Lovefool (Introduction)
Page 17
#16 THE LADY IS A TRAMP
It was a snowy, but bright afternoon as they met in the city centre. She texted him to meet at the entrance to Łazienki, one of the most beautiful parks in Warsaw. She was dressed elegantly and apparently she had already been there for a longer time and didn't intend to jog. She was graceful and sporty. Her hair was put together, which gave her face a certain expression. Her big green eyes were hidden under sunglasses. As usual she was wearing inconspicuous colours, grey this time. Grey hardly ever attracts attention. She wore her black coat, which underlined her skinny physique and black boots. She stuck the legs of her jeans into her shoes and wore a white shawl. She had her hands in the pockets and seemed to have been standing there for a while already.
He was too happy to see any shadow on her face. She didn't look as tired as she felt. When she noticed him, she approached him vigorously, the way she usually walks.
He said “Hi!” and she said “Hello”.
-So you don't want to run today? – asked Sebastian. He didn't choose sport things for today, either. Somehow, it wasn't convenient to go running on a day like this!
Mia shook her head.
Then they were walking in silence for a long while. The snow, barely there, but still enough, let the trees and plants appear with a cover like in an Immortal Iceland. The cloudless sky was bright; nevertheless, the first street lamps were already on. It was a late afternoon and usually it would have been already grey outside, as it had been in the last few cloudy days.
They walked through the park and none of them knew how to start the conversation. She seemed to be relaxed and pleased by his company, he looked as if he had too many questions right on his lips and didn't know what to ask first.
-Are you coming here often? –He broke the silence between them and she looked at him.
-Sometimes, not often.
-Why did you choose this place? Why are you not coming to the party?
-Parties? It’s not my stuff. I am not a party-girl.
-But today is one of the most important nights of the year!
-It depends on the person how important it is. I don’t celebrate much.
-What are you doing instead?
-Reading, working, running.
He had already gotten the same answer before. She was really just running and reading. Incredible!
-And studying?
-I am not old enough.
He was right; she was younger than he thought when he first saw her. So, she was a high-school girl.
-You’re new in town?
-Quite new.
She didn't look to the sides or at him; she was rather focused on the way in front of her. He was a confused because of all the questions he had asked and apparently there was still no interest from her side to get to know him better. That was disappointing. He kept quiet.
They walked here and there; sometimes they heard some people on the other side of the park who were rushing because of the upcoming party. It got darker and it looked like a snowstorm was approaching. One could feel the excitement in the air and he couldn't understand how she could stay so calm the whole time.
-So where are you going to celebrate New Year? – He asked as they were already walking for half an hour without saying a word.
-I am not going to go there, but I wish you will have a great party.
He thought she just accepted this meeting to do him favour, in an act of mercy for the poor boy who fell in love with her. It would be unfair to say he didn't enjoy it, although he didn't like walking around without having a conversation. He was able to enjoy the silence again.
He saw her and felt connected to her more than before. She seemed to be pleased that he didn't force her to talk. And then he proposed to give her a ride home, she refused by saying that she didn’t live so far away from here and it wasn't worth taking her home. She insisted to not to go to the party and celebrate.
-The fact I don’t celebrate doesn't mean you should stay home as well, if you already have other plans for a long time. – She added as goodbye.
She was right. His whole world should not turn just around her. Still, you tend to focus more on the aspects you love and appreciate in a person than on those that you don't. In addition, right now the New Year eve’s party didn't look so promising to Sebastian anymore.