"You know, what makes me feel even worse is that I was almost ready to trust you. Just like, you asked. And maybe more so because of what Astyanax suggested I write. So if your gonna be broken hearted. Go right ahead, maybe that's what you really need to be, nobody right now can or is gonna stop you. Especially, me!
"Some "dream girl" you turned out to be: especially to me. So what's a couple of tears more? I'd a been better off just getting by without anyone like you always looking at me. As for all the butterflies that I glass cased, don't worry about them either, "Petalutha mou," .. "My butterfly;" they'll all be in the garbage before I go to sleep tonight!
"What's more, if I ever see your face in my dreams again I'll understand what you really are, nothing more than a sneaky fake.
"Oh, and if you need to put more make-up on to cover over those freckles, make sure it's blood red. That's what Szach-eh-waneh had on his face when he wasted me! He didn't tease me with his looks. He told me what he wanted and he made damn sure I had a taste of it and that it was on mine too, before ... before ... oh ... screw you!
"I take back my apology about making fun of your name. You were cold, calculating and almost black hearted. Apologizing to you, that was my mistake Melinda. Believe me, I won't make that mistake again! Your face might have fooled me but how could I have been fooled by your name?
"In fact it wasn't only your face that set me off yesterday it WAS your name. As soon as my sister thought it, I went ape! I even accused ... her ... of backstabbing me! All the time it was gonna be you!
"Your name Melinda ... your name ... your ... name?
"You know, every time your mother wanted to talk directly to you, or, to make a point, she started with your name.
"Your mother used the words, "To gliko mou" ... "My sweet" ... those are the words she used just a couple of seconds ago ... but it was the way she used them ... it's supposed to mean "my sweet." But ... it's the way she used it. Except, except, Melinda doesn't really mean sweet. It means the dark or the black one! What an appropriate description!
"Sure, there is a second meaning but it really doesn't apply. Not the way she used it and certainly not the way she spoke it, lovingly.
"Which means that she used your name either incorrectly, or ... or ...? I know your mother is too smart to use your name wrong. Which leaves only one other explanation. She began the sentence describing the name, which in its meaning, to her, you should have been named ... Melina ... soft and gentle, soothing, sweet, like honey. That's the way she used it to start the sentence. You were misnamed? You WERE misnamed! But why? Melina ... that's what you were supposed to be named. Not Melinda! So? Am I right? Do you have anything else to add to that bit of information? Should I keep on going?! On the other hand, are my rhetorical questions now just so much more sensitive, insightful, sweetly sensitive and yummy, ooie-gooie, sissy twisted word crap for you to handle?
"You didn't have the balls to stand and tell me to my face that I looked like a sissy! Even that's a joke. Of course, you don't have any and I'm shy of one myself. But, you skipped all around the word. Sure, I have long hair and it looks like my sisters. But, you know, I could just turn that around. Her hair looks just like mine. So does her face. Even down to the ears, eyelashes and eyebrows, well, maybe even the lips too. So what does that make her? If that was all you were falling all over her and going gah-gah about then you're pretty shallow, and I feel sorry for your mother. She has class. I guess she couldn't pass that on to you, could she! You had to try to be so clever. Who's the clever one now my superficial poppet?
"Or is the "Sissy" you sneakily mocked just leading you on? You dreamed of a prince, princess. Well, you're half right. At one time, I was a prince. And, as for being a princess ... that's in your dreams! Not mine!
"Why are you even still standing in front of me? Why don't you just turn around, walk down the stairs and run out the door? Why do you remain? Haven't I been clear enough about how you made me feel about you and myself? Your "sweet face" ... guess even that'll start to turn my stomach ... guess I've had one sweet too many. Now that I think about it, it isn't only candy that's gonna make me sick, it's just the thought of having to look at you!
You said, "Trust me." Master Su, my martial arts teacher, told me to keep my enemies close, but my friends closer. I swear, you'll never get close enough to knife me in the back again! I trust you just about, as far as I can throw you!
For the several moments of silence before I continue, it is clear that Mrs. Agapp is stunned. As for the false sweetener, she appears to be miserable. I mull it over to myself; at least, there is symmetry, so am I. The tears she's crying are convincing, and with reason, I truly did make a girl cry. But, why do I feel she almost went of of her way, to make it so obvious, as if she was begging for it to happen? I turn my attention to Mrs. Agapp.
"Mrs. Agapp, I truly apologize to you. I said before, I did not want to offend you. But, I know otherwise, I'm sorry. You said you wanted to know more about me. Well, that's what I've been trying to find out about myself as well. It's just that, your daughter Melinda, well, I've never been this angry before ... well ... maybe yesterday with my sister I came close.
