A Hate Story.

 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.