Chapter 49: Becoming His bride
That summer break, I went to work at my former boss' tailor shop. He specializes wedding gowns and tailor made suits. He was my boss for a year when I stopped school after my high school graduation. He was very glad to welcome me back. Back then, I was just about sixteen years old.
He was surprised to see me that he scanned me from head to toe. "You're already a grown up lady now. Back then, you were like a wet kitten. " He joked as he pulled a chair behind him to offer for me.
The pregnant woman came out from the storage room. She was one of the sewer before. She approached my boss and smiled at me giving a hint that they were already a couple now.
"Hello Fem, nice to see you back. How have you been? You look more beautiful now!" She said with wide eyes open.
"Can I apply again for summer job?" I asked shyly coupled with a bit of laughter.
"Offcourse, you are welcome. You are just on time since I cannot do everything now. My nieces are on summer classes also. I need some help from now on. My tummy is big you see.?" she laughed as she stroked her round stomach.
"Okay, thank you boss. " I said.
.....
After a week at the tailor shop, I remembered to write a letter to Mark. I just let him know I'm just near the city. I wrote down the telephone number of the shop I worked hoping that if he were to get hold of my letter this summer time, he would just give me a call.
After another week, I was doing some adjustments with the ordered gowns when the phone rung. My male boss picked it up quickly. I was having a hunch that the call was for me.
"Yes who is this?" He asked knitting his brows and looked at me.
"Yes she came here but she went home already." he said as he swallowed and his face turned sour.
I watched him and I almost wanted to snatch the phone from his grasp. It dawned to me that he didn't want me to use the phone. Since then I observed his actions towards me became more malicious and his deliberate touch was somewhat sticky. I felt being harrassed and I was disgusted that I wanted to scream. He was well behaved though when his wife was around. I just kept my silence and remembered to keep distance and stay near the door everytime his wife goes out. I never expected this treatment from someone I respected before.
"Fem, you must have a lot of boyfriends?" he said one time when we were alone in the shop. His wife went out to buy lunch.
"Nahhh boss... I don't even know how to make boyfriends" I smiled wryly.
"I don't believe that. You must have more than a dozen." He said laughing.
"Tch, what makes you say that boss.? " I asked with all senses attentive while I tried to focus on the gown I was adjusting.
He got a hanger and hanged the suit he just finished sewing and came at my direction to hang it above me. I knew he was purposely making out circumstances so he could get next to me. But before he reached my side I stood up and quickly moved away. I saw his face darkened in disappointment but I pretended not to notice it. I sneered inside wanting to laugh but I fear he will fire me instantly.
....
One Saturday afternoon as we were having tea break, three ladies came in. They touched and studied each display of gowns and suits all over the shop as they chatted by themselves.
"Look Agnes, this must be perfect for you and Mark!" The little bit chubby lady said.
"Yeah, just a little adjustments around the bust and waist." The curly hair said.
"I can't wait to be his bride anymore. I have to act fast, right?" The one they called Agnes said.
I heard her say Mark and my ears perked up. I stood to ask them.
"Excuse me, what motif do you want? "I said as I approached them.
The one named Agnes stared at me for a while. She squinted her eyes and looked at me again like she was recalling some memory.
"Yes ma'am, anything?" I said again as I smiled at her.
My pregnant boss leaned her back on the sofa and called out.
"Fem, just show them the catalog. Its in my drawer."
"Okay boss." I answered.
"Fem? Your name is Fem?" Agnes asked as her eyes widened.
"Yes Ma'am. My name is Fem. Why?" I maintained my smile.
"Why do you look familiar to me? Have we met before?" Agnes never shifted her stare at me.
"I don't remember, I'm afraid no", I said as I started to get intimidated by her assessing eyes.
As if contemplating what to say, she finally said. "Well, I'm Agnes. I remember I saw you in my boyfriend's wallet before. You must be her ex-girlfrIend. I am here to check my wedding gown for myself. We are getting married this coming June." She said with a wide smile. Her two friends were looking at the catalog I just brought out.
She must have seen my shocked facial reaction and tried to change the topic.
"Anyways, how come you are here? I thought you live at the far north?" She asked with raised brows.
"Just here for summer job. " I just said as I could not yet recover from my shock. 'What did this woman say? They're getting married this June? Mark never mentioned someone in his life. His letters to me seemed right from his heart! Did he mention me to her? Why did she know I am from the north?' I did not know what to think anymore. I went blank and stared at the gown infront of me.
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