Chapter 6
The next day, Melissa woke up to do the chores, she had to be careful not to wake her dogs or cats to sneak out of her room. She then went to the kitchen to start her chores for the day, starting with the garbage and then cooking breakfast for everyone. Then when she was done she went outside in the back and found a nearby spot, under a nice but weird-looking tree, and started reading one of her favorite manga wolf children. Then a few seconds later, a figure blocked the sun. it sat next to her, as she heard a squeak. She wondered who it was.
Male's voice: So, resting in the sun. so, whatcha reading?
Melissa: Oh, just one of my favorite manga in the whole world, wolf children.
Bruno: Wolf…children? What's that about?
Melissa: Well, it's about a woman in her early twenties that goes to college, falls for her stalker, then he tells her that his family was cursed and shows her that he's cursed, then they… well you know…
Bruno: They do it in his cursed form?!
Melissa: Yeah but that's not why Ah'I like this book, that's just a bonus, it's what comes after. Alright, so they move in together and they end up becomin' parents and she gave birth to two wolf children, Yuki the eldest, and Ayami the youngest. But the day Ayami was born, the father left to go find food for his family and ended up in the ravine.
Bruno: Wow, what a depressing story, you know this might be Pepa's cup of tea.
Melissa: Yeah, ah'I know, it's a bit of a tear-jerker. But if ya focus on the story, it kind of saves itself. Like it's about a single mother, who raises two wolf children on her own, while dealin' with them and their growin' pains, and dealin' with a loss of a loved one. Ah'I mean she does a great job raisin' those kids by herself, this book and movie were about parentin' and relationships from parents ta children and even a little bit of romantic relationships.
Bruno: For you, I'll read this and give it a try.
He said as he went into his pocket under the ruana, pulling out a rat, and petting it.
Melissa: Aw, what a cutie, what's his or her name!
Bruno was baffled by her reaction, due to other people would run and scream, but she, she was different. She seemed to enjoy the rat around.
Bruno: Oh, this is Menique or in English it's Pinky. He usually comes out with me the most.
Melissa: Oh, nice… like from Pinky and the Brain.
Bruno: Though over here we call it Pinky y Cerebro.
For a while without talking and laying on the grass, Melissa noticed the cloud taking shape of a baby.
IS THAT A BABY?!
Thought Bruno and Melissa blushing.
Maybe she didn't notice, she probably did! Shit, what do I do if she did?! And if she did, She probably won't want your pathetic ass anyways, you're like a grown man baby… she deserves better.
Melissa: Hey, Ah'I know this is goin' ta sound a little unorthodox but… do ya ever thought that maybe ya want ta be a father someday?
Bruno almost choked on some saliva.
Bruno (Coughing/ Choking): Wow, what brought this up?! is it because of the book or, I'm I not the best bachelor in this village, in Columbia, why?
Melissa: It was a little bit of the book, and maybe that cloud, but Ah'I was just thinkin', and ah'm dangerous at thinkin' but ah'I know ya're in ya're 50's and ah'm in mah 40's, and ah'I have ta admit we're not gettin' any younger sugar….
Then they both blushed profusely.
Bruno: A-Are y-you t-trying to ask me out?!
Melissa: No!...yeah, maybe… ah'I don't know, ah'I thought maybe there's a place ta go ta.
Bruno: Well both my brother-in-law Felix and Augustin, use to talk about this place in the center of town. Will you be comfortable if I asked them and my sisters to come with us?
Melissa: Yes, Ah'I would like that a lot, thanks.
Bruno: Also, I know this is last minute, and we just met yesterday, and I did that (whisper) unspeakable thing, but you know my niece is getting married if you want to be my um… date?
Melissa: Ah'I can't wait sugar, when?
Bruno: Knowing Mariano, hopefully probably soon, though, with Delores, she's a tough nut to crack, he kind of had it rough with Isabella.
Melissa: Well Ah'll be more than happy ta if ah'I get ta stay that long.
After a while, she then did the rest of her chores as Bruno helped, then after a while, it was about time for lunch. Alema came back from town. Then Alema called everyone down to lunch for a family meeting. Then Melissa felt uncomfortable.
Abuela: I know you might feel uncomfortable, Senorita Melissa since you're not part of the la famila Madrgail, but since this is about you, you can stay for this part of the conversation.
