IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS - EPISODE 36

Lavender’s viewpoint

I walked into the building, waving as response to those who greeted me since I was on the phone with my new friend, Arthur. It took us three days, but we finally found each other at the same time and since then –which is only four days– we never stop texting each other and calling when Rominic wasn’t there. I waved at Olive before stepping into the elevator to get to my office.

“So you are trying to say she came begging last night?” I spoke after listening to him spit excited gibberish for the last three minutes. The only thing I heard was that his girlfriend, Precious, finally came begging.

“You seriously did not hear anything I just said?” He gasped, “how mean. I said Precious came begging last night, weeping and crying. Babe, it was almost too hard to not pull her into my arms and soothe her, but I successfully did. I finally let everything out of my chest, making sure I hurt her with my words just the way she hurt me. And you are right. The moment I spilled everything out, I felt better and realized she isn’t good enough for me. Precious took advantage of my love and commitment to her, hurting me whenever she wanted, breaking up with me at her own time. She would just wake up and say ‘there’s a lot going on in my life, Arthur, and this relationship isn’t helping. Let’s take a break’, and she would dump me. And it hurt more because during our break, she would date someone else and enjoy me running after her each time, begging that she takes me back…” He sniffed. In four days, I got to learn something about him. When he’s sad, he gush out his words to avoid tears. Anything that makes him speak slowly, he ends up in tears.

“She made me feel like I was never good enough for her, that I had to work even harder. Whenever she felt like cheating, she would break up with me and do it so that way, it wasn’t cheating. She did it over and over again for four years and I let her, because I love her. How could I have been so stupid, Jambae? How?” He sobbed. “Our relationship was never one to begin with because I was dating myself, and I chased my best friend and sister away for her. I stopped talking to my mother for her. They all saw what I didn’t see but I… You probably think I’m the biggest fool in the universe, huh?”

“Not really,” I shut the door behind me and walked to my desk. When he first told me about the nature of his relationship, I couldn’t help but feel the similarity between ours, only that Rominic never treated me like trash or made me feel unworthy. I was treated like an empress but he was a slave. I openly told him that she was taking advantage of him, he got pissed and hung up. That was a day ago. I sent him a text that if she should ever come, he should take his time to pour out his heart to her, tell her everything she did wrong in their relationship and try listening to himself while he speaks. He should take his time to really listen to himself, not just pour out his heart, and he did.

“Yes, you are a fool, but I was a bigger one,”

“Huh?”

“Rominic and I knew each other years before and we dated. Our relationship wasn’t like yours, he never treated me bad but he was using me and I knew, but I let it happen.” I sat down on my swivel chair and spun it.

“How do you mean?” Then I spilled everything to him, starting from my mother to my father’s family, how I met Rominic, how I knew he was using me but convinced myself that he wasn’t. How I saw him with Peyton but deleted the memories, convinced myself to love her and everything else. I had the phone on loudspeaker so I could work while recapping my life story to him. When I was done, he was still quiet, patiently listening.

“So you see, yours is nothing compelled to mine. The big difference between mine and yours is that he loves me as much as I love him, but this girl doesn’t. Rominic might have used my love to ruin my family, but he didn’t treat me bad. Precious–from my understanding–is not a good person. You might think that since I forgave Nic, you can forgive her, but that’s not true. Precious is the kind of woman that would do it again. She would change for the first three to five months, but believe me, Arthur, she will return back to her default setting. She does not deserve you, Arthur. You have wasted four years of your life slaving away for her, it’s time you get your life back in track.” A pregnant silence fell on us. I let him think while I checked my other phone to read the text Ferris sent me.

‘Hey, Jam. The guys and I are going ice skating. It’s been a while someone mop the floor with Waylon. Since you left, he has been the champ. We were hoping you could surprise him with your presence and scrub the ice with his dumb face. You in for it?’

‘Will Anna be there? Or any of the other women?’ I sent back to him. Arthur coughed, reminding me of his presence on the other side of my other phone. He cleared his throat aggressively and tasted his saliva? Boy.

“I’m sorry, Jambae, for all that have happened to you and what I said the other time. You are right, I need to move on with my life, and I will. I think I fell out of love with her quite some time ago, but I was still in love with the reality of us. I’m going to move on but how do I? I don’t know what to do.” He sighed.

