Paradoxical

Everywhere

December 14th, 2012 4:56 Everywhere.

It was nearing Christmas time, and we had all been sent home for a break. We loaded our bags and flew home for the rest of the month. No cameras in my face. No overly excited girls secretly on a mission to break my ear drums. No stage lights glaring at my face. But most importantly, no more you. Which happened to bum me out a lot more than it should have. As absolutely cliche as it might sound, I thought about you every single day. And during the most ridiculous moments at that.

As I washed the dishes, you appeared by my side, rinsing them. While I watched television, you sat next to me and exploded with acrimonious comments. When I went gift shopping online, you were screaming at me in the back of my mind, "That's possibly the worst gift ever," at every single item I chose. I don't believe I've ever told you about this, have I? You might deem me crazier than before.

When our laughing session died down, we parted ways like we never had a moment. After regaining your composure, you hastily wished me a nice night and rushed off. Not even leaving a glass slipper for me to find you by.

Countless days and nights flew by, and every day that ticked by had me wanting to see you again. Though I knew our encounters would be chaste and emotionally void.

December 24th, 2012 7:38PM Eves and Evenings.

You showed up at my front door; donning a grey sweater with Santa's face printed onto it, hair down in curls, and your big ole glasses. After days spent trying to find ways to stop thinking about you, you could imagine how I felt at the perplexity of the situation. It was just a tad bit bewildering. And not any less when my mother came up from behind and told me, "Oh Niall, let the girl in! Percy called and ask if she could swing by and take some footage of the us as a family." I couldn't imagine how you convinced my mother to do such a thing, not that I paid any mind to it. Your surprise visit was indeed surprising, but definitely far from unwanted. So I stepped aside and gestured for you to come in.

"I thought you might like it better if I personally came by and did it instead of some random camera man you'd probably never even seen." You whispered, brushing past me. I did appreciate it, a lot. Even now, I still appreciated the thought. The thought that triggered our future. I can still recall the sight of my mother bounding in from the kitchen to come welcome you. She looked...star struck. And for the first time, I saw you blush. You extended your hand to shake my mothers. You fingers filed neatly and painted with a bright red varnish.

"I'll capture some footage quickly and be on my way! I hope I'm not too much of a bother." You stated, in a sheepish manner. And maybe that was the first time I thought you looked....cute.Feet shuffling, hands twisted, eyes glancing around nervously Maybe that's the first time I saw you under an attractive limelight. All the other times, you'd just struck a cord of curiosity.

"Oh no dear! I love your work. The first film you entered at the festival was beautiful! And I'm a huge fan of your father's work. Honestly, I've seen each of his movies. What I would give for an autograph!" My mom had looked at you expectedly, one eyebrow raised as if waiting. You stumbled back, sputtering apologies.

"I'm so sorry! You should've told me earlier! I'm so sorry Ms. Gallagher! Here let me..." You fumbled around with your phone, and your amaranth one eyes burned with concentration, worry, and concern. Until my mother held your shoulders and told you to calm down.

"I was just kidding, darling. You are a such a lovely young lady. And a beautiful one at that!" You blushed, though it was hard to tell. Your skin was always this tan olive color that other girls would envy. But during the winter, your skin gradually lightened, and I could see a little red staining your cheeks.