He texted. She texted.

Later in the week, usually by Thursday but sometimes Wednesday, I am able to sit at a desk and analyze the genetic tests sequenced earlier in the week.  I had been ahead of schedule, which allowed me to sit, contemplate, and send back several lengthy retorts to Jay’s message after returning to the lab.

Me:  Look I called and apologized for how I talked to you after that happened.  And as soon as I got back from talking with you that night, the thought of not being friends with you hurt worse than sucking it up and dealing with you having a girlfriend.  Not hearing from you at all or getting a “talk to you later” followed by nothing showed me how little I meant to you.  Today hearing you couldn’t call me because you didn’t want to stir the pot is on you.  I would’ve more than respected your relationship because I cared about you first and what i wanted came second,  And I had liked you “that” way for months so it wasn’t a sudden thing.  Plus, when I was pouring my heart out to you all I got was shrugging and silence.  How would that elicit a nice response?  All I for sure know is that all of it (the situation, the way I responded, and finding out my place by your lack of response) left me absolutely completely devastated.

Me:  And as far as what I said, you could’ve talked to me about it when I was able to get over the shock of things.  Hearing from Em that it was a surprise you returned my call because you were too hurt to ever talk to me again…yeah, that didn’t exactly feel great either.

Me:  Another correction, I wasn’t hurt that you were dating someone.  I was upset that I didn’t get the same consideration I would’ve given you if it came to me meeting someone.  Had you let me know, I would’ve told you how I felt and wished you luck if you didn’t want anything more than friendship from me.  Instead, I felt like an idiot who was talking to someone she cared for but apparently knew nothing about.

Me:  For earlier today, I apologize.  I should’ve held back on any hurtful, smart quips.

By this time it was almost 4 pm and the Brazil game was over.  I was ready to head out the door when a response on my phone finally appeared.

Jay:  Well you had a lot to say.  That’s good you got it off your chest.  This friendship will not work because we will never see eye to eye.  The past will never be forgotten.  Take care and I hope you do well in life.

Jay:  And I am sorry for making you feel the way that you do.

My stomach and heart hit the floor simultaneously.  Right on cue my eyes began to water, and I bolted outside to avoid someone seeing me visibly upset.  The Kia provided the cover needed as I hopped inside and blasted the AC.  We continued back and forth while I sat in the car and attempted to collect myself.

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Had it and I lost it.

Those first few moment on the phone were like trying to find a light switch in the darkness of a new place.  You can barely remember what it looks like until your eyes adjust and you’re able to navigate through the shadowy space.  Our journey through the initial salutations felt like that awkward fumbling, stumbling to figure out where the conversation would lead, and I definitely wasn’t ready for where it would take us.

My feet hit the pavement as I pushed the speaker button to hear him better.

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A favor and The Call

When a buddy of mine wanted to move further inside of Houston, I encouraged him wholeheartedly.  He spent a day looking at apartments in the inner loop and left pretty discouraged by high rent and small spaces.  I suggested looking into private rental properties instead and gave him some of the details from Jay’s old place.  Unfortunately, I only knew the location, rent, and relative description of the house.  It sounded great to my buddy, but I had no idea how Jay found it in the first place.  This led me to a dilemma:  Do I ask Jay, even though he probably wouldn’t respond, or do I ask Em to get the information for me, even though I don’t want him to be the go-between?

I wasn’t sure if I could get the details of how Jay found his place but promised to try my best.  So, I did.

The most hands-off way I could think of was to send an email to Jay with all the contact information of the friend trying to find a place.  By doing it that way, I would be totally bypassed, but my buddy could still get the information he wanted.  It went like this:

I have a friend that is looking for a new place and interested in the Heights area.  Since I like the area also, I told him about your last place.  He wanted to know the details about how you found it, but I wasn’t sure.  If you’d like to help him out, his name is…his number is…his email is…

The info./help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jessica

Less than an hour later there was a surprise email notification from Jay on my phone.  I couldn’t open it and asked,

Dear (Jay’s last name),

There is no message on my phone (or inbox).  Feel free to forward whatever info. was in the message directly to…

Sincerely,

Jessica

He did what I asked.  Later on I received an email from my buddy thanking me for the help.  I forwarded that sentiment via a “thank you” text to Jay.  He never responded.

By this time, there had been no contact between Jay and I for approximately six months.  Visits to see Em reminded me of that distance and how much I missed Jay.  A couple weeks later, after a visit to Em’s place, the urge to talk and catch-up was overwhelming.  I called but couldn’t leave a message; I had no clue what to say.  His recorded greeting came on, and I hung up.  Even during the friendship, I only left messages out of necessity and expected a call back even if there was no voice mail saying to do so.  In this circumstance, I could only hope for him to call back.  He never did.  So, I emailed him instead.

Hey, man.  I have been wondering how you are and called the other day to see what’s up…hope you’re doing well.

Jessica

Guess what happened afterward?  That’s right.  Nothing.  Nothing in my in-box.  Nothing on my phone.  Nothing at all.  Zero.  Nada.  I was beyond confused.  Why help a friend of mine, but not bother to answer a call or respond to an email?   It made no sense to me.

Tuesday night I sat at my computer listening to “Chasing Pavements” by Adele.  She asks, “Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements even if it leads no where?”

Let’s keep chasing.  Dial it again, Sam.

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