“Yeah. I am.”
We returned to eating dinner, but over the course of the next several minutes, Teagan’s face turned redder than I had ever seen it.
“Are you alright?” I asked her.
“Honestly, I think I need to get out of this fur. I’m burning up.”
“Well, you’ve more than paid your dues. You should’ve said something sooner. Go get out of that thing.”
She got up out of her seat. “I’ll be right back.”
Shelley and I made small talk, but my mind was preoccupied. I kept looking back toward the restrooms; Teagan was taking an unusually long time. It began to concern me a little, so I told Shelley I’d be right back, that I was going to check on her sister.
I knocked on the ladies’ room door. “Teagan, are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
For some reason, I didn’t quite trust that.
“Are you alone?” I asked.
“Yes.”
I opened and entered the bathroom, where she was at the sink, splashing water on her face.
“You can’t be in here,” she said.
“It’s empty. Besides, are you forgetting how we met?”
Her breaths were heavy. “Good point.”
She’d hung the costume on the hook of an open stall.
“Give me that thing. I’ll carry it back to the table.”
She handed it to me before turning on the faucet again and splashing more water on her face. She looked in the mirror for a few seconds before she turned around to face me.
“How come you never told me you broke up with Veronica?”
“It just happened a couple of days ago. You and I hadn’t hung out until today. I was going to tell you.”
She still seemed flushed. I stepped forward and placed my hand on her forehead. “You look like you’re burning up. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just hot from the fur. I’ll be fine.”
I examined her face for a few seconds and decided to give her space. “Okay. I’ll go back to Shelley then. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thank you.”
I returned to our table, but I still wondered if there was more to Teagan’s reaction than the heat of the costume.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
* * *
TEAGAN
You’d think Caleb’s news would’ve brought me relief, rather than cause me to panic. But I guess his relationship with Veronica had meant I didn’t have to face my feelings for him or wonder how he felt about me. The prospect of him being free to date whomever he wanted was a little scary. Rather than one girl, there could be many. As jealous as his relationship with Veronica had made me, there was a certain stability and safety to it—and that was gone.
What happens now? I guess I was about to find out. After splashing a last bit of water on my face, I returned to the dining area and sat back in my seat.
A look of worry crossed Caleb’s face. He’d stuffed my gigantic costume into the fourth seat at our table.
“Feeling refreshed?”
“Yeah.” I breathed out. “I’m good.” I downed the glass of water in front of me, which the waitress must have refilled while I was in the bathroom—probably another excuse to come back and ogle Caleb.
Thankfully, I was able to finish my dinner without incident, and once we left the restaurant and got back out into the cold air, I felt ten times better. Maybe the heat of the fur really had gone to my head, affecting my reaction to Caleb’s news.
We went over to Mike’s Pastry for their famous cannoli, with Caleb carrying my massive costume. I went inside and waited in the long line, then brought the pastries out to Caleb and Shelley. We devoured them outside the shop before making our way down the street to find an appropriate place for Caleb’s tap dancing performance. Giddiness swept through me at the prospect of watching him dance.
Finally, we came across a man with long dreadlocks; he sat on the sidewalk, playing an electric guitar and belting out Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.”
The song and the style of music were completely inappropriate for tap dance. Nevertheless, Caleb stopped next to the guy and proceeded to change into his shiny black shoes.
After the street musician finished his rendition of the song, Caleb whispered something into the man’s ear and slipped him some money. The guy nodded.
The man started playing some reggae song I didn’t recognize, and Caleb began tapping right next to him. The taps on his shoes clicked away on the pavement as confused passersby stopped to watch. The pace of the tapping was a bit too fast and didn’t match the rhythm of the song.
The funniest part was the goofy smile on Caleb’s face. The musician just kept playing and singing, seeming to ignore Caleb’s antics. The whole thing was bizarre. Shelley and I died laughing.
Caleb was pretty good, only a little uncoordinated and definitely worthy of performing in, say, a middle school dance recital. Tap dancing and reggae music certainly didn’t go together, but that was precisely what made it so entertaining.
We go through so many days in our lives that we won’t remember. But this day I knew would stay with me. I’d not only connected with Caleb, but also with my sister. And that, to me, was the entire point.
***
A few days after our North End outing, it was Christmas Eve. Maura had the whole house decked out for our open-door neighborhood party. She’d spent the week prepping the place—plaid pillows on the couches in the living room, garland draped along the tops of the windows, and of course, the tree fully dressed and lit. The pellet stove was on full blast because it was freezing out, and it was rumored that we might get a few snowflakes tonight.
As usual, Maura and my dad had invited all the neighbors to pop in this evening. The only thing Maura ever asked was that they bring a food or drink item to share. We always ended up with more than we knew what to do with. We usually ate leftovers for a week or even longer.
