Forgetting Mellaine

Mirage

“You should do this” He held my hand and gently guided me in stroking the paintbrush filled with red paint on the canvass board.

My hand felt his touch. It was moving according to his gestures. Robert was teaching me how to paint.

He was basically into arts when his parents decided that he will take another course which is architecture. When we settled down and built our own family, he was the one who took the responsibility in designing our house. I was grateful back then to have him – a fully talented A-hole. During weekends, he would paint different designs and somehow displayed them over our garage. Luckily, his artworks caught the attention of our neighbourhood. After the day, most of his masterpieces have been sold to anybody. He’s really a talented person.

“You’re doing it the wrong way, honey.” He said as he stood behind me, looking over the strokes I made with the brush.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“You should use the fine tip brush for the smaller details of your design. You’re currently using the broad one, making it a bit of a smudge.” He added and handed the finer one.

“Okay. Am I doing better?” I started using it to make the edges of the stem clearer and clean.

He bended over and looked at it. “Yes.” Rubbing my head with his bare palm, he smiled at me.

I was eager to finish my first artwork. I was focused on my design when Robert suddenly pulled the chair I was sitting on to his direction, making me glance at him.

“Is there something wrong?” I gave him a contemptuous face.

He smiled and embraced his arms slowly around me. “I love you, Me.”

I hugged him back, able to smell his rose scented perfume. Lovely.

“I love you too.”

I slowly opened my eyes and saw a man lying beside me. He smelled like beer. I slowly looked over his face and was shocked directly from what I’ve seen.

“R-Rober- Aaahhh!!” Holding all of my senses, I kicked the man beside me using my right leg, making him rolled over a few inches from me. He started to groan in pain.

France hurriedly ran to us. I look over the man’s back. He was holding his left limb. I guessed I kicked him that hard. He slowly turned to look at us. I blinked twice to realize what I did. I was more shocked to know that it was Brandon. I panicked and directly went to assist him, holding his leg.

“I-Im sorry!” I utterly said.

“What happened?” France asked with a worried face.

“I-I accidentally kicked him.”

I felt my eyes began to water, but I was holding it in.

“A-agh. Why did you even kick me?” He gave me a sudden glare.

“I-It was an accident. I’m so sorry.” I said.

Amy is still sleeping, totally knockoff from last night’s event. She slowly covered her ears with the pillow, she didn’t even want to hear our blabbering.

“A-are you okay, Brandon?”

“I’m fine now.” He said haltingly. “Don’t do that again.” He added, rubbing the side of his back.

I nodded, considering my next move. I helped him to stand up. France’s eyes narrowed upon us, giving me a sharp look. I was relieved when Brandon was able to sit down properly on the kitchen chair. After a while, Amy is wide-awake. She slowly sat down on the carpet where we lose our consciousness yesterday. The drinks really hit us hard. Looking over Brandon, who’s currently washing his face with the crystalline water rushing through the kitchen faucet, I felt sorry for what I did. It wasn’t intentional, but seeing my husband’s figure looked so real. Amy began to mutter under hear breath as France makes some hot soup for us to eat. My tummy is rumbling and nauseous started to take me over.

All are busy with their personal things. I left them in the kitchen as I was holding my breath, covering my mouth with my left hand, I went to the comfort room. I immediately vomited on the sink. This nauseous is definitely giving me a headache. Amy followed me after a couple of minutes, she is also experiencing it.

I went out and let her do her thing next. I waited for her to finish and headed together back to the kitchen. France is almost done with her cooking. While Brandon is washing the dishes we used yesterday, I went to him and arranged the already done plates and utensils in the drawer.

Brandon smiled broadly, his face was flushed. “Were you stuttered that I slept beside you?” He said, jokingly.

My faced began to redden. “N-no. I wasn’t. I just thought I’ve seen a different person the moment I saw you. I think my hallucinations are getting out of hand.”

“Oh. Maybe you should go talk to France. I know girls understand girls. You know, girls will always be girls” He laughed with his sentences and suggestion, wiggling his fingers.

“Hahaha. Sure, I’ll look into that.” I said and sighed.

France is done cooking the soup. She called everyone for breakfast. The fresh aroma of it lingered around the house, making my tummy whirled in hunger. I looked at it. The hot fish balls are still floating with the different spices added. Amy is flipping through the magazines and refused to be distracted.

