F.I.S.H. – 3.11 Hidden Talents

Days and weeks turned into months, and things at the Pitts residence were as normal as they could be. River came by as often as he could, but of course it was never often enough for Melody. The children were still in the dark but stopped asking questions. Melody began jogging in the mornings after the kids went to school, and a couple of times a week she and Harmony went swimming together. Not only was it a great way for them both to get exercise, but also it was a great time to bond and talk about what’s going on in Harmony’s life. On Saturdays, Melody made sure to get everyone out of the house for fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity. She had finally begun to feel better about herself and not because she had lost 15 pounds, but because she was doing good things that felt good despite how depressing her life was. For the first time since she asked River to leave, she considered her own role in the separation. She always blamed him for not being around, but could she cast all the blame on him? She always waited until it was too late to express her true feelings, and when she did, fights ensued. That was not the proper way to do things, and she promised to stop hiding and speak up more often. Her first order of business was the make it known to River that she wanted him more involved in the family. She didn’t feel like she should need to do that, but things hadn’t turned out how she wanted so far, and something had to change. One Sunday afternoon, she invited him and her parents to go to the flea market with her and the kids. No one in the family had been to San Myshuno yet, so Melody decided to make it a family affair. And, of course, Stefan asked if it was ok if Olivia came too.

The children were more excited about the karaoke bar across the street than the actual flea market, so the family adventure began there. They hogged all the rooms and sang their little hearts out. They tried to pull Bianca in to sing, but she wasn’t having it. When they asked their mother, they were expecting the same answer and were surprised by her willingness. Stefan went to let everyone know their mother was up next and to come join. She tried to contest the large audience, but it was futile. Maurice turned the machine on for her and showed her how to select a song before he took his seat. They were both so excited about her participation.

She picked up the mic, and the music began to play. After a few bars, it was time to sing, and sing she did. They were caught off guard by her voice. None of them could sing, and judging from Bianca’s reaction, they imagined Pruetts weren’t singers either. Melody wasn’t an awesome singer, but she had a nice tone and could carry a tune. Any strangers listening wouldn’t think much of it, but this was a rare gift to the family.

River was proud. He never told her that he knew she could sing. She was a shower singer, and he almost always pressed his ear to the wall to listen to her. Seeing her willingly share this hidden talent was encouraging to him. He knew that the private things she had been struggling with were beginning to work themselves out.

Giancarlo came from the bar to listen too. He was shocked and never knew his daughter could sing. He walked right up next to her and watched her in puzzled amazement. That was the moment he learned his musical talents did get passed down, but not exactly in the way everyone expected.

“Riv,” he said, “you’ve been keeping all of this for yourself? You ungrateful brat!”

River laughed.

“Mel…you just fixed your problems,” Giancarlo said. “Just call him up and sing to him! He’ll be home in two seconds flat every time.”

“Dad…”

“Let me get out of here before she punches me.”

Everyone got up to leave, but the children pinned River in the corner. “Dad,” Maurice said, “you’re next, right?”

“Pleeeeeeease daddy!”

“HA! You kids are crazy!”

Meanwhile…

“You were great, Mel! I had no idea! Does Cadence sing too?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Bummer. Well, maybe one of your kids will find their voice one day seeing as how they’re not playing instruments.”

“Maybe.”

It was getting late, and Melody wanted to make sure they stopped by the flea market before it was time to go back home. She rounded everyone up, and they headed across the street.

“Grandma I have to peeee!”

Bianca took Harmony to the restroom while Giancarlo and the boys went to the concessions area. River was close by the flea market but not really interested.

“Looking for something?” the sales person said.

“Not really. Even if I were…these prices are just too high! I thought you’re supposed to get bargains at flea markets.”

“Look, lady. Buy something or scram.”

“Ok… You don’t have to be rude about it.” She gave her the stink eye.

As Melody was turning on her heels, the woman called her back. “Wait! I’m sorry. Look… I got a lot going on, ok? I’m just trying to take care of my family. You know what that’s like, right?”

Melody nodded and felt compassion for her. She would more than likely do the same thing if she were in her shoes. “I’ll take one of these lamps.”

The woman smiled. “I’ll give you 25% off…just don’t tell anyone, ok?”

After the transaction, the woman ran off to help someone else. Melody noticed River standing off by himself. They were in no way alone, but it had been a while since they had focused time together without the kids around. She had missed him so much.

She walked over to him. “Hey. You ok?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m good.” He flashed a smile.

It was strange. They had the same last name and a piece of paper that said they belonged to each other, yet they were standing before each other with awkward grins like two young people who were totally into each other but afraid to say.

“You, umm, you look good, Mel. I meant to tell you that last time I saw you.”

“Thanks. I’ve been jogging.” She almost felt embarrassed to tell him.

“That’s good to hear.”

It had been so long since she felt his strong arms wrapped around her torso and his mustache tickling her nose. She wanted him so bad.

He knew that look. Oddly enough, it was comforting. At least he knew she wasn’t trying to get used to living without him. “What’s on your mind, bae?”

She missed him calling her that. “I just…”

“I’ve missed you too,” he said.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“We’re still married, Mel. You can kiss me anytime you want,” he said as a matter of fact.

She still looked regretful.

“Look,” he grabbed her hands, “I know you have your reasons for not letting me come home, but what if you let me come back for a few days and see if you feel the same way? I don’t know how long I can keep doing this.”

She pulled away. “No.”

“No?” He was offended. “Why not?”

“I don’t want to confuse the kids! I mean, what if you come home and I want you to leave again? I don’t want the kids to see you moving in and out. They’re already confused enough as it is.”

“You haven’t told them anything? Mel! Who knows what they’re thinking. You gotta tell them something.”

“I know! I just don’t know what to say.”

He took a step back and looked her deep in her green eyes. “Do you even know why you threw me out anymore? Is there a reason I can’t live in my own house?”

“You haven’t changed, Riv! I thought if I made you leave you would try harder, but you’re not! You’re still missing! I haven’t decided if I can deal with that.”

“So…you want all of me or none of me? Is that even fair? What about the kids, Mel? What about what they need?”

She felt like crying. “It’s not like that, Riv. I just…I need to figure out how to make myself ok with the way things are.”

“So let me come home! Let me show you how things can be different.”

“Show me, and you can come home.”