First thing first.
I called ahead to a shop, requesting them to send flour to the clinic Faye is working at, addressed to her.
"Just to confirm it is flour and not flower, sir?" The gift shopkeeper asked.
"Yes. F-L-O-U-R attached with a note," I replied.
"Very well... practical," she responded lightheartedly. "And the message, sir?"
"Sweetie, it is time. See you later. From Mr Potato-Head."
And next, work.
Collins scrolled and previewed the files on my iPad. "Hmm... Is this the best you can come up with?" He was wearing a bow tie, with a short sleeve shirt and a pair of short pants. As usual, his hair combed neatly not a strand fell out of place.
"Don't tell me you had already started on the main board, or I might have to tell you to start all over again," Collins continued with a dismissive tone, as if dramatized and trying to provoke for fun.
No, I haven't started anything, but an artist has his own ego.
"Collins, from an artist to another," I said carefully, with a smile on my face so that I won't appear as too rude. "You asked for me. I stand by my work that I will deliver something that the people will love and able to connect to. Now, if you are going to judge my work as if you are grading your students, go ahead and damn right ask your students to do the job."
I was determined that he should see me as equal.
"Furthermore, this is pro bono," I ended.
Collins eyed me for a while, and a smile flashed from his face.
"Cliff, what's up with you? You shaved?!"
I snickered at his remark and the sudden change of topic. Shaved I did. If I am going to meet Faye, I decided to look good for her. I wanted to use show-your-best approach after deciding that oh-pity-me approach is truly pathetic.
So I shaved and trimmed my beard. I picked out a sky blue t-shirt and wore a black casual jacket over it, and tied up my hair in a man bun. I am excited to see her again, it was like first date all over again. Only I am not sure what will she be thinking. Has she received the gift already? So far there is no text notification from her.
"None of your business, Collins," I answered in a friendlier manner.
"Hey tell me, have you got a partner or a significant other?" Noted how he omitted the gender description of the subject. He was looking straight at me, awaiting a reply.
"None of your effing business, Collins."
"Hahaha. Okay. Those questions to be asked over a pint of beer, yes? And I would've thought you shaved to meet me..."
I interjected "Oh gosh, no.." before Collins finished his sentence and I rolled my eyes making sure that he saw that. Shit, what is this man doing.
"... I mean for the appointment with us," he corrected quickly. Not before I caught a twinkle in his eyes that I understood what it implies. I pretended that I don't. You could be interesting in your own way but I have a girlfriend whom I love, and I am going to get her after I am done with you, Collins.
"Ah... that is right. I will be around when the public gallery starts, and of course I want to look nice and neat. To be spotted by art scouts or enthusiasts, yes?
So, OK Collins. I hear you. I will give a deeper thought to my work and think out of the box for out-of-the-box results." I hope this is sufficient to divert the conversation back to the main issue.
"Next Tuesday, Cliff."
As I was walking back to my car, I was wondering why oh why Cliff, didn't you just tell him directly about Faye? So he would get off your back? I realize the answer is... I wasn't very sure of the answer myself. I am about to find out.
Driving towards Faye's workplace, my heart was thunderous. Everything about work that happened a moment ago had faded into an insignificant background that I could not think of anything else, but of my sweetheart alone.
Somehow today I felt positive. I felt ready to win her back. The past week of silence and reflection was a necessary breathing space for both of us. With each passing day, I knew it so clearly that without her in my life, I just couldn't go on. When everything is stripped apart, the one I truly love and cherish is Faye.
What if she does not feel the same way? It couldn't be. Based on what we had been through together, I should be secured in her love. She loved me too, and I believe in all my heart that is true. It has to be true.
I took a deep breath, trying to breath in courage and pushed open the main door of the clinic where Faye works. Dr Jade happened to be at the front desk, giving instructions to the receptionist. She glanced up and saw me, and she stopped mid-sentence with a look of surprise on her face.
"Clifford ?!" Dr Jade recognized me although we only met once. Faye introduced us and afterwards naughtily told me when we were out of earshot 'Careful Cliffy, this one might be a cougar... rawr.'
"Hello Dr Jade," I greeted her with a smile. "How are you? Sorry if I am interrupting work. I am looking for Faye and I will wait out until it is lunch break."
Dr Jade's face fell.
"Cliff... but Faye has not attended work for a little more than a week now. I would suppose you know?"
It was my turn, my face fell. "What? You can't be serious?!"
"I am. I lost an arm here in the clinic without her."
"Why? Did she give a reason why?" I noticed Dr Jade briefly glanced at the receptionist before looking back at me, pondering if she should divulge any information. Oh no, is it because of me...? "Please tell me, Dr Jade. What did she say? I beg you, please."
"I mean, how could you not know?" Dr Jade asked, puzzled. "Her mother got stroke. Faye had gone back to hometown to sort things out."
Color drained from my face, leaving a palette of black and white. What the... I ran out of the clinic. From the inside, I heard the reception's fading shout "Oi, what about the flour??"