An mX Moment

It was when I was walking with Ethan somewhere in the city of Melbourne months ago that I first chanced upon the free newspaper, mX, and it was occasionally when I passed by an mX “stand” (for the lack of a better word) that I’d pick one up and read it at home, or when I’m eating lunch alone, or in a tram. I noticed the standard mX trademark consists of a large picture (or several pictures) on the front page, followed by a large headline below it (yesterday’s was “Pee is for prank”, with the sub-headline, “Students pelted with urine and semen”. I don’t think I need to go into any further details); and though standard reporting does permeate the paper, informal tabloidy updates such as what interesting/outrageous things celebrities have tweeted, Lindsay Lohan’s supposed wrinkles, etc do exist.

But what drew me to the paper is a section labeled as “Here’s looking at you”, which I’d coin as “mX moment” for short. Short texts of missed connections, what-ifs, and what-could-have-been’s from Melburnians were posted on this section, and often these texts were from people who lacked the courage to confront what could’ve been the start of a new friendship or a relationship.

A few selected texts from yesterday’s mX, in verbatim:

To the girl on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth streets on Monday afternoon, you were with a friend. We caught each other’s eyes. You’re a star. - M

Blue box (mX, October 12) on the Epping line, I have reasons to believe it was me. If so I had a green belt on as well. And I’m gay. Take me out one night. - Interested

Paul, I know who you are, but sorry you’re aiming too high. I don’t like you. Leave me alone. - Concerned

To the guy with sunnies on the 3.29 Craigieburn who got on at Parliament, I was wearing yellow. You’re smokin’. - Kristy

To B from William Angliss, did you know that I bug you all the time because I want to get your attention? I like you, but I don’t have the guts to say. Hopefully I’ll grow some . . . soon. - NN

To the girl opposite me on the No.8 tram at 6 on Monday with the three-leaf clover necklace, we shared glances and a smile. Coffee? - B

To the Russian guy who wrestles wolves, you’re hot. Meet me on dota? - Berg Schloss

Happy (mX, Mon), I’m sure I’m the guy in the pink shirt. You are like a beautiful Asian caterpillar, ready to hatch. Coffee at Dimmeys? - Coccoon man

To the girl coming back from the races on Saturday who got off at Carrum station, I’m the tradie. Drinks? - Carl bull

To the girl in the white London shirt with red and purple hair and piercings on the 10.26pm Belgrave train on Mon, I was the hot guy who fell over. - Head over heels

To the brunette on the 5.07 from Flinders St, you wore a burger necklace and a bag with googly eyes. I could look at you all day. - Shy boy

On September 29, I’ve had an mX moment that could’ve been the prologue of a new friendship. After purchasing some groceries at Woolworths, I hitched Tram No. 30 (illegally) and noticed the occupants were mostly Asians, until a white guy in his 20s walked in and sat diagonally and to the left from my seat. He put on his glasses, and kept giving me the once-over—I briefly wondered, with his checkered shirt and overall sense of fashion, if he’s an artist. I surreptitiously glanced at him by moving my head and our eyes met briefly; I raised my eyebrows questioningly, wondering if we’ve ever met, and his eyes diverted away.

We both got off at William St to different directions: me towards Flagstaff Gardens, and he towards Flagstaff Railway Station.

I’ve often wondered, perhaps with a tinge of regret, what would’ve happened if either of us took the plunge. Or if any of the above quoted mX texters found their The One from shy glances at a railway station or brief conversations in trams. Or if I had made that call to the Melburnian driver who offered to show me around for free.

In a mix of a disconnected puddle of people in public places, when we listen to our iPods or the thoughts in our head, when we pass by the millions of lives floating through us, I often question: could any one of them be a significant part of our lives?