“Well, well, it’s always very loud when you are back.” She kissed my cheek.
“How does she know?” I asked rhetorically.
“Hello, little princess,” said a man’s voice that I didn’t quickly recognize as Chester.
“Welcome back.” When I kissed his cheek, he and Donna looked at each other and burst out laughing. I knew I was behaving too politely, and it must have been unusual for Julie’s natural behavior.
“How’s university?” he asked.
“Well you…left without saying goodbye.” I ignored his question.
“Ah, little one is angry?” he asked.
“So what are your plans for tonight?” I hoped they had something planned as Eric said. In fact I couldn’t wait to be alone with Eric again.
“I told Chester about the snowman. We decided to work together on making one that will blow Eric’s mind.” She leaned on Chester as she spoke.
“In fact we already started.” He raised one eyebrow.
“Really? I want to see.” I started walking toward the backyard. Chester, Donna, and Luna followed. There were three big circles of snow, and also what seemed like a stage made of snow too. It looked enormous. “How long do you think we will need to finish it?”
“I think if we all four work together, we can get it done in a few hours,” Donna said with excitement.
“Luna’s going to work with us?” I said, laughing.
“No, I will,” a tough voice said from behind me. It was Simmi’s.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Of course it’s you.” I lowered my face in embarrassment. Donna and Chester were laughing. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Okay, so we should start,” Simmi said. “Now.”
The plan was to make a male snowman and a female one on what seemed like a stage. They would be facing one another. The male was going to be holding a pipe and the female a mirror.
I texted Eric that I wasn’t sure yet about tonight, but I said I would text him back when I knew. While we all worked together I was very anxious to go look at the phone to see if he had replied.
The end of the project was pure success. I doubted that Eric was able to do something more beautiful than what we did. Donna put fake eyelashes on the female snowman. Chester made sure that his snowman wore a suit and tie. It was hilarious. Luna was barking at the snowman and snowwoman as they finished. She was confused I guess that they looked human but didn’t smell like it.
By the time we had finished our family project, Chester went to shower and decided to take Donna out. I observed Donna’s face and she seemed content. I hurried toward the phone anticipating Eric’s reply. I had a missed call from him with a message that said just “Okay.” I called him, wondering what his voice would sound like over the phone. When he didn’t take the call I texted him saying that I was available for tonight. I needed to shower and fix my nail polish because when it dried out it became obvious that one shade was a different color. I was so eager to see him again, but I didn’t want to think of it too much because I would be trapped in the idea that I was stealing Julie’s love. I was too decent to do something like that.
I went through Julie’s album and found the perfect outfit for a dinner. She had worn that on a Christmas evening. It was a black dress with high heels, matched with a belt made of black and gold tissue. When I had my outfit ready I quickly removed the old nail polish and applied my night cream over my face. I blow-dried my hair; it was perfect. As soon as I finished my makeup, Donna knocked on my bedroom door and came inside. She wanted to give me her number and Chester’s in case I needed anything while they were away. She was more relaxed as I explained that I was going to be with Eric. It was strange for me to find parents that actually liked their daughter’s boyfriend.
After getting ready, I hurried downstairs; I was twenty minutes early so I thought of eating something small in order not to scare Eric with how hungry I was. Somehow what relaxed me was that I was Julie and it was okay for Julie to be very hungry; there was nothing she did that was too embarrassing.
While going down the stairs I was stunned to find Eric waiting at the bottom of them. Suddenly I pushed my back straight and walked down the stairs looking more feminine. His facial expression was as stunned as my own as he watched me come down the stairs wearing that dress.
“Aren’t you a little early?” I mock-frowned.
He shook his head. He kept his eyes fixed on me. “You’ll need a coat.”
“I left it upstairs. I didn’t think I’d find you here yet.” I looked at my shoes, trying to avoid the light in his eyes.
He grabbed me suddenly around my waist and pulled me toward him. He placed a kiss on my forehead. “Don’t worry, you won’t need it right this moment.”
I tried to control my laughter.
“I can call in for some Japanese and red wine.”
“Oh, we’re staying here?”
“Just a little.” He placed another kiss over my hand.
“That sounds good.” The truth was I had never tried wine before, and most importantly I’d never had Japanese. I didn’t want to sound like I was afraid of what he said; how hard could it be to swallow alcohol anyways.
“I’m glad Chester and Donna went out.” He walked with me toward the sitting room.
“Yes, they decided that after we…I mean, in the afternoon.” I was glad it didn’t slip out that we had accomplished the snowman project. I wasn’t supposed to tell Eric yet.
He smiled at my confusion; it was obvious he realized there was something I tried to hide. I watched him dial something on his phone, then he called for some raw fish and said the names of things I didn’t understand. I walked around the piano and thought of surprising Eric with the melody I had played just last night, but then I thought of leaving this for some other special opportunity. I moved toward the fire, feeling colder now. I picked up a blanket near the chimney and placed it around my shoulders. Eric finished the phone call and joined me near the fire.
“What are you thinking about?” I asked him as he stared into the fire.
“If you would dance with me…” He looked at me with wide eyes, the color of the fire reflecting over his cheeks and hair.
