Snowflakes and Misunderstandings
Chapter four
Chauncey quickly made her way to the car, seeing Calleigh struggling to get her luggage into the compact car, with a smile on her face. She couldn't help but think about the guy that she had just met, his eyes continuing to make her smile goofily. Calleigh spotted her cousin and glared at her through the snow that was falling at an accelerated pace, sticking to her hair and eyelashes. Even through the wall of snow, she could see the blinding smile that Chauncey wore, deducting that she had just met a cute guy. Chauncey picked up the suitcase with the smile still plastered on to her face, handing Calleigh her pocket book, then helped her put the luggage in the car. Chauncey continued her silence, prompting Calleigh to take a sideways glance at her. It was very unlike Chauncey to remain quiet.
As they drove slowly through the streets of Savannah, Calleigh watched the snow drift heavily in front of them, thinking about where Tim would be. He probably would be just getting into Syracuse, unpacking his things and getting ready to greet his family. The more she thought about it, the more she began to miss him.
Sighing audibly, she cleared her mind of him and turned to Chauncey who was still in a state of euphoria. Calleigh repositioned herself to turn and look at her, noticing the smile that was permanently adhered to her face.
" What's his name?" Calleigh asked wryly.
" Huh?"
" What's his name? You haven't stopped smiling since you came out of the airport, so that tells me that you met someone. So, give it up."
" Cal, you should've been there... The guy was full fledge hot, I mean hot as in a summer day in Atlanta... without air conditioner."
Calleigh laughed at her cousin's way of putting it, and asked again, " What's his name? Where was he going?"
" He had the most amazing brown eyes... Thick dark hair...and I usually don't go for this, but he had the sexiest stubble I have ever seen. Cal, I almost passed out right there in the terminal."
Calleigh looked at her , the smile gone. She had just described Tim. " Chauncey, did you get his name?"
" Yeah... Calleigh, this guy..."
"Chauncey, what was his name?" Calleigh asked again. She felt her heart beating a hundred miles an hour as she checked her watch. He couldn't have been there, she thought to herself.
" He said it was... umm... I can't remember. I was too busy paying attention to his gorgeous face. He did say he was going to Syracuse, though..."
" WHAT! Chauncey, he said he was going to Syracuse?"
" That's what I just said Cal,..."
" Did he say his name was Tim?" Calleigh asked as she felt her heart now pounding against her chest violently. She couldn't believe that she had been less than two hundred feet from him.
" Now that you mention it , Cal, it does sound familiar. He said that I reminded him of someone," Chauncey replied dreamily. She was obviously infatuated with him after one meeting.
" Chauncey, you have to turn the car around. I've got to get back to the airport..." Calleigh said as she was interrupted by the radio. Chauncey turned it up more to hear.
"We're sorry to interrupt the broadcast, but we have late breaking news... The snow has started to fall heavier in the greater Savannah area, prompting officials at the airport to ground all flights until the morning , when the storm is suspected to pass through. Keep your dial turned to this station to receive all the up to date information on this development. We now return you to the broadcast..."
"Well ,Cal, I don't think you are going anywhere tonight," Chauncey said as she navigated the car slowly.
Calleigh sat back with her eyes closed. How could she had been so close yet so far away? She rummaged through her bag and found her cell. Quickly, she dialed his number and waited.
" Consider yourself talented... you reached me... now leave a message,..." his voice mail said.
Calleigh smiled at the sound of his voice, despite the very sour and sarcastic tone of the prompt and spoke, " Tim , its me. Baby, I'm sorry for acting like a child, I love you and I'm coming to Syracuse. Bye."
" Aww so sweet... So that was him in the airport?"
" Yeah...it was."
"How can you be so sure? I could be talking about any man," Chauncey replied as she turned the car down a street.
" Believe me, once you meet Tim Speedle, it's hard to get him off of your mind. He's one of a kind," Calleigh said as she turned to see the houses with the Christmas lights burning. A smile formed at the thought of getting to him.
