Forgetting Mellaine

First Day at France's

“Why’s your shirt covered with blood spots, Mom?” I asked worriedly as I sat beside her on the red couch.

“It’s papercut, darling.” She said, wiping the fresh blood dripping from her index finger with a thin cloth. Ouch.

“Good morning. This is News Tv. Recently a house in St. Virmean was set on fire. The owner, Mr. Robert Brook was found dead inside his house. His wife named, Mellaine Brook still went missing. Some said that she escaped the fire, while others were telling, that she’s the one who started it. Police officers are now investigating this matter. For more news, follow us on our social links posted on your television below. Thank you, and we’ll be right back for more updates.” A woman in mid 20s reported this live on TV. Mom and I looked at it each. For some intent, we felt safe that my husband passed away. On the other hand, I was guilty on how he was killed. It was never my intention to kill him. Never.

My alarm clock rang too hard, enough to wake me up. I reached for it and turned it off. France called me yesterday that my working days will be Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And yes, I’ll be starting my first day at this moment. Yawning, I grabbed my puffy slippers and went directly to shower. I just hope things will be great on my work.

It was 6 am when I finish my stuff in my apartment. I decided to take my morning walk to France’s café rather than taking a cab. It’s still early and the weather is quite good to have some exercises. Students with their backpacks on, were chattering as they hurriedly passed me on the streets. Two women drove out of their houses heading for work. I saw Amy talking with one of our neighbours. She saw me and waved her hand. Her sense of fashion today caught my attention. She was just wearing a loose yellow dotted dress, blue sandals and a hairband with a large, red ribbon. I made my pace faster and went to them. “Good morning.” I said.

“You must be Mellaine. I’m Natalia.” A 5’5” foot tall woman reached out her hands. I grabbed it and we both shook them. She was wearing a red sleeveless paired with fitted tattered shorts. She’s skinny.

“Told you, she was pretty.” Amy said, poking her finger at the side of my waist, making me laugh a bit.

“Yes, she does.” Natalia added.

I felt my cheeks suddenly redden. “Thank you for the compliment. We’re all beautiful.” Making us all laughed for the cringe.

“Where are you heading, Mellaine?” Amy asked while scratching her back.

“Oh. It’s my first day for my job at France.” I told them excitedly.

“That’s great. I hope you’ll have a blast there.” Natalia said.

“Also, don’t forget about my tips on France.” Amy joked and winked at me.

“Yes. I will. Anyways, I have to go. I’ll be seeing you when I go home later. Goodbye.” Waving my hand to them, I started my walk. Amy and Natalia continued their talk while their hands are doing some gestures to describe their topic. It was a few minutes before seven when I arrived at the café. Two women with their scarves wrapped around their necks were chattering as they came out from it. They brought some orchids. A dozen of students walked towards me and patiently waited for the bus. I entered the café with a smile. I saw France taking out some pennies and bills from the box and counted them. She glanced at me. “Good morning, Mellaine. How’s your stay at Amys’ apartment?” she asked, still keeping her eyes locked on the pennies now.

I put my sling bag over the counter. On the other side, was a counter with a mini fridge, a washing corner where people can sanitize their hands and next to it is the door for the comfort room. There’s still few people inside the café. France had already finished counting the money and directly taught me about the things related to my job. She put me in the cashier area where I can accommodate the customers regarding their orders. While, France will be the one who’s going to bake. I was also assigned to decorate the flowers according to the clients’ demands. France consulted me the list of the prices and kinds of options for the flowering services. That would really help me a lot. Thankfully I wasn’t that noob for this kind of job. Mom had taught me to arrange and decorate some bouquets when I was still a teen. She was a florist after all. It was our bonding moments that time.

The bell rang as soon as a man went inside the café. I greeted him with a delighted tone. Too normal for the ones having this kind of jobs. I expected someone who’s tall and skinny, but he was more of pear-shaped man and puffy. He was wearing a navy blue tuxedo, paired with a plain V-neck shirt underneath it. His slacks were a bit of fit for his body, forming something below his belt. I admit, he was gifted. His frizzy hair were showing off and his nose was as sharp as a witch’s. His eyes were blue and were beautiful to look at. Despite of his pleasing personality, he was reluctant about his choices upon the flowers.