"Well ... actually ... maybe it ... it ... was because ... because, it was the first time I ever got ... excited over ... thinking about .. about ... I mean when she ... she touched ... it was the first time ever. I'm sorry, forget I even said anything about that. But really, it almost seemed like your daughter was just teasing me and purposely leading me on, you know, playing me for a fool, but at the same time somehow wanting me to explode at her. I mean ... if ... if ... she wanted me to more than ... than ... well like her and stuff like that .... why did she ... do what she did?
"I know you only want what's best for your Melinda. But I'm not all that certain it would include me. If its all the same to you, I honestly appreciate all of the hard work your husband did on the bracelet he made for my Mother. And, I don't know if my Dad has picked up the other bracelets he ordered, well, through me anyway, I want you to know if their half as great as the original, I, thank you. They'll be wonderful.
"I really am sorry for my outburst, but ... it wasn't right what she tried to do. I got angry and ... well ... maybe I did go overboard. Clearly, I know you would not want me to be around her at all, I mean, as far as her being the guide of the school tour I was supposed to take with her. Besides, I don't think I want to be around her all that much either. So ... if you want ... maybe with my sisters help ... I'll try and find someone else to walk with ... even if it is a girl.
"And as for your statement about a further explanation from me ... I mean ... about my sisters enlightenment needing further study. You are elegant and smart. There is more. But please, I don't think I can take much more of this right now. I know you don't know half the stuff that I even dreamed about. But I'm telling you the truth. Every dream I've ever had just killed me. You can ask my sister or my parents. They'll tell you the truth. All I want to do right now is to finish what I have to do.
"But I would ask you one favor. If you ever find out why she tried to embarrass me and cut me, with her words, please, tell me. I promise I will never try to find out anything else about you or her."
Mrs. Agapp shakes her head, side to side and sternly replies, "No little one, you may not ask one single favor of me. Melinda, my sweet, for the moment, come and stand by me, before we leave, I will speak my mind. Moreover, trust me; I will only speak the truth. While you, Christopher H. Markison, will stand and listen as well. However, more, you may wish to become less formal, for me, on the other hand, it is necessary that I do so. I believe you claimed you had no knowledge of my daughter or even of her name and, that, you did not script, this portion of what you or my daughter is experiencing. I believe you.
"Under other circ-umstances, I would have taken you over my knee and blistered your impertinent behind, Trust me; you would not have sat for days without remembering my hand. In addition, you would have known better than to look to your Mother or Father to intercede. I am certain that they have taught you better. I will take this to the conclusion of what I feel is my participation in this, this, play.
"Move closer, stand in front of my daughter, the one you have reduced to tears and me. Understand, only through your eyes must you see her, not another's, even if it is easier for you.
The serious nods from my parents and sisters alike, are in unison. Cautiously, I approach the lioness that protects her cub. I mentally note that if Mother's finger once softly beckoned me, Mrs. Agapps is now more of an emphatic demand. Guess they all have the same sign language down pat. No studying!
The other thing I realize is the disgust I have doing this. The closer I get, the more difficult it becomes to look at either Mrs. Agapp or ... Melinda. Honestly, I cringe at looking at both of them, but especially Melinda. I think to myself, if my Mother felt half as bad ...
In the few steps from the stage to arch, I consciously begin to fondle the satin hem sewn beneath the cover-up, guessing old habits die-hard. As much as I want to, at least I'm able to stop my left hand before it gets too far. I imagine the wry smile that is now crossing Mrs. Agapps' lips, signals that she has noticed as well.. It's kinda obvious. In any case, just before I stop myself, Mrs. Agapp does it for me. Her right hand takes hold of my shoulder and pulls me close enough to stand exactly in front of the two of them. I know better, but somehow, I think crying is contagious. Mrs. Agapps eyes are starting to leak as well. The angry outburst I expect from her is anything but. The mask she wore before melts away as she begins.
"Christopher, I told you before, you may not ask one single favor of me. You may ask as many as you desire. Be quiet and listen. When you have heard what I have to say, then you may continue your odyssey to completion. I will not ask a rhetorical question, it seems you have had your fill. Besides, it is evident that you are a master of rhetoric; it would be pointless as well as insulting.
"Kurioi: kai Astyanax, Elias, Joachem ke Christophorus; nobles oloi. Christophor, opogonos, tou dunatou Hector, uperaspites efphroston tou Troiu; I O' agapemenos apogonos tou Achaens meghistu polemiste Achilleas, einei teememenous ghia na einai sti sundthiasmena parousia kai to toksxo sas se sas. Zeto sungnome gyia tis energeeis tis koris mou Melinda Cassandra. Esaste sostoi na thumothete steen anarmoste prospatheia tees na sas eksxapatesie. Masters: Astyanax, Elias, Joachem and Christopher; nobles all. Christopher, descendant, of the mighty Hector, stalwart defender of Troy: I, the beloved descendant of the Achaeans greatest warrior Achilles, am honored to be in your combined presence and bow to you. I apologize for the actions of my daughter Melinda Cassandra. You were right to be angered at her inept attempt to deceive you.
