chapter 10

Miron’s story

            One month has passed and still no sign on Miss Rita. It was like she vanished from the face of the Earth. I wonder how come I never in these thirty days I haven’t crossed my eyes with hers. Not even my events are that important anymore. I actually cancelled a few.

            The first time in my entire life I feel my house too big to stay in it. I miss her laughter and the way she made me feel during morning coffee. Well this morning is no difference.

-          Stop pacing up and down the kitchen. You will make me dizzy!

-          I can’t help myself Peter. Any news from her?

-          Nope, sorry man!

-          For the love of God where could she be?

Suddenly an idea popped in my head. Mrs Gloria Smith. I still have her contacts. She has been around these places for a long time. Maybe she knows something about Miss Rita’s whereabouts. I have been in touch with her lately and maybe she knows something.

-          I know, I should call Mrs Smith.

-          Who is Mrs Smith?

-          I met her a year ago when Miss Rita had the accident. She was in the hospital saying goodbye to her sun.

-          Oh man…

-          Yes, he died that night. I gave her my visit card but she never called back. Instead, I reached for her. I just wanted to make sure she was all right.

-          Was she?

-          Not so fine but she hung in there, her and her husband Paul. I should get in touch with them again and soon.

Another hour passed and by the time, I checked my e-mails I was wandering what a hell I was still doing at home. I pulled out my phone and dialled Mrs Smith number. At the second ring, she answered.

-          Yes?

-          Mrs Smith?

-          Yet it is I…who is this?

-          I hope you still remember me, I am Miron Hauser, the…

-          Oh son, I know who you are. The entire planet knows.

A cute chuckle came from Mrs Smith from the other side of the phone. Slightly I did the same.

-          Is everything all right my son?

-          Unfortunately no…

-          What happened?

-          I need to talk to you but not over the phone. Is it ok if I came over?

-          Sure you can come. I will give you my address.

-          I already know it you remember I did visit you once, a long time ago actually?

-          You are right then if you have some spare time I wait for you right about now?

-          That sounds like a plan. I’ll be there in ten.

-          I will be waiting.

With those final words, I hung up my cell phone. There was still sorrow in that woman’s voice. I hope she remembers Miss Rita. As I said in ten minutes I was at her house, ringing the doorbell. At the second ring a middle-aged woman but with too much grey hair answered. A wide smile appeared on her face when seeing me framing her front door.

-          Welcome young man please do come in!

-          Thank you, it is nice to see you too.

-          Follow me into the kitchen…

The first thing that hit me there was the scent, her scent. The unmistakable vanilla flavour, the one and only that drives my senses go wild. I cannot be wrong…

-          Was someone here, Mrs Smith?

I could see her anxiety when asking that question. She slipped into her chair nervously until she met my narrowed gaze. She had trouble answering me this I know she does.

-          What do you mean?

-          This vanilla scent that I am sensing it resembles Miss Rita’s.

-          Oh my child don’t raise your hopes up, she is not the only one with that scent you know?

-         

-          My niece was visiting me so…anyway, what brings you here? Wait, you already told me, Miss Rita…

-          You remember her…

-          Of course I do, it is the young woman you saved the night you met me. Although I have never seen her, you never stop talking about her, am I not right?

-          Still thinking at her…

-          You poor thing, you love her!

I did not want to admit the obvious but when someone else is saying it sounds like the greatest truth in the world. The most natural feeling that two people in love should experience.

-          I think I am…

-          But you are afraid to say it. You don’t have to. Love is the most beautiful part of our lives. We share it not because is necessary but because we feel free to do it. It is in our nature to give and receive love. Don’t you agree with me?

-          You know I am, but right now, I am a little worried…

-          You can’t find Miss Rita, right.

-          How did you know?

-          One doesn’t have to be a genius to figure this out. You are hurting. You came here and the first thing you observe was the vanilla perfume. Even if it isn’t hers you still asked. So, Miron Hauser, tell me what happened, how did you lose her?

-          I did not lose her she left in a hurry. Everything went so smooth, we had that charity event that I have every year, I was about to perform. Everything was just perfect she was standing there watching me. I even got nervous being the first time she would listen and all of the sudden she was gone. In about ten minutes, I saw her run away with a weasel at her trail…

-          Oh, jealousy, that can’t be good. Who was that weasel?

-          No one, just a man I helped once, big mistake.

-          Why, because he choose to help her now?

-          He is not helping her, he just…wait a minute, how did you know…

-          Miss Rita called me.

I was looking at her mouth moving but did not hear any words coming out. I stopped at “Miss Rita called me”. My thoughts were like having a life of their own.

-          What do you mean she called you? When? Why?

-          Calm a little. The thing goes that she felt so lonely and she contacted me. Maybe she found my address in your house.

