INEXPLICABLE - Phase 1: Chance _ Chapter 2

 

Phase 1: Chance

Chapter 2

Her: Meet-brute

I just made a minor eye contact with Ady Dheenan and that's it. It's not a big deal.

No big deal?

I frantically searched around to see who was talking. It was the voice in my head, that is who. She has been non-existent for the past year. I guess she only wakes up in unwanted situations.

No big deal? That's Ady. You love his music. You were obsessed with his songs ever since they first came out. He's your go-to guy for both fun and down-in-the-dumps mood. You should do something.  Say hi.

I didn't want to. He definitely doesn't want to be disturbed. He is hiding behind his clothes and I am not going to talk to him. He made polite conversation because he heard his song playing loudly out of the blue. I am leaving at that.

I looked everywhere for my pen to resume writing. Scooching down, I searched the floor and looked into my sling and pants pockets. I silently pushed the button for a steward and waited.

Yes?

I seem to have lost my pen. Any chance you have one?

A pen? No, ma'am. Sorry. Would you like a hot towel? You look tired.

Uh? No. Thanks. I am good. If you happen to find my pen anywhere on the floor,  could you pls return it to me?

The voice from 7A sounded and startled me again.

It is on your left ear.

I closed my eyes in embarrassment once more and removed the pen tucked behind my ear and hidden by stray hairs that have escaped out of my big bun. I can't avoid him now. I turned my body slightly toward his general direction, not meeting his eyes.

Thank you.

I quickly leaned back into my seat and covered my eyes with my palm. 

Awkward. Why is he making conversation again? I have nothing to talk. Is he being polite or mocking me? I have read so much about people chatting up stars and immediately feeling offended. Yeah! I am not going to do that. Back to my lotus.


Forty minutes whirred past and lunch was being served. I had to pull forth my seat and had to be in the peripheral vision area of Ady. Man, this first-class thing is not turning out to be a pleasure. I pushed back my thoughts and began opening my meal. It was a veal sandwich, lamb cutlets, and some dinner rolls. I pushed the button again and waited.

Yes?

Hi. Sorry. Do you serve vegetarian food? I don't eat meat.

Yes, we do. Let me check and get back to you.

Two mins later, she returned empty-handed.

I am so sorry ma'am. We generally have all special meals pre-ordered. Since you were bumped up to first at the final moment, we don't have a vegetarian special diet meal at the moment. Can I get you more dinner rolls or a salad?

Oh ok. Alright, sure.

Sigh. First class and bread. My mom would freak out if I told her I had bread in first class.

I started with my salad and heard a faint knock. At first, I guessed someone is locking the overhead cabin but I realized soon it came from 7A. I am not sure how to respond. I was quiet. Then, there was a knock again.

Hey! 7B, trouble with food?

I hesitated but it would be rude not to answer.

Uhm.. No. I am good.

Then the partition came down with a whooshing sound. There he was, full of charm and a slight hint of a smile.

Vegetarian?

Yeah.

Me too. Want to share?

Please, no. Thanks. I am good. I'm not that hungry.

Relax, 7B. Not asking you to share my bed.

I could see he regretted saying it at once. But I am a person who needs time processing. The voice in my head kept pushing me to give back to him for that unwarranted comment but I decided against it. I guess like they say, meeting your idols are bad ideas, after all. I quietly looked at him again. He was reeling like he was expecting me to blow my steam off at him. I didn't.

Thanks for offering food. But, I don't feel well. I am gonna rest.

I leaned back into my seat and brought the last two minutes into my consideration frame of mind. Why did he offer food sweetly and then say something so offensive? I lost my will to eat. I have gone days over the last year with just one meal. I decided to just drink the juice and it was good. This will do for now.

I kept going back and forth about my poem and just dozed off sitting. My dreams were filled with visions of my home in NYC. During the last few days there, I had to endure living through memories of selling my stuff, getting rid of pain, forced laughter with friends who I was saying goodbye, and thinking about the day my life turned.

I woke up with a gasp, my forehead sweating. It took me a few seconds to realize I was on a plane. Lights were dimmed out. Muffled snores of people floated through the air. I gave up my resolve and slightly peeked into his seat. He was missing.

Him: First-class moron

You had to open your rude mouth and say that, huh? She was a fan, she didn't bother you, she didn't ask for a photo, and she didn't disturb you with unwanted conversation even after you showed your face. But you! You volunteered to share your food and insulted her when she didn't want it. But then, you didn't get to eat it either. Instead, you waited like an idiot for her to fall asleep and ran to the bar up front to feel better.

What does that say about you? She probably had a good opinion about you and you buried it deep in your own sh*t. What's worse? You didn't even apologize for your behavior. What a ninny! Our little Mr. Big Shot couldn't take it being ignored by a fan? Well, that's life, you moron. Don't be a tool and stay at the bar. You are better than that. March yourself back and apologize. If she is willing to accept it, then great. Else, just shut your hole and pass the rest of the hours in self-pity.

My conscience was brutal but also right. I tipped the barkeep and rose to walk back. Soon as I moved the curtains aside,  she lifted her head up from her writing and closed the notepad shut. Did I see a slight waver in her eyes? Was she relieved to see me again? Or was it annoyance? Let it be whatever. I walked to her, went past her, and sat. It is time.

I cleared my throat a little louder than necessary.

I'm sorry, 7B. I shouldn't have said that. It was uncalled for.

I was half expecting her to say it was okay and go back to her writing. Or she might ignore me altogether.

One whiskey taught you that?

I turned hearing the sound of her voice and saw her soft stare. Then, something beautiful happened. She smiled. There was an extraordinary calmness in her face. I felt so belonged at that moment. She could have meant it sarcastically. 

What if she didn't? What if she cared that I drank? Come on. Get over yourself, Adz. She hardly knows you.

Apology accepted. We're good.

I can't help but smile. I looked down at my sneakers, trying not to grin. What a turn of events! There's something about her. It could be that I have never met a fan who was calm and not all over me. Not just that, there was something about her eyes. I definitely sensed an inexplicable emotion inside, looming over my heart. I cannot end this conversation.

Did you just speak? Was that a smile?

I wanted her to look at me and show that smile again.

Yes, 7A.

She spoke without an obvious smile but there was a hint of it in her eyes. Her unpredictable words slapped me again. The afterburn was enjoyable. I love verbal ribbing and on some level, I wanted it but never got it from anyone. For once, I was not Ady. I was 7A. I, a man in my 30s was brimming with joy at someone's good-natured anonymity with me. Who does that to me? I am extremely famous. I have millions of followers and my music was played all over the world. People try to please me all the time. She knows me. I know she loves my music. I took a sneaky peek into her playlist when she picked up her phone. Then, why does it feel like she is challenging me on an invisible ring? It has been full 30 seconds and I didn't have a comeback for her. I can't give up. Say something, Adz.

Two can play that game, 7B. Or whatever your name is.

Nah. 7B it is. Don't bother wanting to know me.

Whoa! That escalated quickly. Is she upset that I didn't ask her before? Or is she mocking me? She is turning out to be the most interesting person I ever met. Now, I need to tread carefully.

So be it. I see you are writing a poem. Can I read it?

No. You can't. You already saw my playlist. That's more intimate than telling you my name. The poem? Hell no. 

What? Really?

Sound weird hearing a 'no', huh 7A?

She was baiting me. No, she was taunting. And why am I loving it?

Shut your grin, Adz! Don't show her that.