Reason to Breathe

18. Another Dimension





“We’d better hurry,” Sara said as we entered the diminishing daylight through the doors of the movie theatre. “We only have two hours to get you ready.”


“How long could it possibly take me to get ready?”

“Well, you have to take a shower, and make sure you shave. Oh, and I bought you more of that lotion.”

“I still have lotion left from the first bottle. And why are you concerned if I shave?”

“Well, now you have more. I really like it on you. It’s subtle and pretty.”

“I like it too, thank you. But you didn’t answer the shaving question.” She was beginning to make me nervous.

“You’re wearing a skirt,” she revealed cautiously.

“Seriously?” I couldn’t remember the last time I wore a skirt. When was the last time I wore a skirt? Then I tried to remember what my legs looked like. Did I have any bruises or scrapes on my knees from the game? “A skirt?”

“Em, you’re going to look amazing.” Then Sara quickly added, “But not too amazing. The last thing we need is for him to want to kiss you.” She paused, looking me before sighing. “This is going to be harder than I thought.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” I assured her.

When we arrived back at her house, the grand production began. While I showered and shaved, Sara went through her closet, rifling through what seemed like everything she owned. She wouldn’t let me see what she’d finally decided on until I was ready to get dressed.

Sara dried my hair and rolled it in hot curlers. I was panicked when I saw my head full of the white cylinders. Then my eyes popped at the sight of the ringlets dangling from my head after she unrolled them.

“Sara, you cannot let me go out like this,” I pleaded.

“Don’t worry, I’m not done,” she promised.

She gathered my hair into a high ponytail, allowing my bangs to sweep across my forehead. I decided it was best not to look until she was done, so I closed my eyes as she teased, pinned and sprayed. I opened them to find a large, smooth bun on the back of my head. It looked more sophisticated than anything I could’ve imagined.

Sara handed me the softest pink sweater I’d ever seen. Once I was dressed, I stood in front of the full length mirror, admiring the boat neckline of the fitted sweater that subtly revealed the tops of my shoulders and the dark skirt that swayed above my knees – it was a classy vintage look, and I loved it. She attached a thin silver chain with a single diamond around my neck – the diamond sparkled as it settled into the hollow of my throat. Finally, she handed me a pair of black heels that were at least three inches high.

“Heels?” I grimaced, with images of falling on my face playing in my head.

“Yup.”

“Sara, I’m going to kill myself,” I pleaded. I’d never worn heels and knew this was not the night to be experimenting with my grace or balance.

“You’ll be fine. Just take small steps.”

I slowly hobbled around the room, my ankles threatening to give way with each step. We wobbled into the entertainment room so I’d have a larger catwalk. I delicately strolled the length of it several times before the doorbell rang.

“He’s here?” I panicked. Sara laughed.

“It’s not a date, remember?”

“You’re right,” I breathed.

“It’s only dinner with his parents and a bunch of stuck-up old people.” She laughed again.

“Emma, Sara,” Anna yelled up the stairs, “Evan’s here.” My heart fluttered into my throat.

“Here.” Sara handed me a long white wool coat that hung to the middle of my calves, along with a tote bag so I could change before the party.

“Thanks.”

“Em, try to relax. You have nothing to worry about.”

I took a deep breath and walked carefully down the stairs, trying not to fall. I hated heels already. They were too much work. Walking shouldn’t be something I had to worry about. I had far too many other things to be concerned with, like how to not sound like an idiot in front of a room full of over-educated wealthy men.

Evan waited for me at the bottom of the stairs. I couldn’t look up as he came into view, afraid that not looking at my feet would cause me to crumble to the bottom step. When I was finally able to look up, I noticed that his cheeks were flushed and he had a grin on his face that made my breath stop for a second.

“Hi,” I greeted him.

“Hi,” he smiled.

“Hey Evan,” Sara said, leaping down the stairs. “How’d I do? Is she acceptable?” I widened my eyes, wanting to shoot her for asking him to comment on my appearance.

Evan laughed. “Yeah, she’s definitely acceptable.”

“You met my parents, Anna and Carl?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Have a great time tonight, Emma,” Anna said, giving me a gentle hug and kiss on the cheek. “You really do look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I replied, blushing.

“I’ll see you at Jake’s. Evan, I have your cell number in case we get there before you,” Sara stated.

“Ready?” Evan asked me.

“Sure.” We said good-bye one more time and headed out the door.

