Blemished Love Episode 11 – Loudest Thoughts
© Loudest Thoughts 2018
All Rights Reserved
‘Love, Grissel.’ Tom called out dragging the crib along with him.
He checked the kitchen and there was no sign of her so he left the crib by the stairs and rushed upstairs.
Grissel was swamped up with work since morning that Tom had to leave her home. It seems that’s all she seems to be doing for the whole month he’s been home.
He appeared behind her and tickled her. She didn’t notice he had come in as she was so focused on reading her files.
She jumped up immediately closing the files abruptly in front of her.
‘Tom, you are back already.’
‘Yes, it’s afternoon Grissel.’
‘Oh really, I didn’t realize that,’ she glanced at her wrist watch and hit her head slightly.
‘Of course, you didn’t notice because you’ve been up all day flipping through those boring files.’
‘They are not boring papers.’ She gave him a cold stare.
‘Okay you win, but come on you need a break and I got a surprise for you.’
‘Surprise? I love the sound of that.’
‘Ahaaa.’ He muttered pulling her off the floor.
‘This better be food and a delicious one as such.’ She said putting her legs in her flip flops.
‘I have something better. You will love it.’ He said on their way down the stairs.
Within some few seconds they were facing the new baby crib.
Grissel stopped midway and stared.
Tom quickly rushed off the stairs and dragged it closer to the couch while beckoning on her to follow him.
Grissel wiped a tear when he was not looking and froze at the same spot.
Tom turned around and found her still at the spot he left her.
‘Oo ooh, you don’t like the surprise?’ He asked moving towards her.
When he got no response he taped her.
‘Are you okay?’
‘Yeah, this is beautiful Tom?’
‘You sure about that, because you seemed lost a while ago.’
‘I’m sorry. I was just overwhelmed.’ Grissel clarified.
‘Why don’t I believe you?’
‘You should because I love the color you bought.’
‘I have good eyes then.’ He smiled coyly pulling her to the couch.
Suddenly, there was a short moment of silence. ‘But Tom, I’m not pregnant yet.’ She said carefully in order not to make him feel disappointed.
‘You are not?’ He asked confused and disappointed.
‘Tom, you would have been the first to know if I were pregnant.’
‘Ermm but you look fat.’ He replied scratching his head.
‘Ohh I get you now. So that was the reason you kept calling me fat lately.’ She laughed hilariously and poked his nose playfully.
‘Don’t blame me when you’ve been quite and cranky all month.’
‘Wow, for the record I’ve always been quiet and about cranky, probably work stress.’ She clarified with her hands supporting her jaw.
‘And you’ve suddenly put on weight.’
‘So you figured we are having a baby.’ She asked.
‘Sure, every woman put on weight when they are pregnant.’ He replied with an embarrassed grin.
‘And you know that how?’
‘Trust me, I know these stuffs.’ He glorified himself.
‘Ahaaa, Amy?’
‘Oh come on, Grissel.’
‘What? So far as I’m concerned, she’s the only one you got pregnant while I was busy planning our wedding.’ She said before realizing what came out of her mouth.
‘Wow, now she got it all out of her system.’
‘I didn’t mean it that way.’ She tapped him.
‘I know that sooner or later it will come up again but believe me it was a mistake.’
‘I knew it was a mistake even before you told me the last time your sister was the Master mind.’
‘Thank you but I’m still disappointed we are not having a baby yet but we still have enough time to make some babies this evening.’ He teased.
‘Ermm, Tom we are just five months old in this marriage and I’m not sure I want to start making babies yet.’
‘Alright but I’m very hungry now.’ He said just to avoid having any further arguments though he wasn’t so sure about the waiting part.
‘Mashed potatoes and Cabbage stew coming right up.’ She whispered while standing up.
‘Could you not mash the potatoes? I would prefer it boiled this time. Thanks.’
‘Sure, just hold on. Let me get the crib to the next room.’ She dragged the crib along with her.
‘Grissel, is everything alright.’ He called out after a few seconds away from him.
‘Why not?’ She asked.
‘Because that’s not the way to the next room.’
Grissel was dragging the crib to the kitchen.
‘Oops, I just had a lot on my mind.’ She made to smile but Tom was smarter.
‘Whatever it is, I know you won’t talk about it but I’m always here if you decide to.’
‘It’s nothing. Just work.’ She replied.
‘As usual.’ He said while Grissel retracted her steps upstairs.
Tom brought out his phone and sent a text with directions of a meet up.
He got a reply of change of time and venue. Tom scoffed and laid on the couch while waiting for his food.
He was however thankful another week will start tomorrow.
