RAIN DANCE

One

 
One
I decided to introduce Aidan as soon as possible. It’s not like I was planning on marrying him immediately but I just figured that since he was going to be in my life forever, my parents might as well get to know him and get used to him. I was excited like a kid on Christmas morning. Mom agreed to throw a big lunch to meet this special friend of mine. Dad spent the days leading up to the lunch working on his hostility. I didn’t expect anything different from him but I just hoped he wouldn’t pop a vein just to turn up the heat on the love of my life.
If Aidan was nervous, he surely didn’t let on. He was calm. I was excited and jittery for the both of us. I’d been spending nights at home just to assert the atmosphere and get a hint of what to expect. When Aidan finally came over I was the first to the door. I stepped out and closed the door behind me to give us a little bit of privacy before he met everyone.
It felt like I hadn’t seen him for years. But the last time I’d seen him was just the previous night when he came to drop me off. We’d kissed goodnight and I’d stopped at the door to see him watching me as he always did. Looking into his eyes felt like the sun was coming up for the first time that day for me. They seemed so light and I marvelled at how complete I felt every time I was in his arms.
“Hi,” I whispered after he had let me go and I had kissed him. The butterflies in my tummy were making it hard for me to stand still.
“Hi,” he mirrored, his eyes looking at me like I was water in the desert.
“Are you ready?” I asked as I let his fingers intertwine with mine.
“Born ready.” He said confidently. I sighed deeply and opened the door. I could feel that my hand was a bit too tightly holding on to his but he didn’t seem to mind.
The house seemed a bit too quiet but then again it was never noisy since Lizzy and I had grown up. I was just so nervous that I was actually imagining the deafening silence. Lizzy came to greet Aidan inside the house before we got to the backyard where mom had insisted we eat. I couldn’t complain; I needed all the fresh air I could to get through that day.
“Hey Aidan,” Lizzy said as she hugged him.
“Hi, Lizzy.” He said with a warm smile.
“I hope you’re not as panicked as your better half here. She couldn’t sleep a wink.” Lizzy said. I tried to punch her arm but she ducked.
“Nice one, Lizzy.” I said as I hid behind Aidan’s arm. Aidan just chuckled quietly. He had adapted to our playful squabbles.
“You have nothing to worry about.” Aidan whispered as I led him outside. I could hear mom and dad talking. I wondered if it was about him. “What’s the worst that could happen? I could steal your chinaware just to add excitement.”
I squeezed his arm at his joke. Seeing my parents had suddenly led to the loss of my voice. I felt like my legs were about to buckle under me. Mom saw us first and pulled her big polite smile. What was that I’d seen for a second before she hid it well with the fake smile? I couldn’t worry about that now. I had to protect Aidan from the other man of my life; my dad. Dad was eyeing Aidan with a serious scowl. At least they were standing together. Their extreme behaviours would neutralise each other. Dad was seriously hostile while mom was a tad too polite and welcoming.
“Mom, dad” I began after I’d swallowed hard, taken a deep breath and Aidan had squeezed my hand to urge me on. “This is Aidan.” I looked at Aidan “Aidan these are my parents.”
“Hi Aidan,” mom said offering her hand for Aidan to shake. My dad just looked at Aidan and shook his hand brusquely.
“Please feel at home.” She added, probably on behalf of my dad.
“Thank you so much for having me.” Aidan said politely. “You have a lovely home. You must have impeccable taste and skills to maintain it so well.” 
Mom smiled shyly and if her blush could be expressed on her face, she’d have turned a deep red. I tapped Aidan’s hand lightly and discreetly. Dad continued to look at Aidan mincingly while Aidan pretended not to notice. But I knew he could see it. I mean, you’d have to be pretty thick to miss those glares.
“The food’s almost done.” Mom said as she set the table. “Chris, can you help me?”
I threw a worried glance at Aidan and he smiled at me. I assumed it was reassurance that he’d survive a few minutes alone with my dad. Reluctantly, I followed my mom to the kitchen.
“You didn’t tell us he was white?” mom hissed.
“Who’s white?” I asked with a chuckle. “I didn’t think it was important to mention.”
“That’s not the only shocking thing about him.” Lizzy hinted with an impish smile as she walked out of the kitchen with two bowls of food. I looked at her fiercely. Luckily, mom paid no attention to her.
It was after a few minutes that we finally sat down to eat. I was dying to know what Aidan and dad had talked about while I was gone but I guess I should have just been grateful dad had left him alive. Besides, Aidan was still smiling when I came back. That was a good sign.
