Glass Houses

I don't quite remember when I first met Billy, or how. But somehow, we kept bumping into each other and then there was never enough time to talk as there was always somewhere else to be and so, eventually, we met up for tea (we both really like tea) and chatted there instead. Billy likes tea with two sugars. I have none. This is something we have always disagreed upon. Billy and I have a rather tempestuous relationship and perhaps that's because we are both complicated people with complicated feelings and perhaps that's because we're both quite similar in some respects. Or because we're complete polar opposites. It's a fine line.

Anyway, it's been a while and Billy and I are still in touch, amazingly enough. I don't see him all that much, but we still chat from time to time, we attend the same parties and make cursory remarks about the other guests. This sort of commentary frequently ends in disagreement as we don't always see eye-to-eye when it comes to our opinions, or well, most things, really. We've been through a lot of ups and downs and although I'd call him a friend, there's been periods where we haven't been in contact for months. An active choice, rather than because we're too busy, or whatever. Because that is how we work, we build it up and we build it up and we pull rugs from underneath each others feet until one of us decides to say, I don't want to play this game today, why don't we just sit and talk? And that is the point when I say, well, I know I've got a few carpet burns, but I'd prefer to rub those wounds again than pour my heart out. And then he scratches at me and it's not a fun playful game any more, so I punch him and turn around and he pulls at my hair to make me stay. He tends to see the world in black and white, while I'm all about the shades of grey, so when you put those two concepts together, they don't always make a sturdy hold and feelings get hurt and harsh words are uttered and we don't speak for a while. It's a sad, sad situation and it's getting more and more absurd...

I'm not sure either of us really understand the other and too much time spent in close company would probably drive us both around the bend. Generally, however, we do manage to get along, in some weird, hilariously undefinable way. Also, I can totally claim the credit for introducing him to his current romantic interest. And if someone gives you the love of your life, you can't not be eternally grateful to them, right?

So, that's Billy and me. Maybe we'll still be friends into old age, bird-watching on park benches, twittering and bickering relentlessly, as we sip tea from our respective cups. He'll have two sugars, I'll have none and that's where we differ. But it's still tea all the same, and to be honest, that's all that matters, really.

Plus, he likes cake, too.

Flitterbox: Billy Joel ~ You May Be Right