Thorns and Petals

Chapter-38

I refuse to know his past

"What else do we need to do after this?" asked Anne, shifting closer to where I sat on the drums.

I looked into her eyes about to respond when I spotted a familiar figure approaching us from behind her. I never expected that the person I spoke to every day for 4 years would turn into someone I'd avoid for the rest of my life. 

I averted my gaze to my manuscript, "Let's go through this verse again." 

"Okay, whenever you're ready." She replied, pulling out her pick. 

I began playing the groove in a heartbeat, pushing away the urge to look at Maxwell. I didn't want to face him any longer; he had changed. He knew I didn't want to see him and yet decided to show up at our band rehearsal.

"Melina!"

I ignored him. 

"Melina!" He called out, and Anne stopped playing, much to my displeasure.

"Hey, Maxwell!" She turned back to wave at him, oblivious to my growing frustration, "What brings you here?" 

I looked at Maxwell, more like glowered. 

"Hi Anne," He flashed her one of his quick boyish grins, "I just wanted to talk to Melina for a bit. But am I disturbing your practice right now?" 

"Yes," I retorted. 

Anne glanced at me and back at Maxwell's face who watched me with an unfathomable expression. If there was one thing that we shared in common, it'd be our unusual stubbornness. I term it unusual because it's always unexpected and filled with bitterness. 

"I promise it'll just be for two minutes," he said to Anne, and I was quick to signal her not to leave. 

Anne had no clue what was happening between us but I knew for a fact that she was always loyal to me, unlike Ruby and Maxwell. Her forest green orbs hesitated and her pale face was painted with concern.

"Anne, please."

"Don't, Anne," I said, "Our practice is important." 

"But. . ." She glanced over to Maxwell and the pitiable expression he had managed to pull off so fast. 

I sighed, giving up, "Fine."  It wasn't because of him, I just couldn't bear to let Anne be involved in our idiotic dispute. 

She picked up her guitar and left, passing me a helpless glance. 

Maxwell walked over and took a seat beside me, placing his bag on the floor. The other band members curiously eyed us, but I paid no attention to any of their silly glances. 

"Melina, I just wanted to. . tell you something." 

"What?" I curtly asked. 

"I'll make this very brief," He inhaled deeply, "Look, I like you."

Pause.

I'd seen it coming, but how do I react to this? 

My deliberate silence seemed useless for he picked up my hands that lay on my lap. 

"I don't care that you're married and I'm not looking for a rebound." He earnestly said, giving my hands a soft squeeze. 

"Maxwell. . ." My lips were ajar. The shock was an understatement. 

"So please. . consider me, will you?" He asked, squeezing my hands harder, "I'm not going to fight or talk bad about Zayden anymore , but I just don't feel he's the right one for. . you." 

I shook my head slowly in disbelief at his statements, "You- What are you even saying?" I pushed his hands away and shifted back on my throne. 

"Melina, I've known Zayden for a very long time. . ." He stated, lowering his gaze, "He was my brother's best friend in college and. . .he didn't have the best of reputation, you know?"

"I don't want to hear it, Maxwell." I refused to let curiosity take the best out of me. "If there's something about my husband I want to know, I'd rather ask him myself than hear it from you." 

"But, Melina, he's not going to tell you about his affairs!" He persisted, "You deserve to know the full truth. From me." 

"Maxwell, stop this." 

"I don't want you getting hurt from a previously called player. I wanted to tell you this a lot sooner but Ruby never gave me a chance to disclose this to you."

I stared at him, unresponsively. 

"Melina. . ." He trailed off, exhaling, "He's not what he appears to be. He's had multiple love affairs and has even been involved in a sex tape scandal years ago." 

I can't hear him. 

I don't want to hear it.

Zayden is treating me well and I don't want our relationship to be poisoned. 

"If you don't believe me, read these. . ." He handed me over his phone and I reluctantly took it, knowing fully well this was an attempt to scheme me. 

Zayden is all I can think about when I'm away from him, and whenever he's around me, I shine my best. The happiness that fills my heart is immeasurable as he looks into my soul, speaks to me, and touches me so delicately yet fiercely. I strongly want to believe he's all that I need for the rest of my life. 

But. . . 

The several headlines read, 

"Amelia Brown, daughter of famous business tycoon George Brown and wife of Abraham Solomon, phone calls with 21-year-old lover Zayden Walker, released."

"Amelia Brown's affair with college batchmate Zayden Walker made public."

"Amelia Brown made a sex tape with classmate Zayden Walker?" 

"Amelia Brown and Abrahim Solomon announced their divorce after 2 years of marriage."