I haven't gotten far when Raymond came out to meet me outside and blocked my path. He just stood there, tall and unmoving, watching me silently with those dark eyes that always made it impossible for me to breathe properly.
"I am sorry I appeared in front of you. I will do my best not to do that next time," I said stiffly. "Can I pass now? You don't have to block my way or warn me."
"You think this is about you showing up in front of me?" he asked, clearly surprised, and even more angry that I did not know why he was blocking my way.
"I'm sorry, Raymond, that I don't know why you are angry, but can you please move away and let me through? I'm not ready for all…" I made a vague hand gesture, pointing from his head down to his toes. "…these."
"Oh, you are not ready for me, but you are ready for the boy you were discussing with a couple of minutes ago," he said, starting to make his way closer to me.
