CHAPTER 3: A Bottle of Wine

Montreal, Canada

            Canada is indeed different from Italy. I felt so unaccustomed the moment my feet landed on the country’s ground. The people and the sights are unfamiliar to me. It’s a whole new environment I laid for myself. Well, it’s not that I have never been to Canada ever since, but to live here is so unlike to just having plain vacations.

            I will be breathing new air for quite a long time. I just hope Claire and I would easily adapt to a Canadian life. Nothing is easy for a foreigner in a new country, but I guess Cassi had get through it, somehow.

            White-painted walls and caramel-coloured furniture welcomed us when the door to Cassi’s condo unit opened. The place is specially decorated with wooden movables and green plants. Just as what I expected from my twin, everything would feel so refreshing especially the balcony in the living room that paves a scene to the busy city of Montreal.

            “I’ll arrange my things, damsel. Just call me if you need anything,” Claire stated.

            I nodded at her and she turned towards the room just across mine. I walked my way to Cassi’s room, too, which will be temporarily mine for now. I’m delighted Cassi’s unit has two rooms, and that Claire doesn’t need to get another unit. As far as possible, I wanted her to be close to me during these times.

            My twin’s bedroom was just almost the same to the theme in the living room. There are plants, a shelf full of books, and photographs hanged on the walls. The large frame placed above her bed was a picture of Sicily, Italy.

            I guess she’s been missing home a lot.

            However, the picture frames on her bedside table caught my attention the most. One was a photo of the two of us, captured when we were once on a beach. And the other was our family picture.

            I picked it up and caressed the photo as I stared at their smiling faces.

            What would it be if that incident three years ago never happened? Would we still be complete and happy today? I’m sure Cassiopeia would never choose to run away from home. She would never be in danger and I would never be in this situation. Everything must be absolutely fine.

            But I guess there is no point of getting stuck on the doubts of before. No matter how I try to dwell on these what ifs, I still have no other choice but to face what’s in the present. The most important thing for me today is today.

            I quickly placed back the frame on the table when Claire suddenly showed up on the doorway. I didn’t hear her knocks. And she definitely saw me getting emotional over a photo because her eyes are now laced with sympathy.

            After a few seconds, Claire sat on the bed beside me and smiled a bit.

            “You know we can still forget about this and go home, damsel.”

            My eyes immediately rolled hearing what she said. She has been repeating this for heaven knows how many times. And no matter how I tried to assure her, she still doubts my plans.

            “Stop it, Claire. I already told you for so many times. This is what I decided to do for my twin.”

            “But we both know that this plot is not –” I cut her off. “We are already here, Claire. We don’t just back out when everything is already laid.”

            “I understand but this is very dangerous, damsel. Entering the enemy’s territory means burying our own grave. And we don’t even know who we are baiting ourselves to.”

            She’s got a point but it’s better to risk than regret.

            “One of my feet is already buried meters below ever since I was born, Claire. And what that reality taught me is to defeat my fear. Because only then I will be able to survive. Only then I will live,” I replied to her as clearly as I could so that it would really sink in her wavering mind.

            “Damsel…”

            My patience for this is going shorter but she doesn’t even seem to yield.

            “Your safety is what matters to me the most. Please, think –”

            I stood up making Claire halt. And without taking a glance at her, I firmly walked to the door an opened it wide for her.

            “Look, if you are just going to convince and push through stopping me, you can leave.”

            “Damsel, your grandparents are worrying about you.”

            I looked at her harder. I knew it right.

            “Alright. If you’re scared, just go back to Sicily. And then you tell my grandparents that not even your words can stop me.”                                                  

            Claire’s eyes immediately widened, surprised that I figured out what my grandparents told her to do to make me come back home.

             I ain’t a dumb.

            Seeing my cold stares, Claire heavily sighed and continued walking.

            “I don’t need your doubts and concern, Claire,” I sternly said before she completely walked out of my room.

