Forgetting Mellaine

An Unknown Visitor

This rainy morning, the first day running since we arrived at the top of the hill with the others – the mist hangs like a palm over the place, circulating it all. The leaves with their morning dew is fascinating to look at; but for the silence it’s quite an eerie to bare. Dealing with the usual sounds of those tiny creatures, for sure the ghosts being raised and loved by death himself are currently looming out of this place. Or it might be the morning I realized and sunk in myself that I and Brandon are now together, might as well, call it as lovers. Somehow, I felt like a ghost put a hand over my shoulder – the tingling prick from within.

Somehow, I did never question what will happen to those souls who didn’t pass the heavens. Maybe, in some instances, there are still with those who’re living; their families, friends, enemies and maybe just seeking for a divine peace, the justice or just the revenge itself. I’ll learn that soon enough or death would probably have a sweet tea party with me to discuss such matters – that there’s an anger and lust behind me in doing bad things. But everything needs something to change someone’s perspective on how he or she lives. Sometimes, it can be the family she dwells with or maybe just a smile from a person. Some of them are stronger than the others. But each of us, truly, has our points.

Mine is the man whom I just met a couple of months ago – Brandon. He would have known better about me, which I am guilty with it. And I guess, I should tell him about the past, he has the right to know. At least for a time – he chose to choose me – and that’s what I am grateful.

Madame Rosette was in today, on her way to us which are currently at the balcony, bringing with her a box of fried eggs and a container filled with hot fried rice. She greeted us with her morning cheers. The kids are still asleep in our room, where we Jezelia, Beverly and I stayed together. She stayed with us, but she rarely talks, although she likes to watch her cows and chickens roaming around the place, or looking at one of her paintings being placed on the walls.

Today she was watching Brandon, France and Veronica having some time grilling the fish.

“We used to do that more often from the past.” Said Madame Rosette, holding the side of the rocking chair. Today’s scene is set to be peaceful. “My grandchildren used to play over there. They would do volleyball or just some picnics with each other----”

“This place is relaxing and so much fun to share.”

Madam took a sip of her coffee. “In deed,” she said. “There’s nothing more beautiful than Mother Nature.”

The bushes along the side of the house are well trimmed. Potted plants are also abundant in life. Her paintings are carefully coloured. Much of her time and effort can be seen in making those portraits, as much as how it reflects the lady beside me. A doll caught my attention which was placed on top of the table, was finely clothed from a scrap of indigo silk; her hair was blond and she got this black choker and some big plastic earrings.

“Wendy made that. She loves to make her own design. She always say that she’ll become a fashion designer.” She uttered.

“Your granddaughter?”

“Yes. I surely miss her a lot. Oh…I haven’t finished preparing the food for us. Will you help me, dear?” Standing from the rocking chair, she said.

“Sure.”

Heading inside the kitchen, I grabbed some plates and utensils that were stored in one the drawers. Even the fact that this is a rest house, everything seems to be polished and well cleaned. Somehow, Madame Rosette might have hired someone to take care of the house itself. France was walking towards the kitchen, bringing with her a plate full of grilled salmon. She always mentions that she loves to do grilling, perhaps she volunteered herself and helped the others to grill these. The scent of it surrounds the entire room.

“Are we having a party?” A young boy said between his yawn, rubbing his eyes – it was Louis.

“Oh, Louis. Good morning, honey. How’s your sleep?” France said,

“It’s fine. I just got a nightmare about the ghost hunter. Are they even real?”

“It’s just a dream. Now, wash your face.” France added.

“Are we really having a party?” The boy asked it again with a curious face – probably wondering why there’re so much foods served on the table.

“No, Louis. We’re just having our morning breakfast. Where’s Loey?” I asked.

“Still asleep.” Washing his hands thoroughly with water and soap. “I wish we’ll have a party.” He said to himself, almost like a whisper.

I smiled. “Don’t worry, we’ll have our own party, maybe this coming Christmas.” I cheered him. His eyes glimmered and let me gaze a smile on his face. A party on Christmas Eve, I thought - that would be fun if ever. As if that wouldn’t be one of the busiest months of the year. To think that most people like to order at Franc’s Café; chocolate fountains, a red velvet cake, macaroons and the like.

“Well, I’ll be looking forward on that Aunt Mellaine.” He said. Now he finally called me as one of his aunts. That touched and somehow erased the part that he stepped on my beauty yesterday – he still was able to say sorry for his words. Perhaps, he told me yesterday that I am so beautiful with my black shirt. I guess he’s trying to make me feel better that time, but surely, he did.

