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

go!! Get into the jeep. Take Val with you. Get away dear” he shouted. I got up with Val’s help and limped to the jeep. Seeing Jacob brought me back my courage but I did not want to leave Jacob to fight alone. I wanted to help him but he insisted on me to leave the place at once. I moved away from that place turning often to look at Jacob. He caught my sight and shouted out to me. “Emily I love you. Don’t worry I will never leave you for Val. I love you and I need you. Hereafter my life will be with you only” he shouted at the top of his voice. My spirit rose and I gained strength. We made our way to the jeep. Before I could reach it another car blocked our way. Ashley got down and hurried to us. I had no strength to fight her and I made Val get into the jeep. Before I could climb into the car, Ashley pushed me onto the road and strangled my neck with her shoes. I choked trying hard to remove her foot. Jacob came to my help and slapped her. While she curled to the ground he lifted me to the seat.

“Honey, go safe dear. I will be back soon. Take care of Val. Go to the hospital first dear.” He caressed my wounded face. With his eyes full of pain he kissed me gently.

“I love you Emi. Now go” he said and commanded me to start. I pushed the accelerator and drove. My legs ached but Jacob’s words worked miracles to me. I drove on leaving Jacob to fight the three. I made up my mind to call harry and send him to help Jacob as soon as I entered the town. Val sat near me silently wiping away the blood from my cheeks and forehead. She was my only comfort for now.

 

 

MELINDA

 

January 1997, New York

At last the great day dawned. Everyone who had been invited had come and the little church was filled with people. I had dressed up Lina in her soft white dress which fitted her gorgeously. I made up her hair into a long braid and decorated it with white stones. Big sized cut stones adorned her neck and ears. I did her make up very light so that her natural face was emphasized more. Her skin looked polished and creamy while all her beauty lay on her beautiful pure and serene green eyes. They looked splendid along with her light make up and her dazzling smile. Lina’s mother lost herself in her daughter’s beauty. I had arranged for violets to be decorated around the church for they were her favourite. The wedding ceremony took place smoothly. The ever best looking couple took away everyone’s heart with their beauty and charm. Mike and Lina were beaming with delight out of pure love and they took their oaths. They were bounded by their rings and they exchanged their love. Lina blushed at us after their kiss which made us to be impressed by her. We gave them our wishes for a happy life ahead from the depth of our hearts. Then we moved on to the party arranged at our home. Jared introduced me to everyone with enthusiasm. Alvin stayed away from my side busy with the guests. Light music filled the house and Jared asked me to dance with him. We were having a very good time while the wedding couple was immersed in their own world. We gave them their privacy while we took care of the guests’ needs. We were very concerned in preventing any sort of mishap ,when it happened. A pretty little girl disturbed everyone arguing with Jacob. I could not understand what was happening. I saw Jared, Alvin and Mike staring at them with utter confusion which proved they too were innocent about what was going on.

The little girl exploded at Jacob asking about Valentina whom I had no knowledge of. She wailed about her love on Jacob and we were all stunned when she kissed him in front of the whole gathering. Jacob stood there rooted even after the girl ran off with her friends behind her. When Jared went near hear, Jacob realized his surroundings but did not stop to explain to us. He signaled to his brother to leave him alone but Ashley persuaded him that he should go home with her. He agreed and they left leaving us in the most uncomfortable situation. We were cautious of pacifying the guests with all possible reasons. At last the guests left to their homes and we took our relief breath and indulged into Jacob’s problem though we had no idea of what was it about.

“What is he thinking in his mind? Why did he hide it from us?” Mike started angrily.

“He had too much of freedom. He didn’t even bother to come to explain to us. He does not seek our help at all. Why does he hurt himself and I am very much worried about him. Who was that girl?” Jared spoke anxious. He did not sit in any place fixed for five minutes. He fidgeted around breaking his head. I placed my hands on his shoulders to soothe him but he was uncontrollable and panicked about Jacob. Finally Alvin spoke.

“I trust Jacob. He will be fine soon and maybe he had his own personal reasons to hide it from us. He will surely come back to us safe. Don’t worry about him and let’s get back to normal shall we? Jared I want you to be relaxed now. You got me? Mike, take Lina to your room. You both would be worn out after this big day. Mel, get to bed. Jared let’s go” he said. Everyone paid heed to him and got up.

There was nothing to be said and we slept. Three days had gone. Jacob had not returned home. The situation grew worse day by day. Jared was uncontrollable and he nagged at every one of us about calling to Jacob. I could do nothing but watch him struggle in his pain. Mike too lost words to console him. Even Alvin remained silent, deep in his thoughts. I could understand that even he starved for Jacob’s news. Finally Jacob called. Jared attended his call with anxiety but within a few moments he passed over the phone to Alvin. It was clear that Jacob wanted to speak to Alvin. After a long talk, Alvin hanged the call and turned to us. We were at the edge of our patience particularly Jared.

