The 21st Birthday Party That Wasn’t

 Less than a month after the Melman left to go west and continue his “Farewell America Tour” he gave me a call. Before he decided to join the Peace Corps he had been living a quiet life in Missoula, Montana. He loved it there, although I picture it as a town full of nothingness. Anyway, after his ‘Tour’, he was going to spend his last few weeks there to settle his affairs, sell his stuff and then leave for the Ukraine for the next two years.

  During the phone call, he informed me that Missoula was ‘not the same anymore.’ Apparently, from what I ascertained from the conversation, in the couple of months he had been away something wreaked havoc on the land (perhaps someone built a Starbucks). He asked if he could come down to Colorado and stay with us for the rest of his time in the U.S.  I told him that it wouldn’t be a problem, but no promises on him finding a place to sleep on Saturday night, because I was hosting a 21st birthday party for Annette. He said if he left now, he’d be there in time for the party.

  Planning that party was an event all to itself. The key to it all was Chris’ roommate Justin. Annette was obviously more into him than he was into her. But he liked her well enough to actually attend her party. I cleared it with Annette and made sure there would be no problem. Repeatedly, she said there would be no problem, even if he brought a new girlfriend. On the other end, Justin confirmed with me that it would be alright and I told him yes.

  The party started off well. Amanda and Nate stopped by briefly before their trip to Hawaii where they were getting married. Melman arrived in time for the party and regaled early arrivers of the tale of the dreaded Hobo Spiders that moved into his apartment while he was away on his tour.

Melman recounts his epic Hobo Spider story while Claudia and Nicole enjoy his theatrics along with Nate and Amanda

…And then it happened. Justin showed up with a pretty girl at his side. Annette made a beeline for the bathroom and locked herself in. Her good friend Nicole, whom had been almost like Annette’s quite, shy sidekick immediately turned into a protective force of nature in defense of her friend. I, of course had no idea what just transpired. People looked at me and all I could say was “She told me it was okay.”

  Later, when I did talk to Annette, she told me it was okay, because she totally believed he would never show up in a million years, even though I assured her he would. It didn’t matter. Justin’s new girl was mad at Justin and blamed him. They left early. Annette was in no mood to celebrate so Nicole took her home. By 10PM the party was dead such a disappointment that we closed shop and went to a karaoke bar.

  The Karaoke bar was fun, but apparently, Lori dropped a Karaoke book on Claudia’s head which Claudia believed was on purpose because I was spending most of my time with her. I didn’t notice this happening and Lori denied she did it on purpose. I didn’t think Lori would, because Chris was with her, but who knows…