"Mom, sorry for being late," Melody apologized while her eyes were surveying the event hall. There were plenty of people in groups scattered within the four corners of the hall. The only voices could be heard from where the screaming of kids coming from the room beside the stage.
A number of volunteers showed up comparing it to the previous year. It was expected though. Year after year, the number of volunteers has been increasing due to the widening awareness of people from Bremerton. Slowly, people have seen the importance of the existence of the center particularly the beneficial fruit of the center for the families having children with ADHD.
It was crowded with usual mix of people: families with their children, who have ADHD, a couple of men dressed in county department uniform, a few elderly couples, and clusters of teenagers here and there. Some of them were from different non-governmental organizations. It is a manifestation of the growth of the influence of the center and at the same time, the invaluable support of the different non-government organizations in Bremerton with each other.
Elizabeth beamed when she saw them. She was short and round, with gray hair and a genuinely warm smile. Despite the changes, Eric noticed that the beauty once described by Mr. Clements is still possessed by the lady in front of them.
"Hello ladies," Elizabeth stood up from where she was seated and waved once with her left hand. It was something she did every time the ladies came across her, and though the ladies were sure she welcomed everyone with equal warmth, it still made them feel special. For the first time, Elizabeth seemed to notice Eric. "And who is this? You are new? I haven't seen you before." Elizabeth's eyes swept him up and down in frank curiosity. Definitely a ladies' man, she thought.
"This is our friend Eric," Kendra said, willing herself not to blush.
Eric extended his hand towards Elizabeth. "Nice to meet you, Elizabeth or should I say Lizzy?"
Elizabeth accepted his hand but her gazed was focused on Melody who was also wondering on where did Eric get her name. She felt a thickness in her throat. Melody never mentioned her mother or other family member except Nana to Eric.
Recognizing their confused reaction, Eric clarified, "Nana mentioned you this morning."
"Oh yeah! You were talking with her." A wistful smile flickered across Melody's face, and then faded away.
"What do you need us to do today?" Eunice interjected.
"Why not help Dawn with the design." Elizabeth pointed at the corner near the stage
At first glance, the hall was but an empty white large room. Yet, there was more to the place than just a few rickety tables and chairs stocked at the left corner. A lot more. And lots of Gothic feeling, too, right down to the dusty smell and the learning center atmosphere. With oak-paneled walls on the stage, mahogany flooring as well, and some abstract paintings hung on the walls gave life to the hall.
As they were about to walk towards the stage, Melody interrupted, "Go ahead. I would just talk with my mom for a second."
Eunice knew what was about to happen and so, she pulled Eric's left arm right away and walked towards the stage. She understood that the mother and daughter would have a lengthy discussion just like what she had with Melody at the façade of the boutique this morning.
When they were already far from them, Elizabeth laid an affectionate hand on Melody's shoulder.
"What?" Melody gave a disgusted snort.
"Who is he?"
Her lips formed the tiniest of half-smiles before she answered.
"Just like Kendra said, he's a friend."
"A friend?" Elizabeth mimicked.
"Yes! Just a friend."
A moment later, Elizabeth's expression turned serious, and Melody could predict her next words. In small towns, nothing is secret. "I hope so. With the way you looked at him a while ago, it clearly tells me that there has been something between the two of you and I felt it. It is as if you were drawn to him before. The way you gave effort to calm yourself signifies that you wanted to project a stronger image in front of him. Yet, I would take your word for it. Just a caution thought, in a few days time, you would be getting married. Think of your happiness and at the same time, the happiness of Clayton."
"Ma?" Melody complained. She knew she couldn't lie to her. Melody never mentioned Eric to her even when she came back from New York. It's not that she doesn't trust her. It's just that she didn't want Elizabeth to worry. She felt that Elizabeth had already handled enough pain in her life after what they had been through as family.
"Speaking of Clayton, where's he? I thought he was with you since this morning?" Melody asked apprehensively.
"He was but I asked him to accompany Nana going home since you were late."
"Alright." Melody smiled and exhaled, knowing for the fact that the situation is now under her control again.
Eric and the ladies were already getting along with each other. They sensed a likeable man in the person of Eric. He showed them his artistic skills with scissors and paper. On his part, Eric wanted to clear the sky between him and the ladies so that he could get much information as he can.
"Eric right? Can you stay put and help me with something," Elizabeth asked as she and Melody didn't take long from their talk.
Eric looked at Melody who beamed. When he sensed that Melody was okay with it, Eric nodded. It was also a great opportunity for him to ask question with Elizabeth. This is his chance to complete the puzzle that he has longed for.
"Can you please help me carry this box and place it at the far end over there?"
Eric nodded.
Elizabeth was still thinking about how Eric called her. Elizabeth simply stared at him. Impossible, she thought, a fluke, one that pressed the limits of believability, but a fluke nonetheless. Women with the same name as her were also called the same way, she assumed.
When they reached the far corner of the hall, Elizabeth whispered words, which she intentionally allowed Eric to hear it. "Mario Clements." She had to say those words since it has been years the last she heard someone calling her Lizzy. Moreover, it was only Mr. Clements who called her Lizzy. She has to know if the new guy knows her past.
The unexpected words made Eric's heart suddenly hammer in his chest, but he forced himself to appear to be calm.
Despite the effort of Eric to show a poker face, Elizabeth noticed his sudden reaction. She paused, lost in the memory, before going on, "How did you meet Melody?" She suddenly changed the subject knowing that Eric felt that he was in a hot spot. Part of her wanted to ask him how did he know Mr. Clements but the other part of her didn't want to grill a friend of her daughter, Melody and her friends. As always, she would just leave it with fate what would be unveiled in the future days. Additionally, she hoped that it would not be a problem of some sort whatever discoveries would be divulged. She has already acknowledged before that no secret would remain to be hidden. She knew that it would only be some time before her deathbed that her secrets would be revealed.
"We met in New York during our college years." Eric felt relieved for the sudden change of topic and at the same time, he realized, if this is a game of chess, he's soon to be checkmated rather than victory in his quest.
"I see. Would you also attend the wedding?"
"Actually Melody asked for my help for the preparation of their wedding."
Elizabeth burst in laughter that the people near them glanced towards them. "If she asked you for help, I can only conclude then that you're a well-organized person."
Understanding what Elizabeth meant, Eric smiled. "Not really."
"So, are you married?"
He was caught off guard by the question. Eric stood open-mouthed, for once at a loss as to how to respond. He felt as if he was again being interviewed for a new work. Instead of answering, he just raised his right hand and showed it to Elizabeth without any ring.
"What's wrong with the generation today? You're not getting any younger. But I suppose you're in a relationship or some sort?"
"None of the above. Let's just say, I'm not into finding a partner now."
"I'm guessing that you have been into a devastating past then."
Eric nodded unconsciously while remembering all the good memories he had with Melody. He recalled their plans for the future particularly the wedding that Melody has dreamed about. Yet, none of it matters now since the lady he had envisioned to be his other half is about to get married with another man. He couldn't do anything at all even if his heart wanted to. It was his fault that he lost her. It was because of him that the plans never materialized. It was all because of him and him alone.
"By the way, would you be available for tomorrow's event? I hope you would. It would be fun. You would see the children at their best and the fiancé of Melody as well."
Eric smiled. "Yeah! Why not?"