The Brazilian Restaurant
I woke up at 3am yesterday with a plan.
I would be intentionally late at the restaurant, tell them I had to go somewhere, quickly sign the documents and leave. That way, I could express my frustrations at Ele for not calling me back, and it would be a way of creating an aura of mystery whilst also making me seem busy.
Catching the bus to the train station, I bumped into Michael L. I didn't see him at first, but as I was walking towards the middle of the bus he was waving at me. We actually didn't talk much about the statements thing, mainly because I thought he might've been uncomfortable with it on a bus packed with people. Although I did get from him that Eva was meeting Ele for lunch so she could get Ele's statement. Luckily I had told Michael L the night before that I needed to be present when they were signing, so I guess we had to have Ele for dinner.
Work was as usual - more waiting around. I went for coffee with PL, Kate, Rom Rom, Hayley and the German girl. I thought the German girl was giving me looks, until I realised later on that she had a boyfriend back in Germany.
PL shouted us drinks, how nice of him. Everyone had some sort of juice while I had my short black. It was kinda fun, and new, to sit with them. Other than Twish, I don't really talk to the others in her group much. When I returned to court, GS asked to borrow my pass and then made a joke about how I didn't need it since I was with all these girls.
The German girl, Hayley, Kate, Rom Rom and I also checked out the 'secret' room in our office. Apparently no one, except Hayley, knew that it was accessible until now. Hayley said she used to sleep in there, and that the lights go off after a while, so we all sat motionless trying to get the sensor to not detect us so the lights would go off. We were there for a while but guess we moved too much, so it never went off.
We heard there was a jury note and that we'd be returning to court at 2pm. It was nothing to do with us, just Rom Rom's client, so I didn't have much concern.
I went to lunch with Kate, and messaged Twish as to where we were. As we were walking to Oporto's, we passed CW stabding outside another court. He asked us where we were going, and Kate told him we were going to lunch. He asked, "does Twish know?"
I didn't get it at first, and then realised it was a slight at both the allegation that Twish and I had something going, and that Kate and I had something going. Kate said he had the dirtiest mind.
At lunch, I felt that we didn't have that much to talk about, and I had the Ele thing on my mind, and I thought Kate was an appropriate person to confide in. Firstly, she was a woman, and secondly, it could be my way of showing that I wasn't interested in Twish.
So I asked her about when a girl doesn't return a guy's call. SHe told me that she doesn't return calls either, because if it's important then they'll call back, and also, she said girls like a bit of perseverance. She actually repeated that perseverence concept a few times. She suggested that I send or leave her a message. I said then that would reveal the purpose of my call. She said to be vague, something like "I just wanted to talk to you, call me back".
That was a good idea.
It was so good it really started growing on me more and more within the next 30 minutes. Twish arrived when we were nearly finished, and I let her have the rest of my chips. Her and Kate talked about Twish's hair while I kept thinking about the leaving a message thing.
When I got back to the office at 1:43pm, I sent the following message to Ele:
"Hey, just wanted to talk to you about something, give us a call after work"
She called me straight away but I couldn't answer it because I was in the vicinity of GS and everyone else, and I didn't want to be heard cautioning her about making statements.
We all went into court at 2pm for the jury note, and when that finished in about 20 minutes I called Ele back. No answer.
Hmmm. Grrr.
I wonder what part of "after work" did she not understand. Or was she so eager that she called me straight away? Or was she just out at lunch and had some free time? In any case, seeing that I had now left the missed call, I had hoped that she would call me after work.
After the day at the office, I went to the gym. I did some weights, abs and the bike. My mind flashed between the night ahead and the number of reps I was up to in whatever exercise I was doing.
I then went home, originally with a plan of catching a bus back out to the city so I could sit down somewhere near the water and kill time whilst executing my plan. But I ended up taking my car to Coogee, near the beach. Whilst waiting for a call from Michael L about the dinner plans, I walked along the beach on the footpath. I thought about sitting down at some seats near the steps, but some homeless looking guy smiled at me and that was enough of a deterrence.
Towards the end of the beach, I turned to go back around the block, and spotted a fat lady with a big bald guy. At first I thought she was pregnant, but as she emerged from the shadows, it was clear that she was just fat.