“So Aidan,” mom said softly when everyone had food on their plates and were eating quietly.
“What do you do? Do you work? Go to school?” she asked.
Of all the questions? How could I have missed that one? I had spent my time worrying about the wrong things. Maybe I should have cushioned the blow, spoken to mom first when we were alone. But what could I have said? Mom, Aidan is a thief. He might also be a con artist and highly dangerous. In fact, we first met a few years ago when I walked in on him robbing an office at dad’s work. I swallowed hard. I hoped my face did show my fear. The last thing I wanted was for Aidan to think that I was ashamed of what he did. But, surely, he would understand why I didn’t want my parents to know.
Was I beginning to sweat a little? Lizzy let out a small cough and dad looked Aidan in the eyes waiting to hear what he’d say. I was the only one who wasn’t so eager for Aidan to answer that question.
“Well, I’m still thinking about getting a degree or something. You know, further my education but,” he paused and looked at my dad “Right now, I’m focusing on Chrisadam, running it as best as I can.”
You could have knocked me over with a feather. I wanted to clap my hands and cheer for him but I channelled my energy to pouring juice into my cup.
“Juice, anyone?” I asked, trying to change the subject. My parents looked blown away
“Chris-Adam?” dad repeated, carefully breaking the words. He raised one eyebrow.
“Yes,” Aidan said after swallowing his food. “Adam was my brother.”
I looked down, not out of embarrassment but because I could hear the pain in his words. Maybe, I was looking for it that’s why I detected it.
“Lovely ice cream parlour and huge crowd-puller.” Mom looked at me. Obviously, the name was making sense to her. “Wasn’t that place opened last year?” she asked.
“Yes,” Aidan answered. How could he keep smiling with all the questions?
“And we only meet you now?” she went on to ask.
Yes, that was sweat I had felt earlier on. I felt like a criminal in interrogation. Yes, yes! We’re getting married but not like tomorrow, I wanted to scream in surrender.
“I was out of town for a long time. I had some business to take care of.” Aidan explained. Dad, who hadn’t stopped glaring at Aidan, finally took a bite of his food. He was chewing slowly and thoughtfully.
“Where’s your family?” mum asked without even taking a deep breath. I felt so hot. My trembling hands brought the glass of juice to my mouth. I was about to swallow when all of a sudden Lizzy started laughing, not the usual quiet table manners kind of laugh. It was more like a roar, like she’d been holding it in for a long time. We all glared at her except Aidan, of course, who just stared at her in amusement.
“O. M. G. This is the best crime show I’ve ever seen. I mean, Homicide, has nothing on you.” She gasped in between fits of laughter. I couldn’t help looking at her with gratitude as I grinned.
“Can we just eat for a while?” dad said when Lizzy had finally stopped laughing.
Aidan looked at me all throughout the meal but not for too long at a time. I could tell mum was dying to find out more. Lizzy’s rude and blunt intervention was the pacifier my mum needed. Mum was a bit sour after the meal. She wanted to sit down alone with Aidan and crack him open. That was probably my fault. I should have brought more guys over to wear mum out before I brought the real deal.
“Look, it’s not like this the last time you’ll have him around. He can come over every week if you like.” I said when Aidan was leaving.
“You sound so sure. Like you know without a doubt that he’s yours.” Mum said sceptically
“That’s why it’s called love, mum.” Lizzy pointed out matter-of-factly.
Of course, she knew about the ring hanging like a burning rock on my neck and what it meant. I had told her everything the following morning after he’d proposed. I had to sleep on it before I disclosed that information to anyone. But besides Aidan and me, Lizzy was the only other person who knew about our engagement.
“Is there any chance we can go out tonight, just you and me?” Aidan asked as we stood by his car. We had developed the habit of goodbyes that took forever.
“I can’t. I want to hear what dad has to say about you.” I said. My phone started ringing in my pocket as I spoke. Without thinking about I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at it. It was Dylan. My heart started racing. I was noticeably happy. I looked at Aidan who was looking back at me curiosity.
“It’s Dylan.” I answered his unspoken question. “Just give me a second.” For the first time that day, Aidan’s face looked nearly unhappy. As a reflex to keep him happy, it had become my absolute first priority; I took his hand and smiled at him. But I wouldn’t miss Dylan’s call.
“Hey you!” I said into the phone. I couldn’t hide my excitement.
“Hi,” he said. I could tell he was happier than I was but he wouldn’t let himself get carried away.
“I didn’t know you could take the time out of your amazing weekends to talk to lowly individuals like me.” I said. The huge grin on my face was overflowing into my words.
