Rain after the storm

It’s been fourteen days of rain, day in and day out, Melody went out and removed the plywood from the windows two days ago.  Into the continuous rain, the thought of being boarded up and cooped up, no longer suits Melody’s idea of coastal living. The sunroom, once tinted with various sun rays of neon carrot, amber, and peachy-gold has been gloomy. Puffy light charcoal clouds take up the sky, tinting the coastline. The endless rain mixes with the churning grey-blue waves.  All Melody sees is a gloomy pewter atmosphere outside.  We are being nourished, the ground, grass, and trees. Even the Ocean.

She opens a window to breathe in the salty air and the fresh rain. The bamboo plant remains in the corner, whilst Melody has brought in a warm amber light, and lined the wall trim with some green leaf garland. The shiplap walls of crème and white, have blue picture frames beholding sea shells. The white wicker and glass coffee table, she has scrubbed and cleaned removing any old dust built up over the years of abandon. An orange amber colored basin bears white sand, grey pebbles stacked, and seashells. A few green tall plants set in pots filled with white stones line the front wall beside the windows. Bamboo blinds are pulled up halfway, and Navy blue curtains are tucked to the side by a metal starfish holder. The sunroom, Melody’s new sanctuary for work, therapy and seeing the outside world, has been somewhat redecorated. She sips on a blueberry mocha from an ocean wave mug. Melody savors the rich chocolate and fruity flavor. The coffee warms her throat as it travels down to her stomach. Melody has taken it upon herself to learn yoga for the many benefits it provides, as well as self defense. Online classes have made it possible, for her to occupy herself, cure boredom and build strength. She has brought out a photo of Blaze, when she practices self defense, in an effort to help conquer her crippling fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance. One day he may come out of nowhere, she wants to be prepared. She has practiced everyday, for the past two weeks.

She thinks of the storm room, when the part of the hurricane was a major threat, they hid in there. Like how she hid from Blaze. An unpredictable monster ready to unleash a destructive fiery to anything and anyone in its path. The amber light from the lantern, directed towards the mural to have something to look at. How she ended up on the mattress with Gage. She remembers being tired, and the kids were asleep, then being in Gage’s safe, unwavering warm embrace, he just held her. His lips found her forehead shortly after. The memory makes her miss him. Blinking, Melody looks outside feeling an ache in her heart, from missing Gage. Despite her childhood memories, her grandmother, and parents, the thought of them began this adventure, and there he was right away in front of her. She saw him most days at first, then not at all, other days.

A long, high pitched whine, pulls Melody out of her thoughts. Pearl. Melody darts up from the beige sofa, which looks like sand at the beach. Three month old Pearl has been confined inside, with a pine pellet litter box for two weeks. She has caught on, but appears indifferent to the concept at times. Pearl sinks her teeth into a bone, seeking relief from teething pain. Melody places her in the playpen she had delivered.

The rain lightened some days, and Melody thought of dancing in the rain, and allowed the kids to play outside on the deck, under her watchful eye. Rain boots splashed in puddles. Melody catches  a glimpse of the wreckage. Tree branches in random places some siding form a neighbors is pulled off and peeling back. Some roof shingles are missing from another house, whilst standing water soaks the grass and rocks in various yards.

Blaze has withheld threats as if he knows he needs to give space. Or he is secretly plotting evil.

And Gage.  A few encounters, close, dancing on the deck, and a few warm embraces, a kiss or two. A smile tugs on Melody’s face spreading to her eyes. She hugs herself, as if coping with phantom pain of Gage not being around. Reflecting on her month in Emerald Isle, she feels balanced, refreshed and rejuvenated. Melody gazes at her phone, noticing the time, six thirty in the morning. She thumbs through messages, between her and Gage. A few days ago, “Are you and the kids doing ok? I know it’s raining a lot. It’ll be over soon.”   “We went outside and danced in the rain. The kids splashed around in the puddles. It was fun.” 

