Present and Past Desires

Chapter 4 - The Trash Guy

I tried again, knocking harder this time, wishing he would quit playing games. After all, he should have actually been the one apologizing, not vice versa.

“Come on, please! He is still ringing the doorbell."

“I’m sorry, I’m busy. Trying to get a life and don’t need any distraction.”

I felt torn and mad at him. I resisted the urge to yell at him and pull down the door. At the same time, I knew what would work better for me at that moment. “I’m sorry, please. You can have all the chocolates. I just need you to get the door while I rush back to the mirror. I’m not sure how I look.” I pleaded, faking a cry.

“Fine! Just make sure you keep to your word and ...”

I didn’t wait to hear the rest of what he was saying before making a dash for my room.

I didn’t want to appear overly dressed or eager to meet Walter. I only wanted to look simple as though it had not been too long since I awoke. After all, it was just nine in the morning. By the way, wasn’t this way too early for a visit? Why didn’t he give me a notice? Oh, we don’t have each other’s numbers. But still…

I shook my head, to push the thoughts aside, and focused on looking presentable. I could hear Spencer trying to make small jokes in the living room. He was so good at making talks.

Then came the knock at my door. “You have a guest, Mel.” Spence announced.

“Who?!” I shouted back for the fun of it.

“You can’t guess, dummy! Just come out!” he yelled back.

Okay, that made me feel better. I giggled and then straightened, giving myself one last look in the mirror. “Give me a moment!” I yelled.

Three minutes later, I finally emerged. “Who is it? Jessie?” I scanned the living room, hoping I wasn’t overdoing it. Jessie was my best friend. But unfortunately, her family moved a few miles away the previous month, so we only talked on phone and these days, we seemed to drift further apart by the day. Though once in a while, we visited each other.

“Jessie? Who is Jessie?”

I followed the deep husky voice to the far end of the living room where Walter was seated. Lord, he was even looking more gorgeous than the last time I laid eyes on him. Dressed in a fly shirt, on distressed jeans, he looked charming. My nervousness returned again.

“Oh. Hi.” I muttered, adjusting my gown, wondering if it was too short, seeing the way he seemed to size me up.

“Jessie is her chatterbox. She calls in sometimes.” Spencer offered an explanation.

I felt my legs were wobbly as I walked over to the sofa I had in mind. I believed I would feel more relaxed if I sat next to my brother.

“Why are you sitting next to me? Do I look like your boyfriend?” he blared.

“Hey, cool it.” I hissed.

“You look beautiful as always, Mellie.” Walter spoke up.

Mellie? What’s that? Oh, me? I smiled. “Nobody calls me that.” I chuckled.

Spencer laughed. “Sounds like a bird's name.”

When I thought Walter looked embarrassed for a moment, I stopped smiling and nudged Spencer.

“Well, I received your package earlier. Thank you. They are so lovely.” I said.

“I’m glad you love them. If you don’t mind, I would like us to hang out today, so we can get to know each other better.”

Not so fast. I didn't feel up to hang out with him yet. Not now I was still struggling with a very painful breakup. But I imagined my dad's reaction if he heard I turned him down. And I reasoned that a distraction wouldn't be so bad, huh? “Sure. That would be cool.” I said, rising, my brain reeling for what to put on.

Forty minutes later, we were ready to go. It had taken me thirty-five minutes in all to get ready. I had chosen one of the best attires in my wardrobe, a brown and white striped v-neck mini shirt dress. It wasn’t too short, only a few inches above my knees. I wanted to look simple and classy, and it was just perfect. I paired it with my brand-new white Jimmy Choo sneakers. Thanks to Jessie’s aunt who owned a fashion store in France, I received a lot of free items.

I saw the look of approval in Walter’s eyes when I stepped out.

“I love your dress. It looks great on you.”

“Thanks.” I murmured, blushing.

He took my hand and together we made for the door.

“Grab a spare key, Mel. I may not be home when you return.” Spence warned.

“I’ve got one with me.” I told him.

Walter took my hand in his as we walked out the door. I felt the warmth of his hands. They were so soft like he had never had to handle any hard thing all his life, unlike Jabari’s which felt kinda hard and tough.

However, the moment we stepped outside, we walked into Jabari. He looked stunned to see me, and I watched his gaze land on Walter's hands, entwined in mine.

Finally, the victory moment I've been waiting for.

“Melody?” he called, puzzled.

I rolled my eyes and looked away. I had nothing to say to him. What was he doing here anyway? He ought to be at work already.

“Who is he?” Walter asked in a steel condescending voice.

“He came to take out the trash.” Spencer, who was behind us, quickly offered in response.

Despite my strong restraint, I let out a chuckle.

How crass could Spencer be?