~Ours~

Music of Fools: Chapter 5

I went to the kitchen and found Mrs. Michaels wearing the same red dress and rubbish looking boots. I guess she as the one who cooked the bacon. I stepped back and she noticed me, I gave her a look.

“Where’s dad?” I asked.

“He’s working. Sit, I prepared you some breakfast.”

Working? He got some job? A car washer? School janitor? Mason? A school bus driver?

I just walk towards the table and took the plate. I smiled at her in disgust.

“Thanks,” I said.

I went upstairs bringing the plate, placing it above the study table near at the over-looking window. I sat, glanced at the outside. Mrs. Michaels would be a better lover for my dad, if she’s not married. I admit, she’s kind and caring but beyond that praises she’s still a lustful old woman. Why can’t they be happy with a man? Why they need to have another team to play with? Life is crazy.

She can be my mom. I took another bite of the charred bacon. Then I turned my head to see the time. 11:37 A.M. The clock informed me. I grab my phone and call Annie.

“Hello Ann,” I said, still chewing the food.

“Oh, hello. Doing great dear?”

“Yeah, I think he’s in love with me,” I lied, “I’m so excited for the concert!.”

“I’d already reserved some tickets. If you fail, you know what’s the consequence.”

Gulp!

“Jennifer Jones will do her best.”

“Good. So bye, I still have a date this three. Ta-ta.”

Three? Three.

I throw my phone on the bed. Bounce…bounce…

Now I remember I still have a date this 3:00 O’clock with Achilles. My heart begins to beat fast. I run downstairs, seeing Mrs. Michaels watching Cartoon network. Then I took a bath thinking the sorry I would say.

The words I will say:

1. Uhmm…

2. I don’t know what to say…

3. Hello.

4. How’s the day?

5. Sorry?

6. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.

7. I’m sorry. I mean it.

8. (Don’t speak!)

9. (Speak Spanish so that he can’t understand.)

10. (Cry first then say “sorry”)

I couldn’t wait until three so I went out to where he sings.

He stopped singing when Kelly saw me. I walk slowly towards him.

I felt fear. But what is fear when you formulate 10 stupid words to say?

“I’m sorry,” we said in unison.

“I didn’t---“we said together again.

I smiled. He laughed.

“It’s my fault,” he said, “I know it will hurt you. I’m sorry. My apologies.”

“No, no. I understand. You’re just being real. I’m sorry.”

He nodded and he strummed his guitar into a soft slow sound.

“I love you…” he sang, “I love…you.”

“I love…you,” he sang the words once more.

There I understand, it was meant for me. The words were for me. He loves me.

Achilles looked at me, placing his chin above my head. I looked down in happiness. I could smell him. The smell of burnt honey and rose. I moved my arms to hug him back, tight and locked.

“I’m so happy,” I whispered, smelling him like a dog.

“So is I. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For loving me, I never thought someone would love me. I can only read that in books.”

“You must be loved because you’re unique.”

I looked at him and said, “I love you.”

He smiles, and I was waiting for his kiss but he didn’t. Maybe we’re too showy to kiss in the public place. I just smiled a smile of bliss.

“Want to go somewhere?” I said, thinking of a celebration as lovers.

“I want to know your dad,” he said and tied his hair.

Why my dad? Of all the persons in the world. Why him?

“Er. He’s not around. But you can meet his girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” he asked, “is he with another woman? Where’s your mom?”

I nodded and said, “Mom is with another man, so dad with another team too.”

He looked confused.

“Well, let’s go.” I pulled him after he locked his guitar case. He gasped nearly left his guitar. I laughed.

As we walked he locked his fingers into mine, and I couldn’t stop myself staring at him as we walked. I looked down when he attempted to look back at me. I blushed.

Even this extreme happiness, I could still feel fear of losing him on the day of the concert. I’m like playing a difficult game.

Ugh!

I stopped when I saw the Poison and Thorns’ poster glued on the wall.

Richard…

Tattoo…

Hand…

Wrapped it…

And smell it.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nah, just the concert,” I said starting to walk again.

“Is it important to you seeing that concert?”

I nodded.

He smiled.

“I can save money for you to see that concert. Do you really want to see the band?”

“No, don’t. I can find another way to have the ticket. Don’t mind me.”

“But, Jen, I’m now committed to you. I’ll do anything to make you happy. If you want to see them, I’ll do my best to have it okay?”

“But, but how about you?”

“I don’t really like the band.”

Uh-huh?

“Don’t mind it Kelly,” I said again, waiting to see his nod.

He nodded.

I smile. Great!

But still, I bit my lips, worried.