Forgetting Mellaine

Fartherwoods'

“Me, did you see Veronica?” France asked, writing over the list of the menu that Mrs. Fartherwood want us to cook for Natalia’s birthday this coming Thursday.

It’s been already thirty minutes when we arrived at the Fartherwood’s residence, which’s located at the eastern side of Valencia, and was being introduced by France to the other guests, including to those that I have already met and talked before at the organization’s centre. The house is owned by Natalia’s grandmother, Nathalie Fartherwood. The house sat beside an antebellum manor and a vacant lawn. Just looking at the place, tells me that they are born with such gold spoons. To think, Natalia is able to lead the organization, the least I could expect that the Fartherwood’s blood dwells in each of them – having such authority, wealth and inferiority. The red, vine-embowered gate with its thickly rusted spikes caught my attention first. Mrs. Fartherwood also got her own circular, green tiled fishpond, decorated with the moss on the sides and the fish, a swimming pool and even a small place for playing golf, tennis, might as well volleyball and basketball. The damnably large and old-fashion, luxurious house with its shaggy dark-green walls is messing with me on how elegant it is to look at. The main beige windowless door carved with sunflower and roses has its own bell to ring.

I appeared at the supposed to be their living room which was totally filled with the guests. I was standing beside the wall. Veronica must have seen me through the window when I was entering the house, because she came through me, bounding out of her seat to give me a warm hug and a squeal. She was delighted to see me as well as France who’s currently talking to Natalia’s parents. Victoria assisted me to her seat. “Thank you for coming, Mellaine. You are so very marvellous to come and help. Everything is getting to its place. I can’t wait for Nathy to see this, and celebrate with us her 31st birthday.” She giggled.

My mind just popped up with considerable fascinating information - knowing that Veronica is a cousin of Natalia on her mother’s side. They also went to the same school since their elementary to college years. From what I’ve seen, Veronica is lithe and a lively young woman, while Natalia is more tranquil and fastidious. They seem opposite to each other but in some things, they tend to have a clear, balanced output, more like she is Natalia’s best friend.

Veronica is currently blabbering things about how she and Natalia get along with each other. Sipping the juice she gave me a while ago, I disengaged myself and looked around. There are only a few guest in the living room right now. France’s own shadow is not also here to be seen. I wonder where they went.

“Where are the others?” I asked, cutting her off from the current topic.

“Oh, maybe they went to the Grand Hotel. It’s just three blocks from here. Granny would definitely want us to come there too.” She muttered.

After a while, Beverly and Johann made their way inside the house. We still haven’t blipped on their radar screen, which turned us in calling their names. They looked upon our direction and smiled. Beverly, as usual, is wearing her bobbly attitude. Wearing a blue shirt and black skirt, makes her like she’s going to play golf. She made her hair into a bun with a small ribbon on it. Johann, on the other hand, is just standing right beside her, carrying with a limp grey cat, offering us her decent glow. She looks so fit, more like she got herself into the gym. They sat beside us.

“How are you two doing?” Veronica inquisitively asked, brushing her hair through her fingers.

“I’m good. I just entered myself into culinary and totally, I’m enjoying the lessons. Probably, I can cook for you these days and have you taste what I have learned.” Johann said happily.

“I also tried making some pie and sell them online.” Beverly muttered. She was aglow with pleasure, her eyes were bright.

“That’s great. You should continue that.” I said.

The cat was moving on Johann’s lap. There was a sense of movement from my right side, slightly ticklish with its abundant fur, swishing his tail. I wasn’t overly fond with furry animals, especially cats, due to my allergies. I forcefully turned my gaze to Mr. Bobby Mildrege, the chronically sleepy and hulking janitor of the Fartherwood, whom I just met a while ago when I was looking for a glass of water, and is current handling the mop and bucket, patiently cleaning the hard tiled floor. Once he was finished doing it, he made his way to the front door and had arranged the umbrellas which got soaked with the rain a while ago. He was also dusting a rack of newspapers and magazines over the side of their wide flat screen television, which is not working right now. The scenery is quite boring somehow. Taking a soft yawn, I gently went off from my seat.

