since my literary juices are flowing....

Short Story

My best friend’s ex was the one who opened the door. I hadn’t seen her since I got introduced to her… five weeks before they broke up. I remember her clearly, because, well because I’m very good at remembering faces. There wasn’t much to be said because these past weeks didn’t need much to say to escalate or diminish the impact of it.

What transpired. transpired.

I wasn’t transfixed to one spot but apparently she was… maybe the stifling heat had all of sudden become breeze from a beach laced with romantic Indian songs, with my entrance. I took a seat because she hadn’t offered and we sat in silence … after she came out of her trance. I wasn’t wondering what was going through her mind, I was thinking of what I was doing and the complexity of trying to mend broken hearts. I was wondering if she remembered me.

See many times, I have tried to be the “hero” – save the world from matters arising from the blood-pumping chambers… I had had many fallouts, many… ok maybe few successes but they were successes. This one, this one seemed to be forming into what had become the norm for me these past years. Maybe it was time for me to settle down

xxx

My best friend’s ex finally found her voice, after clearing her throat countless times. She offered me red wine; I declined with a humorous excuse, which earned us both a laugh. With the ice broken, she proceeded to speak deeply; passionately about the affairs of things… she clearly didn’t remember me. My voice had become more familiar than my face – she couldn’t even look at it as she spoke. I knew why. Her eyes would betray the truth of the matter especially in this current position - me in the room with her. My eyes could probably tell all as well, but I was stronger; maybe not strong enough to not betray the other mystery.

Her words brought emotions only she could understand or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention… my mind still lost in the thoughts I had while she was in her trance. Only now the thoughts had modified to realization especially on the part of her not recalling my facial features. She was now in tears and weeping as she spoke. Her tears fell to her lips and she ate them, just like she ate the words that came out of her mouth. I was unmoved. My heart was not hardened, I was just unmoved. Maybe she was pretending… why did she not remember me?

30 minutes into this mild mêlée of emotions, my words calmed her and I found my body close to hers as well… only in comfort. Then she became vulnerable, only because I was. Our physical contact seemed to last longer than her sad wary speech; but I got up to leave two minutes after. I had fulfilled my mission... or had I?

She walked me to the door, and I gave her another pat on the back, “everything will be just fine...” I muttered, “I promise.” I walked slowly to my vehicle, just for the dramatic effect, letting the stifling heat transform to some helicopter wind from a Sylvester Stallone movie, for me. I turned round and she was there peering with a sad smile… I got in the car wondering if I would be back and what I would be back for. I had to fight this. What will people say when they hear this… if I let those blood covered chambers speak for me?

I had locked my heart up tightly, yet my best friend’s ex still rocked my world.