On Tuesday, the day after his prior engagements were settled, Eric arrived in Kitsap Peninsula. It was past noon. It was nostalgic for Eric to revisit such place. He had long cursed the Pacific Northwest since he last saw his mother. All the memories, all the pains and wounds that he had buried had started to be brought to light.
With an expanse of blue skies stretched out above him, he knew he's a long way off. One week to find the daughter would be longer for Eric. He sensed that weird things would happen just like before. As long as he remains in Kitsap County, bizarre things happen. He wanted to finish his mission as soon as possible and continue to bury the neighborhood in his heart.
To be sure that he arrives in the place, he'd picked up a map of the Kitsap Peninsula at the airport gift shop. According to it, if drive would be indication – about a zillion miles from what he considered civilization. It is located directly across from the Seattle and the greater Puget Sound. Nothing new since he last visited the place. The landscape remained as breathtaking and sparse. The area continued to be rural that was separated by thin strands of loblolly pines. The waterfront setting never seized to amaze Eric especially the different water activities. If there's one thing he misses much of Kitsap Peninsula, it is the light traffic wherein he could continue flooring the accelerator out of sheer boredom.
His thoughts drifted to his memories the last time he came to the place. His life, he reflected, would have been different if he had chosen to stay. He would have been one of the people whom he had just passed by walking around the downtown area. He felt a pang of yearning for what might have been. Then he shook his head trying to transport his self back to the present. He wanted to believe that he'd gotten over it for the most part, anyway.
Eric then pulled over and stepped out of the rental car. His heart started to beat faster. He gazed at the signboard of the hotel. He's going to stay at Bayfront Suites Hotel in Bremerton. It was eighteen years since the last time he lodged in the same hotel. If only he had preferences, he would have stayed in other hotels along the area. However, all of them were fully booked. He expected it since the different festivals are approaching and Bayfront not is only one of the oldest but it is also the largest of all the hotels in Bremerton. He had no choice but to lodge in the same hotel filled with dark memories.
Bremerton is one of the many cities being occupied by vacationers, who wanted to see the greatness of Kitsap Peninsula. It has one of the most charming settings of any city in the Northwest. It is located on one of the fine, protected harbors of Puget Sound and is the gateway to one of the greatest playgrounds in the United States, the Olympic Peninsula, where mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, mountain streams and the sea make it an ideal recreational area.
"Welcome to Bayfront Suites Hotel! Do you have any reservation?" the female clerk at the front desk asked.
"Mr. Eric Barer," Eric responded as he dropped his bag in front of him.
She checked for Eric's reservation and booking on her computer. "Here it is! One single king bed with view for seven days."
Eric showed her his identification card and the clerk gave him the key to his room. He glanced at the renovations done within the hotel as he walked going to his room. Gone were the antique and funky chairs at the lounge, instead sleek and modern velvet sofa with nailhead replaced them. The old and malodorous carpet was replaced by sophisticated European-inspired porcelain and other aesthetics leveraging the unique style and design of the upscale urban-inspired hotel.
There were also those that were untouched as they valued to be preserved through time like the signature channel lettering at the main entrance with location name, the gallery quality of modern arts and artifacts of local artists which hanged on the walls and the majestic chandeliers inside the rooms and in the lounge that blended with the new concept of modern European style.
The hotel room was as glamour on the inside as it had been on the outside: wood paneling, light fixtures attached on the ceiling with eye-catching chains, fresh carpet, up-to-date flat screen television bolted to the wall. It seemed to have been upgraded to a more stylish modern design. It reminded Eric of the bucket list of his deceased father. He wanted to buy a small yet elegant hotel that is patterned with the European modern designs. Such desire of his father stuck in his mind for he used to hear of it whenever they travel and stay overnight in different hotels.
As a routine taught by his dad: Eric pulled back the comforter to make sure the sheets were fresh, he checked the shower curtain for mold, he looked for hairs in the sink. After a thorough examination, the place was cleaner than a brand new carpet as he had expected to be.
