Blemished Love - Season 1 - Episode 36

Episode 5 years ago

Blemished Love - Season 1 - Episode 36

***
It was a long drive indeed because it took them hours to locate the place and it was already afternoon.


They knocked on the door since there was no gate to the cabin. Melisa was looking round admiring the environment when Dane opened the door.


Their gazes met and Stella watched them staring at each other. She managed to walk pass them in search of Grissel when luckily she came out with Shirley who run into her arms for a cuddle.
‘I miss you so much Princess.’ Stella said putting her down slowly and smiling at Grissel.
‘I miss you too but did Lisa send you.’
‘Why would Lisa send her?’ Grissel said grabbing her attention.
‘I’m fine Grissel.’ Stella responded when Grissel hasn’t greeted her yet.
‘I know you are fine that is why I didn’t ask but don’t avoid my question.’
‘Lisa is at the door in some kind of a trance, she will explain when she gets here.’
‘Lisa is here?’ Both mother and daughter chorused.
Dani left them talking and rushed to the door. ‘Did you come because of my text message from earlier?’
‘No, I mean yes but we also came because of something else just wait for Lisa.’
‘Lisa, you came.’ Dani said loudly when she got there and saw them both staring at each other.


Stella and Grissel stopped talking when they heard Dani’s voice and moved away to a comfortable area.
Her tiny voice rang in her ears and grabbed her attention. She pushed Dane slightly off the way and opened her arms for an embrace with her medicine bag hanging on her arms.
They heard Dane calling after her but she ignored him and went to meet the others who were already seated around a table behind the balcony.
‘Hey, so I heard you are here on request.’ Grissel said once she sat down.
‘Where are your manners?’ Melisa asked smiling.
‘I left them at your brother’s house.’ They all laughed at her joke.
They said their pleasantries and was okay without Juice and water when Stella prompted Melisa to spill out the reason they came there.
‘So I heard you are having a baby.’ Melisa said without hesitating.
‘Gosh, Shirley.’ Grissel turned to her daughter because she knew she was the snitch.
‘Yes mommy.’
‘Can we not tell everyone?’ Grissel gave her a worried and sad grimace.
‘But, Lisa is not everyone mommy.’
‘Yes, she’s right. Stella chipped in. ‘We were supposed to be family.’
‘I know but not in this situation.’
‘Okay, so I’m assuming you didn’t tell Dane about this.’ Melisa asked smartly.
‘No, why would I do that when he’s not the father.’
‘Thank God!’ Melisa exclaimed and sighed heavily.
Grissel examined her face. ‘Wait, you two thought I’m that dump to sleep with Reed again.’
Stella quickly covered Shirley’s ears with her hands. ‘Watch your words Grissel.’
She glanced at her daughter scornfully.
‘Don’t say it mommy, I know it already.’ She walked away sadly.


She breathed in and relaxed back on her chair.
‘What was that about?’ Melisa asked.
‘We came to an understanding that anytime she misbehave which I think it’s inappropriate she would be grounded by reading a book for three hours.’
‘Three hours? Why do you want her to run mad?’ Stella asked.
‘You think that’s unfair? Gina did the same to me and I think it’s only fair I meted out the same punishment to my daughter.’
‘But that’s to the extreme.’ Stella was still complaining and making funny utterances.
‘It’s better than yelling at her. What do you think Lisa?’ Grissel asked Lisa who has been quiet all this while.
‘Is it Tom’s?’ Lisa asked ignoring Grissel’s earlier question.
‘What is Tom’s?’ His name introduced some kind of coldness to her body.
Melisa pointed to her stomach.
‘She meant is she going to be an aunty.’ Stella muttered.
‘Oh that, I think so.’ Grissel replied rubbing her belly.
‘Really, you think so.’ Melisa asked nervously.
‘Yes, besides I’m not even sure if I’m really pregnant.’
‘Good. Take this and I’ll wait for you.’ She opened her bag and gave her the pregnancy kit.
‘Jeez, you are too bossy. I don’t need this but I’m sure you would be an aunty in about nine months.’
‘Thank you but just do as I said earlier.’ Melisa ordered and stared.
‘Okay, just wait here.’ Grissel picked up the test kit and went away to the washroom while they waited.


She came back after about twenty minutes and shoved the result in their faces and Melisa continued to check her pulse and blood pressure with the equipment’s she brought while they talked.
‘This is good, so what do you want to do now.’ Stella asked.
‘I thought I was clear with my text message when I didn’t even know you were coming here.’


