Love on Air

Chapter XXII: This Is It

Chapter XXII: This Is it

~ ALEX ~

     "You know what? I'd pick the white one." I said, picking it up from her hold. 

     "Why?" 

     "Because you'll absolutely look like an angel." I paused, brushing my hands through the silky fabric of the skirt. "And it fits your name. Angelie."

     I gave her back the dress and she smiled the cutest grin ever. "How about you? What are you gonna wear?" 

     I squatted before her to face her eye to eye. "Oh honey," I sighed, "I'm not going to the party today. I have some business that I have to tend to somewhere."

     "But I want you to go." She pouted, and I can now see her eyes sparkling under the tears she wanted to hold. 

     What a nice kid, I thought. It's just so sad to say that I couldn't see her smile when I'll be leaving. She reminds me of myself when I was younger. I always get tantrums when my dad leaves home for work and Mom couldn't handle my endless crying. I'd wait for him until evening when he comes back. And if Mike doesn't like me to go with him when he's out with his friends, I'd lock myself in the room crying and making company with my teddy bears. Childish, I know. But I actually miss it. I actually miss the way he'd knock on the door, trying to apologize. He'd even stay outside of my room until I have forgiven him. And when I open the door to say it's all fine, he'd welcome me in a big hug and say, "Ellie, I just want to keep you safe."

     Sometimes it was weird to me that he's more overprotective than Dad. My entire childhood only goes around Mike and the odd girl in the park. And to some perception I had, I thought the walk to the local park took half an hour. But when I grew up, I realized it would only take you five minutes to get there. Maybe it was only longer because MIke had this usual stories to kill time. He'd jump on the top of the garbage bin - when he sees one - and growl like a gorilla. I'd laugh. I'd giggle. I'd even make him believe that I'm great in acting, too. And he would just watch me trying to be like him, like the gorilla he's been interpreting for years. 

     "Okay, fine," raising his hands in surrender, "you really are better than me." He'd often say. "But the first one to reach the park will be the greatest!" and he'd run towards it, like that cheetah I've always watched on wildlife televesion channels. 

     I miss Mike. So damn much.

     "Hey," she waved her little pale hand across my face, "Are you about to cry?"

     I came back to reality. I didn't notice that just the thought of Michael in my head will make me spontaneously emotional for a long time. 

     I shooked my head, and suggested, "C'mon, you should get ready for tonight. It's your brother's special day so you must look good."

~

     I fixed Angelie's her in a half bun and we began heading ourselves to the Washington Hall. We climbed into the elevator and she pressed the "L" button for lobby. But before the entire mechanism could close its doors, a tall brunette girl was running its way towards it and trying to get herself inside. 

     As soon as she was, I have realized that she's Ashley, wearing a short white dress just above her knees. The top of her chest was intricated with lacing designs. She was pretty, and she knows it. 

     But her face, with every perfect make up, looks upset and disappointed. It was as if she was about to cry. Angelie stared at her and looked up at me and I just squeezed her hand. I would talk to her if I can. But when it comes to Ashley, that's the last thing I'd do.