Misty Eyes Novel

Misty Eyes

by brenda mulunga

“Missed me,” he cried and laughed.

Suddenly he stepped on something that had fallen and bent to pick it up to find that it was a photograph.

“Honey!” Mrs. Reed called. “Make sure you do not break anything. I know you like action but please spare the plates.”

“Yes Mrs Reed, I hear you!” he yelled back in mock humility then turned to the photograph. He blew the dust off and his heart skipped a beat almost stopping he could almost feel the sweat starting to trickle down his brow, as his heart clamped around his chest.

“Could you come and help me in here?” Molly called “The box is too heavy”

“I’ll be right there” said Preston without moving his eyes from the photo.

It’s her! He thought the mind running off to that moment that was spelled so well in the photo. Everything seemed to be moving back in slow motion giving him a sense of his pas life coming back in great detail.

He still remembered it all…  

************* 

“And the winner for this year’s Miss Teen Bellcrest 1994 is…” the voice echoed in the 20,000 capacity Cedar Valley Stadium.

It was the biggest annual event in Bellcrest town that attracted dozens of hopeful teenagers for a chance to become e over night sensations. The stadium was packed to capacity with screaming fans and families of the participants creating an electric atmosphere that almost brought down the house.

When the announcement came the whole building turned silent with anticipation and expectation.

The contestants were all lined up as they awaited their fate. Each one of them silently praying for a miracle

From the tens of thousands of hopefuls after two months and down to only ten finalists it was time for Miss Teen Bellcrest to be revealed.

Her heart was practically in her throat as she counted the seconds until the name was called out, getting this far was not easy and after all that she had gone through and accomplished throughout the contest, she hoped that she had done her very best to merit her being in the finals.

Now she wanted the prize.

“Please let it be me…please let it be me…” she softly whispered under her breath trying not to shut her eyes tight.

The battle had been on as everyone had an opinion about who was better more attractive, hotter but in the end the judge’s decision was final.

“…the new Miss Teen Bellcrest 1994 is Miss Brenda Schira!” he finally announced as the crowd tore the night air with cheers and deafening screams for a full four minutes.

She felt someone nudging her with an elbow and when she looked up all the eyes had turned on her.

“”What is going on?” she innocently asked before it finally hit her that she was standing on the podium in the final show of a modelling contest and her name had been called as the winner.

Flashing lights almost blinded her as she made her way towards one of the judge who was holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand while another lady was carrying a silver crown in her hand.

They are all staring at me…I think I have won…or maybe it’s a dream…please let it not be a dream…aaaaah...I won! I won! A dozen thoughts crammed her mind as she slowly walked towards the judge.

It was all surreal. It could possibly be a dream even but there she was in her red chiffon maxi dress with sequined empire detail, for accessories a brown bone neckpiece, a pair of red crystal drop earrings her feet indulged in coffee colour gladiator heels.

Beautiful and poised Brenda Schira personified elegance and confidence as she gracefully accepted to be crowned by the former Miss Teen Bellcrest.

Despite the drops of tears falling down her Panamanian sweet caramel-brown complexion Brenda pushes away the strand of her soft dark as ebony natural-curly shoulder length hair back sitting on her “throne.”

She did her routine walk along the stage waving to the now frenzied crowd of people, as the commotion died down background music was put on as the Master of Ceremony announced the end of the show.

“I cannot believe I have won!” screamed Brenda as she tightly hugged her mother.

Her mother hugged her back with tears in her eyes, “Well start believing it!”

Mrs Schira’s hot pink corset top with satin raffle and trim detail and copper asymmetrical skirt with satin side detail ensemble blended in well with her much darker chocolate brown skin complexion.

The purple and hot pink patent leather peep toe heels only served to create an illusion of her endlessly long legs that gave balance to her curvy self.

Mother and daughter held onto each other for a while and were only separated by a swarm of Brenda’s friends who came to support her.

After all the excitement had died down, a man came towards Brenda and her mother and asked if he could talk to them.

He introduced himself as Mr James Mital who was the owner of the Mital studio and publisher of the fashion magazine- Teen Wardrobe.

“Your daughter has a great talent in modelling and I am very interested in her working with my magazine. I know she will have a lot of responsibilities but what I am offering her is a chance to pursue her modelling career,” he went on handing Mrs Schira his business card “before you decide anything I will give you time to think about it”

“Of course I would love to model!” Brenda blurted out quickly but the realized her mother was scowling at her. “I am sorry”

“I do not think it is a good idea,” her mother refused handing back the business card.

“Why not?” Mr Mital wondered aloud.

