Weathered Love

DECEIT

I managed to vent enough frustration during the training session that I could awkwardly face Ivan and Maria the next day. Within a few days, we had settled back into our familiar relationships. New Year's came and went without much celebration. I stayed in with Ella, Maria, Ivan, Mackenzie, Samantha, and even Derek, Karen and Greg came over to spend New Year's with us. We stayed up playing some games, revealing our resolutions for the new year, and just enjoying being together.

Then came my birthday. It wasn't too elaborate, but there was a party planned. Only at my insistence did Ella and Ivan keep it casual. We'd have it at the house, with delicious food delivered and our usual circle.

"Hey babe!" came Kristoff's voice through the phone after I picked up his call.

"Hey!" responded with matched enthusiasm. I left the room where I had been watching a movie with Ivan, Ella and Maria so I wouldn't disturb the movie.

"Listen, there's a bit of an issue with me making it for your party tomorrow," he stated, his tone completely changing.

"You're not coming?" I questioned, a little stung. I had been looking forward to him coming down to celebrate my birthday.

"I'm sorry, but my cousins made a surprise visit just last night and I can't exactly leave them here and come down to New York for a couple of days. You know?" he stated.

"No, I don't know," I responded.

"Come on Ivy, it's not like I planned this," he defended.

"You're right, because you planned to spend time with me. On my birthday. Or did you forget that part?" I questioned. I knew I was making too big a deal over him missing out on an ordinary house party, but for some weird reason, it bothered me that he was dismissing me for some people that didn't even have the decency to let them know they were going to interrupt his plans. Family or not, his time was devoted to me. Not them.

"I can't just leave them," he continued to stand his ground.

"Sure, but you can easily just break your plans with me," I continued.

"Ivy, please," he pleaded.

"Look, if you're looking for permission not to come, it's not like I'm going to say anything to convince you to come. Clearly, I don't mean enough to you to keep your promises. So, enjoy your time with your cousins, I'll see you in California," I finalized. I hung up before he could respond, because I wasn't sure I wouldn't completely lose it if he said anything other than he was sorry and he was coming.

My phone rang and I saw Kristoff's name. I ignored the call. A second later, he called again and I ignored the call again. He called once more and I merely left the phone on the small table near our door. I looked at the door enviously, and decided I needed some air. I put on a coat, my boots, and other garments to keep myself warm. Kristoff called twice in that time. I decided to leave my phone in the house while I took a walk.

The sun shone so bright that day, and its reflection off the snow only intensified the brightness. I took a short walk up the street, then back down to the house. I didn't dare to venture alone to the park, even though I really wanted to go on those swings. I didn't feel safe going alone. They never did find Asher. And I just didn't want to chance it. I was about to make another trek up the street when I heard Ella from the front door of the house.

"There you are!" she scolded. "Where were you? We thought something happened," she stated.

"Sorry," I shakily responded. Her stern expression was replaced with concern.

"Are you OK?" she asked.

"No. Kris isn't coming to my birthday. Am I being stupid for being upset over it?" I inquired.