I felt like I was floating because of my exhilaration as I walked beside Nick. I didn't care if he liked me or not. This was the way it always should be. I didn't speak, just felt his hand against mine, and relaxed in the afternoon light. The rain had stopped and the sun had come out, illuminating his expression. Warmth. That was what I felt.
The moment could probably never be repeated. The light came from all corners and everywhere everything would be the same state of euphoria. I didn't want to return back to my home, where cold, unknown, and inanimate objects filled empty space. Nick could enchant all those objects and make them dance, and I would never grow bored. I wanted to see the world anew with him and things I once detested would hold endless wonder.
"The weather's great this afternoon!" Nick turned to me, and I was startled. I broke out of my daydreams.
"Yes, the weather. Weather's great. Weather. What were we talking about? I'm so sorry for my short attention span." What was I trying to do?
"The weather? Would you prefer it if we discussed something else?"
"Well, we don't have to. But maybe yes. But if you want to. But you can change it. You don't have to though. Do you want to?" I gritted my teeth and hoped for a reply.
"Let's go tell Gatsby that you're coming." He ignored my rambling, and led me to Gatsby.
"This is Anna Ruby. You might remember her from-"
"Shhh! Don't tell him! This is embarrassing!"
"-the party the other day. I recall she broke the champagne flute?"
"Oh no!" I buried my face in my hands and cringed.
"I'm so sorry about that incident, I wasn't thinking right that night. I'm really sorry, and I don't mind if you never invite me again, and wait- I was never invited in the first place! Then I'm even more sorry and I hope I haven't damaged your property and I'm complete fine with paying you back for what I broke and should I stop now?" I groaned. Why did it have to be so hard talking to others?
"It's fine, Anna. Hello again." He was so calm that I lost some of my rushed thoughts as well.
"Daisy darling, this is Anna Ruby."
Daisy looked different from before. Her lush curly tresses that bounced down her back were now a short and sophisticated bob cut. She was wearing a tight and glittery lilac dress with petal like fringe at the bottom and flowery straps. She was striking and at the same time still had some of her gentle features.
"I believe we've met before at a party at your house? It's a little faint in my memory." I greeted her after five years without even saying hello.
"Of course, Anna! I'm so glad you're here. There's no one in the world I've wanted to see as much as you!" Her enthusiasm frightened me, and I stiffly smiled.
"It's nice to see you as well. Nick tells me that you're married to Tom Buchanan now?" Beside Daisy, Gatsby wore an uncomfortable expression. Of course.
"Yes. I'll have to show you my daughter, Pammy, one day. She's absolutely delightful!" She was being insincere like a fake flower, pleasing, but unreal.
"I'm sure of it." I watched Daisy go back to Gatsby, and I went back to Nick.
I had to say something interesting, or risk having his attention slip away. I searched my past for something interesting.
"My name's not Anna." I burst out the first thing I could think of.
"It's not?"
"My full name is Annabeth. I prefer Anna though. I feel like Annabeth doesn't sound like a name for me. It sounds like a name for someone wise and independent. Not that I'm not. You know what? I don't feel like I'm fit to speak today." I closed my mouth before I could babble any longer.
"Are you sure you still want me to come? I don't want to confuse anyone. Actually, I think I'll refrain from going." I desperately wanted to go, but I didn't want to annoy Nick with my ranting. I could sacrifice my happieness for his at least this time!
"Do you need me to take you back?"
"No, I think I can manage. Maybe another time? That came out wrong. Maybe we can schedule something else? I had a great time today."
He paused for a second.
"You're coming along, Anna. Don't worry. You won't confuse anyone. You can talk as much as you want."
"Do you mean it?" Like an instinct, I clasped his hand and opened wide my eyes, staring into his. I drew in a gulp of air.
"Yes! You're not obligated to, but we would prefer it if you could." I let go of his hand, and realized what I was doing. Why did I have to act I was receiving a marriage proposal?
"In that case, I'm coming." I ran ahead of everyone.
"How are we getting there?" I titled my head and looked back at them.
Minutes later, I was in the back of Gatsby's car with Nick, and I was gazing out, at Nick, and back at the scenery.
"The wind is so fresh!" I stretched out my hand, and closed my eyes.
"Not that I haven't driven before. I have. I just like it. And the wind. Especially the wind." I didn't even try to correct myself.
I blinked, and opened my eyes.
"You fell asleep, Anna!" Nick's voice roused me.
"Huh? Where am I? What's happening? Why are you here? I want you to be here but I don't. What?" I sat straight up, then fell back down.
"I think I remember. We were going to Gatsby's mansion? I've managed a complete sentence!" Without waiting for an answer, I opened the door and jumped out. I impatiently waited for Nick, Gatsby, and Daisy to arrive. Then, I grabbed Nick's hand and started walking forwards.
I stopped dead in my tracks, and gasped.