Forgetting Mellaine

A Date at a Lake

The waiting is over. The grand event has come. A taciturn driver gave me a ride to the place where the booths stood and enjoyed by people. It was located at an open field which is just few kilometres away from the café. I kept reminding myself that I would have the obligation to handle the booth for this morning. Arriving there, I recognized some several unfamiliar faces. I was expecting others to help me assist the customers later on, but most of them are quite busy with their own businesses. As I pass by the other members, I saw Beverly patiently arranging the bouquets we have prepared last night on those plastic buckets filled with fresh water. She greeted me a pleasant morning. With my confidence, I saw Christie dusting with annoyance the main table and piled up the menu. She continued blithering as I headed my way to them and decided to give some help to make the booth more accommodating and eye-catching.

I made a vague gesture as I carried the pastries which France delivered at 5 am in the morning. She is really a hardworking person and I acknowledged her. It is never a question how she managed well her own café, despite of the fact that there are a lots of competition in the same industry as hers. Though, I thought she was also a well-known business woman in town. Natalia just arrived at the booth. Her cheeks are flushed. Her eyes widened as she look over my shoulders, almost getting all the smell from the pastries. I could clearly see the urge from her eyes that she wanted to eat some, but she held herself for the fact that we needed some funds for the organization itself.

I patted her cheek. Several of the others, are asking personal questions about me. Instead, I gave them a hazy smile and took refuge in one of those chairs. I looked through them, almost seeing those questions were a bit blunt. They are having some suspicious of how I was able to get here. It was normal for them to ask those, but some of their gestures are totally opposites of their questions.

I decided not to mind them. Instead, Natalia offered me to have a conference call using her phone. I spoke with Jezelia, Veronica and Johann and left them the schedules for the morning session. I went to the open area and looked over the other booths being placed at both sides of the street. Banners are waving freely with the air above us. Calmness had embraced me. Sitting on one of those benches, I breathed my own relaxation as I see the birds flying over the blue sky. I was too keyed up with the fresh air and made me reminisce about Brandon.

“How’s your day? I decided to wait you here. I was just wondering if you have some plans this coming Valentines?” He shyly asked, keeping both of his hands under his pockets.

“O-oh. There’s nothing in particular. But I will be the one to take care of our booth during the morning. Why did you ask?” I could feel my face flushed. It was like I was expecting something from him.

“Uhm. Are you free in the afternoon on that day? I would like to ask you for a simple Valentines celebration.” I could see how reluctant he was in asking and was a bit off.

I was smiling silently. I didn’t expect him to ask me out this Valentines.

“Like a date?”

“Y-yes. If you wouldn’t mind.”

I nodded.

I sensed that someone sat beside me, giving me a gracious wide smile as she offered a hot freshly brewed coffee. “Looks like our Mellaine here is having a great day this Valentines.” Christie said with a louder voice, making the others glanced over us and laughed a bit. “So, did someone ask you out for today?” She was clearly being nosy again.

I poked her slowly over the shoulder and chuckled. “Silly.” “By the way, any updates about the stolen organization’s funds?” I added.

Christie took a sip on her frapped and made a giggle due to the drink’s coldness. “Mhm. The cops said that the person who is responsible for such crime turns out to be a man. Though, they also suspected that it was just one of your neighbours there. I couldn’t figure who’s really the person behind it. Perhaps he is really into this kind of doing.”

I steeled myself from imagining the scene that time. It is creeping me out and chills suddenly run down to my spine. “You should be vigilant, Mellaine you know that, especially at your neighbourhood. We should also never trust anyone around us. I mean, being vigilant is not that bad.” She added and patted me at the back. I gave her a smile, enough to bury how scared I was, and the assurance of having consciousness for my own safety.

She joined Veronica in preparing the raffle. The booths are getting busy and livelier. The scattering of the customers filled the vast areas of the street. It was lively seeing this kind of celebration where most people are excited. We also heard that Natalia was up for a raffle draw. Most of them visited the booth for bouquets. France would really be glad if she knew. I was left with Natalia and the other colleagues that I have already known. The structure of the all activities for this morning was well set. Some of the members already went home to celebrate the event on their own. My coffee had already cooled down by the time I decided to drink it. It wasn’t that bad to be honest.

