chapter 10

Rita’s story

This week had passed so quickly. My walking abilities have improved. I am so happy that I can finally walk without support. Well, not all the time anyway.

This past week was so interesting. I got so close to Miron Hauser and I felt that he did too. I have reached the point where I can feel I can tell him everything.

Today he invited Annabelle to help me get ready for the ball. He left early this morning to finish his last rehearsal and told me he should come pick me up at 7 PM.

-          I can see you are nervous, Miss Rita! Am I right?

-          A little Annabelle. I have never been to such a formal gathering until now or at least I don’t remember.

-          Don’t you worry Miron will be there with you.

-          Are you going to come with us?

-          I am, but with my date.

-          You are bringing a date? It’s nice.

-          Well, he is not a date...date. He is more like a close friend. He’s name is Peter.

-          Miron’s best friend? That Peter?

-          You know him?

-          Only through Miron’s words I’m afraid. But I will meet him at the ball.

-          He is a nice guy, you will see. Now, let me help you get ready. You have to literally glow!

-          That formal is this event?

-          More than you think. And whatever you do, stay close to me or Miron! They are like sharks and you are a beautiful woman. I don’t want anything happen to you, ok?

-          I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.

-          Ok, first the hair.

Three hours passed until Annabelle was done. Too bad I cannot see myself in the mirror. I mean I can see shadows but not my reflection. I guess Miron will be my mirror. In this time Annabelle fixed my hair into curls and lifted it up, letting a few strains framing my face. About the makeup she told me that I have red lipstick and dark nude with black mascara around my eyes. A little blush and I were ready to go!

-          You are so beautiful Miss Rita. Miron will like it!

-          Thank you so much Belle. You were of great help.

-          Now the dress!

-          It’s on the hanger in the drawer.

-          Oh, it is so... like a princess’s dress!

-          Miron choose it for me.

-          He has good tastes. Don’t tell him I said that.

-          Deal!

We laughed a little. I feel Annabelle a little withdrawn. Like she is not the person I met a year ago. She rarely visited me recently. I wonder what is wrong with her.

She helped me dress up and put on my high heels. A wave of flower and vanilla perfume and I was ready.

-          It is almost 7 o’clock. I will call Miron to tell him you are ready.

-          What about you?

-          Don’t worry about me. I will be ready in a few minutes. Peter is the problem, so I am sure we will arrive a little late than scheduled. We will meet you guys there for certain!

-          Ok, but hurry up. I want you there with me.

-          Don’t worry, we will be. Now let me lead you to the living room where you can wait for your Prince Charming.

I certainly blushed a little as I was feeling my cheeks on fire. Waiting for him was endless. I know it is already 7 o’clock and this is the time he said he would be here to pick me up. But the anticipation of all what was about to happen, him opening the door, seeing me in his house all dressed up waiting for him makes my heart go wild with panic.

Now I am almost certain that I will walk next to the great maestro into the dance ball room. Hand in hand with the one I admire since…forever. Not one hundred percent sure but almost there.

A car stopped in front of the house. The engine died and I heard the car door closing. Miron’s determined steps were getting closer and closer. I had my heart in my throat and problems breathing properly. The front door opened and I could distinguish a handsome man framing it, staring at me. I couldn’t look away nor make eye contact with him. What I know for sure was his massive body, standing there wordless. A couple of minutes have passed until Miron finally spoke.

-          Sunshine, you are so beautiful!

Miron’s story

The most beautiful view I had right in front of my eyes. She was tall, goddess, elegant, feminine. My gaze couldn’t turn away from her. She knows she is beautiful by the way she stands, chin up, trying to figure me out. Her long dress, took the perfect shape of her body, tracing in its path those delicious curves. I just cannot take my eyes of her. The gown was stunning as the lady wearing it. Black and red the perfect colors for the perfect woman. She was like an angel descended from heaven, making my humanly world one of magic.

I don’t know for how long I stayed there still, motionless, without being able to articulate one single word. I approached her with timid steps, for the first time in my life having my heart in my throat, beginning to race frantically.  The awkwardness of our encounter became warmer and little by little I took courage to speak.

-          We should go Miss Rita!

I stretched my arm for her to take it. I shivered at her electrifying touch not wanting to hide anymore the way she was making me feel.  Letting the obvious for everyone to see, including her, does not make me weak. It makes me a sensitive man, and if it is this what it takes to get to Rita’s heart, so be it!

-          I must thank you kind man for coming picking me up.

A shy smile appeared in the corners of her lips. God, how I love that smile! I returned the favor heading for the door with Miss Rita hanging on my arm. Her grip is so firm that I could guess what she has are emotions for going to such an event. Maybe she is not used to so many celebrities in one place. Nevertheless I want her to know that I will be there if she needs support.

