Pink and blue

The avenues of London changed its colour palate as another season had passed. From summer blooms to occasional thunderstorms, the streets become deserted during the nights. The days were longer and warmer than any other seasons. The natives liked to spend their times in the garden for a stroll or for a picnic with family and friends at nearby lakes on weekends. And, it was only a matter of time when the lush trees turn brown and white.

On one such warm days, Samuel Allen, Lucas's assistant, invited a few of his colleagues to the baby shower on a weekend for a private ceremony with closed ones where, Katherine was the only editor who was invited. By the time Katherine had reached, she found a few people but none she was familiar with; other than the hosts who were busy with their guests. Like her, people followed the dress code and they were all in either pink or blue.

As soon as Samuel's wife saw Katherine, the woman came to talk to her.

"I can see the glow on your face, congratulations to the beautiful mother," Katherine beamed at the woman who blushed in return. "When is the due date?"

She further asked.

"In two weeks, we recently went to the doctor for a check-up and seems the baby is healthy," Alice replied, carrying a bright smile on her face.

"How splendid, I am happy for you both. Sam must be rejoicing right now," Katherine gleamed, she had known Alice through Samuel who introduced her to his wife in a few occasions. As the two women were having a conversation, Samuel joined them.

"Alice was just telling that you have been a great support to her," Katherine said.

"I had no option but to obey her commands," Samuel shook his head with a chuckle and passed a glass of drink to Katherine. "Oh, have you met our chief, he is here," he added.

"Here?"

"Yes, in the backyard. With Milo," he replied.

Though Katherine showed reluctance to meet him in the beginning, she headed to the back door in the end; in search of him.

The last of the sun's rays cosseted behind the heavy grey clouds that whispered about the downpour, the trees swayed against the soft breeze, and birds were cooing as the dusk started to fade.

At that time, Katherine's eyes scanned around amongst the small crowds, as she walked past people one after the other. Some were gossiping, some were laughing but there one person away from the crowd and their noise. It was the same familiar back of a man she had always known. Slowly, making her away, she went to greet him. She did not understand what was he doing there by sitting on a bench all by himself until she caught a glimpse of small paws. She saw him playing with Milo, Sam's pet.

A little away from where he was sitting, Katherine stood in silence watching his long fingers that brushed Milo's fur. A side of his lips were curved upwards, if Katherine did not know him any better, she might have thought he was smiling. But the very next second, realisation hit her like a wave when she caught a glimpse of his smile for the very first time. It was as if time had stopped with the noises of the world fading away in that moment as she walked toward him. It wasn't a complete smile but it could be considered as one for a person who always had a stoic face.

The moment he felt her presence, it seemed as if he went back to his usual self.

"Isn't it a beautiful evening?"

She started.

"It is," he mumbled and Katherine wondered if he could ever talk more than two syllables when someone is talking to him.

Her lips were set into a thin line as she tried to smile, putting a little effort when it came to smile for him.

"Uhm, Mr. Wynne, were you not informed about the dress code?" she pointed at his usual office attire. The pale colours he always wore and today was no exception, he wore a white shirt and black over coat.

"And you must be in support of a girl," he stated, not feeling the necessary to answer her question. May be it was a stupid question to begin with.

His eyes took a quick scan at her pink dress with puffed sleeves and the thin pendant that was hung around her neck. Unlike her office look, she seemed different without her glasses. Was it because of her copper hair that was left open, he did not bother to know.

"And you are?" she asked.

"Does it matter, who is who?"

"It doesn't, but you could say it is a part of celebration?"

She shrugged, seeing his fingertips brushing Milo's head as he shook his head. He never understood why people do such odd things. It did not matter if the baby was girl or a boy as long as the baby was healthy. His eyes were blinded with nothing but blue and pink in the party, and just when he was about his decision for even showing up here, Milo greeted him.

"I did not expect you to play with him."

Pausing his fingers, he looked at her with a smirk that went unnoticed by her.

"I could be less of an evil demon sometimes, Ms. Priestley."

"I never said that," she denied with all her might, her voice in a squeal and with flushed cheeks.

Why did he have to know the name she gave him!

She had thought he too felt unaccompanied in the party like her and initiated the conversation but he was good enough being alone, it seemed. Just as she was about to leave with an excuse, he spoke.

"Could you hold him for a second, I just..." but Katherine jerked aback, taking one step away from him and showing her palms to stop whatever he was planning to do. "I, I think it is better if you just put him on the bench," she said.

"Are you afraid, or do you have an allergy?" but he gave her an indiscreet look.

"Neither of them. I like to see them from a distance but no touching," she answered, looking at the relaxed puppy in his arms. "You are something, Ms. Priestley," he mumbled.

"But I do like them, Mr. Wynne. Just that I don't like to be touched," she repeated.

Lucas nodded his head as if he understood her point. He only wanted to dust his black coat, but it seemed the lady had some issues with animals. At the same time, a few kids had come to play with Milo and Lucas gave him to them to play before his gaze shifted back to her, with his eyes that held a gaze of disapproval; or so it appeared to her.

By the time the couple revealed their baby was a girl, the rain started to pour. Initially, Katherine had planned to take a cab but Lucas insisted upon dropping her as it was late by the time the party was ended. It continued to pour down on their way, droplets of water trickled down the window blurring the images from the outside. Katherine found herself in his car in a month or so. It seemed like a dejavu with the rain and silence.