"So how was your first night?" Aunt Ruby asked at breakfast the next morning.
I don't have the heart to tell her that it was freezing cold here, and the three blankets she left me did nothing on keeping me warm. So instead I replied with, "it was nice."
She looked at my face and her smile fell instantly, "you were cold, weren't you?"
I didn't answer, but that seems to be enough for her.
"Gosh, I'm so sorry, Kendall. I guess I forgot to tell you how cold it gets here at night. I thought those blankets would have for sure helped a bit. I'm really sorry," she said again. I could tell she was actually sorry, and not just saying it. It was written in her face.
I usually sleep with three blankets back home in Florida, so I am used to them. It felt like almost nothing was on top of me. Felt like I was just laying on a bed.
"It's alright, Ruby. It wasn't that bad," I lied, not wanting to make her feel bad.
"No, it's not," she mumbled, rubbing her hands over her face, "gosh, I'm such an idiot. Of course, you're used to the warmth of Florida. Definitely not Minnesota weather."
I didn't know if I was supposed to respond to that, or if she was talking to herself. So instead I just looked back down to the pancakes she made. They were actually really good. Aunt Ruby had never had been a good cook, but she must have been practicing since I've last been here.
"These are really good," I said pointing to the pancakes with my fork, hoping to change the subject.
It worked, and she perked up almost immediately. "Thank you! You don't know how much food I had made in preparation for your visit. I made so much that I started handing it out to my neighbors, and believe me, the food wasn't always that good," she paused to laugh, "I can't believe that they ate all of it. Or at least pretended to."
"Really?" I questioned with a little laugh. I can easily imagine her carrying Tupperware to every house, almost every day. My laughter died down a bit when I remembered the boy from yesterday. I could help but wonder if he had eaten anything Aunt Ruby had made and if it was any good. I would hate it if it wasn't good, I don't want him to have that impression of my family. I want him to think that I am, or we are, better than that.
The sudden thought of him having to taste disgusting food, made my stomach clench. I don't know why, but the idea of that didn't sit well with me.
I must have been in my thoughts longer than I had wanted to because Aunt Ruby started snapping her fingers under my nose. "Earth to Kendall, you there?" she questioned with laughter in her voice.
"Um, yeah," I muttered sitting back in my chair, keeping my eye on her hand and where it was going. I don't know why, but I never really liked being touch, especially random touching. Or even something close to it.
Aunt Ruby must have noticed this because her smile fell for a second as she pulled her hand back to her side. She recovered, "So, what are you planning on doing today?" she questioned.
"Probably just sit around and watch TV," I said avoiding eye contact. I hadn't made any plans for this trip. I had just wanted to stay indoors where it is warm and count the days until I could go back home in the warmth of Florida. Can't think of anything better than that.
Sure, I was supposed to spend time with Aunt Ruby, that is why I am here. But we can do that at her house. No need to go anywhere.
"Nuh uh," Aunt Ruby started, shaking her head, "I promised your mother that I would limit your phone and television time. Last night was an exception because I letting you settle in and adjust."
"But don't worry," she continued beginning to grin, "I already have ideas for you to do. I figured you might not have that many ideas, so I composed a list of things you could do," Aunt Ruby said, getting up from the table and went to the kitchen.
"You do now," I asked without thinking. Aunt Ruby never really plans anything, she just goes with the flow. It has been that way for as long as I remember.
"Well, not something for every minute, but a vague idea of something for each day," she admitted quietly, coming back to the dining area with a sheet of notebook paper.
That seems more like her.
"Okay, so then what is the plan for today," I questioned sitting forwards with my elbows on the table, actually interested in this.
"I was afraid you would ask that," she muttered under her breath.
I didn't say anything, knowing that I wasn't supposed to hear her. Of course, she doesn't have a plan. She just said that not meaning it to be truthful. Instead, I sat back more and picked up my fork eating what I had left of the cold pancake. But I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't expecting me to be interested in this. She didn't seem to think I would be excited to be here.
Good, because I am not. And I am sure that has been obvious.
"Alright, you got me," she finally said after a few moments of silence.
