Should I wear a cardigan or sweater?
I am rummaging through my closet to find a good pair of clothes but everything seems a bit off. I've come to Island Elysian a week ago yet I still haven't taken care of the closet. I should work on it later, so for the current matter, I grabbed a white shirt from the section of white shirts. People might say "They are just a bunch of accurately indifferent looking white shirts." But there are some precise distinctions they seldom notice.
Some white shirts have no pockets while there are some with pockets.
Some white shirts are made of silk while some are from other fibre.
Some white shirts have ruffled collars while some are fixed.
And at length, some have cuffs with buttons, hem edges or ruffles on the cuffs.
An observer would dare not say all of them are identical. The shirt I've put on is a normal silk white shirt which is in my current favourite list. I can't recall a moment I have worn this, meaning this must be the one I have bought before coming to Island Elysian. My journey to my own home was unpredictable since, out of the blue, it was decided I would come back. The shirt is a great fit but the sleeves are a bit unreasonably more than sizable. I am, nevertheless, unbothered about it since we are going to visit a location I've visited enough.
I was looking at the mirror, bottoming up my shirt when I caught Mac staring at me while eating a banana. For once, I started to believe in the evolution of monkeys to Homo sapiens.
"What outfit have you chosen?", he asked while chewing.
I didn't care to look at him, "A white shirt."
He took another bite before saying, "Indeed I can see that. You need know the weather will be windy. Only a shirt will barely provide you warmth."
"The weather looks warm, nevertheless, I will take a coat with me so don't worry." I rolled my eyes.
He puffed, "As if I were. Take a look at your coats."
A small frown was seen on my forehead after he finished his words. I looked at my coat stand and saw it's empty. My memory tells me the coat stand was full last night when I came back from Entice Garden but if so, where are they now?
"Where are my coats?" I asked Mac with suspicion.
If he dares to tumbledown my day I swear I would-
"Mom took everything to wash. Don't try to accuse me, my coats are also with yours." He took the last bite of the banana and threw it in the trash bin.
"What am I supposed to do now?"I leaned back on the nearby table and started thinking. I would surely not love to shiver in front of a woman due to the adverse weather. It may not be adverse yet it is such since it had me pondering over something trivial.
Mac shrugs, "Wear a vest or a sweater. A jacket will also be helpful."
"I can't tell which one will go well with this new shirt." A sigh came out of me.
I admit he gave me a good suggestion, however my closet looks like the disaster zone after the apocalypse where people barely made it out alive. If I dive into it to find a fitting pair, there is a high chance I would not be able to spend the rest of the day with Riley.
Mac got up from the couch and made his way straight to my closet. I would've asked him what he is trying to do but I would rather not. It would be much preferable for me to see what he will pull out of the closet. Plus, too many questions would assuredly shut down his willingness to find me something and cause me to do the findings instead. After a long 5 minutes of analysis and exploration, Mac finally came to me with a vest.
"This red vest would look good on you. You can wear a matching jacket as well. Of course a tie is a must if you wear a vest.", he looks at me.
I took the vest and looked at it, "It's not red but maroon." I gave him an approval look, "I think it'll do. I don't need any jacket or tie."
I started wearing it while he kept mumbling about my disagreement with the tie. A tie is not a must in my own judgement but to him, a vest is incomplete without a tie. They are like the bond between Antonio and Bassanio in A Merchant of Venice. I agree in some cases, you ought to wear a tie with a vest but my current situation tells me that I look good without a tie.
Mac kept mumbling so I looked back at him and said, "How's my appearance?"
He looked at me quietly for a long minute and started to examine me thoroughly then he said, " Possibly those huge black pants are helping you out to look good. I would still insist on wearing a black or maroon tie."
I rolled my eyes, "Sure since I'm not much of a fan of those skinny trousers and no thanks, I don't think it would be a need."
Then my tone became serious as I looked at him saying, "I assume you have decided not to go with me in the end."
"No. Why would you assume so?", he replied without a delay.
"Then why are you not ready yet?" I asked him before putting my belongings in my pocket.
"So that I can wear my coat washed, warm and dry." He gave me a crooked smile. "Our coats are washed and dried so swiftly?" I frowned.