Evan waited until we were in the car before he said, “You really do look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I murmured.

“You’re not comfortable, are you?”

“Not at all,” I admitted with a small laugh. Evan laughed with me, releasing the tension.

“Well, I’ll try not to torture you too long. Let’s get this over with,” he said, pulling out of Sara’s driveway.

“I have to warn you, I suck in these shoes. I could fall and break something very expensive.”

He laughed. “I’ll be sure to keep you away from anything breakable.”

“If there is any way I can sit the entire time that would be great.”

“Let’s see what we can do. But I’m afraid we’ll be in a room without many options during the cocktail hour.”

“The what?” I asked, confused and embarrassed that I had to ask.

“Sorry, I forgot that this is your first time. We’re meeting my parents there. They’ll wait for us and we’ll all go in together.”

“Your parents know I’m coming, right?” I was suddenly nervous that they might not be expecting me.

“Yes, they know you’re coming. They may refer to you as my girlfriend when they introduce you to everyone. I keep trying to correct them, but…” He sighed. “Anyway, I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s okay,” I whispered, feeling the fire on my face once again.

“So, Mr. Jacobs and his wife are hosting the party and they’ll be greeting everyone at the door. I think it should only be about twenty people, so that shouldn’t be bad.” Only twenty people? That meant there were twenty names to forget and twenty hands to shake and exchange meaningless small talk with – not comforting.

Evan proceeded to give me a rundown of the flow of the evening and the expected etiquette.

“I’m hoping I’ll be able to excuse us after dinner. I’ll say that we have a show to go to or something. Just agree with whatever I say, okay?”

“Okay.” This sounded way more complicated than just eating food and making mindless conversation. I knew I was getting a glimpse of Evan’s world tonight, but I had no idea how much I didn’t fit in.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” he said glancing at me as he drove. “I’ll seriously owe you after tonight.”

“I think we’ll be even.”

“You may want to wait to say that until after we leave.”

A few minutes later, Evan pulled out his cell phone. “Hi mom. We’re just about there.” He listened for a moment and responded, “Okay, I think I see you now. Sure, I’ll follow you in.”

On the side of the road, a large black Mercedes was pulled over. As we neared, Evan slowed down to let it merge in front of him. I knew it must be his parents. We followed them into a driveway that was guarded by two large stone pillars with corresponding ornate wrought iron gates that were swung open in expectation. We followed the long winding driveway, lined with antique wrought iron lanterns, until it opened up to reveal a spectacular white stone mansion.

The front of the house was dramatically up-lit, illuminating its grandeur. It appeared to be two stories, encircled by large arched windows that let out a warm glow of light, giving hint to the heavy drapery on the inside. The front lawn displayed perfectly trimmed hedges outlining the house. The lawn itself was flat, but raised from the driveway, and encased by a stone wall.

I swallowed hard, realizing I was in over my head. I was not just in a different world, I was in another dimension. I eyed Evan nervously.

He smiled and said, “Don’t worry. It’ll be over before you know it.”

We pulled up along the circular driveway where we were greeted by a man with a black jacket and a bow tie. He opened Evan’s door.

Evan leaned over before he got out and said, “Wait right there, I’ll get you out.” I didn’t move. I actually didn’t want to get out.

Evan walked around the back of the car and opened my door. He offered me his hand, to which I would have typically looked at him like he was insane, but with these shoes on, I gladly accepted the assistance. Waiting in front of the first set of stone steps were Evan’s parents.

His mother was sparkling with her bobbed blond hair and bright blue eyes. She was covered in a fur coat and adorned with more diamonds than I’d ever seen on one person. She had soft, delicate features and looked very thin and breakable. She clutched a small black handbag that was sealed with more glitz.

In contrast, Mr. Mathews was a statuesque man, taller than Evan, but with strikingly similar features. He and Evan shared the same light brown hair and grayish blue eyes. His face was angular and serious as he stood in a long black coat, concealing a tuxedo.

I took a deep breath before approaching them. I tried my best to smile cordially while I was introduced.

“Vivian and Stuart Mathews, this is-

“Emily Thomas,” Vivian finished, holding out her hand. I tried to conceal the shocked look on my face, especially with being called Emily by someone I’d never seen before today.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” I said, shaking her delicate hand. Stuart remained still with his hands by his side, making no attempt acknowledge me, forget about shake my hand.

