Unavailable Love - Chapter 1
Charlotte is a girl with everything money could ask for, but struggles for a relationship with her very own mother. Marco is very close-minded to the money spectrum, believing rich people face no problems, while he tries to fight feelings with a rich girl with enough skeletons in her closet.
-Charlotte-
It was summer time, which for most teenagers meant going to the beach and hanging out with friends. For me, it was long plane rides, exotic places, and three months with my mother.
"L.A.?" I asked her looking at my plane ticket. "That's it?"
"Well, I have to work with multiple groups of editors there, so why not?" She fussed over a shirt on a model.
"Why not? Cause there's nothing special about L.A." I whine following her as she returned to her office.
"I think California's very fun." She said in her matter-of-fact way. I quickly come around to sit on her client chair, putting on my face.
"What about Paris, France? No, wait I have the perfect place, Denmark! It's beautiful this time of year." I try to push farther.
"It's settled, Charlotte. We are leaving for California in 12 hours. Go home and pack, I have work to do." She pushed her glasses back up her nose and examined the sketches in her hand.
That night I stuffed my Jimmy Choos and Chanel dresses into my Louis Vuitton suitcase, finally able to snap the latch shut. Not only was I disappointed to be stuck in the country, I wasn't looking forward to being ditched by my mother every day.
I impatiently tapped my foot as we stood in the line at security.
"Charlotte." Mother tries to scold me quietly. I knew by saying my name she meant for me to stop doing some annoying habit and straighten my posture. Reluctantly I followed the unspoken direction. Mother's calm composure was irritating. She gazed off into the distance with no purpose and no attempt to speak to me.
We faced a long flight ahead of us, looking down to the city below me, I quietly said goodbye to New York, not wishing to leave my birthplace. I tried to sleep but the chairs weren't that comfortable, even if we were in first class. Putting in my headphones I ignored all the distractions around me and focused on the music, trying not to think too much of the trip that lay ahead.
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-Marco-
"Marco! Don't forget your name tag!" Mama yelled from the kitchen. I came practically sprinting down the hallway.
"Gracias, Mama. I'll see you tonight!" I kiss her cheek before I'm out the door.
"Vamos!" Diego yelled from the driver's seat. I quickly slid into the car.
"Are you trying to make us late, man?" Felix complained fixing his hair with the reflection of the side mirror or the passenger's side.
"No, I couldn't find my shoes." I tell him while fixing my collar. We sped down the streets, whipping around corners. Diego's driving always made me carsick. We finally pulled into the employee parking lot, with are cards ready to check in for work. But, as we came up to the employee check in, our manager was waiting.
"Oh, if it isn't the three musketeers?" George grimly welcomed us. He always looked sad, however that may have to do with the fact he had a long face.
"How are you today, George?" Diego used his time card first. George just glared at Diego, who tried to use his charm every time we were in trouble.
"You guys have got to start getting here on time. I can only give you so many warnings. Next time, you're cut." He tells us before slowly walking away. We just watched him go.
"You know, if he meant that, we would have been fired last summer," Felix comment makes us all laugh. Working with my best friends, made the resort worth it. Diego got the job here first when they needed someone who was good at fixing things, so they hired a high school kid for the summer. I applied next, landing the job as a pool boy, cleaning, sweeping, and folding towels. I was also managing the poolside bar that had smoothies for sale. Felix was last, because he felt left out, not having a job at the resort, so he got hired as a waiter at any black tie events. They were an everyday thing here. Felix says it's always some kind of convention of rich people who get wasted at the lunch hours and dinner parties. Even though we work for stuck up rich white people, the pay is worth it.
"Hola, Marco." Irene, a maid who goes to our school walked past. She was gorgeous, the type of girl that makes you stop and stare, so that's what the three of us did. We looked like idiots.
"Hola," I smile, trying to be nice. Even though she was beautiful, Irene wasn't my type of girl.
"I seriously don't understand why you aren't with her, man." Felix says once she is out of sight.
"She's manipulative and has no heart." I explain to Felix, having to answer this question every time we see her.
"She can manipulate me any time she wants," Diego smiles, making us laugh before going to do our jobs for the afternoon.
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-Charlotte-
"This is it?" I stare at Palm Resort.
"This is it!" Mom tells me walking into the main building to check in. I just look around at all the Hispanic maids and palm trees that towered over me, even at my height. The trip just seemed to be getting worse and worse and it hadn't even been twenty-four hours. I sighed and followed my mother, not knowing yet how important this trip would be for me.
My mother was too focused on her phone to notice that the guy helping us with our bags was checking me out. I was disgusted. The elevator ride was especially awkward while he stared and I faced forward. Once we were in our suite, he gave me a wink before leaving. I shuddered, wanting to take a shower after the way he gawked at me.
"We'll I have to run," Mom slipped on her round sunglasses that made me face my own reflection.
"You're leaving already? We just got here." I can't say I was too surprised.
"I have a meeting at 2 and it's 1:55. I'll be back for dinner." She handed me a map of the resort. "Chow, Bella." She kissed my cheek before leaving with her Gucci bag in hand.
I collapsed on the bed. Now, what was I supposed to do? Picking up my phone I called my Father.
"Hey Bella," His voice cheerful on the other end.
"Hi Dad," I smile at the sound of New York in the background.
"How was your flight?" He was curious.
"It was alright. Pretty long, but we are here. I wish I was with you and Monica back home." I confess. Izzy claims we were replacing her when Dad and I bought a cat and named her Monica. She was practically a snowball and shed all over the couches, which drives Dad crazy.
"We miss you too, sweetheart. But, your summer will be very fun in California." He reassures me. "Have you spoken to Izzy yet today?"
"No, why?" I question. He told me it wasn't for any reason, just curiosity but I kept pushing. He finally told me.
"Call her. She has news for you." So that's what I did. After saying goodbye to Dad, I called my sister.
"Hello?"
"Spill." I tell her point blank.
"Oh! Hey Charlotte," I knew she was smiling through the phone.
"Don't 'Oh Hey Charlotte', me. Tell me whatever news you have." I corner her. She sighs from the other end, a habit she has when something makes her happy. I knew my sister like the back of my hand. I knew what irritated her and what different movements meant for her.
