Baggage Claim

The Falling Snow

Chapter Ten: The Falling Snow

Layla and Hana watched the snow fall through the glass, dressing the trees behind the home in a solemn white blanket. 

The fire crackled as they sat admiring the view, sipping hot cocoa in quiet contentment.  

"Great dinner huh?" Layla offered, breaking the silence.  

"Mmm..." Hana murmured in reply.  

"What was your favorite part?"  

Hana gently blew at the ringlets of steam floating off her cocoa. "I think my favorite part about dinner was the empty Nonna Cosentino take out boxes."  

The hot liquid Layla had just drunk shot up her nasal passage as she snorted at Hana's observation. She quickly laid down her cup and wiggled the bridge of her nose as the heat seared the delicate tissue inside. "So you noticed that then?" 

"Mmmhmm." Hana wrapped her hands around her mug, her stare a mix of suspicion and amusement.  

"You didn't say anything though; does that mean you maybe like him?" Layla cocked her head and smiled as she taunted a somber looking Hana.  

"I was being polite." Hana quipped.  

"You're a lawyer; it's not in you to be polite."  

Layla released a string of giggles as Hana's eyebrow shot up into a sharp arc. "When did you develop a sense of humor?"  

"Why does everyone say that? Does no one believe I am funny?" Layla playfully whined.  

"I didn't say it was funny." Hana responded with her own string of giggles.  

"Didn't say it wasn't." Layla quickly added wanting to bring the conversation back to what her aunt was obviously avoiding. "So what did you think of him?" 

"The daisy was different, though probably better appreciated if I hadn't thought he was a burglar."  

Layla let out a burst of laughter that echoed through the room. "A polite thief, he makes dinner and brings flowers, just to rob you blind."  

"Good thing for him I didn't have my pepper spray."  

The image of A.J. being pepper sprayed by Hana flashed through Layla's mind and insinuated a series of snort-laden giggles.  

"What happened to you?" Hana's smile turned downward slightly in confusion.  

"I don't know to be honest." Layla responded, still hiccupping with laughter.  

"Is it this AJ guy? Maybe you have a crush on him?" Hana's voice changed, adopting a more sincere tone. 

Layla didn't hesitate in her response. "No I do not have a crush on him, and yes my mood lift may have something to do with him."  

"Oh?" Hana appeared unconvinced.  

The snowfall was increasing; flurries of snowflakes blurring the scene outside while Layla carefully thought over her words. "Don't get me wrong, AJ is a great guy, the effort he put into trying to impress you was amazing." Hana's face seared a bright red and she quickly averted her eyes towards the similarly colored fire. "But it's not attraction I feel with him, it's..." Layla lightly tapped her lips, chewing her thoughts.  

"Comfort?" Hana's gaze remained on the flames even as she released the strained word.  

"Yeah, comfort. But it's not what you think at all Hana..."