Forgetting Mellaine

A Crumpled One

After seeing what happened a while ago at the Grand Hotel, it makes me have some thoughts on how the two - Hailey Wright and Megan Scott, are able to make some closure with France. The fact that they aren’t even faking themselves in front of her, made me delighted. The three of them have just discussed about the design that will be put up on the stage. Somehow, Veronica will be the official host for Natalia’s birthday. I definitely in approval also, that she’ll be the one to carry the event. Natalia will for sure be happy to see her cousin in front of the stage with her soft calming voice. ‘

It turned out that they officially will be using a combination of crimson red and white, which are also Natalia’s favourite. With some confidence bestowed upon me, I went to Johanna who is currently contacting their friends and Natalia’s relatives, informing them about the celebration at the lobby. I guess this one will be elegant and vivacious.

“Johann, do you have any minute?” I asked her, interrupting what she’s doing.

Taking off her phone on her hand. She smiled at me, tugging her hair behind the ear. She just finished talking to someone over the phone, which made me have the time to talk to her and ask things out. “Oh, yes. What do you need, Me?” She asked in a well-mannered tone.

“Do you know some shops, where I can rent a dress for this birthday?” I humbly replied.

“Oh, yes. To be honest, you’re talking right now to someone who owns a boutique.” My eyes glimmered when I heard her.

“Can I come over tomorrow?”

“Sure. You can bring France with you also and we can have our time together again.” She uttered.

“That’s great. I’ll tell France about it. Thank you, Johann.

“No worries.” Packing her things inside her bag, she stood up. “By the way, I have to come home early. I have someone waiting for me. So, I’ll go ahead and see you in my shop.” She said.

“Sure. Take care.” I said and waved good bye

Thinking about what I can possibly wear for the birthday makes my head bursts. Somehow, I managed to get the motif that we will be using, that will make my possible choice a lot better and easier. Johann left the Grand Hotel and headed straight home. I remembered she lived just a few blocks from my apartment. She told me that Brandon and her are even neighbours. France made her way out to where I am sitting on the long and wide dark green sofa. She looked at me with a ridiculous face.

“What’s with that face?”

She sluggishly sat across. “We talked. I was also able to have some with his wife.”

“Oh. That’s good then. So…did you have some closure with each other again?”

She nodded slowly. “She’s friendly.”

“You’re friendly too.”

“She even invited me to have some dinner with them in another day”

My hearing sense tingled and I felt my ears getting bigger all of a sudden. “So, did you accept it?”

“No. Not because… I’m feeling a bit of dismay or maybe a bitter person, but I wanted to have peace for myself, and if it means that not dealing with them will make me better, then I will do it. Somehow, the closure that me and Gregory just made in the presence of his dearly wife - to me, that’s enough to make things clear between us. No hard feelings anymore.” She said. Her eyes shined through the shining fluorescent’s light. France managed to smile and I was also glad to know that the thing that keeps her anxious a while ago or maybe for a very long time just clearly vanished into genuinely happiness.

It was 1 pm in the afternoon. Everyone started to have themselves with work. Hailey and Megan settled to go to Miel’s Shoppe to get some fabrics and other decorations to be used on the stage. Veronica stayed with her parents at the Grand Hotel to have some moment with Mrs. Fartherwood. The other guests and acquaintances whom I still didn’t know slowly left the venue and headed home, some just explored the place. France and I decided to go at the Café and got a list of the available plants and flowers to be used as decorations as well for the birthday.

“Do you think Natalia will like this variants of colors?” France said, referring to the flowers, which I think will be perfect and suited for the colours they chose.

“We can use these for her birthday, but maybe we can add as well these green ferns.” I said, grabbing some from the other bucket.

“You’re right.”

