My house was on the way and we stopped there to decide where and what movie we’d see. We got into a discussion about her life … and what a sad, tough life it was—death, mistreatment, alcoholism in her family during her teens. She revealed all these things in an even tone and with a “what’re you gonna do?” shrug that told me she was telling the truth. But she was young and pretty and determined to beat it all.
I offered her a drink. She said that she didn’t really drink but that she liked to smoke and asked if I also “smoked.” I knew she wasn’t talking about cigarettes. I said not really. She emphasized that she didn’t do other drugs, “she just liked to smoke, ya know?” I said to each her own. I wasn’t judging; I just didn’t happen to do so.
A few moments later she asked if she could call her dealer. I would’ve preferred she didn’t, but I said it was fine. She called her dealer and spoke in slang. She hung up and asked me, “Do you mind? I should be able to pick some up.”
It would be hours before she could meet up with her dealer, so we went to see an action movie we both agreed on.
One of the 800 previews came on and it looked awful—bad title, bad acting, cheesy dialogue. She turned to me and said, “Ooh, I want to see that.” I chuckled, but realized she was not joking. Unable to work up any false enthusiasm, I just said, “Hmmm. Okay.”
About an hour into the movie, her phone rang and I cringed. She looked embarrassed as she reached for it, presumably to turn it off. But … she answered it! She answered her phone during the movie! I assume I’m not alone in thinking this is a total deal-breaker to have any sort of association with anyone who would do such a thing. Now, I was with that person.
I felt the stares and I couldn’t slump low enough in my seat. I wanted to tell everyone that I didn’t know her all that well, that we’d just met. I realized even though I got along with her most of the day, I really had no idea who this person was. I looked at her in disbelief but she was too busy with her call to notice. I prayed her conversation would end as soon as possible. I nudged her a bit and she ended the call, telling her friend she’d call her back after the movie. She said sorry and I tried to smile.