Then Bruno and Melissa both took a sip of coffee.
Abuela: I've been looking for a place to stay, but I've found nothing as of yet, and while I was out, I was looking for a perfect suiter for you my little Brunito.
Then they both spit their coffee out.
Bruno and Melissa: What?!
Then all of the family gasped.
Delorse: Oh my, this is becoming like Tio Bruno's rat- telenovelas.
Bruno: With all due respect Mama most if not all of this village hates me, you are not going to find a suiter for me here.
Then most of the family knew that he was crushing on Melissa, except Alema. Though Pepa and Abuela were leery of Melissa because she came from a different culture and background than they were, she's a fish out of water.
Abuela Alema: None since Brunito, there has to be a suitable suitor for you somewhere in this small village, we still need to find someone for Isabella, since we found someone for Delores.
Bruno was about to say something until Melissa shook her head slightly trying not to spark everyone's attention. Bruno locked eyes and dropped the subject. The only one that noticed, and heard Melissa's neck pop was Delores, and Maribel.
Then after lunch Luisa, Julieta, Pepa, and Melissa cleaned up the kitchen.
Julieta: So, Melissa if you don't mind me asking, but where are you from dear?
Melissa just stood there a blank for a moment, until she spoke.
Melissa: Oh, North America, Pontiac, Michigan. The glove on the map.
Pepa, Julieta, Luisa: Where?!
Melissa: America, way north from here. Not really a great place ta be, unless ya like campin', the only thin' is great are the lakes.
Luisa: Is that it?
Melissa: Yeah, pretty much. Like Ah'I said it's not really a fun place ta be.
Then Pepa started whispering to Julieta.
Pepa (Whisper): I don't know about her Juli, she seems, ugh… there's something about her… I don't know, and I don't trust her!
Then a huge thunder cloud brood as Melissa was getting nervous.
Julieta:(gasp) (whisper) Pepa! I'm surprised at you, of all the people here to say something like this!
Pepa(whisper): I mean look at her, she's just too different!
Julieta: (Whispers) Just keep in mind that our baby brother Brunito has a slight crush on her, just try to be nice to her, she might surprise you.
Then Melissa was reading the negative vibes, as the cloud cracked with thunder and lightning. Then Melissa felt her tail form in her big oversized hoodie and her ears form under her white knit cap that said tea party. She started to whimper like a dog.
Melissa(Whimper) Ah'm sorry but would ya please excuse meh, ah'I gotta check on mah pets.
She then rushed out without another word, after passing the threshold of the kitchen, she ran into a figure. She fell back a little until a soft gentle, but firm hand grabbed hers. She looked up at a confused Bruno, he was confused about where she was running off to so fast.
Bruno: H-Hey where are you going to so quickly?!
Melissa: A-Ah'm soo very sorry ah'I can't talk now, ah'I have ta go now!
Bruno: Where?!
Melissa: Ta the guest room, Ah'I need ta be by mahself!
Then she slammed the door shut as she ran straight to the closet door, shutting herself inside. Then a small knock came from outside the guest door. The dogs started to bark uncontrollably until Melissa said something.
Melissa: Please Go Away!
There was no sound until the outdoor opened slowly, and the dogs started growling, while the cats and the Owl ignored him. Which Bruno was grateful for. Now he has to deal with two barking dogs. Then Bruno put up his ruana.
Bruno/ Hernando: I'm never scared, Let me pass you dogs.
Then when that failed as the dogs gave him a nasty look, he pulled down his hood and tried his way around them.
Bruno: (Sigh) Nice doggies… nice doggies, I just want to see if your master is ok.
After he got to the closet door, there was no sound for a moment, until he thought of knocking a small on the wardrobe to let her know he was there for her.
Bruno: Are you ok, Melissa? You seemed frightened.
Melissa: A-Ah'm fine, just fine…
Just then a crack of thunder and lightning can be heard downstairs.
Melissa(Squeaks)
Bruno: Wow, some things really got Pepa in a mood, hey wait a minute…
Melissa: Ah'I deal with mah problems and stress alone like ah'I always have.
Thunder cracked again, as she squeaked and jumped out of the closet and onto Bruno, they both came crashing down, as Melissa was on top of Bruno. They both blushed profusely as they tried to get up from each other.