"Clearly, you are clever, insightful, and as cunning and sagacious a child I have ever known. Moreover, articulate, if the mood so strikes you.
"Additionally, my little noble, and here, take no inference of disrespect; you are clearly as sensitive a child as I have met. I do not use the word to belittle you; on the contrary, you are perceptive and completely aware of what surrounds you on all levels. My precious little one, Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, wandered for ten years after the fall of Troy and lost all who he took with him, before he returned home. You, a boy prince, have wandered for over three thousand years and have not lost a soul. Einei e teme mou gyia na sas sunanteiso. It is my honor to meet you.
"Somehow, you have pierced what only my husband and I have known. My daughter's name Melinda was an error, not of our omission, but rather of another's purposeful addition. The "d" in her name, being added purposely: not by myself and certainly not by her Father. To both of us, until just now, it was inexplicable. Her Father desired the name of the child to be Melina. A nurse at the maternity ward, for some reason, wrote the name incorrectly upon her birth certificate. Supposedly, neither of us was aware of the error. Yet, honestly at the time, somehow, allegedly both of us misread the name. At first, my husband told me it was through his strongly accented and repeatedly poor pronunciation of the child's name, in English, which caused the error. Several years later, I found out that was not the truth. Ena lefto bvrisketei. A white lie. Somehow, only I misread the name.
"Prior to when she was to be enrolled in school, I again noted the error on the certificate. Yet, before enrollment, for this past school year, her Father almost passed away. Fearing he would do so he told me what he said was the total truth about her name.
"He relayed, what he stated was a decidedly one-way and silently private conversation with the nurse who wrote the name upon her certificate. At that time, her explanation to him was anything but simple: either to understand or accept.
"Please, what I will tell you I have told no one else. Not even my daughter. Even now, I fear your parents will think me mad. Forgive me for now I understand how little I knew then or truthfully even now. My apologies, I find it difficult ... to relay ... without ... without continuously resorting to tears.
"I must preface my remarks. My husband is not an overtly religious man.
"He was quite upset over the mistaken name written upon the birth certificate. He set about the maternity ward to find the nurse who by appearance tended our newborn. All whom he spoke with discounted his description of the nurse. Repeatedly, being told that no one by that description or name worked in the maternity ward. He was beside himself and grew increasingly angry.
"Without knowing what to do, he resolved to return to the hospital room, and remove us from what he was calling the hospital ... ena trello spiti! ... a mad house! To his utter astonishment when he opened the door to our room, the object of his hunt, stood beside my bed.
"Melinda kei imoun kai o duo koimismenous, kathos eiseigage. Melinda and I were both asleep, as he entered. Etan exorgismenous! He was enraged! He moved to confront the nurse as she stood over our daughter with her right hand resting upon our child's head.
"Yet, before he could speak, he claims the nurse looked at him ... and what he saw ... frightened him, no, actually terrified him. He claims her eyes seemed to burn right through him ... flashing in a manner which absolutely petrified him. He also claimed that while he did not see her lips move ... She, none-the-less spoke these very words to him. As I relay them to you, please, look at my sweet."
I do as asked.
She continues, "Still your anger, the child's name must remain as written; until, a little one, who himself is as well guarded as your daughter, pierces the haze of ambiguity which has surrounded her for ages. Then all shall be clear. The first cut of her words to the child must be the unkindest and deepest. Unknowingly, she must entreat his acid replies to her provocations. Only then, will the curse years ago cast, be undone. When spurned and broken hearted will she then come forth and find herself again in love with the truth. The blood shed between two great houses must no longer divide them. The accord is made; she is the bridge, between the two. All of this I have long ago foreseen"
"Christopher, please look at me once more." Again I comply. Resistance is as futile as is trying to stop the goose bumps now raising on my arms and legs.
"Before my husband could compose himself and respond, his head turned to the sound of the door handle to the room lifting as another person was about to gain entry. His eyes moved to watch another nurse enter the room, walking from the doorway to stand by our bedside.
"My husband swears his eyes did not deceive him. As his eyes followed the nurse to our bedside, there to his amazement, the nurse who had just entered stood alone. The nurse with the flashing eyes was no longer at our bedside nor to be seen anywhere in the room. She had vanished. My husband claims that for several moments he mutely stood by and watched the nurse note the progress chart at the foot of our bed. His watering eyes followed her as she left the room. When he turned his head back to the bed, the one with the flashing eyes again stood before him. Again, to his astonishment, without her lips moving, she spoke to him. "Your daughter, once again, shall be in my care as is now the little one whom I guard. A simple prayer, which you will teach her, is all that is required. Do not fail to teach her the following, "Lord, grant me an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of my soul and body, to watch over me, I ask of You." Aggapemenous, emai ekkeinos o angelos ... Aggapimenous, I am that angel." With those last words barely spoken, the nurse, according to my husband, without the slightest effort, rose ... and ... literally seemed to melt into the ceiling above. He claims also, that the aroma of orange blossoms filled the room.