“Well, aren’t you lovely,” Vivian admired. “We never get to meet Evan’s girlfriends.” I knew it was coming, but my heart still leapt when she said it, sending a flicker of heat to my cheeks.

Evan rolled his eyes. “Mom, you met Beth, remember?” His tone was impatient.

“Maybe for a second as you were leaving the house,” she countered. “Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Emily. Shall we go in?” There was an air about her that made me stand up straighter and afraid to walk, knowing how clumsy I’d appear next to her grace and sophistication. I gave Evan a fearful glance as we approached the first set of stone steps. There were only three, but they might as well have been a flight.

Evan offered me his right elbow to clutch as I concentrated with each step. I don’t think I breathed the entire time. His parents glided ahead of us as I carefully placed one foot in front of the other along the stone pathway. At the top of the second set of steps was an enormous wooden door that opened as Vivian and Stuart neared it. They waited for us before entering.

“Stuart, Vivian,” the dual voices of a man and woman sang. “Welcome. It’s so wonderful to see you again.” Vivian and Stuart were warmly greeted by whom I presumed to be Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, with a quick embrace that included a brushing kiss on their cheeks and a handshake.

“Evelyn, Maxwell, you remember our youngest son, Evan, don’t you?” Vivian offered as they stepped aside for us to enter.

“Of course,” Mr. Jacobs greeted Evan with a handshake.

“And this is his girlfriend, Emily Thomas,” she introduced. I smiled politely.

“Thank you for joining us,” Mrs. Jacobs said grasping my right hand between her two cool, soft palms.

“Thank you for having me,” I replied.

Evan slipped my coat off and handed it to a formally poised man, dressed in a tuxedo.

I was too distracted by the grand foyer, with its huge crystal chandelier and expansive stone staircase with a large red carpet running down the center, to notice Evan staring at me. I glanced over at him with a start.

“What?!” I was afraid I’d done something wrong already.

“Another pink sweater, huh? You’re killing me.”

I looked at him with wide eyes, my face flooded with color. “Evan!”

He smiled as we followed his parents into a room to the right of the foyer. I wasn’t about to admit that seeing him in the dark tailored suit was just as distracting.

We entered a large room that could easily contain the entire first floor of my house within its walls, with a ceiling that was easily two stories high. The windows along the front of the house were framed with heavy ivory scrolled drapes that were held open with tasseled ropes. The top half of the walls were adorned with soft coral wallpaper, set above ivory wood panels embossed with leafing scrolls. On the large wall across from the entrance, hung two large paintings of a garden and a woman dressed around the period the house was constructed, and another portrait of the mansion was centered on the wall opposite the windows. The remaining wall housed a stone fireplace that was as tall as I was. Hanging above it was a pewter framed mirror that duplicated the size of the massive stone structure.

As predicted, there wasn’t anywhere to sit. There were several oversized antique chairs set against the walls, but they were obviously for appearances only. The only other piece of furniture was a large stone topped table with dark wood legs gathered in the center that rolled out into a round base. Set on the round surface was the biggest floral arrangement I’d ever seen. It looked like a tree of flowers with different colors and textures - it was absolutely amazing.

“Are you okay?” Evan asked, as my unblinking eyes scanned the room.

“Sure,” I replied slowly, nodding my head. He smiled and grabbed my hand to escort me to the corner of the room.

“Evan,” a deep, distinguished voice greeted. It belonged to a man of average height, much shorter than Evan, with dark wavy hair and a thick black mustache. “How are you? Stuart said you were going to be here this evening.”

“It’s great to see you, Mr. Nicols,” Evan acknowledged, shaking his hand. “Mr. Nicols, this is Emma Thomas. We go to school together. Emma, this is Mr. Nicols. He belongs to the same firm as my father.”

“Aren’t you stunning,” he observed, cupping my hand in both of his as his eyes rolled over me. I was taken aback by the greeting, and forced an uncomfortable smile. “Evan, you should bring your girls around here more often.” He nudged Evan with his elbow. It took everything I had to keep an even expression.

After a few more exchanges about soccer and Evan’s winter travel plans, Mr. Nicols excused himself. I let out the breath I’d been holding while in his presence.

“I am so sorry. I had no idea - well, I was afraid - but still didn’t think anyone would actually be that rude.”

“That was interesting,” was all I could say.

“Want something to eat?” he asked, nodding toward a server dressed in a tux, carrying a silver tray of bite-sized food.

“I’m okay.”

“This will be over before you know it,” he promised.

