LOVING A MANNEQUIN

Chapter 58: Melanie Ran Into Addorro

*NO ONE POV*

The whole day was terribly crazy. Even the night was crazy. All the people became crazy and lovesick to the point that they could do nothing right and just wanted to lie down and stare on air until she felt her body exhausted and numbed. She also felt bored. Actually, she has no energy to go out. Sadly, she became even more tired doing nothing but think of him all the time. She wondered if he was thinking of her too.

Melanie picked herself up and decided to leave after leisurely lying on the couch only to witness such a ridiculous love scene. That was Barbie and Angelo arguing about the sudden appearance of Barbie’s childhood best friends where Angelo warned Barbie not to go with Nicolas.

“What is wrong with everyone today? Why did every love bird fight and in the cold war? Is today an anti-love day?” Melanie mumbled.

Melanie stopped and just watched from the inside. Only she left on her own as everybody went for their own business.

Melanie went directly to a famous bar, The Paradise Bar. The bar for business entrepreneurs and elite peoples of the society.

“Give me Mouton Cadet.” Melanie ordered at the bartender right as she sat down at the chair in the counter.

“Right away.” The bartender replied energetically.

Melanie roamed her eyes around the bar. It was still a bit early yet the bar was already full of drunk and desperate individuals. Some were insanely dancing at the center and others were loudly clashing their glasses on their table. Everyone was happy and not alone, except her. She felt so lonely tonight. That was what she thought, that only her was alone. She wasn't aware that there was also a certain someone in a hidden corner who was more upset and lonely than she is.

He noticed her but he didn't want to approach her. He already decided to stay away from her. But coincidentally, they ran into the same bar to drown their bitter heart.

“What is she doing here? Where is Barbie?” He asked himself. “She really didn't learn her lesson. Every time she goes out for fun, nothing good happens but still she leaves her house. Is she sick or something?” He shook his head and smirked, “Drop it! Why care so much about her. She already has a new suitor. She probably will like him.”

“Aiyo, what a coincidence Lieutenant Smiles. You are also here.” Came the male voice from behind.

Addorro looked back. His eyes narrowed to see Lindon, also a police officer under him. He asked coldly, “Why are you here too? Don't you have work tomorrow that's why you have the guts to visit this kind of place?”

Lindon sat next to him and ordered a case of beer to the waiter who passed on them.

“Tomorrow is my day off. Besides, I felt bad just staying home. Boring.” Lindon said. He picked a bottle of beer which was just served by the waiter. He gulped before asking, “But I would like to know why you are here. It is not your style to come into a bar, especially alone while facing plenty of beers.”

“Seriously, I don't know.”. Addorro smiled. “I don't know what is going on with me. I just suddenly felt like wanting to drink to the fullest. Is that weird?“

Lindon scratched his head and grinned in a silly manner, “No. I just find it a rare sight. You usually come to this place to drink for two reasons. First, you are being forced to meet a family friend. Second, meet a weird client.”

“Lindon, can you shut your mouth? You are like a granny. Nagging here and there. Are you not tired?”

“I am not. I still have a lot to say. Actually--” Lindon paused as Addorro didn't pay attention to him. He tailed the direction where Addorro’s sight was fixed. “Lieutenant, are you sick?” He felt his forehead which was also snapped by Addorro. “Lieutenant, since when did you learn to set your eye on a woman? Why keep staring at her? Wait? Isn't that the famous business woman Miss Smith? That girl who always encountered trouble?” He slightly leaned over Addorro’s shoulder and whispered, “Lieutenant, are you attracted to her?”

Addorro remained silent.

“No reaction? No objection. Then I will take that as a yes. Hahahahhaha My cold Lieutenant is now attracted to a woman.”

“You shut up! Otherwise I will throw you out.”

Lindon tapped his mouth, “Okay, okay. I will shut my mouth. Just think I didn't say anything.” He poked Addorro's shoulder and said, “Lieutenant, good luck.” Lindon stood up and ran away to the other corner and mixed up with other people around.

Addorro shook his head and resumed drinking as his eyes closely watched Melanie.

An average looking guy walked over the counter and sat next to Melanie and ordered “Serve me with Mouton Cadet.”

“Yes sir.”

