by R. N. Snow
Finally, hours later, the last bell for the day is rung. I say goodbye to Georgia and literally run out of the class. Leah’s car is at the mechanic’s, so I’m taking the bus home.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It’s Saturday, and I cannot wait for noon. I pass the time cleaning my room and bathroom, and then doing my laundry. I don’t want to get there when they’re in the middle of cleaning up. So, even after doing my laundry, I kill time by eating ice cream in front of the TV. I’m watching a movie, The Lion King. It is a story about family, loyalty, and sacrifice. Well, and betrayal, but that’s secondary. It depicts a parent’s undying love for their offspring. For some minutes, I wish I were the lion cub Simba. I actually cried watching some of the scenes.
When the movie is over, I go to get dressed. I already picked out an outfit that I think is perfect for my visit. It’s a hugging electric-blue dress, which is classy without looking immodest.
I took a shower before the movie, so I just get dressed. For the first time in ages, I have makeup on. The makeup is Hazel’s. When I go to her room to ask for her makeup, she is as surprised as I was when the thought of applying makeup crossed my mind. She asks me if I’m going on a date. I say no.
“Then, why do you want my makeup purse? I mean, why do you want to wear makeup today?”
“Oh! I just feel like looking extra good today. I heard that it improves the mood.”
“Where are you going then?”
“To see my neighbor in class. She’s a girl, by the way. Her name is Georgia.”
“Hmmm!”
“Uhm, before you start having crazy thoughts, I’m as straight as they come, straighter than a ruler. No attractions whatsoever for females.”
“I’ve heard you. My makeup purse is in that drawer. Handle with care; I spent money on those things. I’m clear, right?”
“Crystal clear, sis. I’ll get it back in good condition. You know what? Help with it please.”
“Huh? Come on! I’m busy.”
“But you’re just lying in bed.”
“I’m busy resting.”
“Hazel, pretty please.”
“Okay, okay, okay.”
She climbs out of bed after minutes of telling me to keep my head straight and to stop twitching my eyes and to smack my lips, and then she hands me a mirror. The ugly duckling is transformed into a swan. I thank her and tell her that I’ll be back later.
Finding Georgia’s home address does not pose a problem. There are signs hung on every street. I walk until I locate Baker Street. Then, I look for number forty-two, and find it soon enough.
The Reynolds are obviously well-to-do. Their residence is the only one that is surrounded with a proper fence; it’s made of concrete and there is a big gate preventing people from getting a view of the inside. I press the bell on the wall and wait. Someone peeps through the eyehole on the gate, and moments later, there is a buzz and the gate slides open.
“Caity!” It’s Georgia. “I’ve been expecting you. Come on in.”
I walk in and behold the most breathtaking compound I’ve ever seen. The floor is interlocked with black and grey tiles. Their house is a one-story building, with two intricately carved pillars in front. Water in the swimming pool to the right of the house glitters in the sun. Three cars are parked beside the house: a black Land Rover and two Mercedes Benz of different models, one silver and the other a deep red.
Impressive. Very impressive.
I walk with her into the house, and as expected, the interior is as beautiful as the exterior. The walls of the living room are pristine white. The ceilings are higher than normal, and there is a huge chandelier hanging from the center. Nobody is in the room though. Georgia invites me to sit on one of the plush-looking cushions, while she finishes up with something.
“I hope I didn’t interrupt something important?” I ask.
“Not at all. I won’t take long.”
“Okay.”
“Here’s our photo album. Keep your eyes busy while you wait.”
“Thanks,” I smile at her and take the album.
From the photographs, I can see that Georgia’s family is a very close-knit one. Almost all the children’s pictures have either their mom or dad in them. I am so engrossed in my observations that I don’t notice him come into the living room.
“Hi.”
I can pick out that voice blindfolded. I turn. He is sporting a beach shirt and shorts. His hair looks ruffled, like he just got out of bed.
“Hi,” I stand up.
“Please, sit down. Caitlyn, right?”
My heart leaps. He remembers my name. “Yeah. And you’re Jeremy.”
He nods. “Nice memory.”
You wish.
“So, are you through with the book?”
“Nah! I’m almost done though. Imagine the nerve of the animals. Running their owners out of their own home. And what the hell is ‘four legs good, two legs bad’? Crazy farm animals.”
He chuckles. “You haven’t finished it and you’re outraged. Wait till you get to when the pigs really take over. Then you’ll realize that animals are scum too, in the right conditions.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. I’d have given you spoilers, but in my opinion, they take away the fun and suspense from a good read. When you’re done, I’ll lend you another interesting one. It’s titled Lord of the Flies. You’ll love it.”
I remember Georgie saying that her brother never borrows out his books and there’s a fluttery feeling in my belly. “I look forward to that,” I say, genuinely. “Do you read a lot of novels?”
“I read a lot of everything. Lock me up in a bookstore or library and the only time you’ll hear my voice is when I’m asking for food or water or the bathroom.”
