“Did you go somewhere far for your studies?”
“I lived in the DC area for years, and my parents still lived in Manhattan,” she explains.
I make sure to store this detail regarding her background away in my mind. “I like DC—I’ve been to a bunch of museums there and always find something new to explore.”
“That’s my favorite part of the city. You can never get bored.”
Turning to look directly at Vivian, I admire her once again. She’s so beautiful, with her long, dark hair framing her face in soft waves and her eyes twinkling from the nearby lights. I can’t help but feel a pull towards her.
As if sensing my intensity, she looks at me, a genuine smile spreading over her face. “What?”
“I was just thinking how this will be a good Christmas,” I answer truthfully.
“I definitely agree.”
* * *
Äiti has poured us all mugs of glögi, a warm beverage comparable to mulled wine with its spices and flavor. But it’s still better if you ask me.
I sit down on the light-colored couch, and Vivian takes the seat next to me. She reaches over and takes my free hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. It’s a small gesture, but it fills me with warmth like a cup of my favorite holiday drink. I can see that she’s trying to be supportive, even though she’s only known me for a short time.
“So, we heard your travel plans changed unexpectedly yesterday, and that’s why you’re here with us?” Äiti asks before taking another sip of her glögi with rum mixed in. I prefer to drink it without the extra kick of alcohol.
“Yeah, my parents couldn’t make it to Finland after all, so I had to come up with a new plan for a few days. But once Christmas is over, I’ll find myself a hotel room and explore Helsinki.”
I don’t want to think about her leaving my place after the holidays. “Why don’t you stay with me for longer? There’s enough room in my apartment, and I don’t mind the company.”
There’s a heavy silence after the words leave my mouth. The rest of my family looks at me like I have lost my mind while my farmor sends me a knowing look. She might have seen me glancing in Vivian’s direction more than once since we arrived. I hope she doesn’t start talking about great-grandchildren yet. We have a long way to go to get to that point.
After a few awkward seconds, Vivian replies, “That’s really kind of you to offer, but I don’t want to impose.”
“But you aren’t imposing. You could stay there to save money, too.”
“Jasper, money isn’t an issue here. But that’s a very tempting offer,” Vivian admits shyly, her eyes darting everywhere but my way. “You said your apartment is only a ten-minute walk from the Central Railway Station?”
“Yeah, it takes less than that to walk to Rautatieasema. We missed it earlier since we took a different route here.”
The look on her face is priceless. It’s like she sucked on a lemon and is deciding whether she likes the sourness. “I will never learn how to pronounce that or most Finnish words,” she says with a groan.
My entire family laughs, even my grandma, who only learned English because my dad was drafted to the NHL in the early nineties. My other grandparents never spoke the language when they were still alive.
“Luckily, the younger generation of Finns will understand if you only speak English. You’ll be fine,” Linnea assures our guest.
“We all have to learn English in school,” Elise pipes up and adds more raisins to her glögi. The warm drink is often served with them and almond flakes, but I don’t like raisins that much.
Vivian glances around the room, avoiding my eyes. “Well, I guess I’ll stay with Jasper then. I still want to sightsee in Helsinki, and it can’t hurt to know someone who can give me more tips on where to go.”
Pappa first looks at her and then me knowingly. “Yes, indeed, it’ll be good for you to experience Helsinki during the winter, too. Jasper can take you outside the city if you want to explore southern Finland more.”
What’s up with my family and their looks today?
“Okay, then. If you want to get rid of me at any point, say the word, and I’ll get myself a hotel room.” Vivian nods like it’s decided.
“Don’t be silly. I bet you being there is just what Jasper needs.” Äiti says, smiling at us as she gets up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to finish getting dinner ready.”
Vivian follows my mom’s movements. “Can I help you Mrs.—Anne?”
“Oh no, you must be tired from your trip, so just sit down and stay where you are.” Äiti waves her hand in a don’t-even-worry-about-it gesture. “And let’s not forget you’re our guest of honor today. That being said, I’ll be fine with help from my girls and Lovisa.”
