Why I'm giving up—VI

The Taj Lila restaurant always had a five-star review for its amazing riverside scenery and the healing quality of its tea and scented candles.

Kika was just speechless.

The place had an unexplainable feeling of serenity and inner peace. It's like the very presence alone cleanses your soul.

Her eyes kept reverting in every direction. From the fresh flowers in the beaded vases to the tasteful traditional artwork imbued with centuries of Asgardian history, linen tablecloths and napkins and a live classical band.

Melody noticed Kika wince a few times before finally settling into her seat in an uncomfortable position. Still, she didn't slouch.

"Wow... I've been to fancy restaurants but this is... amazing."

Kika wasn't that stunned at the fact that it was Melody who showed her this diamond in the rough. If it's food, Melody knows all.

"Kika...Are you okay?"

Kika controlled her bodily response. She didn't give away the real answer carelessly as most people do when under a lot of pressure. She didn't flinch. Didn't widen her eyes in surprise. Didn't stutter or cough awkwardly. She looked Melody in the eye and smiled.

"Of course I am. Although, I am a little bummed you couldn't make it for Bloom's birthday. She loved the pork cutlets so much that I had to make a reservation every Thursday night at that restaurant."

Melody remained silent while the waiter served them some complimentary appetizers and gave them the menu. Some julienned carrots and celery sticks, generally any pickled item or raw, crisp vegetable, all placed before them in a slightly deep, boat-shaped dish.

Did Kika think a few memorized words would wash away her suspicions?

"Kika, I meant if you have been feeling well these days. You look pale and you have been wincing a lot."

Kika shifted uneasily in her seat. For the past four days, Luke had been shovelling his teeth into anywhere he found exposed.

While she slept he crawled up on her and sank his fangs into her exposed right thigh under the blanket. She was so taken aback by the action that she jerked it under his hold and it ripped the flesh a few centimetres to the left. She was wearing skin-tight jeans but each time her thighs rubbed against each other, she felt a cold sensation which starts tender but ends like an electric shock.

She expected that the bandaids had shifted from their rightful positions.

"I'm fine. Tell me about Taj Lila."

Melody started from her encounter with Miss Seiko and how the place had helped in the lyric formation of most of the songs on her first album.

"... Specializes in delicious food featuring fresh ingredients and masterful preparation by the culinary team. So whether you're ordering a multi-course meal or grabbing a drink and pizza at the bar it's a perfect location to cool off."

Kika glanced around once more. The lively yet upscale atmosphere would make it perfect for dining with her friends, clients and maybe even some of her business associates.

"It's Luke, isn't it?"

"What are you—"

"It's obvious that he's the one that hurt you. Why are you trying to hide it? That bastard! What did he do? Tell me! I'm going to make sure that he..."

Melody stopped blubbering in a fit of rage once the first teardrop cascaded from Kika's left eye.

"Please Melody... Please crown princess... just... pretend you didn't see me like this...if you speak up or intervene in any other way... Luke will... he'll.. he'll hate me more than he already does..."

Melody tightened her fists and tore her gaze away from her. It's because she could see her past self in Kika. She was like that once for Luke. Been so blinded and stupid because of love till it eventually got her nowhere.

What was special about that philandering vampire anyway? It's like he's destined to break the heart of whoever is unlucky enough to genuinely fall in love with him. Is he cursed or something? Melody won't be surprised if he was. Maybe then everything will start to make sense.

"I just hate seeing you bend over backwards for a bloodsucker that doesn't give two shits about you."

***

Kika pushed the door open. Today was hectic. After the fancy meeting with Melody, the crown princess, she returned to the company to complete the preparations for a book signing event for one of their most successful authors.

"Hello, Kika."

Kika flinched. Maybe she shouldn't have come back home tonight. She should have just stayed over at Daneliya's house since she was so exhausted and her condo was much closer to the company anyway.

But she worried for her little girl. She was still too young to be left alone too often. Her dad doesn't even acknowledge her as his own life and blood. She couldn't think of all these conditions and still make selfish decisions.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were meeting up with Melody today?"

Kika pretended his words didn't hurt her. She was tired anyway so it was easier to pull off an aloof expression.

"I didn't expect her to call me out while I was at work today."

She told the truth but her tone wasn't trying to convince him at all. She knew he wouldn't believe her anyway so why should she bother trying?

"How is she doing? A tour is stressful, is she well? ...Did she say anything about me... or mention me in any regard?"

Kika stared at him and how anxious he was to hear her reply. Melody despised him to the core but here he was asking about her like he was a fan of hers.

Kika sighed and came clean.

She'll gain nothing from lying to his face and raise his hopes just to watch it get dashed to pieces again. It won't make him give up on her. It'll be a waste of time and energy. Something she had almost exhausted from her king hours of working today.

"Melody smelled a rat right away and asked if you've been hurting me and if you're still a bitch."

Kika expected him to react to her statement but he didn't. That was the power of Melody. She scoffed. He would have beat her to a pulp if she was the one who uttered that.

"Is that all?"

Kika nodded. She stiffened when he took a step closer and helped her take off her coat. He didn't yell or hit her. He hadn't had dinner yet so they ate together and he tucked his daughter in and wished her goodnight.

Bloom asked Kika if her dad had won a lottery. Kika's jaw clenched. Just one word from her is enough for him to react this way. For the rest of the vampiric solstice, he refrained from drinking blood from her unless she was the one who allowed him to do it.