‘Yes.’ Both Stella and Grissel chorused.
‘So why should you be asking me what I want to do.’ Grissel asked them with outmost certainty.
‘You do know this is going to hurt a lot of people.’
‘I know but what other choice do I have Lisa.’ Grissel said sadly.
‘There are other ways to go about it.’ Melisa muttered.
‘Not for me.’ Grissel said and noticed a shadow pacing around and waited for it to come from behind the pillar.


It turned out it was Dane and they had no idea how long he had been standing there and if he heard their discussion.

‘What is he doing there?’ Melisa asked looking back at him.
‘Waiting for you Lisa.’ Stella chipped in.
‘I don’t want to talk to him.’ Melisa blushed.
‘Why are you blushing when you don’t want him anymore?’ Grissel asked and Melisa forced a frown on her face.
‘Let’s not go there Grissel.’ Melisa turned her seat around so she wouldn’t have to see him again.
They laughed at her when Dane stopped pacing and kept staring at Melisa.
‘I forgot to say, he apologized and trust me he’s been trying to be nice these days.’
‘Wait a minute. My brother apologized.’
‘Of course, you should have seen him in tears, I nearly fell for his apology.’
Grissel continued to narrate everything that happened starting from his father in law down to the very end.
‘Wow that must have hurt Grissel.’ Melisa rubbed her shoulder.
‘Yeah, but it gave me the relief I needed. Knowing Shane would have died whether that night in Connecticut happened or not gave me the strength to sleep that night.’
‘I’m sure it was the same night I chased him out of the house.’
‘Oh my goodness.’ Grissel laughed. ‘How were you able to do that?’
Melisa told them both how the drama unfolded. They teased each other for a while and it seemed they had nothing else to talk about.
‘Is he still there?’ Melisa asked after some few minutes.
‘Yes, I think he’s trying to call you.’ Stella replied.
‘No,’ she hurriedly said and picked up her phone dialing Tom’s number so she could keep her number on busy.
‘Hey, it’s your sister.’ she said immediately Tom picked up on the first ring.
‘I know it’s you so what do you want?’
‘Don’t be mean Tom. Do I only have to call you when I need something?’ She feigned anger.
Grissel’s heart skipped and she relaxed back on the chair.
‘I’m sorry, how is everyone.’
‘We miss you.’ Melisa responded.
‘I would come around soon, I just have an overload of work these days.’
‘You mean Stella is giving you a tough time at work?’ Melisa said loudly glancing at Stella while Grissel sat back eager to hear his voice.
Stella made a gesture indicating she hasn’t done anything wrong.
‘No, I’ve been slow with work and it got piled up.’
‘Okay, but you were right earlier.’
‘I knew it. You need help.’ He said literally jumping up from his end.
‘Yes, I’m getting married next week.’
‘What? To whom.’ He asked with a surprise tone.
‘To a human being Tom. You don’t need to rub it in my face that I may never find love.’
‘I’m sorry, so what do you need.’ He asked calmly.
‘A loan Tom.’
He went mute on the phone and kept scratching his head. ‘Can’t you ask Aunty to help?’
‘I could ask aunty but I came to you as a sister.’ She feigned sadness.
Don’t cry on me now? How much do you need?’
‘Yaay, just five thousand dollars.’
What? That’s too much Lisa besides shouldn’t the man be paying for these expenses.’
‘Bryan doesn’t have money right now.’
‘Bryan?’ He sounded surprised. ‘Come on. You still want to marry that loser?’
He is not a loser Tom. Or do you want me to end up alone?’
‘No, but at least if he has agreed to marry you, he should be a man.’
‘Are you helping me or not? I could sell mommy’s car.’ Melisa muttered sternly.
‘No, that car is an artifact.’ Tom said. He loved his mother’s old Benz and have prevented her sister and Julia from selling it all these years.
‘So?’ Melisa asked hoping for a yes.
‘Emmm, alright. I would wire you the money once we are done here but you have to pay back.’
‘Okay boss.’ Melisa answered cheerfully. ‘
‘I have to go now, my friends are around right now.’
‘Make sure to get a new suit because you are walking me down the aisle.’
‘Morris would do that.’
‘No, I want you and invite those your friends as well.’ Melisa stressed.
‘I will madam.’ He replied teasingly and hanged up laughing.
‘You are manipulative Lisa. You think Tom would pay for a wedding he is not interested in.’ Grissel said once she hanged up.
‘Relax, he would and that reminds me I have to call Bryan.’ Melisa was saying when she got the alert of the exact amount she asked from Tom.