"I'm flying out to L.A to see you and Mother in a few weeks!" She finally gives in.
"I'm so happy, you're going to save me from this horrible place." Groaning she understands my pain.
"Just hang in there for a few weeks and I'll be there. Alright, Bella?" She begs of me. I just sigh, letting her know I will. Izzy was not only my sister but my best friend. But, now she's some big shot model in Milan. Even though there is a four-year gap between us, she claims I'm the older, more mature one. I disagree. We are mistaken for twins constantly. However, I cannot see the strong similarities they do. Yes, we were both tall and had long dark hair, but her skin was fair and flawless. I could never compare to her beauty, no matter how many people called me Bella. Since Mother spends most of her time in Italy and Izzy lives there, the name was given to me at a young age and just stuck.
Izzy got pulled away with work, leaving me to an empty hotel room all to myself and no one else to call. After a few long moments of staring around at the suit, covered in white leather furniture and abstract paintings displayed on the walls, I decide to explore the resort. I grabbed my sun hat and map before heading out.
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-Marco-
"You know how many lonely cougars hand me their room keys every day?" Felix bragged to Diego and me. They were on break, hanging out at my stand as I folded towels. He pulled three keys out of his pocket, "And it's only four in the afternoon. Imagine what it'll look like when I have to wait at that women' leadership dinner party tonight."
"See," Diego turns to face him, "How come you can get all these older women to want you, but you can't even get a girlfriend at our school?"
"No, Diego, he could get a girl at our school, he just isn't attracted to any of them." I interrupt.
"I am attracted to chicas of my own age, just not chicas from our school." Felix defended himself. Just then, a tall thin girl walked by wearing white jeans, black heals and a blue shirt with a large hat on. "Watch me work."
"Felix," Diego stopped him with a hand on his chest. "She's way out of your league, Amigo."
"Watch the maestro." Felix pushes his hand away. We watched as Felix approached the girl.
"You look lost, ma'am. Can I help you find anything?" He asked far too kindly. She turned for us to see her face.
Stunning.
She huffed, giving up on the map.
"What's there to do for fun around here?"
"Well, we have a large variety of dance lessons you could take, there is a nightclub for high school students, and a separate club for anyone older than 18 at night in the buildings just down this street here." He continued to give her a list.
"What about the pool?"
"Let me bring you over to my friend Marco." He put his hand on the small of her waist. Her reaction was quick, grabbing his hand, she twisted his arm slapping him across the face.
"Next time you see a lost girl, try to help her instead of using her as a pawn to show how manly you are to your friends."
Diego began laughing, but quickly held it in as she walked over to us. I was shocked to silence. Felix stood there holding his face in pain, unable to move anything.
"Can I get a water?" She smiled wickedly at me. I slid a bottle across the bar to her. She set the money on the counter. She turned to Diego, pulling her sunglasses down just enough to look over the top.
"You're right." She smirked with her bright red lips, "I am out of his league." With that she pulled her sunglasses back over her ocean blue eyes before turning around and leaving with the click of her heals behind her. We were frozen by her presence. Her spell on us ended when Diego finally spoke.
"I think I'm in love."
"No, you're not," Felix came back over, shaking his head.
"Why not?"
"Because I am." Felix and Diego continued to fight over who was amazed by her more. I just let my mind recall our whole interaction. Her red lips, ocean eyes, tall figure, it was all so luring.
She was going to get me in trouble.
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Unavailable Love - Chapter 2
Show me a good time. Comment please.
-Charlotte-
After spending a while roaming around the resort, I decided to sit by the pool. I flipped through the magazines I had purchased at the airport, but none of them appealed to me. I was just plain bored. Scanning the pool scene, there were few kids and groups of guys and girls, but none of them looked inviting or friendly. My eye caught the boy at the poolside stand, who I had bought water from earlier. So picking up my bag, I decide to strike a conversation with him.
"Hey," I approach the empty stand.
"Hi, how can I help you?" He smiled, obviously a tad nervous in my presence. He wasn't bad looking either. Hispanic, but his curly hair swooped in front of his brown eyes. He had a gorgeous smile that I could see him using to get extra tips from the older women. He was surprisingly tall, taller than me, at 5'10.
"What's your name?" I asked, leaning against the counter.
"Marco." He tells me. There was some kind of tension in the air, yet I couldn't figure out what it was yet.
"Well, Marco. You seem like the most mature out of your little group of friends, so tell me. What's there to do around here?" I ask smiling at my little game.
"Well, there's the club or the sports bar. They have pool and other games in there. We also have a spa, if you're interested." He gave me the same polished answer his friend gave earlier.
"Sounds boring." I sigh, leaning away from the counter.
"Have you ever been to L.A. before?" He asked me curiously flirting with me.
"Once, but I didn't find it that interesting." I shrugged.
"Let me and my friends show you around." He offers, "Well, that is unless you have family you're visiting with."
"My mother could care less about where I am." I jump at the chance he was dangling in front of me.
"Alright, I get off in fifteen, meet me by the back gate," Marco gives me a wink.
"See you then," I began to back away when he caught me again.
"Ay!" He called out, making me turn around. "What's your name, chica?"
"Charlotte." I answer.
"Charlotte, don't wear anything too nice," he warns me with a crooked smile before letting me go.
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-Marco-
"You invited her to hang out with us?!" Diego practically screamed as we waited for her. I kicked my sneakers against the cement. I stared at the rock I was kicking around.
"She wanted me to show her a good time, she said." I told them.
"Do you even know her name?" Felix put me in the hot seat.
"It's Charlotte."
"A gorgeous name for a gorgeous chica." Felix smiled. He was right, she was flawless. I almost choked when she approached me this afternoon. She wasn't my type though. She was a rich white girl with not a problem in the world that money couldn't fix.
"Here she comes," Diego hissed nodding in her direction.
"Hey, Marco!" She waved, as she walked down the alley. Wearing a purple studded leather jacket, jeans with high-top sneakers, she looked ready to face the streets.
"Hey, girl." Felix nodded at her. She shot him a glare. I introduced her to them before she asked, "So what's the plan?"