"Not ours but mine." His tone turned gentler in a mocking way, "You see I gave mom my coats when you had gone for my breakfast yesterday. You came too late so mom took your coats for washing this morning which means, mine are almost dry while yours are still in the process."
The shock appears on my face precisely "You could've given her my other coats. My presence does not really matter, does it?"
"I was angry about my breakfast and so I didn't give her your coats," he so unconcernedly said, "Anyways, I'm going to get ready."
He gets out of my room while leaving me utterly speechless. Such behaviour is so exceedingly grudging and ungenerous of him. I would dare not say we are blood related as I am not so wicked as my brother but since we are 'brothers from the same mother', I ought to become vengeanceful for once to fill his brain with courteousness. It is a responsibility of an elder brother to discipline the younger ones to ensure that they would know how to behave well.
I heard him saying "Mom I'm going to take a shower." and I started writing something he would scarcely be pleased with and folded the paper. I turned off the lights and closed my room's door before going downstairs. I went to Mom who was taking the dry coats from the outside yard.
My pace slowed down as I came near her.
"Mom, I'll be going to Tree Wabi today.", I said while helping her with the coats.
" Are you? That's pleasing to know.", she gave me a warm smile which I love the most in the whole world, "You came to Island Elysian after so many years. I thought you would not roam around and visit places like before."
She gave me a gentle pet on my head, "Enjoy the time. I heard natives speaking about a tourist who came to the Island. Perhaps they thought you were a tourist."
"No, Mom. Some locals recognized me due to my charismatic features bearing a resemblance to you and Dad." I grinned in a playful way.
Hearing my statement she gave me a sweet soft laugh and I would say I missed it in Germany. A normal conversation in person and feeling the warm hand of her on my head, I missed all of it. If there is any woman I love the most in the world, it would be my mother who never runs out of positivity. I have never seen her crying or hurting anyone but smiling and sharing the tears of joy. She never has any complaints about any of us however there were times when we were scolded for not doing the chores which is a typical response from a mother. My mother is the woman to whom I would be desperate to give anything she deserves, which is everything. My entire childhood is filled with such memories I would run back to if I could. The time where the images are so vivid gives me a feeling that the moment has passed by but the reminder of this nostalgia would never leave me behind.
"So what tourists are they talking about? A misunderstanding probably." she said after she caressed my hair and started to put the coats in the basket, "I should let them know there is no tourist but my son who came back from Germany after such a long time."
I smiled, "There is no such misunderstanding, Mom. We do have visitors who have come to Island Elysian."
She put a big smile on her face, "Really? I thought it was a false alarm since you also came back around a certain time but it turns out I am wrong. I wonder what the tourists look like."
"Oh she is beautiful." I put another coat in the basket.
Mom stopped folding the coats for a minute to ask, "wait- how do you know It's a woman? Have you met her?"
"Yes I have."I answered as I nodded my head.
Mom gave a big smile, "How- When? Why didn't you tell me about it? Did she come here all alone by herself?"
"No, she came with her friend who is also a woman. Also, I didn't get the chance to have a proper talk with you." I sighed and replied to her. I realized now she will ask me ceaseless questions since she looks so happy about the arrival of Riley. If I commence to tell her all, I shall scarce reach tree Wabi this day. Even worse if and only if she forces me to let her have an introduction with Riley.
"Let's have this conversation later Mom. I ought to leave for tree Wabi right now." I said to her after getting the last coat in the basket.
"Wait, Sweven. These are all Mac's coats which are washed and fresh." She spoke while giving me the whole basket, "Mac told me he wants to wear the brown coat so place it on his bed before going to tree Wabi and the rest of the coats shall be put in his coat stand."
I tried to complain, "Not again." But I nonetheless did what Mom had told me to do. I began my journey as I had taken my leave from the house before Mac finished his shower and started walking to Riley's log cabin. I comprehend the fact that Mac had a desire to visit tree Wabi with me yet what he had done to my coats was unacceptable, for why I had to leave him at home. If I veritably speak, I feel he deserves what I've done to him.
It took me 15 minutes to walk to Riley's log cabin but before I went and knocked on the door, I stayed out and gave her a call to ensure myself. It's started ringing…1..2..3..
"Sweven?", she speaks.
Isn't it sweet the way she speaks my name?
"Yeah, yes it's me. How are you?" I may sound vaguely stupid right now.
