Chocolate Reality

by Steena Holmes

  I think Cocoa is an excellent name for her, and in all honesty, how could I not have a cat named Cocoa?

  Cocoa begins to lick Heather’s face, which causes giggles to erupt from Heather. I take it she’s a bit ticklish. After a few more cuddles with the kitten in her hand, Heather places Cocoa back into the carrier and then reaches for Jewel to hold as well. After the same routine, holding, cuddling, face tickling giggles, Heather is ready to get back to work. I took the kittens and their carrier into my office in the back and gently tell them to go to sleep.

  I walk out to the front to grab a cup of coffee, when Heather barricades me into the corner of the store, behind the counter.

  “Wynne Taylor, what is this news that Tracey told me about this morning? Why didn’t you call me last night. I would have come over you know. Whatever possessed him to come over to your home unannounced and just dump on you with this news? He has no right to do that. And what possessed you, little missy, to offer to throw him of all people, an engagement party.” Heather stood in front of me with her hands on her hips, clearly annoyed with me.

  I had to laugh at her a little bit. I’ve had all night and morning to process this news, she just recently found out.

  “Don’t you dare laugh at me missy. I’m not the one making nonsense type decisions here. Seriously.” Heather rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

  I take it she’s not all that happy with me.

  I’m not all that happy with myself either. But it’s not like I can back out of this either. I made a rash emotional decision, and now I need help to deal with this mess.

  “Okay, okay ... I admit I made the decision based on sheer emotion, and yes, I should have called you … but … you still love me. Now, let me by, so I can grab my coffee and then you can help me get out of this big mess.” I admitted, while gently nudging her out of my way. With the way things are looking right now … I am definitely going to need that coffee.

  As I move away from the door, I can hear some gentle noise coming from my office. Ahh, the sounds of two kittens meowing. I smile softly as I head to the coffee counter. I can’t wait to take them home. I’ll need to make a list of things to purchase; thank goodness the Dollar Store is nearby. I can grab some cat toys there, as well as some collars and dishes for food and water. Maybe I’ll get them their own beds or maybe one big bed for them to sleep in. I don’t want them to get in the habit of sleeping with me in my bed.

  Armed with coffee and some little treats, I head to the corner table where Tracey and Heather are huddled together with their heads joined, deep in conversation.

  “I come bearing gifts,” I stated with a bow.

  “You’ve come to try to sweeten us up, more like it,” said Heather. She knows me so well.

  “Will it help?” I ask sweetly. I make sure I give my sweet little innocent smile, while I bat my eyelashes at the two.

  “If it’s chocolate, who cares?” Tracey said, as she grabbed the place of goodies out of my hand.

  “So,” Tracey stopped to take a bite out of a chocolate macaroon the size of small child’s hand. “Heather and I have decided that this needs to be a spectacular party, one that will take everyone’s mind off the fact it’s you throwing it. In fact, we’ll spread it around that it’s the group of us doing it, as old friends of Jude. We’ll take the focus completely off of you as the hostess.” She popped the rest of the macaroon into her mouth.

  “You think that will work?” I said. Somehow I doubt it.

  “No, I don’t think it will work, but at least we’re trying,” Heather retorted back. I think I might have insulted her by being skeptical.

  “I do appreciate it. What would I do without you two to help me fix my messes? You know I love you … enough to share my chocolate with you, and that’s a big deal.”

  All right, all right, that was a bit cheeky of a reply, but I need to get back into the good graces of Heather, and I figure a bit of teasing might help.

  I glanced at Heather to see if it was working, and found her watching me with a thoughtful gleam in her eye.

  “What?”

  “Have you had any more of your mystery man dreams?”

  “Why?” I said. I don’t like the sound of this, nope, not at all.

  “What does that have to do with throwing this engagement party?” Tracey asked Heather.

  “It doesn’t really have anything to do with the party per say, but I’m wondering if she offered to throw this party with a bit of desperation,” she answered still with that thoughtful look in her eye.