The day totally made me worn out. I also shared with France about Johann’s offer and her boutique. She’s willing to go with me tomorrow for choosing some dresses to wear. Dealing with much information, she let me head home. The sun is slowly fading as well the streets started to be ramped with vehicles moving their wheels home. When I arrived in my apartment’s gate, I found the Greys couple over their backyard. Amy, her pinkish white shirt, the green lawn and their picnic mat were sprinkled with crumbs. From the evidence, both of them are having a fun time with each other. Swilled with a gallon of cranberry juice, an empty pack of chocolate cookies and potato chips, they are obviously getting themselves into an esteem moment. Perhaps, they are as lively as ever. They somehow managed to turn into my direction with their slacking eyelids and not so balanced posture –they are obviously walking like living zombies, barely keeping their feet on the ground.

“Hello there. You’re quite having fun right now.” I laughed anxiously.

Amy showed a pretty smile, no, it was a grin one. I’d feel like I am about to be fed up with their behaviours and weird stuff.

“I’m having a baby...” Amy said suddenly and started to cry as she rubs her tummy with her bare hands. That is insanely obvious.

“I know. Uhm, congratulations again.” I smiled, it was a forced one.

Amy, with her loud uncontrollable hiccups, cupped her husband’s face and tried giving him some kisses on the cheeks. Now, that is awkward. Howard, on the other hand, tends to have the fun of letting his wife do the thing on him. This couple really needs to have a moment on their bed.

Cupping my keys inside my pocket, I said. “U-uhm, I’m going ahead now. It’s already late, so I better….yeah…” Looking over them, they seem not to care about my existence. I decided to let them enjoy. I headed towards the gate and gently opened it. Taking my shoes off, I can still hear Howard and Amy’s drunk conversation. They’re voices are like megaphones over the street. I just wished our neighbours won’t mind their little fun outside. I shared a soft chuckle with myself and opened the door. Being at home felt so relaxing and comfortable. I jumped over the couch, smelling every scent of the cased pillows and how fluffy they are to touch with. Hugging one, I grabbed my phone over my bag and checked the one who got me a massage a while ago. It was Brandon.

I opened my inbox and saw his.

How are you doing?

I wasn’t expecting him to get me a text at this moment, remembering what happened last Saturday when I left him at the mall unexpectedly without leaving a valid reason to do so. I sighed, slacking in and laid off my body on the couch.

Good evening. I’m good.

I sent it. I looked back at the screen and type this, How about you?

I waited for a while. My phone began to ring, then ring again and again. There are three replies from him.

I’m good. I was wondering what happened last Saturday…

Can I visit you right now?

I know it is evening, but maybe we can watch movie together? I got chips here also.

Guess, he totally got ditched from me that time. I felt bad for doing that to him, but I was left with no other choice – being overpowered with fear. I took a deep sigh and started typing. Wait, did he text me that if he can come over? Reading again his current replies, my heart suddenly flustered in shock. He totally got the plan to come over at my house. Looking at the white with animal prints clock, it is still 8 pm in the evening. Might as well have some time to explain things with him.

Sure. You can come over.

I clicked the send button and slowly stood up from lying. Stretching my arms, I managed to get the black television remote. I turned it one and let myself watch Cartoon Network. In fact I was able to watch my recent favourite - Chowder. Seeing him eat those delicious foods makes me want to try to cook those stuff and eat them too.

After a moment, several soft, comfortable knocks were being pondered and heard over the door. I slowly stood up, walked without my slippers on and eventually opened the door, letting me see a nerd look of Brandon. Wearing his thick lenses fashioned glasses, together with his plain blue shirt and a grey cargo pants. He entered the apartment with the same trepidation, leaving his sleepers behind. I just realized it is his first time to be inside my house.

“Have a sit. Do you want something to drink?” I asked.

“Lemon, if you have.” He demanded, taking himself by the couch and watched the current show. I went to the kitchen and prepare something for us to eat and drink. Brandon also brought a red flashdrive with a collection of different movies. I was having some expectations that we will watch some thriller or might as well horror movies. I clearly remember when Amy wanted to have some time watching those kind of movies with me.

“I guess, those two are really having their fun time.” Brandon said, specifying both Howard and Amy who’re still at their lawn.