"Oh nothing much, just curious about the place you will take me." she replied.
It made a smile on my face, "Great. Are you prepared to leave then?"
"Oh yes. Of course." she replied but with a delay. I can't set any presumption anymore so I said, "I'm outside of your log cabin."
"You should've told me that before. Wait-" she ended the call.
After a few minutes the door opens and Riley comes out. She looks so beautiful wearing a white shirt and over it, a maroon long gown…
She is wearing a maroon dress with white shirt
I observed her again and it was thorough this time, meaning she really is wearing a puffed sleeve white blouse which matches my white shirt (though the hem of my sleeves are a bit ruffled) and the main highlight, the core issue which is not an issue truly, is her dress is maroon. I wouldn't be surprised if it was of any other shades, yet what rendered me speechless is, we are wearing the same shade of maroon which is classic faded.
She wasn't able to catch sight of me since I was standing far enough from her, nearly behind an old oak tree, and so I walked towards her. I discerned a subtle trace of smile on her face, as I came beneath her notice.
"Hey, when did you arrive?" She asked me.
"Not long ago." I replied before commenting on her attire "You look very…pleasing."
She looked at me, my appearance mostly and she was speechless enough. After a minute of acute examining, she tittered softly before saying, "Your choice of dressing is pleasing as well. It coincided with us matching."
I smiled and looked at her while she was observing my clothing and then hers. I as well can't help but notice how similar we have dressed.
Her white blouse goes with my shirt.
Her maroon dress goes with my vest.
Her high boots go with my pants and shoes.
"Riley!" Someone inside the log cabin called out her name. It sounded like a woman's voice so I assume it must be her fellow traveller with whom she had come to Island Elysian.
Riley rolled her eyes as she looked back at the log cabin as the door opened and another woman came out. She looks young, just like Riley and has hazel eyes.
Her eyes lit up as she caught Riley in her sight.
My gaze fell onto the beautiful brooch she was holding in her hand.
"Where have you been? I have been searching for you for a long time.", she says while walking towards us.
"Nowhere." Riley replied but when she looked at me, she looked back at Alena and said, "Oh I didn't realise you both had never met before."
Hence she introduced both of us to each other, "Alena, this is Sweven, my tourist guide who will help me to explore Island Elysian. And Sweven, this is Alena."
Alena looked at her to finish her sentence but when she realized Riley had already done, she said, "Alena…who?"
"I told him about you previously and repetition would just take more time. You would not want me to come back at the late hour, do you?" Riley replied in a calm tone.
I mean, she is not wrong either, when we were coming back from Entice Garden, I had almost mistaken Alena as some guy Riley had come with, however, throughout the entire conversation, I can't recall the time she told me who Alena is but just a fellow. They might have really good rapport as friends or whoever they are to each other, it's really not my machine to oil.
Alena nodded her head and then looked at me, smiling, "Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." I responded with a smile before asking, "Are you joining us as well?"
"Not quite. I've some work to manage.", she replied.
Work? Oh right Riley mentioned before that they had come for some research. Perhaps journalism or something similar to that. It won't be good for me to set presumptions on anything instead of learning the reason from them.
Alena shifted her gaze back to Riley giving her a big smile, "Look I found ribbon brooch. It would look timelessly beautiful on you."
Riley sighed, "Not again, Alena. I told you I'm okay without extra accessories."
I'm getting a déjà vu from their conversation. Oh and why not? That was my argument with a very well-known demon an hour ago.
"And I denied. C'mon, Riley Deane. You are wearing a puff sleeve blouse with a classic collar, a maroon corset style long dress with waist tie detail. You already refused to wear Mary Janes and don't get me started on the one-of-a-kind boots-"
"Okay fine. Calm down, Alena." Riley interrupts her before she could finish.
There was too much information for me to handle albeit my mind is stuck at the One-of-a-kind boots thing. What does she mean by that?
Oh not only that but also the lady, Mary Jane who I don't know how became relevant to the topic but I at least acknowledged some. It'd be better to stay quiet owing to my lack of comprehension of women's fashion.
Alena's face lit up when Riley wore the brooch as though one of her biggest goals in the world has been achieved. I saw that type of smile on men's faces when the team they supported in football wins. It really reminded me of the matches I have seen with my friends in Germany.
