A Hate Story (Pageview)
“She was wearing red hood with blue jeans. She
combed her golden hair in a bun and tied them untidily. Some fringes were
resting on her shoulders and few were annoying her by coming back over her
face. She keeps on fixing it behind her ear while picking on the flowers she
wants. She polished her nails red. There was no use of cosmetics on her face.
Her skin was milky white with a touch of pink on her cheeks. Lips were pinkish
red and blue eyes. She was stunning. I was enthralled studying her features
that end on embarrassment when someone tapped me from behind. I startled. The
girl was now handing me the money for the flowers she bought. She handed $30
and left. When I turned to put cash in drawer, Mr. Collins was staring at me
with an evil smile. I was so mortified. Anyway, the girl was dazzling.” She turned the page.
Mr. Smith died in an accident
later the year he got married with Julia Bennett. It was a month after Mr.
Smith’s death; Julia started feeling some hormonal changes within. She was
expecting. When this announced every other person of her family blamed her
with disgrace. The situation worsened. Everyone denied accepting the child as
Mr. Smith’s heir. Few months later she leaving all her belongings, but a bit of
cash left the town and moved for Southampton.
She heard of David Collins; a close unmarried friend of Smith inhabited there.
David Collins pay heed to the situation and agreed to help Julia. He assigned
her to one of his flower shops. Worry and fear of her upcoming life with a baby
that caused problems in her pregnancy period. She delivered a premature baby
boy with a patch of black hair next to his right ear as a birthmark on June 15’
1986. She named him Joe Smith. Julia, in the same year diagnosed with blood
cancer at a critical stage, due to the same disease, she kept on loosing her
health. Mr. Collins started taking care of her and Joe more than before, but
alas she died when Joe turned 7 months. Mr. Collins aggrieved a lot. He,
then become whole family for Joe started growing up. Mr. Collins loved Joe
more than anyone. He admitted him in a school near to his flower shop. Mr.
Collins was the only child, and so inherited every tits and bits. He owns some
houses in the same locality to collect rent from, with that he was the only
owner of 5 flower shops in Southampton. Time
passed. Joe turned 18 in 2004. He was fair in complexion, dark brown hair,
black eyes, light shaved and a slim body, average in height, no broad shoulders
and the birthmark still near his ear. He was of a nice and sensitive nature.
Everyone loved him much because of his friendly attitude. Many of them knew him
as Mr. Collins’ son. He rides around the town on his bicycle with a cowboy hat
on his head or sometimes tied to his neck. He dressed every time in a loosen
tee-shirt and jeans with sneakers. He had no friends. Girls did not like him
due to his birthmark and nonchalant appearance, but he never cared. He respect
Mr. Collins more than anyone and started working in one of his flower shops on Lisbon road when he was
16.
“She
along with a woman revisited our shop today, but this time she waited outside
fiddling with her blue gown that was looking elegant in the glass. A little
makeup really did prominent her beautiful features. She highlighted her eyes
with a little use of dark blue eyeshadow and peach-pink colored lipstick. She
curled her hair and left them untied. The woman with her seems like her mother,
she was a little overweighed with the same milky white skin and red cheeks. She
was showing dimples with her laugh lines on her aged face. She was picking on
the flowers for a bouquet for about 15 minutes that evidently shows her
interest in flowers. I was all the way watching that girl from the corner of my
eyes. The woman finally pulled out the flowers she want and left handing me the
cost. A black Toyota Prius parked down the road, a guy picked both of them and
the car left.” Another page turned. She heard a crisp of something on
the next page.
Mrs. Peters
announced a college graduation party for her son, Eric Peters in end of July,
2004. Eric; a handsome personality with broad shoulders and chest, black hair,
white complexion, hazel eyes with a piercing on right eyebrow, wearing black
suit tonight. Mr. & Mrs. Peters were eminent personalities of Bournemouth. Mr. Griff Peters, a successful business
person died off early at an age of 48 when Eric was 14 in 1999. Mrs. Peters, a
notable advocate of the town. Mr. Samuel Grace, another lawyer worked for years
in Bournemouth, now moved to Southampton with
his family; a good friend of Mrs. Peters. They too were especially invited. Mr.
