So things went on and they went well and plans were made for our trip, which had somehow stretched into a hypothetical five days. One of my friends swoonily referred to it as a "mini-break," (signifier of relationship bliss as per Bridget Jones), while I didn't know whether to look at it as an extreme adventure of interpersonal tolerance (will they return alive?), an inspired finish to a fun summer fling, or a superserious Relationship Next Step.
I should have mentioned the conversation A and I had the morning after he suggested it, which did not add to my ease:
Elle (attempt at lightness): So what happens if we're two hours out of Chicago and you already hate me?
Atticus: Then that'll be good to know.
E: ?
A (not as pompous as this makes him sound): I used to work for a pharmeceutical company, and there comes a point where you have to decide what products you're going to invest in. If it's good, you decide to throw a lot of resources into it, and if not, you kill it.
So then, of course, I said "So if that happens you'll kill me?" But seriously, if that doesn't suggest that this trip was somehow conceived as a Test of Future Potential, I don't know what does, right?
No pressure.
But things went well and a couple weeks after that conversation, Atticus, in a very non-fling-like gesture, dropped me off at O'Hare to catch my flight to Tokyo. (Long story, but it was an amazing and fairly spur-of-the-moment vacation.) And while I'm there, checking my email in my friend's apartment, I get the following:
Urgh. I hate to say, but I probably don't have quite the time or $$ to go to Mt. Rushmore. Urgh. I hate to break plans that were made. Sorry!
~atticus~
~atticus~
That's complete and verbatim, except for a few words changed for Google paranoia. How do you think I interpreted it?
2 comments:
Elle,
First, I am sorry that you are not going to Mount Rushmore. If you only say the word, I would gladly accompany you there. We could spend the night in Lincoln's nose. I also have family in the mountains near there.
Second, most pharmaceutical companies will try to squeeze as much profit from their products until that inevitable day which brings the discovery of their drug causing unpredicted adverse effects. Then they recall it.
Third, my vote is for you to take more last-minute trips to Tokyo and to spend less time worrying where or with whom you will be in five years.
Last, I read with interest your previous post regarding your dream. Would it be possible to give more details? For example: What were you wearing when you were embracing your girlfriend? Did the kiss involve your tongue, her tongue, or both of your tongues? Do you ever dream about sheep men?
Your pal,
CNG
Very insightful about the pharmaceutical mindset, C. I'm glad I'm able to say that, as drugs go, I only yield results over the long term and am by no means a quick fix . . .
Post a Comment