Warning!
This is a book for the open-minded only!
If you feel that you already know all about the mysteries of our existence, your view of life is set and you would like to keep it this way, then this book is not meant for you. Don't bother reading...
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Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
- Albert Einstein
As you can imagine, Toni and I did not go out much more after this evening. He actually never called me again.
But someone else did.
Out of the blue, one Saturday around noon in July, the phone rang. My parents were out hiking and my sister had met her boyfriend Max for lunch, therefore it was up to me to pick up the peace-shattering device.
Luckily, I had been relaxing in the living room with a book at the time and did not have to race up the stairs. I did not enjoy having to catch my breath, while trying to answer the yet unknown person on the other line. You never knew who was calling. . . Although, to be honest, lately it was mostly for my parents or my sister. Beni was not a big fan of phone conversations, nor were our friends. Whom I was seeing less and less, due to the fact that we were living in different villages and we were all motorically impaired, so to speak. (Just in case you are wondering about public transportation: On the countryside?! Sighs deeply.)
"Reiter."
"Hallo! My name is Andi and I would like to speak to Mia, please. . .?" A definitely male voice sounded through the receiver.
Andi. . . ? I tried in vain to connect the name to somebody I knew.
"Speaking. I am really sorry, but how do I know you. . .?" I felt utterly embarrassed that I had to ask. Honestly, I should apply for a better memory of names, somewhere. . .
"Oh, hi! You probably don't remember me, but we've met just recently. . . you visited my Uncle's bar with Toni. . . and you gave me your number. . ."
It took me a few more moments, until it finally clicked. "Ah, yes. Yes, I do remember you. You're working as a waiter, right?" I tried to make polite conversation while sitting down on the rag rug that covered part of the tiled hallway-floor, in order to get more comfortable.
"Yes. Well, I did that night to help my uncle out. It's not really my occupation, though. . . Anyway, I just called to ask if you would like to meet me."
"Meet you? When? How?" Why? I barely refrained from saying that out loud. Stretching my legs, I leaned against the wall opposite the small cupboard holding the phone.
"What about now?"
Surprised, I sat up straight, crossing my legs. "Now?"
"Yes, right now. You live in Henndorf, if I am correct. . .?"
"Uhm, yes. . .?" I stalled, not sure whether to accept his invitation, or not. After all, I really did not know that boy. Not that I was afraid of him in any way, but I did not fancy having to spend a few hours in the company of somebody I might not feel comfortable with.
