Bittersweet Dance of Love

Bittersweet Dance of Love Chapter 3

  If only I could remember anything, she thinks before asking, “What role do you play in my life, Merwe? You are angry with me, and I wish I could remember why.” She talks softly, looking directly into his eyes, her hand still firm and secure in his big hand.

    Merwe suddenly lets go of her hand and stands up as if to leave, but he laughs humourlessly before he turns back, his face as expressionless as before. “Fortunately we are not acquainted at all Merlyn, but it seems that I am the only one left who is willing to care for you until your memory returns,” he replies while looking directly at her. 

    Their eyes are measuring each other before she turns away her face and closes her eyes. “I’ll take you to my home when you are discharged. My mother wants to take care of you, and you will be able to recover in good time.”

    “You do not have to do anything against your will, Merwe. Surely there are other plans to be made,” she says.

    “Maybe it will be the only chance I ever get to be part of your life, Merlyn,” he laughs sullenly. “You might even start to like me before your memory comes back again.” He turns from her and walks to the door. 

    “I’ll ask for your pain medication, and then you have to rest. I’ll see you again in the morning.”

    He is gone before she can ask another question. She wonders what he meant by “it will be the only chance I ever get to be part of your life” and “you might even start to like me”. With a heavy sigh, she relaxes back against the pillows, waiting for the hospital personnel to attend to her needs. If only she could remember anything. Someone dear to her is dead, and she feels like crying, though she cannot even remember his face. 

    What will Uncle Sammy’s family say, and what is she supposed to do here at Koës if she does not have any family left? Everything seems to be a mess, and the only person to help her is Merwe, who does not seem to be happy about the whole thing.

The huge white house with its round sculptured attics and neatly-cared for gardens with roses and greens all around the front porch welcomes her instantly when Merwe leads her to the many steps in front of the

wide front porch. His mother is standing next to the pillar, straight and well dressed. Her curly grey hair is hanging softly down her still very attractive face. A radiance of peace and quiete shines from her.

    She resembles Merwe in almost every line of her face, with the same bright but friendly icy blue eyes. She smiles and even looks happy to see her, as Merlyn muses while walking slowly up the stairs.

    “Welcome, dear,” she greets Merlyn friendly, offering her a hand to help her up the last step. She folds Merlyn spontaneously against her soft, motherly form. “I know that you will now  recover soon,” she

says, and she pushes her to arm’s length. “I can see that they have almost starved you at that hospital, which is enough reason why you have not recovered yet.” 

    She looks at her son impatiently. “Merwe, hurry, dear; do not just stand there! She needs her rest, Dirk said. Bring her bags to Mia’s room.”

She turns to Merlyn. and guided her through, “The bathroom is just outside, between your and Merwe’s rooms.”

    She talks constantly while Merlyn is admiring the neat and classy decorated bathroom. They follow Merwe through the long corridor to her room, and she is surprised by the homely feeling she experiences.

    The softness of the clean carpets on the floor and the bright colourful curtains give the place a feeling of welcome. She stares in awe at the high double bed with its creamy handmade quilt. It is the most beautiful room she has ever seen.

    “Isn’t Mia going to need her room soon?” she asks, and she suddenly turns to Mieta, making her lose her balance. Sudden dizziness overwhelms her, grabbing at nothing before she tumble to the ground.      Merwe catches her against him in one swift motion, picking her up in his strong arms and holding her against his chest. His breathing fast, showing his anxiety at her fall. 

It takes her a while to orientate herself again and to realize what has happened. She tried to push him away and complains when he carries her to the big bed. He ignores her complaints and lays her down softly.

“You need to rest,” he says sternly. “My sister is at the university and will not need her room very soon,” he explains before he turns away from her and walks briskly out of the room.

Mieta enters the room again and sits next to Merlyn on the soft, comfortable chair next to the bed.

“That is his way of talking, but it does not resemble the son I know,” she explains while softly taking Merlyn’s hand in hers. “Most of the time it is his hiding place. Have patience with you and with him, love,”

she says. 

Merlyn looks at her hesitantly. She feels unsure about Mieta’s explanation and decides to let it go. Her head is aching again, and she feels tired and sad.

Mieta pulls a soft throw over Merlyn before she gets up from the chair. “I’ll bring you some coffee in a moment, love. Then you can rest until lunchtime.”

When Mieta silently leaves the room,  Merlyn wearily closes her eyes. This feels like home, she thinks, So quiet, peaceful, and safe. With a soft sigh, she relaxes against the pillows and instantly falls asleep.

Merlyn feels his presence again even before she opens her eyes.