I started to grin, unintentionally. Even if I don't show it and act like I don't, I really do love my aunt. Growing up she had always been one of my favorite people. I love that I can predict what is going to happen, that I know so much about her.
"Before we figure that out," she started with her hands flying around, most definitely wanting to change the subject. "How about you help me clean up the kitchen and the dishes?"
I knew she would ask me that eventually. Even though her cooking has improved in taste, the preparation hasn't improved. The piles of pans and the mess of ingredients proved that. It was going to take a while to clean, but I didn't mind. Unlike some people, cleaning doesn't bother me. It is a comforting thing to do.
Plus Aunt Ruby always makes it so much fun.
"Of course," I said smiling.
"Perfect," she said clapping her hands, "let's get started now, I hate having a messy kitchen."
"I agree," I said standing up and following her into the kitchen with my dishes in hand.
"It should take that long, promise." was the last words Aunt Ruby said.
That was almost an hour ago. And we've barely made any improvements. The kitchen was worse than either of us had thought. Though we weren't really working too much, all we were doing was blasting music and dancing around to it, laughing and having the time of our lives.
"Okay, I guess this isn't working well. There are too many people in the kitchen, not enough space. Plus, it doesn't help that we are not cleaning really anything," Aunt Ruby said with a little anger and frustration in her voice. I hadn't realized it until now, but her kitchen is the smallest one I've seen, ever.
When I was younger it wasn't that big of a deal, mainly because whenever she made something, she would just put me up on the counter and I would watch her. I loved watching her. It was always fun learning what not to do when it comes to baking things.
I had always been fascinated with anything that had to be in the kitchen, rather it is baking, cooking meals, or even cleaning. Being in the kitchen has always been my favorite thing to do. I think it because I have so many great memories of it.
"Alright, new plan. I need a break," she said wiping her hand across her forehead.
I copied her motions before running my hand through my hair and taking a deep breath, "agreed."
"Let's go sit down in the living room and relax," she said without looking back at me as she began walking off to the living room.
I followed her, closely behind and laid down on the old floral print couch, stretching out. Aunt Ruby took the matching loveseat across from me.
"So, I saw you looking and waving at my neighbor yesterday. Isn't he cute?" Aunt Ruby said suddenly, making me sit up in a panic. I didn't think anybody saw us.
It may not seem like a big deal, but my family is basically a giant gossip column. Anything exciting and special that happens to one of us, it is an almost guarantee that the rest of the family will know about it by the next day. Even if we are all miles apart. It will happen, some way or another.
"Oh geez, I didn't think you'd react like that," she said sounding guilty, "don't worry, I won't tell your mom if that is what you're worried about. I want you to have fun here. Whatever that will be. But of course, not too much fun."
"Thank you," I said in a breathy voice, "anyway, what about it?"
"Nothing much, just maybe that this trip won't be that after all, right?" she commented with a knowing look on her face.
"What do you mean?" I questioned, playing dumb.
"Don't act like that, I know that you think he's cute. And I approve if you want to do anything with him. But it must be within reason. I don't want to be a," she paused, "whatever I would be if you had a kid. Just be smart."
For the second time in less than an hour, I was stunned and started choking on my spit.
"Gosh dang it, I did it again," Aunt Ruby said, unable to stop laughing, "I'm sorry. But then again, I'm not. I love that I am able to still embarrass you, even if you are 19."
I stutter on my words before I ultimately gave up and just sat there with my face in my hands.
"Tell you what," Aunt Ruby said changing the subject and I couldn't have been glad, "how about I get back to the kitchen and you go down to get the mail."
I just stared at her in shock. Does she not realized that it is freezing cold out there? Not to mention that there was a giant snowfall last night?
"Don't give me that look, Kendall. All you need is a jacket, boots and a hat. You can even borrow mine, I won't make you dig that out of your suitcase," Aunt Ruby said trying to encourage me. "I know how much of a mess that will be."
My suitcase was just sitting next to the bed I slept in. I haven't wanted to go through it yet. I actually don't ever want to go through it. I want to just bring it back home how it is, completely sealed. I didn't even change my clothes, still wearing the same thing as yesterday.
