Where Do We Go From Here?

When we arrived back at the house, Jason and my father had set up the grill in the back yard while Yia Yiá, Cassandra, and my mother decided to start making a salad and some refreshments. I did my small portion of preparing the lemonade and iced tea before going up to my room to grab out my LOTR movie box.

“Tha ton synantísó símera.” I said to Yia Yiá while reentering the kitchen with the movies in hand.

“Your Greek is getting good Verity.” Yia Yiá commented with a broad smile. “Who will I be meeting?” She asked.

“Tony, my boyfriend.” I answered.

“Ah, I can’t wait. One grandchild of mines is getting married while the other has a boyfriend. My family is beautiful.” She replied while making her famous feta cheese salad.

I laughed in response.

“When will he get here?” My mother asked as she started on the pasta salad.

“Probably around late noon.” I answered.

“So he’ll stick around for the barbeque?” She asked.

“Yeah, maybe. I’m not sure if he has plans after watching the entire trilogy of Lord of the Rings.” I said while holding up the box set.

My mother rolled her eyes. “I don’t know how you can stand that movie. That one character, the one with the big eyes and that’s gangly, is just horrific.”

“Sméagol is just a misunderstood creature that may be a little evil.” I replied.

My mother laughed while Cassandra asked “Do you mind if I watch with you guys. Your brother told me a little of the story line and it got me curious.”

“Of course you can watch with us.” I waved her off. It was then that the doorbell sounded off throughout the house. “I think that might be Tony.” I mumbled out before heading to the front door.

Opening it, I saw Tony and Rosie standing there. Tony smiled apologetically before saying “Sorry, but I had to bring her. My mom and stepdad were working today.”

I was surprised at first, but not opposed to Rosie’s presence. “It’s no big deal.” I waved him off. “We’re kinda having another family gathering. Yia Yia—umm, my grandmother is here.” I replied. “Hi Rosie.” I greeted.

“Hi Verity.” She smiled broadly. “Tony said that we’re watching a movie about rings.”

I laughed. “Well, it’s something like that. Do you like movies about mythical creatures?” I asked her while bending down to meet her at eye level.

Rosie smiled while nodding her head up and down in a hastily fashion.

“Well then I think you’ll like this movie.” I smiled. “Although, there is a lot of fighting in it.”

“Rosie likes war movies.” Tony remarked. “Honestly, she sat through the entire movie of 300 without even blinking.” He added.

“Then you’ll definitely like this movie.” I assured her.

Rosie grew quiet as we walked through the house. I figured I’d introduce Yia Yiá to them before resorting to the living area where the cinematic adventure will take place. The kitchen had various sounds of pots hitting the counter to some type of utensil dropping on the floor. This kind of ruckus was like a nursery rhyme to me. The only time the kitchen ever sounded so lively was during the holidays, in which my family would gather at our house in the states or at the Inn in Santorini and spend an entire morning and part of the afternoon encompassed with preparing a holiday meal.

“Your house is like a castle.” Rosie said softly. “You really must be a princess.” She smiled.

Rosie’s innocence was always endearing to me. Tony smiled while looking at me, grabbing my hand and giving it a small squeeze as we entered the kitchen. My mother was in the midst of cutting the bell peppers while Yia Yiá was tossing the salad. Yia Yiá looked up first, smiling warmly.

“You must be Tony.” She said while wiping her hand on the kitchen towel. “And this is your…” Yia Yia trailed off.

“Rosie, Tony’s youngest sister.” I quickly answered.

“Aren’t you a cutie.” My mother commented with her southern drawl.

Rosie blushed while hiding behind Tony’s tall frame. “She’s a little shy.” Tony explained.

“So, we’re gonna watch the movies right now.” I announced after a stretch of silence began to settle in the air.

Tony, Rosie, and Cassandra followed me into the living area as I excitedly put on The Fellowship of the Ring first. This time Cassandra took the recliner while Tony, Rosie, and I piled onto the couch, curling up with the pillows.

“Do you guys want any snacks?” My mother called from the kitchen.

“Popcorn sounds good!” I shouted back.

After my mother brought our popcorn, Rosie curled next to the arm of the couch while laying her head on Tony’s lap. The entire time the movie played, I would snag glances at Tony and Rosie, wondering if they liked this movie or not. Rosie seemed to be caught up in the movie since she’d gasp and gape at the appropriate moments. Tony didn’t seem as enthusiastic as Rosie though. His features seemed impassive and hard to read, but I was assured on his investment in the movie when the fellowship arrived to the caves of Moria. I saw Tony scooting closer to the edge of his seat when Gandalf was battling Balrog. Even Cassandra, who remained silent through the whole movie, seemed to be a bit squeamish during this scene. I knew what was about to happen since I’ve seen these movies countless of times while reading the books indefinitely. Out of a nervous habit, the four of us munched away on the popcorn until our hands hit the bottom of the bowl.

“No!” Both Tony and Rosie shouted in sync when Gandalf fall into the pit with Balrog.

Cassandra let out a quiet gasp while I did my best to stifle my laughter due to their reactions.

“He can’t die!” Tony exclaimed. “He comes back, right?” He asked pleadingly while looking at me with what could only be explained as puppy dog eyes.

I laughed. “Just watch.”

Tony huffed before settling back into his seat. The rest of the movie was spent in suspense as Rosie cheered on Aragorn, Gimli, Boromir, and Legolas. It surprised me to see this young girl, whom I expected to love all things girly, to become rather invested with this movie. I somewhat expected Rosie to grow bored with it, but she didn’t. When the credits started rolling, Tony groaned in frustration.

“That’s how they chose to end it? With a damn cliffhanger?” He asked incredulously.

I chuckled. “Well, it’s a good thing I have the remaining two movies.”

Tony, Rosie, and Cassandra smiled at me as I got up to switch out the discs.

“Verity, can I use your bathroom?” I heard Rosie’s small voice pipe up from behind me.

I stood upright before saying “Yeah, of course. I’ll show you to the bathroom.”

Rosie grabbed a hold of my hand as I led the way to the hallway that had the bathroom. “You want me to wait here with you?” I asked her.

Rosie pondered for a few seconds. “No, I think I can find my way back.” She replied sheepishly before scurrying into the bathroom.

I walked back to the living room to see Jason sitting next to Cassandra while Yia Yiá was animatedly talking to Tony about life back in Greece.

“My Verity takes after my own Yia Yiá; God bless that woman she was so stubborn.” Yia Yiá said before continuing. “However just like my grandmother, Verity always knew how to make good decisions.”

“Your granddaughter is without a doubt a very smart and beautiful person.” Tony replied smoothly.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of embarrassment hit me as I entered the room.

Yia Yiá’s head snapped up to me; a growing smile taking up her face. “Af̱tós o nearós ándras eínai kaló.”

I smiled happily; glad that Yia Yiá thought Tony was a good guy. “Xéro.” I replied.

Notes

So my Greek is rather rusty. Apologies if I spelled or said things wrong.

Gonna try to post another chapter today, so fingers crossed! Let me knot what you think :)

And Thanks for reading! <3