A week ago, “Sometimes it rains like this after a heavy storm, it can carry on for weeks. Your house is still intact right?”  She replied. “We’re doing fine. Thank you for asking. I think our library books are overdue!” Melody giggles reading the messages.

The rain finally lightens, enabling the sun to come out. Melody steps outside on the deck gazing at the waves. It’s time. You swam in these waters before. She descends the cement steps, a cautious walk, eyeing the perimeters. Her feet carry her to the waves. In she goes, like a teenager who thinks she’s invincible, no fear. The cold water surrounds Melody, she lowers her head, wetting her hair, holding her breath momentarily, then comes up. Her body adapts to the cold water, it’s more warm now. She wades, letting the waves nudge her around, watching the house, the kids still asleep. The golden sun begins to rise, bringing warmth, and alters the sky with rosy pink, tangerine, and light blue. The faded charcoal clouds dissipate, and only white clouds remain.

A few hours later, Melody lays out a plastic drop cloth, preparing mixtures for the coloring the cement steps. A box of tiles lay beside the stain buckets. “Should we start at the bottom and work our way up?” she asks, Gage.

“Melody, if you would like, we will be stuck on the deck and upstairs rather than down on the beach.” Gage responds chuckling.

“Mom, we should start at the bottom, are we staining first then applying tiles?” Leo asks.

“Yes, darling that way we don’t accidently paint the tiles.” Melody giggles.

“Mommy, I would like to paint ocean waves. And put blue tiles on.” Mia expresses.

“Great, your help will be appreciated, sweetheart!” Melody enthusiastically replies.

Gage, grabs a plastic bottle with a spray nozzle, fills it with stain, blue and begins spraying the cement, “I don’t think this will take long at all.”

The family make their way up the steps as Gage sprays, then he hands the sprayer to Melody. She sprays a few steps, then passes it to Leo. He grips the sprayer, and releases the blue stain onto the cement step, watching in delight, “This is cool, how will we make it look like ocean waves?” his chestnut bangs are swept to the side, falling by his cheek.

“We will apply a few coats, and colors.” Melody quickly responds. “Spray a few, then let your sister have a turn.”

“Yes, I want to paint the cement too.” Mia replies. She waits a few steps above Leo. Mia wearing pink rain boots and a smock, reaches for the spray bottle, and aims at the step, she moves the bottle side to side. Her muddy ocean eyes, widen in delight. “Mommy, it looks better already!”  

“Great job, Mia.” Melody stands on the deck, observing as Mia spray the last step. “We have to wait a few hours for it to dry.”

“Will this take a few days to decorate?” Mia asks.

“Maybe, we will see. In the mean time, do y’all want to paint some canvases and we will hang them on the walls?” Melody mentions.

“Yes, that will be fun.” Mia responds.

Melody sets up two plastic easels with canvases for the children, and two wooden larger ones for she and Gage.

“What are your plans for Fourth of July, it’s in a few days.” Gage asks.

Melody smiles, “I may have a barbecue, and watch fireworks here on the deck. Do you want to come. I’ll invite some of the neighbors as well.”

“Ok, sounds good to me.” Gage, drags his paintbrush on the canvas, an ocean scene with surfboards and boats.

Melody’s phone rings, she answers. Her lawyer,” we have a court date scheduled, you can join through zoom, I’ll be there as well, in August. I’ll send you an email with the specific date and time. This will be to finalize the divorce if he agrees. He is to have supervised visits for a year, then reassess, while you remain the custodial guardian. This our request not official or agreed upon by the judge. You and your children’s safety is of utmost importance. I’ll follow up with you next week, after the holiday.” Melody listens, a mix of excitement and nervousness awaken within her, her chest tightens, her stomach flutters. She bears a smile to the children and Gage.

Gage glances over at her, “Is everything ok, Melody?”

