Chapter 4: Hi, Marie!
2180 Words
KIKI’S POV.
Adjusting my scarf as I walk through the aisle of the church I was abducted from few years ago, I stop right in front of the alter and shut my eyes. I part my lips, but I can’t find the right words to start with as tears stream down my face and memories of how blind I was floods through my mind.
“The last time I came here, I was taken right in front of you but you did nothing to stop it.” I finally found my voice as I stare blankly at the image of the lord hanging high among the well decorated arcs.
“I know I have never really been a good child to you, but I am sorry. I hope you forgive me for my past sins. I have not come to pray, I have come to let you know even though you have seen me that I have returned here to join my family and friends. I hope you protect me.” I finish and open my shut eyes.
Turning away, I whimper as I remember how much pain I had felt in the nape of my neck before I passed out. I walk towards the exit and as I am about to open the door, someone pushes open the door.
“Stalker much?” I say as I soon as I notice the stranger who I had met at the bar.
“I could say the same, Beautiful.” He retorts gently and I raise my head.
“I should leave you to pray now.” I move to leave and he moves to block me from moving.
“Bold of you to assume that I am here to pray.” He speaks with a stern expression and fold my arms below my breasts.
“Then you must have been stalking me. I will advise you restrain from doing such.” I spit out every word with so much intensity and he smirks as he moves to sit on the last seat close to the exit.
“You sound dangerous and that makes me want you more.” He replies and I turn to look at him.
“Whoever you are, we shouldn’t have a conversation such as this in a holy place.” I say and push open the door to leave.
“You are also very religious I assume.” He assumes and I unlock my car from where I am standing.
“You shouldn’t assume. Also, I would appreciate and take it lightly now because I haven’t warned you. Do not stalk me and do not ever appear right in front of me. If you wanted to make me someone important in your life; or better still be someone important in my life this manner of approach has made you seem like a p*****t and I would not hesitate to call the cops.” I reply open the driver’s side to sit in.
Moving my hand to shut the door, he stops it and run his fingers through his perfect hair.
“I am sorry if it seem to have appeared like I stalked you. I was passing by and I saw you walking in so I decided to walk up to you. Give me another chance to show you I am not some p*****t or stalker or some psychopath. My name is, Alonzo. Here is my business card in case you reconsider, you can call or drop by my office.” He says and I take the card from him.
He shuts the door for me and wave me off and I return his gesture with a small smile, before driving off.
“One last one.” I murmur as I drive towards Erica and Theo’s penthouse.
Pulling off at the gate, I stop the car and wait for one of the men at the gate to come do their usual security check in. As soon as I roll down the glass, he nods and the gates are opened for me to drive in.
Stopping the car, I get off and head towards the entrance. The door glides open for me as soon as it senses my presence and I walk in to find Aunt Erica, descending the stairs.
“Boun Pomeriggio, Zia Erica.” I greet as soon as I see her and she gestures towards the sofa for me to sit.
“I thought you would never return.” She comments as we both sit and I make use of a small smile.
I know she would justify why she initially hated me. She would say she was right.
“Why are you here? My son doesn’t live here.” She asks after accessing me with her eyes for some minutes.
“I thought it will be considered rude to re-appear in everyone’s life all of sudden without coming to pay a visit first. How is Uncle Theo?” I ignore her cold tone.
I deserve the cold tone, but why is no one seeing from my perspective? I wasn’t the only one who was hurt but the keyword is I was also hurt.
“Not everyone, will remain the same waiting for you to return some day. My son has moved on already and I will appreciate if you refrain from getting close to my son or attempting to ruin the relationship you once ruined between him and Lucy. Congratulations on returning.” She says and stand to leave when she notices her husband descending the stairs.
“Daughter.” He comments as he notice my presence and I feel my fingers shake involuntarily as I hold back my tears.
Everyone got older. Time passed a lot and I didn’t really notice.
Standing, I move slowly towards him as he does the same. I stand right in front of him and he smiles richly at me.
“I knew you would eventually return. I understand that you needed so much time to come in terms with everything that happened to you.” He says and the tears I have been holding back streams down my face.
“You are not going to hate me or call me selfish? Alejandro is your son, whom I have also hurt while healing.” I reply and he shakes his head.
“Has Phoebe and Brantley seen you? When did you return? Does Alejandro know you are back?” He asks and I shake my head before moving to hug him.
“Not yet. I have gone to see my parents. Bianca, Joe and Mike knows I have returned. I plan on letting Alejandro know as soon as I settled down well enough.” I answer and let go of him.
