Jewels And Shadows 💗

Meow and Myla suggests we eat outside of school for lunch, and I agree. We all walk to the diner right outside of the college gates. My attempt to leave the campus won’t be normal if Aurelian doesn’t invite himself to join.

‘Maybe next time.’ I say politely.

Something is different with Aurelian recently. He is extra pushy. He follows us to our destination and sits with us, as if he is part of the gang all along.

‘You can’t sit with us!’ Myla exclaims.

Even Myla who’s quick to admire handsome boys is irritated.

Meow adds, ‘This table’s full,’ even though there’s clearly a spare seat beside me.

Just one look at my face and they’re both trying to save me on their own way. Aurelian, however, bless his soul, has the emotional resilience of a cockroach.

‘Don’t be like that,’ he laughs charmingly. ‘I just wanted to talk to Melodette about something important.’

I give another polite smile. I’m listening, but please perish politely.

‘What is it?’ I ask.

‘The finals,’ he begins, ‘My father thought it was the best time to bring out the family’s winter jewelry line. I thought it would be perfect if you modeled for me, since the theme is purity. And you’re a temple maiden.’

Ahhh… Of course. It was never about me. It was about my family’s reputation.

‘See? You are even wearing some of our jewelry already.’ He points at one of the bracelets I am wearing.

Uhuhhh I forgot that our parents are close friends…. And I thought these jewelries are old? I look down to my gem-studded wrists.

Unless these are wedding gifts from Aurelian’s folks to mine…

‘Oh, how flattering,’ I say. ‘But I wouldn’t want to take away the spotlight from your beautiful jewelry.’

Which one should I remove?

‘You wouldn’t,’ he insists. ‘You’d enhance it.’

With a sly smile, I discreetly pass some bracelets to the other girls under the table. Meow and Myla exchange knowing glances as they struggle to contain their laughter. I fight to keep my composure.

‘I’ll think about it,’ I shrug, which, in Melodette language, means no.

Aurelian leaves hesitantly. He glance back at me one more time and waves. One server who has her eyes on him trips and slips a milkshake on me.

‘Wow… That bad huh?’ Meow slips all the bracelets back into my hands.

*****

The next morning, after my self-care ritual, stray pet feeding and family ritual, I arrive at the university without any misfortune, or maybe I spoke to quickly, cause TAADAAAAHHH! Aurelian is waiting at the gate like a chauffeur at an airport arrivals area.

‘Good morning, Melodette! I thought we could grab breakfast before class!’

‘Ah, but I’ve already eaten.’ I clasp my hands together in mock gratitude. ‘You’re so thoughtful, Aurelian.’

‘Then maybe lunch?’

‘Ah, I’ll be fasting.’

‘Dinner?’

‘I sleep early.’

He laughs as if I’m joking. I am not joking.

By the third day of his pestering relentless campaign, I start to suspect Aurelian might be possessed by a spirit of stubbornness.

Should I ask Grandma to exorcise him? (DUN DUN DUN)

He corners me after class again.

‘Melodette, please. You’d be perfect for the presentation. You have that…’ he waves vaguely in my direction, ‘…mystical charm.’

‘Ah,’ I say, ‘you mean my nonexistent spiritual talent? I’m glad you noticed.’

‘You’re being difficult.’

‘I’m being myself,’ I correct him sweetly.

He sighs, visibly annoyed. ‘You could at least tell me why you won’t help me. Aren’t we friends?’

I shrug. ‘Because my presence brings misfortune. You wouldn’t want your jewels to tarnish before the presentation, would you?’

I don’t want to be alone with you. You scare me. You make the alarm bells of my gut instinct ring.

He blinks and inhales deeply.

I swear if I hear another silly word….

‘I just want to spend…’ Aurelian gets cut off by the bell. The actual school bell this time.

‘I am going to be late. Sorry. See you around, Aurelian.’ I bowed lightly and hurry off.

Please take the hint already.

The moment I turn the corner, I slip on a wet floor and manage to grab on the railing before hitting the ground.

Huhu! Why does misfortune come, right after I speak with him?

*****

When the day of the finals approaches, desperation has clearly set in for him. He corners me again, this time during lunch with my friends.

‘You’re really not going to help me, Melodette?’

‘Aurelian, I truly admire your perseverance.’ I smile serenely. ‘But no.’

Why the heck are you so hellbent on choosing me?

‘You don’t understand,’ he pleads. ‘This was supposed to be my moment to show my family I can make something of myself! I needed someone elegant, graceful…’

‘…and unavailable,’ I finish for him, rising from my seat. ‘I wish you the best of luck, Aurelian. Truly.’

He stares at me with mouth open.

Who are you? You’re not the graceful Aurelian I know.