"At his request, to this day, both he and I have never told Melinda any of this. For some reason, he strongly felt, if that what was to be, it must occur on its own, without our intervention. Otherwise, it would have been contrived. When I return home, this afternoon, tha me skepsetei trello! He will think me mad!
"Please, Christopher, consider my words. You asked me moments ago for a favor: if I could explain to you why she tried to embarass you, and cut you with her words, would I explain. Have I not done so? Does any of what I have said have meaning to you?
"Na esti efxaristos ke epanesxetaste tis lexeis sas. Me teen pekri glossas sas, teen exhete katastrepsi sxethon. Be gracious and reconsider your words. With your bitter tongue, you have all but destroyed her. If at one time, you lost your tongue, it now seems you have found it. Was it as spiteful then? I do not think so. In the heat of a moment, you honored me though called my daughter classless. That is unbecoming of your nature. Please, I solicit you again, do not be so quick to judge, reconsider and temper your remarks: return my sweet to me.
"Eme oli para polu exsokiomenoi me ta lutra tou somatos Hectors apo ti skenei to progonou mou. Thedomenou oti Priam Achilles, parakalo se sas. I am all too familiar with the ransom of Hectors body from the tent of my ancestor. As Priam supplicated Achilles, I plead to you. Return my sweet to me.
"I cannot offer a kings ransom, the great riches, as Priam did. Sas prosfero perisotero. I offer you more. Without doubt, you are not absorbed with gold or riches, only the truth. If you were captive of an unbroken circle, so was she. While you were aware of what you sought, she could only cry to you for help, infuriating you, as foretold.
"Permit a mother's counsel, indeed, the winner takes it all. However, how will the loser and others judge you? Will you leave the loser bereft of all, including dignity? Please, my sweet, you can see so many things and claim you can do more; look kindly at my daughter.
"Then itan to xeri tis pou othei to maxheri ... It was not her own hand which thrust the knife, which cut you. Antitheta ... On the contrary, it was that of a lingering and vain lesser god whose curse only your words could break. Assuredly, as he felled my ancestor by aiding the flight of an arrow to his heel, you have dissolved his last vestige of hate with your bitter tongue and language.
"I will not dance on the head of a pin. Indeed, you are strong, intelligent, sly, and yes, somehow even to a woman of my age, peculiary sensuous while comprising the best qualities of both: yin and yang. Ask your master Su ... the best of both opposite yet complementary forces. Eki, sas exo kalesei ti eseis phobismenoi. Oti ti eseis akougyete? E akousete teen aleithea? There, I have called you what you feared. Is that what you heard? Or, did you hear the truth?
"Opyou phovaste tous perisoterous? Thas sas afhiso na eiste o thikastes auftos. E sungroosse enai thikos sas pou epilevfe. Which do you fear most? I shall let you be the judge of that. The conflict is yours to resolve.
"Lastly, consider again my appeal, do not leave her shattered with your words; can you be gracious in your victory? Merikes phoress, stei nike, enai kalotero na meen lephthia ola. Sometimes, in victory, it is best not to take it all. Separakalo, epistrespete to gliko se me. I plead to you again, return my sweet to me. You said, "Mother you have always done the right thing." Is it in your heart to do the same? Are you less that she?
"Moreover, has my daughter not revealed to you more than what she has told anyone else? Contemplate her words.
"Here, now, I have humbled myself to you and before others. Are you pleased?
"I shall even remove my daughter from your sight, if only for a brief moment. To answer another of your questions, the answer is yes, I do have the pieces with me, which your father ordered.
"Melinda, go downstairs and return with the wrapped packages, which are in the trunk of my car. When you return, place them at the entrance to Christopher's room then leave us. I will offer them to the young noble to judge if they are acceptable.
"Mr. Markison, I apologize. It would seem, that while you are the purchaser, your son, is the designer and would have the right of refusal if he found them unacceptable. If they are not to his liking, whatever he finds lacking will be rectified. Melinda, my sweet, please do as I ask. You can do nothing more here."
I hold my breathe; and understand what a poignantly and utterly dejected crestfallen girl I am looking at.
Before she has left, Aeron D. breaks her awkward and halting exit from the arch with her soft words. "Melina ....
Betty Pearl's Sissy Stories 20.1
Topic: Promises, Obligations and Consequences (Read 152702 times)
