Forgetting Mellaine

A Passionate One

“My head hurts.” I said evenly, composing myself from what happened. Amy and Howard sprung up from their sleep and now, together with the others; Wendy, Johann, the other neighbours and the police officers gathered around my apartment. The red and blue immensed lights of their cars lingered around us. Everyone was busy. Howard was able to break in inside my apartment just when he heard my screams. He saw me lying on the floor when he got himself inside my room. I was unconscious, he said. Unfortunately, he didn’t catch the man and wasn’t able to see him. Perhaps, he saw me having a call with a person on the phone and tends to leave immediately.

Amy rubbed my back gently, I was able to calm down and begin breathing. My eyes are still wet, and so my shirt is.

“It’s okay now, Ms. Mellaine. We have searched the entire house and there’s no one.” One of the officers, Mr.Stephen I supposed, said with his warm voice, a comforting one.

“Will you please tell us where you thought you saw the man?”

The adrenaline in my veins are still there, fresh and flowing. I stared blankly – I didn’t even get the chance to see his face. Why me, of all the people around, it’s me who got his attention.

“Excuse me, Ma’am Mellaine but will you show us where you thought you have seen someone? Mr. Stephen asked.

“Oh, all right. I was at the living room that time, and I was trying to call Amy. Then I saw his shadow over the kitchen.” I was still miffed. I rubbed my head gently, my face turned into an awful look, it hurts. They already put some bandages on that part.

“What about the shot we heard a while ago?” Howard said.

“Mr. Orlando will explain, Ms. Mellaine.” One of them walked beside Mr. Stephen and made a stiff face. “That’s me. I gave a warning shot when I saw something moved at the back of your apartment. To think the back of it, was somehow leading into a secluded one, a place where untouched trees and grasses are growing and consuming the area.

“Did you see a weapon?”

“No. But he got something and hit it on my head.”

“I supposed that was the vase Mr. Howard saw when he got into you.” He said.

I was watching the others currently talking to each other, discussing about the current event, when I heard a slam on a car door – Brandon was running towards us and immediately wrapped his arms around me. He was panting. I could feel the tears fell on my cheeks as I collapse against him. I let myself lean on himself, my head rested on his shoulder. Though I was struggling to put myself okay, my thoughts are hardly cooperating to be in its order.

“Are you okay? Did they catch the person? Are you hurt?” He asked with his worried tone. I made a small smile. “No. But I can still be able to be with you.” I tried to tease. We headed inside together with the team. The Greys couple made some coffee for us and the officers. It’s eight in the evening. The house next to my apartment was in silence. I thought they’re in a lovely vacation right now. The only one making the house a bit lively is the owners’ dog, barking so bad like a mad one. I thought he have seen the person too, and maybe he can try to tell who is it, but it will just betray me by its sniffs and tail wags for sure.

I sat down on the end of my couch, beside Johann. When Brandon returned from a call, he sat beside her. Blurting out the story and what happened a while ago, I was able to convince them that there’s an unwelcomed visitor who entered the apartment.

“Do you think it’s the same guy who attacked me?” Wendy said, holding her hands tight on her lap.

“We’re not sure, but that’s possible.” Mr. Orlando uttered.

I allowed myself to overreact and went into the idea that somehow that person is the same with Wendy’s incident, the hooded man and the burglar. To make it worse, Amy was still ill and trying to get herself well. My phone suddenly rang, it was France. I answered the call immediately.

“Oh God, Me! Thank God, you’re safe!” She blunted.

I smiled. “Yes. Mellaine is still kicking.” I made a sore laugh.

“Johann told me what happened, and I almost got a heart attack. Is everything okay now? How about the person responsible for this?”

“No. They still didn’t catch him.” I responded and I felt anger rushing inside.

If France os here, she’ll probably hug me tight and scold for not being much careful. I sighed.

“I’m fine.” I sounded to assure her.

“I’ll go there tomorrow okay.”

“Okay.”

She ended the call with a small sob, I heard. Despite of what happened, I am grateful that there are those who are really concerned of me. Not that I didn’t care at all and there’s anything fun of having myself lead into a misery and inauspicious moment. Normally I wouldn’t have cared, but these things that are happening are alarming. My eyes roamed around my apartment, the scenery was still fresh to forget. I didn’t see a presence of Natalia at all. It’s been a week and two days and she hasn’t made an appearance yet. I wonder what could have happened to her – maybe she’s also in a trip or something. Did she even know about this? As if I cared, but I did. Even if we’re not that close, I still see her as an acquaintance. But, some people just really ought to mind their own business, I made a sad face.

Amy was back again bringing another plate of cinnamon rolls from her house. Howard was on a call; the officers are out of sight, perhaps they’re at outside, still roaming around. Brandon was there, sitting beside me, trying to lessen the messed emotions I am having right now. Wendy, who’s now helping Amy in serving the food, is somehow anxious of what happened. I felt bad for having her here, considering her state and recovery. She should be really going home this time. She looked at me with a securing smile.

