be offered to people who listen but are rarely focused.
Liquids impact your life
We often take them for granted.
Droughts teach us not to waste water.
Wine (if you’re religious) teaches us to never forget the reason we are here today.
Hangovers, they teach us to put the cup down and socialise with the couples,
Being a third wheel is not safe, but avoiding a hangover is.
Party liquids, are great.
They ease the tension.
They help avoid awkward situations.
In most cases, the night before would be a blur.
This case was different.
As I tugged on the cold sheets,
It brought warmth to my aching body.
My heart rate had decreased and my chest had fallen.
Then, it sped up.
I prayed that I would not be having another anxiety attack,
But the events of the previous night had lashed out.
Anxiety attack for who?
I recalled his blonde-brown hair.
The way he begged for his comb over to not move over.
He had this giggly whim about him.
His face would light up each time his glass was filled,
But it could not have been as bright as mine.
“This is my girlfriend.”
That was my introduction.
That was my title for the night.
I could have been upset.
I was upset but,
Anger was destined for the morning after.
The first string,
Caught me off-guard.
Although I tied it.
It surprised me.
It didn’t happen to surprise you, though.
You never finished that conversation.
The moon light looked brighter and for a few seconds, the lamp posts worked.
Your friend helped you and reminded you that I have baggage that has been deported.
He reminded you that I may be using you to avoid my own emotional distress.
“We know what we’re doing.”
I smiled and agreed when I heard that.
That night, we knew what we were doing.
We were prepared.
Everything was going to be okay.
I am decoding scribbles right now.
Trying to cut the string,
My scissors are missing.
Do you think we knew what we were doing?
Yes, it took a few slurps for me to be your girlfriend,
But was it worth it in the end?
As I type this,
A thought lingers
“Alcohol changes your behaviour,
Not your feelings.”
I will repeat these words every time I enter your neighbourhood.
I know it is absurd that I have grown to develop feelings for you within a week,
But I needed to destroy writer’s block.
You offered a lot more, though.
Just my luck.
-Tryston Kae