Melanie brushed her hair with her fingers and glanced at the man. She was already a bit drunk so she began talking to strangers. “You like Mouton Cadet too?”

The guy stared back at her, eyeing her from down to top. Then a naughty smile drew on his lips, “Yes. It's strong but refreshing. Miss Smith, are you alone?” He took the wine and gulped a little as the bartender served his order.

“Why bother asking? Aren't it obvious? Did you see someone else here? Where? Could you see ghosts?”

The guy laughed, “Miss Smith, it is really true that you are easygoing and humorous. Tonight, it is really true. Toast for you.”

Melanie clashed her wine to the guy and pouted, “Wait. You called my name twice already just now. How did you know me? Are you a stalker?”

The guy laughed again, “Miss Smith, I didn't know you also have such wild imagination. How can I be a stalker? Do I have to do that? Do I look like a stalker?”

Melanie eyed him closely, “You seems---not! Here, never mind where you get my name. Let's just be happy tonight. Cheers.”

“Cheers!”

“How could she drink with a random guy? What a careless woman. I don't care. It's her business.” Addorro grumbled from his table.

Addorro thought of leaving the bar but his heart was hesitant. It couldn't help to worry for her safety. Thus, gnawing his teeth and clenching the glass of wine, Addorro remained on his seat and kept on watching.

Meanwhile, Lindon hung around a bunch of girls. He often took a glimpse of Addorro to see if he would react to his behavior tonight since Addorro was his superior officer who was strict especially when it comes to having pleasure. Addorro believed that a real and decent police should keep themselves away from worldly pleasure. Lindon was greatful of Melanie's presence. A blessing in disguise which took all his superior’s attention. He exclaimed under the loud music, “This is awesome night!”

Addorro slammed his glass on the table. He could no longer withstand seeing Melanie, laughing with the stranger guy. Not only that, he was angry because she already drank to the point that she was swaying and unintentionally leaned and touched the guy whom he found liking it.

“Jerk!” Addorro yelled out in his mind. “I can't hold this anymore. I have to take her home.” He quickly went on his feet and walked over them slowly.

“My head hurt. I think I am drunk.” Melanie grasped the guy's shoulder, “I have a good time drinking with you. If there's another chance, let's drink here again. I have to leave. My sister may be worrying about me now.”

The guy stood up to assist Melanie who could not walk properly because of her drunkenness. “Be careful.” He said while holding Melanie's elbow. “I will send you home. Tell me your address.”

Melanie waved her hand and gently pushed the guy away. “Thanks for your kind offer but don't bother. I might be drunk but I can go home alone.”

“But you can't even stand well on your own. I won't feel relieved to let you go alone. Here, I will support you out.”

The guy was about to hold Melanie when a strong hand grabbed his wrist midway.

“Who is it?” As he looked back, an unfathomable gaze met his, carrying a domineering and threatening aura. “What are you doing? Let go?”

Addorro let go of his arm and pulled Melanie in his arm. “Let's go.”

The guy pointed to Addorro, “What are you doing? Who are you? Why are you taking her away? Can't you see I am here?”

Addorro just glared at him. As Addorro took a step to leave while carrying Melanie and as the guy attempted to punch Addorro from behind, Melanie spoke aloud that stopped him, “Hey, am I dreaming? Why am I seeing you?”

Melanie pinched both Addorro’s cheeks and giggled. “It looks so real. Seems like the wine is effective. It even helps me to see you.”

Addorro's face wrinkled, “Melanie, you are drunk. Let's go home.”

“You even speak?”

The guy walked closer to them and talked to Melanie, “Miss Smith, do you know him? He is taking you away?”

Melanie looked up on the guy, and smiled, “You can see him too? It looks like we are both drunk.”

“I don't have time to play a drunk game with you Melanie. Let's go.” Addorro growled.

The guy stopped him, “If you don't tell me what's the relationship between you two. I won't let you take her.”

“You really want to know?” Addorro said coldly as he glimpsed at him then back to Melanie, “Melanie, who am I to you?”

Melanie blinked her eyes and smiled. She pointed to Addorro's nose, “He is the man I love. He is my future husband. He is handsome right?”

“Love? Future Husband?”

“You heard her. Can we leave now?” Addorro walked away, leaving the guy in an awe.