I ended up at a table close to the traffic lights on the main road. I enjoyed the peace and quiet, just sitting there, able to think, with no distractions at all. It was just me. I then heard some girl crying and yelling, apparently at a guy, asking why he was treating her like crap (because it makes you want him more?) and responding to an allegation that she did nothing for him. It was quite a scene.
I thought to myself that it was lucky I had some tissues in my pocket, in case the need ever arose. Her crying and screaming came closer. When it was parallel to me, I looked, and realised it was the fat lady and the bald guy. He was obviously trying to minimise the scene. They eventually stood a distance away talking quietly.
Michael L rang and said he and Eva were on their way to pick Ele up from work.
Geez, why didn't she ask me to pick her up?
He asked me where I wanted to eat and I said it was up to him. He sounded uncertain and then said he'd call me back 15 minutes later. 30 minutes later I still hadn't received a call, so I went for a walk to the ATM to withdraw some cash, and then headed back to my car. I started to drive away, not really sure where I was heading, when Michael L called. I pulled over and called him back. He said they had decided to come to Coogee.
Great.
I turned my car around and went back to the same place to park. If anyone had taken notice of me earlier, they would definitely think I was suss. After parking, I walked back along the beach and then stopped nearby a family looking out at the waters. It was sooo peaceful.
Michael L called again to tell me the restaurant they were going to. I didn't know it, but knew the street, and it was close by. This was it. I would see Ele again. As I walked along the beach, I pictured Ele and I walking on the sand together after dinner. It would be easy as pie. All I'd have to do after dinner is suggest that I give her a ride, and on our way back to the car I'd suggest a walk along the beach. Maybe we could even playfully push eachother along the shallow waters.
But how? I can't just say "let's walk on the sand". I thought about it as I walked slowly towards the restaurant.
Aha!
I'd make up something, like say it was good luck to step on a seashell, and then we'd try it out. Yeah? Good stuff!
I actually started feeling sick for some reason, and didn't feel like eating, even though I was hungry. I found the restaurant, even though it was "20 metres from the beach" like Michael L had described. I looked in and saw them. They waved at me.
It was a bit dark and gloomy inside. Sitting against the wall were Ele and Eva. Opposite Ele was Linda, and next to her was Michael L. I sat down next to Michael L and found the seat to be somewhat awkward. I was in a bit of a sombre mood, and said "good morning". Michael L asked me if I was a vampire and I said yes.
I didn't really say hi to anyone else, maybe smiled at Eva. Other than checking out the menu, I kept my head down or looked straight ahead most of the time. I could feel Ele looking over at me.
I asked Michael L how the restaurant worked, and he didn't know. He called a waiter over and asked. Apparently it was a $35 per person all you can eat buffet, where they bring you the food as long as the little coaster on your table had the green side facing up.
After the waiter left us to think about it, there were some uncomfortable looks between Eva and Michael L. I am fairly sure it was the price. There was a vote to see who was up for it, and everyone didn't know either way. When it came to me, I suggested we stay. Look, I was wary of their financial situation, and mine as well, and I wasn't even hungry enough for a buffet, but I really didn't want to have all of us get up and leave the restaurant. I just thought that it should've been asked before they were seated. You could definitely criticse me for that decision.
So we ended up staying. Almost immediately the food started coming. It was mostly meat. The rate of food coming was much faster than any possible rate of consumption. I had to turn my coaster around to indicate to stop for me while I finished what I had gotten.
I could still sense Ele looking at me. It was getting to an almost (repeat: almost) unbearable point. She asked me why I was so quiet. I tried to give a comical "I'm always quiet", but it came out with a rather blunt tone.
Linda tried to start a conversation with me, and I really didn't want to talk to her and didn't want to be the focus of the group, so I wasn't very responsive. I pretty much ignored that end of the table, restricting myself to talking with Michael L and Eva. I could still feel Ele looking over. Once or twice when I couldn't help it and looked over, our eyes met. She was wearing her white rimmed glasses.
Sometimes I'd sit there and think "is this the girl you like? Really?" and it made me question myself. Did I really like her? Were we a good match?
She asked me what I wanted to ask her about earlier, saying she called me but I didn't pick up.
Oh bullshit. As if you didn't see the missed call from the night before and the one after lunch.
I just said it was nothing.
When the staff came over with cheese bread, they took some but I declined. Cheese bread wasn't very appealing to me, at that stage anyway. Ele asked me if I wanted some. At first I said no, and then she offered me a piece of hers. I said yes and she ripped a bit off for me. I couldn't help but let out a smile. I felt like an upset child, suddenly cheered up by his parents by a toy gift.
