I had known who he was for years. We ran in similar circles, were involved in various relatable activities, and even passed him by on the same overseas program. We had just never actually spoken to one another. I guess at some point that would inevitably change. However, I was not a a fan of some choice organizations he was a part of, or the people he surrounded himself with. So I wasn’t in a rush to ever meet him because I knew I wouldn’t like him.
Our personal story begins during the Christmas holiday of 2017, when I was visiting family. What that actually means is I was multiple states away from school and work, and all I was doing was sitting on my ass watching holiday films off Netflix and sleeping. Senior year of college will make you appreciate the few days you get of pure rest; no fucking joke. It’s also a constant reminder of how badly you took nap time for granted as child. I was in the process of watching ‘Christmas Vacation,’ and like every other basic white bitch posted a quote from the movie as my Facebook status. Watson proceeded to comment quotes and funny jokes. I was so confused by this perfect stranger randomly expressing interest in my activities. Like seriously, who the fuck do you think you are? After about twenty minutes of ridiculous exchanges, I just messaged him so we could stop blowing up each other’s news feeds. We were talking about “Festivus,” and how the pole is necessary for the time of year.
*Middle of the story side note: for those of you who aren’t double their age mentally, Festivus is a term coined from the sitcom ‘Seinfeld.’
Our conversation then turned to a battle of whits as to who could out quote ‘Christmas Vacation’ to the other. Then we both just eased into small talk on family traditions and celebrations during the season.
This is when I slowly and curiously crept up to the rabbit hole. Watson was just an easy person to talk to. We had extraordinary conversations. I was pleasantly shocked. Like who the fuck messages a person they barely know to ask about their passions so bluntly? What 22 year old frat boy (and in my head I can see/hear him correcting me with “fraternity man” as his hand is on his hip, finger pointed, and half way rolling his eyes) actually thinks about “who holds the key to humanity, men or women?” Even more, what guy genuinely wants your opinion on such a broad subject? I was so deeply intrigued by this enigma of a boy. I couldn’t help but look forward to our next discussion. All my brain kept processing was “Watson is about to be my new guy best friend.” Especially with conversations like such…
Watson: Was half looking at your status and though it said “why am I just now starting to like girls?”
*Side note: I had just started watching HBO’s ‘Girls’
Me: Yes, Watson, I decided to tell the world I’m a lesbian this week….
Me: Are you fucking kidding me right now?
Watson: Yes, I am kidding you.
Me: I was about to come through my phone and slap the shit out of you.
Watson: I hear that’s even better than coffee
Me: I feel like if anyone were to know, you would.
Watson: Yes, I’ve received several open handed gestures of kindness directly at my face during my time at school. Deserved at least two of them, now that I think about it.
Me: You actually deserved two out of the how many?
Watson: I’ve been slapped maybe five times in my life.
Me: And the other three were bullshit? lol
Watson: You better believe it—Women are an interesting bunch-some love men, some hate men, and most are perpetually in transition.
Me: By transition you mean figuring out what they want?
Watson: That’s not a bad way to look at it either- A natural movement of loving and hating that descends from the general stupidity of men. (I include only straight or bi-sexual women in this assessment as I have no experience with other varieties.)
Me: Well hating is another form of love. You can’t hate if you never loved.
Watson: The most powerful thing in the world is women– people forget that.
You see what I mean? And this is just DAYS into our new found friendship. What a surprise this human was turning out to be. He was so intelligent as well as being open minded and aware for a “good ole southern boy.” Seriously, I can’t make this shit up!
Side note: “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles started playing while I was finishing this first draft. As my stories of Watson continue, you’ll understand how true and heartbreaking these lyrics are to our days together.
This dude is literally everything I couldn’t stand or was attracted to in men; physically, beliefs, etc. So I was supposed to be in the clear for “catching feels” right? Then why, like and addict, could I not stop going back for my fix?
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