The Melody Of Us

Unexpected stuff

"Welcome, girls! I've been expecting you all since the morning. Get in quick!" A smart lady with auburn hair hustles us inside a quiet house of white walls.

We follow her inside and walk through a narrow hallway that leads us into the actual space of the house, that now looks like a bungalow.

The walls remain to be a simple shade of white. The only colour comes from the various photoframes and wall hangings that adorn those bleak cemented screens.

The hallway opens into the living room and a modular kitchen. A kitchen island separates the two.

There is a huge plasma TV on the central wall, and a royal sofa set is placed opposite to it. On the other corner of the room, there is a properly stacked set of fabric material; the first indication that this house belongs to a fashion designer.

"Sit down. I'll get you something to drink." She leaves us standing between the plasma TV and the sofa set.

We take our seats and sit awkwardly. Even Cath. I thought you relax at your aunt's place... Here is a completely different story.

"Fair warning. Don't ever talk about clothes in front of her. Rather, don't ever criticise any sort of a garment in front of her. The repercussions will not be bright." Cath shudders, as if remembering an incident.

"Let me guess. You did that once." I say, smirking.

"Yes, I did. I just passed a comment regarding the uselessness of swim suits. I mean, why do you need one if you can use a worn out shirt and a pair of shorts? Trust me, she was seconds away from clawing my eyes out."

"You didn't." I purse my lips to stop myself from laughing.

"I was just voicing my thoughts. What's wrong with that?!"

"Sweetheart, you don't talk clothes to a fashion designer. They have enough knowledge already." Janice comments and I give her a high five.

Our little conversation bubble is broken by the tapping sound of high heels.

Cath's aunt carries a tray full of lemonade glasses and a bowl of freshly cut fruits. She is tall and thin. Her hair is tied in a tight bun; not even a strand out of place. She is wearing a black pencil skirt and cream coloured blouse.

I should stop staring at her.

She places the tray on the glass table and sits in front of us. Her smile reminds me that I'm not supposed to say anything about clothes.

"Hello, Aunt Michelle. Like you said, I've brought my friends here. Please help us with the dress code."

I frown. Why is Cath talking to her aunt so formally?

"Definitely. You've come to the right place. Please have your drinks, and then we'll work further."

We oblige. Janice and I make an eye contact and I immediately know that she's thinking about the same thing.

Aunt Michelle fetches a nail polish and starts painting her nails. Blood red colour.

I swallow my urge to puke and look away. Oh, there's a swimming pool in the backyard. Nice!

There is a spooky silence. Man, I miss Gabriel so much.

"So? Which Disney princess would you rather be?" Aunt Michelle directs the question towards me.

Don't choke. Don't choke on the lemonade. It will be gross.

I clear my throat and place the empty glass on the table.