Hello people of this beautiful Amino. As promised, the second chapter of my story is up. I had most of it prepared before, but I didn't want to 5000 words in one post. Again, I am open to any suggestions.
If you didn't read the first part, here it is: http://aminoapps.programascracks.com/p/712kcd
Word count: 3100
Wiritng time: about 4 hours
Background was made by my friend Jade
As people say, if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans. On the day of the date, I planned to go to the school as usual, and then go straight to the city with Alex. I even told my parents about it. As I was eating my breakfast, my mother sat next to me. ,,You wanted to go to the city, right?´´ I nodded, not exactly present in the room mentally. ,,I just wanted to tell you, that yesterday, a terrorist attack happened there. Someone rode a truck into the stands and many people were injured or killed. I know you are adult, and I respect you have your freedom but…. I would appriciate if you didn't go there.´´ My spoon fell out of my hand as I looked her in the face. That was two terrible news I didn't anticipate. When my mother said something, it didn't matter how she said it, but it was always a command. In this case, she told me that I will not go to the city. I stared on her with empty eyes. I had no words.
As I walked to the school, I felt the emptiness inside turn into rage. How could this old hag do something like this? Didn't she understand how important this date was for me? I thought if I should go nevertheless, but I banished that thought. If there was a person no one wanted to anger, it was my mother. And so, I accepted my fate with frustration. Now only how to tell Alex….
As I arrived in school, I put my anger down once again, and walked into the classroom with a smile. Small smile, but smile nevertheless. Everything in the room was prepared. In the last week before Christmas, there were no classes. It was rather a class gathering, where we talked, watched movies and overall had fun with each other. These gatherings were held in major classes, like for me it was English and German. Today it was German. Everything on that day would be in German. Talking, the movie and everything else as well. I sat down next to Catherine, since Alex was nowhere to be seen. We started talking, and suddenly, she pointed behind me, as I felt a gentle poking on my shoulder.
I turned around and saw Alex, nervously playing with her hands. „good morning Alex.” I said and smiled slightly. „good morning Yuri. I am really excited about our today's trip.” she smiled sweetly, while my face curled together in a slightly painful grimace. I could feel Catherine's eyes on the back of my head, and I knew I would have to tell her what should have been going on. „About that….” I sighed and I told her everything. About the attack, about the damages, about my mother forbidding me to go and about my own care for our safety. As I was speaking, I saw Alex's face with a shocked expression, which changed to a slightly pained and annoyed one as I told her I cannot go. She listened to me, and as I was finished, she sighed loudly. „Shame… I was so excited. But when it is like this…” she sounded quite disappointed, and I suddenly hated myself, hated my mother, hated that idiot terrorist. „I was excited too Alex. Let's only… postpone it. We can do something else later” I smiled, trying to cheer her up in the slightest. To my surprise, it worked. She agreed, and then we started talking casually. Even Catherine and other classmates ed our little chat, and we were talking, eating, drinking and enjoying ourselves for the whole school time.
After this I made a quick detour to the literature club. We were planing a Christmas party with the girls, and after some convincing, we reluctantly agreed that even Daniel will be invited. Yes, he was a member of the literature club, but he was a boy, and I was hoping it would be a girl's night. I agreed in the moment I realized that it will make Natsuki happy. Now, the only thing we needed to discuss was , where the party will be. No one really wanted to host it, since there was a lot of work bound to it, but so far, we agreed it would be Monika, since it was her idea, and she was the president. But yesterday, my mother told me that after Christmas, they will go on a vacation for two weeks with my father, and that I will have free house.
All the girls were in the room already, even Daniel, so I was the last one. I appologised, and sat down. „Alright everyone!” Monika beamed with her usual catchphrase. „Before we get to literature, I wanted to discuss the rest of the plans for the party. First, I am asking for the last time. Does anyone want to take the burden off me, and host the party?” the other were silent. I stood up. „Monika… I do have a free house after Christmas. Maybe… I could host the party, if we agree to do it later.” I said, trying to sound confidently. „Oh. Great Yuri. So you will be the host. And I guess that the topic of date is cleared too, since it will be after Christmas, I would combine the party with new year celebrations on New Years eve. Everyone agrees?” Monika looked around the others, and all nodded. I mustered my courage and spoke. „But… I do have one condition.” I looked Monika in the face with a determined expression. „I will be able… To invite one more guest. Does… anyone object?” I asked and looked at Monika. She nodded in agreement, and even gave me a little wink. I looked at the others. Daniel didn't care, Natsuki was slightly annoyed and Sayori beamed up when she realised about who it will be. I sat down once again, smiling to myself.
