One Dire Summer Evening

Episode 1: The Disappearance

     The sun seemed so hot today. It burned my pale skin and it reminded me about the last summer getaway. The memories hastened through my mind and my eyes got teary. I can still recall everything and still fresh like it was yesterday. I can feel my heartbeat skip a little faster and the pain rushed through it like a knife cutting my flesh, pieces by pieces. 

        I want to forget everything about Edward. I want to erase all of my memories with him. I want to be free from his love. I want to die. Tears trickle down my cheeks and silently I cried my sorrow. I was seated on the couch near the pool and my eyes fixed through the water but my mind was empty.        

     I looked around the house, it was the house we used to call "home". We built this house 3 years ago, before our marriage, which the interior design was my creation and the foundation was his work. Edward's family has a prominent engineering firm in our city and he was the CEO after his father's death 3 years ago. He was the only son of the influential Engr. Michael Buenaventura, the man that was against our marriage.                  Arranged marriage is not a pristine story to rich families. The common reasons were to avoid dispersing of their wealth and to merge their business with other rich families but on his side it was a different story. Edward was arranged to marry the daughter of Mr. Lim, one of the businessmen in our city, but he disobeyed his father after we met at school during college days. Mr. Lim was his father's best friend since 7 years old and they both promised to each other that someday if they will have a kid, they will arrange a marriage as a symbol of their undying friendship. Unfortunately, their plans don't work as it is because I appeared on the picture. Well, it's not my fault, it was fate I believe. His mother was the most loving woman I met. She was very glad the first time Edward introduced me to her. I missed Mommy Celine. We had a lot of bonding together like shopping, salon time, and cooking. She always giving me little advises about marriage life and talking about Edward's childhood.                  My mind was muddle by the car honking outside my gate as I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. I look at the gate and saw one of the housemaids running to open it. I never had a visitor since the day I closed my world to people. The day that Edward vanished like a smoke without my knowledge. The day that my world stopped to spin. The day that I stopped breathing and the day that my life become meaningless. Until now I am still seeking for an explanation or maybe justice.          

     I saw my mum approaching from the glass door that divided the pool area and the game room which is connected to the garage. My mum was the only person I allowed to to see me these past few months. She has been very busy lately doing business trips abroad and the last time I saw her was 2 weeks ago. I always told her that I am old enough for her caring. She managed our family business since Dad elope with other girl. My family owned several antique shops inside the state that remained under mum's custody after they got separated. She understand my pain and struggle because I knew that she went the same circumstances before. The good thing about their separation was the clear reasons why it happened unlike mine that still undiscovered. 

    My head was exhausted with all the unanswered questions. I laid my back to the couch and close my dreary eyes. I felt weary and flimsy. I heard my mum voice and it seems I cannot understand anything she said. I opened my eyes and look at her face. Her face was very worried. She kissed me and hugged me.         "Hi Darling, how are you feeling today? It's good to see you outside your room. I bring you something from Los Angeles, hope you like it". she said happily putting down some bags from those branded shops in front of me. I admired my mom's strength despite of all the problems that she experienced.       

  "Hello Mom, I am good today. How's your business trip?" I smiled at her.         "It was great, how I wish you were there. You need to go out and continue living your life. It break my heart to see you like this, darling". she said with a sad voice.       

 "Just give me time, Mom. Please do not worry about me." I hold her hand with assurance.        "It's almost a year now, you need to be strong. Your friends are keep on calling even your Mommy Celine. They are very worried about you, Aubrey."       

 "I know Mum. One of these days I will return the call, just give me few more days to fix myself. " I look far away.       "C'mon, come with me and we will go to your favorite salon and shopping afterwards." I know that she just wanted to make me happy but I don't have the desires do go out today.       

 "Do I look horrible, Mum?" I said jokingly. She laughed.       

  " You always look beautiful, darling just like Mommy. So, change your clothes and let's go. " she replied smiling.      

  "Mum, I don't want to go out. Please spare me today, maybe some other time. " I said in lazy tone of voice.        

"Okay, I will not force you. Just give me a call if you want to go out and I will come. I want the old Aubrey back." she kissed me goodbye and started walking towards the door. I waved at her before her car went off the road.        

     I started walking toward the back side of the house where you can see a little garden full of flowers and plants. It was landscaped by one of Edward's friend a year ago because I wanted to have a garden where I can sit down and relax sometimes. I can smell the fragrance of the blooming orchids and roses. In the center of the garden there is a statue of a naked pregnant woman surrounded by African daisy with different colors. Some of the flowers which I personally choose for the funny reason that I like the color but I don't even know the name. I sat down on the bench facing the statue. I can still remember the last time I was here with Edward.                  The memories of him in every corner of the house haunted me. Why, Edward? Why you leave me alone? I keep on asking myself the same question, over and over again.         

      It was our third wedding anniversary and I organized a surprise party for Edward on the private resort along south area of the state. The owner of the resort is my cousin Mike and me has been doing all the planning. The plan was, me and family will be waiting at the resort until Edward's arrival. Mike will be the one to pick him up and will invent reason for him to attend the party. Edward and Mike were close friends since high school. One of the reason why our path crossed.          My thought was disturbed by a screeching noise of an iron gate. It coming from the exit door to the cellar of the house. I walk toward the gated door and I noticed it was open.