Page 39 of Waiting for Gilbert

Wavy locks of hair hide most of her face, but she’s pinching her lips in an effort not to smile. “My butt.” A giggle turns into a snort when she covers her face with both hands. “I’d forgotten I’d put—it was—there’s a fork in my—” She can’t even speak through the laughter, but reaches behind and pulls a metal fork from her pocket.

16

GILBERT

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

THE CARS—JUST WHAT I NEEDED

Last night was… huh. How do I classify last night?

I’m buried in a sleeping bag—no way I’m pulling out proper bedding until I’m done with the drywall mess—on my new-to-me mattress. I watch the glowing coals send a small plume of smoke up the open brick fireplace. The wind is a ravenous beast and there is not a glimmer of light from stars or sunrise through the window.

Last night was simply good. It was relaxed, comfortable… charged. I’m sure it was only the exciting newness that comes when you meet someone you click with. Born and raised in Hadley Springs, there haven’t been many of those instances. Most people I come into contact with have known me since forever.

I roll on my back and tuck my hands behind my head. A goofy smile lingers, and I’m grateful there’s nothing to capture how ridiculous I must look. Aunt Jewels would wiggle her eyebrows and crow, “I told you so!”

But… that’s not what this is.

I’m allowed to make a friend. I can be platonic friends with a girl. Yeah, Cordelia is attractive, but there are plenty of attractive girls in town. She makes me laugh a lot, but so doLord of the Ringsmemes on Reddit.

My five-thirty alarm buzzes from my cell across the room. Time for another exciting day.

Nothing happens when I flip the switch on the utility lamp. I turn on my phone’s flashlight and the low battery alert flashes even though I’d plugged it in before bed. That means this is not a light issue, but an entire house electricity issue. If my house is out of power, the cottage is out of power. And if the cottage is out of power, Cordelia doesn’t have any heat.

I throw scrap two-by-fours into the fireplace and work the dying coals into flames. By the light of the fireplace, I dress for a day of construction and snow shoveling.

Bing!

Cordelia: Hey, hoser. You awake?

Gilbert: Sup?

Cordelia: I saw a light from your window.

Gilbert: Let’s pretend you’re not standing at your kitchen sink staring at my window.

Cordelia: If that makes you feel better.

Cordelia: Gilbert Houston, we have a problem.

Gilbert: It’s Henry.

Cordelia: Mr. G. Henry Landlord, sir. I require your assistance. I think I broke something? IDK I woke up with a cold nose, your baby heater box won’t turn on, and my night light in the bathroom went out and I’m scared to pee in the pitch black because there might be a badger hiding in the toilet.

Gilbert: Has that happened?!!

Cordelia: That’s a very personal question, Mr. Landlord.

Gilbert: Have you looked into trauma therapy?

Cordelia: I have a candle, the badger situation has been averted.

Cordelia: Is there a breaker somewhere I should be flipping?

Gilbert: Remember those high winds? Frozen precipitation?

Cordelia: *GIF of Elsa letting down her hair*

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