“You keep saying that,” I mumbled, but began to wonder if he was saying it to himself as much as he was to me.

At that time, Vivian approached us with a portly man wearing small frameless glasses. He had a ring of white hair that blended with his pale complexion, contrasted by his ruddy cheeks.

“Evan, you remember Dr. Eckel, correct?” Vivian presented the small round man.

“Of course. It’s nice to see you again, Dr. Eckel,” Evan said, gripping his hand.

“Dr. Eckel, this is Evan’s girlfriend, Emily Thomas.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Thomas,” Dr. Eckel said, shaking my hand gingerly. I produced a small smile.

“Dr. Eckel is a professor of Bio-Chemistry at Yale,” Evan explained.

“Oh.” I nodded lightly.

“Are you and Evan in many classes together?” his mother asked.

“Evan’s in most of my classes.”

“So you’re intelligent. That’s wonderful,” she concluded, smiling softly. I wasn’t sure what to say to that.

“She’s also a great athlete,” Evan offered, trying to deflect the awkward comment. “The girls’ soccer team won the state championship last night because of her.” His acknowledgement didn’t help. The sweater became unbearably stifling the longer they spoke about me.

“Congratulations,” Dr. Eckel stated. “Have you started looking at colleges?”

“I haven’t visited any campuses yet, but I’ve had a few college scouts come to my games. My first choice is Stanford,” I shared. My voice sounded so small in the huge room.

“Really?” Vivian reacted in interest.

“What do you plan to study?” Dr. Eckel inquired.

“I haven’t narrowed it down yet.”

“She could choose anything,” Evan boasted. “She’s in all of the advanced classes and has a 4.0.”

“Hmm,” his mother responded, still intrigued.

“Well, I wish you the best,” Dr. Eckel offered, shaking my hand once again. “Evan, it’s always a pleasure.” He and Vivian strolled to greet another face they recognized.

I turned to Evan, trying to recover from my elevated temperature. “Don’t do that,” I pleaded.

“I’m sorry, what did I do?”

“Talking about me like that - it’s so uncomfortable.”

“But I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true, and I didn’t exaggerate. Sorry if it’s hard to hear the truth.”

I took another breath. “I’m just not used to this.”

“I know,” he said grabbing my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. He didn’t let go as I anticipated he would.

“My parents said you were going to be here,” an excited female voice squealed. I watched a stunning girl, with long wavy blond hair, saunter toward us. She wore a strapless black cocktail dress that hugged her slender figure. I felt juvenile and plain in comparison – despite Sara’s best efforts. She wrapped her arms around Evan and gave him a quick peck on the mouth. He released my hand to return the embrace. I became an invisible witness to this intimate greeting, holding my hands in front of me, preferring to look at the floor.

“Catherine, this is Emma Thomas. We go to school together. Catherine is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs,” Evan explained.

She turned to me with a start, oblivious to my presence until Evan mentioned me. I understood why as she pressed her body against his side, with her arms wrapped around his arm.

“Nice to meet you,” she acknowledged with the slightest nod.

“Catherine attends Boston College,” Evan shared, obviously trying to make up for Catherine’s disinterest.

“Do you like it?” I asked, thinking I should say something.

“I do,” she answered shortly, barely glancing at me.

“Evan, I have a surprise for you,” she announced, dismissing me completely. “Come upstairs so I can give it to you.” She started pulling him behind her. My eyes widened, realizing I was being left standing alone.

Evan slowed Catherine’s persistent pace and said something low into her ear. They stopped and she glanced at me with confused eyes. Evan said something else and she looked at him with a furrowed brow as she lightly ran her hand across his cheek. Her face dropped to a sulk. She whispered in his ear and took in his expression with a mischievous grin. He shook his head with an apologetic smile. She shrugged, gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and glided away. I wanted so much to blend into the wallpaper at that moment.

Evan returned to me, his cheeks flushed.

Before he opened his mouth to say anything, I blurted, “Don’t, it’s okay. I really don’t want to know. It’s actually none of my business.”

He examined me cautiously and said, “Really? That didn’t bother you?”

I drew my brow together. “Why would you ask me that?”

“Because what she did was completely offensive. I was bothered by it, so I can’t believe that you weren’t.”

I shrugged slightly and dropped my eyes to the floor. “I’m really not sure what to expect.”

“You should never expect that,” he stated while taking hold of my hand and raising my chin with his other hand. I couldn’t breathe when I turned my eyes up at him. “Okay?”