“Hi. Good morning. How may I help you, Sir?” I asked. His scent travelled to my direction. Lavender.

“Oh. Hi. Uhm, do you mind, hmm. My wife is having her birthday tonight, and I just want to give her some roses.”

I looked at the list that France gave me. “Well, we got options 1 and 2 Sir. For the option 1, which is $17. We will make a bouquet in any designs that you like, plus a personalized cake for your loved one. This is good for 7-12 persons. The option 2 is that, we’ll be making a bouquet, still the design will be according to your demands, plus a mini chocolate moist cake roll which is good for 4-6 persons only. That would be $15” I said.

He thought for a while, rubbing his chin through his fingers. “Mmm. What’s the flavour of that cake under option 1? He asked.

“It’s either red velvet or dark chocolate cake, Sir.” I replied.

“Mmm. I would take the Option 1, and its red velvet please.”

I wrote down his order on a small piece of paper. “And oh, do you have some premade bouquet designs to choose from?”

I grabbed the book with different pictures of the bouquets and offered it to him. He sat down on one of the chairs, looking over the portfolio. I went to the ordering counter and handed over the paper to France who is busily baking some garlic bread. After a while, the man stood up from his sit and went to my direction. He handed me the book and I grabbed it in return. “Have you chosen a design, Sir?”

“Oh, I just want a simple one. Can you make a bouquet where the red roses will be at its centre? And they will be surrounded with baby’s breathe and chrysanthemums.” He suggested.

“What colour do you want for the wrap, Sir?” I asked.

I went to the counter and placed the available set of wrappers on the table. “We got black, green, red, lavender, ocean blue, orange and purple. For the inner wrap, we only got white and yellow, Sir.” I said.

He looked at them. “Mmm. I would pick the black for the outer and white for the inner. I trust you for the design.” He smiled.

He decided to drink some tea as he waited for his orders. I picked some fresh flowers that he demanded and placed them above the outer and inner wrappers. He was quite good in choosing the colour combinations for this bouquet. I bet his wife will love this. I firstly arranged the roses at the centre, making each of them presentable to look at. Next, I put the chrysanthemums around them. They added more beauty. And lastly, I put the baby’s breathe. To finish it up, I wrapped them whole, tying a peace of white string around the tip edge of the bouquet to keep them hold. It’s perfect. I was proud of the one I made today.

The bell rang from France’s corner, letting me know that the cake was already finished. I went to it and grabbed the box where the cake was put inside. France also gave me a greeting card. Together with the cake and bouquet, I walked to the man who just finished his tea. He was watching his watch.

“Your orders are here now, Sir.” I told him with a smile.

His eyes glimmered as he saw the bouquet. I handed it over him. Smelling the scent of the mixed flowers, he said, “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much.”

“Any message for your lovely wife?” I asked while holding a pen and the greeting card.

“Oh, just put it there, I love you Penelope. Thank you for everything. Happiest birthday, my sunshine.”

I wrote the ones he said. He was happy and can be seen clearly through his gestures and most especially through his eyes. He also said that he would order next time when he got time. He left the café with a joyful heart as he brought his orders to his mobile. They would be happy celebrating his wife’ birthday for sure. France congratulated me for my first customer and it was successful. She said I should keep it up and do better.

It was early to be a busy bee. I went outside the café, bringing with me a pail of water. I watched how the flowers danced with the wind and smiled under the heat of the sun. I sprinkled some water to them, making it sure that they’re all wet and clean. I looked around. It’s still 7:30. From the other side, a lean, thirtyish woman covered with her sweatshirts and cap was sweeping the leaves off the street. Making it sure that all of it will be put inside the garbage bin. She was a blunt to the stray cats passing her and was ready to shoo them away when she hesitated as she spotted me. I shrugged and just gave her a wry smile. She didn’t moved an inch for a while and she didn’t even smile back at me. Well, I couldn’t blame her for her attitude. I thought that she wanted me to go inside the café and leave her alone outside. To my intent, I did.

A tall guy swooped in as I stepped inside. He headed to the counter and looked over the pastries. I went to assist him. “Good morning, Sir. How may I help you?” he promptly stood up in front, facing me. He got those broad shoulders and a clean jaw. A totally luxurious packaged. I looked above. His eyes met mine as if reading myself. It was him.

