Strawberry Wine

I was waiting for Chris on The couch. He had told me that he’ll come to take me to his house for the gathering. I was really excited about the meetup, especially after yesterday’s city visit. Usually, the cafe is open on Sundays too but during the winemaking, the cafe is closed. I heard a knock on the door and stood up with a smile and there he was already smiling. I do not know why but everything seems brighter and happier since yesterday. But I was good, I was making up for all the smiles I didn't smile or didn’t get to smile during these times. “ Come in…” I told him and he came inside. Mocha stretched himself and walked to Chris to rub his back on his leg. Chris giggled at Mocha’s movements and picked him up and was rubbing his tummy. I was smiling at both of them. “Do you want to bring him? We have one at home too.” I nodded as a reply and went to get his cat bag. A few minutes later we were on our way to his house with Mocha.

We passed the cafe and soon was on the other side of the town. It was my first time there. The vibes were very different from the alley my house was in. Mine was dry and cold but here it was full of life, bright and green. Even in such chill weather, the greens were still fresh and lively. We reached and went straight to the backyard. As we were closing in, I could hear the voice of people talking and laughing. All of a sudden I felt a rush of fear hit me. “I have to mingle with them. I have to talk and vibe with them.” The thoughts kept repeating in my mind to the point I stopped walking. Chris noticed and called my name asking if I was okay. I looked at him still in a trance and then snapped back. “Ah.. yes yes I am fine..” I replied.

I was feeling okay after a while though at first, I was definitely awkward. Maybe it's because Sylvia was there, but I was feeling comfortable. A few more talking with people later, I was all good. That was when Chris’ mother called me. I went next to her. “I think this is your first time making wine right? So I thought I could tell you how it works.” She said smiling. I nodded happily showing that it was my first time. “It is my first time hearing about strawberry wine too,” I added. All the neighbours, including Sylvia’s family, started making and I stood next to Chris’ mother. Chris joined us soon and I was just helping his mom pick whatever she asked to take and looking at how Chris was moving automatically showing that he has done it several times. A good two hours later we were done. All the jars were getting tightly closed with cloth and then with the lid. “You might be hungry. Shall we get started with the barbeque?” Chris’ mother looked at everyone and said. Chris’ mother and father went inside and soon the other ladies also went inside to take the things. Chris and Sylvia started with lighting the charcoal. I was looking at what they all are doing. I noticed that after a while Chris’ dad and some others went to a storage shed. They returned with big jars. I immediately understood it was the wine from last year, as the smell filled the place. People started pouring it into the glasses and started drinking. I was sitting quietly with my glass on a chair. Soon people started sitting and talking around me. Food was also coming into the table. Though I was quiet all the time, I didn’t feel awkward at all. Chris came and sat next to me.

“I'm sorry I couldn't talk much. You said you went to the city yesterday. How was it? Did you get the books you went in search of?” “It was good. Actually, it was great. I never thought I’d like the city when I go back. But I felt so happy while I was there.” “I am glad. the people won’t go back until tomorrow back to their home. The elder will probably finish all the jars they brought out. Tell me when you want to go back, I'll take you back.” “I’d like to stay for a while longer. Mocha seems to love it here.” “Better.”

Chris kept a piece of grilled meat on my plate. I smiled. “You seem like you want to ask me something? I noticed it earlier too.” I asked Chris. “You could tell? Well, I'll ask when we return. That way it's a lot more private.” He said, rubbing his neck.

I stayed till the sun was starting to set. I went to Chris’ family to tell them my goodbyes. I also left after letting Slyvia know. I took Mocha and placed him into the cat bag. Chris was carrying it. “So, what did you want to ask?” I broke the silence that was there. He looked at me and asked “Do I ask you straightforwardly or not?” he asked.” Anything you are comfortable with.” I replied.

“Okay, here it goes. I read Irene’s new posts. Both of them. It's more than a coincidence, right? Exactly the day before you plan to go to the city, Irene asks for suggestions. The day you go to the city Irene visits the city. She too mentioned she didn’t think she could love the city. Jane, Are you Irene? Did you actually move here because of Daniel?” I was speechless. We both stopped walking and looked at each other. Him looking for answers and me not being able to answer. There were a lot of emotions running in my mind, the feeling of being caught red-handed though I saw it coming.

After a minute of thinking, I took a deep breath and replied.