  “I don’t understand,” replied Tracey. “How would desperation make her do this?”

  “Well, the more she has these dreams, the more frustrated I’ve noticed her become, especially in regards to being single. I think that instead of being ready to deal with these issues, she just blurted out that she would throw this party. Now there is something else in her life for her to focus on rather than the real heart issues.” Heather explained.

  “Whoa, hold on a minute guys. I’m sitting right here.” I asked with just a bit of frustration to my voice. I don’t like being ignored. Nor do I like the fact that Heather is hitting awfully close to home right now.

  “Only if you’ll admit that I’m right,” Heather answered back.

  “Why do I have to admit that? So you can psychoanalyze me even more? No. Let’s just drop this subject and deal with the issue at hand. Please?” I ask, addressing this question to both gals.

  “Well, there’s no reason to get your jimmies all in a knot.” Tracey shot back at me. “Besides, you haven’t answered the original question.”

  “What question?” I asked. “The one about whether or not I’ve had more dreams?” I answered. I’m not really sure I like how this conversation is going right now.

  “Yes, that question” Heather replied with a sigh.

  I took my cup of coffee in both hands and brought it to my face. I inhaled slowly, absorbing the aroma within my senses. There’s nothing like having the aroma of coffee surround you. I take a couple sips, trying to waste time before having to answer. Fortified with coffee, I finally answer.

  “Yes, I had a dream last night. We were sitting by a pond. There was a pink blanket on the grass, and he had a beautiful hatbox sitting in his hands. It was gold with a pink ribbon. He was handing me the box, but I was hesitant to take it. I felt a bit afraid, but I took it in my hands and slowly began to undo the ribbon. I didn’t open the box though. I think if I had, all the mysteries of my dreams would be answered, and I wasn’t ready for that.” I twirled my coffee cup on my hand while I described to them my dream from last night.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know who he is?” asked Tracey.

  “Why? Heather already thinks I know who he is, but just not willing to admit it.” I answered her back.

  “True” Heather answered. “Have you thought any more about trying to find him?”

  “Who? Trying to find whom? Okay, guys, I’m a bit lost here.” Tracey butts in before I have a chance to answer.

  “Heather seems to think that I’m dreaming of Rich. I think she’s wrong. Heather’s convinced that if I only try to find Rich, get in touch with him, that might solve all my single problems. But I think he’s married. So if I do try to get in touch with him I’ll probably end up talking with his wife, and then how do I explain?” Was my answer to Tracey. Evidently I haven’t kept her abreast of this.

  “And what if you find out that you’re wrong? What then Wynne?” Heather asked me. “What if he’s been single all along and it’s just your stubbornness that has been keeping you apart? What will it hurt?” she asked me.

  “It could hurt my heart. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take Heather” I answered.

  “TIME OUT.” Tracey yelled. Both Heather and I glance at her and found her to be leaning on top of the table looking at us rather sternly.

  “Yes’m,” I say meekly, while kicking Heather under the table.

  “All right. I can tell this is a s
omewhat sticky topic between the two of you, and obviously not going to be dealt with today. So can we please deal with the topic on hand … we have a party to plan.” Tracey lectures us in her ‘don’t give me any nonsense’ mom tone.

  While she is forcing us to calm down, I can hear a slight commotion in the background. I glance at Lily to see if she knows what is going on, but she is looking at me with a worried look on her face. She’s gesturing toward my office. What could possibly be making that noise in my office? The kittens are in their crate, and besides, I was told all they would do is sleep today. What could they possible do?

  I quickly get up and start to walk towards my office. That’s when I begin to hear more noise. I could hear something breaking, almost like glass. I walk faster. There is a louder noise, more distinguishable now … a loud meow or two. Oh boy. I did leave them in their crate, didn’t I?

  “Did you lock the crate gate?” Heather asked me as she followed me to the door.

