When I'm with you

Chapter 16

It was ironic how I didn't hesitate to head here yet here I was, hesitating to ring the doorbell. I was shaking, and greatly questioning my mental stability. What the heck was I thinking, rushing here without a plan? What was I going to say to her? Should I have brought something? I stared at the doorbell, as if waiting for it to tell me what to do. This was not the time to get cold feet. Plus, I was literally cold: the wind was slowly picking up. I was going to turn into a human popsicle if I didn't decide, stat.

In the end, I decided to ring the doorbell. I waited for like five minutes until someone finally opened the door. It was Anne. Her smile dropped, replaced by a look of utter shock, obviously surprised that I was at their house. After a few seconds, I started to regret my decision. I had no idea what was running through her head. I knew she was shocked, that was plain to see, but her face betrayed no other emotion. I assumed she was angry judging by the way her eyebrows furrowed a little. I was kind of expecting her to shoo me away and slam the door in my face, but she just shook her head and suddenly spoke.

"W-why are you here?"

I tried to put on a brave face and gave her my widest smile. "Visiting?"

"No, I mean what are you doing here? You're supposed to be watching a football game with... Cindy." What was that sudden pause about? I had no idea. I hurriedly thought up the right words to say.

"Oh about that! I didn't have someone to go with so I decided to come and visit you." It was embarrasing how cheesy that sounded.

"Didn't you ask Chad?"

"I did, but he said that he has somewhere to go with Jane." I noticed a hint of irritation on her expression. I wondered if Jane hadn't told her anything.

"Do you know where they went?" she asked.

"No, I'm sorry."

Then suddenly someone was shouting, asking who it was who rang the doorbell. It was Aunt Carrie. Her face lit up in a smile when she saw me.

"Oh hey, sweetie. What're you doing there? Come inside." Then she turned to Anne. She knitted her eyebrows a little, showing the wrinkles in her forehead. A sudden wave of nostalgia swept over me: she reminded me so much of my mom, it was unsettling. "Anne, that was rude, making your visitor wait outside in this cold season. C'mon, hurry! And will you check the cookies? They're probably ready. Hot chocolate is much better with cookies alongside. Right, Gab?"

I nodded. Anne grimaced and stomped her way to the kitchen. Her childishness almost made me laugh until I realized I was alone with Aunt Carrie. I was so nervous, my palms were getting sweaty. I discreetly wiped my hands on my thighs and followed her quietly. We sat in the living room and talked a little while waiting for Anne.

"So, how's school?" She asked. Her eyes were looking straight at me, making me feel even more uncomfortable.

"It's great. It's more enjoyable than my days in Canada." I answered, trying to sound as polite as I could.

"Oh, that's good for you. How about Chad? Does he also enjoy his school days?"

"Well, I guess he enjoys them more than me. He always hangs out with people after school and doesn't stay at home on weekends."

Our conversation continued, mostly small talk, until Anne arrived, holding a tray with two mugs and a plate of cookies. Aunt Carrie excused herself to wash the dishes, leaving Anne and I alone. I noticed that the mugs were filled with whip cream and marshmallows. She really seemed like a child. I tried my best not to comment on that.

As usual, an awkward silent came afterwards. I risked a quick glance at her and saw that she looked almost as uncomfortable as me. Even her posture was a little stiff, as if she was the one visiting. I was thinking of a topic that we could talk about, since I was the one who suddenly barged into their house without notice, but Anne abruptly spoke.