She nods, her head up and down, “Yes, I think so. My lawyer just called, I may be divorced next month. We will see.”

Mia and Leo make blue and white waves, sand and seashells, on their canvases, each a little different.

“Mom, are we going to see Dad ever again?” Leo asks.

“Probably.” Melody replies.

“I do miss Daddy!” Mia announces.

“We will see next month. Ok.” A stern expression appears on Melody’s face.

“Do you think the stairs are dry yet?” Mia asks.

Melody giggles, “Almost not quite. Do y’all want some popsicles?”   Melody looks at both her children.

“Yes, I’ll have a green one.” Leo responds.

“Hmm, I want pink, is there pink?” Mia asks.

“Maybe,” Melody replies.

The early July apricot sun glistens on the deep blue-teal waves, tinting them golden, a breeze bringing hints of honeysuckle and salt, cools Melody’s warm skin. Leo licks his icy lime green popsicle, whilst the cream center reveals itself.  Mia fingers become sticky, as her pink popsicles melts on the small wooden stick, dripping to her dainty hands. “Mia, do you want a napkin?”

“yes, ma’am.” Mia exposes a toothy grin, and pink stained lips, while Melody hands her a white lined paper napkin.  

“Gage, do you want some strawberry lemonade?” Melody asks. A breeze flutters her chestnut hair.

His eyes like the Atlantic sea, peer over the canvas, he is still working on. His brown hair tinted with copper and grey, is combed back out of his face, whilst he rubs his beard. A smile spreads across his sun kissed face, showing white spotless teeth. “Melody, that sounds great! I would appreciate that.” A rumbling southern voice escapes his velvety mouth, sending a jolt to Melody’s heart. “Wonderful, I’ll be right back.” Melody’s halter pink linen dress ruffles in the sea breeze. Gage eyes her tanned legs, as the dress falls mid thigh, noticing more muscle tone. Melody returns to the deck, pushing a stainless steel cart with a pitcher of lemonade, with cut strawberries floating with ice. Four blue tinted glasses, rest upside down. A floral and crème scalloped platter, holds watermelon slices, cubes of cheese, carrots, celery sticks and hummus dip. “In case anyone is hungry, I brought some snacks. Melody carefully transfers the items to the deck table, then pours fresh strawberry lemonade in the glasses, and hands one to each person. Mia, sets her paintbrush down, then grabs a piece of watermelon. Gage reaches for a celery stick and sips into the sandy colored hummus.

They retreat to the bottom of the steps, to paint another coat of the stain. Gage stirs the mixture creating the desired color to provide a wave effect.  A white in one bottle and a lighter aquamarine in the other. He begins spraying, “Wow, it really looks like ocean waves!” exclaims Leo.

“Gage that is cool, I like you. Your nice to help us paint.” Mia mentions casually.

Gage’s chest expands as a sense of pride fills him, he just got taller over Mia’s comment. “Gage, did you and your wife want kids?” Mia asks.

“Mia, you probably shouldn’t” Melody begins to respond. Gage interjects, “Its alright. We talked about it, it wasn’t in the cards for us.” A sorrow fills his eyes, he winces looking at the waves, he breathes rapidly for a moment, as wave of grief dissipates.

“You seem like, you like kids and would be a nice Dad.” Mia leaks out of her mouth.

“Thank you, Mia. That’s very nice of you to say.” Gage lifts Mia up in his arms, and tickles her tummy a little. She lets out genuine giggles. “Ok, your turn to spray darlin.” Mia’s muddy ocean eyes, soften and sparkle as she holds a gaze on Gage for a moment. Then braces the bottle he hands to her, “Can you help me spray?” Gage kneels down and helps guide Mia’s little arms, sweeping in a curving motion, and side to side. The sea breeze sends her chestnut locks swaying towards his face, strands graze his beard. He moves his head back, balancing on the steps. Melody observes the sweet moment. Gage turns to Mia, “You’re doing awesome at that, but let’s give your brother a turn too, before we run out of steps.”  Mia nods her head, “Ok, Leo you can spray some, she releases the bottle to Gage and her pink rain boots stomp over the cement steps onto the wooden deck. She parades around for a moment, then sits at the easel inspecting her painting.