Samuel was not in good health to travel, so Mrs. Grace and her daughter joined
them to celebrate. Eric went to pick both the women himself. All the way Eric
was staring at Angela. Mrs. Peters was so delighted on the arrival of Mrs.
Grace and Angela. She always loved Angela for her looks. Angela was honestly a
plastic doll; a beautiful doll, milky white skin with pink cheeks, golden hair
and blue eyes. Tonight wearing a blue gown and curly hair untied. Actually,
Mrs. Peters saw her after a long time and enamored with her charisma. Mrs.
Grace handed the bouquet to Mrs. Peters and congratulated her. Angela too
hugged and kissed the woman and greeted. They went to join other guests inside.
Passing by the door, Angela noticed a missing earring. She kept on looking for
it, Eric accompanied her, but they both failed. She baffled at an immediate
glimpse with Eric and felt ashamed, but they both laughed hysterically. Eric
and Angela met after a long period. She was a year younger than him. They both
went on discussing their lives, inside.
“I
shut the shop down, but saw something shiny on the floor. I sat on my knees to
pick that up. It was a blue earring. I felt butterflies in my stomach; it surely was of the same girl. My lips curled and I felt an unknown gladness. I
put that in my pocket and left. Arriving at home, I put that earring in a small
plastic bag and attached it here.” She touched that earring and
detached the plastic bag. She smiled and turned the page.
Arriving
back, Mrs. Grace talk nineteen on the dozen about the joy and pleasure she felt
in Bournemouth. She personally liked
Eric a lot. Even Angela couldn’t find herself irresistible about Eric. Days
passed, they both talked and eventually Eric started dating Angela.
Joe felt some changes in himself and affection towards that
earring, he thought of returning it, but never did. He already started loving Angela,
but she did not even know who Joe is. Once, Angela revisited his shop with Eric.
Eric waited outside smoking where she picking on the beautiful flowers. Joe was
constantly staring at her that Eric noticed from behind the glass that leads to
a brawl. Angela first time noticed Joe and hated him for his looks first and
then for his deed. Eric punched him in his face and then both left abusing Joe.
“Today
was not a good day though, but I come to know her name when the boy hits me and
asked her to come along. Angela, beautiful. She notices me for the first time today, that too a delight. I know I’m being
nutty, but I love her. She is just . . . ahhh! outta words.” She felt
ignominy and thought for a second, what she did that time. She managed to turn the page.
They discussed about the incident. Angela astound over
Eric’s reaction. She felt the way usually girls do. She thought about that
douche bag too she never noticed in the flower shop. “He was such a pig, what
was that black mark on his face. Urgh! Creepy people all the way.” uttered
Angela. She thanked Eric. She loved him more after this day. She did not tell
her parents about the incident.
Days passed, Mrs. Grace visited again the shop, but this
time Angela waited outside deliberately. Joe along with helping Mrs. Grace in
choosing flowers asked for her permission to talk with Angela. She permitted.
With his head lower and eyes on ground apologized Angela for his deed that day.
She yelled and abused at him, for his looks, standards and acts that gathered
Mrs. Grace and Mr. Collins’ attention. Mr. Collins makes an apology to his customers
and brings back Joe inside. He inquired him about the matter. He told
everything honestly. Mr. Collins put in plain words about their class and Mrs.
Grace’s class. He listens to the concern wordlessly.
“What
if she hurt me today? She still is the beautiful creature on this planet and I
still love her wholeheartedly. She hates me for my looks, my class, but this is
not handmade and I’m no one to do against this. God gave me this and I’m
thankful to Him, because I’m better than many. And I believe Angela too would
agree with this soon and loves me back. Well, honestly speaking she was looking
stunning today. Black suits her. Mrs. Grace too is a sweet woman. Well, I’ll
look over Mr. Collins’ concern and try not to bring any shame or disgrace to
him.” a tear rolled down her cheek; with nose reddened she turned
another page.
