The Door to Love | ✔

Chapter 10

I knocked the door couple of times but nobody answered. I thought of waiting in his closet because the manly cologne felt so nice to inhale. But then I didn't want to be a creep, smelling Ted's clothes. So, I cautiously opened the door and stuck my head out. Nobody was seen in the room.

I wore one of his coats and socks because of the unbearable cold in the room. The fire place was not even lit. I stepped in the room and looked around. The room had old, wooden furniture and the wooden floor creaked when you trod upon it. It was not large but cosy. There was a bookshelf beside the comfy bed. I could see numerous empty coffee cups on the nightstand.

I spotted a heater in the corner and I switched it on. I stood in front of it and rubbed my arms. "Do you want a cup of coffee?" I heard a voice behind me and I gasped. I turned around quickly, nearly knocking down the heater. An old woman in her seventies stood in the entrance. "Uh, no thanks," I denied awkwardly.

After a moment of silence when none of us either uttered a word, I asked, "Are you Ted's grandma?" She smiled in agreement. Maybe, Ted must have informed her about the closet since he doesn't hides a thing from her. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes. One of the pretty girls Ted must have been banging around. Children these days have no purity left. But you seem a good, innocent girl. How could you sink into my grandson's charms?"

"NO! I didn't do anything with your grandson or anybody else. I am innocent. I too believe firmly in the marriage system and children these days have become corrupt exception being me," I explained. She looked delighted by my reply. She asked warmly, "Then who are you sweetheart? I didn't notice you entering our house earlier."

"Uh, I..." My voice trailed as I repeatedly glanced between the closet and Ted's grandma. She looked surprised by my expression of trying to convey my thoughts. She rushed towards me and immediately engulfed me into a warm hug. "You are that girl from the other side of the closet! I should have known that, Ted mentioned about this."

"Didn't Ted tell you my name?" She shook her head and I sighed. That arrogant boy wouldn't stop calling me 'girl'. She pulled away and said,"That dim-witted boy didn't tell me half of the details. So, what is your good name honey?"

"Abilene Snow but I am called Abby," I introduced myself and she smiled. "You aren't dressed properly for this winter. Let us head downstairs and gossip over a cup of coffee," She offered and wrapped her own coat around me. I thanked her and followed her downstairs.

We entered the living room which was so warm and the smell of coffee and marshmallows made my stomach growl in hunger. Grandma [Yes, she allowed me to call her grandma] soon appeared with a tray of marshmallows, cookies and cups of coffee. We sat by the fire place on a huge, soft sofa and sipped coffee. "When will Ted come back home?"

"He should be back within an hour. He's working in our bakery. Till then, make yourself at home," She said and I nodded. We both talked about all the formal stuff about my family background and my city. Soon, our conversation turned into a carefree and casual talk. It was so interesting to talk to her. Our conversation finally ended up on the closet. "Did you believe at first to what Ted said?" I asked.

"Of course, he never lies to me. You can say that I went through something similar at your age," She said and I nearly jumped on the sofa. I asked gleefully, "Then what was your story, grandma?"

She adjusted her glasses and said that she couldn't remember clearly. I insisted her a lot but she didn't say much. I looked down in disappointment. She said cheerfully, "You know Abby, I am glad it's you. You're a perfect match."

"Match? For what? I didn't understand - "

"What the hell are you doing here, girl?"