Melissa: A-Ah'm so sorry, Ah'm so very very sorry!
He then stopped her in her tracks as he pulled her into an embrace.
Bruno: You don't have to be sorry, and you don't have to go through this alone, not anymore.
Meanwhile, Maribel and Camilo walked past the guest room as they heard their Tio Bruno talking to the new girl.
Bruno (Behind the door): See, all you need are these headphones to block out the noises, and the blindfold to block out the light.
Melissa: Ya're right this is pretty calmin'
Maribel knocked on the door before they entered the room. Bruno looked up in shock.
Bruno: It's not what you guys think! I was trying to help calm her!
Camilo: Sure you were, as you take her back to your room to have your way with her.
Maribel: Camilo! We don't know if he was about to do that!.. Were you?
Then he got offended.
Bruno: No No, I was not, I'm not a perverted Monster! She was freaking out, and I came in to help her calm down, that's all!
Melissa: It's true he did, Ah'm not a big fan of loud noises like thunderstorms or balloons… or fireworks, fireworks are bad.
Then Maribel and Camilo stared gravely at each other and Melissa.
Maribel and Camilo: We use fireworks a lot. For festivals, and weddings.
Melissa: (Sigh) Yeah, ah'I should have known. Don't worry Ah'm fine, ah'm used ta it. We have this thing in America called the fourth of July. So, yeah. But it still gives meh PTSD…. It's ok.
Just then Delores came into the room, as Maribel and Camilo went out.
Camilo: I don't know Mari, I still think they were doing something kinky.
Delores and Melissa were rolling their eyes as Bruno was freaking out.
Delores: Speaking of weddings, Mariano and I finally came up with a date. August 18, 2022.
Bruno: Oh, that's so great sobrina.
As he hugged her tightly.
Delores: So, Tio are you bringing someone or…
Bruno: Oh, I was hoping I could bring her.
Then Bruno went back to Melissa indicating his intentions.
Delores: Oh, sure but are you staying that long?
Melissa: Ah'm not really sure, ah'I mean ah'I don't want ta impose if ah'I can't that's cool taa. So don't act like ya want meh there, like ah'I said it's cool, it's fine.
Delores: It's ok, I mean it's no trouble really, besides I know you and my Tio Bruno have been spending a lot of time together… and also I wanted to let you guys know mama is calm now so you don't have to hide now. You know you kind of remind me of myself, I also hate loud noises. (Squeak)
Bruno: See, you two have something in common.
She just smiled and left. Then Bruno looked at Melissa.
Bruno: So, what made Pepa thunder like that anyways?
Melissa: Ah'm not sure but they were lookin' at meh the entire time, so if ah'I had ta guess, it was somethin' about meh.
Bruno: Should I go talk to them?
Melissa: Ah'I would say no, but do what ya think is right.
Then he walked over to the door and turned around looking at Melissa sympathetically.
Bruno: Don't worry I'll come back, they're my sisters, it's not like they're killers.
Melissa: If this was a horror movie ya'll be the first ta die.
Bruno: Well, thank god it's not, alright wish me luck.
Melissa: Luck, (sigh) Hon ya got a good heart, but a fuzzy head…
He acknalaged it and left towards the kitchen. He made his way to the kitchen to find Pepa and Julieta drinking tea. Pepa only drinks tea when she's on edge about something.
Bruno: Are you ok Hermana?
Pepa looked up at Bruno, then quickly looked away.
Julieta: Brunito, how well do you know her?
Bruno: Well honestly, I don't, but I feel I can trust her.
Pepa: How Brunito, she's so different from us, it's just…
Then a cloud hovered over her head. Then she looked at Bruno to Julieta.
Pepa (Whispers): Clear skies, clear skies, clear skies…. (hmmm) I'm sorry Bruno I just don't trust her. Even mama doesn't trust her, there's something about her, I-I'm sorry.
Bruno: I can't believe this, she hasn't been here not even a day and you're already judging her?!
Pepa: Please Brunito listen, when my powers went off, your little girlfriend whimpered like a wounded animal and ran away!
Bruno: Well, excuse her for not liking loud noises!...
They looked at him surprised.
