"What?" The woman had an incredulous tone and stared at me through finger smuged lenses. She looked like someone had just pinched her bottom instead of giving her a name.
"Xander. X-A-N-D-E-R " I spelled my name for her this time instead of just saying it. I was used to the reactions. It was a masculine name and I was distinctly lacking the parts that would have made me a man.
The little woman nodded and mumbled her apology as she wrote my name down in her ledger. I didn't have any intentions of staying longer than the weekend at the small bed and breakfast on the edge of town. So, it was not worth my time or effort to explain to her that my first name was actually Am"lie and that Xander was the reminder that my father wanted a boy. My mother would never admit it but she was happy to have a daugther. It was easier to pass on the old magics.
"Miss Santos, breakfast is served promptly at 8 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. There is a shared bathroom at the end of the hall, please be respectful of other guests. And while there is no curfew please try to be quiet after 11 p.m." She regained her composure well, I noticed, even as she smiled. I also noticed she was lacking several important teeth which explained the sunken in appearance of her cheeks. Silently, I thanked my parents and good dental insurance. I returned her smile and stretched out my hand for the key.
"Tu și noapte bună multumesc." I easily fell into the language of my mother. I realized my mistake seeing the woman's confused expression.
"Thank you and good night." I repeated myself and palmed the key. My bags were already outside my room compliments of the woman's husband. He.had grunted a hello and disappeared quickly during the check in process. I figured the bed and breakfast idea had been the wife's and he just went along. It took a special sort of person to open their house to strangers.
Once inside the room I took stock of my surroundings. A neat little dresser was across from the full sized bed. The comforter was ruched in places making tiny rosettes and it was turquoise. Again, I thought, that must have been the wife. The very utilarian desk and lamp must have been the husband. The dresser was a toss up. It looked to be oak, but I couldn't tell the difference between oak, cedar or whatever else they made furniture out of.
I spent the next half hour or so getting myself settled in. I then spent another half hour wondering if I should go into town and acclimate myself with my new surroundings.
I fell asleep before I could make a decision.
"Xander. X-A-N-D-E-R " I spelled my name for her this time instead of just saying it. I was used to the reactions. It was a masculine name and I was distinctly lacking the parts that would have made me a man.
The little woman nodded and mumbled her apology as she wrote my name down in her ledger. I didn't have any intentions of staying longer than the weekend at the small bed and breakfast on the edge of town. So, it was not worth my time or effort to explain to her that my first name was actually Am"lie and that Xander was the reminder that my father wanted a boy. My mother would never admit it but she was happy to have a daugther. It was easier to pass on the old magics.
"Miss Santos, breakfast is served promptly at 8 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. There is a shared bathroom at the end of the hall, please be respectful of other guests. And while there is no curfew please try to be quiet after 11 p.m." She regained her composure well, I noticed, even as she smiled. I also noticed she was lacking several important teeth which explained the sunken in appearance of her cheeks. Silently, I thanked my parents and good dental insurance. I returned her smile and stretched out my hand for the key.
"Tu și noapte bună multumesc." I easily fell into the language of my mother. I realized my mistake seeing the woman's confused expression.
"Thank you and good night." I repeated myself and palmed the key. My bags were already outside my room compliments of the woman's husband. He.had grunted a hello and disappeared quickly during the check in process. I figured the bed and breakfast idea had been the wife's and he just went along. It took a special sort of person to open their house to strangers.
Once inside the room I took stock of my surroundings. A neat little dresser was across from the full sized bed. The comforter was ruched in places making tiny rosettes and it was turquoise. Again, I thought, that must have been the wife. The very utilarian desk and lamp must have been the husband. The dresser was a toss up. It looked to be oak, but I couldn't tell the difference between oak, cedar or whatever else they made furniture out of.
I spent the next half hour or so getting myself settled in. I then spent another half hour wondering if I should go into town and acclimate myself with my new surroundings.
I fell asleep before I could make a decision.