*NICK'S POV*
"Ugh! That's a bulls eye, Amanda." A slight crack on my voice can be heard. I whimpered like a dog out in the cold rain after this little girl in macaroon yellow dress threw her tiny shoe and hit me in the crotch, right in the doorbell. If I had the chance, I would even raise the 'ten' score board for her.
"Wow! You have a good eye bunny. You can be an archer in the future" Melissa commented as she claps for what she considers 'marvelous thing' this six-year-old in pigtails have done.
"I agree. This kid will have a bright future just like the sun." Alfred added. His eyes were focused on the smiling Amanda, or maybe something on her but I couldn't point out. I crouched down a bit to help me ease the tingling sensation before I jumped up and down ever so slightly.
Alfred and Melissa just looked at me blankly, without an ounce of care or concern. A smirk on their faces are visible while they dig a hole on my head with their laser like stares.
"Is it really that painful?" Alfred asks as he puts down the three bags of toys he was carrying and before I could even answer, Melissa, in her usual demeanor interrupted me.
"What kind of question is that Alfred? It should be.. 'So it's still there?' " She planted her left arm on her waist and leaned her weight on her right foot. Her burnt sienna - colored hair sways while being bask in a bit of warm light coming from the outdoor. Both laughed in sync and I was left dumbfounded.
"You better not start with that, plywood Mellissa" I blurted in retaliation. This game is on.
"Huh? Did you just call me that? Mr. Ancient??" Her glare was the sign that I should run at this point. I instinctively dropped the bags on my hand then sprinted to the grassy area. Alfred, who never was a sporty child remained still as he watched us acting like three year olds again.
"Hey! You two! Come back here and let's have a meal." Sister Margaret called on to us and we, like a deer on a headlight, stopped automatically.. or rather, it was as if we were hit by a compelling spell, binding us from moving. She then waves her hand to the kiddos playing around and hovering the pile of toys and assorted gifts we brought for them. I dusted my clothes and so did Melissa. I felt rejuvenated.
"She is still faster than you Nick." Alfred commented as soon as I got near him.
"Still??!.. Not like that smartass- I am always going to be faster than you guys. That's one thing that will never, ever going to change." Melissa corrected as she raised her right eyebrow in discontentment of what she heard.
"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever suits your pride, you tomboy!" I carried on and of course, as usual as it should be.. a heavy hand hits my back.
"Be careful. This hand is built with both volleyball and tennis sessions. You'll get a one-month tattoo next time." Melissa snorted as she walked past me and Alfred, stomping her feet in those three inch thick rubber shoes sole. Seconds after, I burst out laughing and Alfred followed suit.
"Let's go now, before I get hospitalized" and another grin escaped my lips. Alfred just nodded in agreement and we finally arrived at the spacious dining section.
White and gray paint that covered the walls, ceiling and the columns on each corners of the room, allowed a good reflection of light and helped create a welcoming look while the wide semi shiny peach colored tiles complimented perfectly with the four long black tinted matte glass tables evenly spread across the well renovated hall. Further ahead is an adequate metal island counter top that separated the enclosed backdoor kitchen where I used to sneak in and steal bread and milk at night.
As I admire these things, all the children with the exception of those above twelve helped out distributing the utensils and filling in bowls after bowls of the delicious, nostalgic spaghetti and meatballs combination that I have always loved. Platters of garlic fried chicken, which is a mixture of thighs and wings was placed on each table too. Finally, pitchers of cold and fragrant lemon juice were served, together with a clear glass for each one of the kids, and bigger ones for adults.
After everything was set up, old Sister Margaret and a younger nun lead the prayer. We all sat down afterwards, Alfred on my right, Melissa on the left. The cook and a few workers on the other end side of our table. The second one was filled with the teenagers and the Nuns while the other two has the pack of kids. Small talks within our group had me missing the filming cast that I wanted to abandon so much. Because of my idiocy, I'm about to ruin a great deal of opportunity, best people I can be with in the production industry and most of all, the woman I wanted for a lifetime partnership.
"Nick! Stop frowning. What are you doing?" Melissa whispered as she elbowed me slightly and I don't think anyone noticed since her arms were under the table.
"l am not. I'm.. I'm just thinking of something" I tried to explain.
"Well you should stop with those thoughts because you're looking rude to them and she signaled her hand to the people across us who were apparently, already looking at me weirdly. I guess I was indeed frowning and so I smiled sheepishly instead hoping they'll not misunderstand that too.
"Do somethig about that man too!' Again, another nudge from her and and a glaring , intense eyes meets mine.
"Who are you talking about?" I asked in confusion, imitating her whispering gesture as if no one wil notice what we are doing.
"Alfred! Who else do you thnk?" The second that I heard his name, I turned around to look at his direction and there I understood what she meant. My best friend who always have his poker face on, a long time secretary whose known for his strict and stubborn methods is currently wiping off tears rolling down his cheeks. His head is down and the shoulders are arched. He is definitely about to bawl. I hurriedly snatched his arrns and pulled him away from his seat and brought him to backyard once again. I did not even notice that Melissa tagged along, our plates in tow.
"You should have stayed there!" I barked at her right after I had Alfred sit on the grass of the shaded part of the plain.
"I'm his friend too, you know! I have the right!" She snarled back at me and she does have a point
"More than that.. you don't get to leave me there explaining to those adults why you guys left that way." A fact that I did not think of.
"What now? Whats with him? What happened Alfred?" I diverted my attention to him who was still feeling low and has not said a word for the last five minutes. Melissa and I waited patiently as we both rub our temples, trying to understand what we are witnessing. There was an awkward silence paired with deep sighs.
"Girl.. ye.. yelIow". He mumbled.
"What did you say?" Melissa asked. She squats near Alfred for better access to this dudes words.
"Make your voice loud and clear man" I requested
"G..girl. Yellow dress." He repeated while stuttering.
"You mean Amanda? The girl with pig tails?" I clarified though I know its her since no one else was wearing a yellow dress. Alfred nodded slowly.
"What about her?" We both asked in unison
"J.. ju.. ju.." His voice is getting fainter.
"Alfred, what's wrong really?" Melissa interjected.
"l miss her" he again mumbles with a much fainter sound. I got frustrated with his sudden change of behavior and so I reached out for his head, cupped his cheeks and looked at his watery eyes.
"Tell us clearly so we will understand. We're your friends. Let us hear what you have to say!" I made myself lurid so the point will come across.
"I miss her! I miss Julie! I need my sister. She.. she loved yellow too!" Vivid and strong words came out of his mouth at last. None of us expected him to mention that name. It's taboo.. no, it became an unspeakable word. We made it that way. My hands slid off from his face. Moments later, Melissa also cried. I looked up to the bare sky at the thought of stopping myself from being emotional but I was proved wrong.
"Yes. She loved yellow. It was her color, her symbol. She is the definition of yellow."