The wings attached. (Book one)

How to look at the box standing inside the box.

     The next train took us to Chinatown. I unlocked the main entrance and let Billy in. Leaving him for a moment, I went to the basement to check on my laundry. The basket with my dry stuff was carefully prepared and placed on the top of the washing machine. I smiled and found a sticker on the top of the pile.

     “Silly hat :)”

     “Mandy,” I whispered warmly. My best neighbor ever. I wanted to thank her. This wasn’t the first time she helped me out.  

     I climbed up the stairs and grinned. “I have great neighbors. Do you want to see my apartment?” Billy nodded and followed me.

     I turned the key, switched the lights on and gestured for him to come inside. I don’t know why I let a complete stranger inside my house. I guess, I was that desperate to have a friend. Besides, Billy had that air around himself that compelled me and drew me in like moth to a blazing fire. Not that I found him dangerous.   

     Silently, he crossed my threshold and advanced into the middle of the room looking curiously around.  

     While Billy was observing my small apartment, I went to the closet and carefully unloaded the laundry basket. From the pile I found a sweater and pulled it over my blouse, then put my jacket on again and walked out. “I’m ready!” I exclaimed. Billy was leaning casually on the kitchen counter and his guitar was on the floor. His eyes were far away in meditation staring at me. “What?” What? What? What?

     “I like you,” he pronounced absentmindedly.

     “I assumed that.”

     “I like you. Not just your appearance, though, you’re very beautiful without a doubt.”

     “That’s sounds like a compliment,” I said without a humor. “Thank you.”

     “That wasn’t a compliment, that’s a fact.”

     “Then it’s a double thanks.” I hesitantly advanced toward him and kissed him on his cheek.

     Billy didn’t move but smiled. “That was a good thanking.”

     “An honest one,” I drew away. “And I thought that this day was an ordinary kind of a day.”

     “I was mad that our performance got cancelled.”

     “See, everybody got their disappointments for the day,” I made goo-goo eyes. “Do you want something? I have cheesecake and pretty fresh coffee.”

     He was serious. “I want you to want me to kiss you.”

     A kiss? “For how long do you want me to want you to kiss me?”

     “From the moment my fingers touched yours.”

     “Seems like a year.”

     “Right about that.”

     “I’ll let you know,” I assured him. “I want to want you to kiss me.”

     “Good point. Are you ready to go and be happy?”

     “I think so,” I nodded and grabbed my bag.

     From the street side of the window I peeked into Mr. Wong’s cafe. Half of the tables were occupied. I saw Eric, Mandy’s brother, taking an order and Mandy carrying the dishes for the customers. I smiled and knocked on the glass to get her attention. Mandy heard my signal and her head snapped up. I tapped on the glass one more time with my fingers, and when she noticed me her lips stretched into a beautiful smile. She was busy to start a conversation. I just waved to her mutedly mouthing thank you and shaped a heart form in the air.