***
‘Lisa?’ Her aunt yelled out from her room.
She hissed on her bed and dragged her morning gown on.
She knocked on the door quietly.
‘Are you alone?’ She asked peeping through the slightly opened door.
‘Annoying. Who else would I be with?’ Julia told her when she entered with a mischievous grin on her face.
‘Who knows? Maybe Joe.’ She walked closer to her.
‘Huh, who told you he was here.’ She asked abruptly.
Melisa was confused and sat beside her immediately.
‘So he was here.’
‘Who was here?’ Julia asked hoping to cover up what she said earlier.
‘Aunty, I heard you loud and clear. It’s not a crime to love Joe.’
‘Did I mention I love Joe?’ She blushed.
She laughed so loud that Julia was confused. ‘It’s alright to be shy, but tell me how it went.’
‘How what went Lisa?’
‘Don’t be shy Aunty?’
‘I have no idea what you are driving at but some D guy called.’ Julia changed their topic.
‘D? I don’t know anyone by that name.’
‘He said to tell you to send your account details for the payment of her daughter’s successful party as he’s not able to reach you on phone.’
‘Ooh Dane.’ She said anxiously and softly.
‘What’s that?’ Julia asked as she didn’t hear what she said earlier.
‘I would give him a call later. But is that what you called me for.’
‘Yes, he sounded worried. Was it the Dallas event?’
‘Yes, that one.’
‘It’s been a month and you haven’t asked for payment yet?’
‘I left in a hurry but I will give him a call later in the day.’ She said scratching her head.
‘That’s alright and you look unwell.’
‘I’m fine, just a flu.’ She said quickly raising herself off the bed and walking away.
‘Not so fast. Who is D?’
Julia asked a Melisa seemed to find it difficult turning around.
‘I told you he’s the party guy.’.’
‘Come and sit with me.’ Julia taped her bedside and Melisa reluctantly walked closer.
‘Aunty, I will get the payment sorted out.’ She tried to maneuver her way out of there but Julia kept staring at her.
‘You haven’t gone out since you came back.’
‘I told you about my flu, Aunty.’
‘I stay in this house with you and I’ve not seen a sign of flu on your face since you got back.’
‘Maybe you haven’t noticed.’
‘Lisa, you can talk to me. I know something is bothering you.’
‘I’m very fine.’ She replied.
‘I guess this D guy wasn’t just a client.’
‘He was.’
‘No, thinking about it now. I think I heard him refer to you as beauty.’
‘He did?’ A broad smile crossed her face.
‘Yes, it didn’t make any sense until the look on your face earlier when I mentioned him.’
‘He’s no one actually.’
‘He is someone Lisa. Do you like him?’
‘Why would you even ask me that?’ She blushed.
‘Because you are shy and can’t stop that smile from appearing on your face even if you want to.’
She looked up at Julia and smiled yet again. ‘What if I did? I believe I’m not a baby anymore.’
She announced and changed to a lying down position while Julia also did same.
‘It’s alright if you like him but what I don’t understand is why you are avoiding his calls.’
‘I just have a feeling he’s not right for me.’
‘And how would you know that.’
‘Aunty, you’ve not met him. The kind of life he’s used to I don’t think I can keep up with it.’
‘Is he some kind of a drug dealer?’
‘No, I mean he’s rich and these rich white guys are bad news.’
‘Okay, he has money and you have what?’
‘I can’t compare what I have to what he has.’
‘So?’ Julia asked staring at her.
‘So we are bad for each other.’
‘Says the lady who has dated all the rich guys in her class.’
Melisa’s face was plastered with embarrassment. ‘But this guy is just out of my league.’
‘You mean handsome.’ Julia asked her.
‘Yes.’
‘I’ve heard that too before. Say something I haven’t heard yet.’
‘He’s got an eight year old sweet daughter.’ Melisa finally mentioned her fear.
‘Okay that’s new.’ Julia admitted.
‘Finally, you got my point.’ Melisa muttered.
‘From what you just said, he’s rich, handsome and you like him.’
‘Don’t forget the part that says he has a child.’ She stressed.
‘How much like are we talking about here.’
‘I’m not too sure yet but at first I didn’t exactly like him but spending a few days with him and his daughter I figured he’s likeable.’
‘Do you want to give him a chance?’
‘Should I?’ She asked Julia.
‘I know you too well, this guy has grabbed your attention unlike the rest that came and left.’
‘So you think I should give him a chance?’
‘Yeah, but this time don’t stress yourself going an extra mile.’
‘Thank you. But what about his daughter.’
‘What about her?’ Julia responded.