Joe was riding on his bicycle delivering flowers to the
customers at their places including Mrs. Grace in the list. He ringed the door
bell. A servant asked him to come inside as Mrs. Grace wants to talk. He
hesitated. Unwillingly he nodded to come inside. Entering the house, he saw
Eric standing at a window nearby. He didn’t recognize Joe. Angela greeted him
and they both left from the same door he just entered. Angela stared at him
unlikely. He turned his head and gazed at them blissfully. Servant recalled. “I
was thinking to talk with you about that day’s incident”, Mrs. Grace started.
“Being honest madam, I was just apologizing for a past deed to Angela, but she
misunderstands and all that happened”, Joe clarified. “I didn’t ask her for
what happened, but want you to tell me how you know her?” questioned Mrs.
Grace. Joe was about to answer, but a servant informed about Mr. Samuel’s
sudden heartache. She left hurriedly. Joe panicked. All in a while, he was with
Mrs. Grace moving to a hospital nearby. Angela stunned on his arrival at the
hospital. He didn’t talk to Joe about her father’s health; Mrs. Grace too got
admitted for her sudden reaction over Mr. Grace’s heart attack. Eric left at
midnight taking Angela along. Joe called Mr. Collins and informed him. Joe went
into Mrs. Grace’s room to ask about her health. She was fine by now. He slept
on the couch nearby. Following night was horrific. Joe called Angela reporting
the sudden bad condition of Mr. Samuel and his immediate bypass. Angela arrived
alone at this hour, revealed later about her mishap with Eric. Operation ended
with no good news. Mr. Samuel passed away. Doctor aggrieved informed Joe and
Angela. Joe asked them not to tell Mrs. Grace about the loss. Angela in shock
agreed. He went inside the room and sat by the bed of Mrs. Grace. He holds her
hand in his hand and started, “Madam, I respect you a lot and I felt maybe
somewhere you count on me too. I’m here with a no good news, but promise me
you’ll not break after hearing it” his eyes became wet. He continued, “Mr.
Samuel has just passed away.” Mrs. Grace’s hand fell down. He holds that again.
She started crying. Angela recovering from shock called Eric. Eric was not picking
up the phone. She was weeping badly. Joe after an hour came to her for the
condolences. She hated his sight and left. He sat in the waiting lounge sobbing
noiselessly. She came into her mother’s room and they both wept for an hour.
Joe informed Mr. Collins; he visited the hospital early in the morning, but not
forced Joe to come along knowing his affection towards Grace Family. Eric too
visited the hospital lately; Angela hugged him tightly and cried for couple of
minutes. Months after this loss, Angela asked Mrs. Grace for continuing her
studies with Eric in Bournemouth. She wanted
to get rid of this troublesome and aggrieved atmosphere.
“Past
months were hectic as well as upsetting. I’m done telling Mrs. Grace about my
interest in Angela. She has no problems, but all depends on Angela. Aside, Mr.
Collins contented on my activities and connections with Grace Family. I feel
sorry for Angela on bearing such loss at this stage of her life and for her
mother to handle everything alone. Whenever they need me I’ll confirm my
presence. Angela went Bournemouth 4 months 5 days ago and is now admitted in Bournemouth University with Eric. They are having
good time together. Mrs. Peters is feeling all low at the moment and is on a
complete bed rest. I miss Angela a lot. Wish to see her soon.” She
recalled every possible memory, became gloomy and turned the page.
Mrs. Grace asked Joe about his studies. She assured him of
bearing all the expenses for his undergraduate studies in Southampton University.
Joe told Mr. Collins about the news; first he differed, but later agreed. With
this, Joe turned another chapter of his life.