Mrs Schira went on to explain to him how the opportunity would only serve as destruction to her daughter’s studies and since she had never done anything like that in her life she did not think her daughter could be able to multitask. After all her entering in the completion had only been allowed after a lot of negotiations and convincing.

Brenda had not been allowed to enter last year’s contest since she was only sixteen but on turning seventeen her parents decided to give it a try only after their daughter proved that her grades would not suffer upon taking another extracurricular activity.

“Your daughter is someone who is determined and I have watched her grow throughout this competition and has proved her to be self sufficient and mature” he told her.

I like the way he is thinking. But knowing my mom, she’ll rather I join the math debate than do modelling, thought Brenda as the two adults deliberated on her future as a professional model.

A few minutes later Mrs. Schira accepted the card and decided she would call him about the decision that had been made.

 That’s a start, sighed Brenda.

“Mom, just try to imagine how much fun I will have, after all you always say that I don’t even have enough fun,” still feeling dejected Brenda kept on nagging her mother at home.

This was the best chance she had in her entire life to fulfil her dream of strutting in the New York and Paris fashion weeks but she was seeing her dreams go down the drain in front of her eyes. Life was becoming unfair.

“For the last time Brenda, I said no!” her mother shut her up but knowing her daughter well she knew that was not the last time she was going to hear of it. She knew it was a fortunate opportunity but as a mother her role was to protect her daughter from external harm.

Brenda being her only child did not make matters any easier.

Pouting Brenda went into her room. There goes my chance at stardom. She was angry and disappointed but she knew her mother well enough, after seventeen years of bringing her up, she knew better than to argue with her mother.

I just pray that God will change her mind. She said to herself as she went into the bathroom to have a shower. At the dinner table Mr Schira noticed that her daughter was not eating.

“What is wrong with you today, I thought you were supposed to be happy for being crowned queen” her father enquired.

“Nothing is wrong dad” she said and put on half a smile “I am happy. It’s just that I…I had this big opportunity in my life but as we are talking I might be watching it slip through my fingers.”

“What do you mean?”

She filled him in on the modelling contract

“I think Brenda should be given a chance to try something new,” Mr. Schira agreed

Now you are talking dad, Brenda smiled to herself happily.

“What I think she should be doing is worrying about school, not what she should wear for her modelling” her mother disagreed.

“Mom, Mr. Mital said I would be going only after school and we are almost closing school anyway,” Brenda put in.

“Leave the discussion to us to make it,” her mother finalised the matter.

A week later “I am so glad you decided to come” Mr. Mital reached out his hand to greet Mrs. Schira “one more day and this offer would have gone.”

Thank you God for changing her mind thought Brenda and smiled.

It had taken a lot of convincing but Mrs. Schira had finally decided to give her daughter a break and let have fun though she had made her to promise that it would not interfere with her studies. Any decline in her grades and she will be out of the modelling contract.

After enquiring on her job description as the representative and cover model for sixteen Brenda and her mother were ready to sign the contract.

All the formalities were done and in the presence of a lawyer Brenda’s contract was signed and she was ready to begin her work.

***

Brenda attended the Bellcrest Academy a private school several meters from Cedarville a secure modern single gated community estate in a quiet countryside surrounding where her parents lived in a three bed roomed maisonette.

As soon as she stepped inside the bus there were a lot of commotion as her fellow students bombarded her with congratulatory messages and the whirlwind of attention never stopped there as the school grounds was also abuzz.

The first thing on her mind was to see Kelvin Ashiano. She had fallen in love with him and she knew that if she was not sure before now she knew. She had been thinking about him the past few months and all she could think of was being with him.

She was not angry or disappointed because all the things that had happened before were for a reason and they had to happen so that they could get a clear perspective of what it is they wanted. It was all clear to her now.

After sifting through everything-the pain, anger, disappointments and even resentments all she could find was love, a profound love for him that she was sure would last.

She had complained to her best friend Molly Machyo that he was not emotionally available but she too had never told him how she felt. They had both shut it out not wanting to deal with it though the truth was she wanted to tell him so much more than she did.

After dating for a year they had almost stopped talking, she thought since he was not talking to her then why should she? Childish but it seemed legitimate then.

She could not understand why she was afraid of and she knew she should have told him what her heart felt as now it was all she thought about and obsessed over.

Kelvin was constantly on her mind and she needed to let him know that without him her life was incomplete. She needed him in her life even though she did not know where his heart was, he may be with someone else but she wanted him to know how she truly felt then leave it up to him to decide whether they would write their fates or if destiny did not want them to be together.

She wanted to feel the warmth of his embrace, his arms holding her tight into him, he was all she wanted and she was not going to let the chance slip away from her because she could not let him go that easily without knowing whether they could have another chance.

