Does the word love makes any sense to you? Well, it was not in my vocabulary before, The world seems to revolve with unnecessary words. Words which do not give any meaning which is described in the dictionary.
Fortunately or unfortunately, my whole world turned upside down when I met this girl. Actually, not after I met her, because I knew her even before everything changed. I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about. Probably you must be singing the song “Love is in the air” with a wide cheeky smile drawn across the face.
Well, your face looks funny unfortunately. And be happy because I’m not going to bore you with horrid stories. But I have to warn you before I go back to a memory. This is an important day in my life. Well, to be precise, this day paved way for a new chapter in my life. And that was my last year Thanksgiving with my girlfriend.
I decided to cut down parts so that I could get to my final point. So, I will start from the point my girlfriend came to my place, but not in details. Now, I’m going to the present by travelling through time in my mind.
“Hi, Cuddly Bear!” screamed my girlfriend just after I opened the door after she rang the bell. I was literally prepared to welcome her more than ten minutes ago as I knew as always she will come on time.
“Yes, I said that. My baby girl, Catherine is always on time, even though she is a girl. Should I justify my answer? I’m sure the boys would want me to. Well, let’s just put it this way. Catherine is very simple. No makeup or anything artificial. Hope you would understand my answer.
“Hi baby girl! Looking good as always,” I said while hugging her.
“Aw! That did hurt,” she said while pushing my hands away. “Lilies! Oh my god! That’s my favourite flower. How did you know?”
“You know, walls have ears. One wall came and told me when I was in your penthouse,” I said with a smirk on my face at the end.
“Wow! Cuddly bear can talk to walls too! Genius number, what?” Catherine asked as always, trying to mess with me.
“Wanna eat my new inventions?” I inquired her while walking hand in hand to the living room.
“Food is never inventions Mr. Scientist. Who taught you that?” playfully Catherine asked while banging on my right arm.
“Mr. Scientist’s dictionary, of course. What do you think?” I questioned her while playing along her lines.
“Okay, let’s get straight to business. So, what kind of food did you invent? I hope there is no roasted turkey dancing on the table singing songs. That would be so unpleasant,” she said while hugging me again in an awkward position.
“Well, if you want me to I can do that next time, babe. Shall I asked rhetorically.
“Better not unless you want to experience how I get a heart attack in action. You want to?” she asked.
“Course not. So, let’s just get the party started. For upcoming family, of course,” I added at the end.
“So, what made Mr. Scientist to bake a variety of food items?” my Catherine asked me.
“To celebrate for the success. You know what I’ talking about, right?” I said, looking deep into her deep ocean eyes.
Did I really say ocean? Well, it’s like an ocean to me. Her eyes are dancing with love mixed with many other feelings and emotions. It’s like her eyes are trying to tell me something which is not verbally.
“Did any company offered to continue making it?” Cathy asked while munching down the food. “Wow! Mr. Scientist knows how to make good food as well,” she added at the end while looking at the garnish.
“Well, the local company offered. They have the vehicle right now. I don’t know what will they do though. What if they reject it?” I asked, feeling so scared.
I literally spent two stupid years in making a brand new vehicle in my style. Well, to be precise, it’s a car. I was looking at all the aspects before I came up with the idea.
I felt a soft hand touching mine. Her strokes were soft and comforting, like a feather. I have to admit it, I guess, Cathy is really good in comforting me with her feather strokes. And I’m good at comforting her too. But that starts with my bear hugs. That’s why she calls me cuddly bear.
“You know, they will definitely accept it. You even deserve a Nobel prize. You made a car that runs solely by solar power with an additional battery which get charged by solar power to run when it is gloomy. And not only that, it generates power from rain and snow too. Who would come up with such an idea? Its environment friendly, not to forget that part,” she said while stroking my hand.
“I don’t know, but I’ve been getting this bad feeling ever since I gave it to the local car manufacturing company. I don’t know why. I feel so weird inside. It’s more like worms trying to eat me inside out,” I replied in one breath.
I’m pretty sure I would be in a lunatic asylum if Catherine was not there to console me. This is not the first time she experiences a situation like this. But she never let me down during my tantrums. She was always by my side.
“Baby, don’t worry. What ever happened I”m here for you and you know it. We can work this out together. Everything will turn out fine,” she said.
But one thing she didn’t know was that her voice gave away her emotions. I know she was scared like me even though she was trying to comfort me.
Silence spread in the air not a sound disturbing the calm and quiet environment. Neither one of us tried to say a single word and break the silence.
I observed my other half’s face trying to absorb all her feelings. I knew she was enjoying my food from the look of the face until she start to eat the roasted turkey.
“I’m sorry, but I roasted it too much this time. You can leave it aside,” I said not wanting her to eat things she doesn’t like.
“It’s fine, I like it this way. I was just surprised. That’s all!” she said, assuring me.
The bell rang, interrupting both of us. I excused myself and went to open the door.
“Police here,” said two men holding their police identification card. And they said so loud that made Catherine come to the hall as well.
“How can I help you, officer?” I asked as politely as I can as I always detested police officers.
“We are here to arrest you, Mr. Arthur Donald Miller,” said one policeman after looking at a piece of paper.
“What are the charges against him may I ask Mr. Officer??” questioned Catherine, pushing me aside to get a better look.
“For theft, of course,” replied a policeman while chuckling.
“And what kind of theft is this? I’m his girlfriend and I barely know anything,” Cathy said.
“For stealing this new invented car from the local car company. That’s the allegation against him.” said the police officer.
My mouth literally fell open. I couldn’t believe this? I spent two years, making the car and they think I stole it.
“You have the right to remain silent, sir. And don’t you dare say anything against us. Or I swear to god I will make your life miserable,” said an officer and out his handcuffs on both my hands..
Like a doll I was taken to the car pushing me hard. I couldn’t even say bye properly to my baby or console her or wipe her tears.
My girl attended every court hearing and was by my side giving me strength. She always mouthed the three words ‘I Love You’ with a fake smile plastered on her face.
Cathy is my guiding light since my parents died and she became my sister, my girlfriend, and my mother. Well, you wouldn’t understand it unless you are alone in this world with no relations. Well, I know how life is.
I guess that’s why Catherine became everything to me. She figuratively pumped blood into my heart to keep me going.
And it’s now one year. And I’m still in the prison. I can’t believe that I’m in the prison to celebrate Thanksgiving.
As family member were allowed to visit the prison, Cathy came with turkey and a few food items I like to eat. Only the bars act as the barrier today while we spend Thanksgiving in prison. I’m sure nothing can keep us apart no matter what happens to us.
Kenisha Liyanage 