“Maybe we can go where the others are.” I suggested, packing my sling bag and waited for them by the main door. Mr. Bobby became lively as soon as he see Beverly making her way to the door. I guess the old man has some likes to the young lady. I giggled in silence. Coming to the doorway, he approached Berverly. “Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Beverly? Would you like me to fetch a cab for you?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Bobby.” Beverly smiled and waited for him to get a cab. After some time, the old man was able to get us one, and got Beverly with his assistance. “Thank you so much, Mr. Bobby.

When all of us were able to sit inside the cab, we directly went to the Grand Hotel.

“How’s your grandmother doing right now, Johann?” Beverly asked, sitting on the passenger seat.

“Well, probably, she’s with her usual liquor drink. She’s totally mourning for grandpa. I suspected that the liquor she’s drinking at this moment in her house isn’t her first and would definitely not be the last one she’ll drink for this day.”

“Condolences.” I said. Her grandmother just past two weeks ago.

“Thank you, Me. Well, Mom is already heading there to take care of the old lady. Maybe, take a fine or scold her for drinking too much.” She sighed.

“Wouldn’t it be better if your mother will take her with you together at your house?” Victoria suggested as she put some beige lipstick on her lush lips.

“I already suggested that, but I guess my grandmother has a hard head. She got these reasons of not leaving her house and would rather live by herself. We tried, and tried and tried, even the times when Grandpa is still living, but somehow her answer is the same – a big no. So in the end, we decided to consider her decision and supported her the best we can.” She muttered.

The cab slowly stopped by the main entrance of the so called Grand Hotel. We arrived with our astonishing reactions and awe for the buildings features itself.

“Totally, gonna have some amazing pictures here later.” Beverly uttered.

“Surely….” Veronica added, looking above the hotel.

I saw France currently talking with Mrs. Fartherwood just by some few meters from the entrance door. From her looks, she is having some problems over something. With my own will and courage, I decided to head inside first and went to France’s direction. Luckily, she was able to feel my lurking presence as a cat targeting its prey. I didn’t even notice, I also manage to catch Mrs. Fartherwood’s attention. The two of them are now looking on me, possibly on how I walk and compose myself.

“Oh, there she is! This is Mellaine West.” France pointed her finger at me. I felt I was lured and turned out in entering the lion’s den for food. This wasn’t a good choice either. I was about to turn myself back to where the girls are having their little chitchat outside, when France pulled me by my arm, dragging me in front of Mrs. Fartherwood.

“So, you’re France’s new assistant.” She commented, obviously, in deed, examining every inch of my body. Her gaze feels like she’s taking my clothes off and left me naked. Those sharp looks are even more terrifying to deal with.

“I didn’t expect you’re going to pick over a commoner, Ms. Vaile.” She grimaced.

That was totally below the belt. She made me remember how my college classmates acted towards me like just a commoner under their ruling. Perhaps, she’s a total example of those people back then. I was about to give her a response, when France stood in front of me, like she wanted to let me feel secured and she’s willing to put herself on my own shoes.

“Mellaine came from the Moundaine City, Madame.” France said in a sturdy manner.

“Oh…it doesn’t suit her as well. So why would a person like you come into a place like here if you got to live in a decent and well known city?” She muttered, trying to get into my nerves.

“She’s a competitive person and likes to explore in different are----“

I breathed deeply, cutting off France. “It’s because I wanted to be in a place where I can find peace and will help me in flourishing my skills. Now, if you mind me your…highness. I would be delighted if you offer me some of your sweet smiles or might as well a little respect, or maybe a warm welcome to our first meeting.” I gave her my warmest smile, enough to disguise my frustration of how inconsiderable and blunt she is.