‘What if I can’t handle her?’
‘I handled you two.’
‘But aunty, Tom and I are family.’
‘Have an open mind. Besides you mentioned she’s a sweet girl. I’m sure she won’t give you much problems.’
‘I hope so.’
‘You know what, I will ask around about his family so you don’t worry too much.’
‘Ooh, I have. According to his house helps, he lost his wife during childbirth and has been single since.’
‘OMG, my daughter is in love.’
‘No, I’m not. Just trying to be careful this time around.’
‘Why don’t you return his calls now?’
‘You are right. When I get to my room I will do that.’
‘Just use my phone. I’m eager to know how you work this out.’ Julia picked up her phone and dialed the number that called her earlier that morning.
It rang twice and she handed it to Melisa when it seemed Dane had picked up.
Melisa was quiet at her end while Dane kept saying hello. Julia kept gesturing her to speak out.
‘Hello, I know it’s you Lisa. If you don’t want to talk to me you must as well see me. I’m in front of your gate.’
‘Huh!’ She exclaimed finally.
‘Yes, red painting, black gate. I’m here just come out.’
Melisa dropped the call and stared at Julia.
‘What happened?’
‘He said he’s at the gate.’
‘Here? How?’ Julia asked.
‘You see what I was telling you about? What kind of guy keeps checking me out on my website? I’m sure that’s where he got my address from.’
‘Relax.’
‘He’s weird aunty.’
‘I guess you didn’t give him options so he had to do whatever it takes to find you.’
‘I would even take off our personal details from the website and leave our email. That should be enough for our clients to reach out to us.’
‘Good idea, but he’s still waiting for you.’
‘What if I don’t want to see him?’
‘You will. Let’s get going. ‘Julia dragged her off the bed. They both forgot they were still in their morning gown.
‘Why do I feel like you are eager to marry me off because I give you too much trouble?’
‘Whatever,’ Julia replied signaling the security to open the gate.
They both froze as Dane was standing by the car be brought, probably a rented one. His sea blue Jeans and white polo shirt looks nearly ironed as if he didn’t drive himself.
By the time they realized he was in front of them.
‘I guess someone just woke up.’
He spoke up and reached out to Julia for a handshake that was when they both realized their morning gown was still on them.
‘You are welcome. Sorry we came out this way but let’s go in so we could properly get dressed.
‘That’s fine.’ He smirked while Melisa looked on.
Julia shoulder tap her and she smiled.
‘I don’t like men who stalk me.’ She finally broke her silence.
‘Lisa.’ Julia called out with a stern look.
‘Sorry,’ she whispered and walked away from them.
‘Sorry about that. Can we go in now?’ Julia told Dane and led the way.
‘Thank you.’ He said and followed her.
Blemished Love Episode 12- Loudest Thoughts
© Loudest Thoughts 2018
All Rights Reserved
‘There’s lunch in the microwave and fresh juice in the fridge. If you need anything jus…..’
‘Just call you. Copy that.’ Tom replied seeing her off to the gate.
‘Love you.’ She yelled out from her car and drove off to work.
Tom went back in, picked up his car keys and drove out of the house. He knew Grissel loved a fresh week without worries so he was sure not to give her some that morning.
*
‘You are not talking to me now.’ Dane asked.
Julia had earlier left the house for them.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘I apologize I came here unannounced but I just wanted to talk to you.’
‘You could have called Dane.’
‘I did call severally for a whole month, remember?’ He stood up from his chair and sat close to her holding her hands.
‘I can’t let this happen between us.’
‘But nothing is happening.’
‘Dane.’ She called with a stern look.
‘Alright, you don’t want anything to happen. I get it but at least acknowledge my presence here.’
Melisa looked up at him and shook her head and thought he’s right to have asked that of her.
‘Should I get you something to eat or drink?’
‘No, I’m fine. I would prefer we talk about us being friends.’
‘Friends?’ She muttered with surprised.
‘Of course, with no strings attached.’
‘But you were clear you wanted us to be more than that.’
‘And you made it clear nothing of that sort would happen.’
‘Yeah I did but I meant the other thing.’ She said with a glitter of smiles.
‘Ohh, sorry. I’m not going to sleep with you under your mother’s roof so relax.’
‘Aunty.’ She finally raised up her head.
‘You mean she’s your aunt?’
Melisa nodded.
‘You have her looks and I’m sure your mom has that beautiful look too.’
‘Yeah she had.’
Dane read the expression on her face and knew he might have overstepped. ‘I’m sorry about your mom.’
‘That’s fine, Julia is more than a mother to us.’