It was already 11 am when we decided to take our early lunch. France had already arrived bringing us some foods to eat. We placed some wooden chairs outside the booth to settle in as we help her in arranging the foods over the tables. She brought some Cobb salad, fajitas and chicken fried steak. The others also started to gather around and made themselves comfortable over their seats.

“Are you having a good time with them, Me?” France suddenly asked as she piled the plastic cups at the side of the table.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” I said with an exaggerated tone, turning my subject to her. “Well, I guess. The environment is totally new to me, but it’s better than before. I think they’re quite curious about me.” I added and made a noisy laugh.

“I’m sorry for sounding like a gibberish donkey all of a sudden.” I added, composing myself.

“Silly! That’s how things work here, Me. When someone is new or just arrived here in town, most of them are being nosy of the person’s identity. But don’t mind them, they just wanted to know you more. There are lots of good acquaintances that you’ll meet later on.”

“Yes. I’ll be looking forward on that, also.” I said smiling.

“Lunch is ready everyone!” She announced with a graceful tone.

Everybody enjoyed the food she prepared. I can see that there’s so much effort France is extracting for the organization. I hope everyone will notice that. I distributed the plastic cups for the water and drinks to them.

“Mellaine, I’ve been looking for you. Have you seen Brandon lately? I have something to give him.” Natalia said as she appear from my behind.

“I talked with him yesterday.” I frankly said.

“Oh. If you have seen him, can you tell him that I needed to give something to him? And, now that you’re almost done with your schedule, call me if you need more help, Okay” She clasped her hands

“Sure.” I uttered.

Natalia hurriedly went outside the booth and entertained the customers for the raffle draws. At some point, more people are visiting us. It was frustrating to be across a bunch of people sometimes, but this event made me into realization that I needed to socialize myself somehow. Appreciating the good weather today and the maple trees, a white-haired lady wearing a plain red dress appeared beside me.

“Hello dear. Do you have some good chocolate cookies there? I would like to order 10 pieces for my granddaughter.” She smiled, letting her wrinkles revealed beside her eyes. She leaned over the table and waited patiently for me to pack her orders.

“Here’s your order, Maam.” I said with a lively tone.

She gave me the money, and in return I gave her the order. Afterwards, she wandered away in search for other services offered by the other booths.

“Did you recognize that lady?” France asked as she wipe the washed plates with a clean cloth.

“Mmm. No. Do you know her?”

“Have you remembered that young lad with her group of friends who visited the café, and ordered some drinks and a cake? I thought they were studying that time too.”

I thought for a while, trying to dig in the memory of that day. Luckily, I was able to remember the young student that France was talking to. I nodded as a response to her question.

“That’s her grandmother. I heard she’s also one of our sponsors for today’s event. I remembered I got a hard time with that woman from the past at the café. She was kind of blunt that time. She even said that my pastries don’t taste so good. But look! Her granddaughter loves my pastries.” She laughed as she reminds herself how the fate just turned upside down.

I smiled. “Well. First impression doesn’t last long. And for real, your pastries are totally one of a kind. You somehow inspires me on how you deal the negative vibes.”

“You should always remember, Me, that after a rain, there will always be a rainbow. We should never let the negative things take over the positive ones.” She patted my back and continued wiping the utensils. Why do most people pat me on the back lately? Am I somehow a buzzer or maybe a bell to tap on?

After a highly enjoyable time with them, it was already 12 noon. I already told Natalia that I’ll be heading home. Beverly and Jezielia are with the photographs they got. I kept digging inside my clutch for my lipstick. As I pick it up, I saw France having a goofy grin over the side of the booth. She was looking at me with her curious face. She slowly made her way beside me and was still wearing that intimidated smile.

“Don’t do that. You’re creeping me out.” I shrugged.

“Geez. I was just a curious cat right now. So, where are you heading?”

“I’m going home to change clothes.” I said as I put my lipstick on.

“Why?”

“Brandon… asked me out.” I said frankly, sizzling over my whispers.

I can see her eyes glowed suddenly in awe. She clasped her hands tight and giggled. “Ooh. Told you, that man is hitting on you. Hey, I got here some protections. Maybe you can use it for tonight.” She opened her bag and was looking for something.