“Then do me a favour.” She muttered directly, more like a demand, holding her ornamented black pouch over her arm. “Please do the invitation card and the program. I’ll be giving you the list of the people who will join us on that day, especially those who’ll be our guests. Then you’ll surely be rewarded, together with Ms. Vaile.” She added and waited for my response.

I looked at the pale and worn out face of France, who’s standing next to me. She was also waiting for my answer and probably expecting me to take her offer – talks about making money at the same time.

“Sure. I’ll take it. It would be better if the reward is totally worth our hard work.” I demanded and made sure of our sudden agreement.

“You can have my word, Ms. West.” The persistent woman answered.

“Then, it’s settled.” I smiled.

After our agreement, Mrs. Fartherwood excused herself and made her way to entertain her fellow colleagues and workmates. She was taking a place over the crowded number of people in the ballroom. Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked at France. She is looking intently to me also. She suddenly hugged me and acted like she was about to cry. “You’re a total life saver, Me.”

I rubbed her back slowly. “Silly. You just led me towards that old hag.” I laughed a bit.

“She’s really an obscure old hag.” France laughed and giggle in silence.

We smiled at each other. The girls are also there, talking and enjoying each other’s company together with the others. The ballroom is quite fascinated to look at as the white painted walls shimmered with the obscenely ornate and admirable chandelier hanging from above at the centre. It was well air conditioned. The tables and chairs were neatly decorated.

Moments later, two women entered the Ballroom dressed with their corporate black uniforms, looking them like they’re working in this hotel, but they aren’t, probably.

“I’ve seen you somewhere.” One of the ladies said, confused, trying to remember my face and the moment she saw me. “Are you in one of our sponsors for Victoria’s birthday celebration? No, that’s not right. Were you the one that Victoria introduced at the organization’s centre?”

Had my ego been unguarded, I would have been buried down. “Uhm, yes.” I said. Looking over the two’s features, I clearly remember who they’re – the ladies who talked and laughed at France during the organization’s meeting, tends to sit behind my back at that moment. I smiled at them sweetly, not showing any hint that I recalled them. They turned, seem to be a bit anxious about having a conversation with me. I guess, they also remembered what happened on that specified date.

“Hi. Uhm, it’s nice to meet you. We didn’t expect you’ll come here too. We are just looking for Veronica and Johann.” The other one muttered, trying not to look unto my eyes straight.

“They are at the left side. Mrs. Fartherwood had made herself invite us here too… to take care of the celebration itself.” I said confidently, trying to act cool in front of them.

“Oh, really. That’s good to here, then. We have to meet Veronica and Johann now.” The same girl uttered smilingly.

“Sure. I can take you to them, I also need to give this pen to Johann.” I offered.

“Thank you.”

Leading them to the ladies, isn’t that comfortable? Basically, they are walking behind me, same as before – blabbering things about something or someone. I can’t even hear their talk, maybe they learned from what happened before - on how to lower down their voices. Johann saw us just a few meters from them, waving her hand gracefully. If I didn’t know her, I will see her as one of the candidates for a beauty pageant. She seems to have a good proportion of her body measurements. Those well shaped buttocks and chest, slender long legs, and other assets that I can mention are really gifts she got from above. Not to mention, how she walks every time with her proper posture, swaying her newly dyed chestnut hair. This girl is living doll.

“You’ve come. Did you get a free time over your work?” Johann asked. Veronica is still entertaining the guests with her, who tends to be her close relatives.

“We got a leave. Luckily, we were able to get here before lunch.” The woman said.

“Oh, by the way, I guess you already met Mellaine at the centre. So, might as well introduce yourselves to each other. I guess, Mellaine still don’t know your names, ladies.” She added.

“Hi. I’m Hailey Wright and this is Megan Scott.” The woman said, offering her hand.

“Nice to meet you two.” I pondered and grabbed their hands, shaking them gently.