Handing me a peace of the cinnamon, she said. “I really do feel you, Mellaine. I wish I can comfort you with a hug, but I know it wouldn’t be able to erase the fear and anger of having to witness such thing.”

“Thank you for your concern, Wendy. Uhm, is everything going alright for you?” I asked.

“Yes. Thankfully, I was able get my life somehow again. But still, the fear is there, lurking around.” She said. “By the way, just wanted to ask…if the man you saw a while ago…somehow got those big shoes?

Trying to recall the person in my memory, yes. I was able to.

“Well. I think so. He got those big feet.” I said.

“Do you believe that?”

“Yes. But I also think I was being followed by someone since we take Veronica home.”

“Really. Amy told me you just went to the hill yesterday.”

“Yes.”

The uniformed officers together with Mr. Stephen suddenly sprung inside the house. They already checked out the other residences and the streets. He promised me that he’s send someone to guard my apartment and me. After that, they retreated from the scene. Amy and Howard went to the living room, together with Johann.

“Mellaine.” Johann hugged me tight. “I’m happy you’re safe. You can always call us, okay? Our houses will always be open for you and if you need help.” She said and gave me her calling card.

“Thank you, Johann.” I looked at the worn out face of Amy. I felt sorry somehow for letting her not to get some rest because of this incident. “Amy, you should better take some rest now. It will make you feel better, and also for the baby.” I said.

“I’m fine, Me. You should be worrying for yourself at least and for now. I think it will be better if Brandon is here to watch and take care of you.” She suggested, which was also supported by her own husband, Howard – a smirk just plastered on his face, saying to me that I should accept her suggestion and that will probably make me at ease and secured. I sighed and turned my gaze to Brandon, now looking at me.

“I don’t mind.” He responded directly. It made me blushed but I was able to contain it. “You don’t mind? I mean, I can take care of myself –.”

“It’s fine. Amy is right. You need a companion right now to take care of you.” He added. “I’ll make you safe, Laine.”

I was startled when the doorbell rang. It was Wendy. Wait, I didn’t even notice she went outside. A polite face of her looked at us with curiosity.

“Are you all leaving now?” She ask, holding the plate that was now empty.

“Yes. Except for Brandon, he will be staying here for the night with Mellaine,.” Johann said.

She looked at me. She was standing nearby, looking nicely with her perfect grin. I can clearly tell what’s on her mind right now. You don’t have to say it.

Amy just laughed, and so do Howard and Johann. Wendy joined in – now they are chanting, leaving the two of us with what-is-happening looks. Everything seems a bit better when these people are around. Looking over Brandon, his eyes are intently showing a bit of dismay and concern. After some lovely chats and being able to cool the vibe, all of them decided to head home. We said our goodbyes and goodnights. I closed and locked the door, and make myself sure that I was able to lock it properly. Brandon was still sitting on the couch, I avoided mentioning the investigation. Sitting beside him, I asked.

“Did you talk to Natalia?” Scooping with the truth of having him close to her.

“Yes. I haven’t seen her a while ago.” He said.

“That’s because she didn’t come.”

His look suddenly changed. “Oh. Maybe she’s out of town already. The last time we talk, she said she’ll be going elsewhere for family business.” Brandon muttered. “It’s getting late. You should take some rest, Mellaine.” He added. I looked at him and smiled. “Thank you for staying with me for tonight.”

“And thank you for keeping your life.” He moved from his sit and hugged me slowly. His warmth is comforting. I slowly wrapped mine around him, his eyes are dazzling. Taking a deep breathe, I said. “Brandon…I need… to tell you something.”

He turned his face to look me straight. “What is it?” He slowly pulled off from the hug.

“Do you need to tell me this time?” He asked, his gaze was narrow.

“Yes…it’s about me.” For the moment, I could still feel a lack of confidence, but I have assured myself that there’s no any possible harm that will come if I tell him.

So what is it you really want, Mellaine?

Do you really need to reveal yourself to him?

Well, I needed to, for my own and for him as my boyfriend. I couldn’t bare to love him continuously if I have something keeping from within and giving him such lies. I don’t want to lie. In fact, even if I already know that a fairy godmother won’t be here to grant my wishes, I still did make a wish that Brandon will still accept me after I blurt out the whole story. But also, the truth making its way to his heart was tortuous, and if my instincts are not wrong, it will be worse and maybe he’ll take the anger out of him. Meanwhile, I brace myself and look straight at him – now patiently waiting for the words I will say.

“I’m married.”

“W-what.?” A sudden shock hit him, too hard, that he didn’t process well my sentence.

“I’m married, Brandon.” I repeated.