“Sure,” I whispered, glancing away.

This was the strangest night of my life. I was in the most exquisite house I’d ever seen, surrounded by people who assumed they had the privilege to say anything they wanted, regardless of how distasteful, and Evan was talking and acting ten years older than he was. He was right - Jake’s party was going to be easy after this.

We were greeted and I was introduced to more people throughout the longest hour of my life. They’d ask Evan a question and cut him off to talk about themselves. Finally, as I was becoming cross-eyed to feign interest in another mind-numbing story, a bell chimed and Mr. Jacobs requested that everyone make their way into the dining room for dinner.

I found that after all of this stifling drama, I was starving. We entered a long dimly lit room with the same large arching windows framed in dark red drapes that showcased the back terrace. The top half of the walls were covered in antiqued glass mirrors up to the ceiling, while the bottom half duplicated the ivory wood casings in the previous room. Another impressive stone fireplace centered the wall opposite the windows.

A long dark wooden table divided the room, with the windows on one side and the fireplace on the other. Complimenting the grand table were tall, straight-back chairs – closer to forty chairs than the twenty Evan guestimated. The table was set with delicate china bordered with gold scrolling, along with a collection of elegant glassware and flatware. Small silver cups of colorful flowers and glowing crystal votives were intermittently dispersed along the center of the table. A stunning crystal chandelier was suspended over us, creating a soft ambience enhanced by a crackling fire.

Evan pulled out my chair for me to sit before sitting to my left. To my changing fortune, Dr. Eckel sat to my right. He was the only person I’d met who was not self righteous and rude, but then again, he didn’t say much at all. That was fine by me too.

However, keeping with the momentum of the evening, on Evan’s left was Catherine, who scooted her chair closer to him. She took a sip from an oversized wine glass and leaned towards him.

“What Evan, not drinking tonight?”

“I’m driving,” he explained.

“You don’t have to,” she whispered, still loud enough that I could hear her. My back straightened, and I tried to take a sip of water to distract me. I didn’t dare look over at them.

“Evan, I’ve missed you,” she breathed. I choked on the water, coughing mid-gulp. I couldn’t stop coughing. Everyone stared at me as I tried to contain my fit in my napkin.

“Sorry,” I whispered, looking around at the startled faces. My face was red, not only from choking, but also from the words I’d just overheard.

“Are you okay?” Evan asked, trying to turn his back to Catherine.

“Yes,” I replied apologetically. “I swallowed wrong, I’m sorry.”

A line of servers entered the room, holding shallow bowls in each of their hands. The bowls were set in front of every person simultaneously. It was very impressive to witness.

“Start with the silverware on the outside and work your way in,” Evan whispered. I looked down at the lines of silver. How much could we possibly eat to need all of this?

“Evan, don’t ignore me,” Catherine demanded while we ate our soup. It didn’t appear that anyone else could hear her whispers over the murmurs of conversation that bounced around the cavernous room. I heard her because I was sitting next to Evan, and Dr. Eckel was as mute as I was.

“I’m not ignoring you, Catherine.”

“When are you visiting me in Boston again?” she asked. “We had so much fun the last time. Remember?” She released a high pitched giggle.

My head cocked in reaction to this artificial sound. Did she really force a giggle? Who does that? I tried to hold in my laughter and ended up coughing again, receiving a few more glances.

“I’m really busy right now,” Evan explained, glancing at me. I couldn’t look at him.

“But I haven’t seen you since I started school in August. Don’t you miss me?”

I couldn’t wait to hear his response to this one.

“I had a good time.”

Nice one, Evan.

“I can promise you a better time. Why don’t you come up next weekend? “

“Aren’t you on break for Thanksgiving?”

“Then come visit me here.”

“My brother will be home. I think we’re going skiing.”

“Evan,” she whined. “Don’t make me beg you.”

Was she serious? I took another gulp of water trying to suffocate my urge to laugh. I swallowed it without incident but found I was soon out of water. To my astonishment, it was quickly refilled by a body dressed in a tuxedo who appeared out of nowhere with a silver pitcher.

Catherine sulked during the second and third courses. I had no idea what I was eating because the courses didn’t resemble anything I could conjure up as food. But I tried them and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I liked them.

“How are you doing?” Evan leaned over to ask me.

