Before the Storm

Melody’s eyes close, feeling Gage’s lips connect, soft velvety, sparks ignite, a sudden charge of passion and desire, she stays there, accepting it. He deepens the kiss, the world around them fades away, waves crash below them by the shore.

In her bed, Melody’s eyes jolt open, a churning in her heart, she feels Blaze, cold, dark, angry. His soul has found hers. She lets out a cry, her eyes swell with tears, agony fills her spirit.

A message on her phone chimes, “Who is the man?”  Then pictures, are sent. At the boardwalk with the kids having ice cream, their surf lesson, the boat ride, and finally, Melody and Gages kiss. She smiles at all the photos, then looks at pearl sleeping soundly, her ribs expanding, rising and falling, with each breath, the fast tempo of a puppy, her paws twitch a little as if she’s dreaming of running or playing. Melody relaxes, listening to the ocean waves roar and crash outside. Blazes energy evaporates as quickly as it appeared. Melody rises from bed, navigating carefully through the house in low lighting. Opening a white cabinet, for a blue tinted glass, she turns and placed the glass at the fridge water spout. She takes a sip, she glances at the stairs, careful not to wake the kids, she tip toes up to their rooms and peaks on them, both comfortably breathing. Melody quietly makes her way down the carpeted staircase.

Meanwhile, Gage is at home, his sleep disturbed feeling the same churning, anger and agony that Melody felt. It’s her soon to be ex-husband. The man who harmed her, who doesn’t love her properly. Gage detaches from the negative energy and walks out the door, whistling for Jet to follow. They trot down a few houses to Melody’s, Gage races up the cement steps, and knocks on the door. Just as the light next door flickers on.

Melody hears a knock, terror shoots through her spine. She checks the cameras, it’s Gage. Her eyes light up, sparkling. She opens the door to the sun porch, then to the outer door, “Hi,” she says smiling to her eyes. Gage’s  tender blue-green eyes, rest on her with concern. “My gut roared a few minutes ago, and I sensed something was wrong over here. I just want to make sure you are ok.”

A smile tugs at Melody’s mouth, then she gazes around. A deep inhale, she becomes a little shaky, my ex husband is spying on us. He sent a message a few minutes ago, I felt his spirit. Photos have been taken of us, at each moment. I never noticed anyone taking a picture. And this one of us here. I’m trying to see the angle where this may have been taken maybe he has a drone, that I didn’t see.”

“I’m sorry you’re upset, and it’s creepy what he’s doing, he’s checking on all of you ok. I like these photos though, can you send me a copy of these, especially this one here. Of us.” Gage’s voice rumbles through Melody’s chest like a song.

Melody laughs, and laughs. Azalea steps out on her porch, rolling in laughter. “Melody are you ok, over there!”

Gage steps back, giving Melody room to interact with Azalea. Melody smiles, and whispers. “Blaze has been spying on me, he sent me photos someone took.”

Azalea’s eyes widen, “I’m so sorry honey. Did you go to the police department here. Maybe there needs to be an alarm on the little door right there. It’ll alert everyone here if he comes up here and tries to break in.”

“Hey, that’s a great idea! I’ll work on it tomorrow. Thanks!” Azalea nods her head in understanding. “Are y’all dating?”

Melody and Gage laugh, “Not quite, just getting acquainted!”

“Ok, honey, you have my number if you need me.” Azalea goes back inside. “Gerald, her ex-husband is spying on her, someone’s been taking pictures of her and the kids, he got riled up and sent her the photos. She was out there with Gage tonight, he came to check on her. He must have sensed something he said.” Azalea spills her southern twang and all her concern to her husband Gerald.

“Well, let’s just keep an eye out. I remember when she was just about seven, we were in our early twenties. She and harmony were over here, playing in the sand, eating ice cream sandwiches, getting chocolate caked on their fingers. Soon they became teenagers, and gosh it’s been about ten years since we’ve seen any of them. Do want to go over there for the night or is she ok?” Gerald, blubbering, feeling almost like Melody is one of his own children, all the years he watched Melody and Harmony grow up visiting here.

“I think she’s ok, he wasn’t there, but he may be on his way now. We’ll keep a close eye on them for awhile. I would hate to see anything happen to them.”

