Acquainted

Its 4pm we stop in a rural market where the streets were almost quiet. The people walking as if they were enjoying every step they made. I could see boutiques that sell dresses and shoes.

“Let’s move quickly and get some decent cloth.” We get inside an old store and a happy old lady approach us. She gave me a weird stare as she looks into the sleeves I am wearing

 “Someone spill a spaghetti on my shirt, that’s why I am wearing this” I could feel my face blush a bit as I try to explain myself to the old lady. She smile brightly and grab my hand.

“I’m sorry to hear that, come look at this dress will fit you perfectly”, showing me a beautiful mint green free flowing dress.

“Put it on” Zander said “You have a good taste Madame.” Looking at the old lady.

“I remember my husband use to grow beard just like you, come and I will show you a sleeve to pair your wife.” I went on the small dressing room or rather rest room that was turn into a dressing room. I put it on and remember the scene inside the tunnel a while ago. It gives me chill.

I went out and found Zander on a mint green sleeves at the small counter having a good chat with the old lady. It fitted him perfectly, I went near them and I could hear him calling the lady Sarah. He looks almost good except his untidy face. I really don’t like his thick beard that almost hid his neck.

“I see that Mrs. Sarah found you a good sleeve. You just need to shave a bit” ,fixing his collar.

“You look perfect together, I miss my husband.” , Giggling while she says those words.

He look into his watch and bid Sarah good bye “We need to go, it’s nice to be here Sarah.” , Holding my hands while we head to the door step.

“There is a barber two blocks away, listen to your wife’s request.” And wave her hand as we close the door of her small and friendly store.

He pulls the car in front of a barbershop, “I’ll get some clean cut. You can come with me or walk around. Just keep your line open.”

“I will keep my line open” and watched him walk inside the shop. I look around and saw a small salon, maybe I should wait on him while having a good manicure.

I keep on looking at the clock that was hanging in front of the counter; 4:45 pm was the shaving took that long?

“Do you want to have some blow dry Madame?” from a gay man in front of me with pink red eyeshadow and a hot pink lipstick. I look into my phone and smile back.

“Sure please”

I am almost done and I finally got a phone call.

“I am heading back” and I hung up.

“You look perfect for a dinner Madame!” with his hand holding mine “for sure your husband could not take away his eyes on you.”

The people here are all nice, I guess because they live a simple life. No dark memories and dirty job to hide with. I went straight to the car and I could see that he was inside. I seat beside him and try to look at the newly shaved man driving. He got an army cut and his sideburns were trim in a neat way up to his beard. Now I can see his full neck haha. He caught me laughing silently.

“What’s funny?” feeling irritated

“Nothing” and we went back to the road.

It’s 6:50pm we finally got in front of Ana’s house. He opens the door for me and took my hand like a gentleman in the old movie does. He lean and whisper to my ear “You look beautiful” and kiss my head and we walk. I am not sure if he means it or it’s still part of the play, but those words warm my heart.

The door opens as we rang the bell. I guess the man in front of us is Ana’s husband. He stands 5’6 tall with a typical tummy of a man of his age. His black sleeves were pulled up, I guess he is doing some cooking before he open the door. He has a face of a strict military man, good thing he flashed a smile making him a bit accommodating.

“You must be Mr and Mrs. Gray, I am Nick, come in into our humble home” we went inside a small but clean living room and found there Frank in his dark green sleeves, his hair was not wet with wax this time, Garry on a plain white polo shirt and Alice in a beautiful flowery pink dress.

“Hi everyone, this is my husband Zander.” And he shakes everybody’s hand

“You guys look so in love with paired color of dresses” A compliment from Alice.

“How long were you guys married?” I was not ready for that question from Frank, how long were we married anyway? Was it written on our script?

“Two years.” Zander sense the seconds of silence

“That’s why, when you reach 7 years and still wear paired color of dress I will cut my right thumb haha” sarcastic words from Garry.

“Don’t mind him Jane, my husband and I used to wear paired dress during Sunday service” A sweet voice from Ana who is wearing a red dress that emphasizes her white skin more. She led us all in dining area. I think her family spends a lot of hours at the dining area; they have a huge table for 15 people and a 40 inches flat screen T.V nailed on both side of the wall. An elegant chandelier hangs at the center of the table.

“Wow, do you always have a huge people here Ana?” Garry said while pulling a chair and sit.

“My husband does a lot of business deal in this area.”

“Where were your kids aren’t they joining us?” a curious question from Alice

“It’s good to see you all here,” A formal words from Ana’s husband, “Please meet my eldest, Jay, he is an engineer and will fly to France next week. John who is helping me on our business, Andrei who’s at his last year in medicine, and my lovely daughter Jessica. She’s taking law.” Nick sounded so proud of his children, who will not be proud of all their achievements anyway. They are all look decent and formal. And Jessica has a stunning height of a model. I could see her eyes looking at Frank.

Ana prayed and we start eating, she is right she really cooks well. All the dishes taste good. Jessica were still snatching a glance at Frank, Alice on her side said “He just look nice but not really.” And they laugh together