Whereas many people waited until Christmas morning to open presents, my family opened ours on Christmas Eve. So that was always something to look forward to after the guests left—although Shelley often started opening hers earlier in the evening.
Caleb seemed really happy to be here. He’d spent the entire day hanging lights inside and outside the house and helping decorate. He said his parents never bothered with too many Christmas decorations, so that was a new experience for him. He’d looked even more handsome with lines of Christmas lights draped across his body.
That’s one Christmas tree I wouldn’t mind climbing.
Caleb found me in the kitchen shortly before people were scheduled to start arriving. I had been stirring some hot apple cider for the drink station when I caught him watching me.
Wow.
He looked good—smelled good, too. And he’d done something different to his hair. It was parted to the side, seeming more formal, maybe. A maroon sweater with a green stripe across the chest hugged his muscles and made me want to curl up into him. I suddenly forgot what I was supposed to be doing. I stopped stirring the cider.
“You look nice,” I said.
He smiled. “So do you.”
I had to look down to remember what I was wearing: black leggings, a red, fitted shirt, and those trusty black flats Maura had bought me. Once again, I wore my hair down.
Caleb peeked into the cider pot. “Can I help?”
I resumed stirring. “No, I’ve got it.”
When he smiled at me again, I felt my pulse react. This was the best Christmas I could remember in a long time.
Once guests started arriving, though, I considered swallowing those words. For a while I stayed busy in the kitchen, helping Maura chop up vegetables for the veggie and cheese platter. When I finally returned to the living room, I spotted Caleb talking to Bethany Grillo, one of our neighbor’s daughters, who’d been away at college. She was very attractive, and her body language was flirtatious.
I stayed in a corner watching them. All I could thi
nk was: it’s happening. That didn’t take long. He’d end up having a fling with her over the holidays, which would mark the official beginning of his new era of freedom.
My father interrupted my thoughts when he came up behind me.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
I forced my eyes away from Caleb and Bethany. “Hey, Dad.”
“Why are you standing here in the corner all alone?”
Well, I’m not going to admit to stalking Caleb’s conversation.
“Just chilling for a bit.”
He smiled. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
His compliment gave me mixed feelings. I’d never discussed my hang-up about looking like Ariadne with him. But maybe now was the time. “You know, I always used to think if I wore my hair down or dressed a certain way, it would upset you.”
Dad nodded and seemed to know exactly what I meant. “Because you look like her?”
“Yes.”
He sighed. “The resemblance is uncanny. She was beautiful, as are you. But looking at you could never make me upset. You’re not her. You have a good heart and a pure spirit. I’m glad Ariadne gave you her one good quality: her looks. But other than that, you’re nothing like her.”
Hearing that brought me some comfort, though I still didn’t feel totally sure I wasn’t somehow like her.
“Pretty sure most of my other good parts came from you,” I said.
“I won’t argue with that.” He winked.
I grinned and glanced over in Caleb’s direction. A few seconds later, his eyes met mine. Instead of continuing the conversation with Bethany, he immediately excused himself and came right over. Suddenly, everything was right again in the world.
“There you are. I was wondering what happened to you,” he said.
My father placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m gonna see if Maura needs anything.”
As my father walked away, I turned to Caleb. “You didn’t have to leave your conversation.”
“Eh.” He shrugged. “I was looking for an excuse.”
Relief washed over me. “I’m surprised.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Why is that?”
“She’s really pretty. I thought maybe you were into her.”
“Nah. Not my type. Nice girl, though. Seems really smart. But not as smart as someone else I know.” He winked.
I looked at his red Solo cup. “What are you drinking?”
“Spiked eggnog. You want some?”
“I thought you were against underage drinking.”
He leaned in, and his warm breath grazed my cheek. “We’re not in public tonight.”
Feeling a tingle down my back. “I know. I’m just kidding. Actually, Maura and my dad don’t care if I have a few drinks, so long as I’m home where they can keep an eye on me.”
“Your parents are really cool,” he said. “I hope you know that. You’re lucky to have them.”
“I do know that.” I smiled. “Speaking of parents, did you call your mom tonight?”
He looked into his cup. “Yeah...it’s late there now. So I called her before the party started. I wished both my parents a happy Christmas. Even talked to my dad for a bit for the first time in a long while.”
“How was that?”
“The usual tense small talk. Obligatory, mostly.”
That made me sad. “I’m sorry.”
His mood always shifted when he mentioned his dad.
I changed the subject. “By the way, is there something wrong with your phone?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Earlier when you were out and texted me, asking if I needed anything from the store, it sent me your same question like twenty-five times. It wouldn’t stop.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Shit. That’s not good. I’ll have to power down.” He reached into his pocket for his phone and pressed the off button. “There. Let’s see if that helps.”
“Yeah, it was sort of funny. Until it wasn’t.”
“That could get annoying.”
Our attention turned toward Shelley, who’d started opening some of her presents. She still got tons of gifts, and Maura marked them all from “Santa” even though Shelley had found out the truth a few years back.
