Her Eyes

Forty Seven

"Mum, they won't let us take all of this food inside," Nikolaos sighed, concealing a laugh as he held onto a bag of snacks in his hands weighing more than Esmae's suitcase.

"E? Who says they won't? If they say no, tell them they're anamnistiká, okay?" she argued as she adjusted Esmae's scarf, ensuring it was tied around her neck comfortably enough despite the woman having to take it off before going through security. Esmae didn't have the heart to tell her such a thing.
(souvenirs)

Nikolaos shook his head and looked at his father for help. The older man merely shrugged and smiled, a deep rumble of laughter nearly escaping. He knew Evangelia couldn't be stopped once she was set on doing something.

"Thank you," Esmae whispered once Evangelia stopped adjusting the thick, knitted scarf around her neck. It was a present from the older woman. A nice thick red scarf that stood out just in case the leaf somehow went missing. Evangelia caressed her cheek softly with her leather gloves, her eyes tender and caring toward the dryad she saw as her daughter.

She let go and held Charis' hand, their fingers laced together. "Call me when you get to Spain, actually, no, text me; de s' arései na káneis tilefonímata," she added, smiling knowingly at her son who concealed an eye roll. She knew him too well.
(you don't like making phone calls)

"I will, mum. I promise," Nikolaos replied nonetheless, returning her smile with a small one of his own and placing the large bag of snacks on his suitcase.

It was midday. The plans to go to Spain were made spontaneously, something Nikolaos rarely does, so when he broke the bundle of news to his parents the day after Christmas, the shock on their faces was more than just evident. As always, he was scolded by his mother for hiding such an important decision and Esmae was coddled with hugs and sweet desserts for absolutely no other reason than the two wanting to treat her.

Alas, they accepted his rash decision and helped book the itinerary for the trip since Nikolaos had yet to look at any hotels. His parents were well traveled, so they knew a few places and even paid half the price for the hotel. Nikolaos refused to let them pay the entire thing.

In addition, Evangelia gave Esmae a few Spanish novels along with downloading an audiobook app on her phone. She knew the leaf didn't like reading based on her aversion towards anything with words, but she decided to press her just a bit. Most of the books were ecological anyway and Esmae promised to read them – or listen – on the plane to Spain.

Looking at the two of them, Charis sighed lightly, placing his free hand in his deep pockets. "Enjoy yourselves and stay safe, nai? Make sure to take pictures as well," he said, his accent surprisingly British. The man rarely spoke in English, though he attempted to do so more often ever since Esmae appeared in his son's life.

He wanted to make her as comfortable as possible.

"Tha to kánoume, bampá," Nikolaos assured with a nod. Glancing at the time and figuring they needed to check in quickly and catch the flight, Nikolaos took Esmae's hand, squeezing it gently and looking at his parents once more.

"We'll see you soon," he farewelled with a nod.

It was as if their relationship changed through the winter holiday they shared together. Of course, the three loved each other mutually and would always care for one another despite any arguments or circumstances, but it seemed more pronounced this year. As if they came closer than ever before.

Who knows?

Esmae smiled shyly, her nose warm from the scarf wrapped around her neck, and waved goodbye to the two quietly, still tired from going to bed late the night before. She and Nikolaos indulged in more than just slow kisses under the warm light, those which she made sure to hide the signs of under thick, long-sleeved sweaters.