Looking at my watch for the millionth
time was embarrassing. For me, couples in nearby tables and the
waiters. It was nine thirty in the evening, an hour late from the
agreed time of the date. And I kept adding more patience because I
really liked the girl I was waiting for.
Seated at the middle table of Lebanon
hotel, streams of sweat were forming on my face. They could not be
visible enough since I wiped them off every five or ten minutes. But
behind the cool face that I tried to display, there were tremors,
anxiety and mixed feelings of uneasiness.
I met Becky two weeks ago at a friend's
birthday party done at Reef beach hotel. Clad in a tank top and
shorts while having her drink as she walked round the swimming pool,
I thought she deserves an A+ if I had to grade her. She was hot. A
few minutes after greetings, the rapport was commendable. She was
nice, and we exchanged numbers after she agreed to go out with me.
Eight thirty was the time I arrived at
this agreed on place. I wanted to show her that I was a punctual
person, and serious about her from the beginning. But there were
signs that this was not going to end well. I tried her on her
cellphone forty minutes ago and she said she was running late, but
coming. Twenty minutes later she was out of reach. I did not want to
jump into conclusion. Giving her a benefit of doubt, I alluded to
myself that maybe her phone was out of battery.
We are supposed to show up when we
agree on a date. If one does not like the other, no need to waste
each others time. Just tell them no, that you are not interested.
Here I was, beginning to think that I was a fool for believing that
she would show up. Probably, behind the laughter to my jokes at the
party, she must have thought I was not good looking. And was too much
with my stories that she decided to give me hypocritical pity laughs.
I had begun hating, her and somehow myself while seated at the table.
I could see pity on the faces of
couples on nearby tables. Far on the counter as I peeked, I could see
the waiters laughing as they occasionally looked my way. I had only
ordered Coca cola, to drink while waiting for my date. One hour and
twenty minutes had passed, and I officially knew I had been stood up.
The waiters gave me complimentary
snacks after paying for my soda. I didn't feel like ordering food
with all the discomfort I was feeling. They were feeling sorry for
me, and thought maybe some chocolate and a Kebab would help me feel
good.
Its safer to pick your date from her
apartment. That way you will know a few things about her, if she has
a male roommate or living with parents. But most importantly, your
time will not be wasted sitting at a table. Either she goes out with
you, or you know it wont happen. The problem is, out of safety, it is
not advisable for people to know where you live if you haven't known
them better. So first dates will continue to lack assurance.
I would sleep alone today. Not that I
had high hopes of getting laid, first dates rarely achieve such
success. But at least if the date goes on well, the hope will give
you sweet dreams in a sound sleep. Unlucky me.