“Let’s eat, before this soup will get cold.” France gave us each bowl of it and a spoon. Brandon sat beside France, who is next to me. Amy is still not in the mood to eat, so we just let her read through the magazines on the veranda. It was a nice morning to start. The sky is plain, sharing its vast grounds of blueness. At that point, everyone except Amy are enjoying the meal.

France was literally hoping that we could stay for a few more minutes, but both Brandon and Amy needed to go to work. After we finished our meal, we waved goodbye to each other. Amy arose and picked up her purpled purse. Brandon will just drive her home first. I decided to stay here with France, since I will work for today at the café too.

After they left, France let me borrow one of her towels and I headed to the bathroom. She also let me wear one of her dresses for this day. She gave me the violet fit one. My body was still tired and not cooperating that much. I let the water dripped along with my body on the shower.

It is unbelievable to think that it’s so real that I have seen my husband a while ago. I knew I was being sceptical and conscious what’s around me, but far by day, my imaginations are getting worse. In some point, Robert might hunt me this time and is eager to let me know that his soul is still not in peace. He might be wondering through my head and let me see some visions of him. He’s hunting me in every way that he can reach me out. I need to fight this hallucinations of mine. I wouldn’t let myself get crazy about it. The water is flowing freely, making me feel its coldness. I tried not to wince from sobbing. Despite of my want to have a new life in Valencia, the past is still under my own shadow. After minutes of silent agony, I was able to calm down.

With a heavy breathe, I finished my warm bath and thanked France for the company and help. I was grateful to have her as an acquaintance. It was time to open the shop. T’was 7 am in the morning. The sun is bestowing its rays upon us, informing us that it will be an astonishing weather for today. France and I departed from the second floor and went to the shop. As what I have expected, the sweeper is at her same position. She recognized our presence but didn’t mind. Instead, she put up the dried weary leaves inside the bin. I didn’t bother to smile at her neither, being reminded the last time I did, she wasn’t even that friendly. France distinguished my reaction towards the lady.

“I wouldn’t mind her, if I were you.” She whispered and went inside directly.

I shrugged and took a breath and dutifully followed her. France went to the counter and cleaned the shelf. I arranged the chairs that have been pile up at the corner. I was holding my attention in arranging them, when a thirtyish elderly woman arrived. It was Natalia. She was wearing a white off-shoulder paired with her tight navy blue jeans. She’s way taller than the last time I saw her – wearing those 6 inches heels of hers. She directly went to greet me, as well as France.

“Good morning, ladies. As we all know, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. I’m here to inform you that our organization will be the one to furnish our booth. We decided that we should contact you, France, for the flower arrangement.” She winked at her. “Better have a discount.” She added.

“Of course.” France laughed like a bray.

“Oh, here’s the design for the booth. And, we are also thinking that we should put some pastries and other goods to sell. I bet many couples will visit ours.” She said. “Where have you been last night? You weren’t there during our meeting for Valentines?”

“We had..fun.” I said.

“Geez. You didn’t even invite me.” She gave us a pout, almost being a squeaky duckling who just got lost from her family. More like the ugly duckling.

“You aren’t available when I tried to call you yesterday.” France said.

“Oh, that. I forgot to charge my phone.”

“That’s it. You should better have a date on that day, Mellaine.” France jokingly said, altering the topic to a new, while looking at the booth’s design.

“She will have. Don’t worry, we got you covered.” Natalia said.

I laughed, almost being hysterical. “Silly. I’m a busy bee, and for sure, no one is going to ask me out on that day.”

“Well. Who knows?” France shrugged and opened the drawer below the counter and extracted some ceramic bowls. I went around her and helped her clean them. She asked Natalia for the description of the daily operations that will be held on that day.

“7 to 6 pm? Can we call it until 5 in the evening? I guess that would be fine.” France suggested as she read them.

“We decided to make it until 6 pm. Since we can do some scheduling for those who will look over the booth.” She said.

“Oh, by the way. You can contact Amy for the total of expenses, okay?” Natalia added, fixing her freshly trimmed nails.