Gage and Melody stand by her door on the deck. “Look, Melody, I know we don’t really know each other.  I had to go through losing a spouse, I didn’t hate, who never hurt me, that I never hurt. It took some time. I like you. Can we take it slow, with that in mind, I don’t want to see anything bad happen to you. I’m here if you need me.”

Melody’s muddy green eyes, stare into Gage’s eyes. “Thank you, your sweet Gage. People put up façades, so yes let’s take our time here. You can go rest. I have alarms, and cameras. He may be on his way here. I can feel it. But for tonight I’m going to rest.” Melody reaches for his face, braces his strong jaw, and kisses him, his arms wrap around her waist, he’s warm, safe, steady, genuine, outgoing, and Jet. Jet snuggles up to their legs, causing Melody to break the kiss and giggle. She kneels down, stroking his white fur. “Hey buddy, you’re here too, aren’t you.” Melody’s eyes soften gazing into Jet’s honey eyes. Then she rises, “Gage, I like you too. Whatever we are doing, living in the now should be navigated carefully,” she intertwines her fingers in his hand. His aura, a soothing force, his hand, not harmful or causing her pain. A healing connection.

 Gage smiles at Melody, “Ok, we’ll get going. Have a good night. Send me that picture. Ok, all of them.”

Melody’s heart sinks realizing the pain, Gage has experienced, and how he must not have had the chance to have a family. To grieve and get past that, then stumble upon someone compatible. You don’t just find someone. Melody inhales, feeling relieved and more safe in her home. She hurries inside and locks the door. Ok, storm next week prepare for storm.

The sound of rain tapping on the metal roof-a metallic ping, reaches Melody’s ears. Rain just a little today. A Sunday Coastal Summer rain. The kind that gives you permission to slow down, relax, and wait. She lies still for a moment, listening. A conversation between water and tin. She looks out the window.  A rhythmic drizzle, has transformed parts of the wooden deck into a fluid mirror, casting a trembling reflection of a nearby wavering palm tree. Inverted, upside down, stretching and warping, in the liquid glass. Each raindrop, blurs the reflection, splashing, bouncing up and back down, causing a collision of ripples- water rings spread out, bordering, or overlapping one another, contributing the puddles growth. The wind gently nudges the puddles, sending tiny rippling waves. Melody gazes at the window, beady little raindrops trickle down forming lines on the window pane, causing a blurred watercolor scene of tan, green and grey.

 Melody looks towards Pearl, falling on her honey-muddy eyes, causing the patience meter to tip. Pearl stares back, eyes softened, shifting her weight, mouth puckered up, ribs expand preparing to release a whine.

 I have to take her out in the rain.

 Melody rushes to escort Pearl outside. She opens the door to her closet, finds her pastel pink raincoat and slides her arms in one at a time through each sleeve, then flips the hood over her chestnut hair, a curl strand falls out. She finds socks then sneaks her feet in pastel pink rain boots.

Pearl gets the miniature version — a pink rain coat and four small boots — and submits to the process with the dignified resignation of a dog who has decided her person is eccentric but well-meaning. Melody tucks her phone snuggly in an interior pocket.

The kids are awake sitting at the kitchen table, eating cereal. “Good morning, darlings.” A kiss to each forehead. “I didn’t realize you two are awake, I didn’t hear you. It’s raining out so we will stay indoors until it stops.”

The children silently nod, in a calm, unrushed manner, trusting the rhythm of mornings-spooning cereal in their mouths, eyeing cartoons on the TV, barely noticing their Mother’s presence.

Outside, the rain is soft and fine, more mist than downpour. Melody carries Pearl down the saturated cement steps and onto the wet darkened sand. She has forgotten, for a moment, to check the perimeter. She has simply walked out the door. Visibility is reduced, sea fog stretches out in Melody’s horizon. She catches a glimpse of two figures coming from the pier.