“Now?” I laughed.
He stepped over to the stereo system and pressed a few keys. Suddenly one of Frank Sinatra’s songs was playing all across the room. It was one of my favorite songs called “My Way.” A second later he was right beside me. It was strange that I didn’t obey my thoughts when I was around him; even when I told myself to escape him I just followed him. He pulled me toward him gently; his cologne was very pleasant. He swung me sideways; I followed his steps as he looked into my eyes. He had this smile on his face that made me relax one instant and feel a little nervous the next. Most likely that meant I was doing the right steps, although I didn’t miss the chance of stepping on his shoes a few times; he still smiled. I had one hand on his shoulder and with the other I just held his arm. He slid his hand upwards until he caught my loose hand; our fingers closed together…I smiled shyly.
I think I was shaking a little and worried that he felt it. I wasn’t very cold anymore; instead I think I was a little bothered with how warm the atmosphere had become. I made an effort to be in control of everything I was feeling— difficult to do though as he leaned into me until our heads touched. I made sure his eyes were closed before I closed mine. I didn’t want him to think I was silly for closing mine alone while he didn’t. Of course that was me, Cassandra, over-thinking everything and worrying about the stupid details.
There…the song was coming to an end. I started wondering if he was going to kiss me again. I was too nervous and I didn’t know why; we had already kissed once and it was beautiful. But he didn’t. Instead he waited till the end of the song before he pulled away from me and kissed my hand. Cassandra wasn’t too happy, but I guess Julie was. He went to lower the music and then came back to me. It was impossible not to like him. I almost didn’t mind Julie hearing it; I liked
Eric loud and clear in my head. Sorry, Julie, but I really do.
A moment later the bell rang. Simmi hurried to open the door.
“It’s okay, Simmi. Why aren’t you asleep yet?” he asked her.
“Oh, little Eric, I was having some water when I heard the bell ring.” She said this with a feminine voice, very sweet and unusual. I was shocked at how nice she had suddenly become. I couldn’t believe that she actually liked him more than she liked me!
“I got this.” He opened the door and greeted the delivery man.
She waited a little so that by the time Eric had finished paying the guy she took the wrapped food and placed it on the table.
“It’s okay, Simmi. I really got this. Go to sleep now.” He smiled at her and she started walking away.
It was unbelievable the kind of relationship he had with this family. Even Simmi liked him—she didn’t like anyone as far as I knew. She didn’t even like herself! She was in a happy mood as she spoke to Eric; I even saw her teeth underneath that smile.
“I would suggest for you a seat closer to the fire.” He pulled up a chair.
“Thank you.” I placed myself in it.
I watched him unwrap the food and place it in the perfect center of the table. He placed the wrapper in a paper bag and took it into the kitchen; when he came back he had two glasses and a bottle of water on a tray. I smiled at him as he organized everything so well. He lit a candle that was already on the table, and just before he sat he asked me if I would like some wine. I nodded. I didn’t want him to go away anymore; the wine was here in the same room.
He finally sat down facing me and started preparing my dish. I had no idea how to eat it, but Cassandra was a good imitator; that was my perfect escape. I waited until he started. He held the wooden sticks and picked up a piece of sushi with them. Now I knew it was impossible for me to do the same thing; I was sure to drop everything. I’d never had sushi before and didn’t even know if I liked it.
“Please eat,” he said with a beautiful voice.
I picked up the sticks and tried to catch one piece with it; it was obviously impossible. I convinced myself that even if I had to drop it a few times I would finally get the technique. Eric watched me silently until the piece flipped from between the sticks and fell over my dress. Luckily I had a napkin in my lap, but then it rolled down over my dress to the floor. I almost died of shame as he left his seat to clean me up. My face heated and I started sweating.
“I feel a little tired today.” I hoped it was a good enough excuse for being so clumsy.
“It’s normal. Don’t worry about it.” He tried to hide the laugh, but I knew he was laughing in his mind. I tried not to think about it. “I will go change,” I said.
“I would suggest you finish eating first. You know, in case…”
“In case what?” I hoped he wasn’t intending to say “in case you drop another piece on your clothes.”
“I mean, in any case you will need to change because we will go out afterwards.” I knew this was not really what he was thinking about, but I agreed anyways and resigned myself to my seat.
“The fork is easier.” He left his sticks and started using the fork himself. I did the same thing and succeeded. After a few bites I pretended not to be hungry anymore because the taste was a little funny and I wasn’t used to it. I waited for him to finish as I sipped some wine and struggled during the swallowing.
“Where are we going?” I asked with an innocent voice.
“I will show you my snowman.”
“Oh, then I should wear something warm.”
“Yes, you should change now.” He was looking mysterious and even smirked a little. I knew he thought he was going to astonish me with his snowman. I knew it was actually me who was going to astonish him with my own.
I had no time to look for clothing in Julie’s album, and I didn’t want to keep him waiting for too long, so I decided to wear the exact same clothes I had worn earlier today—but I couldn’t find them. Simmi must have taken them for a wash. I picked just any jeans and a brown shirt with long sleeves. I grabbed a white hat and a jacket; I left them on my arm and pulled on some long brown boots. I hurried downstairs where Eric had cleaned the table. He asked if I wanted some fruit before we went; I said no. I was still very hungry but didn’t want Eric to notice it.