He reached playfully touching her cheeks. ‘So I guess we are a couple now.’
‘I hope so Dane.’
‘You hope so?’ He questioned with a confused look.
‘Look I’m just scared we are not right for each other.’
‘And who gets to decide that.’ He asked with concern. ‘To make you feel better I’m scared too.’
‘You are?’
A smile appeared on his face. ‘I mean I haven’t felt like this since Dani’s mom died but I guess it’s time to come out of my shells and I want to do that with you so just let me in.’ He muttered reaching out for her hands which she made readily available.
‘Yes.’ she replied smiling when Dane hasn’t asked any question yet.
‘Yes, as in you want us to date.’
She nodded and he reached out for a hug. ‘On one condition.’
‘Ooh ooh.’ He drew back.
‘Can we take it slow? Nothing big yet. I have a few things I need to clear up first.’
‘That works for me so long as it’s in my favor.’
‘Great, now can we talk about how you got here?’ She smiled relaxing against the couch.
‘I think I would take you up on that drink now.’ He tried to change the topic.
‘Is someone running away from their stalking schemes?’ She teased and stood up.
‘We will talk about that when I get my drink.’
‘Alright, grape juice coming right up.’
‘Thank you.’ He said after she vanished to the kitchen.
***
‘Jessy, thank you for meeting me.’
‘No problem, you sound worried over the phone. Is Grissel okay?’
‘I was hoping you could tell me that.’
‘What do you mean, you were hoping I could tell you?’
‘Grissel has been acting up lately.’
‘I still don’t understand you Tom.’
‘Has she said anything to you?’
‘Not that I can remember but I haven’t heard from her since the wedding.’
‘Since the wedding.’
Jessy nodded. ‘Yes, she’s avoiding my calls.’
‘But that’s like four months ago.’ Tom mentioned with a confused look on his face.
‘Ahaaa. I didn’t want to push it.’
‘That’s weird. She’s been acting withdrawn and lost.’
‘Did you guys have an argument?’ Jessy asked.
‘No, except I resigned a month ago and we talked about it.’
‘Maybe she’s still bothered about it but did you talk to her about your worries.’
‘You know Grissel, she talks at her own time and I can see whatever she got herself mixed up with is affecting our marriage.’
‘What do you want me to do now?’
‘Come over for dinner. Maybe you can get something out of her. I’m just so worried about her.’
‘If you are that worried you should find a way reaching out to her.’
‘I just think it would be better if she talked to someone she’s familiar with.’
‘Okay, I will come on Saturday.’ She thought for a while and thinks he is right about Grissel acting weird.
‘You know we are still new to all this marriage stuff but thank you.’ He replied signaling the waitress to come over.
***
Soon enough Saturday came and Tom was aware Jessy would be around so he was being helpful so his wife wouldn’t suspect anything.
‘Can you get someone for the position and stop calling my phone every time?’
Grissel watched keenly while Tom yelled on the phone.
He hanged up before Stella could say another word.
‘Is that chicken ready yet? He asked after a few minutes when Grissel was stealing glances.
Tom who decided to help in the kitchen sat on a chair flipping his phone.
‘Not yet, but what was that all about.’
‘That over pampered boss just asked me out for a drink.’
‘She did?’ Grissel asked surprising him.
‘Yeah, it’s been a month and I was hoping that position would have been filled up already.’
‘Maybe nobody is up for the task.’
‘That’s not my problem Grissel and I’m hungry now.’
‘I’m almost done here but don’t you think your boss just wants to hang out with you.’
‘Call her and remind her I’m married.’
‘Ease up Tom. It’s just a drink.’
‘With a married man.’
‘Come on, your wife is not complaining. I can tag along if you want me to.’
‘No thank you.’ He said and the bell rang.
They looked at each other and Tom left to get the door. As it seemed they were both not expecting anyone.
Grissel, see who we have here?’
Grissel left what she was doing and came out.
‘Hey,’ Jessy reached out for a hug.
‘I didn’t know you were coming.’ Grissel muttered.
‘Yeah, I was in the neighborhood and decided to pass by.’
‘You are right in time for dinner. Have a seat here.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Tom can you please keep her company, I want to get dinner sorted.’
‘Sure, I’m right behind you.’ He replied and walked Jessy to get a seat.
***
‘Is Lisa going to be my new mom? ‘Dani asked her dad suddenly after their dinner.
‘Where did you hear that?’
‘I have eyes and ears Daddy.’
‘You have? But you just got here.’ He inquired.
‘Why is she hiding throughout this week in the guest room?’
‘Hiding? Guest room?’
