Jay:Because you’ll tell me it’s impossible.
Aleeza:We’re literally texting each other from different times. Nothing’s impossible.
Jay:Okay ... I want to hold you. I want to wrap my arms around you in a big hug, and not let go. I seriously considered going up to past-you today and asking for a hug.
Heat pools through my body. I curl up on my chair.
Aleeza:Just a hug?
Jay:Well ... no, but I’d be happy to start with that.
I close my eyes for a moment. I want that too. This is torture.
Jay:I have a confession.
Aleeza:Okay . . .
Jay:I did go find you this morning. I went to West Hall and hung out in front for a while to see if you’d come out. You did. I almost approached you. But I couldn’t. Then you dropped your bag, and I picked it up and handed it to you.
I swallow.
Aleeza:I remember that. That happened.
This is more proof that this friendship, or whatever it is, between Jay and me isreal. Jay waited for me outside my old residence because of our relationship. And I remember seeing him there. In fact, I remember seeing him in a lot of places. Now I wonder if all that wasn’t random at all.
Jay:LOL, I should probably lay off a bit, or you’ll think I’m a stalker.
Aleeza:No. I mean ... I wouldn’t think that. I used to see you everywhere. I noticed you.
Jay:Why did you notice me?
Aleeza:Because I’ve always liked you.
I can’t believe I said that.
Jay:You had the hots for me.
I pause. I really don’t know how to answer that. I take a slow breath before responding.
Aleeza:Doesn’t everyone at the school?
Jay:I don’t care about anyone else at the school. I want to know what YOU thought of me.
Aleeza:Okay, fine. Yes, I had a crush on you. I thought you were cool. Way out of my league, though. I always felt like you weren’t like the other students here.
Jay:I’m not out of your league. I think we’re in exactly the same league, just not in the same time. Why didn’t you think I fit in?
Aleeza:You did fit in. More like ... you know when you’re looking at a Where’s Waldo picture and it’s so hard to find Waldo because there are so many people with black hair, or with glasses, or with red stripes on? Imagine a Where’s Waldo picture where no one else isanything like Waldo ... he belongs there in that crowd, but he’s still so noticeable. Your eyes are drawn straight to him.
Jay:Maybe a part of you knew we’d be close.
Aleeza:Yeah, maybe.
The chat falls silent for a while. I don’t know what to make of this whole conversation. Is Jay saying he actually wants to be with me? Maybe I should just ask him.
Aleeza:If things were different ... if we met because we were maybe rooming near each other or had a class together, what do you think would happen between us?
Jay:I don’t know. I think I’d notice how smart you are. And how we’re both weirdly obsessive about our favorite foods, and how we both like old movies. I’d like to think I would’ve asked you out, but ... I don’t know. That’s what I should do, in that hypothetical situation. But it’s possible I’d be too much of a dumbass to actually do it.