" Don't I know it. Too bad he's taken."
" You better believe it," Calleigh answered as they came to a stop at a big white house. Calleigh got out and pulled her bag with her, tumbling slightly. Chauncey came over to help her, picking up the papers that had dropped out of her bag. She saw one that held her attention and she read it.
" Calleigh, is there something you want to tell me?" she asked as she held up the paper. Calleigh glanced at the paper and felt her face flame up. She wanted to be able to tell everyone at the same time.
" You've got to keep it to yourself, Chauncey. I mean it..."
"Cal, when have you ever known me not to keep a secret?" Chauncey asked humorously.
Calleigh glared at her and snatched the paper, " Since you have been able to talk. I mean it Chauncey, I want to tell them."
" Does he know?"
" No, I was planning on telling him on Christmas. But by the looks of this snow, it doesn't seem like I will be able to."
" Cal, you never know what kind of miracles can happen. Keep the faith." Chauncey replied as she lugged the bags, grabbing the one Calleigh had in her hands as well, " Now , let's get in the house before we catch our death out here."
Calleigh smiled and grabbed a bag out of her cousin's hand, " I can carry, Chauncey."
" Nope, I got it, but can you open the door?" Chauncey said as she carried the bags to the door. Calleigh opened the door. Immediately ,they were greeted with cheers and hugs, making Calleigh feel wonderful. Now only if tomorrow would get here.
T/C
Tim glanced over to the window, seeing the snow covered wings of the plane as it made its approach to the airport. He had gone over it time and time again in his head, and he still wondered how he had gotten to this place. He knew that he had to work on his attitude more, but it was apart of him just like his motorcycle. Tim had used that sarcasm to shield him from life. Now he had to learn that it was time to step from under that shield and allow himself to trust. He couldn't lose Calleigh, she was too precious to him. He sighed heavily as he heard the pilot come over the intercom and report that they were flying into Syracuse. He smiled lightly at the passing Flight attendant as she walked to the back of the plane, but then stopping shortly, turning around.
Tim groaned inwardly and closed his eyes, wanting her to continue on with what she was doing. She came to him with a look of concern but smiling pleasantly. Tim forced a smile and started to gather his things.
" Sir, I can take that for you," she said as she reached out and took the pillow that he had discarded. " I trust you had a good flight?"
" Yes, it was fine," Tim replied softly. He didn't know why, but his mind instantly went to Calleigh, sitting by the fire at her grandmother's house. The sting behind his eyes told him that he should've tried harder.
" If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been in love with her?"she asked as the cabin began to come to life. Several passengers had already started to get their overhead bags and Tim was wishing that he could do the same thing instead of talking about his dilemma.
He threw a light smile to her and shook his head, " Six months. It happened almost immediately."
"That's the best kind of love, spontaneous and unexpected... So where is she?"
" In Georgia."
" What's she doing there? Why didn't she come with you?"
Tim didn't want to rehash this, with a stranger no less, and his expression amplified the feeling. The flight attendant caught the hint and apologized.
" I'm sorry, sir. It's just that this is the second time that I have encountered some one who left their love with the other. She was taking it pretty hard as well. Such a beautiful woman..."
Tim's interest peaked at the flight attendant's comments. She couldn't possibly be talking about Calleigh.
" She was so sad, but I told her, if it hurts its worth saving. I think that she got the message. I'm going to say the same to you. What you have is special, don't let the time pass," she said as she glanced up at the front of the plane. Her colleagues were settling down for the landing. " I gotta go, but remember what I said. Carpei Diem."
"Seize the day," Tim replied as he smiled a little brighter. It had become apparent that she was very knowledgeable in the art of love.
" Smart man. Now, go reclaim your love. Have a Merry Christmas."
" You too," Tim replied as he reached for his phone. As soon as he landed, he would call Calleigh and tell her that he was coming to Savannah.
