ANGELS IN THE SNOW (Part Two)

Everyone was there. Music was blaring, the bathtub was filled with ice and cans of beer, and all the furniture was sitting on the front lawn. As we entered the apartment, it began to snow. The place was filled with wall-to-wall people. Everyone we knew was there. W.S. headed for the bathroom to get a couple of beers.

I spotted Barry. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt. “I see you traded in your Santa suit,” I said. “Can’t afford to go to Hawaii, so this was the next best thing,” he replied. “Where’s Brenda?” I asked. “She’s in the bathroom,” he replied. “I’m getting a little worried. She’s been in there along time. Do you mind checking on her?” I told him that Brenda was probably fighting her way through the crowd on her way back to him, but that I’d take a look. Using a New York elbow, I made my way to the bathroom. As I arrived, Rocky was going in and W.S. was coming out.

“Have you seen Brenda?” I asked. “Yes,” said W.S.  “She’s wearing a Hawaiian shirt?”  “Barry is wearing one too,” I said. W.S. replied, “Don’t they know it’s snowing outside?” “Well, did you see her?” I asked. “Yes,” he replied, pointing to the bathroom. “She’s sitting in there.” Rocky was coming out carrying two beers, and Guy was on his way in.

“Stop!” I shouted. “I think Brenda is in there.” I slowly opened the door and entered. Sure enough, Brenda was sitting on the toilet, her skirt discretely covering her knees and her hands covering her face. “Nice shirt,” I said. “Thank you,” she sniffled. “Barry is looking for you,” I said. “I’m never coming out of here,” she cried. “I am humiliated. I had to go to the bathroom. There’s no lock on the door, and everyone just kept coming in for beer. They didn’t even say, ‘Excuse me.’ They just kept coming.”

“Oh, never you mind.” I said. “I’m sure they didn’t even notice you.” “Everybody is going to laugh at me,” she said, as she stood up. “No they won’t.” I said.  “Just wash your hands, and let’s get out of here before they break down the door.” A long line of thirsty people burst into laughter as we exited.

The apartment was getting hot, so Travis opened the door, and we noticed that what had started as snow and sleet had now turned into a full-fledged blizzard. We decided it was time to leave. As we slid our way to the car, Rocky said, ”Does anyone have any matches? The door lock might be frozen.” I dug some matches out of my purse. Rocky warmed the key, and after several tries was finally able to open the car door. We were grateful that we had left the party just in time.

The next day, I called to thank Travis and Guy. Travis answered the phone. “Why did you leave so early?” he asked. “We were worried about the blizzard,” I said. “What happened to your furniture?” “It’s still outside,” he said. “We are waiting for it to thaw out. Had to sleep on the floor last night, and I can’t get any clean underwear because the dresser drawers are frozen shut” “How long did the party last?” I asked. He replied, “A few people couldn’t find their cars under the snow, so they decided to stay over. They are digging out now. Do you and W.S. want to come over? Snarky is going to scramble some eggs.” “No thanks,” I replied. “Just tell Snarky that I’m in the kitchen scrambling eggs right in the pan---just the way he told me to. It will make his day.”

Not long after the party, Guy married the beautiful graduate student, and nine months later they had identical twin baby girls. Whenever anyone asked Guy which baby he was holding, he’d say, “I don’t have a clue. Ask another question.”---And he still got away with it!

Esther Blumenfeld, CROSSING WITH THE BLUE LIGHT, Blumenfeld c. 2006