devongottsch
Recently, 14 Marian journalism students competed in Orlando at the National Journalism Convention. My group and I were headed to the buses after convention activities to hit up Disney World when I realized I had left my sunglasses in the hotel room (I mean, what else do you expect from me?)
I speed-walked like a mom on Black Friday to the elevator. I pressed the button a solid six times (because that will obviously make the elevator get to me faster) and tapped my foot in anticipation. When the doors finally opened, I realized I was going to face one of the most awkward situations of my life.
There he stood, space cat shirt and all. A teenage boy with greasy hair and extra large glasses was already in the elevator staring at me with wide eyes. I quickly came to the realization that I couldn’t turn back around and run. I slid into the elevator, gave a slight smile, pressed the button of my floor, and stood in the opposite corner avoiding all eye contact. I thought I could deal with his heavy breathing and slight odor of spoiled cheese, but boy was I wrong. It was just my luck; the elevator was going to his floor first. I glanced at the elevator buttons and number 13 was lit up. “Great,” I thought, “13 floors with this kid. Please, send help.”
Seconds felt like hours in the 6-by-6 cubicle. I was singing “Trap Queen”
in my head for distraction when a movement out of the corner of my eye broke my concentration. His head was hunched over, and he was whispering to a gecko cradled into his arm. Yes, a gecko. At this moment, I felt the corners of my mouth tug into a smile, and I had to bite my tongue in order to hold in my laughter.
As the elevator climbed, so did my anxiety. I took my phone from my pocket and made it look like I was heavily occupied even though I was just staring at my Crossy Road app.
It was dead silent for a while. What happened next was just the icing on the cake.
He asked, “So…do you like Star Wars? ‘Cause I would definitely pick Han Solo over a fight with Chewbac- ca.” I kid you not, those were the exact words that came from his mouth.
Totally taken off guard, I said, “You’re probably right,” and died a little on the inside.
Okay, let’s just recap this situation, shall we? This kid with a gecko just asked me a Star Wars question. That was probably one of the most eventful days I have had in awhile.
As the elevator door finally opened, he gave a slight bow and said, “Salutations,” and I replied with and awkward, “Alrighty… you too man.” I watched as he and his gecko walked down the hallway. When the elevator’s doors closed again, I’m pretty sure the whole hotel heard me laughing.
From this experience, I have compiled a list entitled “Elevator Ten Commandments” that would make that dreaded experience a little easier for everyone.
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