At age 12, Maliah's twin brother Malik drowned. Eight years later, she's still coping with the trauma of her loss. Though she visits their favorite beach for fond memories, she is yet to enter the water.
When a familiar stranger offers to help comba...
"Yes I know." I rolled my eyes. "I look hideous. Maybe I should change." I made an about turn but he held my arm spinning me to face him.
"You look beautiful dear." He kissed my right cheek. "The only complaint I may have is what would other people might think... They're gonna think you're a pedophile." He grinned.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Oh hush!" I smacked his arm. "They're not going to watch me. Their eyes will be on you. You look stunning. And you've shaved." I said touching his chin. It was baby smooth.
"So does this mean that you're no longer vex with me?"
My face changed from a girly smile to a bitchy glare. "I'm still angry with you from the beach, amongst other things..." I glanced away.
"Well I have a lot to make up for, so let's be on our way shall we?" He held his arm out like a fine young gentleman and I took it.
~~~~~
We arrived at a hotel restaurant. It had crisp white walls, decorated green fabric seats. Waitresses were bustling about and the smell of creole food swam in the air. It didn't have much people-- which was a plus for me. Each table was in its own secluded area. I smiled at the setting because it was private and few persons could eye my horrendous outfit.
A feisty little waiter came to us and announced that the night was buffet style. I cringed a bit because it meant I would have to leave my seat. But seeing my expression, Rion offered to fill my plate.
"So what will you guys be having as your drink?" The waiter asked as soon as Rion returned with our plates.
"We'll have the house red wine. Thank you."
House? Wine? Oh God. I had no clue what he was talking about. Id never drunk wine. The most I could do was smile sweetly at the lady who was scribbling on her mini notepad. Within minutes, she brought a bottle that looked quite exquisite. She broke the seal and tugged on the cork a little before filling our glasses. When she was finished, she gave us a slight nod and walked off.
"Well?" I asked , sipping the wine. It was sweet. Deliciously sweet. Something I could drink whole day.
"I'll get to it when you taste your food." Rion pointed at my colourful plate. "But you should go easy on the wine."
I hadn't touched my food and was already halfway through the wine. I looked down at the round white plate before me. It was more of a healthy choice he made. There were grilled chicken, vegetable rice, green salad, baked beans, coocoo, callaloo, and breadfruit on my platter. It would have been better with some potato salad though...
I stuck the fork in my rice and placed a good sized amount in my mouth like a stubborn child.
"Maliah, since our last encounter... Well the one before the beach, I had some thinking to do." He started.