I should probably change. I feel weird wearing the same clothes for more than one day. It doesn't help that I slept in them either. That is even worse. I probably smell as well, and not in a good way.
I didn't want to go outside, still. Though it was nice she was willing to lend me her clothes. But the look on her face forced me to say, "Fine."
Aunt Ruby instantly jumped up excitedly and ran over to the closet in the entryway. "Come on, it will take at least five minutes to get prepared. Plus, it might get dark soon."
"Are you serious?" I question with disbelief written on my face.
"No, I'm not. It doesn't get dark until four. And you don't have to wear everything. It wouldn't take that long, plus I'll make you some hot chocolate to warm up," she said trying to bribe me.
"Alright. Let's go. But just to let you know, I'm not happy about it," I grumbled walking after her.
"Oh, trust me, you will," she said and winked.
"What do you mean?" I questioned.
"Nothing, just that you might like the view out there," she said smirking a bit.
Now she's got me curious, "what view?" I guess I could have looked myself, but I didn't want to. I didn't want to see all of that snow. That would really make me hate going outside even more.
"I've said too much already," she said tossing me a thick jacket, beanie, and mittens. "Just go out and see for yourself."
"No, really you haven't," I mumbled slipping my arms through the sleeves.
"Just go on already and then you'll see what I'm talking about." her voice sounded like there was no room for argument anymore. "Here, put these on, they look like they will fit."
Next thing I knew boots were flying at my face. I barely caught them right before they smacked me. I slipped them on without saying anything more.
"Ready, get set, go!" Was the last thing I heard before I was shoved outside and landed in a pile of snow on the porch.
I stood up a little bit later, once I realized what had happened, to the sound of laughter. I already knew Aunt Ruby was laughing at me, it was her who pushed me into the snow after all. But this laughter I heard sounded like it was coming from a guy. And it was further away.
I quickly brushed the snow off my face, embarrassed that anyone saw me. Then I froze in place, although my entire body was already frozen.
"Had a nice fall there, huh?" was in the middle of laughter.
I didn't know what to say, not only was I embarrassed that someone had seen me fall into the snow, but I was speechless at the view in front of me. The gorgeous guy from yesterday, wearing a beanie that makes him thousand times more gorgeous, was standing a few feet away with a shovel in his hands.
That must be the view Aunt Ruby was talking about. I couldn't disagree, whatsoever.
He cleared his throat, allowing me to know that he caught me checking him out, I looked back to the house and saw that Aunt Ruby had gone back inside, leaving me to fend for myself.
"Are you Ruby's niece? She's been talking about you all week now. Not to mention continuously giving everybody food, that to be honest, didn't taste that well. Why was she doing that exactly?" the gorgeous guy said, not wasting a minute.
"Um, yeah, I'm her niece," I said quietly, "and I apologize for the food. She told me about that. I know her cooking isn't that great. But on the bright side, she is getting better. So that's good."
"Don't worry, about that, I didn't really mean it. I liked the idea of getting free food each day. It was nice," he said stretching out his hand to me, "I'm Bennett, by the way."
Bennett. Such a gorgeous name for a gorgeous guy.
"I'm Kendall," I stumbled to say shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Kendall. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other often," he said after shaking my hand, with a smile on his face.
"Ditto," I said without realizing what I said. Once I did, I instantly froze - and not from the cold and felt myself blush. Though I wasn't too sure if it was just because of the freezing cold and the snow around me.
A smirk appeared on Bennett's face, "Glad you think that. As much as I would like to talk to you more, I'm going to have to ask you to move. I have to finish shoveling your aunt's driveway in the next hour, so I can move on to the next. It is something I do for a little extra cash. I also kind of enjoy it. It's soothing."
"Oh yeah, totally," I said in response to his command before moving to the side. I wanted to respond to the rest of what he said, but I couldn't. Because once again, I slipped on ice and fell into the snow.
Bennett reached down in an attempt to pull me back up, but he slipped as well. Next thing I knew, a gorgeous guy was on top of me, laughing his head off. I couldn't help it either, I was laughing, harder than him.
Minnesota was getting better by the moment. The more I listened to his laugh, the happier I became. It didn't hurt that he was still on top of me. This moment could get any better.