Unexpected Ch 3

Tuesday- Sherman, Texas1

I woke up that day with a very horrible headache. I don’t know why—must have been either from the shock that Mama had a heart attack yesterday, or that I fell on my face 27 times. Whatever, it was still the same either way.
It was time for me to say good bye to my buddies after I got recruited into the military. Actually, it seemed only I and this other guy were actually interested—the other guys just dropped out in an instant once they found out they wouldn’t be able to have instant sex once they got married. The others were just chickens—they didn’t wanna fight and die before getting married—either that or they just wanted sex.
Today was one of my usual routines—I woke up, put on my contacts, cursed because that damn boiler was making damn noises again, went to the mirror and forced a smile so that I wouldn’t have to smile in front of other people, took a shower, brushed my teeth while I stared at my nonchalant expression, ate microwaveable breakfast, and so forth.
This was almost the same routine I had goin’ on when I still was living with my folks…or should I say, Ma and my big sis. Ever since joining military school, I moved into this apartment. I had considered bringing a roomie with me, but after considering certain circumstances, I changed my mind. Paying the rent for these few years wasn’t that hard, needless say. I had a part-time job in Barney’s downtown, so that took care of it. I have to say, it was a pretty fun job; the only downside was that whenever people stared at me it seemed that I was drunk, or at least that’s what my sister, Meg, says. Whatever.
After finishing my microwaveable French toast, I let out a two minutes burp because this was a free country and I had the right to do whatever I felt like in my own home. Then I watched ultimate wrestling and football on T.V. for like the next three hours.
Some people still find it interesting that I picked the military as my first career choice. Even my last ex-girlfriend found it surprising. Ma had once told me that I was lazy and I had to get up my ass and do something, so that could be why. Either that, or when Meg and some of my other buddies thought I had ‘anger issues’ and suggested that I go to the military for more anger control. But if I’m going to fight, how the hell does that control my anger? Anyway, there’s why I chose the military.
My second option was to be an NFL or NHL player. But once I sprained my spine all the way back in junior year in high school, I knew that that was waaay out of my league.
And last but not least, my third or probably fourth option was to be a doctor. I guess I had a really hot ambition for it when I was younger, but when sophomore year passed in high school, my mind totally changed about it. I really don’t like talking about it.
Later, when it was like 1 in the afternoon, I turned off the T.V. and went downstairs to the lobby to check my mail. I do this once in a while, but only when I feel like it.
After a short while, I reached the section where all the mailboxes were. There was also a cute short chick with black hair and two big bozos. I looked at her and gave her a signature wink. The girl smiled, blushed, and then went away with her mail. I sighed with male triumph on the inside. This was also part of my daily routine nowadays.
Once I found the silver box that said ‘David Benson’ on it, I put my key in the key hole and opened it. Basically, I just took everything I found in there and didn’t even bother looking at them, stashing it all under my arm.
I went back upstairs to my apartment and sat back lazily on the couch, dropping all the envelopes on the coffee table in front of the T.V. I fingered the first envelope through the plastic, checking to see if there was any money in it. Seeing that there wasn’t any, I sighed and held it up in my hands and just saw that it was a letter from Ma. I sighed again and wondered why my mother still bothered sending me letters when she called me two hundred times a day. I bet Meg felt the same way; she was living in an apartment not too far from here with her roomie.
I took the other envelope. I was about to finger it again to check for money, but then a familiar name came across my eyes. Monty Jazz. Hmm. After opening it, I smiled. It was just a reminder of the interview I had to go tomorrow. To tell ya the truth, I really couldn’t care less since I have nothing else to do. And basically, I’m doing this since it’s a favor from Monty. Who knows how he turned out to be a C.E.O. in out of all places, New York?
I read the letter:
Dear David Benson,
Just a reminder that tomorrow Wednesday is the day of your interview. Here are a several instructions that you must remember. The interview is at 4:00 p.m. in the local Manners Airport in Gate C terminal A. You are required to sit on the bench in the back next to those flowers—you can’t miss them, they’re in a big pot. If, however, that seat is taken, then just stand in the empty space besides them; don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be able to fit...
WTF…I thought as I read that part.
…You are also required to wear your military uniform, so as to appear in the appropriate attire for the occasion. Also, when answering the questions, be honest but cordial. But just be yourself too. It’ll make it harder on her. Now, for the girl who’s interviewing you, well, I won’t give anything away. You’ll see her for yourself when the time comes. It’s a surprise. Anyway, I’m leaving her to you, and you can take it from there. I promise; you’ll thank me afterwards.
A dear childhood friend,
Monty Jazz.2