After that, we did our reading and other literature related activities, and then we split up once again, like we usually did. Monika was most relieved, that she wouldn't have to host the party. I noticed two or three funny looks on her face as we went, but I didn't ask her what's so funny. I thought she knows very well whom I will invite and what was about to happen. At her house, we said our goodbyes and I went home. No one was there, which was usual, since both my parents worked long in the evening and my brother moved out 2 years ago. I sat myself on my bed and started daydreaming, about what I would be doing in this moment, and how happy I would be. How we would walk through the market, iring every single thing worth iring. How we would eat something, and smile at each other. How I would, after mustering my courage grab her hand, and she would not take it back. And how we would kiss under the mistletoe. That dream was gone. But there was another chance.
It was Friday before Christmas, and all students from our year went to see a movie to the cinema. I thought that this day would be an excellent time to invite Alex to our little party, and so I prepared myself. I chose one of my nicest candles, which I wanted to give to her as a Christmas present, and in that time I wanted to invite her. As I walked to the cinema with my backpack, I had to smile. There was no way this could go wrong.
As I walked inside, around half of the students was already there. I ed Sayori and Monika, and we talked about our expectations for the movie and about other things. I saw Alex across the room, and flashed her a big smile, which she returned to me. I decided I will invite to me and give her the gift after the movie. After some time, they let us in, and we sat down to watched it. It wasn't as bad as I expected, on the contrary, but I couldn't concentrate. I was too eager to give Alex the present and invite her to the party. I couldn't even sit calmly, that is how excited I was.
The movie ended and we slowly got out. I made sure I will be sitting on the end of a row, so I could get out amongs the first. At the exit, I waited for Alex. I thought that with her height, I should be able to see her quite easily. After around 5 minutes, it seemed like everyone was out already, but I didn't see Alex exit. I panicked and ran outside, frantically searching for Alex, running from one group to another. But I couldn't find her. As all the groups dispersed, and only few students were there, I stood there, alone, with my head down. How did this happen? Why did I let it happen? I couldn't contain my anger anymore. I needed to break something. I took down my backpack, and grabbed the candle I wanted to give to Alex. It 2as a really pretty lavender candle, but I couldn't see that in the moment. For me, it was a token of my failure. I took the candle with both hands, and with ease, I broke it in two pieces. Then, I took one of the pieces and broke it again. And again. And again. Until there was nothing more then tiny pieces of wax in my hands and pockets. Some of the students looked at me with a weird glance, but after they saw my angry face, they looked away. No one talked to me, for which I was grateful. In my anger, I could have said things I would not say under normal circumstances. The act of breaking calmed me down a little, and I was able to think somehow clearly. I took all of the pieces, and threw all but one into a garbage can. Then, I took my backpack and went home, still brewing with self-anger.
Once at home, I closed myself in my room. I started thinking about how I could still have someone invite Alex in person. I hated inviting someone to do anything with messages, but I sometimes had to, when there was no other option. I walked around in frustration for a while and then I picked my phone. I found Sayori’s and called her. If someone could help me, it was her. I waited patiently, and after what seemed like eternity, Sayori picked up. „Hello Sayori. It's me, Yuri. Could you…. Do me a favor?” I asked, slightly turning red. I didn't usually ask for favors, but desperate times call for desperate measures. „Yes, of course. What can I do for you Yuri?” Sayori’s voice was full of joy. „Will you see Alex in the next few days? Before Christmas?” I asked nervously. „Well…. Yes, I think I will. Why?” I could almost see her teasing smile. „Well, I actually wanted to invite Alex to our little party today. But….. I didn't catch her. And I thought if maybe…. You could invite her the next time you see her? I just hate inviting someone with phone. Would you do it for me? Please? ” I asked in a begging voice. „Well, of course Yuri. I should see her on Sunday, and then I will tell you if she comes or if she doesn't.” Sayori could hardly contain her laughing, and I could hear her giggle. But I didn't care. As long as she invites Alex, everything is fine. „Thank you Sayori. Until we meet again.” I said and hung up.