-          Miss Rita, I know that maybe you feel a little uncomfortable with what is about to happen but I want you to realize that I will not leave your side.

-          Again thank you for your concern. I understand that sometime after midnight you will perform.

-          Yes I will. Want to know something?

-          Yes…

-          I feel nervous, really. Especially because you will be there seeing me. Even now after all this time you would say I shouldn’t be but I still am…

-          No way Mr. Hauser! You cannot be nervous.

-          Why not?

-          If you are nervous, who is going to encourage me?

We both laugh so hard that my car became like our refuge, our escape from the outside world.  A few moments of silence have taken over the car. With the corner of my eye I was admiring her from time to time. She was looking out the window like she was gazing at her future. Of what is to come next. I had to encourage her as she said.

-          Don’t worry Miss Rita, everything will be fine. With you being there, with my performance and with all this important night.

-          I know. And this is a great cause. It is for the children. And Annabelle will be there, so I will be ok. Did you know she will come with your friend Peter?

-          No way! Really?

-          Yes, she told me this afternoon. I think there is something going on with them.

-          You think so?

-          I hope so…

-          And why is that?

-          Well…I don’t know if you noticed something in Belle.

-          Like what?

-          Oh, come on! It is so obvious when you are around.

-          Don’t tell me…no…

-          Yes. A woman knows these things. She has a crush on you Mr. Hauser.

I was looking at her in disbelief. How I didn’t realize this? Now if I am thinking of Annabelle’s visits to the house they were a little bit out of place. She was kind of withdrawn lately. And when I was around she was like on silent mode.

-          I don’t know Annabelle used to talk a lot…but lately…

-          See, that is what I am talking about. I have watched your relation with her. At first she was talkative, sociable. She used to make jokes around you, but now she has changed. I know I am right!

-          Now I am even more nervous.

-          Oh, come on, I will be there for you so you don’t feel overwhelmed by beautiful women.

I don’t know why but I am sure I have noticed a slight trace of jealousy in her voice. And that could only make me happy because if there is a woman that I want to fall for me is the one in this car.

In about fifteen long minutes we arrived at our destination. It is damn hard to be with Miss Rita into a so tiny place like my car, looking at her, admiring her perfect beauty, tracing every line of her body, feeling her presence so into me, getting literally drunk with her floral vanilla scent, breathing her and not being able to touch her, caress her, make her see that she is the only one, not feeling threatened by other women. There are no other women.

-          We are here, Miss Rita!

-          Already? Now I can’t control my heart.

-          Just breathe and wait for me to come take your hand, ok?

-          Ok.

Rita’s story

I feel just like Cinderella coming to the ball but along with the prince by her side. This is ridiculous. I know that in my life I must have been invited to such parties. Being a fashion designer and an event organizer I know I planned such gatherings in the past. Then why am I so nervous? Maybe is not the party itself but the man next to whom I will spend this evening?

-          Come Miss Rita!

A large comfy hand grabs mine helping me getting out of the car. My heart beats like drums out of control. “Calm down Rita! It is only one night.”

-          Thank you my good man!

-          You better stop teasing me like this or I will start to think you are really nervous.

-          I am not teasing you but I am really nervous…

-          Ok, we will make a pact!

-          What kind of a pact?

-          Every time you feel like losing control, or if you can deal with your emotions look for me and grab my hand.

-          Can we do that?

-          Do what? Grabbing hands?

-          You know, maybe people will start to believe something is not…

-          Don’t you worry about the people or the tabloids for that matter, I surely will not.

-          Ok, if you are so certain is going to be ok and no harm to your image…

-          Sunshine, now you are part of my image. And if people want to gossip let’s get them something to talk about.

I couldn’t believe my ears. Miroh Hauser does not give a damn about what people would say. He wants to be with me in a place with so much heaviness and history. I got to my tiptoes and plant a quick kiss on his warm cheek. He did not see that coming.

-          What was that for?

-          For your confidence in me!

He then took my arm and guides me to the main entrance. I also distinguished an elegant arcade framing the front entrance and we are about to pass through it. At Miron Hauser’s arm, confident, chin up but then I could feel all eyes on us, especially on me. Even the question “who could that be on Mr Hauser’s arm?” I am beginning to lose the strength in my legs, being so unstable. But then I strong grip reassures me that he will be with me the entire time. My knight surely in shining armour makes way through the crowd, greeting everyone, until we stopped at a table. With care he helped me take my seat.

-          We survived!

-          We sure did Miss Rita! Later I will want to introduce you to some of my friends, if it is ok with you.