           A man is wearing a bright poncho, jogging towards Melody, with what appears to be a white dog. It’s Gage and Jet. Gage’s brows furrow, his head tilts. Jet looks up at Gage then turning towards Melody, as if imitating his owner, tilts his head. She is barely recognizable, in the coat and hood. Like a blurred pink figure in the misty fog. Gage begins laughing at the sight of Pearl wearing a pink raincoat and boots, his laughter reaches Melody, before he does. “What is so funny?”

Gage comes to her still laughing, opening his arms, then wrapping her tightly, holding her close, kisses her cheek. Bringing an easy warmth of someone who has stopped being careful. “You and Pearl in raincoats just made my day. You’re beautiful and she is completely adorable.”

Pearl looks up at him with complete dignity.

Melody rests in Gage’s arms, feeling safe, not on edge, still learning to trust.  He’s new nearly a complete stranger she met just over a week ago.

“Thank you, you and Jet are a nice view as well.” Melody expresses.

“After the storm, can I take you on a date?” Gage’s southern twang rumbles in Melody’s ears.

Leo emerges on the deck from the cottage, “Mom are you ok?”  Gage quickly releases her. Melody reaffirms her stance in the sand, feet hip-width apart, back straight, chest open. “yes, sweetheart, I’m fine. I’ll be right up!”

“Hi, Gage and Jet.” Leo sounds down to the beach.

“Hi Leo,” Gage smiles, waving his hand.

“About your question, we’ll see, it may take some time for my divorce to be finalized. I’ll see you later.” Melody replies as a smile tugs a little at her mouth. “Come this way, Pearl.” Melody leads Pearl up the steps.

Gage waves, “Ok Melody and Pearl, see y’all later.” He chuckles then heads towards his house, jogging.

The morning light drifts in, filling the sunroom with a  refreshing clarity, Melody needs. She has positioned herself facing the window, deliberately. Gazing toward the Atlantic coast, aquamarine waters and white sand—  she has to be here, in the room, in the conversation, with something positive to focus on. The sea, her anchor despite it’s vast mysterious wavering manner.

Speaking with the therapist tranquil music plays in the background, Melody focusing on the sea. She exchanges messages with the therapist, roaring waves soothing her mind as she opens up negative memories of Blaze. Steering herself away varying on his explosive moods, the wrong choice of word, the wrong stance or notion, sends him into a volatile frenzy. Melody shudders, tears surface, one trickles down her cheek, her hands shake. Breathing deep, inhaling, Melody opens a window so she can breathe in the salt air. Her eyes dart towards the bamboo plant in the corner remembering is in a new beginning. Bringing a compression blanket around her, and Pearl on her lap to pet. She resonates on the conversation, journaling the past feelings and exchanging Blaze’s behavior with sea.  It can be volatile exploding with high waves, establishing rip currents to pull a person under and carry them out at any given minute.

The shore is safe.

 She integrates the therapist’s tips and techniques. Melody must be careful to prevent retraumatizing herself while opening these memories. Melody practices grounding, moving through the grief, letting the sea be transference, and staying focused in the present by thinking of something she can see, feel, hear, smell and taste.

              Melody concludes her session; only remembering the sea beyond the window, the peachy-golden sun pouring in, the warm weighted feel of the compression blanket, petting Pearl, her presence; a spacer and a block, helping to ground her. The bamboo plant in the corner, reminding her, she is in a new place.

 Seashells on the beach with the kids.

Melody steps from the sunporch and it’s white shiplap walls into the kitchen, Pearl following behind, her paws barely heard on the tile floor. She hears the TV playing in the living room. The kids sitting on the blue leather sofa, eyes glued to their show.

“Hey kids, are y’all ready to go collect seashells?” Melody questions.

They both turn their heads to their Mother’s stern southern voice. Mia hops up and quickly moves towards her mother, with outstretched arms, Melody kneels down to capture the hug.

 “Mommy, if we go outside, Are you and Gage going to hug again.” Melody’s cheeks turn red, she rises from Mia, who releases her.  “Well, he was trying to make me feel better. A hug from a nice person can make you feel better. Only if they are trustworthy though. He’s still a stranger, even though he’s nice. I have to get to know him. People can trick us into thinking they are nice when they really aren’t.”

Mia looks at Leo and Pearl, “Are you saying strangers can pretend to be nice, to hurt us. You taught us not to talk to strangers even though sometimes they seem nice.” Mia questions.