  “I think so” I replied as I opened the door cautiously. I begin to peer around the door amazed at what I see. As I’m standing there in shock, out darts one of the kittens. Before I could react it was past me. The other one almost made it as well, but Heather grabbed a hold of it as it whizzed by me.

  Behind me I could hear Tracey and Lily calling for the kitten. I have no idea where it has gone to, but I’ll let them deal with it for now. Right now I have to face the mess in my office.

  The site that greets me as I open the door is definitely one that will stay in my memory forever. If I had time to scrapbook, this is a sight that I would have taken a picture of. I have a thought in my head for a label, but it’s not one that should be spoken out loud.

  The glass sound that I heard was of my lamp being knocked over and crashing to the ground. Any papers that were on my desk have mysteriously disappeared, and somehow ended up all over my floor. My seat cushion is in shreds. My bottle of water is all over my desk; obviously I had forgotten to snap on the lid when I last used it. The dish of little candies that I like to keep on my desk is scattered about, the dish is on the floor unbroken, but the candies are everywhere. Ribbon that had been originally rolled up is now unrolled, and I’m not sure if the little puddles of water on my floor are actually water or something else unmentionable. What happened to my sweet little kittens that were supposed to sleep all day?

  Heather glances around me and begins to giggle. I turn to look at her and give her one of those ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ type of looks. She just keeps on giggling. It’s hard to stay stern when she giggles, so I smile. I try to keep it in, but it’s so hard to do, so eventually I find myself giggling as well. There’s nothing like two girls giggling to attract attention. Up walks Tracey, holding the other kitten in her arms. She peeks inside the office, gasps and then the tell tale signs of a smile begin to show on her face as well.

  Soon all three of us are giggling. I leave Heather and Tracey holding the offending criminals while I walk inside to search for evidence of the crate being left unlocked. Amazingly I find it unlatched. I glare at Heather accusingly, but she just shrugs her shoulders unable to speak due to her giggling. Tracey then winks at me, and points. I’m standing in a wet puddle. I groan. They giggle even harder. The kittens are wiggling in their captor’s hands, trying to get free. I grab each offender and place them in the crate, making sure I lock it soundly this time. They are making sure I hear their outrage in tiny little meows, but at this point I’m mute to their cries. My sanctuary has been destroyed, and my designer shoe is wet with what, I really don’t want to guess at, and my friends are just standing there giggling. This is now officially a crisis. I definitely need more coffee and chocolate.

  *****

  With my office cleaned up and the supposedly ‘angelic’ kittens finally sleeping, I find myself back at the table trying to make plans for the engagement party I mistakenly offered to throw. Armed with enough chocolate to satisfy any pre-menopausal woman we got down to business.

  We finally came to the conclusion that we would hold the party in our church basement. Tracey loves to make homemade cards, so she will create invitations to the party. Heather would create her delicious masterpieces – desserts only, and I would be in charge of the decorating.

  Now this will be fun. I’ll have to find out what type of things Stacey likes so I can turn the versatile basement of the church into a beautiful room. In my head I have visions of pink lace, tulle and ribbon all over the place. Not a pretty vision. I’m hoping she will like soft colors, but not too girly. After all, this isn’t just for the bride to be.

  Perhaps some heavy cream-colored tablecloths with classic black napkins. For the centerpieces we can fill assorted vases with water and clear cellophane wrapping paper, and sprinkle some pink sparkles throughout the water. I’ll place a floater candle on top of the vases and add some tea light candles around each vase. Not too girly, or masculine. Simple but elegant. Oh, and some Gerbera flowers all over the room as well. Since it’s winter, I might have to buy fake ones, but if they are nice enough, no one will mind.

  With these thoughts racing through my head, I catch a glimmer of what I would like my engagement party to look like. I allow the thought that I am doing this more for me than for Stacey and Jude to linger for just a second before I toss the idea out and stubbornly announce to myself that this has nothing to do with me personally. With that in mind I take a walk through my store, dusting this, touching that, doing anything I can to take my mind off my reasoning for doing this party.

