The Pool Boy

Princess. (28th Chapter)

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Melody's POV:

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She asks politely, yet curiously: “Yes, how may I help you?” Her voice is dripping from innocence and sincerity, with a pinch of a lost feeling. Her wide eyes scan my figure, as she admires how I look like. “(I clear my throat) Good morning. I’m here with a delivery for Miss Anne Cox.” 

I couldn’t just tell her: Hi I’m your son’s boss, and I flew all the way here to give you money and see what you need to be financially relaxed. Oh and am I sort of dating him. As honest as that sounds, it isn’t healthy to state. “Delivery? From whom, child?”

 I flash a smile on the word ‘child’ and I reply: “Could I come in? It’s freezing here.”She smiles and lets me in. The house is tidy, even though the interior is old. By old I mean: the furniture, the paint and the flooring.

She guides me to the living room, as we both sit down. “Could I get you anything, child? A cup of tea, coffee, water?” I shake my head and reply: “No thank you. Its kind of you to offer, really.” She seems to relax for my presence, and so do I at hers.

She’s really kind and down to earth; I wish someday I’d reach to her level of purity. “I am here to deliver you an amount of money. My … (I pause to think of a good cover, then speak) boss sent me to deliver them personally to you. Its much safer and faster this way.” She furrows her eyebrows, but nods slowly. “Who’s your boss? Do I know him/her? Is he/her American like yourself, child?” I really like her referring word ‘child’ to me; it makes me feel like I’m a part of the family.

“Actually, he’s from here. He told me to keep it private about his identity, but he made sure that I give you all what you need from cash expenses.” She thinks for a moment, and then her eyes widen at a suspect. “(She whispers optimistically, yet sadly at the same time) Is it Harold?” 

Harold? Wait so Harry’s real name is Harold? Wow, I didn’t even know about this, and he’s the one living with me. “Um… I’d rather not talk about the identity. Let’s just say it’s a person with good intention and care.” She seems to find the approval of her suspicions from my hesitant words, and her smile grows.

“How is he? Do you know where he is? Is he okay?” She asks so many questions at the same time, that I get confused from the amount. I decide to deviate the subject, as I reach for my checkbook from my purse. I take a pen out and sign my name on the check, then tearing the paper to hand to Anne. 

“(I hand her the pen and the check) Fill the number that you please, and I beg you not to hesitate about the amount. He really wants you to have as much as you need.” She places the pen and check at the counter, and looks at me with teary eyes. “I just want to see him, that’s all.” I take the pen and write down a huge number with endless zeros. I scoot closer to her, and I place my arm on her back, rubbing it softly.

“He’s fine, trust me. He just wants you to be happy. You know? He worries about you everyday, and trust me he’s working hard for your sake.” She surprises me by embracing me, as her sobs dwell off. “Here, (I hand her the check and her eyes wide at the number) I hope this is enough for now.”

 She expresses loudly: “For now? This is enough for a lifetime!” I sigh happily, and I stand up to leave. “Wait! Could I at least know your name?”If Harry contacts his mother at anytime and she mentions my name, he’ll be furious.

I think to myself and then smile at the idea that just popped: “Just call me, princess.” I write my number down on the address book beside her telephone, and I leave before my tears start to cascade from happiness. This is for you Harry… this is for you.