When she opened her latest package, inside was a Target gift card and a framed photo. She ran to Caleb and gave him a huge hug. Then she showed me the photo.
“Look, Teagan.”
She handed me the frame, and I examined the image. It was the three of us, taken when I’d first put on my dolphin costume the other night. It really was a fantastic photo. Caleb had become like a part of our family. Honestly, since his arrival, so had I. I’d never spent more time with my sister, or even Maura and my dad. Because of his own loss, Caleb appreciated the things I had always taken for granted. And he’d taught me to appreciate my family more. His stay here would leave an imprint on my life.
After Shelley returned to her spot on the couch, Caleb seemed uncharacteristically nervous. “Can I give you your present?” he asked.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I said. “I have your gift downstairs. I wrapped all my presents, but I haven’t had a chance to bring them up yet.”
“I’d like to give you yours in private,” he said. “Only because I want to explain it without everyone listening.”
Now he had me intrigued. “We can go downstairs,” I suggested.
“Let me just run upstairs and grab it, and I’ll meet you down there,” he said.
As I ventured to my room, I felt my nerves tingle.
A few minutes later, Caleb came downstairs holding a small, red and green gift bag. “For you.” He grinned as he handed it to me.
After lifting the tissue paper and putting it aside, I took out a little stuffed dolphin. I smiled. So cute and thoughtful. Then I noticed a silver chain hanging from it. Attached to the end was a charm.
Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a little snail peeking out of its shell.
I looked up at him. “This is so cute.”
“You’re probably wondering…why a snail?” He chuckled. “I saw this and wanted to buy it for you, because you’ve really come out of your shell since I’ve known you—just like a snail. It reminded me of you. I hope when you wear it, after I leave, it reminds you of me.”
I doubted I’d need a reminder of him after he was gone. “I don’t know what to say. This is the most meaningful thing anyone has ever given me.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
He fidgeted. Caleb seemed almost…shy about the whole thing.
“Were you nervous to give this to me?”
“A little. I’m not even sure why.”
Looking down at it, I smiled. “I truly love it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“My present to you is not nearly as good,” I warned.
Walking over to my desk, I picked Caleb’s gift from the pile.
With a huge smile on his face, he ripped open the paper. His smile only grew when he realized what it was.
“Are you kidding me? It’s brilliant! I didn’t even know such a thing existed.”
I’d bought Caleb a stainless steel s’mores maker. It featured a flameless electric heater for the marshmallows in the middle and a surrounding tray for the crackers and other accompaniments.
“I figured you could use it when you go back home. You mentioned you couldn’t light fires outside where you live. This way you can make s’mores whenever you want. It might be a pain in the ass to pack though.”
“I’ll find a way to fit it, don’t you worry. This is the best thing you could have got me.” He looked over at me. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He examined my face. “What are you thinking right now? You look sad.”
I decided to be honest. “I am sad—a little. This school year is already half over. Before you know it, you’ll be packing up and heading home. I’ve gotten used to hav
ing you around. And I’m just…gonna miss you.”
He shook his head. “I really can’t stand to think about leaving. This feels like my home now. The time here is going by way too fast.”
I’d looked away, but felt Caleb’s hand on my chin, lifting it to meet his eyes before letting go. My body stirred.
“Who am I going to study with?” he asked. “Who am I going to taunt?”
My breathing quickened. “I’m sure you’ll find someone.”
“It won’t be the same,” he whispered.
“There’s no chance you could stay, right? Even just another year?”
I immediately wanted to slap myself for asking.
He blew out a long breath. “I don’t think so. I haven’t inquired, but the exchange program is only supposed to be for a year. But even if they did let me stay, I’d feel a bit guilty leaving my mother. The situation with my dad is not good. I promised her I’d be back.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry. That was dumb to even ask.”
“No, it wasn’t. It’s crossed my mind many times.” His tone was insistent. “And it’s not that I don’t want to. I’d give anything to stay.”
Taking the necklace he’d given me into my hands, I asked, “Will you put this on me?”
He smiled. “Of course.”
I lifted my hair and turned my back to him. The warmth of his hands as he put on the necklace made my body tingle with an excitement I tried hard not to feel.
I turned to him and rubbed my fingers over the charm.
“It looks nice on you,” he said.
“Thank you again.”
“Thank you again for my s’mores maker. Don’t be surprised if I bring it down to study session.”
“Oh gosh. What have I started?”
We were both laughing when Maura peeked her head into my halfway open door. For some reason, I jumped at the sight of her—as if she’d caught us doing something wrong. It definitely felt like we were hiding from everyone down here.
“Oh, there you are.” She paused. “We…have some presents for both of you to open upstairs.”
Caleb nodded. “Sorry, Maura. We just came down here to exchange our gifts.” He headed toward the stairs and left without saying another word.
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