by Brinda Berry
“Put it on me, Achilles.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I struggle with the clasp that seems to be made for elves’ fingers and fasten it around her neck.
“Ah, it’s beautiful,” Malerie says. She looks a little teary-eyed and a knot forms in my own throat.
Get a grip, man.
“Not as beautiful as you are.” I feel like an idiot after I say it, but I swear Mrs. Prata and Malerie are both smiling like they’ve won the lottery.
“Here’s the other one,” Malerie says and hands the remaining gift box across the table.
I turn to Mrs. P who smiles and nods at me. “Go on,” she says.
“Mal.” I take the small wrapped box. “I got you a little something, too.”
I notice her furrowed brow. “Just a small gift,” I say.
“Hurry,” Mrs. Prata says in a chiding voice.
“Oh, sorry.” I walk around the table and hand her the gift, a sprig of silver curling ribbon bobs on the top. “Mrs. Prata doesn’t know what it is. It’s killing her.”
“I feel kind of silly because it’s Mrs. P’s day.” Malerie purses her lips like she’s embarassed.
Mrs. Prata waves a dismissive hand. “We can share my day.”
Malerie tears the paper and removes another flat velvet box. The moment she opens the lid, I know she likes it.
“Oh,” she says. Her hand is a little shaky and the box vibrates.
“You like it?” I can’t help the question, but I know the answer.
She does.
Atop the blue velvet lining, the silver cuff bracelet gleams. A script runs around the middle of the wide band. Malerie carefully places the box on the table and removes the bracelet.
“Is that writing on the side?” Mrs. Prata asks. “Read it, please.”
“I give you my all, today and always. Love, Ace,” Malerie says.
It’s a Jelly Bean Queen lyric, a line I know she recognizes. I have two seconds before Malerie runs into my arms, right where she belongs.
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