The weekend was really nice, as my brother came home for Christmas, and we had a good time with my family. On Sunday, evening, I sat on my bed. I was sitting on the edge, my phone next to me, waiting for a message from Sayori. I tried reading, but I couldn't concentrate, as I was checking my phone every three minutes anxiously. What if Sayori didn't see Alex today? What if Alex rejects the invitation? What if she secretly hates me, and is just nice to me because of our mutual friends? Millions of thoughts were flying through my head as I tried to calm myself down. I stood up and started walking here and there, turning every few steps. When the phone rang, I rushed to my bed and grabbed it with my fidgeting hands. On the screen, I saw a message from Sayori. It said {she will come}. I jumped up and squeeled in delight. She is gonna come to our party! To my house! The ecstasy of the moment overwhelmed my common sence and I jumped on my bed. A bit too quickly, as my head hit the wall behind the bed. I grabbed my head, but I still had my idiot smile on my face. She is coming over! Wooohooo! I quickly replied to Sayori thanking her once more and then I spent the rest of the evening preparing a plan for what will be needed at the party. I was ready to make it the best small party the world ever saw.
The days until Christmas went by in a flash. Christmas was my favorite time of the year. Decorations everywhere, people being together with their families, happiness of children getting their presents. It was magical for me. In our family, we didn't give each other many gifts since I was old enough to realize, that they come from parents, and not from Santa. Everyone gave every other member a personal gift, and that was it. I got a new tea set from my father, a really nice candle set from my brother and a really nice violet hoodie from my father. I was happy with what I got and what I gave. As we were sitting together, watching fairy tales in the TV, I texted Alex {good evening Alex. Because I couldn't tell you in person, I do it like this. Merry Christmas. I look forward to seeing you}. Then I watched the fairy tale, until my phone vibrated in my pocket. {Merry Christmas Yuri. I too look forward to see, what you are planning for us :)}. This was the message from Alex. I smiled lightly and returned to watching the TV.
On the next few days, nothing happened. We visited all of our relatives, and did all the other things people do on Christmas. On 29. my parents were packed and ready for their vacation. As they were leaving, my mother hugged me and said „Be safe darling. And don't throw any parties in here, you hear me?” „I hear you mother.” I said with a smile. That was exactly my plan. My father kissed me on the cheek and whispered. „If you throw a party, just make sure the house is clean afterwards.” he winked at me and then followed my mother off the door. I stood there, and waved at them until they were out of sight. Then I went back inside.
On the morning of new years eve, I woke up rather early. I couldn't sleep well, since I was too excited for the party. I got up, got dressed and I drove to the store. The most important part was to have everything at home. In the store, I bought some coffee, if someone wanted some, and a lot of eggnog, because I knew Sayori and Natsuki love it, and from Sayori I knew Alex is also a big fan of it. I bought all sorts of snacks, since I knew, that we stay up long, and we will eventually get hungry. I skipped buying any pastry, since Natsuki promised she will make her cupcakes. Monika promised she will bring some champagne for the midnight, so I didn't bother with that, although I bought a bottle of rum, for reasons. I bought some sugar and some vanilla for the eggnog and that was it. I payed, loaded my car with the stuff and went back home. There, I began the preparations.
First, I made all the beds in the house. There were not enough beds for all of us, unless two people shared one bed. The bed of my parents belonged to Daniel and Natsuki, for obvious reasons, my bed was for Alex, and my brothers bed for Monika or Sayori. For me and the unlucky one, I put some mattresses on the floor of the living room. They will be comfortable to sit on, and they will be nice to sleep on when the time will come.
Next I went to the kitchen. I had my plans with the eggnog. Since eggnog from the store is never too great, I thought I will spice it up a bit. First, I boiled it, then, I added some rum. Just a small amount, so that it will help make the atmosphere, but not so much for the others to notice. Then, after tasting it, I included some vanilla and sugar, to make the taste slightly different, and then I was done with it. I left it on the stove and went away until it cooled down. In the meantime I started decorating.
Since it was a Christmas party as well, I made sure it looks like it is Christmas. Our Christmas tree was still in the living room, I put some festive decorations on the windows and on the door, i put a new red table cloth on the table in the living room, and as a pinnacle, I hung three branches of mistletoe on the ceiling lights. It looked really cozy and nice, a great place to spend the new years eve, while still pretending it is Christmas.
I put the eggnog back into bottles once it cooled off, and then, I was ready. I tried to sit down for a while, but I couldn't sit still. I got up and started controlling, if everything is in its place, if every decoration is hanging correctly, if all food is where I gave it and if I have enough of it, if we have enough plates for all of us and so on. Finally, around 20 minutes before the guests should have come, I put the snacks into bowls, and took a shower. Then I dressed in cozy sleepover clothes, combed my hair and let out a long sight. Everything was ready. Only the guests were missing.
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