“I’m doing just fine, thank you.” I grinned. I still couldn’t look at him, because that meant I would see her too. I didn’t know if I could do that and keep a straight face.

“How are you doing?” I inquired, still grinning.

“I’m ready to leave actually,” he admitted. A smile broke out on my face with the escape of a small laughing cough.

By the fifth course, which I did recognize to be beef, I had consumed three glasses of water and really needed to use the bathroom. The thought of standing up in front of all of these people and slipping out of the room unnoticed kept me paralyzed in my chair. But the settling pressure made taking one more bite unbearable.

“I have to use the restroom,” I whispered to Evan.

“I’m not sure where they are,” he admitted. “But you can ask one of the servers, and they’ll let you know where to go.”

Thankfully, the entrance was behind us. I held my breath as I slowly slid my chair away from the table. A loud scraping sound filled the room, disrupting every conversation. I grimaced and looked around apologetically at the same annoyed glares I’d been receiving all evening. I slipped out of the chair, and with as much concentration and grace as I could gather, I walked toward the open door. Next to it was a woman in a tuxedo with her dark hair neatly tied back into a low knot.

“Excuse me,” I whispered. “Could you please tell me where the restroom is?”

“Go right out this door, and you will find them tucked on either side of the staircase. It doesn’t matter which you use.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at her and stepped out the door. As I crossed the threshold, the heel of my shoe caught on the lip of the doorframe, faltering my fragile balance. I took several stammering steps into the foyer, trying to prevent myself from falling on my face. I recovered and remained on my feet, but the hard steps echoed like thunder throughout the foyer.

Evan came rushing out. “Are you okay?” he asked, prepared to scoop me off the floor.

“I’m fine,” I replied, standing up straight. I pulled my sweater taut over my hips and took a quick breath before continuing to the restroom. I remained in the small space for longer than was necessary, fanning my face in attempt to reduce the shade of scarlet to a less noticeable red.

When I returned to the table, my unfinished beef course had been removed, and a plate with small portions of cheese, garnished with a fan of strawberries and tiny grapes was set in its place. Catherine was hovering over Evan, whispering in his ear while stroking the back of his neck. I fought the temptation to glance over at him when I eased back into my seat.

Whatever Catherine was saying to Evan, she was saying it low enough that I couldn’t hear. At the end of the course, Evan excused himself and slid out of his chair. I turned toward him to see his red face before he left the room. Catherine giggled, watching him go. I caught her eye and stared at her, questioning. She smirked with a raised eyebrow before taking a sip of wine. I looked away and placed a grape in my mouth, unnerved.

Evan entered through a door at the other end of the fireplace and leaned over to whisper into his parents’ ears, who were sitting toward the head of the table with the Jacobs’. He tilted his watch and said something else. His mother gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Evan approached Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs to exchange a few words before shaking their hands. He exited the door and re-entered the one behind me.

“Ready?” he whispered, leaning over the side of my chair.

“Sure,” I replied, setting down my glass of water.

He helped pull my chair out without making the same bellowing noise I did earlier. We walked into the foyer, and Evan provided a card to the same poised gentleman in the tux to retrieve our coats.

“Leaving so soon?” Catherine asked, as she sashayed across the marble floor.

“We have another commitment,” Evan stated flatly.

“You will come back to visit me, won’t you Evan,” she demanded, rather than questioned.

I couldn’t contain myself any longer. As Evan slid the coat over my arms, I started laughing. At first in spurts - because I was trying to hold it in. But then there were tears in my eyes, and I couldn’t stop it from erupting.

“Are you laughing at me?” she asked.

“Actually, yes I am,” I stated with my eyes watering. My face reddened as I covered my mouth to capture another bout of laughter.

Evan smiled wide and said, “Good night, Catherine,” before escorting me out.

Once the door closed behind us, I couldn’t hold back. I laughed so hard, I had to bend over to support myself with my hands on my knees. I couldn’t see through the tears that were streaming down my face. I tried to compose myself, wiping the moisture from my cheeks, and took a couple steps forward.

Then I thought of her whine and giggle, and lost it again. I collapsed onto the top stone step, holding my stomach as I convulsed with laughter. After it was too painful to laugh anymore, I took a deep breath and wiped my cheeks again. Evan stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching me with an amused expression.

“I’m glad you found that funny,” he observed with his hands in his pockets.

“Please don’t mention it,” I groaned, trying not to laugh. “I can’t laugh any more. It hurts. Let’s just say we’re even.”