"Hey! Any updates?" Eric called Dexter.
"Chill man! Just enjoy your vacation."
Eric placed his bag on the bed and opened the window, which presented the picturesque view of the majestic Bremerton Marina. He reminisced his time when he saw the best of Bremerton particularly the maritime heritage, artist spirit, and the touch of urban chic of Bremerton. He would never forget visiting the museums and art galleries, amusement parks, National and State Parks, historical places, sporting events and festivals whenever they spend their holidays in the city.
"This is not a vacation. I would rather have my vacation elsewhere. I just want to give the book and spend the rest of my days maybe in New York or in Seattle but not here."
Dexter just laughed, knowing that Eric is a workaholic person. If his curiosity strikes, Eric would not stop until he finishes what he started. It was not only once that he has witnessed Eric's workaholic attitude. Most of the events that they have hosted together, Dexter never ceased to be amazed by Eric particularity with details and his crave for best result. It was to a good cause, a successful event.
"Is there any update or what?"
"Okay! Okay! RR's Restaurant."
"What about that place?" Eric sat on the bed.
RR's Restaurant is a place that Eric would never forget. As much as he wanted to, it left a scar in his persona. For a second, Eric's mind time-traveled to the last time he visited RR's. If there is a place that he would want to avoid in Bremerton, it was RR's. It was a great place having the best food in the area. Yet, it was also the place that their mother met her new husband. He knew because he was with his mother when she met the man for the first time. It was a painful memory that Eric struggled to bury in his unconscious.
"Well… We have not yet found her address but we have traced that she's working in RR's Restaurant."
"Why on all places should it be there?"
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing! I just remembered something. Is that hundred percent accurate?"
"Just ask the place if she is there. At least you have a lead for now."
"Okay. Let me call the place. I might go there later if she's there. I'll just update you when I get back."
"Wait! Please be considerate of the time. It's early morning here."
Immediately after their call, Eric got the yellow page book near the landline. He browsed for the number of the restaurant. When he had found it, he just stared at it. He was afraid that the information might be correct and she might be there. Eric, however, realized that as long as he would not try, his agony of remaining in the Bremerton would be prolonged.
Eric dialed the number using the cabled phone of the hotel. He hesitated at first but just after three rings, a voice greeted him.
"Hello! Good Afternoon! This is Melody of RR's Restaurant. May I help you?"
Eric didn't answer. How could he if the person on the other line was familiar to him? How could he say a word if the person he hasn't talked to for almost five years is the one on the other line?
"Hello? Hello…?"
Eric remained silent. Rather than responding he hanged up the phone. There's no need to say a word. Hearing her voice validated the update from Dexter. Eric thought that it was better to pursue the plan of going to the restaurant than responding on the phone. He dropped the call, got one of the bottled water and drank for his whole body was shivering just after hearing a familiar voice.
No matter what he was doing, Eric could always feel the weight of the secret pressing down on him. On the surface, everything seemed normal. In the last few days since discovering the letter, he'd gone to his work, interviewed people, focused on clues and now a voyage to another State just for the contentment of his
heart. Along the road, it hadn't been all perfect and smooth sailing. The images of collapse have occupied his time. Fear of not achieving his goal was ubiquitous even in his dreams. It has blurred around the edges of his objective.
Oddly enough, he's in the last place on earth that he wanted to be at. As he boarded the plane until his arrival at the hotel, Eric was unable to keep his memories locked away. Every now and then, at odd times, it all came back to him with visceral force. It even made him dried up due to constant flow of tears. It took him decades before he was able to move forward. Regrettably, the memoirs continued to linger in his mind.
Under normal circumstances, Eric probably would have appreciated the view like this. In Cincinnati, the river was plain open water, but here, it was just the opposite. Even with the layers of marine haze and some State ferries, he could clearly see the numerous private boats docked at the port. It gave him the ambiance of nature with mountain trek view and the grandiose horizon of the marina.