He smiled at us and said, “There is nothing serious to worry about Jacob. He loves this girl Emily, the one who argued with him yesterday. Jacob had tried to avoid her for some reasons but now after realizing her love for him, he wants to find her. He has gone to apologise to her and he will be right back here in two days. Cheer up guys.” He stopped and looked at Jared, “Jared, he specially conveyed you a message. He loves you so much and he asks sorry for making you worried”.

Jared’s face cleared and he thanked God. Mike heaved a sigh of relief. At last things became normal. Lina’s mother had excused herself as she felt she needed a good rest now, after so much worry. Alvin looked at me; his eyes awfully soft making me feel light.

I decided to make some hot chocolate for all to cheer them up.

“Hot chocolate?” I lifted my empty mug.

“We are dying for it” Mike raised his hands humbly.

“Me too” Jared winked.

Alvin nodded his head. Lina too got up to help me. At that moment there was a knock on my door. Lina went to open the door. I stopped to see who it was as we were not expecting anyone at this hour. An old lady, who found difficulty in walking, entered the house. She had her scarf over her shoulders and also over her head.

“May I know who…”Lina started but before she could complete, Alvin spoke, “Let her in, Lina”. He exchanged glances with the old lady. The old lady entered and removed her scarf, her fingers trembling. Her eyes searched the house and finally rested upon me.

“Bless you, my child” she came stumbling towards me. As she drew near me, I recognized her eyes and face.

“Mother!” I ran to her.

“Dear… bless you. I am so happy to see you” she caressed me. I hugged her tightly and then made her sit.

“Mother, how? How did you? Where were you?” I loaded questions on her, tears flowing from my eyes in joy.

“I am sinner, child. My girl, I was hiding out of sight and lead a loathsome life. I did great sin against you and your father” she hung her head weeping badly. I made her head rest upon my shoulders. Angel was as happy as me. She cheered me up and encouraged me to talk my mother.

“Mother, don’t say that. I love you mom. How did you that I am here?” I raised my doubt. She pointed her finger towards Alvin.

“I was staying in a remote area in San Francisco. Television and newspapers bore my photos enquiring my whereabouts. Finally I contacted him and he gave me this address dear. Thanks Alvin. Your help is great” she said.

Everyone was happy about my mom and me rejoining but I was the one who knew the real happiness. My Alvin had reunited me with my mother, fulfilling my twenty one years’ wish. Only Alvin was seen by me forgetting the others in the room. I rushed towards him and threw myself over him. He was not prepared but clutched me tightly.

“I love you Alvin… with all my heart… I can never be without you.” I cried over him.

“Hush dear. Don’t cry” he tried to soothe me.

“Mel?” I heard Jared’s voice frozen with shock. I realized my surroundings but very late. In an instant I stepped back from Alvin and hung my head down. All were disturbed and panicked.

“What the…” Jared raised his voice.

“One second, Jared” Mike interrupted. “There are things to be cleared up. Please take things easy Jarry. Mel and Alvin love each other. This is unexpected but there are strong reasons to approve it” he said.

“KEEP YOUR STUPID MOUTH SHUT!!” Jared shouted. “YOU TRAITOR!” he stepped towards Alvin.

“Alvin is not to be blamed. It is me.” I brought myself forward to defend him.

“You step out of my way” he slapped me hard. Unable to balance myself, I fell down. Jared bent down to hurt me again but Alvin stopped him.

“No Jared. Be in your senses. Listen to what we have got to say” he pulled him away from me.

“DON’T YOU TELL ME ANYTHING! HEAR WHAT I HAVE GOT TO SAY!!” yelling, Jared pushed Alvin down and punched him hard. Alvin did not try to defend himself. Mike pounced on Jared to help Alvin. There was a push and pull. Lina and I tried to get near them, but the boys never allowed us. They rolled over each other, pushing and pulling they entered the backyard.

Alvin was heavily wounded but Jared’s anger never seemed to decrease. He kicked his stomach and stamped his legs. Alvin did not do anything but bit his lips from crying out loud in pain. Agony pierced me hard as I was unable to stop this.

“Mel, do something. Help Alvin…Go…” Angel cried. I plunged myself upon Alvin and Jared’s attention caught me. He pulled my hair and strangled my neck. Mike helped Alvin up and came running to my help.

“Jared, leave her!! I said… L.E.A.V.E… H.E.R!!” Mike commanded.

“No! Kill me Jared… I should not live. Kill me…” I coughed my words. Angel shouted along with me. Mike finally separated us and we fell down apart. Jared searched his pockets and took out his gun. He lifted it and pointed straight at me.

“NO!!JARED!!” Mike shouted and I collapsed unable to