“Try…” My phone vibrated, my other one. I picked it up and checked Ferris’ text. “Start by trying to mend things with your family. I don’t know if they are like mine who accepted me back with open arms, but you still gotta try. Talk to them, beg them, make it up to them anyhow until you patch things up. Start with your mother, she’s the one who would always love you the most.”

‘Nay, guys only, but you have always been one of the guys.’ I’ve always been on both sides. If they were having a guys night, the girls would be too and Anna would call anytime from now.

“My sister still reaches out to me, I should invite her to dinner?”

‘Can I bring a friend? The one I’ve been telling you guys about?’ I sent to him.

“No, go to her house with her favorite things and apologize, then you can both go to your mother and apologize. Then you can fix things with your best friend. Start today.”

“I’m scared, I need today to calm down and get my mind in one place.”

‘Hell yes! Bring him over! The more the merrier!’

“Arthur, my friends and I are going ice skating, wanna join? They want to meet you.”

“Sure, why not. Thank you very much, Jam. Meeting you have been a blessing, really,” I giggled. He had no idea I was already looking for a good girlfriend for him. We spoke for a few more minutes before I said goodbye and hung up. Olive knocked on the door, I instructed her to come in. Something told me to lift my head and I did. It hit me in slow motion.

Olive walked towards me, gracefully. She was slender with slim waist and boobs slightly above average. Her boobs from my observation was round and perky, with long straight legs that made her walking step look more graceful than she intend it to be. Silky olive nude skin, natural mid-length sparkling amber hair, gray aqua blue eyes and a smile that melts the heart. She was perfect.

Olive is a sensitive, sweet and shy girl. She barely spoke, always blush, and kind. From what I’d studied and heard about her, she never got into a fight or mingle with anyone. She was an introvert. The only place other than work she goes to is her parents’. She had no friend other than her dog, she’s a terrible liar and very caring. Anytime I didn’t eat, she would parade my office with a face than looked like she wanted to cry. She would go in and out for no reason, looking at me but too afraid to say a word. Then when I give in to her silent pleading and eat, she would put on the most beautiful smile. She never met my kids or friends, but she would always ask about them and during Serenity’s depressing period, I found her crying. She was too kind for her own good and was ready to sacrifice for those she don’t even know. She was exactly what Arthur needed.

Arthur is an extrovert, very social and loud. He had tons of friends that weren’t close friends, and was loved by people from my observation of his stories. He likes talking and sharing every single detail of his day and activities with someone he loves, something his ex didn’t like and always complained about because she also wanted to be the one talking. Olive is a good listener and adviser. She would smile when I tell her things that doesn’t concern her, and still comment on it. Olive would listen to him, encourage him, smile. In return, Arthur would help bring her out of her shell, help make her less shy. They were indeed perfect for each other. But, I needed to get my facts right.

“Olive, good morning… Is it still morning?” She giggled and nodded. “So, what do you have for me today?”

“Nothing,” she said, dropping a file on the desk in front of me, “just your signature needed here, The Infinity Project.”

“Alright,” I took the pen for her and signed where she told me to. She gathered the file back in her hands, smiling shyly. I leaned back on the chair and spun it a little. “Tell me, Olive, do you have a boyfriend?” As expected, her cheeks turned red in sheepishness, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip. “Come on, don’t be shy, do you?”

“No,” she shook her head vigorously, “no, never had one.”

“Why? No one good enough for you?” I teased.

“N…n…no, I’m not g…good enough for them,” she stammered, avoiding my eyes, “throughout highschool, I was homeschooled. I had a phobia for meeting new people so mom and dad kept me inside until my therapist insisted I complete the rest of my education in university on my own. It took me years to even be this comfortable. I could never look boys in the eyes or even stand three minutes with them to make them fall for me, and the ones that asked me out then were only…”

“After your body,” I completed for her. She nodded with a sigh, blinking back her tears, “sit down, Olive, please,” I ushered her to sit on my desk and watched her try to fight her tears as she played with her fingers tremulously. “Does your parents bother you for marriage or dating?”

“They use to, but not anymore. They know I’m the bad egg among their children so they focus on the other ones. I don’t blame them, they have tried for me. I guess they got tired of always having to deal with my problems and constant fears, and by the time I overcame a huge amount of them, it was already too late, they don’t even want to see me anymore,” she wiped away a stray tear, “Uncle Francis is the only one who still cares, hence why I’m working here. I tried to get out there, tried different dating sites but I always mess up at the dates and they never call back. They probably think I’m a stupid girl with daddy issues and nobody wants a girl with baggages.” I ran a mental analysis on every possible means to make Arthur see her as good enough. She continued to talk about all her failed attempt at relationships and even one time she decided to just sleep with one guy, but was so scared she threw up in his mouth.

