Numero 17- Sometimes the bridesmaid does get married

So that day had finally arrived. He was reminded that it wasn't 6 months as he thought but closer to 8. 'WOW !!!' So much had changed in that time. His 'Espanolo' as he called it, more commonly known as Spanish, had not improved, but he had learned so much more. Things always happen for a reason, & maybe Arequipa was a much needed reason. The time was ticking away rapidly now, he always wanted it, yet when it finally started happening he wished he could press pause or atleast press the slow play button. It was only natural. He had become accustomed to it all. Popping down the shops for his fags, cheap food, coffee at his favourite french cafe, late night movies after the chaos had moved on & watching the stars in his private observatory with only the creaking old hammock for company. He had met & made geniune connections. Not the 'Baby Teeth' connections one usually make when on journeys. He called them 'Baby Teeth,' because you miss them when they gone, but they soon forgotten when replaced by new ones. He even felt that strange feeling of love for certain people. He had always been a cynic when it came to all those emotional stuff. When it's real, it's pointless putting up your gloves. The real stuff crashes straight through your attempts at bopping & weaving. Not even his best attempts at impersonating 'Pretty boy Floyd' was enough. When that's not enough, you know then it's real. As always there would be some drama, it would be out of character if there wasn't some. His life changing 8 months meant leaving would give him one unwanted farewell gift. A $200 worth unwanted gift. Always drama. Such is life. Or more appropriately, such is 'HIS' life. The clock went on ticking. As it ticked away, something truly beautiful, & not just on a skin deep level, something french (E.P), blew into his cage. He never wanted it, but you all know, you have no choice in these matters. As much as it was blowing him of his course, he had to be a steady hand at the wheel. Not long now. He had, as he always wanted, a quiet & simple last night. One last night would not define his stay. That definition had been added to his dictionary a long time ago. Last rounds had been called, lights had been turned on & his taxi had been called. The usual generic hugs were dished out, but for the first time, heartfelt ones were locked into. The ones where you can actually feel the other participants heartbeat. For once he was at a lost for words. 8 months is a lifetime in travelling time. He'd seen this movie to often to think that this show would be remembered after all the popcorn had been cleaned out the cinema seats. But for once he hoped that after the credits had rolled, the main protagonists of this peace would be remembered. Ultimately, the end is never the end, it's just the beginning.
Until that day......