Julieta: For the record, she is the most polite girl I've- we've ever met right Hermana?!
She asked nudging Pepa in agreement.
Pepa: Yeah, Yeah I guess I could at least say that about her, but that goodie-goodie act is gonna get old real quick, how old is she like 27?
Bruno: God, ew gross that's way too young for me! She has to be in her 40s at least.
Julieta: Wait, you don't know her age?!
Pepa: We should've asked from the fricking beginning!
Meanwhile, while all that was going on, Melissa was getting nervous. She went downstairs between the walls of the kitchen, she perked up her ears as she faintly listened in on the conversation. She then slowly crept towards the kitchen.
Pepa: Yeah, yeah I guess I could at least say that about her, but that goodie-goodie act is gonna get old real quick, how old is she like 27?
Bruno: God, ew gross that's way too young for me! She has to be in her 40s at least.
Julieta: Wait, you don't know her age?!
Pepa: We should've asked from the fricking beginning!
Melissa: Yeah, ya should have, and ta answer ya'lls questions, Ah'm Melissa Ann Holewa, Ah'I was born November 29th, 1982, ah'm 40 years old, mah favorite colors or blue, teal, and aqua, ah'I like all types of animals, all types of music, video games, and ah'I like readin' a lot, ah'I also like craftin', crochetin', gardenin', and voice actin'.
Julieta: Gardening?! I mean um… Gardening, what a coincidence I was thinking of doing a bit of gardening myself. Would you like to help out with it, I might need a few hands.
Melissa: Oh, Ah'I would love ta, if Ah'I could sneak in some Herbs.
Julieta: Oh that's a good idea, what do you have in mind?
Melissa: Oh, ah'm not sure, but ah'I thought maybe some sage mostly, maybe basil, some rosemary, lavender, or whatever.
Pepa: Ok, Miss Senorita Melissa, how serious are you about our Hermdo? If you can't speak Spanish Hermdo is brother in Spanish.
Melissa: Well, Ah'I tell ya this, Ah'I was never the most popular or the most pretty, or smart. Ah'I had trouble makin' friends and havin' romantical relationships. Bruno was the only one that treated meh with some type of respect or compassion and no judgment.
Then Pepa felt a little guilty.
Melissa: Hey Pepa, Ah'I heard from Bruno ya like sappy, tear jerkin' stories.
Then Melissa pulled out a book from her bag.
Pepa: What is this?
Melissa: It's a manga, it's a Japanese comic book. Oh, ya might want ta read it right ta left instead of the normal left ta right.
Pepa: What is it about?
Melissa: Ya want the full version or dumb down version?
Pepa: Short as possible.
Melissa: (sigh) Ok, (sings) she's a single mom, who works too hard, she loves her kids and never stops, with gentle hands and a heart of a fighter, she's a survivor.
Bruno: Wow, you can sing?!
Melissa blushes profusely.
Melissa: Oh, ah'I rarely sing, unless for a fanfic or pony dubs, ah'I do mah little pony voice but other than that….
Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno: Pony voices?!
Melissa: Yeah, Ah'I do voice-overs for dubs under mah own volition.
Julieta: So, you're your own boss?!
Melissa: Well, ah'I guess, ah'm finally getting paid for them at least.
Bruno: See, a nice businesswoman.
Melissa: Well that one is just a hobby, ah'I also make jewelry.
Pepa: Oh?
Bruno: Well something piqued your interest.
Pepa: So, you do jewelry?! Earrings bracelets necklaces?!
Melissa: Yeah, mostly. Is there somethin' ya're interested in?
Pepa: I guess anything that deals with weather.
Melissa: Colors?
Pepa: Yellow or red, maybe some blues.
Melissa: Ok, ah'll see what ah'I can do.
Then she pulled out her sketchbook and started drawing. They watched intently until she was finished. One drawing was the sun and the other was a drawing of a rain cloud with a rainbow on top and blue gems indicating raindrops having underneath.
Melissa: Well, what do ya think? Ah'I was thinkin' do ya want hooks, hoops, or studs?
Pepa: I like hooks myself…(Whisperer) say, if you do end up staying with us for a while, would you mind doing a set for my daughter's wedding?
Melissa was shocked, normally she doesn't score commissions this quickly.