She smiled and tossed the phone to Grissel who recognized the account number. She kept staring at the phone for a while and decided to hand it over.
‘Is he okay?’ Grissel finally asked the one question on her mind.
‘Yeah, he sounded cheerful.’ Melisa said sadly.
‘Don’t you think you need to come with us when we are leaving?’ Stella rubbed her hands to grab her attention.
‘No, I’m not done here yet and besides Melisa hasn’t given me the wedding date.’
‘Sunday and you should be there early enough if you really want to have a talk with Tom before anything else.’ Her sister in law stressed.
‘I would try and please, your boyfriend has been standing for long Lisa.’ Grissel cautioned.
‘I don’t know what you want me to do. Hand over the phone.’
She dialed Brain’s number and he answered after the third ring.
‘Get yourself ready, we are getting married on Sunday.’
‘Huh. Lisa.’
‘Yes it’s me and you heard me right. I would send you the address of the venue.’
‘I don’t understand you right now.’
‘Do you still want me or not?’ Melisa asked him.
‘No, yes I mean I do want to be with you but you are rushing this whole marriage thing.’
‘I can see you are not ready,’ she said with frustration written on her face. ‘I would find someone else.’
‘Wait.’ Bryan said when he noticed she was going to hang up.
‘I’m listening Bryan.’
‘How does this work?’
‘You just come to the address I would be sending you and my dad would take care of talking to your people.’
‘Okay, but don’t you think, my family should be talking to yours rather.’
‘Alright, have it your way but just come on time.’
‘Thank you Lisa for giving me another chance.’ He mentioned happily.
‘You were a victim so I understand but can I call you back later.’
‘Sure.’ He said and hanged up.
Melisa breathed deeply and heavily.
‘Lisa, you don’t have to do this just to get back at anyone.’ Grissel registered her displeasure.
‘Yeah, I agree with Grissel. Just don’t make the poor guy suffer anymore.’
‘You two should leave me alone right now. I liked the guy until I heard the truth.’
‘And you think that calls for revenge?’ Grissel asked.
‘You are doing the same thing here with Dane, besides I just thought I could help you this way.’
‘No, there are other ways to deal with my situation.’ Grissel mumbled.
‘Just tell me, you would come for the wedding.’
‘Definitely, I want this but not your way of handling it.’ Grissel affirmed.
‘Hey ladies, your boyfriend would collapse if you don’t stop arguing.’ Stella interrupted.
They all glanced towards his direction.
Dane was pacing from the far end of the balcony stealing glances at them. He had a pathetic look on which they kept laughing at.
‘Reed.’ Grissel waved her hands inviting him over.



When he heard Grissel mention his name, as if that was the best thing that ever happened to him, he smiled and picked up his phone by the table.
‘What are you doing Grissel?’ Melisa asked quietly, while Dane walked over.
Dane scratched his jaw when he got there. ‘Emmm, you called me.’
‘Yes, your girlfriend here is hungry,’ She said and winced in pain. Melisa had kicked her under the table with her foot.
‘Are you okay?’ Stella asked Grissel who gestured towards Melisa. She had a sheepish smile on her face and at the same time avoiding Dane’s gaze on her.
Grissel nodded to answer her question while Dane kept looking at Melisa who was avoiding his eyes all the time.
‘I can take you ladies out across the street to eat.’ He watched them with their funny expressions and shifted his eyes on Melisa.
As if on cue they all glanced at him. ‘No, that’s unethical. You can make her some sausage sauce here.’ Grissel said with a teasing face.
Melisa tried to hit her again under the table. This time around she was expecting it so she withdrew her legs quickly.
‘Okay, give me about twenty minutes.’ He announced and left quickly.
Melisa who was holding her laughter bust into a hilarious one. ‘Goodness what just happened. Was that Dane?’
‘Of course Lisa.’ Grissel responded.
‘What did you do to him?’ Melisa further asked.
‘Nothing, I already told you earlier about his confession.’
‘Yes, but he has become too soft.’ Melisa complained.
‘You haven’t seen anything yet. If I tell him to bath me he will.’ Grissel bragged.
‘Dane has always been soft though strict sometimes and he’s a good cook too.’ Stella who knew him best said.
‘Yeah, unlike my Tom.’ Grissel said sadly as she wasn’t sure what lies ahead of her.
‘Wow, I like this new Dane but……’ Her hands flew to her mouth quickly. Her intention was to dissuade Grissel from her sad thoughts but it seems she’s going to get teased all over again.
‘It’s alright Lisa.’ Stella chipped in. ‘He’s all yours now.’
‘No, I still don’t want him.’
‘We live to see.’ Grissel teased just that moment Dane came out bearing a tray of glasses and wine.
He dropped it on the table and glanced at them. ‘Help yourselves, lunch would soon be ready.’



