Cabernet Problems Pt. 2

The air was still for a minute while Savannah stood there in disbelief. Travis’ smile was unchanging. The light reflected off his perfect, white teeth. The perfume scent lingered in the air, Aubree’s tea party babbles were hushed in the background, and everything seemed the same. But At that moment, Savannah knew everything was different.

Savannah was bewildered. Was Mrs. Mauer trying to set her up with her nephew? It looked innocent enough, but her tongue rolled back in her mouth. She was nauseous and acid was building in her throat. There were secrets in the air.

Mrs Mauer stepped forward and grabbed Savannah’s hands. “I urge you to agree,” she said as her frigid thumbs rubbed against Savannah’s sweaty palms. “I’m afraid that if you don’t, there may be consequences.”

Travis chimed in at this point with a breathy chuckle, “I promise you won’t regret it. I've been told that I’m quite charming.” He took a step toward Savannah, causing her to lean back and lose her footing. There was a loud clash behind her as a picture frame fell from the side table.

Savannah froze in disbelief. Was this happening? She thought his aunt was helping him get a girlfriend, but now this wasn’t the case. This was being forced.

“Honey, you don’t have to say a word. But you WILL go out with my nephew tonight at seven o’clock,” Mrs. Mauer said while looking down at her nails, as if to look nonchalant.

Savannah still hadn’t spoken. She was becoming more and more aware that the choice was not up to her. Her head tilted up toward Travis', her throat cleared, and her mouth betrayed her when it said, “where are we going?”

Travis’ smile widened. Again, she could see all his teeth. His shoulders let loose and his hand reached toward Savannah’s face. He moved her hair behind her ear and whispered, “Well, I hear you like wine. Perhaps we can go for a tasting.”

Savannah’s heart sped up and her jaw tensed. She took a deep breath and then another before preparing her words. Her body was shaking. The acid taste returned to her mouth. How had she gotten herself into this mess? They must know about the wine, why else would he say that? Should she deny it? Act oblivious? All eyes were on her when she said, “That would be lovely. Pick me up at seven.” She turned around and walked right out the door, hoping she wouldn’t be stopped before making it to her car. She got in the driver’s seat and turned on the engine. Nobody was coming. She exhaled. Her car pulled away from the driveway, and she arrived home.

As she trudged up the steps, her watch read 12:06 PM. She had seven hours until her date. She neared the entrance, and she could smell smoke coming from her house. That was it. She couldn’t hold it anymore. She leaned over the bushes and heaved all over the leaves, rinsing it with the hose when she was done.

Inside, Emory and Lucas were bent over the oven in the kitchen. There was smoke flying around in the air. Savannah coughed, and they both spun around.

“Cookies burn” said Lucas with a frown on his face. “In oven, smoke coming out.”

Savannah picked him up in a tight squeeze and said, “Emory, you better not have ruined my oven.” She decided in that instant that it was better to keep her vomit incident to herself.

Emory turned around again, “excu-use me, but I don’t see any flames or anything, they’re just a little crispy.” She picked up a black cookie all over, and it felt like a rock in her hands. The thought of tasting it crossed her mind, but it ended up in the trash can.

Emory grabbed a pack of Chips Ahoy cookie snacks. “These are going to have to do, little buddy,” she said to Lucas.

Lucas grabbed the cookies and ran outside. He preferred these cookies anyway. Savannah followed him into the backyard while Emory turned the fan on to rid the smoke. It was gorgeous outside. The skies were blue, and the leaves were turning green. Savannah shut her eyes for a flash and enjoyed the sun on her face.

The moment ended, though, when Emory sat in the chair next to Savannah and asked, “What was that all about?”

Savannah felt a gut-wrenching feeling inside her body. She didn’t wish to talk about it, didn't choose to bother her sister, but Lucas needed a babysitter. She took a deep breath and began explaining.

“I have no idea. I went over there, and she tried to hook me up with her nephew.” Her sister didn't need to know everything, she stopped there.

“Ooooh la laaa, is he cuuuute?” Emory nudged her sister with her elbow.

“I mean, yeah, he's HOT! It was just random ya'know?”

“Well that must mean she likes you then. That's a relief,” said Emory.

“Yeah,” Savannah looked down and grabbed the water bottle from her purse. She sipped her water in large gulps, but the malodorous smell coming from the inside made her gag. The water caught in the back of her throat and was now spraying out of her mouth in a coughing fit. She was a mess because she knew that Mrs. Maurer did NOT like her, not after today.

At 6:30, Savannah was pacing back and forth in her bedroom. The day was spent playing with Lucas. They went to get ice cream and continued to the park. She kept herself busy because thinking about her date was too exhausting.

When Emory picked up Lucas, she put on her favorite green dress, and she even curled her long, brown hair. She wasn't sure WHY she was putting in this much effort, considering this was a hostage situation, but she wasn't certain about anything anymore. Should she be on her best behavior, or should she tank the date? She did not know what to expect. This situation was not familiar to her.

She looked around. The house was empty. Emory had taken Lucas over to his grandmas, and Savannah allowed herself to dissolve into tears. It didn't take long for her tears to become a sob. Her face landed on her pillow while muffled cries filled the air. Her makeup was running down her face, but she didn't care. This wasn't an actual date.

She rolled over on her bed and shouted to the ceiling, “I DON'T CARE!!”

She closed her eyes and caught her breath. The clock now said 6:48 PM. She sat up and stood from her bed. She wiped her face and fixed her eyeliner and mascara. With her bag hanging from her elbow, her feet brought her out to the front room. The couch, where she wanted to lie down with ice cream, called to her. She lay down with her purse on her lap and waited.

The minutes passed by as she listened to the clock ticking, 6:54...6:55… 6:56… At 6:57 PM, her doorbell rang.

She stood up and walked toward the door. Her hands shook as the knob turned. On her porch stood the most perfect-looking man she had ever seen. He looked even better with his suit on. He was holding a flower bouquet, and his teeth flashed in an enormous grin, “Hello beautiful, are you happy to see me?”