I ate the bread. I couldn't really taste the cheese, and it didn't really taste that special. But because it was from Ele, I ate it heartily.
Michael L asked if I wanted to do the documents. I said yes and moved my plate away. He went to his car to get them, and returned with a small carry bag. He handed it to Eva, who started pulling some papers out. I thought it was one or two statements, I wasn't really expecting this much.
I took one glance at the statements and realised they were just declarations stating the nature of their relationship with Michael L and Eva. It was legit. My worries went away. I asked Linda the requisite questions before watching her sign, and then signing myself as a witness. I did the same for Ele. I could've just willy-nilly signed them as a witness, but was glad I was doing it this way not only because it was the proper and professional way, but because it was also perceived to be proper and professional.
Eva handed me more documents, copies of passports and certain certificates. Because I didn't have a stamp, I had to manually certify each of them which took a while. I think by the time I finished the restaurant had started closing. There were some road works going on outside, and it was pretty loud which was annoying. But I got it all done.
Both Eva and Linda complimented me on my pen. Michael L was absent for most of my signing, don't really know where he went, so Linda moved over and sat next to me. She took a look at my pen. She also at some stage said I was skinnier than the last time she saw me, and then reached over to touch my arm.
Ok, don't touch me.
Eva said she would get that pen for Michael L.
Ele asked if I had read the statements. I couldn't help but make a cocky-funny joke. I told her I hadn't read it, but asked if I was referred to. Maybe, something like "I noticed the guy next to Michael L, he was the best looking guy I had ever seen. Smart, intelligent, handsome-".
"Successful" Ele added.
Ummm...yeah, if only you knew.
I was actually setting myself up for a neg, so wasn't expecting a compliment. It also kinda dulls the mood a little, no?
When the bill came we all paid our share, and Eva gave me an extra lolly for my efforts. I joked and told her I'd send the bill the next day.
We made our way out of the restaurant with me leading the way. I asked if anyone needed a lift (read: I'll give Ele a lift), and Linda put her hand up for one. Ele said she was going to the city. I said I'd drive them both. Michael L repeated that Ele was in the city. I said, "the world is round isn't it?" and he said "so even if it takes you three days to go all the way around..."
Just stfu and let me drive her, alright?
When we were about to part ways, Michael L said "oh, but now you're leaving with all the women". I said "can I take her too?", pointing to Eva. She feigned some steps towards me until Michael L pulled her back and said no.
I walked off to my car with Ele and Linda behind me. Linda tried to walk alongside me a bit, but I mainly walked in front of them until we crossed the road and walked along the footpath of the beach.
Goddamn Linda, always ruining everything. Why? WHY?!?!?!?!
I pointed out the Coogee Bay Hotel, and Ele seemed to know where I was going with that. She said that she still owed me ice cream, and asked if I wanted it there. I laughed and said no thanks. Linda didn't really get it, and then asked Ele if she had ever been there. Ele said just to have a beer. I asked her what it tasted like, and she said "ice cream!", lol.
As we walked further along, I was quiet, until she said that I was supposed to lend her a movie. I said "damn, I was hoping you'd forget". Linda asked what movie it was, and I told her the actress in it. She got the name of the movie right straight away, and asked me if she was right. I told her to ask Ele.
It was a bit funny, because when we reached the parking area, we noticed some invisible strings blocking our way. Apparently they were fishing lines coming from a parked truck. We had to carefully maneuver our way around it. Could've been dangerous if someone was running.
When I unlocked my car and the lights flashed, Ele said it was a big car. Even G said it last time he was in it. I guess it is a big car, I've just gotten used to it.
I reached my door hoping that Ele would take the front passenger seat. She did.
Phew.
You would not believe the mental urgency I had in driving Linda home as quickly as possible. When we passed my high school, I pointed it out to them. Ele asked me if that was how I knew Michelle, and I told her how back then she was the girlfriend of my best friend, but that I didn't really know her that well.
I said I thought Michelle was a bit weird, and Ele said she thought she was pretty. She then followed it up by saying that she liked pretty girls, more than she liked pretty guys. Whatever that means.
Her phone rang and she said it was her mom. She wanted her mom to get her some cosmetic products, and I joked saying I wanted some too.
