102

Broken Chardonnay, Shattered Love

West sat down on the bench, sweat dripping from his forehead. It had been a tiring training, and he was glad it was over.His teammates clattered around noisily, hefting bags and leaving for the showers. "Hey! Lets hit the showers, we don't wanna be late for the prom!" Jay said loudly. As the rest of his teammates trooped towards the showers, West remained behind and thought. He did not have to rush, neither of them had to. The ballroom was right beside the basketball court. And anyway, I have no date to rush to, West thought.

Jack stayed with West though. This loyal friend would stick by his side whatever happens. So after the noisy bunch was out of the gym, the duo took their turn. Jack walked with West to the ballroom. It was a short walk, so they were just in time, 7 pm. The sky was turning dark as the sun set on the horizon across the large flat field before the ballroom and gymnasium block. A cool breeze rolled in and the two of them inhaled the fresh evening scent. Jack looked uncomfortable in his long-sleeved, collared shirt and slim jeans, but he projected confidence all the same. Jack had to meet his date, Megan and hastily said goodbye to West, as rushed into the crowd already formed in the cavernous ballroom.

West sighed and settled down in an armchair in the corner of the dimly lit hall. He got himself a Chardonnay cocktail and sipped it thoughtfully. All his friends had dates and were enjoying themselves in the throng of enthusiastic students, eager to make the most out of this evening. He, in the meantime, had no one to dance with, let alone anyone to talk to, since everyone was engaged with their partners. But he endured it all the same, he could ask any girl for a dance though, but he decided to keep his firm word to his girlfriend. Or who used to be my girlfriend, West thought, slightly annoyed. West never liked too much attention, but he was popular because he was easy to get along with and had a great sense of humour. To add to that was his gentlemanly charming looks and equally, if not more, pretty girlfriend. But West knew looks were not the most important.

He glanced at the crowd, several couples were dancing already, as the DJ was playing an upbeat dance tune. As many laughed and joked around, West felt left out. He was usually in the middle of the throng, but not tonight. It made West feel sick looking at the dance floor from the corner of the ridiculously high-ceilinged hall, so he downed his drink the pushed the double doors open to go out the the second floor corridoor.

He leaned on the ledge of the corridoor and let the cool evening breeze ripple his casual black shirt. He just wished the time will be over soon. "So whatcha doing? You're not supposed to emo on this night," an incredulous voice asked. Jay was leaning on the ledge beside West, holding a fruit cocktail. "Ah well, I'm not in the mood," shrugged West.

"Where's your girl? Candice?" Jay pressed on.
"We're on a hiatus, she said we need to cool off for some time." West replied, annoyance creeping into his tone. He rarely got this annoyed.
"Well alright, chill dude. What happened?"
"I don't know if I did something wrong, but she don't seem to be so happy nowadays." West said. I wonder what she's doing now, West thought.

"Well ok man, I won't bother you anymore. See ya." Jay went back to the ballroom.

West sighed and glanced up at the sky. It was exceptionally dark and heavy clouds were gathering above the school. A strong gust kicked up and sent autumn leaves rushing through the corridoor. It bacame chilly, so West pushed back open the double doors and returned to the hall.

Almost everyone was on the floor now, except for a few outcasts reading books in a corner, West was amongst the only few people who werent enjoying their night with a date. He glanced up and down the crowd, trying to locate that familiar, calmingly pretty face. Where is she?

He settled back in the same chair and poured himself another Chardonnay. He was just starting to think again when he noticed the same pale blue medium heels she wore on their first date. He scanned upwards and saw her, in a simple, dark blue dress and her hair let down in wavy lines. He smiled, like he would always do when he met her. But Candice did not see him at all, in fact, she was looking into the eyes of her dance partner. It was Roy, one of West's good friends. West frowned and paused. The song ended and Roy and Candice pulled together. Even though the room was dimly lit and it was chaotic in the crowd, there was no mistaking the silhouette of a couple kissing passionately against the backdrop of dim crimson light and many other dancers. And they didn't stop there, that moment seemed to last for a century.

West dropped his glass.

He got up and strode to the doors, ignoring the slightly drunken beckons of Jack and Jay and some others. He pushed them open and walked quickly along the corridoor, and slowly broke into a run. It was raining outside, and dim lights shone from across the field, illuminating the school compound. I didn't see what I just saw. I didn't see what I just saw...

He pulled open the gym doors and collapsed onto the bench. He put his face in his hands, and thought, and thought. What did I do wrong? I kept my promise, I didn't go for any other date. What is happening?

He thought of all the times he had spent, and all that he had tried. He tried to laugh but he couldn't, he tried to feel but he couldn't, he tried to scream but he couldn't. He just sat there on the bench, in the eerily empty basketball court, just one wall away where people were enjoying themselves, having fun, betraying ...

Nobody would know what happened to him, and nobody would care, because who has the time to worry about a young man, drowning in self despair, sitting alone in the gym, when they have their friends, newly made partners, and music and drinks?

Nobody would know about West, and he would not know about anything else. He just thought, and thought, and thought.

What did I do wrong?



Eh this story is based on a dream i had, and its poorly written, since this is my first try at writing stories. Much more to learn =D. Anyways nothing much about today, except shivering when i think of this dream, those who want to know it in detail can come chat with me on msn, as its contents could probably contain you. haha sianning around. no more test, but tmr got some shit hsk. anyways have fun yalls, see yall.