Cherry - part 24

Cherry

Bubbles

Cherry doesn't work. Not now, at least. She's taking a year off, trying to relax. Maybe she'll know, someday, what she wants to do for the rest of her life. For now, she can only wonder. With so many possibilities, so many choices to make when one are so young, it can be quite overwhelming. Her parents have stuff to do. Her dad is working and her mother is probably planning the next ball. She thinks about Percival. Fine, neat Percival. The Percival she spend an evening with. Would she even recognize him outside the bubble they built together? But a bubble bursts and does it when you expect it least. She takes a bite of her banana and presses the button on the buzzer.

“James, could you please bring me a bowl of strawberries?”

“Yes, Ma'am.” And with that, the subtle buzzing sound disappears. Not too long after, James appears in the doorway with a bowl of strawberries. She thanks him.

Her mind wonders off as one strawberry fills her mouth after another. The sweet scent has filled the room and the taste seems to be in every corner of her mouth.

Her phone calls and she picks it up.

“Yes?” She asks, as the number calling was private.

“Honey? It's dad.” Her father’s deep voice sound through the speaker.
“Oh, hi dad. What's up?” Her father is usually busy around noon, so she wonders why he's calling now.

“I was just on the phone with your mom. I was telling her about a dinner tonight with Mr. and Mrs. Cryx. Mr. Cryx called earlier and he mentioned we have a business meeting tonight. Well, he mentioned how you met his son, Percival, when you delivered the message a few days ago. So he suggested bringing our wives and you and Percival could join us as well. That is, if you don't have any plans. Percival was free tonight, so it only depends on you, sweetheart.”

“That sounds nice. I would love to join you. When and where do we meet? I'll buzz Richard right away.”

“It's at Paul's, at 7.30. Give Richard my best.”

“I'll be there. Bye, dad.”

“Bye honey.”

And Cherry starts dancing her in room. Percival had agreed to go, that was a good sign, right? She pressed the button to the garage, and Richard answered.
“Richard, I have to be at Paul's around 7.20 tonight. I'll like the car to get a wash and wax before we go anywhere.”

“Yes miss. But what if you have to go anywhere later?”

“Oh, don't worry, Richard. I'll get myself to where I need to be.”

“Alright, miss. I'll be home in due time.”

“Thank you, Richard.” and then the buzzing stopped. She took a look at her wardrobe and instantly felt exactly like what she was: a teenager. For once, something important. What the hell am I going to wear?