The night too long to arrive and Sun seemed very opposed to set. But at the designated hour Haldora stood in her room, dressed and ready to go. Anna gave her one last look. Haldora wore a long wool black turtle neck dress and a full length leather jacket. She shook in her clothes, with her hears pealed to every small sound that might announce the arrival of her date. Anna seemed as nervous as her friend, as she almost franticly arranged her hair. Al last Haldora had to stop her and both women took a deep and long breath. They stared into each other’s eyes as to calm one another down, both knowing it wasn’t working completely.
The sound of tapping on window came up through the stairs and the breathing exercises were left without result. Anna composed herself and went down the steps to open the door. Haldora stayed behind to fetch her purse. Before she could head towards the stairs, Anna had brought Michael up. She was even more nervous to have him inside her private room. Her view point to him. He was, as always, smartly dressed and wore a smile on his face. Haldora smiled back and indicated she was ready to go, by pointing to her purse.
- You look lovely. - , he complemented.
- Thank you. So do you. -, Haldora complemented back.
For a minute the three figures remained standing and silent, Michael looked around the room, in amazement, Haldora looked to the floor in embarrassment and Anna looked at the couple waiting for either of them to make a sound.
- You’re going to be late. -, Anna finally said.
Michael nodded is head and offered Haldora his hand. She slyly took it and they were off. Anna remained up in the room, where she could see them through the window. She accompanied Michael as he opened the car door for Haldora and then drove off.
The car drive was quiet, almost too quiet. Haldora could not think of anything to say and Michael seemed too concentrated on his driving. At some time he turned the car radio on, breaking the uncomfortable silence. The radio was playing the newest pop song, which made Haldora relax for a few seconds.
- I really hate these songs! -, Michael announced as he turned the station to something more rock, which made Haldora tense up again to the undesirable music.
- So what are we going to see? -, She finally had the courage to ask.
- That is a surprise.
- Won’t you give me a hint? Maybe the genre?
- No! That would ruin the surprise.
She was destined to wait to find out, so she silenced again, looking outside the window.
- Alright. I’ll tell you this. It has something in it that you can identify with.
Haldora was curious, she turned her head to him, to catch a glimpse of his face as he said it, to see if any more could be drawn from his expression, but he seemed decided not to reveal and she would respect it.
The car was parked and the theater was in sight. Haldora was even more nervous at the sight of an hour of more of close quarters sitting within a dark room. Michael rushed to open her door. She stepped out of the car and again Michael took her hand and led her to the theater. Inside he helped her with her coat, catching off guard because she had forgotten how etiquette ran. She finally sat down and steadied herself. Michael sat beside her with an excited look upon his face, she tried to copy it but the situation was nothing but exciting and everything nerve wracking. The lights went down and Haldora focused on the screen. Suddenly Japanese character’s appeared on the picture. Haldora was confused at the kind of film. She finally understood it was a Japanese animated movie. Her eyes turned to Michael and he was very serious attentive to the screen. She took a breath wondering how much more would they not have in common. She made her best effort to enjoy.
Half way through the story a strange character appeared. Michael leant towards her and whispered in her hear.
- Surprise!
At first she did not listen what was said, she was only engulfed in the moment. She had felt his breath on her skin and it was as she had imagined it to be. Sweet and fresh and warm. She was paralyzed for a second. Though her eyes still looked at the screen, her attention span was little. She soon woke up from her trance when she realized that the strange figure Michael was referring to was entitled as a witch. Her eyes were widened and her expression was changed as she found the comparison a tad ridiculous. Without her knowing Michael was also attentive to her reactions and become concerned to see her reaction to his surprise.
The film ran long and when it was finally over Haldora was relieved, smiling at her date trying to conceal it. They let the theater as it began to rain. Haldora took her coat and placed over their heads and they ran to get in the car. Once inside and excited by the run, they both had to catch their breaths through giggles. Michael took a look at his watch.
- It’s early. Would you like to go and have a drink? -, he invited.
- All right! -, she hesitated.
The car was put into motion and the silence was back.
- So, did you like the film? -, he asked.
- It was… definitely surprising.
- Come on, that is a safe answer. Did you like it?
- I thought it was… different. I had never seen that kind of movie before. -, she elaborated.
- That’s it? -, he asked taking his eyes off the road for a while. Haldora was at a loss for words. – I mean… I ask you what did you think about a shortstory and you sent me your message in six parts, because it was too long and that’s all you can say after two hours in a theater room? -, he joked.
- I’m still processing it. -, she finally announced.
- I’m starting to think you didn’t like it.
- No. I enjoyed it. I just haven’t formulated an intelligent opinion yet. -, she quickly explained.
- Then give the unintelligent one. -, he requested grinning.
Haldora searched for the words in her head and as she was certain she had a coherent speech formulated the car stopped in from of an apartment building.
- This is not a pub. -, she instead uttered.
- No, it isn’t. It’s where I live. I wanted some place quiet. -, he explained.
- You lied. -, she realized.
- No. I’ve got drinks. Let’s go up. -, he left the car and came to open hers.
They made their way up the steps to his door. As the door opened Haldora was bathed by a sent she had sent before. She could smell his presence on every corner of this apartment which made her dizzy. She as invaded by the many memories of the many ages she had met him. They entered; he took her coat and offered her a seat. She walked over to the sofa as he walked towards the kitchen, she touched the brown leather as she sat and felt a rush of feelings running from head down to her toes. It took every inch of strength to control these feelings and appear to act normal.