“You have still not answered my question.” His Mom says and I turn to face her.
“The reason I have returned will showcase itself soon, but I have returned to take my place.” I reply and wipe my tears.
“When I drop by some other time I will stay longer. I just wanted to be sure you both are alright.” I add and move for the exit.
Walking out as the door glides open, I unlock my car and take out my phone as I stride towards my car. Settling in as Mike doesn’t answer his phone, I rest my head on the steering and I let out a harsh breath before starting the car.
“I haven’t gone to see, Marie.” I mumble as I drive out and head for the columbarium.
My phone rings and I answer and leave it on hands-free as I continue to drive and Mike calls out to me.
“Where the hell are you?” He asks and I roll my eyes.
“I called you some minutes ago.” I answer.
“Where are you?” He asks again.
“I am on my way to the columbarium.” I tell him and he sighs.
“Is it what I am thinking?”
“If what you are thinking is going to see, Marie. Then you are right. I need to do this.” I answer and I picture him nodding.
“It is fine, but can you wait for me? I will meet you there. I will like to pay her a visit too.” He requests.
“Sure, I will get the flowers while I wait for you.” I reply and end the call as I step on the gas.
Turning up the car’s stereo. I sing along to flashback by Inna as I drive and switch to various similar songs until I arrive at my destination. Stopping right in front of the flower shop, I get off and walk in.
“Hi, Ma’am.” The florist greets and I take off my scarf.
“My mind isn’t really organized. I would like if you can recommend the kind of flower I can give to someone who was dear to me.” I reply and she nods.
“This flower shop has been here for years, I have met different people and all I can say is may you find peace. There are Mums, Daisy, White Rose, Orchid, Eucalptus, Ranunculus and Peony. The Mums are given to a cheerful person, the Dahlia for dignity, the Eucalyptus is for purity and protection, the orchid represents; love, beauty and strength…” She continues to tell me what each means.
“Dahlia, Eucalptus, Orchid, white rose…”
“And peony.” Mike completes and I turn back to look at him.
“You are here.” I acknowledge and he nods.
“Wait for me in the car.” He enjoins and I nod before stepping out.
As soon as I step out, I found Bianca and Joe too.
“Will you really be okay?” I ask, Joe.
“I came here every year since she died.” He tells me and Bianca rests on him.
“Let’s move.” Mike comes out with four different bouquets and hand each to each of us.
We four walk towards the crematorium and as we walk in, they redirect me to a different path.
“Two years ago, Alejandro ordered they take Marie’s urn to a special part here because she deserves to be honored even in her death. As soon as I sight her picture I whimper and my hands shake as I let out the tears.
“I am sorry.” I whisper and fall on my knees.
“Hi, Marie. We are here, we are sorry Alejandro couldn’t come with us. You know why, right? You see all now.” Bianca cries and Joe falls on his knees too.
As soon as they are done they leave just me and I drop my flowers on the floor.
“Hi, Marie. I miss you and I am sorry for not coming by every year. You taught me to find my way of peace. You were always strong and you always saw the light at the end of every tunnel. You told me you were never down because every problem has a solution and if it doesn’t have a solution it isn’t a problem. Thank you for trying your best to safe me back then. Marie, I have been a coward. When I found out everything, I disappeared. I left for France, but the sad truth is I lied to myself for years. Coming back here is the right thing to do, right?” I cry as I speak and sniff as I hear a footstep behind me.
“Put yourself together, Kiki. It is about to rain, we need to get back to your place. A year after you left, Alejandro created a place for his dead son. Would you like to see?” He asks and puts out his hand for me to take.
He pulls me up and lead the way and as soon as he push open the door and I spot the pregnancy scan images. Falling on my knees I whimper and crawl towards the glass.
“I will be with the rest.” I hear Mike say and leave.
“Tito.” I cry and my hands begin to tremble.
“Mommy is sorry. I am so sorry, I couldn’t protect you. I should have died with you, my baby I am miserable without you, there is not a single day that went by without my mind drifting to you. Baby, Mommy is back. Mommy made a good choice right.” I cry as I open the glass.
Clenching on to the cloth Alejandro gave me as a gift when he began to appreciate my pregnancy, I cry more.
“Mommy wants to make you a promise, Baby.” i say and wipe my tears.
“I promise to be strong and head the empire.” I add and keep back the cloth.
With one last glance at Tito’s image, I open the door and Mike walks towards me with an umbrella in his hand.
- Writer
