EMBRACE OF MISTS by Sowmya Latha (important of reading books .TXT) 📕

soon and I got to live with him for long years. I turned to see Alvin. He turned his face towards the fire and pretended to be busy poking it when Ashley entered the house. As she heard the music filling the house she asked Jacob to dance with her but he refused. Alvin got up and joined her. Their dance was so graceful and all cheered for them. I could stand no more. Jealousy and possessiveness spread through me. I pretended that I had a headache and went into my room. Slowly everyone retreated to their beds and the lights were off.

I lied on my bed, my eyes on the wall clock ticking to twelve when I heard a silent knock on my door. I got up and went near the door.

“Who is it?” I asked in a lowered voice. I did not want to meet Jared at this time.

“Alvin.” I opened the door and the tall figure entered my room. I reached out my hands to switch on the lights but he caught hold of me.

“Don’t” he refused.

“Why?”

“Not necessary” he said and took me near the window. The moon light filled the room as soon as he opened it. He then turned and fixed his look on my face.

“Thanks for that painting. I was awesome and I loved it” he said. He was standing at a distance from me. It ached but I left it to his wish.

“Show me your hand and close your eyes” he said. I did as he told. His fingers traced my wrists gently and a moment later I opened my eyes. A bracelet glistened around my wrist. The stones reflected million colours and it adorned my wrist. He bent down and kissed my wrist.

“Merry Christmas dear” he said.

“You love me still?” I asked.

“I will, always.” I hugged him and he held me tight. In that instant my world was lit up with hundreds of bright lights. Angel felt happy for me.

“Be happy dear” she said.

“Not without you” I replied.

Alvin suddenly let go off me. I looked at him confused but he left my room without a word. He would have guessed me conversing with Angel. I was sure that I would go mad soon. The only comfort I had was Mike-Lina wedding which was to be held next week and everyone was eagerly looking forward to it.

EMILY

December 1996, New York

Two months had gone, now that Christmas had arrived. Jacob came to school seldom but the troubles I faced never decreased. Everywhere I went, I had followers. Now that I was aware of their motive, I avoided going out. Harry sensed the danger around me and volunteered himself to be my bodyguard. When he enquired about the strangers I could not explain to him. We did our Christmas shopping together and he spent most of time in my house. My aunt was grateful for his support but she personally longed for Jacob to return as before but that was never going to happen.

On Christmas morning, my aunt knocked the door leaving me a message that someone was waiting to see me. Dressed in my nightgown I went down the stairs to find Jacob waiting for me. I was shocked and stood at the last step of the stairs wondering why he had come. Internally I was angry with myself that I had not brushed my hair properly and also embarrassed to be standing infront of him in my nightdress. He took notice of nothing but placed his gift on the table and got up.

“Merry Christmas, Emily. Accept my small gift. I have come here to invite you personally for my brother’s wedding. You and your friends should be present for it and I would be very happy” he said in a flow. No life in his words. I did not know what to say.

“Don’t worry Jacob. She will be coming.” My aunt gave her words to him. My eyes feasted on his face which was looking like a blank sheet. No life, pale and white. He had forgotten his shave, for how many days, I don’t know. He got up and left throwing his farewell look at me.

“I’ll be expecting you” his final words rang in my ears, long after he went.

In the school, there was a deep discussion about Jacob’s invitation to the marriage.

“We should go, shouldn’t we?” Joe asked.

“Of course yes, he expects us” said John. Harry and Bianca remained silent.

“What do you say Emi? You feel you want to go?” Bianca asked.

“I don’t know.” And really I could not decide. I wanted to see Jacob once again but there would be Val for him. The thought killed me. Harry spoke up irritated, “Not if you don’t want to go. He has done much damage to you already”.

“Didn’t you have a look at Jacob, you silly? He too was worn out. Obviously he feels the same as Emi. Why can’t this wedding be a chance for them to make up? I think we should go” Annie raised her voice and everyone looked surprised. She was usually silent, going along with everyone’s decision. Now that she had put forth her stubbornness in going to the wedding we had to agree with her. I secretly hoped that the decision should be taken in favour of going to the wedding so that I can see Jacob once more.

Sunday was commenced as the day of wedding. I pushed each day waiting for it. My aunt got me a shimmering deep blue gown that flowed through my full height like a waterfall. The neck of the dress was beautifully shaped and she slipped around my neck a necklace of sapphire stones. The stones hung over my ears as well.

“Aunt it isn’t my wedding” I tried to stop her.

“Hush dear. There you are. Perfect… be careful while you walk as the heels are high.” I stared at the stilettos standing on the carpet and foresighted all the embarrassing falls I would have.

“Convey my wishes to the couple and also to Jacob will you Emi?” I nodded my head.