-          Of course!

-          Great! Now we will wait for Annabelle with her Peter.

He did smile a bit at saying that. It was a surprise for him as it was for me.

-          You still can’t believe it, do you?

-          Well, Peter was so secretive about it, so…

-          Belle too!

-          There they are. Peter, over here!

Peter comes with noise embracing his friend like he hasn’t seen him in ages.

-          Hello Miss Rita!

-          Hello Annabelle! Please, join us!

-          My dear friend Miron, is this the deity you saved from that accident?

Awkward silence filled the table. It’s been almost an year but the memories of that accident were still a blur. My memory was almost restored, but my mind refuses to remember what really happened that night. It was like a self-defence mechanism of my system not wanting to overload. In this past year I have tried to put my mind on ease. Blocking everything bad that could harm me. That is why we never spoke about that accident after Miron told me that maybe it was not that of an accident, but more likely premeditated. I tried to figure out who would want me dead but when I had neither evidence nor answers I gave up and decided to crawl myself into a safety bubble. Miron left me there as he realised it was my choice and my way of coping with my grief and sorrow. But that has to stop tonight.

-          Peter…

-          No, it’s ok Miron! I’m ok. Besides he is right. You did save my life.

-          But Miss Rita…

-          No buts. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be here standing telling all of you my story. Miron saved my life and I will be always very grateful to him.

-          Too bad he was not there in time to save her too!

Annabelle’s comment left me speechless. What was she talking about? I could sense Miron’s anxiety.

-          Miron? What is Belle talking about?

-          Miss Rita...

In the shadows I saw Miron throwing Annabelle looks of fire.

-          I meant that he was not there in time to save your…memory, right Miron?

-          Right…and …I am sorry for that…

-          It is ok Miron, you did your best…

If they have the impression they can fool me they are so wrong. There is something more about this accident story, besides someone wanting to kill me. I will be patient and find out. All of the sudden a tall blond haired men approached our table.

-          If it isn’t Miron Hauser!

-          Alex? Alexander James? Is it really you? My God man, how long has is passed?

-          Too long my friend! Come here!

Miron left the table just a few inches from me greeting the man that just came. His aura was so intriguing to me. It was a mix of best friend and a Casanova.

-          Who is this lovely creature Miron?

I felt this man’s eyes on me this time. It was chilling but not disturbing.

-          I want you to meet Miss Rita Sinclair. Miss Rita, this is one of my few men of trust, Alexander James, a becoming entrepreneur.

-          Actually I help young talents pick their paths in life. With all that involves. Really nice to meet you princess! And trust me, the pleasure is all mine!

Taking my hand into his he plants a small kiss on my palm, as a sign of respect. Miron doesn’t seem to think so.

-          Nice to meet you too Mr James.

-          Call me Alex, please. May I take a seat next to you?

-          Sure…

I was not that sure when I sensed Miron’s icy cold gaze on his friend. Was that jealousy? And what if it was? We are not an item or something like that. Still, I do understand his cold attitude towards this situation. Honestly I was too if the roles were reversed. In the middle of this weird behaviour, I tried to make conversation

-          How exactly do you help young talents Mr James?

-          Alex, please! Well, let’s take for example a fashion designer. I would help him or her look for a place to start the business and all the paperwork.

-          Wow, stunning!

-          Indeed…

-          Oh, what a beautiful music. May I have this dance Mr James?

Annabelle’s voice cut right through the silence just when I was out of words. Does she know this Alex James? This was another mystery of my life among all others.

-          Of course, Miss…

-          Annabelle, but you can call me Belle!

-          Ok, Miss Belle, after you!

The story through Annabelle’s eyes

-          What a hell do you think you are doing, you moron?

-          What? And keep your voice down!

-          You were supposed to court her, not to expose yourself!

-          What do you mean by that Belle?

-          It is simple you dry had! How could you take for example the help that you give fashion designers? She is one of them.

-          I know that is why…

-          She cannot find out you know stuff about her. What I have told you, you have to use as a weapon to attract her, keep her away from my Miron, not to make her questioning how can you possibly know all that?

-          I understand, I did not realise I messed up. I am sorry.

-          This better be your last mistake!

-          Understood!

-          And stop coming so close to me we don’t want anyone to know we have a history. Now get back to the table and make yourself useful until I find the right moment to make her suffer and break her down permanently. Gain her trust so she can have a support went all of her world comes crushing down on her.

Miron’s story

            Being witness at Alex’s attempt to get closer to Miss Rita it kind of shook my world. I cannot imagine someone else with her. They can talk alright, so why am I so damn jealous about it?