I drove to Linda's place and asked her if I was on the right street. She said something like "aww you remembered". I quickly countered with "well I knew it was near Malay's place".
I couldn't have been happier to get her out of my car. Now it was just Ele and I.
It was actually pretty quiet. I guess I was still in my sombre mood. When I got to the intersection past Malay's house and near her old house, she said "you know I have moved right?" I said "yeah, and that's why I'm dropping you off at the bus stop around the corner".
She laughed, and it made me feel good to make her laugh. I stopped in front of my house and told her to protect the car with her life. On my way upstairs I said hello to my new neighbour who was with a friend packing some stuff up in a ute.
I went upstairs and grabbed Sliding Doors and The Green Mile. I went back downstairs and to my car. I tried to open the door but it was locked.
Hmmm? I was pretty sure I didn't lock it.
I bent down a little and looked through the window. Ele giggled. I unlocked the door with my key and got in. I have her the DVDs and pointed out to her which movies on The Green Mile collection I had seen.
As I drove off, she started reading a bit of the blurb on Sliding Doors. There was a bit of quiet, until I started a conversation. I can't remember how it went, but it was something like:
Her: Are you happy now?
Me: Yeah.
Her: Why?
Me: Because I'm with an interesting person.
Her: Why am I interesting?
I actually couldn't think of something really descriptive, and can't remember what I muttered.
I asked her about work, and she gave me a "so-so" gesture. I said "good?", and she repeated it. I said "excellent?" and she laughed. She repeated, like last time, about how she had taken sick days off. She told me about some tests her doctor did, including a "breath test", which sounded like "breast test".
Closer to the city, I asked if she had any annual leave saved up, and she said yes, and that she was thinking of catching up with her parents when they visit Taiwan.
When I was pulling over near her place, her phone rang. She answered it, but didn't seem to be able to connect properly. It rang again when my car came to a stop, and she said bye and got out, ignoring the call. I waited a while to make sure she got into her home safely. I drove off, and when I passed her place, she looked for my car and waved. I waved back.
Driving home, and going to bed last night, I felt content. It was as if I was content because I had had my dose of Ele for the night. I no longer felt obsessed about her. I was just...content.
I would be intentionally late at the restaurant, tell them I had to go somewhere, quickly sign the documents and leave. That way, I could express my frustrations at Ele for not calling me back, and it would be a way of creating an aura of mystery whilst also making me seem busy.
Catching the bus to the train station, I bumped into Michael L. I didn't see him at first, but as I was walking towards the middle of the bus he was waving at me. We actually didn't talk much about the statements thing, mainly because I thought he might've been uncomfortable with it on a bus packed with people. Although I did get from him that Eva was meeting Ele for lunch so she could get Ele's statement. Luckily I had told Michael L the night before that I needed to be present when they were signing, so I guess we had to have Ele for dinner.
Work was as usual - more waiting around. I went for coffee with PL, Kate, Rom Rom, Hayley and the German girl. I thought the German girl was giving me looks, until I realised later on that she had a boyfriend back in Germany.
PL shouted us drinks, how nice of him. Everyone had some sort of juice while I had my short black. It was kinda fun, and new, to sit with them. Other than Twish, I don't really talk to the others in her group much. When I returned to court, GS asked to borrow my pass and then made a joke about how I didn't need it since I was with all these girls.
The German girl, Hayley, Kate, Rom Rom and I also checked out the 'secret' room in our office. Apparently no one, except Hayley, knew that it was accessible until now. Hayley said she used to sleep in there, and that the lights go off after a while, so we all sat motionless trying to get the sensor to not detect us so the lights would go off. We were there for a while but guess we moved too much, so it never went off.
We heard there was a jury note and that we'd be returning to court at 2pm. It was nothing to do with us, just Rom Rom's client, so I didn't have much concern.
I went to lunch with Kate, and messaged Twish as to where we were. As we were walking to Oporto's, we passed CW stabding outside another court. He asked us where we were going, and Kate told him we were going to lunch. He asked, "does Twish know?"
I didn't get it at first, and then realised it was a slight at both the allegation that Twish and I had something going, and that Kate and I had something going. Kate said he had the dirtiest mind.
At lunch, I felt that we didn't have that much to talk about, and I had the Ele thing on my mind, and I thought Kate was an appropriate person to confide in. Firstly, she was a woman, and secondly, it could be my way of showing that I wasn't interested in Twish.