In Bournemouth, Angela and
Eric were living their lives merrily. At times they fight for silly reasons,
but settles as quickly as they start. Mrs. Peters wants to arrange their
engagement ceremony and wedding after their bachelors. She called Mrs. Grace
for the same and she agreed. Angela excited to tie her nuptial knot with Eric,
but he doesn’t want any ceremony at the moment, but after endless insist of her
mother, he agreed. Mrs. Grace left Southampton
for a week. She asked Joe to come along, but he refused.
“18
months 17 days, and now Angela engaged with Eric Peters; a handsome, upper
class, rich man with good looks. They both made a beautiful couple. She visited
Southampton once in this period. I’m contented
she still remembers me and hates me the way she does before. When she came taking Mrs. Grace along for her engagement ceremony, I was
at her place. She bellowed me ghastly, but I did not mind. At least I caught
her sight after a year. She was as beautiful and lovely as always. Mrs. Grace ceased
her anger and asked me to leave. She later asked me to come along to Bournemouth with embarrassment, but I prefer not to
humiliate Angela anymore. She is now happily committed with Eric. I wish they
would live happily. It has been almost a year in my University; I have no
friends yet, but hope to have some in future.” With lips curled, she read the page and turned.
She felt some crisp on the next page.
Eric always
hated restrictions over him and that continued after his engagement. Angela
avoids the same, they have had tits and bits, but that is natural in any
relationship. They are going to complete with their studies soon and Mrs.
Peters is not well enough to live more. She has a month or two. She called Eric
to discuss the lengthen matter of his wedding. Unwillingly he agreed. Mrs.
Grace and Mrs. Peters decided the dates. Angela left for Southampton
after her convocation. Joe is going to complete his undergraduate studies in 4
months. Mrs. Grace discussed Angela’s wedding matter with him, but he did not
react and happily greeted her. This time he left her place before Angela
arrives. Mrs. Grace ordered bouquets and flower arrangements from Collins Flowers.
Joe did not accompany Mr. Collins to Bournemouth
neither he insisted. She got married in couple of months and Joe completed his studies
with a multinational job in hand. Mrs. Grace returned with Mrs. Peters death
note. She was happy on Joe’s job and celebrated his graduation party inviting
some close acquaintances and the newly wedded couple. Eric refused due to his
new job and Angela, after a lot of insists from her mother, agreed to come.
“I couldn’t believe Angela attended my graduation
ceremony. She was looking as spectacular as anytime. She did not greet me
directly, but I‘m putting this flower from her bouquet as a memory. She came
only for two days, but made my day. Luckily, no bitter tribute this time, but
the hate was there in her eyes. Never mind. I am glad to have Mrs. Grace and
Mr. Collins in my life. They always helped and supported me. Tougher years are
coming; I will try to give my best.” She took that withered rose in her hand; touched it and put back.
Angela got
pregnant at the early stage, where Eric was not able to cope up with a child. Due
to his negligent behaviour, he loses two jobs. Angela was about to deliver her
baby, but Eric was out of money. Situation worsened with his anger and stress.
She tried not to over react and asked Mrs. Grace for some money. She agreed.
Angela visited Southampton with her daughter
Jennifer. Joe too greeted her, but she did not react. He noticed something, but
kept himself quiet.
“Jennifer is as cute and beautiful as Angela. I
greeted her today, but she did not react. I saw the level of hate in her eyes
descended, but what worried me was that mark on her cheek, she keeps on hiding
from everyone. It was something disturbing. In addition, she was not as
cheerful as before, maybe I am thinking a lot. I pray to God for her
happiness.” She got
astonished on this. Even her mother did not notice that mark, but he did. She
felt an inner twinge with a shame, but with a glee.
When Angela
returned, Eric’s behaviour towards the baby and Angela was immature. He started
beating Angela for no reason, but she did not complain to handle the situation
and to save her love marriage. In addition, she does not want to disturb her
mother, but when the situation aggravates she filed divorce. Mrs. Grace was
unaware of all these happenings. Angela luckily got her baby girl’s custody and
she left Eric’s house for good. Eric was gnashing his teeth. She started doing
job in Bournemouth and made excuses to her mother not to contact her for few
months as she and Eric is planning a trip to U.S.