Melissa: (whisper) Ah'I would be honored. Though it would take meh some time for both orders, ah'I have ta get the materials. If ah'I order them soon, ah'I could get them done between May or August.
Pepa: (Whisper) Ok, how much is all of it?
Melissa: (whisper) Well, ah'm not fully sure. Hmm… well the time and labor, the cost of the material. The first one we'll say it's at least 15.00 maybe 10.00 maybe, now for the Earring/ necklace set that's goin' ta be the big baddie, Ah'll admit ah've never made anythin' like this before, not goin' lie, ah'm not sure how ah'll do.
Bruno: (Whisper) Do you want me to find Delores?
Melissa: (Whisper) Good idea, though wait a minute, we should make this a surprise for her. What's her favorite shape?
Then someone tugged on her shirt. She looked down and saw Antonio.
Melissa: (Whisper) Well howdy little partner!
Antonio: (whisper) She likes hearts.
Melissa: (Whisper) Hearts, ah'I can work with that, it's the symbol of love, color?
Pepa: (Whisper) Well Tonio.
Antonio: (Whisper) Red.
Melissa: (Whisper) Yes, of course! Well done little partner, and then we can add blue gems for the somethin' blue part.
Pepa, Julieta, Bruno, and Antonio: Ooh that's a good idea.
She then started sketching the earrings. It took her a little bit longer than the first. She drew a red heart with a blue crystal dangling underneath it.
Pepa: This… this is Gorgeous, she'll love these!
Bruno: (Whisper) Remember Pepita, she can hear you you know.
Pepa: (Whisper) Oh right, the price range please porfavor.
Melissa: (whisper) Well ah'I guess um.. since it's a set. Four payments of 50.00 or if ya want ta pay the full installment that would be 200.00 even.
Pepa: (Whisper) Well, that's a little step,… but for my baby…. Ok, so what's the full cost?
Melissa: (Whisper) SO, ya want both the pair of custom earrings plus ya'r daughter's custom weddin' earring/necklace set that'll come ta 215.00 even.
Pepa: (Whisper) That's not too bad, I guess, I mean I probably would have paid more for a professional, so you did save me a fortune.
Then she gave her 215.00 in cash.
Melissa: Wow, um…. Thank ya, ah'I wasn't expectin' the money right, right away.
Julieta: Well, I better start supper, now you crazy kids behave yourselves.
Bruno: I'm only 14 minutes younger than you, I'm 50 years old stop treating me like a damn baby!
Melissa: Aww, ah'I think it's cute, it just means she loves ya so much.
Bruno: I'm going to guess that you are not the baby of the family, huh?
Melissa: If this is ya'r was of askin' if ah'I have sibblin's, then yeah ah'i have a sibblin', and she the baby. Her name is Amy, but ah'I did also considered mah cousins as sibblin's, until now. But when Ah'I did it would have been Meh, mah cousin Joel, Amy, then Hannah would be the baby- baby… Huh, ah'm ah'I startin' ta miss them?
Bruno looked up with a surprised but hurt look.
Bruno: You never told me much about your family.
Melissa: There's…not… much to tell really, Ah'I mean… as much as meh bein' the oldest, meh havin' a sister, there's nothin' much ta tell really.
As she gave a nervous look, the triplites picked up and looked at each other quizzingly.
Melissa: Um… Ah'm sorry but um… can Ah'I… um, please be excused again?
Julieta: Yes, why of course dear.
Melissa: Thank ya!
She said as she nervously began to bow, as she ran away towards the guest room.
Bruno, Julieta, and Pepa: That was weird.
Julieta: I'll say it once before and I'll say it again, I like her better than half of the people in this village.
Bruno: Wow, Juli I never thought of you being like that, what would Augustin say?
Julieta: He wouldn't say anything, because I'm not that way, that's more Pepa's style.
Pepa: Hey, Juli! That's soo mean! And I am totally not that way!
Julieta: Oh, come on Pepita, don't act like you don't have a slight crush on her.
Bruno: Oh great do I have to worry?!
Pepa: I don't! I mean sure she's nice but too nice! Plus I'm married so bleah!
Julieta: Bruno can you check on the poor dear, she seems to have a lot on her mind lately.
Then Bruno left to go find Melissa again.