Black Rose

Eighteen

Melrose POV

"Melrose, this painting is breathtaking." Mrs. Dubois observed the canvas in astonishment. She's one of my customers who put in an order for another painting and I just completed it hours ago.

"Thank you. It was definitely a challenge this time around." I told her truthfully. "But I really got a kick out of working on it."

"I knew you would meet and succeed my expectations. That's why I came to you. How much do I owe you?" She queried, digging through her large purse.

"Nine-fifty, since it's a smaller canvas." She pulled out ten one hundred dollar bills and gave them to me. "Ok, hold on for a second and I'm going to get your change."

"Oh, no I want you to keep the change. Your work is incredible, so you deserve more than what you ask for."

"That's really thankful of you Mrs. Dubois, but I can't take your money like this." I went around my desk, opening my drawer I kept my earnings in.

"You're not taking it if I'm giving it to you, Melrose. Think of it as a tip." Disregarding everything she said, I pulled out her fifty dollars and tried to give it to her, but she wouldn't accept it. "Keep it my dear. I'll definitely be back, so put it down as a payment on another painting if it will make you feel better."

"Are your sure?" I hesitantly asked.

"I am." Nodding my head, I placed the money, along with the rest of it in the safe and closed it up. We spoke for a few more minutes until she realized her lunch break was over thirty minutes ago. "You have a blessed day, Melrose. I'll see you soon."

"Same to you." Sending a small wave, I ran my fingers through my straight hair. The woman I spoke with yesterday should be here any minute and my stomach was churning in knots. My anxiety was sky rocket high and I didn't get any sleep last night, so I'm running off two energy drinks. Before she arrives, I need to soothe my nerves, so I walked to the back of the building where the restrooms are located. Digging in my coat pocket, I cursed myself the moment I felt the sharp object touch my hand. I pull it out and stare at it, feeling guilt build up by the second. Bringing it to my already mutilated wrist, I slowly run it across, applying pressure as I go. The moment I see red substance seeping through the cut, relief washed over me. It's a feeling I want to never disappear, so I kept cutting, decorating my entire wrist.

"Is anybody in here?" A feminine voice brought me back to reality, startling me more than ever. Quickly stashing the blade in my pocket, I grabbed some paper towels and cleaned up the mess I'd made. The bleeding would stop on it's own eventually, so I pulled my jacket sleeve down to cover the cuts. As I exited the restroom, I caught a glimpse of the woman's side profile. It wasn't enough to see what she looks like though.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" I queried, making my presence known. She turned around and my gosh was she beautiful. Her appearance and vibe reminded me of Venus. She sported a red tank top with a floral peace sign and paired it with dark blue, high waisted bell bottoms and black clogs. A massive yellow flower sat comfortably on the side of her head, keeping her hair out of her face.

"Are you Melrose?" She asked quietly.

I nodded. "Yeah, who's asking?"

"We talked on the phone yesterday, remember?"

"How can I forget the person who "technically" killed my daughter?" I sarcastically replied, folding my arms across my chest.

She looked down, tucking her lips in. "I deserved that. Um, I've wanted to personally talk with you for years and now that I have the chance I don't know what to say." She admitted.

"You can start with telling me your involvement with the accident. That's honestly the only reason I agreed to meet you."

"Right." I watched as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before talking. "My husband use to drive trucks for a living and he'd be gone for weeks at a time, so I never got to spend time with him. The night before the accident, I found out about his infidelity with a younger girl and decided to pop up on him before he left Seattle again. I caught him at her house and waited for him in the back of the truck. Instead of confronting him there, I stupidly waited until he got on the road to reveal myself. It scared him so badly, he lost control of the truck and that's when it happened. We collided into your car."

Hearing her side of the story made me emotional. My eyes had gotten blurry and I was on the verge of crying, but refrained any tears from falling. "So, I lost my daughter because you couldn't keep your cheating husband on a leash. That's what your telling me."

"Partially. But I know I'm to blame as well. I should've just waited until the time was right and none of this would have happened. Melrose, I am truly sorry for causing you endless pain and heartache. It haunts me every single d-"

"Stop." I held my hand up. "Are you still with your husband?"

A hint of regret flashed in her eyes and she nodded slowly. "Yes."

I chuckled, although nothing was amusing. It's taking a lot of willpower for me not to lunge across this room and put my hands on her. "My child lost her life in vain basically. You felt the need to play peek a boo on the damn high way with your no good ass husband and cost an innocent person their life and for what when you're still with him? I should sue your ass. No, as a matter of fact, I am gonna sue y'all asses."

"Melrose, I don't think that's necessary. We have money if that's what you want. Just tell me your price and I'll get it for you."

I frowned, staring at her through slit eyes. "Are you crazy or stupid? I don't want your money. Money won't bring her back. My daughter is priceless. She's worth more than that and for you to even make that suggestion proves you have no heart. I think you better leave, now!"

"I'm so sorry." She mumbled, turning to leave.

"Don't be sorry, be cautious." I warned. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes held remorse but it didn't move me. Once she was out of sight, I closed down for the day because I knew my mind wasn't in the right space to handle any customers. Sitting on the floor, I held my head in my hands and let it all out. Everything I feel right now--anger, sadness, helpless, hopeless, broken down--I felt every bit of conflicted and there isn't a damn thing I can do but cry. Cry until there aren't anymore tears left. And that's exactly what I did.