“B-but---”

“I have something that you need to see and for you to believe that what I’m saying right now is true.” I stood up from my seat and went to my drawer. The image of the masked man entered myself. I tried not to mind it, and grabbed a brown box that was placed in the bottom. I went back to him and sat. Opening it, my jewellery box, I remembered I promised myself that I won’t open this thing again. But I guess I just ate my own words and broke my promise. Dark secrets can’t wait for me to open and unleash themselves out of the box and be revealed to the person sitting next to me. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings laid their rest inside. I gently took a mini box and slowly opened it – it was that ring that I don’t want to see; the ring I promised that I won’t touch it again; the ring I promised to keep it inside the box forever. Brandon was able to see the wedding ring.

“Is that yours?” He asked.

I silently nodded.

He pulled a dreadful face as he’s trying to put things in order and concentrate in getting the expression right – there’s a bit of sadness mixed with it.

“What’s his name?

Silence took a moment. His name…

“His name is –” I took a breath. “His name is –.”

Brandon interrupted me. “You don’t have to tell me right now, if you can’t still bare in telling his name. You don’t need to explain. Time will heal, Laine. We have things we don’t want to remember and we’d rather not talk about. What I want is to love you. It’s you…you are who, and that’s what it interests me. Even if you have the reasons to keep those things from me, if you didn’t use his last name, if you have done it to protect yourself – I know you have reasons to do that, and I understand. I will try to understand even if it hurts.”

I smiled. I felt my tears began to fall. Brandon saw it, and gently wiped them off. “I don’t mind at all, Mellaine.”

“You don’t mind?”

He nodded. “I promise I won’t ask you anything that is related to your husband or the past. I will give you the right to tell me those things and won’t force you to do it. Unless you’re going to tell me that you’re a man…”

I laughed. “Of course not.”

“Perhaps…I want to make sure.” His eyes suddenly went on fire, his voiced changed into a low seductive one. His hands locked around my waist and gently grabbed me near him. He gently gave me a soft kiss on the forehead. He looked at me, our hearts are pounding. He planted some on my cheeks to my nose, then it slowly went on my neck. My breathing began to get heavy. I slid my fingers on his hair, caressing them like a baby’s. It was soft. Closing my eyes, I found myself slowly falling to him more as I feel his breath on my skin as he continue to give me the kisses. His kisses travelled back to my shoulders.

“B-Brandon…”

“Yes…” His voice was sexier than before. I looked at his eyes – I’ve seen a hint of longing, a passion, a thirst of something. He slowly leaned and planted some on my lips. His lips are soft and wet. I pushed my hand against his chest. Our sweats mingled with the heat, the atmosphere inside the house and the scent of our bodies. And now his arms are holding me in a close lock. I slowly exchange and moved with his kisses and rhythm. I was kissing him back – our first kiss. My heart is racing, cheeks turned red and I felt something was getting hard between his thighs – he was aroused.

His hands slowly travelled on my legs, wearing a blue loose shirt and shorts. His eyes are bright with love and anticipation. I wrapped my arms around his nape, our kisses began to get hotter when he suddenly bit my lower lip, making me slightly opened my mouth, which gave him the chance to tenderly slip his tongue inside. I was shocked but he managed to guide, our tongues made themselves swirled with each other, together with our sweats and bodies being so near. Grasping for air, we suddenly stopped. Brandon was looking at me, now a way full of lust. He gently carried me into his lap and gave me a torrid kiss. In a split second, he was different – a sense of hunger. His bare hands went to my waist, gliding and slipping it inside my shirt – cupping my breast. A moan went out of my mouth, grabbing his hair gently. He suddenly stopped and stood up, carrying me, my legs crossed around his waist. He walked towards my room and gently opened the door without breaking our kiss. He laid me on the bed.

“You’re so beautiful.” Brandon said, his voice is now heavy. He placed himself on top of me and gave a kiss on the forehead, his right hand glided to my legs, my breast. He slowly massaged it, cupping it. He went back to my lips, his hands are busy pulling up my shirt and in a moment he was able to see my breast, still clothed with my black laced bra. His face was flustered. I gulped and felt a sudden embarrassment. It was so long the last time I let a man see me like this.

Brandon trailed his fingers to my right breast, around to my aroused n****e and pinched it. I exclaimed a moan. I was getting wet down there when he decided to kiss it. My body moved with the tingling sensation I am feeling. His hands went at my back and was able to unhook my bra. Slowly taking it off, Brandon witnessed my breasts, n*****s being hard. He leaned, and just like a baby, he kisses my mounds, ravishing both of them like a hungry wolf. Already I was grasping for air, when he sucked my n*****s. I moaned so hard when I felt his tongue was playing with it.

Slowly, his right hand was busy pulling and rubbing my shorts, and trying to pull it off. He pulled himself away and get his shirt off. After some seconds, he was able to pull my shorts. Now, he can see me with just my underwear. Knowing that if he’ll get this thing off, I will be completely naked in his eyes. He smiled.

He gently leaned near my underwear, teasing me as he kiss my thighs and legs. I groaned, which made him to chuckle.

He looked at me and said, “May I?”

I nodded.