What Brenda did not want was to look back at that moment five or ten years and regret that she never fought for a love that was hers. She knew he loved her and she still felt tingly whenever she thought about the times they were together.

She could still remember the first time he held her so close in his arms, his face touching hers. It was such a strong yet gentle loving feeling that she did not want him to let go. She had never felt like that with anyone else she did not want to.

Brenda wanted Kelvin to be her first and last hoping that she would his last love even though she knew they were still young and had a long way to go.

Then again she knew it might be too late but Brenda was sure he was the love of her life, which no matter what happened after he would always hold a special place in her heart. Now all she needed to do was let Kelvin know how she felt.

“Have you seen Kelvin?” Brenda asked her best friend Molly.

“Yeah, I saw him near the library with some other girl” Janet Joy interrupted.

“And what might he be doing with that other girl?” asked Brenda raising an eyebrow smiling sarcastically “You don’t think they might be kissing or something? I’m sure you’d be pleased.”

The dislike between them was evident and Janet being one of the last contestants loosing the crown to Brenda added more than enough salt to the injury.

Janet gritted her teeth and left. I wish.

Brenda walked towards the fountain and stopped dead in her tacks, what is going on here?

***

“What’s wrong pretty face?” Janet asked sarcastically when she met Brenda.

“Nothing!” she shouted “Why don’t you mind your own business?” Brenda was not about to tell her that she had broken up with Kelvin because she had caught him just about to kiss Marisa.

“What does that guy want anyway?”  Brenda had finished explaining to her best friend about the break up.

“Don’t do anything. I know you are angry but just count to ten and take a deep breath” molly advised.

“I am relaxed!” breathed Brenda “I hate him! And you know the worst part is he told me that I have no right telling him what to do and I don’t control his life and...”

“Calm down, you are going to get high blood pressure or something” Molly tried to lighten the situation but that did not seem to help at all.

“I never want to see him ever and...” she didn’t get a chance to finish the sentence as Kelvin stood in front of her a wounded look on his face.

“Can I please talk to you?” he begged

Molly knew that that was her cue to leave but she whispered to him before leaving. “Don’t make her madder than she already is good luck.”

“I want to apologize for the way i talked to you,” he began but when she did not respond he sat down next to her, “I...”

“Don’t say another word,” she reasoned turning to look at him. Why are you all cute? she thought for a second but continued. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m so angry at you right now that i can’t think straight so just leave me alone.”

Though angry at him, Brenda knew that when she met Kelvin she was going to be finally happy, and decided to give the guy a chance. Maybe it’s what she had been looking for. She knew it might be insignificant but she was looking for someone who would be willing to spoil her and he is, not just in monetary terms but also emotionally and socially. She could grow into him; so she gave it chance at first to see where it would leads. Brenda was not afraid anymore and didn’t care what anybody else wanted. It was what she  wanted and that was all that mattered. Just her and her heart.

It was time to let go of the past and start thinking of now and the future. We all need a break to be happy no matter what, she figured. She had to be happy because one else would be happy for her.

Life gives you chances and now Brenda was prepared to take that chance feel the pain, heartbreaks all over again and know that she can love again. Kelvin had everything she wanted. He had a dream, a vision and goals. She did not have to be anyone else…just be herself  know that she can share herself with him without being afraid.

No fear of being judged or patronized. She knew she could him with her heart. He would take care of her heart well and not let her me fall down and if she did Brenda knew he would  always be there to catch her fall, lovingly pick her when she fell, try to prevent the fall and sometimes laugh with her she fell. She was in love with him…she knew that. It was all up to her me to make her happiness. She knew that nothing comes easy except when you work hard at it and she was willing to work at their relationship to take away the loneliness.

For Brenda it had been love at first sight. Actually she only saw his back but what she  saw she liked. She loves the arms so her went to his strong arms that seemed firm as he waited for the water to be brought. Then he left to find out what was either taking so long or to get more water. The walk. She loved the way he walked, it was as if the world had stood still and he was moving in slow motion. She simply liked what she saw. He was cute and really sexy. She  could tell he had a masculine chest through the black almost hugging T-Shirt that he wore. Maybe she was seeing or imagining too much but he had her hook-line-and-sinker. The whole package was fine!

Close up to his face: Those annoyingly sexy eyes that can burn a hole through platinum with their gaze. Did she mention he has the most delicious lips you ever saw! She  knew right then from that moment that he had bowled her over. Brenda  loved a man who’s dedicated and loyal in his work and he really was…he was volunteering. She loved the way he loved God too because it was at church. He was just sooooo…lovable! He almost caught her staring but she looked away lest those eyes melt her. Her heart was beating so loud she thought the whole congregation could hear it. Whoa! Slow down heart, it was only a look. What do you mean only a look? It was everything she needed to know. Perhaps he’s got inkling towards me? What now? She had thought.

