Her mind must have defensively blocked that memory because it was very painful. She looked up at me with guilty eyes, could it be that she’s feeling like I won’t accept her?
“And the boy you saw in your dream, do you know who he was?” I asked as though I was oblivious.
“No… I don’t. He saved me and took me away from those horrid man as we ran to safety. I wish I knew who he was but all I got was the wrapper ring he made for me.” She confirmed and it gladdened my heart to know that she remembered that far.
“My mother thought me how to make rings out of biscuit wraps when I visit her at the hospital before she died. She would tell me a story about a baker king who picked a bride by hiding his special ring in a gaint cookie for a maiden to find while eating a piece of cookie. Any maiden who finds it becomes…”
“… his baker queen. It was you- you were the boy who saved me back then. Oh, Markian… I’m so sorry I didn’t remember nor recognize you all these time.” she apologized in all sincerity as tears rolling down her cheeks.
She grabbed me and held me so tight I feared for my bones.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know… You saved my life and what did I do in return? I hurt you so bad and even poisoned you- I don’t deserve you at all” she continued as she wallowed in self pity.
Oh, if only she knew that she was the one who saved me back then, she wouldn’t be feeling bad about anything.
“Livy, I looked for you everywhere after that happened. I even went back to the orphanage in Michigan, but they said you already left and wouldn’t say with whom. I didn’t know your name so the search was pretty much a wild goose-chase. Until I met Sophia and thought she was you. I was so happy that at last I had found the little girl who I owed so much to, but I was mistaken.” I revealed as i released myself from her hug to stare into her glimmering eyes.
“But I’m the one who owes you so much, it’s me who should be grateful” she countered.
“I do owe you so much, and I searched for you so I could say, THANK YOU. Thank you for giving me strength back when I didn’t have any, and for being with me when I was scared and alone. Livy, you saved my life and I hope you’ll continue to be my strength and my companion till we’re both get old and gray?” I proposed genuinely, raising the rings to her again as she chuckled in between soft sobs.
“Yes! Of course Markian, I will…” she started but stopped immediately.
Maybe she was overwhelmed by everything she just learnt, so I took one of the rings and put it on her finger as did she to me with the other ring.
Above everything, I was glad of how she smiled so sweetly while staring at the wrapper ring on her finger the rest of the night- even as we both had our dinner.
She refused to take it off while she took a shower and even slept with it. It was funny to think that just this morning she was so frantic and even yelled at me before she went to work.
The next day was my mother’s birthday and Livy agreed to go visit her grave site with me. I always visit my mother on her birthday and lay flowers- just a day with her alone, but surprisingly Livy made a cake.
Sophia would never do something like that, in fact she told me that celebrating the dead is like trying to relive a memory they can never have again.
So, I was both surprised and grateful that Livy even knew my mother’s birthday and wanted to go see her with me. We drove to the cemetery and when we got to my mother’s grave site, I placed the flowers and Livy placed the cake down.
It warmed my heart that she was here with me, so I introduced her to my mom.
“It’s been a while mom, I hope you’ve been well. So much have happened since the last time I saw you and… I came with someone today, someone very important to me. It’s your daughter-in-law and she made you a cake too. Are you happy I came with someone to see you today?” I asked cheerfully as I looked at Livy, signally her to step in.
“Ahem… Hi Mrs. Winfrey, my name is Livy and I’m Markian’s wife. I… it’s such an honor to meet you today, ma’am and thank you for birthing such a wonderful man. I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you earlier before, and I’m very sorry for causing your son so much pain…(sobs). I hope you forgive me and you’ll support me as I work hard to put back everything in there rightful place.” Livy concluded.
I was baffled by her confession and how she broke down- it was very emotional, so I hugged her to stop her from crying and she soon calmed down.
It’s amazing how she just made a promise on her first visit, I’m sure if my mom was alive she would really like Livy and would also think she’s cute too.
We stayed for few more minutes and I was about to leave when Livy pulled me back.
“Where do you think you’re going to?” She asked to my surprise.
“Umm, back to the car so we can leave? My mom have a 15mins-20mins tops with her rule. She hates being indulged for too long.” I stated honestly.
“Good, neither do you. But the cake won’t eat itself and it’s rude to leave without sharing a piece of cake with the celebrant. I don’t think mother would like that.” She reinforced as she opened the cake and cut out 2pieces.
She fed me one piece and I fed her the other. She laughed at the smudge of cake on my face, so I smeared a little on her nose too with my fingers. We both laughed so hard my stomach hurt, and that was the most I’ve laughed in a very long time.
Livy really brought light to my dim world after Sophy, and this time was a different kind of warm- energizing and graceful light.
Suddenly she slowly stopped laughing as something behind me caught her attention. I stopped too and turned around to see what she was looking at, and there stood my father.
He never comes for things like these so I was surprised to see him here today. He walked closer to us and I held Livy’s hand and pulled her beside me.
“I see you still come to visit your mother on her birthday, that’s very commendable of you” he complimented as he stared at me.
“Thanks dad… hope you don’t mind, but we were just about to leave,” I said as I looked over to Livy.
It’s no secret that my father dislikes Livy and she knew it.
“Oh…? I was actually hoping you and I could talk alone for few minutes” he stated.
What could Mr. Matthew Winfrey possibly want to talk about today of all days in front of my mother.
“I’m sorry dad. Maybe you could make an appointment so we can discuss at the office when I get back from New York” i replied to his dismay, but Livy gave me a displeased look.
“It’s fine Mr Winfrey, I’ll just go wait in car. He’s all yours.” she said to my father before she kissed my cheek and left me alone with him.
Really? Why did she leave me all alone with my father, just like that? I didn’t really want to have a talk with him.
“You’ve been avoiding my calls and I wonder why?” He asked looking for clarification.
“Well, you called my wife a wench, petty, selfish and a loony. Forgive me if I don’t want to associate myself with people who have no respect for my wife.” I replied already getting pissed off.
“She stole from the company, tried to kill herself and when that didn’t work she tried to kill you. How I’m I wrong in thinking she’s all of the above?” he asked conceitedly.
“You know what? I won’t stand here and let you insult my wife any further… she is a sweet selfless human being and she have taught me how to appreciate others and be a better person. She is good so stop using the money she took out of the company as an excuse to insult or hate her. That insubstantial amount of money have already been replaced…” I replied my father irritatedly.
“… by the way, what are you doing here? I thought things like this makes you seem less a man?” I inquired rudely.
“Watch your tone son. And in case you really want to know, I never forget to visit your mother on her birthday or death anniversary. Those are the two days in a year I feel like I don’t have to pretend or hide anything. I really miss her so much it’s hard to express.” He stated sadly, but I wasn’t buying it.