And since when Annabelle knows Alex?

-          Oh, you are back. I did not know you knew each other! Care to explain Belle?

-          Well Miron, we actually do, but from high school. I guess Alex here had eyes only for Miss Rita and did not notice me, is that right Alex?

Now that is a statement I could go crazy about. “Be careful what you are about to answer my dear lost friend!” I hear this threat screaming inside my head.

-          What can I say, her beauty blinded me!

I narrowed my eyes at his statement but still focused on Alex’s words. My rage was at its peak. I just couldn’t help it feeling anger when someone refers to Miss Rita the way Alex does. But still I try my best not to let my beast come to surface. Alex is one of best friends and who knows if these things go the way I planned, if the destiny is on my side and not playing tricks on me he could be also my best man.

-          Miron, it is almost midnight, you have to perform.

Peter’s voice woke me up from my trance and reality strikes in.

-          You are right. I am letting Miss Rita in your care.

-          Don’t you worry about me, I am a big girl I can take care of myself.

-          See you after the performance.

-          Go get them, tiger!

As my final act I glanced at Peter with my “what a hell” look. A wide crooked smile appeared across his face. As I was heading towards the stage I could catch with the corner of my eye the stupid smile on Alex’s face gazing at Miss Rita. To my peace she did not paid attention to him, but tracing my way to the stage. Her hot look was like embracing me from the back, comforting me before my performance.

With confidence I took my place in front of all the people, many of them my friends. I am still nervous after all these years when I perform. One would say that with my experience I shouldn’t be emotional but with all these eyes on me it is difficult. Especially now that one particular pair of eyes are watching me with admiration, Rita’s.

Rita’s story

I was mesmerized and literally blown away by his talent. By just looking toward the stage I could sense Miron’s emotions reaching maximum rates. And while I stood there, admiring him and his talent, my view cleared itself all of the sudden. Everything around me took shape and colour and people had faces, real faces and smiles. I was trying to calm myself down, not letting those around me that something is wrong. Actually there isn’t, this is all good. I can see again!

The first thing I did was to look up the stage right in Miron’s direction. It was like my eyes wanted to see what my heart and soul already knew. The shock was tremendous. All of Miron Hauser’s photos from the magazines came to mind his angelic face, his big posture and his soft and kind eyes. Every time I have looked and read the tabloids, saw Miron in his splendour during his shows. Definitely the great Miron Hauser was on that stage.

I was starting to panic. At first, when we’ve met I did not believe when he said who he was. But as the time went by I was beginning to trust him. I touched his face in an attempt to figure out his features. So maybe to be sure I was not leaving a lie. Bu the time I got to this event I had my doubts. But now I realise he was sincere. He was truthful to me. He never lied. I was the one not to trust him.

The guilt was so painful that I just wanted to escape. In a second I vanished from the party right to some upper stairs into an elegant balcony where for the first time I could see the moon. I was happy like a child receiving candy. I was delighted with its magical unreal breath taking beauty, when Annabelle startled me from the back.

-          Miss Rita!

-          My God Belle, you scared me.

-          I am sorry. Is everything ok?

I just felt like for now nobody should know that my vision has returned completely before Miron does. It was like his right to find out first. He gained that right the night he saved my life.

-          Everything is fine I just needed some air that is all!

-          I am glad you are ok, especially…

Annabelle paused on purpose. Now she intrigued me more.

-          Especially what?

-          It’s nothing Miss Rita. I don’t want to spoil your night.

I wonder what could possibly ruin my happiness right about now. I just regained completely my sight.

-          Belle, if you have something to say to me, or if you need some advice, feel free to ask me, please!

-          Actually it is about you!

-          What is it about me?

My heart was pounding in my chest that if you could look closely you might see it.

-          Belle, please….

-          Miss Rita, look, I am only telling you this because you deserve to know, to have a closure…

-          A closure of what?

-          Of what happened that fatidic night.

-          Fatidic? I don’t understand. I am alive I am here, talking to you…

-          Yes you are, but your little sister isn’t!

My head was spinning so hard that I almost lost my balance. I was swinging from one leg to another trying to cope with what I just heard. But it was impossible. The pain and regret were so vivid. The thought that I was the only ignorant in all this almost made me go insane. Or was the only one? Now all is clear, even who the young girl, Pamela, I was dreaming about was.

-          Did Miron know?

-          Miss Rita…

-          Did he know?

I snapped at her so hard that I saw her freezing on the spot. I did not know I could have that much anger in me rising in my throat. Being just a messenger, I took a deep breath just to steady my nerves. Belle was not the one to blame. She is revealing something Miron Hauser should.

-          I am sorry, Belle!

