CHAPTER 13

"Is he the man you've met in New York or not?"

Elizabeth was sitting across from Melody at the table, the kitchen glowing white and black, illuminated the rays of the sun coming from the windows. Melody just finished preparing herself; she'd come over, specks of cookie on her mouth. Melody had started a pot of coffee and two cups were on the table.

"Whom are you referring to, Ma?"

It's not that Melody didn't have an idea who she was referring to. If Melody has her way, she wouldn't want to talk about him especially with Elizabeth. She didn't mention him before and didn't want to do it in the present.

"The man who helped us yesterday at the center."

Melody hesitated. "You mean Eric?"

Elizabeth just nodded waiting for Melody's answer on her earlier question.

Since coming home from New York, Melody didn't bring up the name of the man who left her hanging. It's not that she didn't trust Elizabeth, her own mother. Rather, it's just that Elizabeth never asked her. Their relationship as mother and daughter is like no other. It's a bit casual yet unusual at the same time. Elizabeth trusted her daughter in every decision that she made. If ever she would seek an advice, it's the only time that she would say a word.

Elizabeth always believed that Melody's a strong woman. No matter how hard life was on her, no matter how much she messed up or how broken her life has become, she felt that Melody would rise to any challenges that come her way. Like any mother in the world, Elizabeth wanted the best for her daughter. If Melody ever fails, she would stand beside her. If Melody ever gets hurt, she would carry a medical kit for her. Elizabeth has always been a woman of action rather than word.

"Well, he's just a friend. And besides, I'm getting married." Melody tried to divert the topic even though deep down, she knew she could escape the question.

"That's not the point…"

Melody interrupted, "I know. I know."

"Have you ever thought of what would Clayton feels?"

"My past would always be there but I wouldn't let it be an obstacle for my future." Melody couldn't make an eye contact with Elizabeth. She was careful not being misunderstood particularly Elizabeth's decision to hide her from her father. She doesn't want to hurt her.

Melody knew as she was growing up that Elizabeth made the decision of not introducing her with her father. She never condemned her for that. Rather, she respected her mother for making a bold decision. She lived by it and accepted the effect.

Elizabeth didn't actually hide the truth to Melody. She knew who her father was. Elizabeth was always truthful with her daughter.

As Melody was growing up, Elizabeth responded with truthful answers to all Melody's questions about her father. She even gave her a photograph of him that she keeps in her wallet.

"What I did before was not for my own sake. I was young and so was your father."

"No Ma! It's not about that."

"If there's a lesson I learned from what happened to me, it's to teach you to see what's inside your heart and your mind for your sake and for Clayton's sake as well."

Melody nodded. She could remember the same advice from Nana, but she still wasn't sure where her mother was going so she stayed quiet.

"I think that's why we do what we do now. When I decide on this, I try to balance all that are involved. We cannot predict what is about to happen but we can influence the future with the decision that we would make in the present."

"What would I do then? I didn't expect this to happen. I thought after seeing him again that it was all in the past now but as the clock continues to tick, I feel I'm no longer in control of things. What if Clayton and Eric meet? I don't want that to happen. It would be disaster." Tears started to flow from Melody's eyes.

Elizabeth didn't say a word. Instead, Melody felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. It was Nana who sat on the vacant seat between them. She was listening to the conversation of the mother and daughter. She didn't want to intervene but knowing her own daughter, Elizabeth; she was obliged to support them both.

It's always Nana who speaks the most between the three women. Elizabeth and Melody constantly sought Nana's wisdom whenever problem arises. She never missed a second to enlighten them. To Elizabeth when she came home from Winnepeg. To Melody when she returned from New York. It's just because she's the oldest among them but because Nana is a well-respected woman in their town.

"Let me tell you what I have told your mother before. What does your heart say? You are wise enough to know what you want. Your mother and I believe that you would make the best decision," Nana encouraged.

"What if my mind and my heart are both clouded? How can I make the right decision?"

Before Nana could respond to Melody's question, Elizabeth got up from the table as she went on. "It might have been wrong of me to say all this, and maybe I'm in no position to say it at all, but I wouldn't feel right about myself if I didn't speak plainly." She placed her cup on the sink. "It's not about being right or wrong. When I decided to raise you alone it was all because my decision was synchronized with my heart and my mind. Maybe I was wrong. Yet, I do not regret making it even until now. You just have to stand and face all the consequences afterward as long as what are inside your heart and your mind are all taken into consideration," Elizabeth added.

Elizabeth has accepted the consequences of not letting Mr. Clements enter their life. She continued to work long morning and evening shifts at a restaurant and bookshop. She was always tired whenever she reached home. She didn't even have time to sing a lullaby for Melody when she was still young. She could have just asked for assistance from Mr. Clements for Melody's growth but she didn't. It wasn't just pride that took over. It was something deeper. Yet, she never regretted to have aching legs and feet as a consequence of her decision.

Nana sensed Melody's discomfort, she pressed on anyway. "Nobody is perfect. It doesn't matter if what you decide is right or wrong as long as you decide truthfully with your heart and your mind. Of course, you would need to take into consideration the happiness of other people especially Clayton. Whatever you would decide to do, you have us at your back," she assured.