We finished arranging our breakfast. Veronica and Brandon got themselves inside the room and gathered in one of the corners, where they sat on the wooden chairs. Most of the things here are so much made of wood.

I had to laugh. “Good. Now, I’ll be heading and wake up the couple and the other three.

France made a face. “Maybe, you can call the couple in a bit.”

I gave her a quick response, with an intriguing look. “But why?”

“You know, they quite got a moment yesterday’s night.” She scratched her head.

I sighed. “Alright. Is it okay for you to wake the couple up? I’ll be the one to do it to the others.” I requested. That’s why she stayed for a while at the open field during the night with me, having some time mesmerizing the starry night. The sound of an owl was heard behind those trees. Or maybe she just don’t want to hear the moans.

“Sure. Go ahead.”

I went outside the kitchen, passing by the first door, where France, Howard and Veronica stayed. The last one is Brandon’s room – he preferred to be alone somehow. I stood in front of a door next to Howard’s room. I knocked slowly, waited for seconds and carefully opened it. A giggle went out of the room, coming from Beverly’s mouth – currently talking to someone over the phone. Her eyes showed how much happiness she’s having right now. I wasn’t able to catch Jezelia over my radar – maybe taking a shower or just roaming around to see the place. Beverly recognized my presence and slowly hanged up the phone.

“I’ll call you later, okay?” She said.

I coughed. “Good morning. Did you get enough sleep?” I asked, looking over the other side of the bed, a child sleeping peacefully, hugging a pillow beside him – Loey. He seems to sleep like an angel with his dreams.

“Hi, Me. Oh, yes, definitely I gave myself enough sleep. The weather is quite cold today, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I never doubted it, but I didn’t expect it will be as cold like this.” I said, wrapping myself with a violet scarf I brought with me. “Where’s Jezelia?”

“Oh. She said, she’ll roam here for a while since those water lilies we saw yesterday at the pond got her attention. And she wanted to do it now, since Louis is having some fun with the others, and Loey is still here sleeping.” She gently brushed her finger on the child’s hair. Looking over the bed, a comfortable one – I hardly slept at all last night – the dream got me to wake myself up and stayed late, and on top of it was Jezelia’s snore, less cooperative of me wanting to sleep. Nothing worked, not the hot chocolate drink, not even listening to instrumental relaxing music. And I was just able to get 5 hours in bed. I wonder how the kids are able to sleep with their mother’s snores.

“Can you look over Loey for a while, Me? I’ll just go and see Jezelia there and tell her we’re going to have our breakfast now. She forgot her phone.” She said, waving the phone, which I thought to be Jezelia’s.

“Sure, go ahead.” I smiled.

Getting up from bed, she slowly get herself a blue leathered jacket, together with her white shirt and jogging pants, leaving me with Loey to get Jezelia for breakfast. I looked over the clock, still 6:30 am in the morning. I sat beside Loey and picked up a blanket that had been lying over the floor. I curled up and waited for him to wake up – I must have dozed off. A small, comforting hand was rubbing my arm suddenly. It was Loey, just woken up, eyes still sleepy and his hair was fuzzy. He slowly slid himself under the blanket which was wrapped around myseld, his bare feet tucked.

“I-It’s still dark.” He said, shaking a bit.

I supposed, he was right – those thick curtains are blocking the lights in entering the room, making the inside still dim even in the early morning – the type of vibe I want to have in my own room, but I needed the lights, the sun, the rooster’s sounds to wake me up for work. Yet, I guessed most of the kids hate darkness.

I hugged him slowly, embracing his body and keeping an inch between us. Loey’s hair smelled like roses, his arms and legs were still slimmed. Under the blanket, he moved again, curling like almost as a cat, his face unto my arm. I felt like I suddenly got a child.

“It’s okay, Loey. Everything is fine. And hey, Aunt France, Veronica and Uncle Brandon just made some delicious foods together with Madame Rosette for us, isn’t that great?” I pondered, taking a soft laugh. Loey raised his head and looked at me with some sparkling eyes – a hint of excitement for breakfast.

“Really? Then let’s go.” He said, his voice just turned into an energetic and lively one, almost making me think he was Louis.

I chuckled. “Okay. Okay. Get up and wash your face. Your mommy will be there too with Aunt Beverly. We should hurry for us to get the food first!” I said.

The boy jumped off the bed and excitedly run over the bathroom, washing his face and brushing his teeth. I waited for a couple of minutes, having me to brush my hair and change some clothes – a red big shirt paired with black shorts, to see a smiling face of Loey. He walked towards me and gently pulled my hand. “Come on, Aunt Mellaine. Let’s hurry or those pigs will eat all the foods.” He laughingly said. Pigs. Somehow, I thought he’s referring to his own aunts and uncles. Silly child.