So I asked her about when a girl doesn't return a guy's call. SHe told me that she doesn't return calls either, because if it's important then they'll call back, and also, she said girls like a bit of perseverance. She actually repeated that perseverence concept a few times. She suggested that I send or leave her a message. I said then that would reveal the purpose of my call. She said to be vague, something like "I just wanted to talk to you, call me back".
That was a good idea.
It was so good it really started growing on me more and more within the next 30 minutes. Twish arrived when we were nearly finished, and I let her have the rest of my chips. Her and Kate talked about Twish's hair while I kept thinking about the leaving a message thing.
When I got back to the office at 1:43pm, I sent the following message to Ele:
"Hey, just wanted to talk to you about something, give us a call after work"
She called me straight away but I couldn't answer it because I was in the vicinity of GS and everyone else, and I didn't want to be heard cautioning her about making statements.
We all went into court at 2pm for the jury note, and when that finished in about 20 minutes I called Ele back. No answer.
Hmmm. Grrr.
I wonder what part of "after work" did she not understand. Or was she so eager that she called me straight away? Or was she just out at lunch and had some free time? In any case, seeing that I had now left the missed call, I had hoped that she would call me after work.
After the day at the office, I went to the gym. I did some weights, abs and the bike. My mind flashed between the night ahead and the number of reps I was up to in whatever exercise I was doing.
I then went home, originally with a plan of catching a bus back out to the city so I could sit down somewhere near the water and kill time whilst executing my plan. But I ended up taking my car to Coogee, near the beach. Whilst waiting for a call from Michael L about the dinner plans, I walked along the beach on the footpath. I thought about sitting down at some seats near the steps, but some homeless looking guy smiled at me and that was enough of a deterrence.
Towards the end of the beach, I turned to go back around the block, and spotted a fat lady with a big bald guy. At first I thought she was pregnant, but as she emerged from the shadows, it was clear that she was just fat.
I ended up at a table close to the traffic lights on the main road. I enjoyed the peace and quiet, just sitting there, able to think, with no distractions at all. It was just me. I then heard some girl crying and yelling, apparently at a guy, asking why he was treating her like crap (because it makes you want him more?) and responding to an allegation that she did nothing for him. It was quite a scene.
I thought to myself that it was lucky I had some tissues in my pocket, in case the need ever arose. Her crying and screaming came closer. When it was parallel to me, I looked, and realised it was the fat lady and the bald guy. He was obviously trying to minimise the scene. They eventually stood a distance away talking quietly.
Michael L rang and said he and Eva were on their way to pick Ele up from work.
Geez, why didn't she ask me to pick her up?
He asked me where I wanted to eat and I said it was up to him. He sounded uncertain and then said he'd call me back 15 minutes later. 30 minutes later I still hadn't received a call, so I went for a walk to the ATM to withdraw some cash, and then headed back to my car. I started to drive away, not really sure where I was heading, when Michael L called. I pulled over and called him back. He said they had decided to come to Coogee.
Great.
I turned my car around and went back to the same place to park. If anyone had taken notice of me earlier, they would definitely think I was suss. After parking, I walked back along the beach and then stopped nearby a family looking out at the waters. It was sooo peaceful.
Michael L called again to tell me the restaurant they were going to. I didn't know it, but knew the street, and it was close by. This was it. I would see Ele again. As I walked along the beach, I pictured Ele and I walking on the sand together after dinner. It would be easy as pie. All I'd have to do after dinner is suggest that I give her a ride, and on our way back to the car I'd suggest a walk along the beach. Maybe we could even playfully push eachother along the shallow waters.
But how? I can't just say "let's walk on the sand". I thought about it as I walked slowly towards the restaurant.
Aha!
I'd make up something, like say it was good luck to step on a seashell, and then we'd try it out. Yeah? Good stuff!
I actually started feeling sick for some reason, and didn't feel like eating, even though I was hungry. I found the restaurant, even though it was "20 metres from the beach" like Michael L had described. I looked in and saw them. They waved at me.
It was a bit dark and gloomy inside. Sitting against the wall were Ele and Eva. Opposite Ele was Linda, and next to her was Michael L. I sat down next to Michael L and found the seat to be somewhat awkward. I was in a bit of a sombre mood, and said "good morning". Michael L asked me if I was a vampire and I said yes.