"Depends, how much of L.A. do you wanna see?" Diego stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets.
"Depends, how much of L.A. is there to see?" She raised an eyebrow, ready to challenge him.
"Chica, where we come from, the largest house is a three bedroom, the dogs purpose is to protect the house, and no one owns a pair of jeans that cost more than $25." Diego explained.
"I'm not an innocent porcelain doll. Let's go." She stays fierce, unfazed by his description of what we call home. Getting in the car, I open the door for her and she slid in. The car ride was long and quite with her there. She stared out the window, watching as the income in houses, went down as we got closer and closer to our side of town.
When Diego parked the car, we were at the playgrounds with an open field next to it. The crew was already waiting for us after Felix texted them, informing them we were attending the match.
"So, Charlotte," Diego catches her eyes in his rearview mirror. "Do you like soccer?"
"I've never played." She told us, making our jaws drop.
"Get ready for one badass game." Felix smirked, getting out of the car.
Walking up to the crew was the most awkward part of the evening. They stared at her as if she wasn't real.
"Who is she?" Irene draped herself around Alex, watching her competition.
"Charlotte." She spoke for herself.
"And what corner did you pick her off of, Diego?" She glared at Charlotte.
"Honey, I have more class than you." Charlotte looked unharmed, able to hold her own.
"Oh, you think so?" Irene, got off the picnic table, getting face to face with Charlotte.
"Sweetheart, I know so." Charlotte gave her a bittersweet smile. This threw Irene off, she shoved Charlotte's shoulders.
"Ven a mi chica," Irene started yelling at her in Spanish. Before Charlotte could hit back, I wrapped my arms around her and Alex did the same to Irene.
"Cool off, chicas!" Jose yelled, his voice booming over the field. They both stopped squirming in our arms. "Let's get this game started. Come on, boys." Alex and I let go of the girls, trusting them to behave. Felix, Diego, and I threw off our jackets wearing our white jerseys. I watched Charlotte as she took her place at the picnic table, as far away from Irene as she could. Crossing her legs and straightening her posture, she looked so out of place, which made me chuckle.
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-Charlotte-
My introduction to Marco's group of friends didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. But I wasn't going to back down to her level. I kept my head high, and took my seat next to a small girl with dark curls that looked unable to be tamed with a hair brush.
"Hi, I'm Dia." She beamed at me.
"Charlotte," I hesitate, but return to smile.
"I hope you don't mind me saying, but you are beautiful." She complemented. Slightly taken back, I thank her for her nice comment. "Have you ever been to one of these soccer games?"
"No, not at all." I tell her, watching the boys as they prepare to play.
"Do you get sick at the sight of blood?" She asked the peculiar question.
"No?" I give her a puzzled expression.
"Good." She sighed. Unsure of what she meant, I turned to watch the game. It was nice to know I had made a friend.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 3
Interesting enough for you?
-Charlotte-
I soon found out what Dia meant when she asked me if I got sick at the sight of blood. The boys were lethal. Slamming into each other, shoving shoulders, kicking shins. But, it all didn't matter, because these guys were all good friends, it was nothing personal if you punched someone in the face.
I bit my nail and tapped my foot between goals. Whenever Marco's team gained a point, Dia and I would stand up and cheer. We popped open some drinks.
"You've never had a beer?" She looks up at me, astonished.
"Campaign and wine is all I've ever had." I tell her honestly.
"Well cheers," she hit her glass against mine before taking a drink. I hesitate before quickly taking a large swallow. I squeeze my eyes shut to the nasty taste.
"Ew!" I make a face.
"A few more drinks and it will taste fine, trust me." She says, turning back to the game as if she were a professional at all things alcohol related.
As the game resumed, shirts started flying to the sidelines. I couldn't blame them either, even though it was dark at this point, it was still very humid and I could imagine how warm it was if you were running around on the field. However, it was a weird feeling I got suddenly. I barely knew these three boys and they pulled off their shirts with no hesitation, but that wasn't the weird part. The weird part was the fact I was admiring them all, especially Marco. They were not bad looking... at all. Obviously built soccer players with six packs.
The game ended and the boys won. Their ego just got bigger with them gaining the extra point right before it was over. Felix ran around the field in happiness, making Dia and me laugh.
"I better go settle him down." She laughs, pushing away from the bench. Marco came to take her place.
"Interesting enough for you?" He was out of breath and sitting too close. I nodded right when I noticed his cheek was bleeding.
"Oh, your cheek." I inform him. He touches it examining the blood on his fingers and shrugs. I put up a finger before retreating to the first aid kit that was at hand. Picking up some bandages and alcohol I return to him. I carefully place the stinging ointment on the scrape, he winces but recovers when it settles in.
"Gracias," he said, smiling.
"It's not a problem," I shrug letting the corners of my lips turn up at the gratitude.
"So, it was fun for you?" He asks again.
"Yes, thanks for letting me tag along. I know it's probably really weird to let a stranger hang out with you and your friends." I tell, a bit embarrassed.
"It was fun having you here." He nodded.
"Okay, we have to work early in the morning, so let's get Charlotte back to the resort."
Diego came to pat Marco on the back, letting him know we had to leave. The ride back to the hotel was a lot more talkative than the ride to the game. Excitement over the game still pumped through all of us. When they dropped me off at the back gate, I thanked them all.
"Any time," Diego smiled.
"See you tomorrow." I stepped away from the car as they said their last goodbyes, driving away. However, watching them, I saw Marco turn around and watch me out of the back window. Making my way up to the hotel, I expected Mother to be there waiting with a lecture about how I'm not responsible, when the rolls are actually switched.
Opening the hotel room, I found it pitch dark and no sign of Mother's presence since we checked in. Crawling into my bed, I noted the time was 1:30 AM.
No one had meetings till 1:30 in the morning.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 4
Behind their lives.
-Charlotte-
The sound of our forks scraping against our plates was the only thing shared between Mother and I during morning breakfast.
"So what time did you go to bed?" She asked, trying to fill the silence.
"Early," I shrug.
"Please sit up straighter, Charlotte. Good women practice good posture," she complains. I do as I am told and keep my eyes on my plate, playing with a grape that didn't want to be caught under the sharp point of my fork.