“H-hi. It was you yesterday, right?”

He nodded. “Yes. Did not expect I will see you today. Can I have this for two?” he pointed the blueberry cupcakes. “Uh, sure. That will be $7 dollars.” He took out his wallet and grabbed the money.

“You work here?” he asked and went to a stool to sit.

I took the cupcakes and placed them carefully on a plate. I went to his table and gave his order. Standing beside him, I said, “Yes. You were there when I got hired last time.” He’s somewhat familiar. I thought I met him a long time ago. More like I already knew him.

“That’s good.” He replied. Taking a small bite on the cake, he rubbed his fingers behind his neck and smiled at me. “Mind if you join me?”

I slowly sit beside him. He offered me the other cupcake and handed me a fork. “Thank you, but it’s too early for me to have some sweets.” I said directly.

“Oh. Well this blueberry is my favourite one. Is France here?”

I looked at him, more of a bit shocked. “You knew France?”

“Yes. I just met her like two days ago too. She was so accommodating here. She even gave me an extra cookie. Just wanted to say hi for her today.” He replied, taking another bite of his cupcake.

In an instance, France went out from the kitchen, still wearing her apron filled with some flour and was kind of wet. She headed towards us. “I thought I heard someone looking after me.” She exclaimed. She looked over the guy beside me, examining his featured very well. At a moment, she was thinking that she knew him, trying to find him in her memory. “I think I know you.” France said as she rubbed her chin, thinking about the time she met him.

The guy laughed. “I’m Brandon O’Lier. Remember me, France?”

So it was Brandon.

France’s eyes suddenly glimmered in delight. “Oh! It was you, Brandon! I remember you.”

I smelled the surroundings. Something was off. “I think I’m smelling a burnt cake.” I said. France panicked directly. “Oh gosh! I forgot I was baking something! I’ll be right back.” She hurriedly ran towards the kitchen. I just hoped it wasn’t that burnt though.

I laughed and was caught off guard in return as I saw Brandon glancing at me. “S-sorry.”

“What’s your name?” he asked curiously.

“It’s Mellaine. Mellaine West.” I said.

He looked at me intently as if he was reading my mind. “West.. That’s a nice name.”

France came out of the kitchen. She was covered with sweat as she walked towards us, holding the fresh burnt cake that was still on the pan. She wasn’t even that sad about the outcome of the cake she baked. “Well. It was burnt. Luckily, the oven wasn’t burnt too. Hahaha” she laughed even for the current circumstances.

France went to the utensils and get some plates and a knife. She cut some pieces of the cake and sliced the edges where it was burnt so we can eat the edible parts of it. She gave me one, also for Brandon and for herself. I took the fork and had a small piece of it. The smell of having it burnt was still there, making it recognizable even when you eat it. Indeed, it was still delicious.

“It’s still yummy, France” I complimented her.

She gave us her biggest smile, filling the whole café without an inch of dismay about what happened to her cake. “Of course! I’m an expert.” She winked at us. Basically, she was really proud of herself. Knowing that she was able to put up her own café at the centre of the town where people can easily buy and see it. She was also keen in making different recipes, and more to that, she could make beautiful designs of the flowers, more than what you have expected. She was happy. She cut more pieces of the cake and gave them to the other customers.

“Free cakes for everyone!!!” Frances announced with her loud voice.

Everybody was happy. They thanked her and enjoyed the treat.

“How long have you been here?” Brandon asked while sipping some water from his bottle.

“3 days from now.” I timidly replied.

I played the tiny bits of the cake being left over the plate.

Standing from his seat, Brandon fixed his clothes and wiped his mouth with a tissue.

“Well, I got to go.”

“Thank you. Please come again.” I said.

He smiled and looked over France who is still busy talking with one of our customers. He waved goodbye and walked outside the café.

France went to me and was standing beside me, looking at Brandon as he was leaving the store. “He’s a good man.” France suddenly said.

I looked above her, seeing those grinning smile. “Why are you smiling like that?” I curiously asked.

“Well..it would be lovely isn’t it, if both of you will get a long?” she giggled, still having her grinning face.

“Well. Let’s just hope for the better.”