They were louder than a volcano eruption I'd say.
Alena took a step back and then admired her, "Effortless."
She smiled and said to Riley, "I advise you to turn it into one of your signatures."
A brooch as a signature outfit?
I should've stayed quiet but her hyperbolic sentence on a small beautiful ribbon brooch made me chuckle, "A brooch?"
"The Style." Alena replied.
So she has been talking about not only the brooch but also the way Riley has dressed today. If that is so, then what is her signature look? How does she present herself generally?
Despite these questions which I will ask Riley later eventually, Alena is right about the fact that Riley is looking effortless. She has always been.
"We shall take our leave, shan't we?", Riley said as she looked at me.
I nodded my head and gave a polite smile to Elena, "We should proceed now- make our approach to Tree Wabi before late."
Elena smiled at both of us and then she bid us adieu as we excused ourselves and initiated the journey towards the destinated place. Riley's hands were unoccupied therefore I assume she forgot to take her phone from the log cabin though as far as I remember, her phone was on her hand when she came out.
"Have you mistakenly forgotten to bring your phone?", I politely asked because providing that she lost herself or I lost track of her, I would be able to call her, "If so then we can make our way back to fetch it."
She chuckled, "Not quite of a need, Sweven. This dress has pockets."
Then she took out her phone from a pocket which is not on view. I can realize what type of a foolish person I am. Obviously she would take her phone with her as she is not idiotic like I am or the way I have represented myself in front of her.
"It's great, I didn't know it had pockets.", I replied with a smile.
She gets happy, "I can tell, I love when women's dresses have pockets in them."
And that way, we begin our conversation on our favourite attires, what type of clothing we are fond of and what type we hate. The way the conversation was taking its turn made us feel at ease in each other's presence.
"And the furry coat- it was green with the same colour boots. Gosh I hated it from the core of my heart." She said while rolling her eyes.
I laughed, "I once gifted my Mom a furry coat, thankfully it wasn't green."
She chuckled at my statement and I noticed, as I looked forward, we had reached the Wabi tree's wooden gate. The tree is at the vertex of the mountain which indicates we have to climb up to the peak. There are stairs made of wood so climbing would not turn into a headache. She followed my gaze coming across the gate and then the way to the Tree Wabi.
"Wow, it's large. People would surely like to hike here.", she said as she analysed the surroundings. I smiled and started leading her the way with our endless topics. She looked around observing nature, took some pictures and continued our unceasing conversation. I love the way she smiles when she observes the flowers, trees and tries to record the sound of bird chirping. One of the reasons why I love visiting here is the way to the Tree Wabi looks like a place out of a fairytale. As we approach the last stair, we notice the big wabi farmhouse on the top of the mountain. The farmhouse where I used to come almost everyday. It hasn't changed even in the slightest.
"This is the wabi farmhouse, one of the largest farmhouses in Island Elysian. What surprised me the most is that this farmhouse is almost a century old but still looks as new as ever.", I said to Riley as we walked towards the farmhouse.
"I can see horses inside the fences. Do they allow horse riding?", she asked.
As expected, she is more observant than I thought she is.
"Yes, they do. In fact, they have a separate ranch behind the farmhouse for it."
Of course the ranch hasn't changed as well. I can tell notwithstanding the fact that I haven't seen it yet. Dad used to teach me horse riding back then.
We proceed to pass the farmhouse and then after a while, we reach the sitting area of Tree Wabi. There are small black tables and benches where people can sit to talk or enjoy the weather. The benches are clean as new, furthermore, there are none around here. People surely can visit this place whenever they want and for that reason, they have lessened their visit to tree Wabi. I love the quiet atmosphere at the moment which has the ability to make anyone feel closer to mother nature. We walk to the upland and then there is the tree Wabi.
Giant red tree at the peak of the mountain, from where you are able to see the whole Island Elysian and the horrifying sea. This place is as beautiful as ever. There are no other trees around tree Wabi since there is a farmhouse that's why it is an open field, however, there are a lot of flowers like dandelions, daffodils, daisies and many others.