“There you are, Me. Oh, Dad, this is Mellaine West. The one I was talking about before. She’ll be the one to help France out with the design and invitations.” Veronica muttered, keeping her eyes to the man standing beside her.

“So you’re Mellaine. It’s a pleasant to see you, young lady.” The man said with his sturdy voice.

“I smiled. Thank you Sir-”

“Gregory. Gregory Quilts.” He added.

“So I guess, we all got our time knowing each other. Now, may I excuse myself, I need to go to the comfort room for a while.” Johann suddenly said.

“Oh, here’s your pen, Johann. Thank you for letting me borrow it.” I gave her the pen and she gently took it, eventually leading herself to the hotel’s comfort room.

The five of us were left with the current conversation, when France suddenly busted in. “Hi. Can I grab… Mellaine for a moment?” She humbly asked, keeping her head down while holding me on the wrist.

“Sure, you can have her.” Veronica muttered, letting France dragged me over the other side, near at the stadium.

“Why’s that man even here?” France anxiously asked, having some quite glances over Veronica’s father who seems to be having fun with the ladies.

“Uhm, he’s here because…he’s obviously Veronica’s father, France.” I said, sighing.

Frances turned her gaze, she is looking everywhere, and specifically her eyes are glued to Mr. Gregory. Now, my instincts told me that somehow, France knew Mr. Gregory that much. Do they have an unfinished business with each other? I moved an inch, staying close to her perception.

“So, what’s with Mr. Gregory.”

Being nosy isn’t my hobby, but persistency is. “Is he somehow your type?” Now, that came ablaze, making France snapped from her evasive and typically thoughtless actions. Trying to keep still her composure, she looked straight to my eyes. She slowly move her face beside me, just a few inches from my ear.

“He’s my ex-boyfriend.” She whispered, trying to act cool.

I nodded. Now that sounded absurd and shocking. I grabbed her by the arm and let her seat on one of the chairs. I sat beside her. “How come?” The only words I can ask right now to her, feeding the curious cat inside me.

“We tend to go to the same school in college. Though, we took different courses, we were still able to meet each other during our free time and especially during lunch break. Perhaps, the fact that both of our parents were also buddies and lived in the same neighbourhood made us a little bit closer than before.” She said.

“So, why did you end up not being with him?” Being reminded by the fact that we are currently filled with obligations, I decided to ask her straight why their so-called love story didn’t end up well, before this conversation will take us a little bit longer.

“Well.” France looked upon to Mr. Gregory. No, it was the woman standing beside him, holding intimately his hand, is France looking at. “Well, that’s the answer. Let’s just say, when you aren’t contented with the person you are currently with, there’s a greater chance for you to look for someone who can fill the thing that is missing.”

Looking over the woman, I somehow managed to see her as the other partner of Mr. Gregory. I could say with her basic features – long thick eyelashes, lushy red lips, a wavy blonde hair and a slender sexy caramel body, she can be compared to a goddess. Looking back at France, all I can see is her - being conscious and uncomfortable on how she looks. Stop comparing yourself, damn woman!

“So you’re saying, you weren’t enough for him?” Raising my eyebrow, I asked her.

“I-I think s-”

With a small gap of time, I gave her a slap on the back. She wasn’t expecting that much that I will cut her words by doing that. “Get hold of yourself, woman. That lady over there, who looks like a goddess, well, a normal person, is just far bett—worse than you.” I said.

She made a low laugh and eventually smiled.

“What I meant was, stop the comparison. There’s no need to do that. Perhaps, you can have some closure with each other. I tell you, it will make you feel better.” I suggested. Now, I am the one giving her the advices.

“Okay. Okay. I’m totally fine. I just…didn’t expect him to come here.”

“It’s okay. I kind of know how you feel right now, but you don’t have to rub it too much in yourself. You do you.” I smiled.

She slowly leaned her head on my shoulder. “Thank you me.”

“No problem. Now, let’s get our butts moving.”

“Right.”