T/C
Calleigh sat by the fire, deep in thought. She didn't know why she didn't tell him before, but she thought that this would be the best present that she could ever give him. She had to admit that she was surprised at what she had found out, but in a instant, she was elated. There was nothing more she had wanted because she knew her soul mate when she saw him, and Tim was it. Despite the sarcastic comments and the mood swings , Calleigh also saw what most people never got the chance , his heart. The rare moments alone, when he could really be his true self, were precious to Calleigh, and she got a deeper glimpse into what made Tim the way he was. He was still guarded, but at the same time, he had begun to trust Calleigh, and it intensified their relationship.
" Great job there Calleigh," she said to herself as she stared into the flames. She didn't hear her grandmother as she sauntered in quietly and sat by the fire in her chair. Calleigh looked up to see the elegant southern lady and smiled. She could only wish that she would age as gracefully as her grammy. " Grammy, I didn't hear you come in. Is everything alright?"
" Everything's fine, Calleigh. How about you?"
"Well," Calleigh sighed, " it could be better."
Grammy smiled , causing the wrinkles to gather around her ice blue eyes, making them warmer, " Why didn't you tell him?"
Calleigh closed her eyes and put her head in her hands, " Chauncey! That girl would bring down empires with her mouth..."
"She didn't tell me, bug. It's all around you."
Calleigh smiled at her grandmother's pet name for her and asked, " So you can tell just by looking at me?"
" It's all around you," she repeated again.
" I just would've loved to have told him ," Calleigh said as she felt the tears coming. This moment was what she needed, if she couldn't have his arms around her, she could be satisfied with her grandmother's encouragement.
" You still have time, bug. The airport will open tomorrow."
" I know, but I called when I got here, and they said that there won't be any flights to New York until six tomorrow evening. It'll be too late."
"Calleigh don't give up so easily. I bet if you tried again, you would find an earlier flight."
" All the carriers are like that, grammy. Six is the earliest," Calleigh returned defeated.
"You forgot that your Uncle Jack flies his own charter plane. I'm sure the first sign of clearance, he would take to the skies. He's in the kitchen right now, if you want to go talk to him."
Calleigh glanced towards the kitchen and smiled, getting up, " Oh Grammy, thanks!" She leaned towards her grandmother and gave her a big hug.
" Now, I want you to bring that young man here so that I can give him a good talkin' to. Understand, Calleigh?"
" Yes ma'am," Calleigh replied as she started to the kitchen. Maybe this would work out after all.
T/C
Tim walked out of the terminal , looking for his brother. He was tired and ready to be settled somewhere. As he claimed his baggage, he heard his cell phone ring in his pocket ,and he brought it out, glaring at the caller id. He had called Calleigh but didn't get an answer, and he didn't want to leave another message.
" Delko, what happened to call you right back?" Tim asked almost angrily.
" I got tied up, man. Literally," Eric returned apologetically.
" Tied up huh?" Tim asked blankly. " I'm leaving that one alone."
" Haha , funny. I didn't find the number but I did find a receipt. Is there something that you want to tell me, Speed?"
Tim closed his eyes and sighed heavily, " Delko! I told you not to rifle through my things."
" It was sitting in plain sight, Speed. No need for permission if it's in plain sight," Eric chuckled.
" Right. It doesn't matter, I'm in Syracuse now. I wanted to call her while I was in Savannah."
" Savannah? I thought you were connecting in Atlanta."
"It's this freak storm, it's crippled the entire eastern seaboard and I had to be diverted. All flights have been grounded, so even if I could get the address, I couldn't get to her."
"Talk about your luck," Eric replied, " So how much did it set you back?"
"Delko, you're unbelievable, you know that?"
" I know," Eric said after some commotion, " Look, I'm being pulled into something. ..."
" Delko, a little too much information," Tim returned grinning.
" Get your mind out of the gutter, man. I'm looking after Marisol's kids. Hey! Stop that!"
Tim smiled heavily at the scene that was unfolding over the phone, " Have a Merry Christmas, Eric."
" You too, Tim. Hurry up and do it! Later." Eric replied as he continued to berate the children.
