Back in 2007, middle of April, I was in my last semester of college. Our class council had organized a week of events that would start out on a Saturday and go on till the next Saturday. That first day had scheduled an outing to Six Flags in New Jersey. I’m a big fan of roller coasters and all sorts of rides that push your body, so I was very much looking forward to this.
That Saturday morning I woke up with maybe 45 minutes to spare. We were being bussed over to Six Flags. My dorm was a few blocks away from where the bus would leave, so I was in no hurry. I got ready, got some coffee, and went at my own pace, slow by New York City standards but pretty speedily for the rest of the world. I had already gotten frantic calls by a friend asking me where I was. I made her think I was just getting out of bed when in reality I was already on my way to the bus. I have to start the morning with a good laugh.
The bus was nearly empty when I boarded. I located my friend, who was dumbfounded at how quick I had “gotten out of bed”. Her and another friend of mine were sitting beside each other, so I plopped down in the seats in front of them. Beside me was R. I knew her from our class council meetings. We didn’t really know each other too well, but I knew enough that I didn’t mind sitting beside her. Maybe she secretely hated me. I don’t know. She didn’t seem the type, so no worries there.
I don’t remember much of the bus ride to Six Flags. I drank my coffee and ate my bagel. My friends, R, and I chatted to pass the time. We even took pictures. My hair was the butt of the jokes that day. I’ve never been a fan of what I consider unnecessary haircuts. It had been around five months since my last one, so it was substantially long.
Most details about that day escape me, but there are three that have stayed with me. R wanted to go on this rotating teapot type ride. My friends thought the ride was ridiculous. I’d been to theme parks before that had a similar type of ride, minus the teapot shape, so I didn’t mind getting on. R tells me she was glad I did.
Later that day we were in line for one of the most violent roller coasters at the park. I should’ve been excited looking forward to get on it, but I was mostly subdued. I remember feeling very at ease with R. While in line, facing each other, I put my foot right by hers. I’m not sure if I had a purpose in mind. Maybe comparing sizes, shoe styles, maybe unintentional footsie, or maybe just trying to get her attention.
On our ride back to the city we sat next to each other again. I realized I knew practically nothing of R, so I asked questions. Simple questions. I wanted to know who she was, what her life was like. I wanted to know everything about R. The afternoon sun shined on us, bringing light to my curiosity. Every bit of information she gave me made me want to know more.
It’s been a few years since. I knew something was up.
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