“I wish I loved reading like you did. I’d have been more brilliant than Einstein by now.”
“Probably not. Reading makes you more exposed and knowledgeable though. In books, you can travel to different places by seeing through the eye of the writer. You must have a very good imagination to do this. I started enjoying reading at a very young age. Then, my dad bought us storybooks and made us tell him what we learned from reading each one. Before long, I was the one pestering him for more books. Now, here we are,” he finishes with a smile. I observe that he loves smiling.
“That’s admirable. It’s not too late for me, is it?”
“No, it’s not. I can keep lending to you as long as I’m getting them back when you’re done.”
If he had said that he loves me, I’d have had the same reaction. “Cross my heart and hope to die,” I answer.
His expression changes. “Please, Cait, don’t talk like that anymore. Not even as a joke.”
“I’m sorry.”
There are about two minutes of silence in which I finally summon courage. “Jeremy, thank you for saving my life. I’m sorry that I didn’t mention it when we met at the bookstore. I just found out recently. I owe you my life.”
“You owe me nothing, Cait. Can I call you, Cait?”
“Yeah.”
“Great. You’re welcome, all the same. How’s your aunt? She was so hysterical that day, screaming that her niece was dying.”
“My aunt is in a coma. We had an accident as she was rushing me to the hospital. I barely survived. I lost most of my memory.”
His mouth is open in shock. Then, he whispers, “My God! I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how you feel about all that. Hopefully, she’ll get better.”
“She sure will.”
“I’m sorry, Cait.”
“It’s alright. Thanks.”
He stares at me while I stare at the back of the photo album. I can feel his gaze piercing through my skin.
“You’re beautiful.”
It was said so softly I wouldn’t have heard
if everywhere wasn’t quiet.
“Thank you,” I reply, looking at him and looking away again.
“Cait?”
“Yeah?”
He’s not saying anything. I wait expectantly, but before he says another word, Mr. Reynolds comes into the living room.
“Good afternoon, sir,” I say.
“Good afternoon, lady. Jeremy, you have a beautiful girlfriend.”
“Dad! She’s Georgie’s friend. I’m just keeping her company.”
“Oh! Where is Georgie, by the way?”
“Here Dad,” she appears, as if she had been waiting to be summoned. I’m now thinking that she disappeared on purpose, to allow Jeremy and I some time to talk. If my suspicions are correct, I’m grateful, because now I know that Jeremy likes me too. I wish he had said what he was about to say before Mr. Reynolds interrupted. He’s still here.
“What’s your name, lady?”
“I’m Caitlyn.”
“Welcome, Caitlyn. Georgia, Jeremy, entertain your guest. There should be something in the fridge. Have a nice day, Caitlyn.”
“Thank you, Mr. Reynolds.”
He goes back to where he came from.
“Don’t mind my dad,” Georgia says. “He always wants to know all our friends. But he’s a cool dad.”
“It goes without saying,” I concur.
Jeremy excuses himself and then comes back with refreshments.
“Soda, juice, or ice cream?”
“Ice cream. I never pass up an opportunity to eat ice cream.”
“Ice cream it is then.”
After ice cream, Jeremy brings out his chess set, and after teaching me how to secure my moves, the two of us play while Georgia watches. It turns out to be a very interesting game, and the time passes by before we know it. When it’s a few minutes past 5:00 p.m., I tell them that I should leave. They beg me to stay a little longer, and I find myself staying for about thirty minutes more. When I’m finally leaving, Georgia offers to escort me to the end of the street. I say goodbye to Jeremy, and he replies that he expects to see me again. I say sure and tell him to say bye to his dad.
Georgia opens the door, and we go outside.
“Your house is so beautiful and impressive.”
She shrugs, an attempt at being modest. “Yeah. Thanks. I always think so too.”
“Why don’t you drive?”
“We all have to wait till we’re eighteen. Dad is very disciplined when it comes to things like that.”
“Oh! That’s nice. Jeremy is not up to eighteen then?”
“He is. The red Mercedes is his. I can count how many times he’s actually driven it since Dad got it.”
“Interesting person, your brother.”
“I know, right.”
“Did you leave me with him on purpose?”
She smiles mischievously. “What do you think?”
“I think you did.”
“You said so yourself,” she winks. “So, what’s your opinion of him?”
“He’s very nice. I enjoyed my time with him.”
“Good girl. I hope to be seeing you often. You took the bus here, right?”
“Nope. I actually live on Damien Street.”
“Really? We’re literally neighbors. Wow! We should exchange visits.”
“I look forward to that.”
At the gate, she presses a button on the wall, there is a buzz, and the gate slides open like before. Then, she drags it closed from the outside. She walks me to the end of Baker Street, and there, we part ways, while I find my way home.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
February 1998
Noah and I got married on 21 February this year. It was the best day of my life. After the reception, Noah carried me across the threshold into our new home. We had to work twice as hard and save like misers to make a down payment for this place we now call home. It is not huge, but it is modest, and for now, it will do. My life since I met Noah has been so perfect. We were heartbroken by this time two years ago, but today, we are healing. We hope for brighter days ahead. Mom came to my wedding, and we cried together. Dad doesn’t seem to have forgiven me. But that’s okay. I have found a father and a father-in-law in one. Life couldn’t be more perfect.