Dad used to bring me here most of the time in my childhood. We used to sit under the wabi tree and have a quality discussion. I used to speak whatever interested me, necessary or not, and surprisingly enough, he listened to every blabberish I've spoken. Sometimes Mom and Dad used to talk and I ran around under the open sky to make a flower bouquet for Mom. Oh how can I forget about the snacks Mom used to bring for me and dad whenever we came here. They both sat under the tree, dad laying his head on Mom's lap for a short nap while Mom read her favourite book and I tried to catch beetles. Sometimes Dad used to play with me and Mom laughed.
Days were golden then.
I looked at Riley and there's a camera on her hand. I assume she took it out of her mysterious pockets then started taking pictures of the place. It is interesting to learn that she has a passionate feelings for photography.
I walked towards her at a slow but steady pace. She was taking various pictures of the Island Elysian from Tree Wabi, mesmerized by the view.
Without taking her eyes off the camera, she said "This place is beautiful."
When I stood behind her, she felt my presence and turned around just to notice there were only a few inches between us. This time, her eyes were looking at me, not the camera. I slowly move my head forward while being well aware of what I am going to do which is doubtfully expected by her. My hands found hers as I moved my head beside her ears and when my breath drifted across her neck, a faint shiver travelled down her spine, as though stirred by some unseen breeze.
"Don't move.", My whisper brushed against her ears.
Then I took a few steps back before capturing her in the camera which was unforeseen to her. To my expectations, the pictures have never been so good.
"You should lighten taking pictures of the surroundings and care more about taking yours." I said as I proudly showed the picture I took to her.
A soft shyness clouded her expression, and to cover it, she hastily directed her eyes toward the picture, "I admit you may have a hidden talent in photography. How about I offer you to be my private photographer instead?"
A smirk appeared on my face though I tried to hide it before saying, "Such a nice offer. Being yours."
"Photographer." She said as if I forgot to mention it.
"Still and all yours." and I emphasize on each word, completing her.
This is the time I realized what is coming from my mouth is something very heroic but not guaranteed. I was about to say something much more abrupt than I imagined but I heard a name- my name getting called out. Riley and I both looked in the direction and we spotted a person far enough to not be recognized. Oh his voice confirms the fact that he is a male though it is incomprehensible to perceive his identity. As he comes closer, the familiar it gets to me.
Brown coat- MAC
I bet my life on that the irking voice and the particular brown coat have to be none but Mac. However no other person rather than me would be happier to prove myself wrong even if I 100% am sure of myself.
The more he gets closer to us, the more visible he gets. Yes, I have proven myself right but at what cost?
It seems my luck is playing chess and for sure it is losing.
Mac reached us and took his time to breath before saying, "Indeed to reserve a place in Hell, Devil would write your name in bold ink. "
I tried to say something but he cut me off, "Do not have the nerve to tell me to go back when I was meant to be with you today."
He irked me enough to make me forget Riley is beside me for a minute.
"Devil would take lessons from you on how to ruin people's day." My statement provoked him to demonstrate a dramatic eye expression but soon it turned into a displeasingly blissful face when he noticed Riley.
He cleared his voice before talking, "You must be the lady he went to the Entice Garden with."
Riley looked at both of us with confusion, "Are you brothers perhaps?"
Mac nodded before answering, "Unfavourably fate has decreed us as such."
His reply made me scoff but Riley laughed, "Sounds truly like brotherhood. Also, to answer your question, Yes I am the lady and I assume you know me."
Mac smiles brightly which is too awkward for me to bear, "Certainly. Sweven talked about you a lot."
Favour me enough by confirming he did NOT tell her that, did he?
He gave me an approving look indicating the time I wasted on him talking about Riley was worth it. Oh without question, it is positively absurd.
Riley smiled a little and looked at me, "It seems I'm a frequent subject of the conversation you make."
The tease tells me I am the chosen target of their trivial and idle mischief for why my face is covered with shyness.
I firmly assure the next day would be Mac's funeral.
Mac laughed, "Oh not only the subject, you are the whole conversation- quite so I realized it's such inconsiderate of me not introducing myself properly."
Mac extended his hand in order to greet Riley, "Macalaric Arcanum and I am simply called by Mac."
Riley greeted him with a handshake, "Riley Deane. The tourists."
"Would I get to say something?", I finally protested, "I haven't even spoken since this unworthy creature dared come here."
With a dramatic and most profound gasp, he behaved as though I cursed his whole bloodline awfully before giving Riley a miserable look.
I see how I am getting painted RED.