The Bremerton waterfront area remained the busiest in the city. More shops were installed than the last time Eric been here. From restaurants, souvenir shops to fishing equipment shops, the Bremerton waterfront area has them all. As he expected, he wouldn't miss RR's Restaurant. There is a huge sign advertising its presence over the area. It was hard to miss this place and is the most obvious choice for anyone visiting Bremerton.
RR's Restaurant is located in the new Harborside Development. It's adjacent to the Kitsap Conference Center where it overlooks the Bremerton Marina and hosts spectacular, sweeping views of Sinclair Inlet, the Bremerton ferry, Naval ships and local boating activities. Dedicated to giving the guests a truly Northwest dining experience, RR's has earned the reputation for the finest fresh seafood, perfectly prepared and expertly served with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value.
Eric stepped out of the car. Even meters away, Eric could already notice the stream of people going in and out of the RR's. He walked at a snail's pace towards RR's and reminisced the grandeur of the restaurant. Years have gone by and the restaurant continued to bring the name into a whole new world. RR's remained the same as before except for the second level, which was added. The design of wall-glass remained, where aside for the view of Sinclair Inlet and the marina, the Mount Rainier would also be visible on a clear day.
He removed his sunglasses and pushed through the door. The first thing that caught Eric's attention as he enters the restaurant was the table where they sat the last time he visited the place. His thoughts drifted to such incident. He was filled with joy back then. A kid thrilled for a rainbow of seafood curry to stuff his stomach. Memory of such incident remained vivid in Eric's mind. A man in a white shirt and rugged pants playing the piano suddenly approached them and asked for his mother's information. Unknowingly, it was the start of the darkest nights in their family, which led to the separation of their family and his mother leaving them behind.
Fatefully, due to the number of diners, it's the only table available. Eric stood fiddling with his sunglasses, when one of the waitresses ambled out from the second floor. In her early thirties or so, she was tall and reed-thin, with a sunny, open face.
After making himself comfortable on the chair facing the bar along the back wall of the establishment, he observed that the elegance of the interior design of the restaurant was preserved. If there was an upgrade aside from the addition of the second floor was the funky yet straight out of the trendiest of magazines of their bar.
Eric's eyes surveyed the restaurant again from his right until the left corner. He, however, failed to see the person he was looking for. Eric shifted in his seat, thinking the person he was looking for could probably not around. Realizing that the waitress was waiting for his order, he glanced back at the menu. Eric observed her name tag read LEA. He thought about asking her about Melody or Miriam but he hesitated.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"Do you have cappuccino?" he ventured.
"Yes. Would it be frappe or hot?"
Eric smiled. "Hot please."
"How about something to eat?"
"Actually, I was wondering if Melody was around."
"Oh, she's in the back," Lea said, brightening. "Want me to get her?"
"If you wouldn't mind."
She smiled. "No problem at all."
Eric watched her head toward the kitchen and pushed through the swinging doors. A moment later, a woman in a white chef's attire from coat to pants having the color black to its buttons. She was short and stout, with long blonde hair, and she looked to be the same age as Eric. Pausing at the table, she broke a smile.
"Well," she said, drawing out the word into two syllables, "My companion said that you're looking for me. You know me?"
Eric blinked. "Yes… I mean no," he clarified.
"Why are you then looking for me?" she asked.
Eric was confused. He was so sure that she would be here since he heard the unforgettable voice on the other end of the call.
"Ah… Are you the only Melody working here?"
"Yes!"
Eric's high hope of meeting her again crashed. This is not what he had imagined. He thought of the scene several times. It would be a staggering meeting and with a twist of awkwardness. He had contemplated on a different brand of silence.
"But the owner or soon-to-be owner of this restaurant is also named Melody." Before Eric could even respond, "She, however, is not around," she added.
"Was she also the one answering the restaurant's phone calls?"
"Sometimes, she does. Would you like to leave a note in case she would return?"