No matter how my dad feels, I do not for one day regret being pregnant with Noah’s baby. Though happening the way it did devastated me at first, in the end, anything I do for him I do twice for myself. I love him as much as I love myself. Sometimes, I think maybe more. He makes my world complete.
Now, all I look forward to is building a perfect home with Noah and watching our children play in the rain. The both of us have picked out baby names already. I really cannot wait. Love is such a beautiful feeling. Only, those who have not experienced it will not understand.
I’ve not really hung out with the gang in a while, almost in three weeks. Leah still drives us to school and back, but we haven’t made time to have fun lately. However, we still visit each other from time to time and talk about boys and stuff.
Yesterday, I was at her house. Susan had visited me the day before to see how I was doing. While at our house, she invited me to come over the next day because she wanted to prepare something special for Leah and her friends. According to her, she is taking a short break from running the diner.
When I get there, the twins are already present. We catch up on silly stories and talk about people whom we like and dislike in our respective classes. Somehow, the discussion shifts to Georgia, my neighbor, and Charlie is put on the spot all of a sudden.
“Charlie, why don’t you tell this girl that you like her?” Leah asks.
“Don’t mind him. Silly boy,” Hanna replies.
“I don’t know how to. If I did, don’t you think she’d be mine by now?”
“I seriously doubt it,” Hanna shakes her head. “No reasonable person can put up with your craziness. And she seems very reasonable to me.”
“Hanna, please stop,” Charlie implores his sister.
“No. Unless you are ready to talk to them about it. If not, I’ll add spice to the story when telling it. What do you say?”
“Fine. Just shut your mouth please.”
“With pleasure.”
“I just like her, okay? She’s a very nice person. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to her a few times, and I find myself liking her even more.”
“Just tell her upfront. She’ll either say yes or no.”
“Leah is right,” Hanna says. “Let her know.”
“No. I’d rather crush on in secret and be friendly with her than scare her away.”
I’ve been quiet all along, but now I contribute. “She won’t stop talking to you. She’ll just say no if she’s not interested and that would be that. Georgia is my neighbor and friend, so I tell you this in confidence. Just let her know.”
“Hmmm! You guys have a point. I’ll try then.”
“Good,” Hanna and I say in unison.
We talk about other things while waiting for Leah’s mother who can be heard moving around in the kitchen. My mouth is watering already.
An hour later, there is a steaming tray of turkey on the table, accompanied by rice, steamed broccoli, a bowl of chopped fruits, and freshly squeezed and chilled orange juice. She busies herself dishing out the food for each of us. When she’s done, we dig in. As expected, everything tastes delicious. Table manners do not apply when the gang comes together. We crack jokes, tease each other, Susan asks questions and tells us stories. It is a really fun-filled day, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.
We spend about three hours at the table, and when we’re done, we help Susan clear up and do the dishes. Then we troop into the living room to see a documentary about dolphins. I learn a lot by the time it ends.
Finally, it’s late in the evening and time to leave.
We tell Leah, who wants to take us home, that she doesn’t need to bother herself. Hanna and Charlie are catching the bus, while I’m trekking home. Thanking Susan, we make our way outside with Leah escorting us as far as the picket fence.
When I get home, I do not bother with bathing or changing clothes. I just jump into bed and sleep until the next morning.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
My visits to the Reynolds’ residence have become very frequent. Every time I go there, I see Georgia for a few minutes before she disappears and leaves me with her brother, which suits me just fine. Jeremy and I have become quite close in a matter of months. I’ve ranted and vented to him on many occasions. He seems to be the only one who understands me perfectly, and he always knows the right things to say. I have caught up with him a number of times in school during recess, and we just sit down talking about different things.
Today, I am going to see him, this time around not under the guise of seeing Georgia. He invited me to come over for a thrashing of chess, two days ago. I tell him that I take up the challenge and will surprise him. Though I’ve gotten the hang of the game, thanks to him, he has always beaten me.
I pick out a pair of black shorts and a purple checkered shirt. Then, I take a shower, wash my hair, and curl it. In fifteen minutes, I’m out the door and on my way. Nobody is home, so I leave a note saying where I’m going to and stick it to the fridge. Then, I lock the door and put the key under the front doormat.
Being close to Jeremy has made me forget most of my problems. I don’t feel so sorry for myself most of the time anymore. Of course, I have my moments, but they’ve become fewer and far between.
When I get to the house and Jeremy gets the gate for me, I meet Mrs. Reynolds outside. She is getting things out of her car. Evidently, she is just returning home from somewhere. The pictures I’ve seen do not do her any justice. Her red hair is straight, full, and very blunt.
“Mom, meet Cait, my friend, and Georgie’s classmate.”