"How was your meetings yesterday?" I test her for the truth.
"Fine." She cuts my conversation dry. The breeze felt so good against my shoulders as we sat on the balcony. Looking out over the resort, I see a familiar car pull up to the back entrance. Three boys jump out and disappear into a building. I smile to myself, remembering last night.
"Well," Mother stands up, straightening her Calvin Klein black dress, "I'm off to work. I'll see you for supper, Bella."
"Goodbye." I tell her as she grabs her clutch and starts fidgeting on her iPhone as she walks out without another word. As soon as she is out of the room, I get up to prepare for a day poolside.
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-Marco-
"Have a nice day, ma'am." I tell a woman who just purchased a soda. I've been eying Charlotte all afternoon as she laid out on a chair, tanning herself under the L.A sun.
"Amigo!" Diego calls as he approaches the stand. I hand him a water to cool him off from the heat. "I'm getting off early. You only got 10 minutes, si?"
"Si." I nod.
"You coming to the bonfire with us?" He asks.
"No thanks, I'm just going to hang out with Ray tonight." I tell him.
"Alright, Amigo. Tell him hola for us. I'm going to get Felix. Adios," Diego left me standing in the booth by myself. Charlotte came up next with her long dark hair blowing in the wind.
"Any exciting adventures tonight?" She asked curiously cocking her head to the side.
"Don't you have your mama, chica?" I question.
"Yes," She nods, "But, she's busy. Maybe we could go to the beach or something?" She seems too eager to hang around me.
"Sorry, Charlotte but I can't hang out tonight." I tell her and watch her face faintly fall. "I need to be with my family."
"I understand." She shrugs, but I can tell she is wounded. I hated to turn her down, but Ray needed me and I wasn't going to ditch him.
"Another night, I promise." I tell her. She nods and turns away,
"I'll see you later," Grabbing her bag that probably coast more than what I get in a year, she walked away towards the hotel rooms.
Clocking out, I grabbed my backpack, double checking I had everything I needed in it before heading downtown. When the cab stopped, I paid him and entered the building I knew too well.
"Hey Marco," Nurse Shelly smiled at me. "Ray has been excited all day for his older brother to come see him tonight. Any big plans?" She asks as I check-in.
"I brought his favorite movie and some chocolates, but don't ruin the surprise." I tell her playfully. She just chuckled a bit, making her gray curls bounce. She handed me my visitors badge and I walked down the hospital halls till I made it to room 315. Knocking on the already open door, I see Ray sitting on the floor with his tubes, all hooked up to his machine. He pushed little trucks against the hard floors.
"MARCO!" He screamed giving me a toothy smile. I came and hugged him, picking him off the cold ground. His arms wrapped around me. I brought him to the bed, setting him down.
"Guess what I brought?" I asked, unzipping my backpack.
"What?!" My eager 6 year-old brother jumped up and down. I pulled out Robin Hood and the chocolates. He looks shocked and I tell him, "Sit back and relax, chico." I pushed the tape into the VCR, letting the movie pop up onto his TV. I settle in beside him in the hospital bed. I put an arm around him, and watch as he is so easily amused with the cartoon, slipping the candies into his mouth.
I wouldn't give up time with Ray for anything. Even the prettiest girl in the world.
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-Charlotte-
I kept thinking about what Marco must be doing right now. My mother surprised me this afternoon by actually showing up in time for dinner. She told me she wanted to spend quality time together, so we went out to eat at the Red Line, a five-star restaurant in downtown L.A.. As I picked at my pasta, Mother's face seemed cold and distant. I wanted to ask her how her day was but I knew I'd get the same one word answer I always get. I chose a different approach,
"I talked to Izzy yesterday," I tell her in a happy tone.
"Really? What did she say?" Even her words seemed hallow.
"She's really excited to come see us in a few weeks." I take a drink from the glass of water.
"I bet," Mother nods. That was it. I yearned for her to talk to me, about anything. I wanted to tell her about last night and about how much fun I had with Marco.
I Shake the silly thoughts from my head.
That will never happen.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 5
I believe in hope.
-Charlotte-
The bass made my skin vibrate every time it hit. The warm bodies packed so tightly together in the club as we slipped our way through. Marco was leading the pack while I was right behind him. Felix, Diego, and Dia followed. I'd never been to a club before but I felt high just being under the roof. Felix quickly grabbed Dia when we were far enough in to dance with her. I just stood there for a second, not wanting this adrenaline to leave my bones.
"You're going to dance, chica?" Marco said over the music. I just smile at him, taking on his challenge. The night continued in a blur. I draped my arm over Marco's shoulder as we shared secrets on the dance floor all night long. It didn't take Diego very long to find a girl to flirt with at the bar. Felix and Dia ended up spending most of their time by themselves, as if the world revolved around them.
"Does this beat Mozart and caviar?" Marco whispered in my ear at one point.
I froze.
My thoughts shot to Mother, Izzy and Father. The look on Mother's face if she knew who I was with and what I was doing right now. That is if she ever stopped having one-night stands with random guys. Izzy's advice she might give if she answered any of my calls. Then there was Dad, if I could talk to him without breaking down into tears because I missed him so much.
I didn't realize that Marco's arms had gotten tighter and his eyes were examining my face cautiously.
"You're alright?" His words nervous and soft.
"Yeah, just thought about something that's all," I shrug.
"Why don't we go to the beach," He smiled making me nod. Gathering the gang, we headed out, piling into the car. With all the windows rolled down, Dia and I let our hands run through the blowing wind as we drove down the coast. We found a deserted part of the beach, sprinting through the sand.
"Come on chica?" Diego challenged as they stood waist deep in the sea that was dark and unpredictable. I shook my head.
"Scared of getting your million dollar dress dirty?" Felix, pulled Dia deeper into the ocean with him.
"Come on, Charlotte!" She yelled at me. Kicking off my shoes, I followed them into the freezing water. Jumping into Marco's arms that awaited me. I laughed as the ice-cold waters surprised me, making Marco amused.
"Ready?" He asked.