Harry and others stopped by my house to pick me up. Everyone was dressed lavishly and then I remembered Jacob’s dressings. He belonged to a wealthy background. I wondered how would he look today, the awesome male model figure, and my mind was no more under my control.

We arrived at the churchyard. It was snowing and the chillness made me tremble. Jacob welcomed everyone but me. As expected he was gorgeous in his suit. I could not remove my eyes away from him and my heart ached for him. The church was decorated exquisitely with flowers and lights. The scent of the fresh flowers spread a sense of calmness to my over excited heart. Harry never left my side and he was cautious that I don’t get upset or hurt. I assured him that I was feeling good and relaxed returning to normal. His joy and excitement caught hold of me and soon I calmed myself and concentrated on the surroundings. The sermon started. It was a very long one and finally the oath was said and the couple was asked their agreement. The ring bounded them and loud claps cheered them. It was the first time I saw Jacob’s brothers. The whole family looked smart but was scarcely related. The bride Carolina, the green eyed girl looked as if a princess had stepped down from the fairyland. The bride mate was another beauty. I felt totally out of place. I saw Jacob hugging his brother beaming with delight.

The wedding was over and the celebrations started. There was music, dance, food, drinks everywhere. The party was held in Jacob’s house. I searched for Jacob amongst the crowd and I found him busy with the guests. The noise irritated me and I refrained myself far away from the crowd. I sat to relax under a dark cover of the place when suddenly the decorating lights were switched on.

“Seeking loneliness?” the voice sounded very near to me, making me jump in fright. There he was standing as a perfect gentleman. Cold wind blew past us. My thin dress could not fight against the cold and my teeth chattered. “Here take this”, he removed his coat and offered me. Stubborn to take it from him, I turned my face away. Why does he care for me now? I heard him mutter something under his breath. Before I could hear properly he dragged me into the house towards the drinks. He poured a drink and handed it to me. I took hold of it.

“Drink it. It will keep some warmth in you” he said. Somebody stopped me before I drank it. “Don’t” she took the glass away from me. “Try this” she handed me another glass. I blinked and saw Jacob staring at her. But she smiled at him and turned towards me. “Girls especially young girls like you are prohibited of such strong ones. It will make you ill” she, Valentina, said with care. Then she took hold of Jacob and went out of sight. Why did he come to me, make a drama with her and leave? I felt like throwing the glass into pieces when Harry neared me.

“Who’s that?” he asked.

“Jacob, of course” I was still gazing in the direction the left.

“Not him, silly. The girl near him. The one who gave you the drink” he explained.

“Don’t play Harry. It hurts” I scowled at him.

“What did I say wrong? Seriously who is she??”

“Valentina” I spitted out.

“You are playing now” he pulled a face at me.

“No I am not. She is Valentina. Jacob’s girl…friend” I harshly replied. The others came near sensing the argument.

“Val?” John asked.

“She died a year ago” Annie said. Oh why do these people get on my nerves?

“She is not dead. She. Is. Alive.” I grunted. Harry laughed.

“Silly, we know Val. This isn’t Val. She died in a plane crash. Believe, Jacob fooled you” he said and everyone agreed with him. I could not hear anymore. Jacob lied to me? I closed my eyes. After a moment I opened my eyes and searched for Jacob. He was dancing with that girl in the middle of the floor, his family members cheering them. I am never going to let this continue. I pushed my way through the crowd ignoring the irritating comments I received. My mind did not care for anything except the man, the perfect man, dancing across the floor. Seeing me rush towards him, Jacob stopped dancing and approached me.

“Emily” he said, worried by my wearied face.

“Jacob! Why did you lie to me?” I yelled. “Who is she? Valentina is dead, isn’t she? Why did you lie to me then?” There was no one to stop me. They watched interested in our quarrel or rather a monoquarrel as only I was speaking while he looked down. I was irritated.

“Answer me Jacob” I demanded.

“To get you away from me” he admitted.

“You thought my love as a flaw or attraction? How could you ever think that I can forget you? Why did you do this to me? Nothing can stop me loving you and I shall prove it to you now” I stood on my toes and reached his lips. A sort of mad kiss, completely rude and harsh. I did not care for his response or the crowds’ gasp. I separated myself from him and walked away swiftly from the spot to Harry’s car. Harry and the others rushed to the carpark and I was driven home. Bianca comforted me but it had very little effect on me. So no one spoke to me particularly Harry. When I reached my house John spoke up.

“We are deeply moved by your love for Jake, Emi. We all hope everything ends well” he said and Annie nodded. Bianca kissed my cheeks, her eyes swimming in tears.

“Don’t worry sweety. We are there for you” Harry and Joe finally spoke. I was touched by their love for me.

“Thanks friends” I could not express