If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

Jamal Wallace is my obvious first choice. However, I’ve mentioned him too much in my writing. Meanwhile, I saw the series One Day on Netflix. Based on the popular novel, Dexter is the male lead. To many, he’s unlikeable. A ladies’ man, a flawed character. He knows that he wants his best friend, but his frailties keep getting in the way. In college, he was popular and hung out with the in crowd. He had great PR skills but also had narcissistic tendencies. He had little regard for the women that he hurt. By the series’s homestretch, he had become a full-blown junkie. He liked to show how cultured he was and that he hung out with the hottest, artsiest creatives. His best friend thought he was detestable.

Mayhew

Of course, I’m none of the above. On paper, I bear little resemblance to Dexter Mayhew. In school or college, I wouldn’t call myself a campus figure. People knew me, but I wasn’t the face of the school. Not a dancer, singer, or painter. I served during First Friday Mass. Instead of crafting portraits or cavorting, I wrote articles. I had none of Dexter’s PR or wooing skills. Yes, I had crushes in school and at uni, but I didn’t act on them.

I couldn’t get how others could multitask. For me, romance and my studies didn’t go hand in hand. Though not distracted, I wasn’t an outstanding student. I rarely topped exams and didn’t set the bar. However, I read lots of books. I have a higher IQ than most of my brainy peers.

The Taster

I’ve mostly been sober. I had a phase where I’d try different beer, lager, and cider brands. This wasn’t good for my health, so I halted it. I don’t name drop to impress others. I’m just an ordinary denizen, but like Dexter, I can write.

Emma Morley is his fictitious best friend. He meets her on the last day of college. She’s more of a nerd and doesn’t hang out with the cool kids. Initially, he wanted to sleep with her but their relationship soon turns out to be platonic. The next day, he chases her to get her number and they reconnect through the years. The series is titled One Day as it occurs on the same day (Emma’s birthday) every year.

One Day a year

The series is tragic. Like ‘Life is what happens when you’re not paying attention’.

Dexter takes Emma for granted. Once he finally follows his heart, it’s nearly too late. He pays the price for his arrogance. Life’s too short to dawdle. Every day counts and every week matters. Do what you can today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

The concept of setting aside a day for years reminded me of the South African doco. They met up every seven years. High school reunions are every ten years. Our grand reunion is twenty five years. I have mixed feelings about these homecomings. I wasn’t particularly close with my classmates. Some of them wouldn’t be too happy to see me, and vice-versa. Among my peers are quite a few doctors, a lawyer, many registered nurses, educators, pharmacists, etc. Only one of them has published a 300-page book.

I’m sure it’s going to be a bragging session. Who earns the most. Who’s travelled where. Got the cutest kids. The fanciest cars. The coolest job. It’s supposed to be Pax Benedictina. Ora eat Labora, prayer and work. We’re supposed to be humble, but you know that’s not always the case. Even if I live in Sydney and have published books, I prefer a more laidback approach.

The Unrest

I feel sorry for those that couldn’t make it in person as they conked out too soon. Last month, one of them visited me in my dreams. Dad told me to pray for his soul. Trying to be a good son, I nodded along. Deep down, I have NO intention to follow through on my promise. He’s deceased for a reason. Maybe, had he been a better person, he wouldn’t have to cameo in my subconscious. He didn’t treat me very well, so why should I?

I hope that I don’t end up lovelorn like Dexter. Nothing more heartbreaking than going home to an empty nest, the love of your life gone too soon.

Human nature allows us to think that there will always be another chance, another day. We become complacent, sheltered, even spoiled. What if, like my frenemy, your time runs out? What if right now is the only opportunity we’ll ever have?