Mrs. Grace
asked Joe to visit Angela when he leaves for Bournemouth.
He agreed. Arriving there, he did not find anyone on the written address. He
asked neighbours, they informed him that Eric Peters left a month ago. He
inquired about Eric’s wife and daughter. No one knows anything about Angela and
Jennifer. This terrified him. He kept on searching for them, but did not find
any clue. Coming back to Southampton, he
discussed this with Mr. Collins, he asked him to tell this to Mrs. Grace. He
did. She kept on calling Eric’s number, but nobody ever picked. Joe kept on
investigating about them.
Within a
month, doorbell rang at midnight. It was Mrs. Grace. Joe asked her to come
inside, she told him about Angela’s arrival a night ago at her place with
Jennifer and everything she have had in her married life. Joe felt distressed.
He asked her to talk with Angela about the situation. She permitted.
“Why did
not you come right away when he first beat you?” asked Joe.
“It is none
of your business,” Angela replied emotionless.
“When did
you file divorce?”
“10 months
ago”
“And what
were you up to for this period?”
“Worked in
a firm and brought up Jennifer”
“Then why
did you leave Bournemouth now?
“Who are
you to ask this? My mother lives here and I’m not going to ask anyone visiting
her.”
“She is
like my mother too. And she is the one who wants to know all this.” Joe
controlled his anger this time.
“I’ll tell
her when I want,” she replied.
“Why do you
hate me much?”
“Your
looks, your standards”
“I will ask
Mrs. Grace to ask you further.” Joe ended.
“Sure.”
Mrs. Grace
asked her about her sudden arrival. She asked if it is a burden on her so she
will leave, but a mother’s heart melted and asked her to stay.
“She never smiled in my presence. She hates me
wholeheartedly. I know this, but I could not help. It has only been a year
maybe after some time she will stop reacting like the way she do now. She is
not creating any panic, but is not behaving normally. I still love her the way
I did when I fist saw her. God please instruct her. Jennifer is a sweetheart.
She is growing up beautiful and cute. Mrs. Grace and Mr. Collins are happy and
contented. I am trying to keep things smooth. Maybe tomorrow something changes.
I wish. Amen.” She felt
ashamed, turned the page. Blank. It was the last page.
After few
months, Mrs. Grace asked Angela to marry Joe. She accepted. About a year
passed, but she never treated Joe as her husband. However, she being mortified
a bit, but her standards was not allowing her to accept him. Jennifer was
growing up fine and loved by both equally. Joe never treated Angela badly, but
always gave respect. It has been a year today. Angela was cleaning her room,
where she found Joe’s diary in the drawer, she sat there reading it, she felt
guilty of all her deeds she did in her past. For all the disrespect, she showed
to him even after getting married in a condition when acid patches on half of
her face affected her beauty and good looks thrown by his ex-husband. After all
those arduous months of unemployment, Eric was announced publicly a depression
patient with the acts of immorality and maliciousness. Not a single day in a
row of three he beats or thumped Angela and Jennifer. Angela was forbearing,
but a day arrived when she announced to file divorce and leaving him for good. The
news outraged Eric and a day he tried to assault Angela by hurling acid into
her face, but she helped herself and only few patches damaged her skin tissues.
Later she filed a case against him; Eric caught by the police and sent to jail until
further notice issues. She wept bitterly and asked for her forgiveness first to
God and then to Joe when he arrived with bouquets, gifts and cake. He placed
the stuff over the table holds her hands and kissed them, took her face in his
hands, fixed her fringes behind her ears and kissed on her forehead. She upper
herself a bit, held his face in her hands, kissed his cheeks, his birthmark and
hugged him tightly. Jennifer came in and Joe held him on his lap. Hugged both
of his assets and thanked God for making inner beauty wins over external
beauty.