My face reddened suddenly. I poked her shoulder. France exploded her laugh again, catching other’s attention. “For emergency purposes! Hahaha!!” Holding her stomach, she barely catches her breath and is about to cry in laughter.

“Gosh. That will never happen. It’s…just a simple dinner, I guess.”

“I guess!” She mimicked me while using her fingers to make gestures. “Hahaha! I was just kidding, my dear. But hey, enjoy the rest of the time today, okay? I would be glad to talk to you after your date.” She added and elbowed me.

I winced and scratched my head and gave a small laugh. “Okay. I will talk to you, on how things will work with me and Brandon.” I smiled.

France was the only one who knew that I’ll be spending time with Brandon this afternoon. I waved goodbye to them. Just before I head outside the booth, France winked at me and laughed in silent. That woman is totally supportive when we talk about my love life. Finally, I made my way to the waiting area. It was just a couple of minutes, when a yellow cab appeared in front of me.

As I’m on my way home, I barely imagine myself having a moment on this Valentines’ Day. I just hoped things won’t go awkward between us. The main road was jammed with the heavy traffic due to the celebration. It took me less than an hour to arrive in my apartment. I directly took of my black shoes and headed inside the house. The smell of wood and girly scent lingered around me. It was so calm to stay in dominion and relaxation.

I went to my closet and picked some descent clothes to wear and that would fit the event today. But in the end, I decided to do my thing. Wearing a black lacy dress with red roses imprinted at the bottom of it, I made my way to the kitchen. I decided to make some apple juice as I wait for Brandon. He told me that it will be better to pick me up here, hence he is still on work during the morning. I thought he is heading home right now to prepare also. The surrounding is so peaceful at the moment that it can make me deaf anytime soon. I decided to go and lure around our neighbourhood at my free time. I went to the driveway and passed by Natalia’s house. I just got the moment to see how beautiful their houses are. Hers was a two-storey one. Most of the houses were made of wood and they were fond of planting succulents over their front yard.

Some of them are still on hanging plants placed at their verandas. The neighbourhood’s dark green grass was a bit skimpy and large bushes were at the middle, serving as barriers and somehow giving privacy to each household. Most of my neighbours are not here and was expecting that they’re at the open field to enjoy. On the other hand, I could clearly see Natalia’s car was parked at her open garage, which implied that she took a cab to go there or maybe someone was here to fetch her up a while ago. I was being nosy all of a sudden about her. I couldn’t deny the fact that her presence is intimidating me sometimes. More like she has the power to rule over me.

After some minutes of featuring Natalia’s house, I decided to go for a while to the convenient store to buy a gallon of mineral water to be consumed this week. As what I expected, there are barely people’s presence to be recognized inside. The cashier greeted me a happy Valentines. I went to the store’s beverage section and get a gallon of what I needed. I paid for it and thank her for the service. Just before I forgot, I also greeted her in return.

It was four in the afternoon when Brandon arrived at my house, bringing a bouquet of flowers. My heart began to pounder like a running horse on a field. Butterflies began to fly in instant speed. It felt like I was about to puke in any moment. Taking all my senses back, I took a breath, exhaled deeply and made me compose myself.

“Sorry for taking up so long. There was an urgent call in the company. Hope you don’t mind these flowers I brought.” Brandon’s face was flushed. He handed me the bouquet slowly. My hands are a bit shaky as I hold it tight. It is beautiful.

“T-thank you.” I said shyly.

“Where do you want to go?” He asked.

“Nothing in particular. Do you have something as a recommendation?”

“I’ve known one. It’s a lake just before the diversion. I visited there a couple of times. There’s also a campsite to stay if you want to do some hiking after a day at the hillside. It’s more of a relaxing location. Wooden boats are available too if you want to go at the centre of it. I bet people are there also, having picnics and some time with each other.”

“Well, then we go.” I smiled brightly enough to show off my teeth.

