Ocean pulls his hand out of mine and stands up fast. “Fuck. I have to get to Melody’s place fast. If I know my parents, they will already be cleaning out her apartment, taking all of her belongings.”
“I don’t think your mother would have the energy to do it today.”
Ocean’s limbs twitch in agitation. “Phoebe, you don’t know my mother. She’ll be drinking and wiping herself out, but amidst it, she will be in a frenzy to get everything packed up and forgotten about, so she can move on with their lives in Australia.”
With purpose, Ocean marches to the headstone and recites it. “The song has ended but you will hear me in the wind and feel me in your heart.” Kissing it, he stands there, head bowed and his shoulders move up and down.
I wish he would go home and rest, the lines on his face express how exhausted he is.
With a turn, his face resembles stone. “Let’s go.”
“You’re so predictable, Mother.”
Charging out of the car at lightning speed, Ocean waved to the doorman and we’d made our way up to the tenth floor. My legs had to run to keep up with his giant steps.
“You shouldn’t be here.” The older man speaks gently to Ocean, sadness evident in his eyes. Torn between his wife and child he had no time for.
“I think it’s you two who shouldn’t be here. When was the last time you visited? It’s been so long, I can’t remember.”
The gray-haired man walks to me and holds his hand out. “I’m Marcus. Ocean’s dad. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Thudding whacks my chest. I hesitate, split between doing the familiar thing or ignoring him because of Ocean’s dislike for them. I finally find my manners and shake his outstretched hand. “Hi. I’m Phoebe.”
“It’s nice to meet my son’s girlfriend.” A soft sparkle in his eyes tells me he is genuinely happy to meet someone in Ocean’s life and he’s not talking for the sake of making small talk.
“I wish it was under better circumstances. I only met Melody once, she certainly was a pure and beautiful spirit.”
“Yes, she was.”
Ocean paces around the small living area, there’re some small boxes already filled that he rifles through. “Melody wouldn’t want her to have everything.”
“I know, son. But she’s grieving.”
“No, she’s selfish. I want time to look at Melody’s things. Ask her to leave it tonight.”
Walking around, her apartment is minimal and modern. White, splashed with random colors and gray carpet is fresh and inviting. Photos of the family are positioned on the fireplace mantle. Everyone looks happy. It must have been a long time ago. My feet keep moving and I let Ocean be with his father alone. Ocean needs it. Although he tells me he isn’t close to them, they both need this connection.
The corridor is long and my feet drift down it, my eyes glancing at the small artworks on the wall. All music-related. Some pen and ink, one is painted, a few photos and a photo of her and Ocean at a concert.
“That was Melody’s first live concert. She sang and played violin that night.” A soft voice echoes. “We didn’t make it over here for it.”
“I can imagine it would have been amazing.”
“The recording was brilliant, but Ocean said it didn’t do it justice. Melody idolized her brother.”
“I believe the feeling is mutual.”
Lifting her chin, there’s a faint odor of alcohol on her. “They were inseparable when they were children. My mother used to say, she’d never seen two siblings with a greater bond. They were lucky to have that with each other. At times I was jealous of it.”
Snapping my head to hers, I raise my eyebrows in question. “Why?”
“Because they had one another when their father was always away. The love they have is unbreakable. You’ve never seen two siblings fight over getting into trouble before. But they did, always sticking up for the other, both being reprimanded instead of the culprit because they wouldn’t let the other take the heat alone. I was on the outside, left with no one.”
My subconscious aches for her, but the lasting effect it’s had on Ocean and Melody is unforgivable. She was the adult, and she should have found ways to all be together and not by herself. Any child needs that connection and it’s up to the parents to provide it otherwise their bond will be broken forever.
“Ocean and Melody wanted your time and affection.”
“Possibly, but grief and anger can make you see and act differently to the ones you love. Not realizing the damage until it’s too late.”
I place my hand on her thin shoulder. “You still have Ocean.”
A saddened smile makes a small appearance. “Unfortunately, that boat sailed a long time ago. We’ve both said and done too much to be forgiven.”
“While you’re both still breathing, never say never.”
The air in the corridor is thick and I find it hard to take in breaths. I smile briefly and walk away from Odette. She’s lived with her own pity and selfishness for so long, I doubt much can be changed.
Rushing back to the living area, my legs stop in their tracks. Quietness overtakes my senses as I witness Ocean and his dad embracing in silence. My shoulders slump, tension dropping from my limbs as I spy on Marcus running his hand over Ocean’s head like a small child. My back touches the wall, bracing myself to stay here unseen for as long as needed. Thinking of my own father, missing a loving touch from him, I’ve longed to be embraced by a father who had unconditional love for me, knowing very well that day died a long time ago. In front of me is Melody’s handiwork. I believe she is already working her magic from above.
“Marcus, I’m going to leave this for now.” Showcasing her authority, Odette barges into the intimate scene. “Oh.”
Ocean rears back and I move directly to his side, wrapping myself around him in case there’s more attacking.
Her face morphs into a self-righteous bitch. “Actually, no, how silly of me. We need it done, don’t we? We’ll stay here tonight and sort through it all tomorrow.”
“Why are you being like this to Ocean?” My tongue lashes and my face is burning bright red. “Let him take what he wants of Melody’s. Some of it has precious memories for him. Why would you want to shatter your son?” Appealing to her mothering instincts, I have to try. I’d hoped she listened in the hallway, but her jealousy is a curse.
Lifting her nose in the air, “It has to be done. So it will be.” Pointing her finger at Ocean, she hisses, “You don’t deserve any of it.”
Ocean’s body tenses beside me, his fists clench, ready to strike the serpent in front of us. “If you were a man, I would have destroyed you already.”
“What, like your sister.”
Cringing, my body spins as Ocean storms from me. My eyes look to his mother and then to Ocean but he’s not there, he’s gone the other way out the door.
Trying to catch him, he’s too fast and the doors on the elevator close before I can enter.
Bursting with anger, I re-enter the apartment.
“You have a chance to make this right between you and your son. You missed your chance with Melody, don’t screw this one up.” Staring at Odette, then Marcus, my legs shake under me, but I keep my back straight and my voice even but commanding.