I flipped the curtain a bit and saw the couple swaying their bodies slowly. Amy and Howard are closing their eyes as they listen to the soft melodic music played over the radio. Her arms are wrapped intently around his neck while he holds her on the waist. Sometimes, I felt a bit of jealousy just seeing the couple sometimes when I am heading home.

“Yeah. They are like that since I arrive here.” I said, pouring the juice inside a transparent jar. I grabbed some chips over the fridge. Bringing our snacks, I went to Brandon and sat beside him.

“So what happened last Saturday? You just left me hanging at the mall.” He asked abruptly.

Now that’s what I was kind of expecting to happen. Gathering all my thoughts and possible speeches on how I will defend myself, I looked back straight at him.

“Well…I was accidentally called by Mother Nature. So, I needed to come home immediately…I’m so sorry.”

That was in total fakery. My mouth just moved by its own. Not to mention, it’s not saying the thoughts I have in my mind. It was a total opposite of what I expected. I needed to i*********e with the current alibi I just made right now.

“It’s okay. I also thought that you are running away from me or from someone else you know. Is something bothering you these days, Mellaine? You’re quite off.” Brandon worriedly asked.

“N-no, it’s not like that. I-I’m fine. To be honest, I really felt bad when I arrived home, knowing that I ditched you after our lunch. I’m sorry also for dragging you into unexpected scenarios like having me in spilling my milktea and almost getting into a car accident. On the other hand, I felt the satisfaction once I finished entertaining Mother Nature inside my comfort rom.” I gave him a small laugh as I scratch my head.

“It’s okay. I often get myself into that kind of thing too, especially me having a fast metabolism.” He laughed.

I decided to have a copy of his movie list stored inside his flashdrive. Somehow, we agreed to watch Bird Box. Grabbing some of the chips, I realized the sounds that Amy and Howard are making a while ago became a solemn one, enough for me not to recognize any of their shadows. Maybe they just went off inside the house and decided to sleep.

“Where have you been these days?” He suddenly asked, hugging one of the pillows.

“Well, particularly, I am moving this ass for Natalia’s upcoming birthday party this Thursday.”

“Oh. A woman just also asked me to escort Natalia on that day. Does Natalia even know about this?”

“How would I know? She isn’t that talkative when it comes to me. And as far as I know, the celebration is a bit of a surprise thing for her. So, I guess, she doesn’t have any clue of what’s happening.”

“Then that woman is really the one taking all the plans for Natalia. I quite remember her name now...mmm…it’s something like Nathalia…no it was like…”

“Nathalie…Nathalie Fartherwood.” I supplied promptly, opening one of those chips.

“Yes. That’s her.” He added.

“She’s quite intimidating and full of her words. I mean a large amount of authority dwells in that woman’s body. She even got herself ferocious when I planned in refusing her favour.” Brandon said, lacing his long slender fingered behind his neck. He smiled at me. “Somehow, she reminds me of my secretary. She will love to meet that old lady off the board, but I guess they might not as well have a good time sharing a conversation.”

I found my voice. “I think she just want the best for her grandchild. She’s just a lovely grandmother who loves Natalia so dearly.” I smiled.

A flash of quick grin just appeared all of sudden, standing up beside the door, with an excessive sense of hearing. “I guess, you’re having fun talking about me right now.” Natalia said as she emerge herself out of nowhere. Both of us were shocked to see her.

“H-hi. I didn’t know you will come over.” I nervously smiled.

“Oh well, I heard some long and somehow distressingly cheerful but lack of tune sounds. And it turned out, they are coming from Amy and Howard. They’re quite peculiar sometimes, don’t they?” She said. “May I come in?” She added, slowly taking off her sandals.

Not that I didn’t have a choice, but I don’t want to be that arrogant with her presence. “Sure. Make yourself comfortable.” I said and smiled.

“So what brought you here?” Brandon suddenly asked, but in a blunt way. Now, I guess he also sensed that the lady is quite trying to pry with the current situation.