Brandon assisted me in opening the car’s door for me. I hopped in gently and waited for him to get inside. He started to drive as soon as we put the seatbelts on. I was holding the excitement from within. We passed by the open ground where the booths were placed. The volume of people was heavier than this morning. They are lurking around like ants, busy hoarding things which are displayed. I was thankful to recognize that Brandon’s car was tainted. I wouldn’t worry if someone might see us and would start a talk about the two of us. We are heading off the town. After an hour, we arrived at the main entrance of the said lake. The words Lake Quilts was posted above the gate. There is the waiting area after it, where we can sit and wait for our turn to go inside.

Brandon paid for the entrance fees and we excitedly went to the lake itself. The cold breeze welcomed me on how beautiful it was. We passed by the others who are also enjoying the view. We found a good place under a tree to stay and put our things under. It also got the perfect view of the lake. Brandon was totally prepared. He even brought a green checkered blanket for us to settle and a basket filled with foods. He caught my inquisitive look.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” He asked as he get the foods outside the basket.

“Nothing. It is just a relief to be here.” I smiled.

“Go, enjoy yourself.”

Breathing the fresh air, I decided to go through the side of the lake, where the mangrove trees are planted. They’re quite healthy. Green mass of moss are filling the vastness of the lake also, yet you can still see the fish from below, lurking around the trees’ roots. A small village can be seen on the other side of it, where the passage for the hiking is located. I picked up a small pebble and slowly threw it on the water. Fish began to distant themselves from the pebble itself, making them conscious on what’s above them. I sat beside on the ground, where a tree is enough to give me some shed from the heat. I took a small glance to the man I’m with. He is busy arranging the foods and our stuff.

“What did you bring?” I said as I go back to him.

“I made some

“Wow.”

He gave me the spoon and fork. I took a bit of the barbecue. It was still hot, but the aroma was there, making me drool and had me excited for it. My taste buds exploded as soon as I taste the first bite. It was perfect. The last time I ate something like this, was when Mother made some during Christmas. It made me cry inside to reminisce such days with her. I never thought I would eat something like this again.

“Does it taste good?”

“Totally.” I gave him a thumbs up.

We had a lovely snack at the side of the lake. People started to gather around, some of them were swimming and riding the wooden boats. Sunflowers are smiling at the sun’s direction. Even the flocks are enjoying the cold breeze. Goats and cows can be seen from a distant barn. After sipping a bottle of water, Brandon went to his car and took a fishing rod and a bait. He wanted me to try fishing.

“Do you want to try?” He offered me the rod.

I slowly took it and went near the lake. The fish began to squirm as I gave them the bait. Fishing really does require a lot of time and patience. It wasn’t a perfect thing for me, since I’m a timid person. The sun was hitting us so brightly. After a while, Brandon headed towards me and sat beside. He was looking at them and waited for the one that would catch the bait. The rod began to move and it was then, we realized I caught one. I was expecting a small one, but to my surprise it was even larger than the normal size. The catfish was moving briskly, trying to escape the hook which had been placed on its mouth. I gently rolled the rod and slowly the fish appeared above the water. It was hanging there, barely moving and slowly losing its breath. Brandon assisted me and took the fish. He took a plastic container and put it inside. I decided to take a picture of it. It was my first time doing fishing, and also with a man.

It was getting dark, yet we decided to stay for a while and wait for the fish to be well grilled.

“Have you ever loved a man before, Mellaine?” He suddenly asked.

I looked at him for some seconds and looked back at the sky.

“I used to.”

“Oh, who is he?” His eyes were showing curiousness.

“He’s my father.” I smiled.

At second thoughts, I’ve seen Brandon was expecting some other answers of his question, but his appearance changed all of a sudden.

“The fish is ready. We should hurry up and let us back home. I think it’s going to rain.”

“I agree.” I slowly wrapped the freshly grilled fish with the foil and put it inside the basket together with the plates and utensils that Brandon brought. The blue sky a while ago is now covered with dark grey clouds. We hurriedly packed our things and headed to the car. I put the stuff at the back seat while Brandon started the engine. He opened the door for me and I hopped in.

“Thank you.”

“The pleasure is mine, Laine.” He said while smiling, looking at the clear road with lampposts on both sides.

“What did you call me?” The music started to play.

“I called you Laine. Isn’t that your nickname?

My heartbeat suddenly skipped a bit and remembered someone.