‘Come on Daddy, you never enter the guest room but you did this evening and lately I seem to be going away to Grams very often.’
‘Oh I forgot to tell you I have a problem with my bed so I’m crushing there this week.’
‘Daddy?’ She sheepishly called out.
‘Yes love.’
‘Are you lying t…?’ She was saying when her nanny interrupted.
‘It’s time for your bath.’ Her nanny called out.
Dane sighed heavily and walked out to the far end of the house and knocked quietly on Melisa’s door while he waited for a reply.
When he got no answer, he walked in and heard drops of water from the shower.
Dane smiled coyly and grabbed a seat on her bed.
Few minutes after Melisa came out luckily with a towel wrapped to cover her body.
‘Ready for bed.’ He questioned when she came out.
‘Gosh, you scared me.’ She made sure her towel was well tied.
‘Sorry but we need to talk.’
‘Am I in trouble?’
‘Yes we both are.’ He replied with a gesture.
‘A Dani problem?’ She questioned walking over to sit.
He nodded. ‘She came home this evening.
‘I thought you said she would be with your parents throughout my visit.’
‘I did but they sent her over for the night.’
‘Okay, so what’s the problem if she’s going back tomorrow?’
‘Emm that seems to be the problem.’
‘She has no plans of leaving?’ She asked reading meaning into what he said.
‘Yes and she knows about us.’
‘How? I mean she just got here and she already figured that out.’
‘I don’t know how yet, but she asked why you are hiding in the guest room. She’s a smart kid Lisa.’
‘For an eight year old, I think she’s just nosy.’
‘Come on, don’t you think two months is enough dating period to talk to her about us.’
‘We talked about this D. I’m not ready for that responsibility.’
‘Responsibility? What’s that supposed to mean.’ He flared up.
‘This was what i kept telling you I had to work out first and you wouldn’t listen.’
He stood up pacing around. ‘Dani is my responsibility, not yours.’
‘And she becomes mine as soon as we make it public.’
‘It’s not even like that.’ He said still pacing around.
‘How is it like then?’ She questioned with confusion on her face.
‘I just want her to know so you could stop sneaking around the house.’
‘Well, I’m okay with how things are now besides we don’t want to confuse Dani and when things don’t work out between us she crawls back into her shells.’
‘This is childish and insensitive at the same time.’ He replied.
Before she could say anything else, he was out of the door.
***
‘Your dad told me you have some questions.’ Melisa decided to talk to Dani the next day after dinner.
‘Emmm, yes.’
‘I would try and answer honestly.’ Melisa told her.
‘Ahaaa, why were you hiding in there?’ She mentioned as if she forgot what she wanted to say initially.
‘I wasn’t exactly hiding. I would have come to find you just after your dinner this evening.’
‘Okay, so are you my new mom.’ She asked with all seriousness.
‘Not exactly but I could just be another add up to the family if you don’t mind.’
‘Would that make Daddy happy?’
Melisa made a mental note. ‘I guess so.’
‘Welcome to the family.’ Dani muttered. Just then Dane came knocking.
‘Daddy is that you?’ She queried.
He peeped in and was surprised Melisa was in her daughter’s room.
‘Hey.’ He gestured to her.
‘Hello.’ She responded nonchalantly.
‘Daddy, did you get that ice cream for me.’
‘I did but it’s almost your bed time so you can have that tomorrow.’
‘Okay.’ Dani glanced at the two of them.
‘Can I borrow your friend for a minute?’ He announced after a few seconds as the whole room was quiet.
‘You can have her.’ She smiled.
Melisa tucked her in properly while Dane walked over kissing her on the fore head.
‘Goodnight Dad. Lisa, I would see you at breakfast tomorrow.’
‘Alright, I would be there.’ She smiled to her and walked out with Dane.
*
‘So you two talked?’ He asked her beaming with smiles.
‘It was the right thing to do.’
‘And I’m guessing I wouldn’t be getting the gist.’
‘No, all you need to know is she’s a smart kid.’
‘Okay, but I’m sorry I snapped last night.’
‘That’s fine, at least we can be seen together now.’ Melisa assured him.
He nodded holding her hands by his door.
‘I wish you could come in but I…..’
‘I understand you D.’
He glared at her and drew her closer after a few minutes of silence.
‘What are you doing Dane?’
‘Shhhh,’ he gestured with his hands and slowly kissed her on the lips.
‘Come with me Lisa.’ He dragged her along to his room and quickly shutting the door behind him.
‘You don’t want to do this Dane.’ She said when he was pulling her gently towards his bed.
‘I know what we agreed on.’ He reached out for her lips once more as they laid on the bed.
***