-          Maybe you are right…

-          She told me who she was and that she needed some advice.

-          What kind of advice?

-          She wanted a place to stay. I helped her look for an apartment and now I can assure you she is fine.

-          Thank God at least for that.

-          So what will be your next move?

-          For now, I will let her be. Settle down and then I will look for her. First, I wish I had a little chat with that Alex, my very good friend.

My mocking tone was enough for Mrs Smith to grimace a worried face.

-          Please don’t tell me…

-          I tell you all right! I don’t believe in his unconditional help!

Rita’s story

In the last couple of days, I found myself an apartment with Gloria’s help and before that an office building for my business. It is not much but it is a start. The one thing I don’t like is that is near Miron’s studio. I might see him more often than I would like. However, I am ok with that. I shall see how things evolve. Until that day, I will go along with Alex to see my new home.

-          Are you nervous?

-          Of course I am. It is a little bit scary to be on my own after so much time depending on…

-          Miron Hauser!

Every time I hear his name, my heart skips a beat. Heat surrounds me like a prison, a sweet prison in which he is keeping me. There are days when my heart’s strings are so tight that I am having hard time breathing. I still have nightmares now and then but now they are different. I am always trying to see my sister’s face and to save her. However, at the end of my dream it is all the same. She dies, I live and I wake up screaming.

At Gloria’s I stayed for just one more week. After I fainted Alex offered himself to get me to the hospital. He happened to be near her house. Lately he had always been there close to me to help. Maybe it is a coincidence or maybe not but I actually don’t care as long as he is there. I got used to him by my side but only as my friend. He did try but I put barriers that he understood.

-          Rita, I must confess something to you.

-          What is it Alex?

Alex invited me to a nearby coffee shop before we go see my new place. It is select in here and I don’t really feel at ease.

-          A week ago, when you remembered something about your sister and you needed medical care.

-          I remember

-          I talked to Mrs Smith after I took you to the hospital. Miron Hauser was also to see Mrs Smith.

-          Oh my God, did she…

-          No, she remained silent. Moreover, she lied for you too. She told me she does not like to lie even if it is for you.

-          I understand, I will talk to her soon, I promise.

After only ten minutes of talk a tall men enters the coffee shop all too known for me. Large shoulders, wide smile, impeccable dressed, Miron Hauser accompanied by his friend Peter.  The floor is starting to shake and my whole being is shivering with anticipation. I hide myself behind the menu, childish thinking as Alex started to laugh.

-          What is wrong?

-          Don’t turn around!

-          Why, what’s the matter?

-          Miron just entered this place.

-          So?

-          What do you mean so?

I just can’t understand this man’s behaviour. Miron is twice in size than he is. In a one to one, Alex would have a lot to lose besides his teeth.

-          Oh, I get it you don’t want him to see us here.

-          You are so genius. Come on we have to leave, now!

I was just about to grab the knob of the front door, when a large warm too familiar hand stops me. My shoulder was already in fire.

-          Are you going somewhere?

I turn around forced by the heaviness of his palm, yet gentle. Face to face with the only man on Earth that makes my whole world shiver, I start to stumble not knowing what to say.

-          Alex?

This time his voice was rough, enraged. I was witnessing his unhidden jealousy.

-          Let’s go Rita!

-          Hmm, Rita you say…

My middle name on his lips the way he said it was full of sadness. He has never called me this way. Only “Miss Rita” he said, but not because he did not want to but out of respect. Suddenly I wish that Earth would just swallow me. Without any other words Alex grabs my arm and leads me out of the coffee shop. Miron’s eyes got so wide and full of disappointment. I have never seen him this way nor did I give him reasons to react like he did.

-          What the hell is wrong with you?

My rage was at its peak. How could he treat me like his possession in front of Miron?

-          What do you mean?

-          You know what I mean, you had no right to drag me out of this place the way you did!

-          I am sorry for caring for you! Rita, he was making a scene.

-          He wasn’t even talking! How could he make a scene when he was so stunned he saw me here with you?

-          Well that is his problem, not ours!

-          That is just enough. I will go by myself to my apartment.

-          Suit yourself…

I began to step up until Alex wasn’t in my sight anymore. It’s about time to handle this myself. I will support this man until he is done with the paperwork and after that each on his way.

Miron’s story

-          Have you seen her?

-          Yes I have but I did not notice anything out of the ordinary.

My blood was boiling in my veins. My head was spinning with the thought of his filthy hands all over Miss Rita.

-          He was touching her!

-          Miron, he just took her arm and drove her out of this place. There was no…touching…

-          Whatever!

-          Where are you going?

-          After them

-          Miron don’t…

I left my friend behind in the coffee shop and stepped out in the chilly evening. I raised my jacket collar and tried to find them. They were nowhere to be found. My mind was just starting to go insane. Peter must have cancelled our order because he was right beside me, lecture me.