I finished reading the letter, a bit, um, thoughtless at the moment. I held out the letter in front of me, checking to see if I read it correctly. The reality was that, well, I did.
Monty was on to something, I thought. But I couldn’t figure out what. For instance, what did he mean by ‘It’s a surprise’ and ‘You’ll thank me afterwards’??
Maybe it was one of my ex-girlfriends. It makes a lotta sense; I honestly can’t remember all a’ them. So maybe Monty found one of them hanging out somewhere, although I can’t be positive. Although, I wouldn’t call it surprise. Once I’m done with someone, I’m done with them.
Well, whatever, I thought. I dropped the letter on the table with the other letters and sat there for a while, stroking my chin.
After checking all my mail, I decided to watch more T.V. Soo…I watched T.V. for about say, five more hours, meanwhile ordering pizza. Then I felt like calling some of my buddies.
For those several moments, I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I lied, I cursed…and then I lied again. It was pure harmony. But, throughout it all, I still felt…empty.
A while later, when it was 12 or 1 p.m. (I didn’t really pay attention), I went on my laptop and checked my mail. I also went on my Facebook. Sighing, I put on my ‘what’s on your mind?’ space some crappy-against-society message I always put like: ‘i’m bored’. Yeah…that. Then I checked Windows Messenger to see if any my friends were online. To tell ya the truth, I don’t even remember half of the people I added on Messenger, whether I met them online or in real life. Then, not caring anymore, I signed out and turned off my laptop.
Finally, I let out a yawn. That was nothing compared to the other yawns I let out early in the day, although most of them had to do with boredom. So I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, and then headed to my bedside. I removed my contacts, rubbed my eyes, and then plopped my head on my pillow. I stared at the ceiling for a while, since I never immediately just slept. Then my eyes failed and I went to dream mode.
Soon the morning arrived, and I began the day with my usual ritual. But today I didn’t curse because the boiler was making noises again. Today it was because of the damn birds outside my window making noises. But then I realized it wasn’t coming from birds…it was coming from my two neighbors next door. Oh well.
After eating breakfast, I decided to look for my military uniform before it was too late. I found it, but it was all dusty. So I put it under a power vacuum—that did the trick. Then I took a shower and there was pretty much nothing else to do but wait until it was 3 p.m. So I sat on my couch and played some video games, because that’s what a mature man would do.
Then it was 3 p.m. I left my apartment, making sure I brought my keys and anything else that was necessary, and then closed the door.
I swam out of the apartment building and into my car—or should I say, my BMW. But I don’t like to brag. I mean it. What are you staring at?!?!
Anyway, I headed out onto the highway, not even bothering to follow in the directions Monty gave me to the airport. I’ve been to the airport so many times, I practically figured out a shortcut.
Then I reached the airport at about 3:30, entering through all the loops and tangles it took to get to the right gate and terminal. I scanned the room for the exact spot Monty told me to go to, and found it immediately. Unfortunately, an old lady was sitting on the bench so I had to stand in the empty space besides the plant. I could have just stared at the old lady, which would then scare her away like my stare always does, but I decided to drop it.
So, I stood there staring at my watch to check if the time was near. A few people walked past me, some of them thinking I was a real soldier or something. Some of them actually took pictures of me. Some of them asked for my autograph. And some of them just…stared. Somehow, I wonder if Monty did all of this on purpose.
Finally, it was probably 4:01 or 4:02, and then people started pouring out from Terminal A. I glanced over, watching to see if I’d recognize any one of them coming out. I saw an old couple, who looked like they just came from Hawaii, which is strange, in a way. Then I spotted some Mexican guys with really eccentric mustaches. After a while of spotting people that I really didn’t know, it seemed like the terminal was almost empty. Last but not least, I spotted this tall girl with dark skin and glasses come out of the terminal. She smiled and waved to the door attendant. Then, it seemed like she was looking around for someone, until I saw her look at my direction. She started towards me.
Now, I’ve never met her either, at all in my life, but there was something a bit familiar about her. I straightened up as she came over.