"Sweven!"Riley looked at me justifying Mac, "He is your younger brother. You should not call him a creature."
"An unworthy creature", I defended myself but it looked more like a clarification after I had noticed Mac was mocking me when I was getting rebuked by Riley.
Riley gave me a look of controversy, "Sweven"
I'm more than sure this kid has a degree on making his way to provoke frustration out of me. A sigh escaped from me claiming I've upsettingly surrendered.
Riley sat under the tree Wabi showing Mac the pictures she had taken after coming to Island Elysian. It triggers me how this little stand-up comedian is making Riley laugh every sentence he says but there's a part of me- possibly a teeny tiny part of me is happier seeing Mac is here and the only reason I can't help but notice is he is making Riley laugh. There is a strange comfort I achieve when I see the smile on her face, a comfort that tells she is having a good time. The melancholy visible in her eyes was replaced with blitheness. Though I comprehend the fact that I merely know her, I feel she should let go of whatever is holding her back from merriment.
"Look, this is the only picture of you, Riley." Mac focused on the one I took.
Riley tried to hide her smile while pointing at me, "Sweven took it out of blue."
A small smirk became visible on my face after taking a glance at the picture.
"I hate to admit he took a really great picture. It must be because you are utterly gorgeous.", Mac gave Riley a sweet smile.
Every time I see Mac giving Riley sweet smiles, a wave of shivers run through me owing to the fact that he only gives this smile to Mom and occasionally Dad while wanting something from them. In his defense, it makes him look irresistibly cute. What's worse is Riley also finding him as a cute little kid. Oh only if she knew what type of a disaster he is.
My phone started to ring which drew Riley and Mac's attention towards me.
I looked at the familiar id and then at them, "I will be back in a minute. Save some topics for me as well."
I excused myself with a smile and came near the cliff, far enough away from them in order to not turn into a disturbance of their conversation. I recognized the cellar id after a few minutes of looking at it.
The person from the end started to speak as I picked up the call, "What's going on, Sweven? No call or text since you've gone to Elysian. Forgot us?"
"Not at all, Theo. Everything is going well as far as I can see except feeling the need to meet you guys." I replied in a soft voice.
Theo is one of my dearest friends who I met in Germany. We have studied together and lucky enough, we both work together. He is the type of friend who would give his life for you but he would react fairly to every sentence you make. One of his habits I love is how he doesn't hold back the words inside his mind, rather he is unfiltered and straightforward for why I less recommend him to those who yearn for recognition or are fond of flattery and suggest more to those who are prepared to hear the honest version of the circumstance.
Undoubtedly his belief is 'Honesty is the best policy'.
He laughed, "Oh Sweven, we will have time to spend again after you return to Germany though I prefer visiting Elysian once. Never been before."
"Mom would love it." I assured him.
"By the way, I called mainly to know why aren't you checking your emails? You know the importance of it, right?", his tone turned genuine when questioned.
"Is that so? I'm really sorry for being unable to peruse the emails. It has been hectic since I arrived." I apologized.
I have tried to open my emails but there has been a glitch showing up in the settings for why I stopped checking a few days ago. I thought I would take my time when I fix it but that time never came. Now I must repair it.
"Don't worry much, I've taken care of most of the stuff here- however, read the article Mr. Hernandez has sent you."
I ensured him "Surely. It would be great if you send me the link to make the access much easier." And so that I won't be necessitated to leave for an email currently.
"Sure then."
Saying that he bids me and within a minute a notification comes in my phone, the article he sent. I opened it to skim through the headline, which was enough to shock me in such a way I never have been before.
"Fika changes its name to Trouvaille after the death of Mr. and Mrs. Deane"
The further I read, the more everything becomes clearer to me.
My mind is clouded enough to have a pristine thinking. The line which confirmed everything to me finally came into sight.
"The owner of Trouvaille- Riley Deane"
So, she is not only a tourist who happens to come to Island Elysian but the owner of Trouvaille who came here to set up the new branch of her company. It is fathomed now that the research Alena was talking about is to see whether Island Elysian ought to be the chosen place for their first branch.
I looked back to see where Riley was- catching her within my vision, everything faded away but her. I can't perceive what has refrained her from letting me know who she is.
Why didn't you tell me the truth, Riley Deane?