"For what?" I tilt my head to the side. He doesn't reply but pulls me into the water with him summering my body with piercing ice. I gasp for air, breaking the surface as the guys chuckle at my reaction. Splashing around, I was unable to keep myself stable.
"Where's Marco?" I breathe heavily, searching the dark waters surrounding me.
"I don't know?" Dia turns, voice turns serious as I could not see her face, only the silhouette of her attached to Felix, by holding his arm. Hyperventilation came to me quickly as I thought of the horrible things that could happen in the ocean.
"Bah!" Marco tackled me back into the water, approaching me from behind. When I finally came up for air, everyone was laughing, even Marco who ran his fingers through his hair.
"Hardy har har, so funny. Let's scare the white girl." I roll my eyes. When I started walking out of the water, Marco followed.
"We're only joking." He explained.
"I know," I smiled, letting him know we were all good. He noticed my shivering arms and ran to grab his coat that was still warm and dry.
"Here," he placed it on my shoulders. I thank him and take a seat on the warm sand where he followed. "Lay down." He commanded, my palms grew sweaty and nervous.
"Excuse me?"
"Just do it." He told me, laying down and looking up at me. So I let my head hit the soft sand and gaze upward. Stars consumed the sky, like someone blew small pieces of glass all over a black blanket. I smile, knowing he respects the little things in life.
"My dad used to take me out to the beach and let me watch the skies. He saved up a bunch of money and bought a telescope, setting it up for me and my siblings to go stargazing." Marco sighs. "It's weird to think it goes on forever, that the sun is just over the horizon and these are the same stars that they see in India, Egypt and the United Kingdom. Yet, they are so far away."
"Do you want to be a part of NASA or something when you grow up?" I ask him, watching him as if he were a kid in a candy store.
"Nah, that was just a fun hobby." He shrugs, however now I'm curious.
"Marco?" I sit up.
"Yeah?" His eyes twinkle in the moonlight.
"What do you want to be when you're older?" I let my elbow hold my weight as my hand rests on my chin.
"A doctor." His answer surprises me.
"And why is that?"
"I believe in hope," his eyes gloss over as if he's thinking of something else, so I left it at that.
However the answer echoes in the back of my head.
I believe in hope.
I believe in hope.
I believe in hope.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 6
"You're... Channel on a Sunday afternoon." - Dia.
-Charlotte-
It seemed that time was flying all of sudden, however at the same time, it felt as if it could stop. My mother's late night meetings would allow me escape to see Diego, Felix, Dia, and Marco. We would go all about the town, normally ending up at places my mother would frown upon. However, I didn't care. Being with Marco allowed me to snap to a different reality. It's like time would stop in these exact specific moments that made everything else seem so small.
Tonight we walked the streets of L.A when Dia pointed out a place to eat.
"Why not?" Diego shrugged, leading us in. It was obviously a grill and bar. However the specialty was Karaoke. When I saw the obvious banner hanging above the stage, I quickly turned around.
"Why don't we try somewhere else?" Felix laughed.
"You're actually afraid of a little singing? Come on, Char." He took my shoulders, turning me around and guiding me to a table right up front, sitting me down for the show.
"You're gonna sing for us chica?" Marco smiles, taking the seat next to mine, making sure our knees touched.
"Question is... are you going to sing for me?" I put up a brave wall, testing his limits. This was one of those moments, however he noticed and moved away, turning his attention to the stage where a middle-aged women was singing a country love song completely off pitch. It took me by surprise, the last few days he's been with drawling and it makes me curious.
After watching for a while, cheering on some of the clearly drunk participants, the boys go to get drinks.
"What's wrong?" Dia notices my falling face.
"Has Marco said anything about me?" I ask, almost pleading her. "It's just, I thought he might be into me but he's been... distant, lately. Like, he's ignoring me in a way."
"He does like you." She assures me, smiling.
"Then, why doesn't he make a move?" I lean across the table, hanging on to every word she says.
"He's just nervous he will overstep the boundary." She tells me simply. I slump back into my seat.
"What does that me? There is no boundary!" I sigh, giving up.
"Yes there is." She goes into explaining. "We love hanging out with you, you're almost one of us. But, at the same time you aren't. You're... Channel on a Sunday afternoon. Bottom line is, he feels as if he isn't worthy of you."
"That's so silly though. I don't think of it that way at all!" I explain.
"Then you need to give him the green light. Let him know that it's okay."
"And how do you suppose I do that?" I beg for more information.
"Do what?" Diego returns with the other guys. Marco places my drink in front of me. When I turned to smile at him, he isn't even looking at me.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing." I say firmly, capturing everyone's attention, except his.
I am fed up.
"Anyone else want to come and sing a song?" The host of the karaoke called through the microphone. I stand, walking up the stage, my heals click against the wood. I whisper in his ear. His reply was.
"Sounds great! Give it up for our next participant; Charlotte!" He hands me the microphone and runs to start the music and all my friends are staring in awe, except Marco, whose eyes were in another direction. Suddenly a wave of nerves rush over, but my anger reins them in.
I begin to sing "This Kiss" by Carly Rae Jepsen. I don't have to read the words on the projector in front of me, I just kept staring at the one person in the room I was trying to impress. While I sang, he slowly let his gaze retreat to me, but I knew it was through curiosity. When he finally noticed that my gaze was fixed on him, I prayed he understood the message.
When the song was finally over, I was still concentrated on Marco, so when the thunderous applaud hit, I was taken back. Handing over the microphone, I return to my friends, sitting back in my seat, not making a big deal out of it.
"That was incredible!" Dia complements.
"That was really good Charlotte." Felix was amazed. I thanked them. Even though I felt Marco's eyes on me, I didn't turn to meet them. I made my feelings very clear.
When we finished eating, we decided to walk for a while. So, as we did, Marco made a point of making me stay back with him as the others joked around a couple of yards ahead of us.
"You were phenomenal tonight." He murmurs, trying to make it a big deal.
"Thank you. Did you like the song choice?" I try to push. He shrugged. I abruptly stop, surprising him.
"Marco, decide what you want, because I'm getting sick and tired of waiting around for you to make up your mind-" When his lips suddenly found mine, I stopped my quick talking. He didn't give me any time to react because he pulled away just as suddenly as he kissed me.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. That was crossing the line." He quickly steps away.