“What are you doing right now?” he asked. I held my breath. This would not end pretty. I looked at Aidan and he smiled at me like he knew what Dylan had asked and what my answer had to be. He kissed my hand lightly and I sighed.
“Saying goodbye to Aidan, he just met my family.” I said my voice deflated. “Why are you asking?”
He was quiet for a while. I wished I hadn’t answered the phone.
“Dylan, are you still there?”
“Yeah,” he said and paused. He was trying to keep calm.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He said abruptly “I have to go.”
“But you−” I began to protest.
“I just wanted to check up on you.” He interjected. “We’ll talk later.”
“Okay,” I said quietly “Thanks.”
“Bye.” He said. Before I could respond, the line had gone dead. Slowly, I put the phone in my pocket. I felt Aidan’s hands slide around me as he pulled me to him. I wanted to wiggle out. My dad might have seen us but I didn’t move. I was too heartbroken to care.
“See why I don’t like him?” Aidan said softly “He just makes you so sad.”
“For every force exerted on an object an equal force is exerted back.” I muttered and then sighed.
“I didn’t know Newton was a relationship psychologist.” Aidan chuckled.
“Relationships are relationships whether they’re physical or emotional.” I pointed out. “He makes me sad because I make him sad too.”
“In that case, you should be happy because you’re with me right now and you make me ecstatic.” He said. My mood didn’t lighten. “I could always tickle you…”
That was all I needed to jump out of his arms. I didn’t doubt he would. He did it a lot to me whenever he could. Aidan would do anything to hear me laugh.
As he got into his car and drove away, I knew this was just the beginning. Aidan came to eat at the home with me almost every weekend. Dad didn’t warm up to him in the slightest. Mum grew to love him like her own son, but I suspect she always felt that way from the very start. She was more excited about having Aidan over more than I was.
The yearend crept closer and my nineteenth birthday came. I didn’t know what to ask for as a perfect birthday present. I already had what I wanted and would ever want; Aidan was practically part of the family. That was all I needed. The year that followed I’d join Lizzy at college. I was kind of dreading it but I had to hide it from Aidan. The last thing I wanted to do was show him just how scared I was that this fairytale story of ours would dissolve into nothing with distance. So I sucked it in and enjoyed every second I could be with Aidan.
I guess with every happiness comes a tonne of sadness. I was doing a good job at hiding my sadness from Aidan. I didn’t see the point of having the both of us being down in the dumps about Dylan. I also hid my sorrow because I was worried Aidan would confront Dylan about the whole issue. Aidan had no boundaries when it came to my happiness.
He had absolutely no boundary that was why for my birthday he almost flew me across the world for a vacation. It was then that I remembered that I had planned to send my parents away for the holidays. I still had the money I had saved up; I simply had stopped planning anything because I was otherwise occupied. Aidan had ways of keeping me busy.
“Thank you mum for the lovely dinner.” I said on our birthday. Mum had insisted that Aidan join us for the family dinner she had planned. We had just finished dessert and were sitting in the living room.
I sat next to Aidan. When dad’s watchful eye had burnt through Aidan’s collected shell, he had managed to let go of my hand. Lizzy, who didn’t even want to be home for the dinner, just sat on the arm rest next to me.
“It was nothing.” Mum said as she came to sit next to dad on the other couch.
“Damn right it wasn’t.” Lizzy whispered inaudible to mum and dad. I squeezed her hand and smiled.
“Do you mind if we go out for a bit?” I asked with a pleading smile.
“No problem.” Mum said smiling not at me but at Aidan. If I didn’t know any better I’d have been jealous.
“But before we go, we have something for you.” I said as I looked at Aidan as he pulled out the tickets from his pocket. “It’s from all of us.” Lizzy nodded.
Mum almost squealed when she opened the envelope. Dad just grunted.
“Who is it from…really?” He looked at me as he spoke.
“It’s from us. We’ve been saving up all year.” I said pointing at Lizzy and myself. Dad’s serious face eased up a little. “Aidan picked the destination.” I added to mum’s delight. Dad’s face returned to its gruff state.
“Mike, aren’t you going to thank the kids for the thoughtful gift?” Mum said, her eyes still on the tickets.
“And take that lovely honour from you? Not a chance.” Dad said sarcastically. I threw a glance at him and he smiled apologetically.
“I have to start packing.” Mum said, thoughtfully. The excitement on her face was gratitude enough for me.
Lizzy moved anxiously on the arm rest. I looked at her and saw that the discomfort was written all over her face. If we didn’t move soon, I was sure she’d break down into a tantrum.