-          Just leave her be, Miron! You are nothing to her just as she is nothing to you.

-          Now that is where you are so mistaken!

-          Enlighten me, please!

Peter was gazing at me with his big wonder eyes. I am not sure what kind of answer he is expecting from me. It is not as if I proposed her or something. However kissing Rita really meant the world to me. All I am hoping it did for her too.

-          What do you want to hear from me Peter? That I love her that I can’t see my life without her that I already kissed her and from that day on she is always inside my heart?

-          Oh, man! In that case, go get her!

-          I am not joking Peter!

-          Me neither!

Peter’s last words were as if a bullet has been fired right at me. I was starting a marathon with no turning back. I followed my instincts and her vanilla scent and after I crossed two streets, I have seen her. She was in a hurry like trying to escape from something or someone. Alex was not after her. That was a good sign because all I wanted was to have this conversation alone, just her and me.

I was not going to rush her, I just wanted to understand why this change of mood. Yesterday we were fine and today it was as if grey clouds descended leaving everything in darkness.

Rita’s story

With the tail of my eye I caught him following me. I was sure that storm was going to burst. With all that I know I can confront him, letting him know that hiding my sister’s death from me was not the smartest thing to do. I could forgive him anything and everything but only the thought that he had such a painful secret that belonged to me, and kept it that way, a secret. That was my life that he denied telling me about. So much sorrow and regret nestled in my poor heart that if he continues to follow me he would certainly wish that he hadn’t known me.

I am not a vindictive person but when it comes to my family, to the ones I love I become a beast. And when I think about it more, Miron belongs to the second category. Because yes now I can say I love him. It really hurts so much his way of handling this, his choosing to hide from me everything, because after his judgement, I couldn’t handle it.

In vain, I was trying to make him lose track of me. He is like a radar that spots me wherever I go. Nevertheless, I was like trying to give him a second chance. I had no choice then to confront him and where better than on my own battlefield and with my own weapons.  I even slowed down the pace so he could reach me. It was now or never.

I arrived at my new apartment that has also a front yard. I passed the gate and unlock my door, light up the living room just as I heard his hurried footsteps right after me. I let my door open like an invitation to a closure of our so called story.

-          That’s it! Why are you following me?

His eyes sparkled with so much rage that from hazel they become black as coal. For a moment I froze in place but then I figured that if someone has to be pissed off it has to be me. I took a step back hitting the wall. Miron came towering me with his massive body that once intimidated me when touching. Now it sends chills down my spine. I was trying to control my own rage. When was he about to speak I raised my hand in defence, blocking him to say a word.

-          On second thought, I should be the one talking! How could you? I trusted you and you betrayed everything nice we had. I trusted you with my memories, my life and what is my reward? In a few hours my world as I knew it shuddered in million pieces impossible to put them together again. So I am asking you why?

In shock, Miron was still standing in front of me. He was making an inhuman effort to sustain my furious gaze. I know he was trying to process all I have said but if he is not coming up with an answer and quickly I might think he is stalling time and that is not good for him.

-          Why aren’t you talking to me? Am I so damn unimportant that I am not worth talking to?

-          It’s not that, it is just….

-          Oh, I know, cat got your tongue now? You had the nerve to speak to me before, to tell me what is right and what is wrong in this fucked up life of mine. You had the nerve to wonder what I am doing with Alex.

-          Now wait just a minute…

-          You want to ask me how I know that. Well, you don’t have to be a magician to see your jealousy where it shouldn’t be. And on top of that it is not of your damn business how I leave my life from now on and with whom.

-          Well in that case be careful that people might put labels based on what they see.

In that very second a heavy hand flew against Miron’s left cheek, leaving a red mark full of all of my pain and sorrow of what he thought of me. Hurt was rising so high reaching my heart and then my soul, leaving deep traces in its path. I turn to the exit but a strong arm reached me forcing me to face the man it belongs to.

-          I am sorry Rita!

“Rita”, isn’t it beautiful how it sounds and then again with so much suffering. It was the first time I heard him calling me by my name but instead of being a warm loving feeling, it was a sad one, which I never expected to hear it in a moment like this.

-          Get out!

-          Sunshine please!

-          What happened with “Rita”? I said GET OUT!

I was making efforts not to look into his eyes. I knew he was regretting the very moment he said that but I am not going to allow nobody, not even Miron Hauser step on my morality. I did not make eye contact out of fear for not begging him to stay with me, hold me and defend me against all those who want to hurt me. I was afraid I might tell him how I feel, that I might threw myself in his strong arms listening to his heartbeat like I once dreamt of. I watched him leave instead. I wanted to tell him so much more, to yell all of my pain in his face. I could see he was hurting but in the end, it was his doing.