Tim snapped his phone down and searched the crowd for his brother. It took him no time to seek him out as he was standing near the airport bar, reading. He looked at his brother and smiled at how much they looked a like despite the thirteen year difference. Jayson looked up at his older brother as he approached and looked at his watch.
" Eleven thirty, huh? You are about an hour late," Jayson replied as he folded closed the book.
" Hello and Merry Christmas to you too, Jay," Tim responded sarcastically. He stood there a moment before giving his brother a hug. After the hug, Jay bent down to pick up Tim's luggage.
" So you really are alone?" Jay asked as he looked back at his brother's scowl. " I have to warn you, mother's circling."
" Did you have to tell her?" Tim asked.
"She knew already. She has that freaky sixth sense thing going. Some of the family has arrived as well. Aunt Jacqueline..."
Tim rolled his eyes at the sound of her name. His mother's sister was just about as bad as his mother, and her children were even worse. His extended family always left something to be desired, but he shrugged it off and offered a pained smile. This was the time that he needed Calleigh here with him.
" She didn't bring that siamese cat did she?"
"Since when did you notice Aunt Jackie without Simon?" Jayson asked as they walked out into the cold New York air.
"Great, cat hairs," Tim replied walking quickly.
" You're a CSI , Tim, can't you find a way to dispose of the damn thing?"
Tim laughed and put his bags down at his brother's car, " If it were only that easy, Jay."
Jayson nodded and unlocked the car. As they rode through the streets, they remained silent, letting the snow falling softly on the car provide the sound. Jayson glanced at his older brother and saw the sad look in his eyes. This girl, whoever she was, had to be special if Tim Speedle was depressed over her. He decided to put caution to the wind and ask about her.
"So Tim, tell me about her," Jayson asked as he turned the wheel slowly.
" She's beautiful, intelligent, caring compassionate..." Tim said wistfully , missing her all the more.
" Didn't you mention she works in firearms? How cool is that?"
" That's her job, yes , Jayson. But there is a lot more to her," Tim replied as he glared at his younger brother. " Like her passion to help others, no matter what."
" And her eyes, lips, hair... right?"
"Jay, do you ever grow up?"
"Not until I'm told to," Jayson replied smartly as his light brown eyes crinkled into a smile. " I get it though, special."
" Yeah, special. I really wanted her to be here this Christmas to meet the family," Tim replied quietly.
" You want her to meet the family? This family? Are you sure that you love her?"
" Jay..."
" I'm joking, Tim. Wow, she must really got you."
" You have no idea," Tim said as he saw the driveway to his childhood home appear. Nothing had changed, it was still the palatial home that he had left to go to college. The lights were stringed , perfectly outlining the frame of the house, causing a glow to cast off. Again his heart hurt for her absence.
When they got out of the car, they were met with boisterous chatter , hugs and kisses. Tim braced himself against this and plowed through the crowd, heading for his room. He was met in the hall by one of his cousins who had a snowball.
" Tommy, don't even think about it..." Tim growled. Tommy smiled at him and threw the snowball and took off running down the stairs. Tim groaned at the notion of spending the entire weekend with this, without his heart there to keep him calm.
Settling into his room, he could hear the loud voices of his family as they moved back into the living room. Tim turned off his light and pulled a chair next to his window that faced the front of the house. From this window, he could see the other houses that sat out in front of theirs and the road. He watched the snow as it started to fall heavily , and felt his heart sink even deeper. What he wouldn't pay to have her with him.
The door opened and Tim turned to see his dad as he peeked his head in the door, " Tim, son, are you going to join us?"
Tim glanced out at the street and sighed, " In a moment, dad."
" Alright, son. Don't be too long, you know how your mother likes to gush about you."
Tim chuckled slightly as he glanced back at his father and nodded, " I'll be right down."
The door closed and Tim returned his sights to the window, watching the white flurries fall gracefully. Getting up, he wiped his eyes and sighed. He would have to try to make the best of it.
TBC...