"There are no lines." I step forward, finishing what he started.
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Unavailable Love - Chapter 7
Focus.
-Marco-
The sun wasn't even up when Felix, Diego, and I got to work. There was a mandatory staff meeting before we were sent to do our jobs, because someone was coming to inspect the resort sometime this week. When the meeting was dismissed, Irene stopped me, pulling me into one of the maids closets nearby. Her moves were so quick, no one noticed her kidnapping me. Not even the guys.
"I hear you've been out with that white chica." She pushes her hand against my chest, too seductively, but it was intimidating.
"Si," I wasn't afraid to answer.
Irene let's go of a temporary laugh, "And why would that be?"
"Because I like her," I tell Irene forcefully, hoping she would get the point and back off. However, her red lips turned up in amusement.
"Do you forget last summer so easily, muchacho?" She looks down to make the effect of her eyes more magical.
Of course I couldn't forget last summer. I fell head over heals for Irene. We always mingled in the same friend group, but we ended hooking up at a party and started hanging out. The more time I spent with her, the more I fell for her. She held back though, always causing me to beg for more. She was my first. But, then school started and Ray got diagnosed. Whenever I tried to talk to her about Ray, she would get bored and complain about how I never gave her attention anymore.
"You do," She whispered only an inch away from my face. "I know you do."
"Just because I do, doesn't mean I care. You played me and I'm done with girls like you," I keep my poker face on. Giving up, she backs away slightly, just enough to give me room to breathe again.
"You know, Marco." She gives a sigh. "She and I are a lot alike."
"That's not true." I roll my eyes, thinking of her in that moment.
"Really, it's true. I might not be some stuck up rich girl, but just like me, she knows how to play with boys. You are just too blind to see it. Wait for it, Marco. She will be your downfall." Irene tells me before exiting the closet, leaving me all alone to consider what she said. Her words lingering in the air.
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-Charlotte-
I flipped through the VOGUE magazine, reading over my sisters interview and observing her stunning pictures, when Mother finally exited her bedroom.
"Morning!" I greet her, far too happy to punish mother for her late nights.
"SHHHH." Mother put up her hand, squinting her eyes to the light. "You are far to loud for this early hour."
Checking the clock, I realize it was only nine in the morning.
"Mom, it's only nine." I notify her.
Rubbing her forehead she mumbled to herself. "Where is the aspirin?" She was fumbling through her purse.
"Did you read Izzy's article in Vogue?" I try and change the topic in a hushed tone.
"No." Mother snapped. "I'll skim it later." She dismisses the subject, heading for the door. "I'm going to work."
"Have a good-" SLAM "-day." I finish more to myself, now that she was gone. I waited a little before exiting the room as well, to meet my dirty little secret. Practically skipping up to the poolside snack bar, I'm far too giddy after what happened last night. Marco was bent behind the bar, unable to see me. I knock on the counter causing him to surface.
"Good Morning!" I smile, far to happy.
"Hi." He says, a little reserved, but I didn't think much of it.
"So, I know that you have a break in a little bit and I was thinking that you could come and visit me up in the suite." I set the spare key down on the counter." I tell him.
"Charlotte-" He starts.
"I know it's a little dangerous but I think it'll be fun." I ignore him.
"Charlotte-" He tries again.
"Don't worry about my mother, she's at work." I explain.
"Charlotte!" He grabs my hands. I look up at him, stunned.
"What!" I reply with just as much alarm. He sighs, releasing tension between us.
"Never mind," he shakes his head.
"Alright! I will see you in a little bit." I beam, leaving the key with him, before heading back up to the suite.
Maybe I was coming on a little strong. I wasn't meaning we had to do anything serious, but the kiss last night was unavoidable and I needed to get another one before I burst. I prepared myself for his arrival, straightening the pillows on the couch and fixing my hair and makeup. When I heard the door snap open, I suddenly became nervous, however I got up and met him in the doorway. He was only halfway in the door.
Pulling him in and pushing the door shut I say, "We don't want anyone to catch us." I laugh playfully. He stood there like a stone but I couldn't take it anymore. Quickly throwing my arms around him, I kiss him, much like last night but I was not as nervous anymore.
His arms hesitated before he gave in and held me. I tried to forget about my prick of a Mother, I tried to forget the success of my sister, and I tried to forget about how much I miss my father. I did focus on the boy who sent electricity through my bones. Backing up, I lightly guided us my bedroom, not letting us part for a second. When the door clicked behind me, he pushed me away. I gave him a puzzled expression, before trying to kiss him again, but his hands roughly grabbed my hips.
"Please don't." He said between breaths. We both were breathing pretty hard at this point. We both look away, knowing it was a buzz kill.
"You don't like me." I realize, looking to the side at a lamp. Trying to think about anything but rejection at the moment.
"No, Charlotte," his hands were still on my hips. "That is not it at all."
"I mean, I know I came on a little strong and I didn't mean to push anything, but I couldn't ignore last night." I try to say, but I was practically talking to the lamp.
"I don't think this is an option for us right now," he explains.
"What does that mean," I couldn't believe what he was saying. That's when I realize I still had my hands pressed against his chest, letting the tips of them trace a button.
"I don't know if us being together is an option for us," Marco's words felt like stabs. Us, the word that no one used that included me.
"I don't know if I can believe you," I finally get the courage to look up at him, our lips only a small distance away. His eyes were in a trance as if I put a spell on him with just one glance.
"I don't know if I can either." He whispers before kissing me again. It was as if the awkward moment melted and was long forgotten.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 8
Somebody comes to town.
-Charlotte-
I was a good girl. No worries.
However, it was a kill joy when Marco had to return to work. So my lonely day continued, I was just about to leave for the spa when there was a knock on the door. Puzzled, I didn't recall requesting any room service. Opening the door, I was just about to explain I didn't order anything when I found my sister stand there.
"IZZY!" I screamed.
"BELLA!" She returned the greeting, throwing her arms around me. I embraced her back, not letting go of one person that I have always called home.