I brace myself for any form of bad luck after his departure but none come. Not today anyways.

*****

The day before finals, I’m sitting in my room panicking. My own project isn’t ready, and nobody from my family can model for my presentation. My sister’s doing a morning show taping, my cousins are out helping in rituals, and my grandmother refuses to “appear before mortals for such trivial matters.” Being a nationally acknowledged seer must be a different kind of dignity.

Those left at home says:

Euffie: ‘Help you? I’d rather eat chalk.’

I mean… Fair…

Mother: ‘Do you really think I would stand in front of your class as you flick through your report?.’

Damn… Are you actually Euffie’s mother? Not mine?… Then who will stand beside me?

So, as usual, I am on my own. I immediately text Meow and Myla to complain. They both respond with sympathy and offers to model for me if only we weren’t scheduled to present back to back with each other.

I walk around the house to compile the items I need for my presentation, when it hit me, there he is, the new helper. The same one who saved my allowance, with the dish incident. My assistant for the finals.

He’s sweeping quietly in the corner, hair slightly messy. Poor boy won’t know what’s going to hit him. (DUN DUN DUN)

‘You,’ I call out.

He jumps. ‘Y-yes, Miss Melodette?’

‘You will model for me.’

‘…I will?’

‘Yes. It’s for my university finals. Don’t worry. Ask for anything and I will grant it.’

Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic.

‘I shall pay you in gratitude, and leftover pudding.’

He blushes and nods shyly. ‘Alright, Miss.’

Whew. That’s settled. I am nothing if not resourceful.

‘Ok. Let’s start preparing RIGHT NOW. Pronto.’ I snap my fingers.

I can still make it work! This is even better than my own family members!

He takes the items I am carrying and follow after me.

‘First thing you need to do for me is… to endure my punches.’

‘A.. eh.. your what miss?’

The confused look on the boy is priceless.

*****

The next day at school, I proudly unveil my project before everyone.

My slides open to reveal photos of the new helper modeling my concept: 

“Purity in Simplicity – A Modest Business for Everyday Blessings”

The audience murmurs, impressed by my beautiful presentation, if I say so myself. Only one sound didn’t seem impressed. There is someone inhaling sharply at the back of the crowd.

I don’t care. I never did and never will care for haters. I crack on the finals presentation. I demonstrate how some talismans can withstand pressure and physical attacks. Enter me attacking our poor helper boy, as he stand still and take it all, only being protected by talismans.

Punch, kicks, throwing kunais with fire and poison, boiling water. Heck, just for the sake of being spontaneous, I even add a random slap to his face. He survives the whole ordeal. I wrap up with a concise summary and our business’ contact details.

I look up to sir Corbin and study his reaction. He looks satisfied. Or rather, lost for words. And he doesn’t usually stop talking. 

I will take that as a pass! Yahoo!

I raise my hand to high-five my assistant, whose natural reaction is to flinch. The whole audience laughs.

Me and my trusty assistant take my things away swiftly to make space for the next presentation, Meow’s one.

‘Thank you.’ I smile sweetly at my now new pal. ‘I never asked your name… Sorry.’ I said.

‘I’m…’ My assistant got cut off.

‘You used the help as your model?!’

Excuse me? Who dare talk down on my helpers? (Well other than me and Euffie)…

A menacing Aurelian blocks our way down the stage.

‘Yes,’ I reply matter-of-factly. ‘He was available, affordable, and could take a punch.’

‘You could’ve told me! I am your childhood friend!’

Yeah... I kinda left that part out. I grew apart from him… I think? He still tries to be sweet with me, but I do not have anything similar with him anymore, other than our parents are good friends. He wasn’t the sweet innocent kid anymore. He started to become full of himself once their business took off. Not that I am not full of myself too, I guess.

‘I did tell you. I said no.’

Well… In polite manner… of being indirect.

‘Unbelievable. You’re unbelievable!’

Why is he suddenly acting like a boyfriend now? Excuse me?

‘Thank you,’ I say brightly. ‘You don’t own me.’

Aurelian raises his hand to grab me, but my poor helper who was silent the whole time, stands in between us. And with that, Aurelian finally storms off.

Woah woah woah let’s not make a scandal out of this. What about my pure image?

I am taken aback. After a few seconds of shock, I look at my friends.

‘He’ll calm down,’ Meow says casually, sister in tow for her presentation.

‘Probably,’ I agree. I am still shaken.

Myla whispers. ‘The helper’s cute, by the way.’

Myla!! You and your quick eye for things like this!!!

‘He is?’ I say. ‘I hadn’t noticed.’

Helper boy helps Meow in setting up without being asked.

Of course I had noticed. Why would I otherwise present my finals with anyone less than good-looking. But that is none of anyone’s business.