This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this story are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This is the last submission of a three part story. I could have put it in a different category, but the story as a whole seemed to fit best here.
"Bjorn! Oh my! What a surprise!"
I gathered my grandmother up in an embrace. Even though I'm more than half a foot taller and quite a bit heavier, it feels like I'm a little boy again. There's something about getting a hug from one of your grandparents that makes you feel young again...loved.
I hadn't planned on showing up unannounced, but when I went to call upon arrival in Oslo, I wasn't sure what to say. So, I got my rental car and started driving. Two hours later, here I am. And I still don't know.
"What's wrong?"
She appeared concerned. I almost went with my gut, which was to say 'nothing', but she'd see through it. Besides, I couldn't lie to her.
"I just needed to get away Besta. I missed you! Everyone."
"Is it Julia?"
"Julie? No. That's done. Or, as done as it can be. I still find myself thinking about her on occasion. But it's less frequent as time goes on and doesn't bother me as much."
"I'm sure it helps that you grew apart in the last few years."
"That's just it Besta. I can see that now, but while I was in the middle of it, I didn't realize it."
"Either way. I'm glad to hear you are healing."
"Thanks. I'm glad too."
I gave her another hug. She patted my back and then pulled back and looked up at me. I'm still amazed by her. Her hair is snow white, but still full and long. She had it drawn back in a ponytail, the only way I ever remember it. She had the same piercing blue eyes.
"Well, take your coat off and come help me make tea."
"If it's okay with you, I'll keep it on. I'm freezing!"
"Suit yourself!" She laughed while I followed her into her small kitchen.
Her English is so excellent that I almost forget I'm in Norway. She always spoke it with me...I think part of the reason is because she liked to practice. Despite my parents being from here, I was born in Alaska and the other members of the homestead we lived on were local to that area.
Mom and Dad spoke Norwegian to each other and me, most often when we were in our own little cabin. During the day, they used English like everyone else, even if it was with a heavy accent. So, regardless of them claiming I spoke their native tongue when I was young, I can't anymore. At least not well. I can follow what's being said and make myself understood well enough when needed though; like earlier at the airport.
She turned the thermostat up a couple degrees before preparing tea and by the time we sat down, I'd removed my coat. Her small place warmed up fast. It's the first week of May and a bit cooler than I'd be experiencing back home right now.
"So, if it is not Julia, is it your business? I thought you were happy with it."
"No Besta, business is strong. I still love the work and receive so many requests I hired help."
"Really!? Tell me about it."
I told her the story of how I'd met Kas and Callie during jobs and had been impressed with each. First had been Callie with her ability to do most anything I could, and her willingness to travel. Next, Kas and her excellent knowledge of animals and veterinary practice and the follow up calls to clients, giving them advice with livestock.
"I think I understand now."
She had an expression on her face that I could only think of as 'amused pity'. I could sense myself start to go red in the face. After an uncomfortable moment for me she asked,
"So, what exactly happened?"
"Well, I suppose I got greedy. Well...maybe not greedy, but a little too comfortable with the situation."
"Let me guess. You were pursuing both of them...at the same time?"
"No! Well, yes! But I wouldn't call it pursuit. I wasn't
after
them. Things just kind of happened. But yes, it was at the same time."
I exhaled, feeling good to have it off my chest, but it was hard to have it all back in the front of my mind. Not that I'd been successful filing it away.
"Were you intimate with either of them?"
"Both."
Many people may have been shocked to have a grandparent be this blunt, but I wasn't. My entire family was open about what was on their mind. I remember many flare-ups over the years, but they were always short-lived. And when it was done...it was done. I understand how healthy it is. They never let things fester.
But my Besta was always the most to-the-point one of us. And no topic was sacred. If one was, it hadn't come up yet. So, I told her the truth. She shook her head.
"And these two women...they know each other?"
I blushed even more, if that were possible, and realized I might as well tell her everything. She'd extract it from me soon enough anyway. So, I spent the next hour or so giving her the story and answering questions. I wish I could say I felt better when it was over.
"So, to sum things up, you met two women, different in many ways, and became friends with both of them. You offered each of them employment which allowed your business to grow, and actually improve the quality of its services. This led to growing closer to each one."
I nodded as she paused to gather her thoughts.
"At some point you realized they were avoiding each other, or at least this 'Kas' was avoiding the other, 'Callie'. When you suspected the reason, you asked Kas and she verified they had issues over a man they had apparently both been involved with, or at the very least mutually interested in?"
"Yes Besta."
"And yet you continued to allow both relationships to grow, knowing what you did?"
I managed to nod and blush at the same time.
"You, my boy, are a fool."
All I could do was laugh.