            The last thing I would want to hear now is people bringing out how wrong I am for doing this. Because I already know that. I am very much aware of all the consequences waiting for me when I chose this decision.

            And it scares me, honestly. There are countless things that could happen. Tables may turn for me and God forbids that my plan would backfire.

             It’s frightening to think about it to the point that I, too just even wanted to back out. This is why I need nothing but courage and support from Claire. Because right now, the only thing that I hold on for bravery is Cassi.

            A week had passed and college classes have already started. However, I still haven’t attended school. The required documents I need for the semester, of course as Cassiopeia, are still in progress. Claire’s school transfer papers, on the other hand, took a long time to process since her last school year was in Sicily.

            Perhaps, we could go to college as seniors by next week.

            I spent my last day of not being a student through my favourite hobby – shopping. Since Claire is not with me today because she has to run some mafia errands, I didn’t buy much but two clothes from Givenchy and Saint Laurent.

            Before going home and after dining in for a lunch, I decided to buy some groceries that were lacking in the unit. I need wine. And strawberries, too. And sweets.

            I was on my way to liquor beverages area when people began staring at me. I was quiet dazed with how they look at me, at first. But seeing them whisper at each other while feeling so giddy, I can’t help myself but just smirk.

            Yes, sweeties. I know I’m dashing. My ethereal beauty could never be denied.

            I flipped my hair in full confidence and walked like a celebrity catching the eyes of so many. A lot of people often praise me for my looks, some had even casted me in acting and modelling agencies. But my dream is to dress those who walk on carpets and runways not to be one of the dressed idols. And so, my answer would always be no.

            Three girls meters away from me – which I supposed to be high school students – purposely stopped walking just to get a proper glimpse of me. They were lowly squealing and babbling, and were shamelessly pushing each other.

            “Trix, you go girl.”

            “What? No! Amara’s the best in approaching. Duh!”

            “You guys are such a pussy. Let me show you how I easily do it.”

            It made my brow rise in disbelief. They fancy me, alright. But really?!

            The girl in high ponytail and rosy red lip tint paced towards me and brought out her mobile phone. When she was already near, I stopped on my trance to face and tend to her.

            I know she wanted to take a selfie with me so I laid out my hands open in the air to receive her phone.

            But I swear I almost melted down in embarrassment when she just gave me her what-the-hell-are-you-doing look and then walk passed me towards whoever is behind my back.

            I was… I was totally dumbfounded. I even blinked my eyes several times just to swallow what happened.

            Damn you, Meda. Damn you for assuming too much.

            I closed my eyes tightly and bit my lip hard. With hands folded into fists and gritted teeth, I turned around.

            “Uhm, hi. My name is Amara,” the girl greeted and presented her hand for a handshake.

            The man of more than six feet tall nodded at her and smiled a little. However, he didn’t accept her hand which made her obviously a bit dejected. He was about to walk away when she held his arm.

            Wow, what a brave heart for a clearly rejected soul.

            “Hey, don’t just walk away,” she uttered.

            “What do you want?” He asked, sounding so impatient and uninterested that it surely dragged the girl’s confidence to bottom.

            “Uhhh…”

            It took her seconds to continue.

            “C-can I get your number? And… And y-your name…”

            “No.”

            Heavy refusal quickly slipped away from his tongue. He removed her hold from his arm and just walked away like he didn’t stomp on someone’s pride.

            Well. No one could force someone. Not even a pretty young face and a sexy body.

            But the guy actually looked familiar. He was wearing a bomber zipper jacket over a white shirt, and pants paired with Adidas sneakers.

            Where on earth could I have seen him? I’m sure I met him before. I’m sure I heard that deep voice before. But when? I really can’t remember any particular details about him.

            In the end, I just shrugged off my thoughts and proceeded to the wine cellar.

            However, the embarrassment I went through still lingered in my mind. I can still see the laughing reactions of those two girls who happened to witness me. God, it’s really awful.