Loey was able to drag me into the kitchen. Jezelia, who’s busy brushing the hair of Louis, sitting on her lap, and Beverly – helping Brandon in cutting some cheese for the bread are already there.

France walked to our direction with her smiling face and carried Loey. “Hey, there. How’s your sleep Oey?” She asked.

“I slept well, Aunt Fran. I got a dream that we went into a dinosaur kingdom and there was Aunt Mellaine too, though she died because the dinosaurs’ king was able to kill her with his fangs. I felt sorry for her.” The kid muttered.

“Ohhh dear, that’s a sad one. I bet you’re hungry. I got some grilled salmon for you.”

Loey glimmered, his radiant smile was showing off. “Thank you! I’ll eat a lot for sure.”

She pulled down Loey from her carry and let him go to Jezelia and his twin. I wonder where the kids’ father is. Not minding about the sudden curiosity, I let myself sat on the next chair beside Madame Rosette. Eventually, Brandon took his beside me, greeting me.

“Good morning. Did you somehow get some sleep?”

“Thankfully, yes.” I said.

“How’s the room by the way, dear?” Madame Rossette asked.

“It was lovely.” I shorty responded with a smile.

“Okay. Now that everyone is here, let’s dig in before these will get cold.”

Everyone gathered around the table, having Veronica lead our prayer. Fresh grilled salmon, fried rice, eggs, cheese sandwiches, baked ham and cheese circulated the table. All of us are delighted to eat them. We had a lovely time together. Madame Rosette was pleased to know that we loved the foods she brought for us, t’was also the time she was able to share with everyone about how they spend their vacant weeks here with her family and friends. After our morning breakfast, Madame Rosette went ahead the village which was just below the hill, then all of us decided to play some darts and chess.

“What happened to Louis?” I suddenly asked after seeing him crying in such pain – Loey tends to laugh on the other hand.

“He just got a scratch on the knee.” Jezelia said. “As for Loey, he’ll be grounded for an hour after Louis told me that he was the one who pushed him over. Somehow, that boy needs to be punished.” She looked at Loey who was having his grumpy face, throwing some pebbles on the ground.

Amy giggled. “I’m quite excited to do that too.”

Veronica sat beside her. “Do you want to have a daughter first or a son, Am?” She asked.

“Well, it will be better if I’ll get twins like Jezelia.” She laughed. “But, I really don’t mind if it’s a boy or a girl.”

“That will be nice.”

There air is so calm and relaxing. Mr. Sun was able to set himself on fire again, giving us some heat. Wearing my floral white hat, I went to Beverly who’s with Brandon at the moment. I guess they’re making their plan to surprise Wendy. Perhaps, that will also be the way to welcome her again in the neighbourhood and for her successful recovery. When they heard about us going to her house preferably next week, they decided to take some parts with us, which means they’re coming. As for Jezelia who is now having a hard time with the boys, she’s still looking over her schedules.

To think Christie, her best friend, isn’t even here – she surely wants to make it up to her. Though she made Jezelia bring her gift for Natalia during her birthday, she still didn’t attend with us – a hint of wonder if something had happened over Christie. Maybe, she’s still busy with her students and the quizzes, my inner self told me. Well, to think I really want to visit her school again, might as well ask her why she didn’t make it up with the two events, including this right now. I smiled and looked over Beverly, her eyes are locked to her violet spiral journal – now taking notes on what we’re going to give to the woman.

The current time made me realized - the fact that Wendy was able to get her recovery and keep her life still, that there’s a greater potential for me to mend my own fate. Glancing over Brandon, he managed to keep our distance close by letting me sit beside him.

“Do you think it’s better if we’re going to give her pepper sprays for her own protection?” Beverly said.

“Mhm. I think that’s a good idea, Bev. By that, she can protect herself.” I muttered.

“You’re right. And also, I talked to France and Amy a while ago, they volunteered to cook for her on that day.” Brandon said, throwing a pebble.

“Do you mind if I joined you?” Howard’s voice was warm and sincere to hear. He sat beside Beverly.”

“So, most of us are going to Wendy.” Howard uttered.

“Yes.”

“I won’t be in that day.” He added. “I’ll be having a trip on Quezon. I got a patient to visit.”

“That’s okay. We can take care of the things here.” I smilingly pondered.

We went to the pond, got some fish, had some lovely lunch as well as an early dinner, play some hide and seek, truth or dare and even got ourselves tanned. Madame Rosette was able to come back here with us in five in the afternoon and gave us each of her handmade wooden dolls, which tells me that her granddaughter was able to learn those stuff from her.