She left the café with a feeble smile and suggested that we should put some ready-made bouquets at the upcoming event, which France assigned it to me. I went beside the window, allowing enough light to show its overall dustiness, making me sneezed. I wiped it off slowly using the duster. France glanced over me and told that she will be heading inside the kitchen for baking. I nodded and thoroughly went to the counter after I cleaned the window. I made a vague gesture just before a group of students went inside. One of them headed to my direction and gave me a dainty smile. Her deep blue eyes scintillated, and said. “Hi. I would like to order 6 chocolate milkshakes and also a box of chiffon cake.”

“Okay, make yourselves comfortable Maam, while you wait.”

“Do you accept credit?”

I nodded. She looked over her wallet and handed me her card. I gently swiped it and returned it back to her. She thanked me and made her walk towards her colleagues. I was having my confidence in keeping the customers well at hand. They say customers are always right and I was hoping I wouldn’t encounter some misunderstandings with them. I walked to get the chiffon cake and carefully packed it in inside the box. I began to make crushed ice and poured the powdered chocolate flavour inside the blender. I waited to finish blending the ingredients together and put them in every milkshake container. It took fifteen minutes to polish her orders. I went directly at them who were currently examining their written notes. Most of them are just glancing, while others are trying to memorize every detailed parts that are written over their writing pads. Almost the same of me when I was still studying. I was even desirous or felt the guts to look over my books and study. Yet, I was into reading in terms of stories, particularly mystery-thriller novels. I was pleased to know that they’re determined to study. I speculate they’ll be heading for an examination later.

“Here are your orders.” I smiled and amiably placed the milkshakes over their table.

“Thank you.” She said and gave each of her friends a milkshake. The young girl was literally born with a golden spoon at her mouth and was surrounded with good friends. They’re somehow enjoying their company. Afterwards, they decided to leave the café hurriedly, almost dragging themselves for such amount of time enough for them not to get late at their tests.

France went out from the kitchen, bringing a tray of freshly baked moon and heart shaped cookies. She placed them inside the jar beside the counter where anyone can see it. She was sweating, yet resisting the urge to fan herself. I decided to make the air conditioner a lot cooler for her to loosen up the heat. She sat on one of the chairs, almost grasping some air.

“You’re so clever, Mellaine.” France complimented me as she glance on the books over the bookshelf. “I’ve seen the young lady a while ago. That’s the daughter of our mayor.” She said, being nosy.

“Are you a fan of reading mystery novels?” She suddenly asked as a smile was plastered on her face.

I looked at her. “Yes. I’ve been into that genre when I was still a kid. I literally wanted to be the protagonist, but I think I was the total opposite of it, making myself as the serial killer.” I laughed. At some point, the words I said hit me back.

“Hah! How I wish I would be the detective to solve your case.” France said, exploding her subtle laugh.

The door shifted all of a sudden, making us aware that somebody just entered the café. We looked at the man who was promptly standing with his oversize backpack and a black luggage, and somewhat looking for someone. He ponderously took off his hat, letting us see his grey eyes and fixed broad jaw. France suddenly arose from her seat and rushed to him. The man laughed and hugged her, leaving me with the scenery of some theatrical act where a couple didn’t have the chance to see each other for a lengthy amount of time and is now able to have it.

“Oh, Howard. It’s been so long!” France blissfully said, still holding both of the man’s arms. The guy chuckled as his wrinkles show up. He was fit, making me into conclusion that he is conscious of his body and regularly went out for gym. He was wearing a plain white long sleeves and slacks.

“Well.” He rubbed the back of his nape. “It was yesterday. I decided to go home for vacation. It will be just for a year, but it will be worth a while.” He added.

“Oh, yes. For sure, Amelia would be glad to see you.” She giggled.

“Shh. It’s a secret. I would like to surprise and see her reaction.”

“Aahh. You still do have those things for your wife, huh.” France teased him and shared a laugh with each other.

The man caught my attention as I watch both of them. France also recognized his glance upon me.

“Oh, this is Mellaine West, Howard.” France said and signalled me to come over. I composed myself and stood up, handing over my hand to him. Even from a distance, I could clearly smell his masculine perfume.