            Sheesh. Get over it, Meda.

             I was skimming through various liquor brands until my eyes darted to the only bottle of wine specially placed in a wooden cabinet with a glass door.

            My eyes twinkled in bliss and astonishment, not believing that they are selling a very expensive wine in a supermarket. There it sits on the far corner is my all-time favourite red wine, Echezeaux Grand Cru of Henri Jayer from France. You can’t just find this anywhere. It’s noted by connoisseurs of fine wines!

            With my eyes on it, I immediately draw near and pointed at the wine.

            “I’ll take this.”

            “I will buy this.”

            My face instantly turned to the man who talked coincidentally with me, and was also pointing at the wine same as me.

            I rolled my eyes in annoyance and sneered when I recognized him.

            He was the arrogant man a while ago who just rejected a girl. He was the jerk who unintentionally brought me to shame. Yes, he was the cool and charming man in bomber zipper jacket – as what most people here have seen in his looks.

            I saw surprise flashed like lightning in his eyes when he saw me. But it was, in a second after, back to being complacent again. He did a sudden change of emotion expertly that I could never have noticed it if I wasn’t completely staring at his grey eyes.

            This man is surely nothing but a mystery.

            “I am buying this wine,” I declared while breaking the awkward eye contact with him.

            “No. I will,” the jerk opposed, glancing at me and then to the saleslady beside.

            “I was the first one here. So supposedly, I will be taking it.” I quickly rebutted.

            “We arrived at the same time, lady.”

            I rolled my eyes again. “Whatever. It’s mine. Ladies are always first.”

            He sarcastically chuckled. And I was slightly astonished with it. Damn, he sounded so sexy.

            Oh shut up, Meda!

            “Ladies first? Pft. That’s seriously old,”

            “What?!” I scowled at him.

            Asshole.

            “Look, we’re wasting our time here. Just give it up and choose from the wine racks alright?” He calmly told me and turned to the saleslady. “I’ll take the wine.”

            “No! Who told you I’m letting you have it?! I will take the Grand Cru home!” I exclaimed.

            “Uhmm… I’ll just get the key to the cabinet. Y-you can talk about it, Sir, Maam.” The saleslady barged in.

            After seeing the jerk nod, she went on her way while shaking her head, probably stressed out of the cat and dog, quarrelling over a red wine. But I would rather fight for this only bottle with a jerky stranger than wait a couple of weeks before it reaches my door.

            “Hey,” the jerk called me.

            I harshly turned to him and found him took a step towards me. I immediately stepped back in response. He then looked at me, amused.

            “Just give the wine to me,” he added.

            I crossed my arms. “And what made you think that I’ll yield to you?”

            “I need it.”

            “And?”

            “And you obviously don’t.”

            I scoffed at his straightforwardness. This man is inarguably haughtily overbearing. And I have big disinclination with men like him. They are severe allergies to the system.

            “Jerk,” I whispered but it got through his ears.

            He grimly looked at me for I don’t know how long. His eyes were threatening me in an unfathomable way that I slightly regretted saying that word out loud. But despite very little trembles, I still stared at him like I was not flustered.

            Men like him want people to shudder in fear. And I won’t give in to that. He will see no chances from me.

            I was about to open my mouth he took another steps forward.

            “What are you doing?” I asked as I continue to move back, keeping a distance from him. But my eyes ultimately widened when my back hits the wine rack. Shit.

            Realizing the dead end, I muttered curses in my mind.

            You can punch him hard in the face if he harasses you, Meda.

            “Stop walking, asshole! This is harassment.”

            He smirked and stopped just centimetres away from me. I can already smell his expensive perfume, and it’s heavenly pleasing to the senses. What brand is he using? It’s addicting.

            Gosh. What the hell are you saying, Meda?

            “So you were that hilarious lady a while ago,” he uttered.

            “Hilarious? Me? What nonsense are you talking about?”