Yeah, gross.

“Olive,” I placed my palm on hers, “you will find someone you like, no, someone that would love you as crazy as you would. You need someone who would understand your fears and help walk you through it. Tell me, what do you want in a man? Appearance and personality?” I gave her a tissue. I waited for her to wipe her tears and blow her nose before she answered thoughtfully.

“Well, I want a tall guy under tan, blue eyes, slim, did I mention tall? Because I’m short so I need a tall guy. The guy can be dark skinned or just under tan, but not white or any bright complexion. I love guys with black or blond hair, and ass and rosy cheeks, optional though. I want someone that would be caring for a change. All the guys I’ve met are not and you know me, I am a little too caring so I need someone that would equally care for me. I tend to forget myself a lot. Hmm, he should be generous, understanding, considerate, patient because anyone who wants me would need that with all my problems. I hope he’s at least funny because I love to laugh but I’m not funny. He should be romantic, and genial. I need someone who can push me out of my comfort zone, someone that would never be ashamed of me, who would understand and help me make friends. Someone supportive–have I mentioned it before?–and I don’t know, just someone to push me towards a better me.” And I was smiling like a fool. It was like she was describing Arthur.

“Olive, you can’t get everything, you know that, right?” She nodded eagerly, “but enough, huh?” She nodded. “Hmm, don’t worry, you will see someone very soon, just try to be more outspoken and don’t faint.” She nodded.

“Well, better get to work,” I hummed, returning to my computer. I would have shown her his pictures but the best way to play cupid is don’t let the clients know your plans for them. I would find a way, before the end of the evening.

A hour later, I received a call from Olive that someone was here to see me without an appointment and it was no other than Roxy. I instructed her to let Roxy in. I’d been meaning to ask after her. I know what she did was wrong, but I also understood why she did it. I wasn’t really treating Rominic well and since she loves him, it pained her. I also didn’t like how sad Chef Russo had been. He was working for Rominic before we met, and still working when I returned. I should never come between him and his daughter because he would never leave Rominic so the least I could do was give her the benefit of a doubt and a second chance.

Roxy walked into my office, running her eyes around. Her dark brown eyes were red and puffy, like she has been crying for a while. “Roxy,” I smiled, “please, come in.” She nodded fearfully and walked towards me with a little run. She immediately went on her knees. “Roxy, don’t, it’s okay…”

“But what I did…”

“Was awful, but it’s the least of the bad things people have done to me. Your father have been so sad since you left, I want you to be there with him because he needs you. You know, as the only thing he has left of your mother…” She opened her mouth to speak but shut her mouth as tears streamed down her face. She bowed her head and spluttered million thank you to me. I had to calm her down and told her to return to the house the next day, by then, I would get Rominic to agree.

After she left, I kept thinking of how to get Arthur and Olive to meet without them suspecting. I couldn’t think of anything at the moment so I called Rominic, his big brain should be useful for something. “Beau,” I whined, spinning my chair continuously. He chuckled.

“What is it this time?”

“You remember that guy I met at the karaoke? I want to find him a girlfriend, and I have but I need to get them to meet without them getting suspicious. The only problem now is how to. Olive is a very shy and quiet person but she’s not stupid, I know she would suspect something and it would scare her away. I want it to come naturally, you know, like I didn’t do it…”

“Olive? Wolfman’s niece?”

“Yeah, and if you know her very well, you’ll know her knowing will not end well. I just need a good reason to get her to sit still with him for a few seconds. The guys and I are going ice skating this evening and he’s joining. I plan on going early and waiting with him at a pizza parlor, for at least two hours. Now I need a way to make her stay with me for that two hours so they can talk. How do I do that?”

“Hmm,” I imagined him closing his eyes and activating that brilliant mind of his. I knew he would be tapping his index finger on his desk and his crossed leg.. It didn’t take him as long as I expected for him to snap his fingers, a sign of a good idea. “You have to drop by to collect the guidance form for that camping trip for the kids, right?”

“Yeah? You want me to send her?”

“No, I’ll send one of your friends to bring it to you while you tell her that she has to wait until he arrives with the file, I’ll make sure I delay before sending the person. Once it’s signed, she will deliver it to the office for us. By then, even if it’s an hour, that’s enough time, right?” I whooped and fist bump the air in jubilation.