  Things are a bit slow today in the store, so while Lily closes up, I’ll take my kitten’s home and introduce them to their new place. I can hear them meowing in my office, they are probably ready to get out of their carrier and run free. If this afternoon was any indication as to how my life as a new pet owner will be like, I don’t think I’ll have a quiet evening for a while. What was I ever thinking when I decided to get both kittens, I have no idea.

  Chapter 7

  After an evening of de-cluttering and kitty-proofing my home, I spend some quiet time going through some old bridal magazines trying to get ideas of what we can do for Jude and Stacey’s party.

  I used to hide my magazines from any guests that came through my door, until I realized that it is quite normal for single women to have any number of bridal magazines scattered throughout their homes, with sticky notes protruding out of various pages within the magazine. It might actually be considered quite odd if you didn’t find at least one or two of these magazines in any given single woman’s home. After all, let’s be honest. No matter our age, wedding filled dreams are a part of who we are.

  Every woman knows exactly what they want their wedding dress to look like, they have already picked out their music, the song they will walk down the aisle to and who will be in their wedding party. For some, the invitations have already been chosen; they are just waiting for the grooms name to appear on them. Some might call them fantasy dreams, but for those of us who are living this fantasy life, it’s our dream that they will one day become a reality.

  While reading ‘21 Ways to Fool Proof Your Wedding’, and ‘How to Create the Wedding of Your Dreams, Not Your Mother’s’, my phone rings. Not only does this startle me, as I was deeply engrossed within these articles, but it startled Cocoa and Jewel, who had finally fallen asleep after a bout of playtime with my afghan. In the midst of me trying to reach the phone, while not loosing my page and trying not to get scratched by the frightened kittens, I managed to spill my hot coffee that I had resting on the edge of my armrest. I answer the phone with a “hot hot hot – ouch,” and hear my mother’s voice protruding through the line.

  “Wynne, are you okay? What happened? Is this a bad time?”

  “No no, it’s a fine time Mother” I answered while skipping around the floor trying to untangle myself from the afghan I somehow got caught up in. While trying to avoid the ever-growing puddle of coffee that is beginning to surround my feet, I notice out of the corner of my eye t
he kittens running through the doorway heading to who knows where.

  “Well you don’t sound fine. What happened this time?” my mom asked with a hint of disbelief in her voice.

  “What do you mean by ‘this time’? It’s not like things happen to me a lot Mom. I just spilt some coffee on myself while trying to reach the phone” I answered in annoyance. The way my mom talks you would think I was a walking klutz.

  “Wynne, don’t take that tone with me. The last time I talked with you, your nose was bleeding because you fell out of bed. And before that you twisted your ankle while wearing your new dress shoes. Or what about the time you got that huge bump on your forehead by walking into a post while talking on your cell phone? Sometimes I think your head is up in ‘la-la land’.” she exclaimed while listing all my most recent mishaps.

  “All right, already. How are you doing mom?” I asked.

  “I’m fine – I’m calling to ask if you’re feeling okay?” she asked me.

  “I’m feeling fine mom. Why? What’s up?”

  “What do you mean what’s up? I just received a call from Jude’s mother. That’s what’s up. She wanted to let me know what a nice daughter I have. How sweet and how kind it is of you to throw Jude and his fiancé an engagement party.”

  The silence between us is palatable.

  “An engagement party, Wynne. Do you know how stupefied I felt? I had no idea that he was engaged, let alone that you of all people would throw him a party to celebrate it. What made you do that, and why didn’t you tell me?” It’s amazing how mothers can sound both exasperated and astonished at the same time. It must be a gift they acquire.

  “I just found out as well that he was engaged, and I was so shocked that I just blurted it out. I couldn’t very well take it back. Besides, I’m actually looking forward to doing it now. You know how much I love to throw parties. Tracey and Heather are helping me, and we’re making a joint effort, so that it won’t appear that I’m the one throwing it” I tried to explain to her.