Page 22 of Beyond the Blues
“Delicious!” I say, mouth still full. Althea chuckles and tucks into hers. I look around the closed cafe and realise Althea is alone.
“Are you alone?” I ask. She nods and stands up, walking behind the counter, grabbing a frame. She places it down in front of me and shows a photo of younger Althea and a man next to her, kissing her cheek. She must be around my age in this photo.
“My husband, he passed.” The soft smile on her lips remained. I pull out
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my phone and get a photo of me and Coco.
“My best friend, she passed.” I return the smile. Althea comes over to me hugging my head. The comfort of her touch is like a cup of tea after a long day. We stay like that for a minute, in silence, appreciating each other in this moment.
“She is proud,” Althea says, cupping my face in her fragile hands, showing off her gaped teeth.
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Chapter 11
Althea
Forty four years ago today, I opened my dream cafe, with Nicholas, the love of my life, right by my side. I gripped onto his hand, squeezing it with excitement, looking at the bare building in front of me, a blank slate.
“This is exciting, isn’t it?!” I said, turning to face Nic. He cupped my face, towering over me.
“I’m so proud of you, Althea,agápi mou.” He placed a kiss on my forehead, making me giddy, just like every time he kissed me. I took the keys out of my pocket and jammed them into the dodgy door. The door swung open, the wood on the floor was rough, the wallpaper ripped, and the smell was musty. To most, this would’ve been a waste of a space, to me it was a bargain I couldn’t pass on. Nicholas helped me find this place and pursue my dreams, since fear was holding me back. What if I couldn’t make money? What ifI’m unsuccessful? and Nic always met me with ‘what if it works?’. Nic even invested his money into this, to show me how much he believes in my vision. This part of the beach lacked cafes, and every time I walked past this empty building, I always imagined my little cafe, with delicious coffee and Greek cuisine.
As we began the work inside, we already had locals and tourists peeking their head through the window, curious to what was happening. Each time
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Nicholas went out there and spoke to them, explaining my vision, he had a way with words. Nic taught me basic English, as he speaks it perfectly. He studied in England, so I guess that helped him out, but it also helps me out with my business. I was so grateful for him. Blessed to live out this dream of mine, with my soulmate right by my side.
But now I’m here, next to Nicholas, in a bleak white hospital room. In one hand was a handkerchief I hadn’t let go of all day, and my other hand was on Nicholas’s. His eyes were losing the light I was used to seeing. Now they were grey and tired, leaving my heart feeling heavy. I knew today was his last day, but I didn’t want to accept the fact. Returning alone back to our home, the cafe wouldn’t feel real without him by my side. Despite the state Nic was in, he still grazed his thumb over mine.
“I love you Nicholas.” I say, holding back my tears. Nic shows me a weak smile, and I know he’s saying it back to me. He lets out a heavy sigh and closes his eyes. Please God, spare me more time with him. I begged the man in the sky every day for more and more time with Nic, but I know there’s only so much time a person can have.
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Chapter 12
We finish dinner and wave each other goodbye as Althea stands by the door. I walk over to the beach where I last saw the cats and see if any of them are here. Then cats come running over, probably expecting more treats. They purr all over me, loving every scratch and stroke I give them. The kittens come bounding over and climb all over me, the mum clearly still wary but keeping a close eye. I decide I probably shouldn’t stay out too long in the dark, alone, so head back after a little of the cat fix I needed.
Back at the hotel, I can hear the blaring music from the entertainment stage, alongside some out of tune singing. Karaoke night, of course. I check it out, feeling like I haven’t seen much of the hotel since being here. A very drunk woman is on stage singing ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears. Her face is red from laughing, and she’s dancing around the stage without a care in the world. As I find a seat to watch the other karaoke performances, a man comes up and offers for me to sing a karaoke song. My usual response is to say no as my anxiety can’t take it, but then I remember I probably won’t see any of these people ever again, giving me a bit of reassurance. I grabthe clipboard out of his hand, scribbling my name and song of choice. I clap and cheer loudly as each singer comes offstage, and then my turn seems to come way too quickly. My stomach has nervous butterflies, but I push them down, just for this song. I stand on the stage, the brightly coloured disco lighting directly in my eyes. I wait a second, awkwardly waiting for the music to start and then the backing
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track for ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA comes on. The drunk lady from earlier is at the front of the crowd cheering and singing along, making me smile. I look around the place and notice Nora in the corner, the same old smirk on her face. I stumble a bit on my words but look away and continue with my performance, not a very good one, of the Dancing Queen. As it finishes, the room fills with claps and I come off stage. That’s one thing I never thought I’d do, get up on stage in front of an unfamiliar crowd and sing karaoke. I get a few friendly pats on the back and compliments on my performance, although I’m sure they’re just being kind. Before I leave, I look around for the one familiar face. And there she is, already looking right at me. She puts her thumb up and smiles approvingly. Her face making me melt and regret every spiteful word I said to her. It was irrational. I knew she was going to America. Just the fear of being left hurt again made me want to run and escape the situation, be the person on top. Before I know it, I feel my feet dragging me towards Nora, stopping right in front of her. How do I make this up to her? My mind searches for a good way to make it up, all while Nora is staring at me, waiting for me to say something. Say something, for Christ sakes say anything!
“Hello.” I say, my voice a little croaky and quiet.