“Beau, you are a genius! Thank you, love you, kisses, bye!”

“W…” Oops, I hung up before he spoke. I shrugged and dropped my phone, already dreaming of another mission accomplish.

~~~

It worked! It really worked! I was kicking my legs in the air and screaming in my mind. While I looked really compose, chatting with the girls about the wedding arrangements, I was screaming on the inside. The moment I walked in with Olive, Arthur did not take his eyes off her and like the jovial person he is, he forced her into a conversation. I didn’t utter a word and let her get use to the conversation. In less than twenty minutes, she was smiling and gisting like they have been friends for years. It was the same with me and him so it was a natural with him.

They both forgot I exist and were talking. Halfway through, she found herself sitting close to him, listening to his story since he did more of the talking. But she spoke more than I’d ever heard her speak. They were both lost in each other but it was not mission complete yet.

I looked towards the doors when it chimed. August stood there looking around for me. I waved my hand to get his attention. When his eyes found me, he grinned boyishly and jogged over. Why is he so beautiful? Seriously? Why am I surrounded by men that threatens women’s fidelity? He was wearing black-gray skinnies, a tight cap sleeve shirt with a red heart and a bag crossed over from his left shoulder to his right. He looked like a highschool boy.

Isn’t he coming from work?

“Mr. Donkey,” I greeted with a smirk. He laughed as he slowed down his jog since he wasn’t so far. His laughter made Arthur snap his head around. His eyes widened when he saw August and August in turn looked surprise. I looked between them curiously. August’s eyes brightened with excitement. Arthur muttered a curse and stood up to run or something, but whatever plan he had was squashed when August got to him quicker and enfold him in a big bear hug.

“Of course, it’s natural for Tweedledee and Tweedledum to know each other, not surprise,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes while Olive giggled.

“August, I’ve told you to stop doing that, it’s embarrassing. I’m not a baby anymore,” Arthur complained pettishly, “I’m thirty now, I’m a grown man.”

“So says the idiot that left mom and our sister for a equally stupid woman. You are still my baby brother so deal with it.”

“Wait, baby what now?” I gasped simultaneously with Olive, but unlike her, I didn’t blush and hide my face afterwards. I gave both of them pointed looks. August grinned.

“Remember I once mentioned my mother left me with my father after birthing me, later got married and had my younger siblings, a brother and then a sister?” I frowned, showing him he did not mention it. He mouthed a ‘O’. I looked at him well and notice the things they had in common. August and Arthur both had leather black hair and rosewood skin which is under tan. They didn’t look alike but had a similarity in a sort of a way. Aside from that, August had green eyes while Arthur had Nile blue. He wasn’t muscular like August, slightly shorter but they both had the hotness packaged and ready to go anytime.

Wow, how did I not see that coming?

“Well, you don’t need to bother anymore, Precious and I broke up thanks to Jambae… How do you two even know each other? And can you let go of my neck?” He grumbled. August had his head locked in his armpit.

“He works for Rominic, I met him there and we became friends,” I replied. August was looking at Olive. He looked at me and gave me a knowing look. I winked at him, ordering him to shut up and pretend like he didn’t know I was good with matchmaking. He shrugged. “Where’s the papers, August?” He patted his bag. “Alright, hand it over, I’ll sign it. Can you help me drive Olive to the registration office?” I asked politely, stretching my hand out to him.

“No!” Arthur shouted, startling me and making Olive flinch. He cleared his throat as he blushed. “I mean to say, I can drop her off. You have to pick up your girlfriend, right, bro?” He gave August a surreptitious pleading look. August rolled his eyes and nodded. A smile touched Arthur’s lips as he turned his eyes to look at Olive. “So, I’ll drop you off.”

“I thought you were going with Miss Amherst?” Olive asked lowly out of shyness. He shrugged.

“I didn’t want to go anyways so I’m looking for an excuse to escape, please?”

“Ouch.” I laughed. That ship sailed faster than I thought. And you would never guess that he broke up with his girl, permanently. Well, they broke up three months earlier so I guess he already got over her during that time. Olive nervously agreed. I smiled, signed the papers and gave it to her. I gave myself a pat on the back while watching them leave, Arthur already talking again. After admiring my work for a minute, I turned to find August. I sighed when I saw him sitting at a table with three ladies, all giggling and already falling for him. Shaking my head, I picked up my bag, sent the guys a text that they should go on, I’m on my way and left him.

He really needs my purple arrow.