Bittersweet

One

*13 months ago*

“What a shit of a weather.” Said Ana and pointed to the window. It was raining outside. The trees moved to the rhythm of the cold wind.

“Yeah, typical autumn. I’m absolutely sure I’ll have a killer headache.” I complained.

“Aren’t you a hypochondriac?” She laughed.

“I’m not! I only assume that I’ll feel bad, what’s wrong with it?”

“Hey, don’t freak out!” She put her hands to her chest to “keep me away”. “Don’t you need a painkiller? You look horrible.”

“Uh, sorry, I’m just a bit stressed out because of my dad. He keeps working 24/7 and it terrifies me.” I wiped my eyes. I suddenly felt extra tired.

“He only wants the best for you, Alice. Don’t be afraid, it will be over soon. He just wants to make sure you’ll be fine, okay?” She caressed me reassuringly.

“Okay. Thanks, Ana. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I yawned.

“Neither do I. Now get some sleep. I’ll take you a cup of green tea.” She whispered. 

“It’s really nice from you. If you need anything, just get it.” I said and fell asleep instantly.

2 hours later, I woke up to the sound of the closing door. I stretched myself out, and yawned faintly. I wonder if it’s my dad or only my fantasy. I’m used to think daddy’s home. It started when I was a little kid. We lived like a proper family; we went on trips, had meals together and watched Disney movies. When mom died, he lost his faith in himself and started to think he’s nobody without her. He had a nervous breakdown, but recovered quite quickly. He was obsessed with his job, which was leading his own publisher company. Soon, his career started to upsweep. He completely neglected me. Later, when everything seemed to be fine, he cared about me. We even went shopping together. But now… He only cares about his freaking job, and I’m forced to do everything on my own. I faded away in his eyes. However, I can do nothing with it. Someday, I’ll get used to it.

I was walking down the stairs when I met my father’s cold gaze.

“Hello sweetie.” He welcomed me with a small sneer, and put down his bags.

“Hi dad. How is work going?” I asked him politely.

“Well.” He answered shortly. “I think I’ll have a shower and sleep.”

“Okay, but you haven’t even eaten yet, and it’s only five.” I frowned.

“I’ll eat in the morning.” He walked into the bathroom.

“Have a lovely nap.” I whispered disappointedly.

I walked upstairs and changed my flimsy clothes into a red sweater and a pair of dark skinny jeans. I combed my hair and put some mascara on. The weather was angry all day in Washington. When I got outside from our detached house – I used the backdoor -, raindrops wrapped my bare skin and my clothes, so I took my umbrella and sauntered down the street. The dark clouds towered over my tiny stature as a giant.  I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I just needed to get out of this mess.

I sight a tall shining building – the mall. I decided to go inside, buy some clothes and drink a coffee. Some people stared at me like I was an alien, I don’t know why. Maybe because I was alone. I left it out of consideration. Ignorance is the best way to not be affected by the others opinion. Although I tried to seem confident, I was embarrassed as well.

I stopped at a storefront where I saw a beautiful bracelet. It was a simple one. The chain was thin and silver, just like the small medal around it. It was a heart with nice Swarovski crystals, which was placed in a Tiffany & Co box. It must cost a fortune. I refused to go in the store, so I didn’t have to deal with the heartbreak of losing something you didn’t even get.

After an hour of searching I returned with a simple middle-length white dress and a handbag, which was white as well. I was happy with the dress, because fortunately I can wear something fancy for Christmas. At last!

With a latte in my hands I went out of the still crowded building. I saw a big circle of people. Maybe they were watching somebody or something. Then I heard it. A male voice was singing a popular song with guitar accompaniment.

He had such a voice of an angel.

“Oh, look! He’s so talented!” A girl said and she dragged her boyfriend into the circle.

I walked there too. I barely saw anything because there were many people around him. I only heard his sound and then loud claps. I couldn’t help it; I smiled widely and clapped. The crowd scattered, so I could see him. He had long brown hair, flawless skin, and skinny but still muscular body. He had a knitted sweater and a pair of worn black jeans on. A hat lied beside him, which was full of banknotes. He didn’t notice me, because he was packing his stuffs. When I slid some money in the hat, he looked up to me with shining, jade eyes.

“Hey.” He said friendly. “First of all, thank you for that. How are you doing?” I was a bit shocked; I didn’t expect him to talk to me. He was really matter-of-course.

“Hello. You’re welcome.” I replied. “You’re awesome. How did you manage to get a voice like this?” I laughed a bit.

“Ask my parents.” He said and stood up. “Aren’t you cold?” He pointed to my red sweater.

“I’m not.” I lied. There were goose bumps all over my skin. “Aren’t you?”

“I’m a man. Men don’t freeze in the October chill.”

“Oh, I get it.” I said sarcastically.

“Where do you live?” He asked, looking into my eyes.

“A few roads down.” I answered not breaking the eye contact. His irises held so many secrets, I could see.

“I can accompany you, if you want to. It’s getting dark, and you’re a tiny girl.” He offered me teasingly.

“I’m not! I used to do karate when I was nine.” I fought back.

“You’re still a shorty.” He grinned.

“Alright. I’m a ‘shorty’, so you can accompany me.” I giggled.