"Come, bring in your bags to my room." I insist, letting her in along with the man pushing the cart full of Louis Vuitton suitcases. We gave the man a tip, before he let himself out. "I am so glad you're here." I sighed, "But, I thought you weren't coming till tomorrow!"
"I told my manager they could find another girl for the fashion show tonight and caught a red-eye flight here." She sighed, gracefully sitting on my bed. Pushing back her dark curls she acted as though the whole situation was so simple.
"So, they just let you come?" I dig deeper for answers. Tiffany, Izzy's manager is kind of a strict parent. I couldn't imagine Tiffany just letting Izzy jump on a plane to L.A dropping everything.
"Well, after I explained that I needed some R and R." Much like me, my sister didn't like to confess her real feelings, even when she was talking to me. However, I could see through the wall she put up.
"Izzy, what's really happening? I haven't heard from you for two weeks now and all the sudden you show up early?" I sat next to her, reaching for her hand so she would address me. When she finally looked up at me, I didn't see a 22-year-old model at her peak of fame, I saw my sister and best friend. I saw her flawed and hurting. I believe that a sister bond goes deeper than just matching parents. If she laughed, I laughed. If she cried, I cried. This was one of those times.
"I've been struggling with a lot lately, Bella." She let me see the cracks in her self-confidence. "I'm always on planes or at a photo shoot or walking a runway. I spend more time talking to my manager than all of my family combined. I can't remember the last time I went out and actually had fun. All the other girls get to go out for drinks and to parties sometimes but Tiffany always tells me I have a flight to make or need to get to bed before waking up early the next day for hair and makeup. Plus, It doesn't help when every time I try to leave the hotels, press surround me, snapping pictures and jokingly asking me why I don't have a social life."
"Did Tiffany really just let you come here?" I ask again.
"No... I just kind of left," she confesses.
"Izzy, people are relying on you for that fashion show tonight. You should at least have the decency to call Tiffany and get her to find you a replacement." I played a real mom for the time being, knowing Izzy needed some guidance.
"You're right. Tiffany doesn't deserve that. She has already called me thirty-seven times since I left." She rolled her eyes.
"You can't blame her. If your client went MIA, would you flip too?"
"Yeah. I just, needed to be with family." She looked at me as if I'm the only one that could save her from this hell.
"Well, Mother is very "family-like" at the time being, however I am fully available." I smiled patting her hand.
"Thank you, Char. I don't know what I would do without you," she hugged me.
"Now, go call Tiffany." I instructed her. Handing her the iPhone that she set down on the bed. Smiling at me, she left the room to make the call. I sighed leaning back, remembering Izzy and I's childhood.
Discussions like this happened all the time, Izzy and I raising each other, taking turns playing Mom, since ours weren't around much and there were some topics we just couldn't talk about with Dad. Stuff like boys, gossip, and periods. Night spent staying up, crying over broken hearts or laughing over funny and awkward moments.
However, I was always a bit envious of Izzy. Since we were tiny, she was beautiful and when we were in high school, she had a plan with her life and successfully lived it out. Now, she is the number one super model in the world. Then, here I am, not having an idea of what I want to do. I just finished my senior year of high school and got accepted into most of the Ivy league colleges, yet I have no clue what I want to do. Even Marco knows what he is going to do with his life. Some of my peers have questioned why I don't just live off of Mother's money and dine in the spotlight of my sister. But, not once have I considered that as an option. I'd never use my family for success. I just needed something to get passionate about.
"I talked to her," Izzy returned, lying down with me.
"And?" I pushed.
"She was upset at first," she said just as I had suspected. "However, once I talked it out with her, she understood. She said that she would clear my meetings for the week so I could stay and rest with you."
"I'm glad you're staying." I smiled, not having to be anyone else when I was around my sister.
"Me too." She beamed back. "Now, show me what you do for fun around here."
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Charlotte is a girl with everything money could ask for, but struggles for a relationship with her very own mother. Marco is very close-minded to the money spectrum, believing rich people face no problems, while he tries to fight feelings with a rich girl with enough skeletons in her closet.
-Charlotte-
It was summer time, which for most teenagers meant going to the beach and hanging out with friends. For me, it was long plane rides, exotic places, and three months with my mother.
"L.A.?" I asked her looking at my plane ticket. "That's it?"
"Well, I have to work with multiple groups of editors there, so why not?" She fussed over a shirt on a model.
"Why not? Cause there's nothing special about L.A." I whine following her as she returned to her office.
"I think California's very fun." She said in her matter-of-fact way. I quickly come around to sit on her client chair, putting on my face.
"What about Paris, France? No, wait I have the perfect place, Denmark! It's beautiful this time of year." I try to push farther.
"It's settled, Charlotte. We are leaving for California in 12 hours. Go home and pack, I have work to do." She pushed her glasses back up her nose and examined the sketches in her hand.
That night I stuffed my Jimmy Choos and Chanel dresses into my Louis Vuitton suitcase, finally able to snap the latch shut. Not only was I disappointed to be stuck in the country, I wasn't looking forward to being ditched by my mother every day.
I impatiently tapped my foot as we stood in the line at security.
"Charlotte." Mother tries to scold me quietly. I knew by saying my name she meant for me to stop doing some annoying habit and straighten my posture. Reluctantly I followed the unspoken direction. Mother's calm composure was irritating. She gazed off into the distance with no purpose and no attempt to speak to me.
We faced a long flight ahead of us, looking down to the city below me, I quietly said goodbye to New York, not wishing to leave my birthplace. I tried to sleep but the chairs weren't that comfortable, even if we were in first class. Putting in my headphones I ignored all the distractions around me and focused on the music, trying not to think too much of the trip that lay ahead.
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-Marco-
"Marco! Don't forget your name tag!" Mama yelled from the kitchen. I came practically sprinting down the hallway.
"Gracias, Mama. I'll see you tonight!" I kiss her cheek before I'm out the door.
"Vamos!" Diego yelled from the driver's seat. I quickly slid into the car.
"Are you trying to make us late, man?" Felix complained fixing his hair with the reflection of the side mirror or the passenger's side.
