(Sims Story) Chapter 2: Write My Name and Carry My Picture.
Mila Munch was impressed, Maaike's new neighbor from Scotland was courteous, polite, and even helping clean up after the party. Maaike and Ulrike however seemed to be enjoying his company too. It was probably the 1st time she's actually seen Ulrike pick up after herself.
And Maaike? Now one year older was all smiles. Granted Mila always hoped she'd look at her son Gunther like that. Like he was the only person in the world that mattered. Speaking of Gunther he was sweeping the floor trying not to pester Angus with questions. But the Scotsman didn't seem to mind at all. The four of them were all ears. Especially Maaike.
He was transferring from Edinburgh Scotland? And before that his family lived in the Highlands for generations herding sheep. Sheep. You'd think he was reciting great works of literature the way Maaike was listening so intently.
Ulrike had to ask what Maaike was wondering all evening, was there someone back in Scotland waiting for him? And by waiting for him she meant if he had a girlfriend.
"Nae, not anymore," he spoke with a regretful sigh. "So you're single?" Ulrike pressed further much to the horror of Maaike. "I suppose I am." He said looking right at Maaike, "just been looking for the right one to come along I suppose." He said not missing a beat.
Gunther noting Maaike's reaction decided to break the tension by putting an arm around Maaike offering to show Angus the sites of Windenburg. If his GIRLFRIEND was OK with that. Maaike's half-hearted reaction to his touch made her wince. Mila interjected that it was late and they needed to head home.
Maaike never broke eye contact with Angus even as Gunther kissed her cheek goodnight wishing her a happy birthday before coldly bidding Angus a good evening.
Ulrike chimed in that she'd be happy to see Angus back home across the pond. To of which Gunther thought was an EXCELLENT idea. Putting on his coat headed out the door with his mother in tow.
Angus only smiled tossing the dish towel he'd been using over his shoulder and crossed his arms. "Perhaps the bonnie birthday lass would care to join us?" He offered as he placed the towel to dry over the back of the kitchen chair.
"I'd like that." She nodded seemingly at a loss for words. Ulrike playfully put her arm in his and rested her head on his firm shoulder. "Come dahling!" She said doing her best Judith Ward impression batting her eyes at Angus.
The trip to his home took longer than expected as the shortcut across the pond was slippery and the Free Spirits stopped often to ask things life if he bought Nessie with him from Scotland. He told them he didn't have to. She usually follows him wherever he goes. And for the record? Her name is Emily.
Parting at his door the ladies invited him to dinner the next evening. When he agreed and said it's a date Maaike froze. But it wasn't because of what he said. It was because of what she saw peeking out of his moving boxes. A bronze sculpture of a wolf. Identical to the one described in that old journal she had. The one the Wolfen King was gifted by the spellcasters of old.
The next morning bright and early Angus was at their door with coffee and breakfast for the three of them. What did he want? Maaike.
Or rather to HELP Maaike (and Ulrike of course) get unpacked so tripping over boxes wouldn't be a problem anymore. Maaike didn't remember telling him she tripped on Ulrike's stuff the other day, could he have heard it from across the pond? Like the werewolf in the journal could? No. That was absurd. Werewolves aren't real. He just probably noticed some boxes were knocked over during the party. That's all.
Ulrike not being a morning person grumbled a thank you, took her share and retreated to the living room where she curled up on the sofa and fell back asleep leaving Maaike alone with Angus.
"Sorry I'm such a doolally early riser," he began. "Doolally?" Maaike questioned never having heard the expression before. "It means a crazy person." He explained watching her take her 1st sip of coffee clad still in her pajamas and bedroom slippers. He watched as she drew a surprised expression on her face. "Two sugars and hazelnut creamer?" He asked. Watching her reaction. Maaike nodded in surprise, "Lucky guess." He said passing her the open box of pastries. "Actually, that's a lie. You must have gotten have mine by mistake." She couldn't help but smile telling him he WASN'T getting it back now.
Going though boxes and unpacking Maaike found herself sharing things about her parents she hadn't told anyone else. Like how they told her stories about the craziest things. Her Mom was a writer, her Dad was a junk collector. Who found value in every little thing like a bottle cap from their 1st date. Maaike soon realized she was probably boring Angus but was pleasantly surprised to learn he was enjoying hearing about them. And showed her a plastic kazoo party favor from last night. Saying her Dad might have been onto something there.
"Write my name and carry my picture." Angus said pulling out a scrapbook from the last box. "It's something her parents did."she said wistfully, "Sentimental stuff y'know, like a signing your name and writing x's and o's on the back of a photo that you give to the one you love." Maaike trailed off. Touching the scrapbook looking up at Angus. "Aye, hen. That's beautiful." He said softly. Unfortunately, Ulrike walked in on them right as they were about to kiss.
Which surprised Maaike, because she doesn't even remember leaning in that close to him. But she apparently had. And she wasn't hating the fact his hand was upon hers holding her parents scrapbook.
"I should go." He said pulling away. As Ulrike started to follow him. To the backdoor. She stopped short of the stairs and leaned back into Maaike's room to give her a what's WRONG with you look! Because SHE wouldn't let a guy like HIM get away!
And honestly? Maaike was in total agreement with her.
