Mr. X....revisited

“Argh! There’s nothing on TV!” I shout out to nobody. Weeks after my startling revelation I find myself firmly planted on my ridiculously cheap sofa, wondering how I spent my down time before Second Life. My computer having been shut down for the night was taunting me from the dark recesses of my living room. Within moments I was off the couch, cigarette in hand, grabbing the computer for what I thought would be a quick check of Second Life. Little did I realize, I was about to get totally immersed once again.

Upon signing in, I am greeted with a warm and friendly instant message from a friend asking me to join him on an amazing adventure. I whole-heartedly agree and am instantly teleported to a land far, far away. As I arrive at the designated location, I open my eyes to take in my surroundings. I am greeting instantly by a stunning vision. Towering before me is none other than Mr. X. I stare directly into the soft eyes of the man I left behind, seeing nothing more than kindness.

From behind Mr. X I catch a glimpse of the person responsible for my arrival. As he approaches, my peripheral vision catches another avatar in the distance. I felt my stomach drop while my eyes rolled simultaneously. I knew in an instant that Live-In Girl wasn’t far behind. From my very physical reaction to her virtual being, I realize the only thing gained from my time away were new addictions to the myriad of programs on VH-1. I was still crazy about Mr. X. And still insanely jealous of Live-In Girl.

Our afternoon adventure instantly consumes our four-some and we travel all over Second Life. At one point, I feel as though Mr. X is flirting with me. I decide to disregard this perceived flirtation since I had been wrong so often in the past. At one point, I have a private conversation with Live-In Girl. I, of course, take the opportunity to ask how her relationship with Mr. X is going. She proceeds to tell me that they are “just friends” and their impending nuptials have been postponed.

“Aha! Here is my opportunity!” My thoughts consume me momentarily and I decide to take the first step.

I send a private message to Mr. X. “How are you? It’s been a while.” I wait patiently for his response, hoping he sees the message.

“I’m doing good. It is nice to see you again. Where have you been hiding?” Oh my goodness! He realized that I was gone! He even cares enough to ask where I have been! Fingers trembling, I write my casual response with vague reference to Real Life, not excluding my almost-famous ramblings.

“Well it is good to have you back,” he says. “We have missed you around here!”

“I have missed you too.” As soon as I hit the enter button, I regret my response. I ask myself why I have to be so blatant and remind myself to calm down. My regret is momentary however as I watch Mr. X creep slightly closer to me. If he were to turn around, we would be dancing together! And then he does it. He turns to face me. I find myself catching my breath and words have eluded me.

I look up at him with a smile in my eyes. His hard jaw coupled with his beautiful, flowing hair sends butterflies directly to my stomach. Live-In Girl is dancing by herself halfway across the dance floor and I am right where I want to be. Dancing with Mr. X.