-          It’s ok Miss Rita. I understand your anger. And yes, he did …

I saw Belle lowering her head in defeat. I just wish I could do the same and run as fast as I can from here. How in the world was I supposed to handle this? Only one question, why? Why the accident? Why my little sister had to die? Why Moron lied to me? There are so many questions and no answers. It was just sorrow and grief and fury, pure fury on the man who was supposed to protect you, to heal you and maybe God knows who love you.

Suddenly I saw black in front of me. Not because I had trouble with my eyes but because the pain in my heart was killing me. I crouched almost kneeling for a moment that in that very second I started to run without looking back.

-          Miss Rita!

I could hear Annabelle’s voice in the distance, shouting my name. I couldn’t stop I did not wanted to. Traces of my falling tears were like letting my wounded soul left behind. I still don’t know how I managed to run through all those people without Miron seeing me. I saw Annabelle with the corner of my eye trying to calm Miron down, like she was helping me as an accomplice to escape. 

I don’t know for how long I ran or where was I. There was a forest in front of the mansion where the party took place. I just hid in it waiting, crying alone on a bench. Suddenly a noise reaches me through the chilly wind. I sharpened my senses. I could feel all my blood rushing from my head, making me unable to move. Panic settles in also adrenaline.

-          Who’s there?

-          Don’t be scared, it is only me.

I stand on my feet just to welcome Alexander James, Miron’s friend the only one that didn’t relate to this whole story. As by instinct I rushed into his arms. I really felt secure.

-          It’s ok Rita, you can cry

From the moment he said that, millions of sobs of pain escape my throat. I was letting myself go in his arms not caring that I have only met this man. But he was the only man I could trust right now.

-          What happened that made you cry and run like this?

-          Has anyone seen me?

-          By anyone are you referring to Miron?

Just hearing his name caused me so much pain. I tightened my embrace around Alex and he responded the same way. It was a gesture full of empathy. There was no passion or hidden staff in his embrace. It was just a friendly one. On offer of peace and trust that real people that want to help still exist.

-          Yes I am!

-          Then no, he did not see you, you can relax.

-          Alex…

-          Tell me…

-          Take me away from this place!

-          Consider it done.

We took a few turns until his sport car was in sight. Like a gentleman he opened the door for me letting me in. Miron used to do the same thing. “Stop thinking about him Rita! He lied to me in the worst kind of way”.

Full speed ahead and we got lost in the dark, just like my thoughts were lost. Just like the world as I knew it collapsed after the biggest earthquake ever.

Miron’s story

-          Annabelle, where is Miss Rita?

-          I don’t know Miron, something really bed happened…

-          What the hell happened? Speak!

-          Calm down please…

-          Don’t tell me to be calm, Rita is missing so speak!

I did not even realized that I placed my hand on Annabelle’s shoulders squeezing a little hard, until Peter came into the scene.

-          Hold your horses’ bro you are hurting her. Let her go…

I stepped back a few steps realising what I just did. Annabelle’s eyes were filled with confusion.

-          I am sorry Belle, I am not like that, I just don’t know where she is and…forgive me…

-          It is ok, don’t worry. Anyway, in her despair she told me she found out about her sister and how she died…

-          She found out what?

-          Easy there my friend…

Peter was once again ready to interfere if I went wild. I reassured him I am fine. 

-          Are you sure? Have you asked her how she could possibly knew that?

-          I did not get the chance Miron she just stormed out the balcony and then the party.

I turn desperate to Peter who was still looking for her with he’s worried gaze.

-          My friend I haven’t seen her man…

-          Where could she be? Have you checked the lady’s room Belle?

-          That was the first place I looked Miron, I am sorry…

I stood on a ground that was shaking so hard under my feet. Loosing balance or control was not an option. I had to be lucid to use my head in finding her.

-          I’ll go check outside!

-          I am coming with you bro…

I stepped out in the chilly night looking all over. But Rita was nowhere to be found. Panic and uncertainty begin to settle. I felt so hopeless not knowing where she could be. What is she is cold? What if she is in danger?

-          Miss Rita! Miss Rita where are you? Stop messing around…

-          Miss! Please Miss you have to answer us...

-          This is hopeless Peter, we will never find her. She is gone! And I am wondering why, God damn it!

We spent two straight hours looking and shouting. No response though. Eventually Peter woke me up to my painful reality. We had to stop.

-          Miron, there is no way we can track her down at this hour. We should come back tomorrow. We should get back saying our goodbyes.

-          By the way, where is Alex?

-          That is a good question. I haven’t seen him since Miss Rita disappeared.

-          I think I might have an idea where Miss Rita could be…