- What would you like to drink? -, he asked from the kitchen.
- Whatever you’re having. -, she answered as she looked around and studied the room.
Michael came in with two glasses of white wine and a bottle. He set the bottle down and handed Haldora her glass. They raised their glasses and took a sip.
- Not as fancy as what I had at your place, but a good wine, none the less.
- A very good wine. -, she attested.
- I forgot to give you the big tour. -, he announced. – This is the TV room, living room and library. -, he said as he pointed to the various objects that identified the room, the television, the sofa and the grand book case. – Over there is the bedroom, and bathroom and through there the kitchen.
- It’s cozy.
- Yes. It is small.
Haldora laughed. She took another sip of her wine.
- So… what didn’t you like about the film? -, he sharply asked, making Haldora realize she had forgotten her carefully plan speech from before.
- It’s not so much that I didn’t like it. There were things I …
- Didn’t like? -, he interrupted.
- Why did you take me to see this film? What made you think I would like it? -, she asked.
- You were reading Japanese comic books, so it’s something we share and … There was a witch in this one. -, he confidently answered.
- I’ve been reading Japanese comics to understand what people see in it. So far all I’ve got was an enormous inferiority complex. I’m not particularly fond of them. -, she answered, leaving Michael extremely embarrassed.
- I’m so sorry. You hated it. You spent two hours in a theater looking at a film you hate.
- No. It’s not as dramatic as that. The story was cute. The braveness of children and the helping of unlikely friends. It was well constructed. -, she explained.
- Don’t try to cheer me up, you really didn’t like it. -, he said as he held her hand, yet again. – Tell you, at least, found the witch amusing.
- Which witch? -, she asked.
- The witch. -, she confirmed.
- We’re playing the Wizard of Oz! -, she realized. Michael laughed. – The good one or the bad one.
- Well, what did you of them both?
- I’m confused as to what you meant when you said I could identify with her. Did you mean I look physically ridiculous or old?
Michael choked on his wine upon hearing the question. He shook his head as he coughed.
- I just meant there were witches. You don’t look a think like them. -, he clarified.
- Oh, so I’m not as good as the good witch? I would not help that child? -, Haldora insisted, leaving Michael uncomfortable.
- No… You’d… You’d do more! -, he finally answered.
- Good save. -, she stated.
- I’m really sorry. I really did think you would like it.
- It’s a different experience. Just for that I like it. -, she took a long sip from her drink. – So, you don’t have any other friends who like witches and animated films?
Michael hesitated. His expressing changed and Haldora was sorry she had asked.
- Yes, I do, but I’m… taking a break from some people.
Haldora wanted to ask further questions, but she saw show his eyes had turned sad, so she abstained, instead she got up and looked at his book collection. Michael understood her tactic. He got up behind her and stood very close. She kept her composure since he could see her reflection on the glass.
- Not as great as your library. -, he stated.
- Same theme though. They’re mostly about the Middle Ages.
- After a year and a half of online conversation you haven’t realized that is my favorite topic?
- A year and a half? Seems longer.
- It’s seems forever. Especially now that I’ve met you.
Haldora turned around to find herself pinned between Michael and the bookcase. She looked up to him, with and inquisitive expression.
- I wondered a lot how you’d look like and how you’d be for real and now that we’ve met… you’re just like I imagined. -, he explained in a half whisper.
- I find that hard to believe. -, she joked.
- You are. You’re committed to what you do. It showed in the way you explained things, never allowing yourself to be wrong. You’re kind. I saw the atmosphere at the bookshop, your employees love you. You’re a good boss. You’re uncomfortable with people but you like to talk and maybe you’re a bit eccentric. –, he explained looking straight into her eyes.
- Eccentric?
- You live above your work place. You have no furniture and you can read ancient languages. What you call that? -, he asked grinning.
- A nut? -, she joked.
Michael touched her face with his finger and came very close. Haldora knew what was to follow. His lips were very close to hers. He closed his eyes and time seemed to stretch. The few millimeters between them seemed yards. Finally she closed her eyes and their lips touched lightly. Michael redrew and came back again for a second approach. This time their lips glued to each other accompanied by a rush of blood. Haldora felt her control slip away. Suddenly a gush of strong wind opened the window and like a hurricane blew everything that was not too heavy out of its place. Michael ran to close the window, confused as too what had happened, since it was not appropriate weather. Haldora realized she had spilled her wine over her dress and so had Michael. She was soaking.
- Come into the bedroom and change. Just look in the closet for something. -, Michael suggested.
Haldora rushed into the room and took her dress immediately off, not that she was bothered by the wetness, but because her scar was throbbing like never before. She was having trouble breathing. She gasping was so laud that Michael, who kept himself busy, tidying the living room, could hear her. He was frightened at the sound and opened the door. Haldora stood next to his bed, breathing heavily, wearing nothing but her underwear. As soon as he saw he, turned his head, but right then he looked again, noticing her scar. He walked up to her, staring at it. Haldora looked away.
- What happened? -, he asked.
She shook her head so he’d understand she didn’t want to speak about it. He felt compelled to touch it. As she did Haldora’s pain subsided. She took a long heavy breath and then began to breathe normally once more.
- An operation gone bad? -, he asked still with his fingers on it.
- Something like that. -, she explained. She looked at him as he seemed hypnotized by this scar. – I need to go. -, she said as she took her dress and pushed it down her body. She walked passed Michael towards the door and her coat. She turned around for a moment. – Thank you. It was a lovely evening.
Closed door… Parallelizes…
