CHAPTER 14

Dust Jacket has a very retro feel. It looked like the cozy corner of an inviting home. The pattern and color of the accent wall added perspective and the simplicity of the rest only made it more lovable.

The interior was a mix of salvaged wooden walls and antique furniture and the result was a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The walls were also decorated with large photos representing coffee and tea rituals. It featured a series of individual tables with elegant chairs that although some were placed very close to one another, yet it still offered privacy.

It was a dream business that Melody finally fulfilled. It may be relatively small, that can accommodate around 30 people only, but at the very least, the coffee shop that she had once visualized was already actualized.

Melody named it "Dust Jacket", never forgetting the love of her mother, Elizabeth with a book that has dust jacket cover. Elizabeth might not be the one reading bedtime stories to Melody due to workloads both in the morning and evening. Yet, Elizabeth's passion for books influenced her deeply.

"I'm the one who should feel bad. When it comes to break up, I didn't know there had to be a proper process to follow," Eric started explaining.

There were still few hours before the start of the event at the center. Everything had been polished the night before. The decorations were set up nicely. The chairs were placed. The assignments of participants were discussed. The only thing they need to do is to wait for the afternoon to arrive.

There was still a breath of moment to be productive. It was a great opportunity for Melody to be immersed with her wedding preparation. Despite having relatively short period of time for preparation, she's doing well with it. She and Eric decided to meet up at her shop to discuss some finalization.

Everything seems to be going smoothly as planned. The bridal gown fit perfectly. The flowers and other decorations are as scheduled. Many guests have already confirmed their invitations. The menu would be taken care of by RR's restaurant. All that's need to be done is to wait until Sunday for the marriage itself to happen.

Eric, however, made a mulish decision not to attend the wedding. He felt that he would only be a hindrance to the celebration. He had promised Melody to help her with the preparation and his attendance during the wedding but his heart is bleeding as time passes by.

He saw such free moment before the event at the center as an opportunity to tackle with her their past by asking her for forgiveness, to confront her with his goal of finding the daughter of Mr. Clements and to give the book. It was the only chance that he saw as the wedding date was fast approaching.

"What is it that you're doing now?" Melody confused. She predicted what was Eric about to say. She didn't want to hear it but she had no choice. She has successfully evaded it the time they saw each other again at RR's. Like Eric, she has decided to face the reality that they're in. No more secret. No more evasion. It's time to unleash the truth that has been burdening her heart for quite a long time.

"I don't regret breaking up with you. But now that you're happy to have met some other guy, I wasn't thrilled at the fact that some other guy was with you, who wasn't me. I know it may sound selfish." Eric, for his part, wanted to end everything as well. He was determined after his talk with Dexter that he would put an end to both his goal of coming to Bremerton and his guilt toward Melody. It's now or never. He doesn't want to prolong his agony of seeing her happy with someone else.

"Eric, what is it that you're doing now?" Melody's heart started to pump faster as every second lapses. She wanted to make sure that what she understood and what he meant were both the same.

"I'm not saying that I want us back to go back. It's just that I'm having mixed emotions after seeing you again. They are not rationally explainable. I didn't think I could just ignore them and move on. Chances are that we'll definitely run into each other somewhere."

"If I didn't know you I'd say it's ridiculous. But I know what you were like before you left."

Eric gave a small smile, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I'm sorry and thank you!"

"Mom!" A young boy in a blue shirt with a logo of superman printed on it paired with jeans and all-white casual shoes, ran toward Melody and hugged her tight.

Melody's mouth opened and closed in astonishment. She wanted to say a word but she couldn't find any to explain the situation. She just stared at Eric who was obvious shocked by what he heard and is seeing in front of him. It wasn't the ideal situation to bring out the secret but she doesn't have a choice. It's all there is to it.

"Hello young man!" Eric tried to compose himself despite the noticeable shock in his face.

Eric's eye surveyed the young boy from head to toe. He noticed immediately the facial attributes of the young man. It resembled that of Melody. The deep eyes. The curvy nose line. The ruddy cheeks. All of those were photocopies of Melody's upbeat facial components.

"Who is he?" the young boy asked as he glared at Melody and pointed a finger at Eric.

"That is your mom's friend." A man tapped the young boy's head.

Eric gently stood up. Realizing that the man was the fiancé of Melody, he extended his hand. "I'm Eric. You must be the husband."

"Keith. Keith Stone." He accepted the hand. "Come now Clayton! Let's not disturb them. Why won't we go at the office and give them some space," he said to the young boy.

"But…" Clayton resisted, smirking.

"No buts. Let your mom have a mature conversation with her friend. Let's just watch a movie at the office. I'll give you triple chocolate cake later." Keith tried to lure Clayton.

"Promise?" There was a shine in his eyes the moment he heard the words triple chocolate cake. It's Clayton's weakness whenever he's with Keith.

Clayton continued to stare at Eric accusingly, his cheeks flushed with curiosity.

"I promise!"

Keith held the young boy's hand and led him to the office. Before walking away, Keith beamed at both Eric and Melody. He was not surprised that his fiancée was with a man of her past. Melody was honest with him. She informed him about Eric and their past. She knew that he has to know everything about her if they want their marriage to be sacred. She didn't hesitate to inform Keith about her asking Eric for help. She felt that Keith would understand her request.

Since Keith was busy with their business, he unceasingly agreed with Melody's request. If he had his way, he would be the one helping her future wife for the preparation. However due to workload, he wouldn't be able to give a hand to her. Moreover, he has never declined any request from Melody, not a single request, knowing that the intention was always clipped with pure honesty.

Eric stood straight. "I think I should be going. Your family is waiting for you," he suggested.

Melody seemed to choose her words carefully. "It's okay. You could stay here." She kept herself for a long silence since Clayton and Keith appeared. She realized she didn't introduce them to Eric. "By the way, that was Keith, my fiancé."

"I see." Eric didn't know what to say. His mind was not present. Though things were clear as he has seen them, his thoughts kept drifting back to the looks of the young boy. It was enough to make him realize that for whatever reason, he definitely felt outcast. His body wanted to walk away and there seems to be a voice that kept on telling him to instantaneously leave the place for his sake.

"See you later then at the center," Melody reminded.

Melody was caught off guard. She vowed to herself that she would tell Eric everything. Yet, it didn't go as she planned it to be. She didn't expect Keith and Clayton to be early. She thought she could still narrate to Eric what happened to her before they arrived. Maybe it was fate that made the move. Whatever it is, she felt heartrending and at the same time relieved.

"Where did he go?" Keith approached Melody who was already alone yet remained seated. She was silently staring at the front door. He could see Melody growing more uncomfortable with every passing second.

"He left." Melody consumed the rest of her coffee.

"Would he be at the event later?"

"I suppose."

Melody still couldn't believe what just happened. She wanted to elucidate the situation but she was taken aback at Eric's reaction. She saw in his eyes the bewilderment with what is in front of him. She usually received pity or belittling look but not what she saw in Eric.

"Mom! Mom! Mom!" Clayton shouted like a mantra while running toward Melody. "Can I have some of the pastries?"

"Clayton, what did I tell you about shouting and running inside the shop?"

"What would you say?" Keith coolly asked Clayton.

"I'm sorry."