I didn't really say hi to anyone else, maybe smiled at Eva. Other than checking out the menu, I kept my head down or looked straight ahead most of the time. I could feel Ele looking over at me.
I asked Michael L how the restaurant worked, and he didn't know. He called a waiter over and asked. Apparently it was a $35 per person all you can eat buffet, where they bring you the food as long as the little coaster on your table had the green side facing up.
After the waiter left us to think about it, there were some uncomfortable looks between Eva and Michael L. I am fairly sure it was the price. There was a vote to see who was up for it, and everyone didn't know either way. When it came to me, I suggested we stay. Look, I was wary of their financial situation, and mine as well, and I wasn't even hungry enough for a buffet, but I really didn't want to have all of us get up and leave the restaurant. I just thought that it should've been asked before they were seated. You could definitely criticse me for that decision.
So we ended up staying. Almost immediately the food started coming. It was mostly meat. The rate of food coming was much faster than any possible rate of consumption. I had to turn my coaster around to indicate to stop for me while I finished what I had gotten.
I could still sense Ele looking at me. It was getting to an almost (repeat: almost) unbearable point. She asked me why I was so quiet. I tried to give a comical "I'm always quiet", but it came out with a rather blunt tone.
Linda tried to start a conversation with me, and I really didn't want to talk to her and didn't want to be the focus of the group, so I wasn't very responsive. I pretty much ignored that end of the table, restricting myself to talking with Michael L and Eva. I could still feel Ele looking over. Once or twice when I couldn't help it and looked over, our eyes met. She was wearing her white rimmed glasses.
Sometimes I'd sit there and think "is this the girl you like? Really?" and it made me question myself. Did I really like her? Were we a good match?
She asked me what I wanted to ask her about earlier, saying she called me but I didn't pick up.
Oh bullshit. As if you didn't see the missed call from the night before and the one after lunch.
I just said it was nothing.
When the staff came over with cheese bread, they took some but I declined. Cheese bread wasn't very appealing to me, at that stage anyway. Ele asked me if I wanted some. At first I said no, and then she offered me a piece of hers. I said yes and she ripped a bit off for me. I couldn't help but let out a smile. I felt like an upset child, suddenly cheered up by his parents by a toy gift.
I ate the bread. I couldn't really taste the cheese, and it didn't really taste that special. But because it was from Ele, I ate it heartily.
Michael L asked if I wanted to do the documents. I said yes and moved my plate away. He went to his car to get them, and returned with a small carry bag. He handed it to Eva, who started pulling some papers out. I thought it was one or two statements, I wasn't really expecting this much.
I took one glance at the statements and realised they were just declarations stating the nature of their relationship with Michael L and Eva. It was legit. My worries went away. I asked Linda the requisite questions before watching her sign, and then signing myself as a witness. I did the same for Ele. I could've just willy-nilly signed them as a witness, but was glad I was doing it this way not only because it was the proper and professional way, but because it was also perceived to be proper and professional.
Eva handed me more documents, copies of passports and certain certificates. Because I didn't have a stamp, I had to manually certify each of them which took a while. I think by the time I finished the restaurant had started closing. There were some road works going on outside, and it was pretty loud which was annoying. But I got it all done.
Both Eva and Linda complimented me on my pen. Michael L was absent for most of my signing, don't really know where he went, so Linda moved over and sat next to me. She took a look at my pen. She also at some stage said I was skinnier than the last time she saw me, and then reached over to touch my arm.
Ok, don't touch me.
Eva said she would get that pen for Michael L.
Ele asked if I had read the statements. I couldn't help but make a cocky-funny joke. I told her I hadn't read it, but asked if I was referred to. Maybe, something like "I noticed the guy next to Michael L, he was the best looking guy I had ever seen. Smart, intelligent, handsome-".
"Successful" Ele added.
Ummm...yeah, if only you knew.
I was actually setting myself up for a neg, so wasn't expecting a compliment. It also kinda dulls the mood a little, no?
When the bill came we all paid our share, and Eva gave me an extra lolly for my efforts. I joked and told her I'd send the bill the next day.
We made our way out of the restaurant with me leading the way. I asked if anyone needed a lift (read: I'll give Ele a lift), and Linda put her hand up for one. Ele said she was going to the city. I said I'd drive them both. Michael L repeated that Ele was in the city. I said, "the world is round isn't it?" and he said "so even if it takes you three days to go all the way around..."
