Mervin's Battle

Her eyes were fixed to the wall clock. It was already past midnight, yet Mervin had not returned home since he left. She felt uneasy.

She panicked. Even sleep could not obey her. Her eyes were wide open as someone afraid that would miss a train to heaven once she fell asleep.

Seeing that it was taking longer than expected, fear gripped her. 

'Have they locked him in their house?'

She laughed like a maniac to her thoughts.

Mervin had passed the age to be grounded by his parents. He is not a baby that can be locked in his parents' house at will.

She got tired of tossing and turning on the bed, so she stepped out of it and found her way to the living room.

She walked straight to the window and pulled the curtains to one side.

Peeping outside from the window, she sighed sadly when she saw no sign of Mervin's car in the compound.

She let go of the curtains and walked to the couch. Throwing herself on it carelessly.

The couch seemed not to have given her the comfort she was looking for, this, she stood up and began pacing up and down the living room.

If she were in a good relationship with Mervin's parents, she would have wasted no time abusing her mind; rather, she would have made a call and asked about Mervin's whereabouts.

 Amidst her thoughts, the door suddenly opened making  Crystal stop on her truck as she faced the door. 

Mervin had a weird smile accompanied by a funny walking step.

Watching each step of his, it seemed as if he might succumb to the ground at any moment.

"Mervin, are you drunk?"

Crystal rushed to him and held him, aiding his staggering body.

He raised his head and a smile appeared on his face, it made him look dumb.

"Ooh, it's my Crystal!"

He exclaimed as he capped Crystal's cheeks with his hands.

"As long as I have you by my side, I am willing to forfeit anything" He muttered.

'Did they threaten him again?'

She thought to herself as she watched Mervin stare at her as if she were a rare gem he never wished to lose.

Deep into those tipsy eyes, she could see sadness taking refuge.

She felt her heart tightening. A feeling of guilt swept through her body.

"Don't worry Crystal. I will find a way out" he belched.

The smell of alcohol had already filled the whole place, but this was the last thing for her to worry about.

She kept wondering what his parents might have said to him to make him get soaked by alcohol in such a way.

Mervin has never taken any bitter drink aside from hospital drugs.

"Let me help you to your room," she said.

She was to press her hand around Mervin's waist, but Mervin shifted. Taking a few steps away from her.

"Don't bother. I will find my way upstairs" A sad smile appeared on his face

"I might jump on you if you follow me to my room. I respect your decision Crystal." 

He paused before adding, "Because I love you"

Though he was dejected, he tried as much as he could to look cheerful. 

He parted Crystal's shoulder as he made his way to the stairs.

Mervin kept on moving from one side to another in an unsteady manner as he climbed through the stairs.

She had no more to say. 

Just when Mervin finally shut his door behind him. She dragged her body towards the couch and mindlessly threw herself on it.

She sighed with her eyes closed as she bit her lower lip. Her mind went blank. 

She supported her head with her hand, as she continued to think of what could have made Mervin get wasted in such a way.

"Miss Crystal "

A voice called out to her, making her jump to her feet.

She least expected anyone to be awake by that time of hour. 

Moreover, she thought the house was occupied by Mervin, her, and her siblings only during the night.

It if were in the afternoon or morning, her heart could not have been pounded as it did because she would not have been surprised. She was bound to be addressed in such a manner by the maids, guards, or any other workers of the house.

It would have been weird to hear her sisters call her 'Miss Crystal'

She faced the direction of where the voice came from. 

Before her, stood an elderly woman. Winkles could hardly be seen on her face and she was as healthy as an adolescent little girl. Her skin was flawless, yet, gray hair dominated over the black. She was probably in her early sixties or so.

What surprised Crystal the most, was that the lady in question was putting on a night dress.

 "Don't panic. I am Mrs Smith, the head maid of this house"

The old woman introduced herself. Crystal nodded slightly as her lips formed an "O".

"I do stay in this house. I've been staying here ever since young master Mervin was seventeen" said the woman. 

Crystal's curiosity melted away upon hearing the lady's introduction.

"Am Crystal Blues" 

She extended her hand towards the lady for a handshake.

"I've heard a lot about you from young master Mervin. It's my pleasure to finally meet you" 

She exposed her white healthy set of teeth.

"Thank you, ma'am," Crystal mumbled.

Mrs Smith looked Crystal from head to toe and then faced her.

"Ever since the young master was five, he lost his will to smile. Mrs. Brooklyn never had time for him. He was always lonely and bored" narrated the lady.

She stared at the lady as another hunch of curiosity swept through her. She was wondering what the old lady was trying to say.

Mrs Smith continued" But not until he was Thirteen. All of a sudden, his once gloomy face lit up.  Smiling and laughing were reborn in his world. I wondered what caused the sudden change, not until he revealed to me about your existence"

Crystal's eyes went weird.

She thought Mervin had kept their relationship confidential. 

To her, Travis was the only one aware of their relationship. Yet, Mrs Smith had just proved her wrong.

"He told you about me even before our relationship began?"

She almost exclaimed out of shock.

"Yes. And am also aware of the current situation that both of you are facing. Miss Crystal. May you forgive me if I am crossing the line, but…" She added while holding  Crystal's hand. 

Crystal's eyelids moved simultaneously.

The old lady swallowed hard, her face signifying sorrow.

"Mervin loves you. He would rather get his heart pierced by a dagger than let go of your hand. The ball to save your relationship is solely in your arms. I hope you make the right decision" 

The edge of her lip went up.

"It's late. You have to be in bed. It's unhealthy for you to stay awake at this hour. See you around"

The old lady did not wait to hear a word from Crystal. She let go of her hand and showed Crystal her back as she walked away. 

Crystal stood still like a statue. She had already concluded the moment she saw Mervin walk into the house dejectedly, yet her decision was wavering for a moment.

Listening to Mrs Smith's words, she got the courage to put her discussion into action. 

She turns gently. Her eyes glued to Mervin's bedroom door Which was still shut, she muttered,

"You are not alone, Mervin. I will save our love"

'I will repay you for all you have done for me and my sisters'

She thought to herself.