Everyone was quiet watching him stare at them.


‘Thanks, I would prefer juice. Just give the whole bottle to Shirley.’ Grissel notified him.
‘Don’t worry I would bring it. She said you grounded her so she’s busy reading.’
‘Oh yeah, I forgot. Thanks.’ Grissel said nonchalantly.


She knew Dane must be excited seeing her talk to him since all she does to him these days was to yell at him.


He walked away knowing all eyes were on him. Then Melisa stood up to leave.
‘Where do you think you are going?’ Stella asked.
‘To get Grissel that juice.’
‘He would bring it Lisa.’ Grissel said.
‘I know but I don’t like the way you are treating him.’


‘Oh wow, finally. Just say you want to talk to him and don’t use my juice as an excuse.’
‘You do know I’m getting married next week to Bryan right?’


Grissel scoffed. ‘Okay Madam Bryan.’ They both teased Melisa and waved her goodbye.
She shook her head and sat down. ‘Let’s wait for him then.’


Dane came back later with mango juice and rushed back to the kitchen.


There was noise coming from the kitchen and that moment Dani came out frowning.
‘Mommy, why is Daddy nervous and making noise. I’m trying to read.’


Grissel looked back at her and smiled. ‘Lisa, can you take her away for a few days?’
‘I could until after the wedding.’ Melisa smiled at Dani who rushed back in and came back with her hands behind her back.
Everyone was wondering why she went back in.

‘Mommy, I want to tell you something.’ She brought a white envelope from behind her.
‘What is that you are holding?’ Grissel curiously asked.
‘I need something first.’ Shirley grinned childishly.
‘What did we say the last time?’ Grissel asked sternly.


‘No blackmailing.’ She said moving a step back.
‘Good, so let me have the envelope.’ Grissel demanded sternly.
‘Lisa,’ Shirley glanced at her and then to Stella. ‘Can you tell mommy to get me a phone?’
‘Is that all?’ Stella who was quiet watching them suddenly asked.
‘Yes, I miss my friends in Dallas.’
‘It’s settled, you can have mine.’ Stella offered avoiding Grissel’s gaze on her.
Dani rushed on the phone smiling.
‘Ella? This is a mistake.’ Grissel cautioned.
‘Relax, the phone is just for today besides you shouldn’t deny Shirley her friends.’
’That’s true especially when she’s in the midst of all these problems.’ Melisa added.
Grissel kept quiet watching them and smiled.
‘Alright, for just a few hours. ‘She sternly told her daughter. ‘Now let me have the envelope.’ Grissel reached out.
‘No, it’s going to make you sick.’ She said with a sad tone.
‘Alright, give it to Lisa then.’ Grissel responded.
She handed the envelope out and was rushing off. ‘Lisa, Daddy needs help with that food. He’s messing up the whole kitchen.’
Grissel gave her a stare and she rushed off. Melisa tossed the envelope over to Stella. ‘Whatever is in there, I know it’s no good news.’


‘Why should I be the one to open it?’ Stella said dropping it on the table in front of them.
Grissel looked at them both and picked the envelope off the table while they looked on.
She realized it was already opened. Grissel hissed when she realized what it was.
Melisa snatched it from her while Stella shifted her seat over to read. ‘Grissel, I thought you told me your proceedings are still pending and that was the main reason you are still here.’
‘As you can see he had it all along.’ Grissel responded in a slow tone.
‘Why would he do that?’ Melisa was starting to get jittery.
‘Probably he figured out I would leave once I found out we got an approval because I know he had no idea about his dad giving me custody yet.’
‘This guy is heartless.’ Melisa said angrily and stood up.