“Howard Greys.” He said and shook mine. I wouldn’t doubt Amy is totally lucky to have him as a husband who is particularly harmless and benevolent. He ordered a bouquet for her. It was a large one. I wrapped the flowers slowly, keeping still its delicate stems, while France discussed with him the upcoming event. He is delighted to know that his coming was set at the accurate time to celebrate Valentines, where he can ask her wife for a date. I watched the two of them retreated outside the café as they give me their baffled looks, almost questioning my main objective as I live in this town. They made some restraints over their inquisitiveness as they see me giving back a glimpse. The telephone interrupted my thoughts and dealt vigorously with a client. The caller’s heavy voice suggested that she wanted to have a delivery for 5 boxes of cake pops at St. Augustus. I quickly wrote it on a sheet of paper and eventually told her the total amount of order. She hanged up the call, making me to sum it all up the bouquet for Amy. After I finished it, I delivered the woman’s order at St. Augustus and eventually returned at the café.

It’s almost been 6 pm in the evening. The café was filled with different people who got their exclusive preferences on pastries. We were getting over our daily quota and made France eagerly with her baking, way more ebullient than her morning self. Mr. Greys decided to give me a ride with him. He rented a dark matted black SUV. It would be easier for him to go home and see his wife.

He waited for us to finish, especially me. When all things are piled up inside the café, I stretched my arms wide and fixed my shoulders, letting me hear some bone cracking at my back. I snatched at my wrist bag and was ready to go out when France suddenly snagged me.

“You should bring this. It will prevent you from getting some headaches.” She secretly handed me some of her herbal teas and patted me over my shoulder. “Thank you for today, Mellaine.” She said and gave me her appealing smile. I thanked and hugged her. I went to the parking lot where Mr. Greys was waiting, leaning over his rented van. He was alarmed with my presence and hurriedly assisted me inside it. He quiescently drove off, keeping us in a manner of having discomfort, when he decided to break the silence.

“Love is talking a lot about you.” He said, referring to his wife, Amy.

I glanced at him. “She’s a good friend and...a bubbly one.”

“She is. If you don’t mind, Mellaine. Can you help me out later when we arrived at home?”

“Sure. Anything I can help.”

After a while, we arrived at their front gate. Amy wasn’t at her veranda like she used to. I slowly went outside the car and picked up Howard’s luggage like how he wanted to. Fortunately, I was quite good in showing my acting skills.

To my surprise, Amy was standing still over the corner where the path is heading to my apartment. I almost burst out when I saw her. Thankfully, I managed to compose myself and still keep up the act. She looked over the luggage that I was holding, and eventually turned her gaze at me.

“Hi, dear! I thought I’ve seen my husband a while ago. Uhm, is that your luggage?” She asked inquisitively.

“U-uh yes. I brought it.” I timidly said.

“Oh. I thought I’ve see--”

For a second, a man went outside the van, holding the bouquet filled with roses. He started to sing a song, Forevermore. I guessed that is their theme song. Amy turned her glimpse to the man of her life, making her cry out. She ran and hugged him tight, almost grasping him. She was in deep tears. I was happy just by looking at the couple in front of me. Seeing them happy at the moment, made my face flushed. I decided to take some pictures. Howard shed a tear as he see his sheeny wife. They hugged each other and he gave Amy the bouquet.

“You’re still the same Howard I know.” Amy said, gently punching his husband’s arm.

He chuckled. “

They looked at me and Amy laughed a bit. “You knew he would come?” She asked.

I rubbed my head. “Well...surprise!”

We shared our laughs and Howard thanked me. I realized, sometimes the best people you will meet is at your worse time and the least that you’ll expect. I decided to go first inside the house. My feet are also losing their balance and wanted to rest. Once I was inside my apartment, I washed my face immediately, my tummy is rumbling in pain. I wiped my damped hands with a towel. I opened the tea that France gave me and drank it whole. It was literally good especially when your tummy isn’t even in a good condition. After I enjoyed and made myself relaxed, I collapsed on the sofa. It is oddly comforting to erase my hallucinations about my husband for this day. I froze and looked above the ceiling wall. My poor-spirited soul is having her some thoughts and doubts. I wanted not to foretaste any resemblance and problems that would remind me with Robert and lead me into distress.

I just want a peaceful life…

Where I don’t need to worry about my past. I hope that will be easy to take a path that would will me to it.

But it isn’t that easy.

It is never.