The guy just made her nervous and she tended to run away…literally…whenever he came near because she was afraid she would just freeze over and not be able to talk. There was that feeling in her my heart that he sensed something from her and that he was also throwing the vibes at her.

They had an awkward moment when he came to where she was sitting. She wanted to leave but sat right back when she saw him. Frozen? Yep. She mumbled something about hi, but it didn’t come out clearly because he seemed not to have heard…good…Brenda was happy he had not heard her choked up croaking voice. They had another encounter where there was only one seat separating them. She tried to pretend like everything was normal but there her heart goes again beating really hard. She stole some glances towards him and at the corner of her eye she could see him doing the same. She admitted to herself that liked him, more than a lot. She knew that if you feel attracted to someone 99% of the time the other person is also attracted to you. All she needed to do was to find out.

But how? The stolen glances were not enough, she needed solid evidence. She could see a future with him; she had fallen in love with him. The guy was just perfect for her and she knew she would love him forever.

Brenda had put him in every important detail of her life. He was the guy standing next to her at the altar, the love of her life that she is reciting her vows to, the guy that they fight and make up, the man she laughs and cry with.. The strong man she tells I love you to. He was the love of her life. Even without him knowing he made her happy, nervous, all warm, giggly and fuzzy. She believed with all her that he was her “the one”

Now if only she knew his name...

She eventually did and now it hurt her that they were fighting.

***

Three days later, Brenda and Kelvin had not talked, he wanted to give her space to calm and down as she was still deciding whether their relationship was worth the heartaches.

Friday afternoon Kelvin and his friends were playing in the basketball courtyard when he spotted Brenda walking with her friends.

“Excuse me guys, someone fill in for me i have to try and patch things up” said Kelvin.

“Good luck man!” Ted Machyo, Molly’s brother and his best friend yelled after him.

Everybody else that was with Brenda dispersed and left the two of them to talk.

“I know what i did was wrong and i really feel bad about it” he began regretfully, “ I do not want to end our relationship just because i was acting stupid. Believe me when i tell you that i love you. Nothing else matters more than you do and i hope that you find a bit of compassion in your heart to forgive me.”

If Kelvin had continued, Brenda would have literally cried. He always had a way with words. She knew she could not hide her feelings and pretend that nothing had happened.

“I’m not angry anymore” she told him “I’m just disappointed and hurt that you betrayed our trust. I do not think i want to end our relationship either because i love you too or it’s our first serious fight so am willing to give us another try.”

“So that means you have forgiven me and are not angry anymore?”

“Well...” she pretended to think. “I guess i sought of...”

“I see you two are back together” Molly chimed interrupted.

“I don’t remember her being a part of this conversation, do you?” asked Brenda hugging her best friend.

“Hmmm, i think she just wanted to say hi” added Kelvin.

“Quit telling me in many words to go away, i get the message but I’m happy for you two”

“Thanks”

“Weell...”said Molly.

“Weeeell what,?”asked Brenda

“Aren’t you going to do that thing that couples do when they make up?” prodded Molly.

“What thing?” Kelvin joined in the conversation.

“Now what was it called again, oh yeah, kiss”

Brenda rolled her eyes and crossed her hands on her chest warningly.

“Okay okay I’m leaving” Molly protested.

She moved a few steps away and turned back as if she wanted to say something but before she could utter a word,

“Molly!” both Brenda and Kelvin chorused.

***

Saturday morning Brenda woke up excited because it was the day of her first professional photo shoot. Finally the long awaited day had arrived! All she could imagine were the fabulous designer clothes, shoes, accessories and the hot male models that she assumed she would be shooting with. She knew her designers well the likes of Alexander McQueen, Dolce Gabbana, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino who was her favourite, were at her fingertips.

She never missed the latest fashion weeks and would go crazy if anyone dared talk ill about her designers as she liked to own them.

She for a second imagined what it would be like to be a supermodel walking on the catwalks of Paris, Milan, or New York Fashion Week. She pictured herself cascading down the runway in a classic Ralph Lauren dinner gown complete with Dolce Gabbana peep toe shoes.

She would be the show stopper, getting a standing ovation from the crowd, the designer standing next to her and the leading her off the stage....oh the glory of it all.

Baby steps Brenda baby steps, first i have to conquer Bell crest. She thought to herself.

Mital Studio was a few minutes’ drive past the city centre and her mother offered to drive her then leave for her own errands.

The Mital Studio was a one storey building that housed several offices though it was clear that it was owned by Mr. Mital