World I Never Knew

As Angela gracefully descended the staircase Joe’s eyes raked across her body. He didn’t see the now visible scars on her leg and her bare arm. He saw her glowing skin making her light up. He saw her fire red hair cascading over her shoulder. He saw the slight blush tinting her cheek and he felt a fire starting in his stomach. Once at the bottom, Angela lifted her gaze to lock eyes with Joe.

“Tell me the truth.” She whispered.

“You look… beautiful.” He said, extending his hand. She looked down and gently placed her hand in his.

“Joe…” she said warningly and he held his hand up in defense.

“Hey, you requested so I told you the truth. Seriously, Ang, you look… amazing.”

“Okay so… tell me another truth.” She said and he nodded his head as he pulled a chair away from the table for her to sit at. “How much did it freak you out… seeing more of my scars exposed.”

“Truthfully… I was freaked for approximately 1.8 seconds.” He said, smiling as he sat across from her, unfolding his napkin across his lap. She blushed and looked down at her hands twisted together on her lap.

“So… what’s for dinner?” she asked, clearing her throat nervously.

“Well in the kitchen there’s some beef ragout and cheese soufflé.” He joked and they both emitted quiet, nervous laughter.

Neither had any idea why they were so nervous. They’d been under the same roof for about a full week. Tonight, however, things were different. Things had changed. All because of a blizzard. He reached across the table and lifted the lid off of Angela’s plate for her, revealing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. She picked up her fork and Joe hesitated for a moment.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, setting her fork back down.

“No it’s just… with the family we pray so I was kinda… doing it silently.” He admitted sheepishly.

“I didn’t know you were religious.”

“Christian. My Dad used to be a minister when we were little. Now he’s our co-manager.”

“That’s pretty cool. I’m Christian too.” She said. “Do you want to say the prayer?”

“Oh um… sure.” He said. He cleared his throat and bowed his head. “Thank you Father for helping me find shelter from this terrible snow. Please help my family not worry too much about me and bless Angela for letting me stay here with her. Amen.”

“Amen.” Angela echoed, picking her fork up again. She tilted it towards Joe in a mock cheer and dug into the wonderful smelling plate in front of her.

The two ate dinner in total silence. Occasionally one would glance up at the other and look away once eye contact was made. Many a time did one of the faces have a blush appear. It wasn’t until the plates were cleared that noise was made again.

“That was actually really good.” Angela said, setting her napkin on the table.

“Gee thanks.” Joe said with a scoff.

“No I’m serious. I was just surprised is all. I didn’t think many twenty something year old guys could cook.”

“Well, you started it. I just finished it.” He said, taking her plate into the kitchen.

“That is very true.” She said with a slight laugh. She joined him in the kitchen and watched him clean up.

He draped his diner jacket over one of the chairs and rolled up his sleeves. The sink was running, warming up to wash the plates.

“You know… I think clean up can wait.” She said.

“Well… what do you suggest we do then?” he asked, turning to look at her.

“I don’t know.” She murmured, shrugging her shoulders. He stood in front of her for a moment in thought. Suddenly, his face lit up as an idea hit him. “What?” she asked warily.

“Come on,” he said, walking forward and taking her hand in his.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Just… trust me.” He said.

He led her into the room with the piano. He spun her towards him so their bodies were close. Keeping her right hand in his left, he wound his right arm around her waist. She left her left arm hanging limp and stared up at him.

“What…”

“We’re going to dance.” He stated.

“But… there’s no music.” She said, looking around.

“So I’ll sing.” He whispered, winking at her.

“This is ridiculous.” She said as he started to twirl them around. He lifted her left arm and placed it on his shoulder then placed his back around her waist.

“Called you for the first time yesterday. Finally found the missing part of me.” He sang as they danced.

“Another song of yours?” she mused looking up at him and he smiled at her, nodding his head as he continued to sing. “I like it.”

“Now I’m speechless, over the edge and just breathless. I never thought that I’d catch this, love bug again…”

They both happened to glance at each other after Joe sang these lyrics. Angela’s eyes widened in curiosity and Joe just continued to smile at her. She looked away as he continued to sing the song. It was really growing on Angela. She hoped to find some way to listen to his and his brothers’ music.

Joe knew the end of the song was coming. It had kept it smooth so they could dance at the same tempo. He couldn’t help but let his gaze keep straying back to Angela who seemed to be looking anywhere but him. He got to the chorus for the final time and she glanced up at him again. In that moment he had made a decision.

His head inched closer and closer to hers with each word slipping out of his melodic lips. He was so close Angela could feel his hot breath on her lips as he sang the last note. Her eyes darted back and forth across his face, both heartbeats quickening. Their eyes closed as they continued to lean in.

A sudden crash split them apart and Joe jumped backwards against the wall. Angela stared at him confused and she turned away from him. He reached an arm out to her but she edged away and headed to the stairs. She made her way up and into her room.

“Angela, wait!” he called, following her. He reached her door right as she slammed it in his face. “Shit,” he whispered.

The crash had sounded like it came from upstairs. His eyes darted to the left to the door that led up to the third floor. He hesitated outside Angela’s room. His decision was made. His arms reached towards the door, his fingers brushing along the brass doorknob. Gently he turned it, silently praying it wouldn’t make any noise.

The door opened without an issue. Very quietly he walked towards the doorway. Once safely on the first step he flicked the light switch on and silently closed the door behind him. He felt a sudden cool breeze as he tip-toed up the stairs. At the top he saw a tree branch sticking through a now broken window. He started to walk towards the window when something stopped him.

A painting on an easel stood in front of him. Upon closer inspection he realized it was of the piano two floors below him. The person sitting at the bench was unknown to him. An older man, he noticed. Angela’s father? He wondered.

Looking around the room he saw even more paintings. One in particular caught his eye. Fiery red hair and bright blue eyes that were staring at him. He recognized it as Angela’s face. The skin was smooth and beautifully pale on both sides, like porcelain. Standing on the bottom of the easel, leaning against the canvas was a Polaroid photograph. Joe picked it up and instantly recognized a young Angela standing with her parents.

He set the picture down and attended to the window. He shoved the branch back out. Looking around the former attic he found old cardboard and duct tape. Once he had taped the cardboard over the window he decided he should get back downstairs before Angela went searching for him.

****

Angela sat on her bed in her room hugging a pillow to her face. Tears were pouring out as her body silently shook. How could she be so stupid to think that Joe actually wanted to kiss her? The way he reacted by jumping away from her was… unforgettable. She thought he had grown used to her disfigured face but obviously not.

“Stupid,” she whispered.

She sat up and could hear Joe downstairs in the kitchen, most likely cleaning up. With a sigh she decided to change out of her mother’s old dress into something more casual. Donning a pair of sweat pants and a hoodie she walked downstairs and curled up on a couch with the same book she’d been reading all week.

She would occasionally look up towards Joe as he bustled around the kitchen. She had a feeling that she should go in and help him but he probably wanted to avoid her. The song Joe had been singing while they danced was stuck in her head and she couldn’t help but hum it while she read. All the while mentally slapping herself. I am not falling in love with him…