***

-          Annabelle, hey Annabelle!

Alex was whispering from behind his car parked outside the coffee shop. Annabelle was having a cappuccino.

-          Come inside, don’t just stand there!

Brave Alex makes his way into the café and takes the sit next to Annabelle.

-          What news you have for me?

-          Well, last time I saw Rita, Miron was following her into the new apartment.

-          You idiot!

-          Now calm down and no offenses please.

-          Ok, sorry go on.

-          I followed them too without them seen of course. They had a hell of a fight.

-          That is good! Excellent!

The satisfaction on Annabelle’s face was so obvious and she made such noise that a few heads turned to them.

-          Keep your voice and enthusiasm down. Now it is your turn to help me. It’s your move!

-          Don’t you worry Alex I have something special in mind. You will love it.

-          What is it?

-          It’s a surprise.

-          Tell me…

-          If I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it?

They stood in the café for almost an hour debating and putting things in order. Their diabolical minds work so well together.

Miron’s story

I returned home in a hurry slamming the door throwing my car keys on the glass table from the hallway. My house, so damn empty, was like a silent tomb in my own graveyard that it is my life. The only woman I could have loved, with whom I could have shared my loneliness was gone, never to return. Maybe it would have been a small chance for her to return if it wasn’t for my big mouth. I hurt her with what I said. But then again the fact that I hide her sister’s death from her was an even bigger mistake.

Who could understand such a painful truth considering her state of mind? Considering that, he couldn’t walk or see. I was being protective I know I was. Then why she is not seeing it this way?

-          Why is she blaming me?

-          Because you made a super big mistake!

I turned to see Peter framing my door.

-          Are you talking to yourself? The door was open so…

-          It’s ok…just close it!

The sound of the door closing startled me as I was so lost in my thoughts. I still cannot get the gravity of the situation at least I refuse to acknowledge it.

-          Miron, you have to stop looking for a way out!

-          Who says I am looking for something like that?

-          All your pores are screaming to do so.

-          Oh stop mocking me! Are you her to help or to make fun of me?

-          Well my dear friend the situation, your situation actually, is a little out of our hands.

-          Don’t you think I know that?

-          So what did you have to gain by following her? Except for ruining your evening and in passing also your life?

Coming from Peter’s mouth sounded so terrifying but he was right. Although I am letting this get to me and I don’t see how to avoid it I am sure I deserved it. I hurt the only woman who knew how to complete me.

-          How am I going to fix all this?

-          You can’t, for now. You have to let some time pass, some wounds to heal, hers.

-          I guess you are right. I acted on an impulse and now I lost everything.

-          Not everything is lost. Just have patience. She will forgive you, and you know why?

-          Why?

-          Because she loves you!

Rita’s story

Closing the door to my house was like closing a chapter of my life. And I intend to let it closed. God, how it hurts! I let myself down on the floor in the main entrance tightening my legs to my chest and in that silence counting my heartbeats. They were fast and chaotic just like my entire existence. Tears threaten to fall but I lifted my head up to the celling to forbid them to do so. I forbid myself to cry over nothing. Never in my life have I experienced this kind of pain that was actually cutting you in half. Regardless of my sister’s death another type of pain that turns into the fear of never seeing that person again. 

As I was lying on the cold floor, a knock on the door woke me up from my so black thoughts.

-          Rita, darling, it’s me!

-          Just a second…

Gloria was at my door. I try to get up but I got dizzy and hit hard on a lamp. A shout escapes my mouth that panicked Gloria.

-          Oh my God dear, are you ok? Are you hurt? Answer me please.

-          I am ok, coming…

As I opened the door I could feel the cold drain of blood caressing my left cheek. Looks like I hit it pretty hard. Gloria’s eyes went wide and worried.

-          Oh my, Rita! You are bleeding…

-          I am fine don’t you worry. Just a scratch. Come on in, it’s chilly outside

I stepped aside so Gloria could pass. I invited her to the kitchen as it was the only room I have stools and appliances to make a decent coffee.

-          Coffee? Tea?

-          A tea please would be lovely, but are you sure you’re all right? We can go put you some stitches on the hospital.

-          Really I am fine, stop worrying. It is enough that I am in pain with all this.

-          That is the precise reason I came all the way here.

-          How did you know where to find me?

-          One of my neighbours told me that a young lady is arguing with a young man near the café. And how the café is near my house, here I am. I figured it was you two.

-          You figured this right. I tried to be reasonable Gloria but I snapped at him.

-          And how could you not? The man hurt you!

-          You are taking my side…

-          I am not taking anyone’s side. I am taking love’s side. Because all that will remain after forgiveness is love, his love for you and yours for him.