Eric brushed his dark hair out of his eyes and signaled the chef to decline. It would be better, Eric thought, he would meet her without prior notice. It would just be a give and go. He would only be giving the book and that's it.
"Do you know what time she would be around tomorrow?" Eric wanted to make sure that he would get the right timing. He hesitated to ask for the address since he is not from the area.
"Well, I'm not sure. She's busy lately preparing for her big day."
Eric recollected that her birthday is fast approaching. It would be another reason for him not to stay longer in Bremerton. He does not want any connections to starting linking again. He wanted to concentrate on his goal of going there and leave at once.
After he consumed his order and is about to leave, a familiar face appeared at the entrance. He was stunned by what he saw. He was frozen than ice. He was already resolve that the encounter would happen the following day yet like his previous visits at Bremerton unexpected things happened.
"Hey! What are you doing here?" The woman approached Eric.
Eric took the wind out of his sails for what he had seen. Eric just stood still from where he was. How could he move if he saw again the exquisite face that he once dreamed of sharing his life with? There's something unreal and eerie about her. He couldn't avoid staring at her.
As she carried herself, pale and slender, gracefully and elegantly towards Eric, her features, somewhat luminous, had a fair tone to it. The eyes were a piercingly sharp shade of brown.
Eyebrows were arched over the curve before dispersing onto the bridge of her dainty nose. Plump, the lips had the strangest curl to them. Such enchanting face was framed wavy, long-blonde hair, each falling to her hips. Overall, she was truly an unearthly beauty. If something has changed in her, she has grown into a more gorgeous lady that Eric had admired and would admire all over.
"So, what brought you here?" Melody kissed Eric on his cheek as a gesture. She tried to maintain her composure despite being stunned of seeing the face she tried to forget for years.
After seconds in awe, "I suppose the wind of faith brought me here." Eric smiled.
Melody beamed while her heart kept on beating fast. "The wind of faith? It's been a while since I heard that . You being here is crazy to me."
Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. She wasn't sure yet. What she's sure about was that she's glad that Eric was sitting in front of her. It's been years since she last saw him and it was a heartbreaking way of ending the bridge of communication.
"How are you?" Melody frowned, "I didn't expect to see you here." She leaned back, making herself more comfortable. "What have you been doing all these years? How long has it been? Five years?"
"I know. I'm sorry about that. No excuses. I had brought you pain which until now my heart continues to bleed in regret."
"Come on that was in the past. I mean it's been five years."
Melody and Eric had known each other since college. They started as total strangers. They were students in New York but were not in the same school. Common friends as usually found in romantic books or movies didn't introduce them. Melody was taking up Business Management while Eric was having Mass Communication. Fate found a way to cross their path at a local coffee shop on the active street of New York.
It was ten days before Christmas of 2011. While all of people were busy shopping and thinking of their preparations for Christmas day, Melody was absorbed with the textbook in her hands while having a sip of cappuccino with a dash of whipped cream and a swirl of caramel at George café. She had fallen in love with the local coffee shop for its aromatic scent of coffee coupled with the silent whisper despite the large number of customers, the moment she first stepped in it. It became her second home in New York aside for the apartment that she was into. It was also her dream to be able to own like George in her hometown. It was a dream she promised to accomplish in the forthcoming, a coffee shop that is soul-filled not only customer-filled.
Suddenly, a young man in a black long gothic coat, cozy black pants and black lace up combat shoes. On top of it, he has a large back headphone blocking his ears. Melody took notice of him upon his entrance. Actually, everyone at the café noticed him since his music was loud enough to nearby customers.
After the young man got his coffee and pastry, he looked for a vacant seat. Although it was one of the small shops in the area and all were busy, he saw no vacant table except the seat opposite to Melody. The truth is, he already had his eyes on Melody upon his entrance. The textbook in her hands made him think that he should be seated next with her since most of the customers were adults.
"Is this seat taken?" the young man politely asked.