The whole day was quite a good start for me to have my first day. France and I were getting along together. She was helping me on how to make some frappes. And yes, they were delicious. I couldn’t resist to buy one from the café. France will just deduct the cost to my monthly salary. Oh, how I’ve missed sipping one. People were also visiting the café. Most of them were students who would buy some cookies and drinks. They would enjoy the foods with their friends over the counter facing the street. I think they’re still on their midyears. I heard them discussed about algebra and some sort of projects to make. More like debating of the math problems’ correct answers and on what materials they were going to use for such masterpiece. Some were elderly people who would just buy flowers for the church’s mass or for the upcoming Valentines.

France’s house was just above the café, making her more comfortable and easily access the café whenever she wanted to. She told me I could visit her upstairs and spend some time with her. She also thought of bringing Amy together with me when I decide to come over her place. It was past 6 pm when we decided to close the shop, after the last customer bought the last piece of birthday cake that was placed over the fridge. I took my bag and waved goodbye to France. I’ll be back here on Wednesday. She also went upstairs and eventually closed the windows facing the street I was walking on. As I squirmed through the crowd, I saw Brandon waiting at the bus stop. He recognized my presence.

“Going home?” he asked. Snatching a cigar from one of his pockets, he lit it on and smoked.

I sat beside him and looked at the post light where he stood two days ago.

“Yes.”

“I’ll be going to St. Bounderville. How about you?”

“To be honest, I’ll be heading for that same street too.”

“Aren’t you going home?” I asked, seeing his car being parked at the side.

“Well, I was waiting for someone.” “Oh. Okay.”

After our conversation we were both busy doing our own stuff. Suddenly, a woman appeared in front of us, holding her broom tight. It was her, the sweeper. “Good evening. Sir Brandon.” She greeted him and smiled. Wow, you could smile at him, huh?

“Good evening, Devian. Here’s your payment. Thank you for the help.” Brandon handed her an envelope that was fully packaged. Before she left, she glanced at me with her dead eyes. I think she doesn’t really like me.

“Are you leaving? I could take you home.” He suggested.

“No, thanks. I’ll be taking a cab.” I replied, rubbing my hands inside my coat. It was getting cold.

“No. I insisted. The streets are not that safe. Don’t worry, I would take you home surely.”

I thought for a while. I just knew his man. It’s better to be ready in any circumstances. Luckily, I was prepared and was able to bring some of my paper sprays. Brandon assisted me to his car and gently opened the door for me to let me in. I smelled lavender inside it. Guess he was fond of that scent. He put his stuff at the back sit, and eventually started the engine as soon as he hopped inside.

“Seatbelt please.”

“Oh, yes.” I pulled over the seatbelt and sat properly. He’s speed was not that bad, just enough to set the mood while seeing the view of those buildings we passed by. Brandon was just focused on the road. He decided to play the music to keep us from not getting uncomfortable. I expected him to be that arrogant man, yet he was a gentleman.

“Are you enjoying the view?” glancing at me, he smiled.

I nodded and look over the city lights. What a beautiful scenery. Minute by minute, Brandon would asked random questions, letting me feel not to be uneasy around him. After a while, we arrived on our street, Bounderville. He opened the door for me and I went out. Amy was looking over her balcony, and was able to see us both in his car. It was obvious. She was giggling.

I fixed my shirt. “Thank you for the ride.” I said shyly.

“Thank you for the company too. It was nice meeting you.” He looked over the place.

“You live here?” Pointing to my apartment, he asked.

“Yes. France help me get one to settle in.” I smiled.

“Well, goodnight. I should go.” He waved goodbye and went inside the car.

I waved back and waited for him to go. Amy directly went downstairs and called me through her gate.

“Oh, Mellaine! You’ve met each other already. That was the guy I told you before. The one who lives in the other apartment. Oh what a destiny!” she giggled making her voice high and pitchy.

“Silly. It was nothing, Amy. I met him at France’s. They also knew each other, wasn’t expecting that too.” I shrugged.

“Ooooh. Well, hahaha. I’m happy for you!” she hugged me tight.

I slowly patted her back and eventually hugged her. “Thank you Amy. I was happy too. I just finished my first day.”

Both of us said good evenings and went to our respective houses.

And I surely am excited for the next days to come.