Leo meticulously makes curve like motions, causing a wave appearance on the step, and then another, before he reaches the last one. His blue-green eyes, concentrate solely on the step and spray nozzle. “Ok, It’s all done. Mom can we order Pizza?”

“How would we get it if, the stairs are wet?” Melody asks.

“Hmmm, we can make a pulley, and lift it up.” Leo thinks for a moment, his finger holds on his chin, as if it helps him think.

“Ok, you go make that and then I will order pizza.” Melody mentions.

“Leo, I’d love to help with that,” He turns to Melody, his eyes rest on hers as if he misses her, just standing there. “If that’s alright with you.” A smile forms in an effort to convince her.

“Sure, you two guys go make a pulley to bring the pizza up, and remember if the box flips, or drops we won’t have any.” Melody’s smile exposes her white pearly teeth.

“You look like you’ve been working out!” Gage mentions.

“I’ve started yoga and strength training.” Melody replies. A somber look weighs on her face as she thinks of why. Gage follows Leo inside.

Melody, sips on strawberry lemonade, the sweet tangy flavor awakens her taste buds, as she chews on a piece of strawberry.

Moments later, “Mom, I think we did it!” Leo, emerges from the white screen door, Gage follows, temporarily hidden behind he black netting.  Leo tests his pulley system out, hanging it off the deck, lowering it down by the cement steps, then brings it back up. “I think it’ll work.” Leo exclaims, his face lights up in pride and excitement.

“Ok, I’ll order the pizza.” Melody chuckles.

Forty-five minutes later, Melody hears, tires over gravel in the driveway. “I think the pizza is here!”

Leo lowers the pulley system down, as the pizza delivery person nears the steps. “Wait, those are wet, we painted them!”

The young man in uniform, halts and says, “Ok, what do you want me to do. His blond freckled face and green eyes peers up at the family on the deck, “if you can place it on the thing I have hanging there, then wrap the rope around it, I’ll bring it up.”

His brows furrow and a smile tugs at his face, “ I’ll try. The steps look dry, but ok.”  He sets the pizza box in the bin, and ties the extra rope around it. “Um, it’s ready!” the young man replies with uncertainty. Leo reels the pizza up, slow and steady. It reaches the deck fence and Gage reaches for the bin then sets it on the table. “Leo, you are so creative and inventive!”

Gage eyes the sky, checking the sunlight. “Dusk will arrive soon, maybe I should get started on the tiles, while y’all eat?”

“No, it’s ok, you eat too! The pizza is for everyone. There is plenty!” Melody smiles, then hands plates to everyone and sits at the table.

About an hour later, the kids are tired out, and head inside. Gage and Melody, make their way down the stairs and begin adding tile to the back of the steps, the part where feet don’t go. He spreads the mortar, and Melody begins adding navy blue tiles.

The apricot sun, sinks low in the sky, casting a warm glow upon Melody and Gage. Teal clear waves kiss the white sandy shore, roaring and splashing. The sea breeze, sweeps towards Melody carrying Gage’s woody oceanic scent, wrapping her in his pheromones, she relaxes breathing him in. He’s calm and steady, his aura indulging. His hand covers hers, placing a smooth blue tile in her palm, she holds his gaze, their faces close, he leans towards her, his breath, heavy and ragged. At the top of the stairs, “Mom do you need help?” Leo’s voice carries down in the wind.

“I thought you were tired?” Melody looks up at Leo, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment.

“I can help!” Leo stammers.

“Ok, come down!”

Leo examines the now stained cement steps. “These came out really cool! Great idea, Mom!”

Melody, chuckles. “I agree, they no longer look plain!”