Melody glared at him. She wanted to concentrate on her reading and that means not wanting him to sit with her. Yet after scanning the place and found no available table, "No," she responded.
"Can I join you then? I promise that I would not disturb your reading."
At the back of her mind, Melody was already thinking that his mere presence was already a disturbance but she couldn't do anything at all. She grew up being taught by her mother to be always polite even to strangers. "Sure. Why not."
The young man took his seat. "I'm Eric," He introduced himself while extending his right arm towards her.
"Melody." She did the same for a handshake.
That was the fateful encounter between Melody and Eric. Since then, they became coffee buddies for months until Eric confessed his love towards her. Melody, young as they were, reciprocated the mutual feeling that she felt. They were young lovers on a journey towards their career paths in the busy street of New York.
Like any heartbreaking story, their story has also a tear-jerking ending. One day after the usual romantic night out, Eric left without a notice. Melody waited. For days, she waited. For weeks, she waited. For months, she waited. Until she graduated, she waited. But not even the shadow of Eric came to her for an explanation. She was dejected. She then decided to move back to her hometown.
"But still, let me apologize for leaving you without an explanation."
"Come on. It's in the past. If you would still continue to apologize, I will leave you here and now." She beamed a smile signaling that it was in jest.
"Okay! Okay! I see that you have finally fulfilled your dream. Not only was it a coffee shop but a great restaurant at that."
"Oh no! RR's not mine." She chuckled. "What made you think that this restaurant was mine?"
"Well, the waitress awhile ago…"
"You mean Melody?" she interrupted.
"Yes! The lady said that you're the owner of this place."
"To be clear, I don't own it. My fiancé is the owner of this place. Well, actually his family owned this place ever since. My dream shop, by the grace of God, just opened. It's a bit small but I am proud of it. It's across Bayfront Suites Hotel. You know that place, right? You used to tell me stories about it," she explained.
"Wait! You're getting married?" he blurted out in shock. He was dumbfounded of what he heard. He was not sure if he heard her correctly. At the back of his mind, he was not surprised that many men would want her but he didn't expect her to be engaged at the moment and soon to tie the wedding knot. Was he starting to feel jealous? Maybe. He was not sure. What he knew was that he felt awkward after hearing her that she has a fiancé.
"Yes, I am. I hope you could join us. By the way, until when are you staying in Bremerton?"
"Until Monday," he answered unfocusedly. He wanted to ask more about her fiancé but he felt that he was out of the line.
"That would be great then. You could join us then. The wedding is set this Sunday. Please! Please! Better yet, why not help me with my preparations? I badly need help. Please!" she begged profusely.
"Ha? Me? Helping you for your wedding preparations? I'm no wedding planner."
"I know. But you are a well-organized man. You know how badly I am with planning. Please!" Melody showed her the kind of pleading face that Eric couldn't resist to decline.
Abruptly, Lea interrupted them and whispered something to Melody. Eric sensed that it was an emergency and his wanting to be with her more is about to end. He wanted to ask more about her especially her soon- to- be- husband. It's not that he wanted to cause trouble but there was still a ray of light in his heart that is still protective towards her. He was not sure as well if it is jealousy or care. He only wanted to make sure that she would really be forever happy. Yet, he was taken aback. How could he be protective? He knew he has no rights to be such.
Eric recognized that what he did in the past left a scar in her that would forever remain. Such scar would only open up if he would start to care again. He then decided to close his mouth and just be at her side until he goes back to Cincinnati. Well, he thought that he could handle to keep to himself the ray of light for seven days more. If there is something that he should do, he acknowledged that giving in to the request of Melody would be but proper.
Just when Lea left, Melody asked herself to be excused since she needed to leave him for something important. Eric knew what to do. Before Melody could explain, he took a glimpse at his watch and told her that he should also need to go back as well as it was getting late and he needs to unpack his bag which he left at the place he was staying.
Before parting ways, they both exchanged their numbers and planned to meet the following day at the shop of Melody.