Just stfu and let me drive her, alright?
When we were about to part ways, Michael L said "oh, but now you're leaving with all the women". I said "can I take her too?", pointing to Eva. She feigned some steps towards me until Michael L pulled her back and said no.
I walked off to my car with Ele and Linda behind me. Linda tried to walk alongside me a bit, but I mainly walked in front of them until we crossed the road and walked along the footpath of the beach.
Goddamn Linda, always ruining everything. Why? WHY?!?!?!?!
I pointed out the Coogee Bay Hotel, and Ele seemed to know where I was going with that. She said that she still owed me ice cream, and asked if I wanted it there. I laughed and said no thanks. Linda didn't really get it, and then asked Ele if she had ever been there. Ele said just to have a beer. I asked her what it tasted like, and she said "ice cream!", lol.
As we walked further along, I was quiet, until she said that I was supposed to lend her a movie. I said "damn, I was hoping you'd forget". Linda asked what movie it was, and I told her the actress in it. She got the name of the movie right straight away, and asked me if she was right. I told her to ask Ele.
It was a bit funny, because when we reached the parking area, we noticed some invisible strings blocking our way. Apparently they were fishing lines coming from a parked truck. We had to carefully maneuver our way around it. Could've been dangerous if someone was running.
When I unlocked my car and the lights flashed, Ele said it was a big car. Even G said it last time he was in it. I guess it is a big car, I've just gotten used to it.
I reached my door hoping that Ele would take the front passenger seat. She did.
Phew.
You would not believe the mental urgency I had in driving Linda home as quickly as possible. When we passed my high school, I pointed it out to them. Ele asked me if that was how I knew Michelle, and I told her how back then she was the girlfriend of my best friend, but that I didn't really know her that well.
I said I thought Michelle was a bit weird, and Ele said she thought she was pretty. She then followed it up by saying that she liked pretty girls, more than she liked pretty guys. Whatever that means.
Her phone rang and she said it was her mom. She wanted her mom to get her some cosmetic products, and I joked saying I wanted some too.
I drove to Linda's place and asked her if I was on the right street. She said something like "aww you remembered". I quickly countered with "well I knew it was near Malay's place".
I couldn't have been happier to get her out of my car. Now it was just Ele and I.
It was actually pretty quiet. I guess I was still in my sombre mood. When I got to the intersection past Malay's house and near her old house, she said "you know I have moved right?" I said "yeah, and that's why I'm dropping you off at the bus stop around the corner".
She laughed, and it made me feel good to make her laugh. I stopped in front of my house and told her to protect the car with her life. On my way upstairs I said hello to my new neighbour who was with a friend packing some stuff up in a ute.
I went upstairs and grabbed Sliding Doors and The Green Mile. I went back downstairs and to my car. I tried to open the door but it was locked.
Hmmm? I was pretty sure I didn't lock it.
I bent down a little and looked through the window. Ele giggled. I unlocked the door with my key and got in. I have her the DVDs and pointed out to her which movies on The Green Mile collection I had seen.
As I drove off, she started reading a bit of the blurb on Sliding Doors. There was a bit of quiet, until I started a conversation. I can't remember how it went, but it was something like:
Her: Are you happy now?
Me: Yeah.
Her: Why?
Me: Because I'm with an interesting person.
Her: Why am I interesting?
I actually couldn't think of something really descriptive, and can't remember what I muttered.
I asked her about work, and she gave me a "so-so" gesture. I said "good?", and she repeated it. I said "excellent?" and she laughed. She repeated, like last time, about how she had taken sick days off. She told me about some tests her doctor did, including a "breath test", which sounded like "breast test".
Closer to the city, I asked if she had any annual leave saved up, and she said yes, and that she was thinking of catching up with her parents when they visit Taiwan.
When I was pulling over near her place, her phone rang. She answered it, but didn't seem to be able to connect properly. It rang again when my car came to a stop, and she said bye and got out, ignoring the call. I waited a while to make sure she got into her home safely. I drove off, and when I passed her place, she looked for my car and waved. I waved back.
Driving home, and going to bed last night, I felt content. It was as if I was content because I had had my dose of Ele for the night. I no longer felt obsessed about her. I was just...content.
posted by toey | 21:50
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