“In a sense. A stranger might try to give you candy or a stuffed animal to make you sick or to grab a hold of you. So we must be careful. Ok. Safety first.” Melody responds.

“Ok I understand, be mindful of people’s intentions.” Mia replies.

“Yes, Mom you taught us this lesson. We will look at. Does that mean, you should not easily trust Gage, just because he’s nice, you have to get to know him more and make sure he does not have a mean plan, for us. So we will all get to know him together, and not to just let him in the house.” Leo discusses carefully.

“Correct, now let’s find some seashells and sand for the table and your ship in a bottle idea.” Melody mentions.

The afternoon sun bestows a warm peachy glow, casting a glistening reflection upon the aquamarine Atlantic choppy waters. Melody noticing her skin a shade darker, reapplies sunblock, whilst a cool breeze moves her way causing goosebumps.

Breathing in the salt and honeysuckle; accepting her new norm, Melody takes inventory of what Emerald Isle keeps giving her. It’s southern coastal, easy paced existence, the simplicity of just being, the various nature scents and open water, the quiet resurfacing of her grandmother and parents — and, for the first time in years, memories of her children that belong only to her. Melody scopes out the white sand for seashells. Pearl grips part of a crème and violet colored clam shell and brings it to Melody.

“Mommy I found a sand dollar!”  Mia announces like she found gold, as her voice amplifies over the ocean waves, she even dances a bit.

Melody giggling, “Way to go darling! These are neat, to find especially the whole ones like this one you found. Aunt Harmony, Grandma and I used to collect seashells too. We made a tabletop out of them. It’s in the living room. Mia, I want to see you gently place it in the bucket.”

Mia carefully sets it down ensuring it has a place, and doesn’t chip. “Great job, Mia, that’s gentle!” Meanwhile Leo has partially filled a bucket with seashells and sand. He has independently collected shells for his project. “Leo, how’s your pile coming along, have you found enough?”

Leo smiles to his eyes, a white streak of sunblock on his cheek nags Melody to rub it in. “Almost, I think I some more!”

“Great keep looking, there’s plenty here. Kids here shortly we need to go to the store for supplies, such as water, snacks, and food we can eat without cooking, activity books, and flash lights for the storm.”

The sound of something heavy landing on the ground startles Melody, she turns to see Gage laying bags of sand to help block the storm surge. He looks over silently nodding at their activity. Some big wooden boards are leaned against a cement pillar by the steps.

Melody smiles, “Hey, we are about to go to the store to get supplies for the storm! I already got a couple gallons of water, but I’m going to get more.”

Gage smiles back, “Ok, I’m going to get a head start, here, I won’t board of the windows until later. I’ll see y’all after a bit.”

Leo walks over,” where is Jet?”

Gage turns his Gaze to Leo, “Hey buddy, he is at my house right now, taking a break so I can focus on building a little wall here. A big storm is going to come through tomorrow. The winds will howl, and a lot of rain will be here, It’s a hurricane.”

“I’ve heard of them, we never got any in Denver!” Leo responds, his dark blue beach shirt flutters in the wind, whilst his green and blue beach shoes are caked with sand. He pulls out of the pocket of his green swim trunks, a watch then wraps it around his wrist.

Gage, looks at Leo, his ocean colored eyes tender, “You know why?”

“Because there’s not an ocean, hurricanes form in the ocean. But can spread further where there isn’t any. But they don’t go as far as Denver.” Leo begins laughing.  Gage chuckles joining the humor.

“You’re smart, Leo.” Gage mentions.

“So, I noticed you like my Mom, you’re new to us, and I won’t let you hurt her. You understand. I know your nice, but if you decide that you need to be a bad guy, you’ll be gone in a heartbeat.” Leo speaks to warn Leo.

Gage baffled by the young boys logic. “I understand, I have no desire to hurt your mom or you and your sister. I’m just trying to help. Men should help women, you know. Especially single one’s with kids.”

“Got it, ok thanks for being here and helping. We appreciate you.”

“Your welcome, Leo.” Gage smiles and puts his hand up for a high five, Leo lightly smacks his hand up against Gage’s.