Caleb calls me out into the snow at 6ish this morning. Everyone's stirring. I bring my coffee and have boots on and pajamas. My hair is sideways and I jam it back behind my ears. Lochlan rolls his eyes as I go out the door and wonders out loud what he wants.
Caleb is holding a small box. He looks at it while he tells me that he understands that I am afraid, that he hopes to change that some day. He apologizes for asking for a good faith visit with him, telling me that he is thankful I was able to bring about the reconciliation between himself and his best friend, that his friendship with Lochlan is important to him and it is not contingent on nor is it tied to his relationship with me, but that he was hoping to be on close terms with us both. With everyone.
I nod and sip my coffee.
Are you alright?
I don't know. Maybe. I look at my coffee. I'm freezing. It was -4 on the readout of the weather station in the kitchen and I didn't wear a jacket.
Go inside, Neamhchiontach. Maybe we can talk later. It's your call.
I nod and he leans down and lands a kiss against my forehead before I turn to head up the steps.
Bridget-
I turn back. Yes?
You asked for me. That was the catalyst. What gives?
I know. It happened so fast. I thought it would be a longer fight.
Was it a test? Are you disappointed in Lochlan?
I am never disappointed in Lochlan. I look at Caleb now. My chin is up, my expression stubborn.
It's a fair question.
No it is not.
You forget-I'm part of this now too.
I know.
Will I see you this week?
Tonight.
Seriously? His face morphs into this huge excited eighteen-year-old's grin. I never could resist it.
Eight good?
Eight is fine. Maybe just come over for dessert and see how you feel. Okay?
Okay. I feel weird and now I'm frozen to my bones, so in I go. Once inside I realize I didn't get to see what was in the box. Probably tonight. Maybe it's my soul. I was even smaller than this when he took it.