“I’ll go get our purses.” I said as I got up from the couch pulling Aidan with me. Lizzy was already by the door when I continued.
“We’ll wait for you in the car.” Aidan said as he read the look on Lizzy’s face. He looked at mum and smiled. “Thank you for the amazing dinner. If you keep spoiling me like this I might have to move in.”
Dad shot a fierce look at Aidan but continued to smile. I squeezed his hand and made a mental note to scold him for tormenting dad. Aidan knew it was taking so much out of my dad to be civil towards him and yet he insisted on torturing him.
Five minutes later I was in the car and we started our drive to Chrisadam. Lizzy didn’t seem to be in the mood for the trip but she didn’t say a word. When we arrived Aidan got out first and went round to help Lizzy out of the car. I smiled at his effort to make sure that Lizzy never felt out of place.
“Surprise!” was the roar that greeted us at the door as we entered the ice cream parlour. To my amazement, I knew most of the faces in side. “Happy birthday!” they all shouted but not in perfect unison.
I shot a look at Lizzy, “Did you know about this?” I asked but the surprised look on her face answered my question.
“I love you Chris but I would never throw you a party on my birthday.” She answered. I stood laughing by the door as Lizzy slipped into the crowd. I felt Aidan’s hands slide to my waist as he kissed me on the forehead.
“Were you surprised?” He said in my ear. I looked up at him and grinned.
“You planned this, didn’t you?” I asked.
He shrugged, “Didn’t want to get you something you would spend all night wondering if I’d stolen,” he said jokingly. I rolled my eyes at him. “Besides, I noticed how little time you were spending with the other people in your life ever since I got back so I thought you’d appreciate this more.”
I hugged him. What more could I have done to thank him for the most thoughtful gift he’d given me. Before I knew it I was yanked out of Aidan’s warm grip. I turned around to find Chuck and Heather. I threw an apologetic glance at Aidan and he nodded in response as he turned and disappeared into the crowd towards the kitchen.
“He is still as hot as ever!” Chuck said huskily. “I thought you’d give me a chance to try him out too.”
Heather laughed at Chuck’s remark as she hugged me. “Happy birthday,” She said. “I’m so sorry I’ve been out of touch. You’ll understand when you’re in university next year.”
“Oh stop it, you’re making all excited already!” I said sarcastically.
“It’s not as horrific as she’s making it seem. It’s so amazing. The freedom is to die for.” Chuck said taking a sip from her milkshake.
“I’m sure it is.” I said with a laugh.
I hadn’t seen most of the people at the party for such a long time; it was so unreal for me to have them all under one roof. I smiled as I walked through the parlour. My heart beat proudly as I heard the girls talking about Aidan. He was stealing a lot of hearts that night but I felt at ease knowing that I already had his heart.
I was beginning to wonder if by any chance Dylan had been invited when I saw him by the door. He was standing there; talking to someone I couldn’t see. Rose appeared by his side and started explaining something to him. His face fell and I found myself rushing towards him.
“Dylan,” I said calling out his name just in time before he was out the door. It was then I noticed Emma his niece whom I’d met just a few times when we were good friends before Aidan had returned.
“Chris!” Emma squealed and ran to hug my legs. I couldn’t take my eyes from Dylan’s face long enough to note the genuine joy on Emma’s face.
“Hi Emma,” I said as I watched her return to Dylan’s side. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving.”
“That lady said we can’t get any ice cream here so Uncle Dee is taking me somewhere else for ice cream. Right, Uncle Dee?” Emma explained looking up at Dylan. Dylan looked down at his niece and nodded.
“I have to go.” Dylan said to me; not even a smile on his face.
“Surely, you can stay just a few minutes. It is my birthday and you didn’t even send me a text message.” I pointed out. Before Dylan could answer Aidan came and stood by my side his hand casually around my waist. I looked at Dylan’s reaction. It was like I’d slapped him across the face.
“Emma, let’s go.” Dylan said pulling the reluctant little girl.
“But I want ice cream from here!” the little girl screamed.
Before Dylan could respond, Aidan was on his knees. He stretched his hand towards Emma. Emma smiled politely and hid behind Dylan’s leg. Aidan smiled warmly at Emma and moved closer to the little girl.
“Don’t you dare touch her,” Dylan snarled. Aidan’s out stretched hand fell to his side.
“I’m Aidan.” He said softly to the little girl. Emma giggled and stepped from behind Dylan’s leg.
“I’m Emma,” she said shyly. I kept my eyes on Dylan but I couldn’t help wanting to smile at Aidan’s performance.
