So, there's this boy.Brown shaggy hair, super trendy shades.
And well, we've just started seeing each other.
We even have a spot.
Everyday. Same time.
It all happened so fast really, but he just ran into my life.
Literally.
Well, more of a speed walk.
I was making my typical Tuesday/Thursday trek to the drinking fountains in between classes early this week when this boy walks out of the restroom and into my path, causing me to step aside to let him through. Th gentleman he is, he stepped aside once more, implying I had the right of way. I took the two steps to the shorter water fountain and as I twisted off my water bottle cap, I noticed him waiting. I looked at him and motioned to the higher of the two fountains and told him there was one available (if he somehow couldn't see past me).
"No. I'll wait."
Oh.
Which has now shifted the entire scenario to one where I'm suddenly this awful burden.
Everyone has been there. You're that one kid who decides to fill up their water bottle so a line starts to form behind you but you can't do anything since the water is moving at a glacial speed. Thus, you're stuck. And everyone hates you for it even though they've all been there. Yet it's just like driving; you hate the pedestrians until you are one.
Anyways, I drop my binders to the ground and double strap my backpack on so the entire process can move just a little faster. I filled up as quickly as the fountain would allow and walked away a bit confused. I brushed it off and went on with my day.
Today rolls around and I walk to my spot for a refreshing sip of water and who do I see?
The boy.
Coming from two sides of the hall we meet at the entrance to the doorway for the fountains and what does he do?
He looks at me and without even muttering a word, extends his right hand out in a sassy maitre d sort of way as to say "again? go ahead."
I step forward and, the selfless woman I am, take the higher fountain this time, assuming he wouldn't use it the last time for some height-conscious reason.
Yet he stood there. And waited.
I looked his way once again, pointing to the open fountain (because at this point it's clear he can't see what's in front of him) and he rolled his eyes and looked down.
HE LOOKED DOWN.
Like suggesting he use the fountain was the most idiotic thing anyone has ever done.
I have to say, I'm a little offended.
What's the point of two fountains when no one insists on using them at the same time?
The only situation that logically works anymore is a parent with their tiny child, totting around behind them.
Or best friends.
Because they do everything together.
I wonder if I will meet this boy in our spot again next week.
I sure do hope so because I am really eager to find out why he insists on sipping alone.
Nonetheless, I analyzed this a bit further during the analyzing of films in my aesthetics class and felt a pang of sadness.
Are we as a generation so afraid of community that we insist on walking life alone, never allowing ourselves to interact in the slightest way with someone new?
I'll continue to ponder on this while my life plays out like an episode from Seinfeld.
So, what will you do the next time you reach a water fountain?
Will you step aside and wait as the person before you hurriedly sips away, or will you step forward and leisurely gulp down your water, as the potential to make a new friend rests right beside you.
