The Test

After a few weeks, Edward and I were obviously smitten with each other. We talked a lot over the phone, saw each other frequently (well, as much as my schedule could allow anyway) even if the visits were brief. We’ve had conversations about how serious we should be but because I’m commitment-phobic, I was always very guarded with my feelings.

I liked playing everything cool, somewhat detached. I always let Edward know I liked him but I was careful not to let him see how much I cared. It was very exhausting because I was fighting such a strong head-over-heels pull towards him

A bit later, he informed me of an upcoming trip that would take him out of state for ten days. I was actually relieved when he told me that – it was exactly the reprieve I needed to sort my feelings out without him being too close.

The day he left for Utah, he called me from the airport. I could tell he was smoking and I let him know my disapproval. He shouldn’t be smoking too much, especially with his health concerns. With sarcasm dripping from his voice, he said, “Why? Because it’s going to kill me?” I didn’t really have a retort to that since he’s more aware of his mortality than I was. And, besides, I didn’t really care too much anyway, right?

He finally had to board his plane so he reluctantly hung up the phone. A few hours later, he called again, this time with a bit of panic in his voice. He let me know that he forgot to pack his medicine bag so he will be in a strange place without his prescriptions.

I panicked myself and hysterically told him he was stupid (typical reaction from my, by the way). His voice then changed to an embarrassed tone and I knew there was more to the phone call. He was calling to ask me for a huge favor. Would I mind going to his apartment, asking his neighbor (who had a key to his apartment) to let me in his home and FedEx his bag to him?

Now, this phone call was taking place on Thursday at 3:00 PM. And, remember that I work in Glendale and he lived in Santa Ana. That’s a 47-mile drive from Los Angeles to Orange County during heavy traffic time on I-5! If you’re not familiar with LA traffic, take my word that this is the worst-case scenario for anyone who needs to get something done in a time crunch. It’s nearly impossible to get to the destination in less than two hours.

Holy sh*t, holy sh*t! What was I suppose to do? I panicked for a split-second but it felt like an eternity to me. Without even thinking, I started shoving things in my purse and I heard myself say on the phone, “Which neighbor do I need to get a hold of?” Forget about work, about letting anyone know I was leaving the office, forget my carpool partner.

Whoa! I was totally surprised by my reaction. Aren’t I supposed to be detached and nonchalant about this relationship? I guess I just proved to myself that I cared a lot more than I wanted to let on.

I was practically running down the hallway towards the elevator when I heard Edward laughed on the phone. The little sh*t was just kidding! He just wanted to see if I cared enough to drop everything for him. Aaahh!!! If it was at all possible, I would have sent my telepathic hands over the airwaves to squeeze his scrawny little neck until his eyes popped out.

I guess I also just proved to Edward how much I really cared about him. I was upset because he got me to let my guard down. Too bad for him though because he just inadvertently declared war. And, I don’t back down from any challenge too easily. He doesn’t know that his little test was already inspiring ways for me to get back at him.

Stay tuned for the revenge…