Hello Again

V

 "So what exactly are we supposed to wear tonight?" Peter asks me over the phone. I roll my eyes playfully as I paint my toenails.

 "I've told you this at least a dozen times. Look nice, look presentable."

 "Don't I always look presentable?"

 "Mh, that's debatable." I smile wide. I hear  him pretend to be hurt.

 "Then I'm not going."

 "Too bad, I have already told Mrs. Brahms we're coming together."

 He sighs and I set down the polish, examining my toes. "Well then I guess I have no choice."

 "That's right. And don't forget we're planning on making our engagement public at diner. You are going to do the announcing, right?"

 "Yes. So I'll pick you up in two hours?"

 "Yep. I love you Peter."

 "I love you too. Bye."

 We hang up and I toss my phone on the bed next to me. I pick up the polish again to do my nails, now free to do so from hanging up. While painting them, I glance at the scar left behind from the cut. I can't believe that was almost a month ago! I haven't seen Jurgis in weeks. I've gone back to just doing some things in my office during the day. This party is going to be a big help not only to bring in people to the shop but also give me clients. I also haven't been to the Brahm's since  that last day when Jurgis saw it finished. I'm a little nervous, especially with having news as Peter and I do.

 Peter and I walk up to the Brahms' front door, the lights illuminating from the inside casting a glow on the steps. The sky is purple and pink where the sun is going down. It is a lovely night for the party! The woman who always opens the door greets the two of us and takes our things. As I turn so Peter can ease my evening shawl off of my shoulders, revealing my low back navy blue dress, I spot Jurgis and Mrs. Brahms in the middle of the hall talking with many friends. Jurgis' eyes are already locked on me. I turn quickly, looking at Peter.

 "You okay?" Peter's eyebrows go down.

 "Yea, absolutely. Just nervous I think." Peter smiles encouragingly at me, takes my hand and kisses it.

 "You'll do fine. Your great at this. After all, all this lovely work is what you've done. Be happy. Stand up tall and wallow in the well earned pride."  I nod my head, thankful Peter came. He gives me a kiss on the cheek before we start moving into the house. Mrs. Brahms is busy talking with some over- powdered lady while Jurgis talks to a guy around his age with his hands behind his back. The first to see me is, of course, Gabi. She taps Mrs. Brahms on the shoulder and whispers something, I can only guess what. Then Mrs. Brahms' eyes widen and her arms spread, joyous to see me.

 "Samantha, darling! You made it!" She moves away from where she was standing to come up to me. She hugs me after giving me a kiss on both sides of my face. "Oh I can't thank you enough for all you have done for me!" Peter and I let go of each other's hands so Mrs. Brahms can take me to her friends. "Everyone, I want you to meet the young woman who made this party possible! This is my dearest friend Samantha."

 I get good eyes from all who is around me. Jurgis smiles so wide it should defy some law of science to split in half. But it doesn't- it just makes him look all the more attractive. We spend at least a good hour and a half in the hall while people still arrive. I get into long conversations with people about my job and what exactly I did here for Mrs. Brahms and her son. I also get stories from very good friends about Jurgis when he was younger. And speaking of Jurgis, I haven't spoken to him at all. Not even a hello. Just simple glances and smiles from afar.