Friday Night

Friday Night!

Last night I received a text from a random guy who claimed to have known me for my outstanding writing skills. He said he knew me from our University because once I had written an assignment for him. And in his words it was ‘POETIC’!

How flattering!

He also mentioned that his last thesis was considered for ‘expert research’ at many universities around the world! But he chose me to fix the introduction to his latest thesis because he believed “it’s only you who can put rhythm into words and pulse into sentences!”

But life experiences have taught me that flattery is a weapon of manipulation! So, I refused his request.

“Sorry, not into writing assignments anymore.” I replied to his long texts.

“It’s a shame you stopped writing! I mean you were undoubtedly the best at Uni! I hope you’re still writing… as a hobby at least.” 

He’s right, if it wasn’t for the passion of writing, why would I be working 18 hours a day for peanuts! The flattery of his comment was overshadowed by the broke-phase I was going through! I am broke because I valued the learning from the best in the industry, over the coin I earn in my first job as an intern. But having absolutely no coins at hand also makes life Hell. Everything stops!

Soon my ego came to my rescue and I felt proud to have achieved what I have achieved at such a young age. Ego not only protects us it boosts our confidence too. 

“Working as an assistant editor at a leading daily The Town Talk!” ….“They picked me straight from Uni.” I replied in confidence.

“Please reconsider!” he insisted. “I think only you can do justice to my papers. I have to submit them on Monday”.

I didn’t say anything. 

I was wondering what made him believe he could convince me by flooding my inbox!

“Only a couple of pages of introduction!” 

“Happy to pay as you like.”

“Please! It’s a life and death situation for me! Can’t say more than this!”

‘WTH!” ……..He sounded creepy!…. Idiot.’ I thought of blocking his contact, I am frustrated anyway. I need weekends to rest or I might end up in a mental hospital.

Saturday morning (next day), when I was a bit rested and felt calmer, I was hit by the scary thought of being left with no money after groceries!……AND THE ALUMNI NIGHT ON FRIDAY?….  Shit…….! My eyes opened wide!  …Jay?……..Will I ruin my last chance to meet him?……..

I quickly grabbed my phone and texted this guy.

“Hey, I just realised, I might have a bit of time to help you…”

“Ohh!! Great. Thanks.” he reverted immediately.

“but $300 advance!” I said.

“Yeah, no worries. $300 is fine”. “Sorry, do you mind if I pay you the money by Thursday? That’s when the Uni pays me! You can trust me”.

F***ing  As*!   he thinks I would work for him over the weekend and then he can disappear without paying. 

But I analysed my situation again and accepted the terms just to keep the opportunity afloat. “OK that’s fine, but Thursday means Thursday.” I texted him.

He sent me the links to his research papers and other resources that I may need in order to finish writing a ‘rhythmic and pulsating’ introduction!

I started straight away, read a bit of his intro and looked through those resources online. 

His research was indeed interesting! I haven’t read anything like this in a while. It made me curious, so I kept skimming through all the resources until it was past midnight.

By Sunday evening, I finally finished writing an impressive introduction! I was completely consumed in the task, my weekend was gone! but I was happy with the whole experience! It was something fantastic, who is this guy!

I sent him the work and slept for the necessary few hours I needed before the week starts!

4 days had passed. It was Thursday. My worst fear came true. I did not receive a penny for the work I did for him! I texted to remind him of our mutual agreement. It was basically a favour I did for him and now he’s not even responding.

I went to bed thinking about Jay. We were kind of together at Uni, but we couldn’t commit for the adventure of finding someone more exciting in future! Eventually, after parting ways with him, I realised the value of that relationship. I hoped Jay was also thinking the same!

The next day was Friday and I was desperate to express my feelings to Jay! But how?,,…., I don’t even have a decent dress or shoes to start with!

Friday morning I was frustrated to see ‘NOTHING’ on my phone!

I rang the psycho immediately, But NO response again!

My frustration changed into fear. I tried again.

He didn’t answer.

……Was it my stupidity that pretended to be my gut feeling. I am still stupid to trust people, I am zero in negotiations! I cursed myself while still trying to reach him.

He finally answered “Hey, how are you?”

“Hey please transfer the amount, I really need to make a few arrangements for the alumni’s night tonight! It’s really important to me! Please understand,….. Jay and I……. Sorry…..   You can’t do this. You said Thursday” I was nervous and tried talking as calmly as possible.

“I am so sorry for the delay, I didn’t mean to. Hang on, let me transfer it you right now.”

My phone beeped. “Yeah I’ve got the notification. Thanks a lot.”

Before I could disconnect, he interrupted “Did you just say Jay? I.. kind of.. knew him from Uni. Good that you guys are still together.”

“And one more thing, ‘my thesis and your introduction’ has been sent to Stanford. Last night I was busy with the same and that’s why couldn’t see your messages or phone call.”

“That’s fantastic. Thanks.” I replied. I had no interest in his life anyway. 

“Sorry I have to go, my coffee break is over! I have the most busiest day of my life today. B bye.”

I wish I could say something about his impressive research before I disconnected. But what can an exhausted, over-occupied and broke girl offer him? And even if she tried, this guy behaved weird at times, as if he was talking to himself! 

Now, at least that I had some money in my account, I could go about the plans for the night I was long waiting for.

The clock hit 5 by the time I reached home! 

AND THE COUNTDOWN BEGAN FOR BOTH OF US!

I rushed to my room to get ready.

‘In his apartment, where he lives alone, he also started getting ready at the same time!’

I looked into the mirror, My entire body was screaming I had someone special on my mind!

‘He also had something special on his mind that night!’

I hailed a taxi for theAlumni Square. My eyes were only looking for Jay as I entered theHall!

He also walks towards his room after finishing some important paperwork!

In a while, I saw Jay! I chose not to rush! 

‘He also flattered himself in his own little adventures!’

Next moment, Jay was standing right next to me! He had the most romantic stare! My heart was pounding of joy and excitement! Jay moved closer…..

He now had bolted his room from inside to achieve what he had on his mind!

“Are you there?”……..” Hello…..Alana Sanger…. Can you hear me…Hello……?” The customer-care-rep brought my attention back to the present. I was completely lost in the past week’s memories to realise I was on a phone call.

I stood up in a mild panic and confusion. I was still hungover from last night’s party! “Yeah sorry I am here, please go ahead.” I said.

“How long did you know the sender for?”

“Not for long”

“Were you friends?”

“Yeah……. No, ..not really, …..We went to the same Uni that’s it?”.

“Why do you think he transferred you the amount?” The operator irritated me by asking unnecessary questions.

“I told you, he owed me $300, must have been a mistake of pressing more zeros.” …….just return him the money if you can!

“Ok, Ms Sanger, I can’t revert the money because the sender is dead. His account has been frozen after his demise on Friday night!.. I am afraid…………..!”

I was paralysed for a second. My phone slipped off my hands. I snatched his thesis from my drawer and searched for the evidence of my suspicion!

I found the line, that I ignored earlier “ only the most creative writer would be able to do justice to my last experiment!” …….I fell on the floor.

He made me write his suicide essay!