            “C’mon. I saw you. You can just admit that it’s embarrassing,”

            He grinned. Can he stop doing that?!

            And what? He saw me? Did he really saw me get ignored by a teenager? Oh for my dignity’s sake, just let the ground swallow me. This is much more embarrassing to take.

            “I---I am not embarrassed!” I denied out loud, my face heating.

            “Really? Then why is your face turning red?”

            “What?”

            I immediately touched my face. Damn it.

            I tried to breathe and calm down but it’s not helping. My heart is galloping and it’s not even hushing down because this freaking jerk is looking at me intently like my blushing face is his amusement.

            What is he doing?! And what is seriously wrong with me?

            “B-because it’s… it’s getting hot. You’re too close. Can you step back?!” I stammered for no known reason why. I pushed him away from me but my force only moved him a little. Crap, my strength is even failing me.

            “Why are you too tense? I didn’t even touch you, he said.

            “Don’t you even dare,” I replied.

            I was still catching my breath which I don’t know what happened when he suddenly went close again.

            I totally froze.

            Now he’s too close. Much closer than before, towering over me.

            Shit. What is insanely happening to me?

            And when he leaned in to whisper on my ears, everything suddenly moved so very fast that I only saw blurred lines and a total mess. A big mess that I will be paying because of that total jerk. And I swear to the sky, I am really going to strangle him when I see him again.

            “It’s all worth $5,279, Ma’am,” the cashier informed me.

            I hopelessly gave my credit card to her. I am paying for nothing because of that ass.

            My eyes went to the broken bottles of wine currently cleaned by the staffs. They were all over the floor. My mouth even twisted in upset seeing the spilled liquors. If he didn’t lean his face closer to mine, I wouldn’t freak out. I wouldn’t jolt out and knock over seven wine bottles on the racks behind me.

            I wanted to pull my hair and shout in frustration remembering what happened. He didn’t even bother to help me out but instead disappeared from my sight the moment I turned at the falling bottles. And what’s worse than that is he got the Grand Cru. Who knows how and when but the saleslady told me that he already went out after paying the wine.

            Scumbag rotter skunk.

            “Is that the only bottle of Jayer’s Grand Cru you have?” I inquired, hoping that I still have something to bring home.

            “Yes, Maam.”

            I drove back to the condo, just frowning all the way. My head is really boiling in irritation thinking about his face and his words and everything in his appearance. I was put into embarrassment because of him. And I wasn’t able to have my favourite wine but paid five thousand dollars for breaking seven wine bottles.

            How’s that for an unfortunate day?

            And the words he whispered to me really hit different. I felt so ridiculed that it still lingered my mind when I woke up for my first classes the next day.

            “Aren’t you too assuming?” he said.

            Am I too assuming?

            But I never assumed something from him! Not even for him to touch me!

            It kept on replaying in my mind like a broken stereo that it took me an hour before I could finally sleep. It was the anger I felt that made me awake, nothing more than that.

            I don’t know what nerve he has to say that to a stranger and especially to a woman. His words are sharp but I admit that he was somehow, right. But that was just me yesterday and besides, he got no single right to mock someone just like that.

            I do really want to beat him. I can only see red when my mind flashes his face.

            “Damsel, let’s go. We’re going to be late.”

            I turned to Claire who is now on the doorway, completely prepared to go to school.

            “Wait. I’ll just put my lipstick on,” I replied and painted my lips crimson red. Claire looked at me, her forehead deeply creased.

            “What?” I asked.

            “Are you sure you’re going to pretend like Cassi? That’s not her style, damsel. It’s yours.”

            “I know. But I don’t plan to just dress simple and put a light make-up on like how my twin does. They’ll just see and treat me the same way if I do.” I glanced at her and smirked. “It will be a fiercer Cassiopeia this time.”

            I’ll show these people how they can change a person they once dug a grave. I’ll show them another side of my twin they will fear to touch; a person they will bow down to. I will make sure of that.

            I will show them me.