"No, I couldn't find my shoes." I tell him while fixing my collar. We sped down the streets, whipping around corners. Diego's driving always made me carsick. We finally pulled into the employee parking lot, with are cards ready to check in for work. But, as we came up to the employee check in, our manager was waiting.
"Oh, if it isn't the three musketeers?" George grimly welcomed us. He always looked sad, however that may have to do with the fact he had a long face.
"How are you today, George?" Diego used his time card first. George just glared at Diego, who tried to use his charm every time we were in trouble.
"You guys have got to start getting here on time. I can only give you so many warnings. Next time, you're cut." He tells us before slowly walking away. We just watched him go.
"You know, if he meant that, we would have been fired last summer," Felix comment makes us all laugh. Working with my best friends, made the resort worth it. Diego got the job here first when they needed someone who was good at fixing things, so they hired a high school kid for the summer. I applied next, landing the job as a pool boy, cleaning, sweeping, and folding towels. I was also managing the poolside bar that had smoothies for sale. Felix was last, because he felt left out, not having a job at the resort, so he got hired as a waiter at any black tie events. They were an everyday thing here. Felix says it's always some kind of convention of rich people who get wasted at the lunch hours and dinner parties. Even though we work for stuck up rich white people, the pay is worth it.
"Hola, Marco." Irene, a maid who goes to our school walked past. She was gorgeous, the type of girl that makes you stop and stare, so that's what the three of us did. We looked like idiots.
"Hola," I smile, trying to be nice. Even though she was beautiful, Irene wasn't my type of girl.
"I seriously don't understand why you aren't with her, man." Felix says once she is out of sight.
"She's manipulative and has no heart." I explain to Felix, having to answer this question every time we see her.
"She can manipulate me any time she wants," Diego smiles, making us laugh before going to do our jobs for the afternoon.
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-Charlotte-
"This is it?" I stare at Palm Resort.
"This is it!" Mom tells me walking into the main building to check in. I just look around at all the Hispanic maids and palm trees that towered over me, even at my height. The trip just seemed to be getting worse and worse and it hadn't even been twenty-four hours. I sighed and followed my mother, not knowing yet how important this trip would be for me.
My mother was too focused on her phone to notice that the guy helping us with our bags was checking me out. I was disgusted. The elevator ride was especially awkward while he stared and I faced forward. Once we were in our suite, he gave me a wink before leaving. I shuddered, wanting to take a shower after the way he gawked at me.
"We'll I have to run," Mom slipped on her round sunglasses that made me face my own reflection.
"You're leaving already? We just got here." I can't say I was too surprised.
"I have a meeting at 2 and it's 1:55. I'll be back for dinner." She handed me a map of the resort. "Chow, Bella." She kissed my cheek before leaving with her Gucci bag in hand.
I collapsed on the bed. Now, what was I supposed to do? Picking up my phone I called my Father.
"Hey Bella," His voice cheerful on the other end.
"Hi Dad," I smile at the sound of New York in the background.
"How was your flight?" He was curious.
"It was alright. Pretty long, but we are here. I wish I was with you and Monica back home." I confess. Izzy claims we were replacing her when Dad and I bought a cat and named her Monica. She was practically a snowball and shed all over the couches, which drives Dad crazy.
"We miss you too, sweetheart. But, your summer will be very fun in California." He reassures me. "Have you spoken to Izzy yet today?"
"No, why?" I question. He told me it wasn't for any reason, just curiosity but I kept pushing. He finally told me.
"Call her. She has news for you." So that's what I did. After saying goodbye to Dad, I called my sister.
"Hello?"
"Spill." I tell her point blank.
"Oh! Hey Charlotte," I knew she was smiling through the phone.
"Don't 'Oh Hey Charlotte', me. Tell me whatever news you have." I corner her. She sighs from the other end, a habit she has when something makes her happy. I knew my sister like the back of my hand. I knew what irritated her and what different movements meant for her.
"I'm flying out to L.A to see you and Mother in a few weeks!" She finally gives in.
"I'm so happy, you're going to save me from this horrible place." Groaning she understands my pain.
"Just hang in there for a few weeks and I'll be there. Alright, Bella?" She begs of me. I just sigh, letting her know I will. Izzy was not only my sister but my best friend. But, now she's some big shot model in Milan. Even though there is a four-year gap between us, she claims I'm the older, more mature one. I disagree. We are mistaken for twins constantly. However, I cannot see the strong similarities they do. Yes, we were both tall and had long dark hair, but her skin was fair and flawless. I could never compare to her beauty, no matter how many people called me Bella. Since Mother spends most of her time in Italy and Izzy lives there, the name was given to me at a young age and just stuck.
Izzy got pulled away with work, leaving me to an empty hotel room all to myself and no one else to call. After a few long moments of staring around at the suit, covered in white leather furniture and abstract paintings displayed on the walls, I decide to explore the resort. I grabbed my sun hat and map before heading out.
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-Marco-
"You know how many lonely cougars hand me their room keys every day?" Felix bragged to Diego and me. They were on break, hanging out at my stand as I folded towels. He pulled three keys out of his pocket, "And it's only four in the afternoon. Imagine what it'll look like when I have to wait at that women' leadership dinner party tonight."
"See," Diego turns to face him, "How come you can get all these older women to want you, but you can't even get a girlfriend at our school?"
"No, Diego, he could get a girl at our school, he just isn't attracted to any of them." I interrupt.
"I am attracted to chicas of my own age, just not chicas from our school." Felix defended himself. Just then, a tall thin girl walked by wearing white jeans, black heals and a blue shirt with a large hat on. "Watch me work."
"Felix," Diego stopped him with a hand on his chest. "She's way out of your league, Amigo."
"Watch the maestro." Felix pushes his hand away. We watched as Felix approached the girl.
"You look lost, ma'am. Can I help you find anything?" He asked far too kindly. She turned for us to see her face.
Stunning.
She huffed, giving up on the map.
"What's there to do for fun around here?"
"Well, we have a large variety of dance lessons you could take, there is a nightclub for high school students, and a separate club for anyone older than 18 at night in the buildings just down this street here." He continued to give her a list.
"What about the pool?"
"Let me bring you over to my friend Marco." He put his hand on the small of her waist. