2002-01-16 - 3:54 PM
Back When I Was A Klepto - Dedication To The Saint
"The elements that tumbled into the center was 'change' -- the fact that our lives, like everything else in the universe, are in a process of continual evolution and change." - Jim Bonnet, "Stealing Fire From The Gods"
^ A simple fact that we sometimes rub out of our memory, like other things we almost forget.
I could remember watching Eric drive away from my house for the very last time; pulling away in his brown van, with his mother in the driver's seat. I wish I could tell you that I remember the smell of the air outside when it happened. But I can't. I can't even remember if the sun was out or behind a cloud.
To be honest, not to sound too sappy or soft-hearted, I could feel the era of "Eric And Austin" almost end, the farther he got from my house; the further he drove down my street. What would become of my Friday nights? I tell ya, it's a sad thing seeing one of your best friends leave you. And this was years ago.
I feel sort of bad shovelling all those Jackie Chan movies down his throat - I guess I was too enthused. I recall overhearing John and Eric talking about how I really do make them eat those movies. I haven't watched one of them in awhile - sad.
And I'm sure I've written about our gumball machine before, so I'll refrain from doing so right now, but I'll go on to comment on another facet of our sleepovers.
The drink. Nope, not alcohol. The drink was any beverage we deemed worthy to fetch from my basement - and what made the drink so special, was the ritual in drinking it. We'd sit at my dining table, at the end closest to my living room. We'd sit and gulp it down - waiting for the silence to make us laugh. It was like clockwork, us alternating, running to the sink and spitting the drink out, because we were laughing too hard. It's hard to sip when random laughter tenses your lips. We laughed the night away at this pointlessness - and during it all, Eric reminded me of Jim Carrey somehow.
John and I went to Burger King the other day - sat down in seats that I remembered sitting in with Eric. The Wiz used to be a few blocks away, but since then, has moved to a different location. What CD would you like? I hope he's enjoying the Savage Garden "Truly, Madly, Deeply" single I stole for him - you know, back when I was a klepto.
Point is, there are people who come into and out of your life (or perhaps stay with you forever), that have profoundly and essentially shaped your being, your thought, your spirit. Eric was and is one of them. I get his first copy of his book (the 21st century classic that'll be required reading in schools) with a dedication - probably signed, the friend who brought the thought of two meatballs to you with a plate of laughter.
So, yeah. He better get back to Jersey soon - because I can't wait much longer to choke on Lipton. I really can't.
** Only Eric and I can refer to our loves and infatuations as our "coffees". So if you do so right now, stop it, you jugheads. **