“Well, I was just passing by, when I saw you together. So I decided, why not join in with the two of you.” She laughed, almost being hysterical. Now, that was awkward. “You know, I suddenly felt to have myself in looking for some company at this moment. So, maybe… I can consider you two as blessings.” She added and sat beside Brandon.

Judging by her drastic actions, I think she just need some attention from the others right now. To think, Amy wouldn’t want to have her either with them. Natalia is acting like a mad boss and seeking desperate actions to have what she wants. Of course, I couldn’t care less but to act like I wanted to give her what she wants. Giving her a smile, I said. “It’s fun when we’re many, right Brandon?” Looking over him tells me that he barely wants to have Natalia at the moment. “Yeah, right.” He shortly said.

With those chips on the table, a current thrilling movie, and cold glasses of lemonade, the three of us engaged ourselves in a bit of a silly talk about how Natalia’s cousin, Veronica made herself marry her long lost childhood sweetheart at an unexpectable situation and decided to eventually hang up. I went to the kitchen, bringing with me the now empty jar and removed some frozen hotdogs over the fridge, hoping Natalia might call to volunteer herself in ordering some pizza and fries. Despite of us having a fun time together at this hour, the fact of having a suspected killer and a burglar within the neighbourhood got me some chills all of a sudden. Over these past few days, we were able to visit the woman who tends to encounter the same guy who almost got her killed. She’s Ms. Wendy Smith who just happened to be in the hospital right now. We brought her some of France’s delicious not so sweet macaroons and fresh fruits. Thankfully, her recovery is moving faster than before. The hideous purple black bruises she got from the horrific suspect are slowly fading but the tidy yet visible scars she obtained from trying to pull away the knife are permanently embarked on her white pallid skin.

Looking over the two, they seem not to care with each other’s presence and barely moved an itch. They were hooked with the show. Sometimes, they will talk to one another but only in a countable time. After a while, the movie we’re watching just finished. I was just starting to fry some hotdogs, when Natalia decided to head home.

“Thank you so much for the time and letting me be with the two of you, Mellaine.” She smilingly said. I think, she really got some fun with mostly just the two of them watching and having me here at the kitchen. Well, I wouldn’t mind lending her some of the happiness she might as well deserve. I smiled back and said, “No worries. You can always come here any time. My door is always open for you.”

She also waved her goodbye to Brandon in exchange with his unreadable smile. This man can be a bit of intimidating somehow if I was in Natalia’s shoes. Oh well, I’m not surprise if she’s able to manage that thing too from a man. Leaving her footsteps outside the house, I was able to finish frying the hotdogs and immediately went to him.

“So what’s with that grumpy face?” I teasingly asked him.

“Well, I didn’t expect she will bug our time. She’s acting like….oh hi I’m Natalia can I just come over and watch the movie with you?” Brandon mimicked the way she acted.

I gave out a raucous laugh. “I didn’t expect it either. But, its fine.” I smiled.

“Yes. Now I can have a moment alone with you.” He laughed, his cheeks were flushed. Man, he’s being expressive.

My face reddened. “H-hah. Well…let’s dig in, before this hotdogs will get cold.”

After our time with each other, I was able to tell that Brandon is hospitable and a gentleman. He shared his favourites and also his hubbies. We were able to know more about each other. It’s already ten in the evening, when he decided to go home. I led his way to my gat and patiently watched him disappeared from my sight. I slowly closed the door, once I went inside. Looking over the window, I enjoyed the comforting light that the moon is giving. I set forth to the kitchen and eventually walked back to the window, bringing with me a glass of water. I gazed the lamppost where the man used to stand still under his hood. I was examining myself by blinking twice, hoping that I am right that my imaginations are just the things that keep me timorous. There is no one there.

I was about to go to my room when my right foot was able to grasp something from the floor. It was just a piece of paper, a crumpled one, being shaped into a ball. I bent over and slowly picked it up. There was an oozing unbearable smell coming from the paper itself. It was dumped with something wet, I carefully opened it up… and eventually sawa the words being written with blood, the paper slipped out of my hands.

I CAN SEE YOU.