“Thank you so much for this, Madame Rosette.” I uttered.

“This looks so adorable to look at.” Veronica said.

“Mom, look at mine! Look! Look!” Louis joyfully said, holding his doll in front of him.

“Thank you so much for the time and accommodating us, Madame. We’ll surely visit you some other time again.” Brandon said, holding her hands. The old lady was surely happy to have some company with us. We left her and the house with our memories, happiness and we do hope to visit her again.

___

“Thank you for the ride.” I said smilingly to him. I was the last one that Brandon took home. The Greys couple went home straight ahead and didn’t followed us during the trip – Amy wasn’t feeling well since the afternoon, so she needed to rest.

“Thank you also for the time.” He slowly leaned on me and gave me a kiss on my forehead. I blushed.

I looked at the sky, it was getting dark. I better go inside the apartment now. “Good night.” I said. Smiling, I slowly gave him a kiss on the cheek, get off from his car and waited for him to drive off. When I couldn’t trace any sign of his vehicle I went inside the apartment, closed the door. I was feeling thirsty all of a sudden, which made me go to the kitchen and have a glass of water. It’s been five days the last time I went to read a book at the attic. Somehow, the urge of reading knocked behind my back. Finishing my water, I changed my clothes and immediately went to the attic to read some of the books I got, maybe take a sleep there too.

The story entitled Hush in The Bush caught my attention first when I got there. Opening the page where I put my red bookmark, I glanced over the window and saw the darkness slowly consuming everything under its shadows. Somehow, the feeling of it was oddly comforting. Humming, I started to read it.

Just before I could finish a page, a sudden sound of having something shattered or fell off the floor caught my attention. I hurriedly went downstairs, trying not to trip and scanned each side of the house – there was no one. I went to the living room and saw the flower vase - broken into pieces on the floor. The door was slightly open. No, I remembered I carefully closed it a while ago. Sinister slowly embraced me. I listened to each sounds that suggest me that someone is in the house. I cupped my phone inside my pocket, shaking, I tried to remember the new phone number of Amy she gave me a while ago, but my hand was shaking so bad that I couldn’t press the right buttons. My heart was pounding. I scanned the place – the only one that I didn’t take a look was the kitchen. No, my feet don’t want to take me there either. I was panicking.

After a few errors, I remembered she tried to call me when she came home safe. Scanning over the calls, I was able to retrieved and have her number. I directly make a call to her, when I suddenly recognized a man’s shadow over the kitchen – he was standing still. I directly ran towards my room and locked myself. It seemed hard to crawl under my bed, looking around, I was able to put myself inside my drawers, behind the clothes. Amy isn’t still answering my calls. I dialled her again. I wished Howard is there to pick it up. Silence mixed with my emotions and darkness. Listening to my breath, I heard a few steps and exactly stopped behind the door. A couple of seconds, silence took over, then a percussive noise caught me off guard – a loud bang from the outside; thunderclaps being held on the door. Fear creeped all over my body; tears began to fall – when a man’s voice came from my phone.

The knocks began to be unbearable and hostile. The person is trying to break the knob and the urge of having me gives him the strength to get inside.

“Hello, Mellaine?” Howard’s voice lingered around.

Thank God!

“H-Howard, thank God you answered!..please help me…” I shakenly said, sobbing. A sudden panic can be felt with his voice.

“What happened?”

“T-There’s someone inside my house…Please help me…I’m inside my drawer right now and he’s at my door.” My cry got louder. I cupped my mouth with my hand and holding my tears the best I can.

“I’ll call the police immediately. Don’t go out okay. Have something to defend yourself. They’ll be there any minutes from now.” He assured me and let me calmed for Ia while. “O-okay.”

I listened to it. There was nothing. Maybe the person stopped. I waited for a couple of minutes.

His voice startled me. “Are you still there, Me?”

“Y-yes. I guess the person just live---” A sudden loud and strong force broke the door itself, letting me recognized a man who walks slowly inside.

“Mellaine? What was that noise?! Hello?!” Howard asked. I held tight the phone’s speaker, holding my breath, I looked at the man’s feet – he was standing just in front of my drawer. I tried to look into his face but I couldn’t take a better look. In a split second, my drawer opened. A loud scream came out from my mouth when I saw him – immediately being dragged outside my drawer, pulling me by my hair. I was screaming in pain. The man took something hard and directly hit the thing on my head, making me collapsed over the floor. My vision started to blur and slowly fading. I moved my head, turning, I looked up at him – he was wearing a mask, a black one. Tears fell as I laid down hopeless. He chuckled and smirked.

“Isn’t it fun to have you again?” The man said.

Slowly…I felt darkness consumed me.