“You want ice cream,” Aidan said to which Emma nodded furiously, “And I have  ice cream but do you know what I want?” Emma shook her head slowly. “I want the biggest most brightest smile in the whole world. Can you give me that?”
Emma nodded and proceeded to grin with all her heart.
“Whoa, that was pretty good but I don’t know if it’s the biggest and most brightest I’ve ever seen.” Aidan said mockingly.
“I have the biggest most brightest smile, I really do.” Emma protested. She moved closer to Aidan and covered her mouth with her flawless, chubby small hands so that Dylan couldn’t see her speak. “It gets Uncle Dee to do whatever I want.”
I let out a small laugh. Dylan’s face remained serious.
“If you say so,” Aidan said pretending exaggeratedly not to be convinced. “You wait here and I’ll go get the ice cream. When you see the ice cream you can tell me what kind of a smile it’s worth.”
Emma nodded at the arrangement.
“You won’t move a muscle?” Aidan asked as he stood up.
Emma locked her hands to her side. “I won’t move, I promise. You can ask Uncle Dee, I never lie.”
Aidan laughed and looked at Dylan. He walked back into the crowd leaving Dylan to relax a tiny bit.
“So, are you going to stay?” I asked again.
“I can’t. I have to take Emma home and Marcus is waiting in the car.” Dylan said quietly.
I nodded sadly. Emma had returned to hiding behind Dylan’s leg. “So, I can’t come for that dinner?”
“I think it’s better if you don’t.” Dylan answered just as Aidan returned with the most mouth-watering ice cream. Emma darted out from her hiding place with the biggest grin I’d ever seen. This was no pretence; she had come up with the ice cream winning smile.
“That’s the smile I was looking for.” Aidan said with a laugh as he got to his knees again. Emma received the ice cream and looked at Dylan. Fearing her shaking hands would spill the ice cream, Dylan took it from his niece.
“Is it really mine?” Emma asked looking back at Aidan.
Aidan nodded and before he could say anything or rise to his feet Emma pounced into his arms. Her little hands were locked around his neck and all Aidan had time for was an apologetic glance at Dylan.
“Thank you.” Emma said stepping out of Aidan’s arms.
“You’re very welcome.” Aidan said quickly getting to his feet.
Just as Dylan was about to speak, Lizzy came and stood next to me. Her high temperature was hard to ignore even over the clothes we were wearing. I looked at her with worry in my eyes. She nodded weakly at Dylan.
“Hi Dylan,” she said as calmly as she could. She was trying to keep her breathing as even as she could.
“Hi,” Dylan said, the same look of worry on his face too.
“Lizzy, you’re burning up and…” just as I was about to tell her she looked like hell, Lizzy’s eyes rolled back and she passed out. Luckily, Aidan wasn’t busy running prognostics so he caught her and swept her into his arms.
I wanted to scream but it just wouldn’t leave my throat. I wasn’t sure what had just happened. Before I could pull myself together, Aidan slipped out through the doors. No one had witnessed what had just happened. I ran after Aidan, with Dylan and Emma right behind me. By the time I got outside, Aidan had Lizzy lying on the back seat of his car.
“Call your parents and tell them to meet us at the hospital.” Aidan said to me. I
I fumbled through my purse and found my phone. I dialled dad’s number as fast as I could and slipped through the open door Aidan had left for me. Dylan just stood frozen with Emma in his arms.
“Is she going to be okay?” Dylan asked as Aidan started the car.
I looked at him and nodded. I said a silent prayer and answered Dylan; “I’ll tell you later.”
Lizzy’s head was resting on my lap as Aidan weaved through the traffic. The only comfort I had was that I knew she was breathing and her heart was still beating. Dad and mum were on their way to the hospital and they would meet us there. Aidan pulled over at the hospital in record time and carried Lizzy until we had found a wheel chair and some assistance.
I watched helpless as they wheeled Lizzy away. I couldn’t comprehend what had taken place. Lizzy had been doing so well. She seemed stronger and now I was in the hospital waiting to hear how she really was. I cursed myself for not understanding all the signs she had shown all day. She wasn’t feeling well but as usual Lizzy had managed to pretend she was fine.
Aidan touched my shoulder bringing me back to life. He had a form in his hand but he didn’t hand it to me immediately. Instead, he pulled me into the warmth and comfort of his arms and let me rest there. Too many questions and curses were running through my head. I just wanted it all to go away. I wanted to turn back the hands of time. I wanted to take some time off my life and give it to Lizzy but I couldn’t all I could do was just wait to hear what would happen to the most important part of my life…