Feb 14th...
It was a Thursday. The day was colder than any other and the sun did not shine even for a bit. It was as if the sun was no longer there. The sky only brought gloomy ice cold rain. A lonely day was the only way one would describe it.
Chikondi stared up into the sky and watched the rain drops fall to the earth. She was so lost in thought, not knowing what to expect from the day. After all, today was supposed to be the day she meets the love of her life and begin to build a lasting relationship with him... but the day seemed to say otherwise. Or maybe she was just putting too much thought, after all, the day isn't over yet.
Maxwell came out the glass door with a gloomy face. They were at the Post Office, Maxwell had to urgently pick something up before they're date could officially begin. Knowing how awkwardly early closing hours are during this time, Chikondi could totally understand why he insisted on visiting the post office first.
'Damn... I'm really sorry Chiko, if I know it was going to rain I wouldn't have insisted on us coming here first.'
Chikondi could see that Maxwell was really beating himself for this. In truth, this was his first actual date. Well... Not technically. He has had many other dates but none of them felt as important or frightening as this one, and to him, it was as though he messed it up even before it began.
'No...its alright, don't worry about it. You can never know when such things happen. After all, what's a little rain right?' Chikondi gave a vibrant smile, trying to lighten the mood.
'By the way, did you manage to pick up what you came for?'
Max gave a heavy sigh. That was enough to send the message.
'No... Apparently the package will come in later today.'
'Oh... I'm really sorry.'
'Its okay... They can have it sent to my house once its in. Seems the post office is also going through some maintenance, so they put in free delivery for a week or two as compensation for any convince.'
'Oh! Then that should be good at least right?'
'Yes... I guess so... '
'What's wrong Max?'
Max didn't seem happy about this new development. It was as though it made no difference to him. Was that package that important to him? What was even in it? Chiko could only wonder.
A silence visited the two for a moment, perhaps a few seconds, as Max lost himself in thought and Chiko waited for her pending response. The tension was broken by a heavy sigh from Maxwell.
' (sigh) don't worry about it... Its nothing Chiko.'
'You sure?'
Max smiled warmly as he locked his hand into hers.
'Very sure, I'll just make another plan. Our day can't be ruined be something as trivial as this.... Today is to important for that.'
There was a power in Max's voice, a calm that seemed to forget all the current trials and just keep going. Chikondi smiled back, her heart at peace, even for a little while.
'Yeah, you're right... Come on, let's go. I'm sure Mercy and Frank are waiting for us.'
Hand in hand, the two walked to the car, the valiant steed that would take them away to the place where their dream will come to be.
Tick tock, the watch clicked with the impatient taps of Mercy's feet. Like an angry mother, Mercy stood outside Crystal Berry, waiting for Maxwell and Chikondi, her head fuming. She paced to and fro, with a monstrous face and a glare that could frighten any giant. For those unfortunate to cross paths with her, even by accident, she spared no vilification. Her victims were left scared, some now dreading angry pacing women in blue dresses.
