The Caged Pearl Necklace

How long does it really take to for one to move on? Forward? Forgive? Forget? And what is the gauge of when one is already “okay”?

“You two have a great day ahead!” She told the couple with a smile. She just served them their iced coffee to go. The door chimes sounded as the couples took their coffee outside the shop and walked towards the benches overlooking the bay area. It was the regular routine of both. And they were a regular. But who is not a regular in their area? Everyone knows everyone. And Frances’ coffee shop is the only coffee shop there.

While watching the couple settle themselves on the bench and start engaging in a funny conversation – she could only assume, her hands found their way to the necklace she was wearing. For days now, the necklace seemed heavier and heavier. But she cannot seem to get herself to remove it. She found it while cleaning up some boxes one time. It held a special memory, but she shrugged it off. Besides, that was like 9 years ago. She has moved on, right?

She remembers the first year of her breakup with the guy who gave her that necklace. She remembered bawling every time she sees it that is why she requested one of her friends to hide it somewhere. Not throw it. For some reason, throwing it seems brutal or non-sense she does not know which is which. Seeing it during the cleanup did stop her heart for few seconds but no tears fell. No memories came flashing in. No pain. So, she must be ok. She just smiled and decided now she can wear the caged pearl. After giving it some cleaning, she decides to wear it to work.

She held it up and looked at the pearl inside the silver cage.

Allan. That was his name – the guy who gave her that necklace. It was one magical night – or so she felt. The stars were out. They were standing around the bonfire they just created. Laughing and joking around. It was her happiest moment.  After three failed relationships, finally she found the one she felt she could really settle down with. They met through a friend who brought him over for a short vacation and somehow, they just hit it off right away. He gets her. She gets him. Their conversations were beyond deep and they have trusted each other. Both Allan and her friend worked in a tourist cruise ship. While waiting for their next boarding assignment and papers Allan decided to stay with her friend. Let us name the friend, Rocky. Else, even I would get confused. Rocky and Allan will not be on board until the next four months.

Before leaving for their assignment, Allan gave her that necklace with a promise of coming back. Which he did anyway. Every time he comes back, they were sweeter than before and all that would make her secured and comfortable. Finally crossing the two-year mark which has been the shelf life of her previous relationships but this time surpassing two months more, she was certain they are heading somewhere. The last time they were talking face to face there were hints already that they were bound to settling down.   

Until that one time (of course there is that ‘until one time’) when he came back. She was excited but he seemed off. She thought maybe he was just tired or he was just stressing over something at work. Besides, there were rumors that the cruise line they were working under was starting to lay off some people. But during that time that Allan was telling her this, she did not spot any hint of stress or whatever. Allan seemed confident that he will not be part of them getting laid off. Maybe between that conversation and now they are talking face to face, a lot of things has happened and maybe Allan was affected, after all.

One night, they both decided to break it off. Somehow, Allan confessed that there was another girl in the same cruise ship – his colleague that he fell in love with. One thing led to another and the usual celebration of a good performance after hard practices, feeling lonely and filling in for the current partner, stuff happened. It really was not clear to her but that was what she understood. The rest was a blur but she remembers setting him free along with all the understanding she can muster.  

Last time she had the guts to ask Rocky news about Allan., she was told he already has his own family. Meanwhile, she worked her ass off until she puts up this business.

The silver cage reflected sunlight and she squinted as it hurt her eyes a bit. She let go of the necklace with a sigh and decided to get back to work She adjusted her cap and tightened her apron composing herself. She picked a rag and cleaned her name plate even though it is clean and shiny.

The bell chimed announcing another customer coming in. This one is a new customer. Roughly around nine (9) years old, seemed bubbly and has a cute smile on her face like she got away with something. They do not get many tourists in this area. The little girl went up to her and asked for a hot chocolate.  As she starts to fix up the drink, she decides to chat her up a bit.

“Hi, what is your name?”

“Frances.” The girl replied.

“Wow! We have the same name! How awesome is that?”, she said flashing her name plate towards the young girl, Frances.

“Frances, honey? You do not rush out like that while dad’s on the pho..  “ the dad, stops midsentence as he glances up to see who his daughter was talking to.

She looks up and everything seemed to start rolling in slow motion. The same eyes only older. He still wears that smile that melts her heart. She blinks. It is real. He is real. He is there.

 And then.. I blank out… hahaha. Yup got stuck there. What next? I do not know. If somehow you made it through the story, thank you!

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