socially awkward.

jerardeusebio:

The sound of the elevator doors opening resonated through the vacant corridors of the 18^th floor. Nathan felt relieved that his feet were heading home at last. He checked his watch. 11:12pm, it seemed to scream. He knew very well that he was underpaid and that tomorrow, he’d most likely leave at this same hour. For the nth time, he reminded himself that he was lucky enough to get a job so quickly given that he just got out of college.

“Everything takes time. Baby steps, Nathan. Baby steps. Gain experience,” he whispered to himself.

He almost dragged his legs inside. He saw his reflection on the elevator mirrors showcasing his different angles. Immediately, he thanked his lucky stars that the elevator was vacant. Not just so he could lazily lean on the walls, but because no one would be a witness to this stressful face he was sporting. He pressed the G button and it immediately lit up. A bit frustrated and mostly tired, he stared at the sign which said Level 18 as the doors gently closed.

17.

16.

15.

He felt the elevator stop.

For a quick moment, while leaning on the side of the elevator with his bag sprawled on the floor, he wondered who else could still be in at an hour like this, and then thought of the number of employees that could be like him—on the verge of martyrdom. Not too many, he suspected. The doors slid open on the 14^th floor. An impeccably dressed guy stood before him. For what seemed like a long time, they exchanged surprised stares at each other, clearly the other guy also didn’t expect to see anybody. He reached for the G button, but seeing that it was already lit, placed his hands in his pocket. He leaned on the opposite side of Nathan, as if trying to imitate him. Both of them were politely smiling as the elevator doors closed once again.

12B.

12.

Killing the silence, the guy asked him with a genuine expression of curiosity, “Over time?”

11.

“Without pay,” Nathan answered nodding. He tried to smile, although he was sure it came out as a smirk.

10.

“How about you?” Nathan asked. He found this stranger rather interesting, as if there was an air of mystery about him.

9.

“Well, actually,” the guy wasn’t able to finish his sentence because suddenly, the elevator lights went out and the elevator came to a full stop. After 3 seconds, the emergency lights blazed brightly.

It was unusual that unannounced blackouts occurred in this part of the city, but it was more unusual—rather rare, that generators weren’t ready for events like this. Nathan began to feel a developing hate towards the building.

“Just my luck!” Nathan said sarcastically.

“I’ll try calling security in the lobby,” the guy said calmly as he fidgeted with his phone.

Nathan gave a loud grunt after feeling his pockets. He must have left his phone on the desk, charging. What else could go wrong? He thought.

“Don’t worry about it, there’s no service here anyway.”

“What?” Nathan asked, worried and annoyed.

“I’m sure someone’s working on getting the electricity back. Maybe in a few minutes…”

“Why are you so calm?” Nathan asked, failing to hide his irritation.

“Well, because at least I know I have someone to talk to while I wait. I’m Andrew, by the way. How are you, Jonathan?” Andrew held out his hand.

“How did you know my name?” Nathan raised his eyebrows.

Andrew pointed on the ID on Nathan’s chest.

“Right,” Nathan replied, trying to hide a smile of embarrassment.

“As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by this blackout, I just came back here because I forgot my apartment keys, I thought I lost it and was at a friend’s house when I figured I should check my office drawers,” Andrew pulled out from his pocket a bunch of keys.

They had been on the elevator for 27 minutes when the emergency lights started to weaken, but they hardly noticed it. For 27 minutes, they’ve been talking non-stop. They discussed work. They talked about college, music, short-term goals and long-term plans. They talked about pets, they talked about the weather, books and food. They talked about anything that comes into their heads. At first it, Nathan hesitated to open up, but Andrew was a good listener. He looked at him intently when he asks something and he doesn’t cut. He gives advice, but isn’t too preachy. He shares but not blabbers. It felt natural, talking to him. Nathan never felt this good talking to someone, not even to his closest friends. He silently wished that this was the first of many conversations with Andrew.

The emergency lights started to flicker until it went out. The sound of the elevator humming came back. Wind started to blow again from the ceiling and they slowly stood up, fixing their clothes.

“I didn’t even notice the time,” Nathan exclaimed after checking his watch.

“I did, but I didn’t really care,” Andrew replied. Smiling like he has for the past half hour.

8.

 “How are you going home?” Nathan asked.

7.

“The train. How about you?”

“I usually ride the bus, but I can ride the train with you, if you like,” Nathan felt his face break into a smile. On any normal day, he wouldn’t have said that out loud, but this day… well, this day was pleasantly strange. He liked him.

6.

“That would be perfect,” Andrew clenched his fist as if he just made a homerun.

5.

4.

“I’m glad I got stuck with you,” Nathan said, almost whispering.

3.

“I’m glad I went here to find more than just my apartment keys,” Andrew uttered staring at Nathan’s face.

2.

G.

The elevator doors slowly opened to reveal a deserted lobby.

“Hey, my phone’s still on my desk! I should get it first, right?” The thought struck Nathan as sudden as an unannounced blackout.

“Yeah, sure. Let’s go!” Andrew exclaimed with a tinge of excitement.

“Should we take the stairs?” Nathan asked innocently.

“No. Of course, not. I like being in elevators.” Andrew replied.

“Me, too.” Nathan failed to suppress a hearty laugh as he pressed the button that said 18.

The elevator ascended carrying with it two boys, both with a newfound understanding that blackouts and elevators don’t always make a bad combination.