“An apple maybe?” he asked with a strange look. I was afraid he knew I was still hungry.
“Perhaps jam and butter on toast.” I tried to sound natural. “I feel like something sweet.”
“Oh sure.” He pulled a seat out for himself. “Can I have one?”
“Which jam do you like?” I liked how he followed me.
“The same as you.” He hugged his elbows on the table.
I toasted two pieces of bread and placed some butter on top of them first, then I spread them with strawberry jam. I handed him one and took the other. We ate them quickly before we headed to the door.
“Oh wait.” I stopped him suddenly. “I want to show you something.”
“What is it?” He looked confused as I walked in circles around him.
“I want to show you my snowman first.” I smiled.
“Oh.” He laughed. “I didn’t know you finished it already.”
“Well, I wanted to surprise you.” I tightened my lips, forbidding myself to laugh. I knew he was going to be surprised with how perfect my project turned out to be.
I closed his eyes and walked him to the salon, then turned the projector light on toward the snowman and snowwoman in the backyard. He almost tripped twice and we laughed along the way. Once I asked him to open his eyes I was a little upset that he didn’t seem surprised at all.
“Is it bad?” I asked, worried.
“No, it’s great.” He smiled.
“Why don’t you like it?”
“No, I like it…who did it?”
“I did. Well, a part of it,” I said, laughing. I stopped laughing when I realized that he wasn’t laughing too.
“I’m worried now.” He walked out to the yard and around the snowwoman. “I’m worried you won’t like mine. This is just too good, and I don’t think I’ll be able to impress you anymore.”
“Oh.” I felt bad that I made his project seem inferior. “I’m sure I will love it.”
“I’m worried now…really. I must ask for some help before you see it.” He walked between the snowman and the snowwoman. “Whose lashes are these?”
“I really can’t tell you.” I pulled the jacket over me and tightened the scarf around my neck.
“This is well done. I’m surprised.” He took his phone from his pocket. “I will need some reinforcements.”
“What?” I laughed. “Well, now it’s too late.”
He started typing on his phone. I was curious to know who he was talking to. Despite the efforts I made to keep myself from peeking at the screen of his mobile, I asked what he was doing. He smiled like a fox, saying that I would see for myself.
During the drive to his house, he received a message on his phone. I couldn’t deny feeling a little jealous, but I had a good feeling that ran parallel with it too.
I relaxed in my seat until the car became warm. Suddenly some mist started forming on the windshield. Eric turned the defroster on, and with a spontaneous move he held my hand.
“Are you cold?” His hand was obviously warmer than mine.
“A little,” I admitted.
“We’re almost there.”
It was starting to snow again very lightly. A few flecks settled on my hair as I stepped from the car. We were close to the woodhouse, and I had a feeling the snowman was somewhere there. The closer we came to the woodhouse the more surprised I was that there was no snowman. I was starting to feel a little worried because I didn’t like to be in the middle of the forest in a valley on a snowy night. We had reached the woodhouse and there was no snowman. I wondered if it was on the other side. Suddenly Eric opened the door without a key this time; a light came from the
interior of the house.
“Eric,” I asked with a trembling voice.
“Yeah?” He stood at the doorsill waiting for the second part of my question.
“The snowman?” I blinked a few times due to the cold.
“Right here.” He opened the door all the way. A snowman was inside the woodhouse with lots of candles surrounding it.
“You must be kidding me.” I walked toward it with a shocked expression, trying to absorb it. “How did you do that?”
“No, wait, wait a little.” He took my arm and led me toward it. “My snowman might not be as big and beautiful as yours…but he is alive. I’m afraid for you.”
“Alive?” I laughed. I noticed suddenly that the snowman was holding something with his hand. It appeared to be a ring box. I hesitated to come any closer.
“Yes, in fact I saw him move around a few times. It took me two days to convince him to stay still when you came in. Finally I had to light some candles around him as a threat.”
“Well, what’s his name?” I tried to play along to dispel the tension I was feeling at the sight of the ring box.
“I’m not sure.”
“Can he dance?” I joked more.
“I don’t think so, but I know he can speak.” He smiled.
“Really?”
“Yes, he even told me that he had something to ask you.”
I suddenly felt like there was no escaping what was coming next. Eric was going to ask me for marriage. I wasn’t scared, I was in fact happy even with the strong stomach pain that I was feeling. If anything I think I was scared to be disappointed that he had something else to say. I looked at his face with a mixed feeling of happiness and worry; he turned my face around toward the snowman.
“Snowman, did you want to tell her something?”
Suddenly a human voice came out of the snowman: “Will you marry him again?”
It scared the hell out of me. I jumped toward Eric and he started laughing uncontrollably. The voice that came from the snowman was laughing too. Luke appeared from behind the snowman with laughter-tears in his eyes. Eric held me in his arms.
“I succeeded in putting you in my arms without asking you to come closer to me.” He smiled.
Different Minds Page 21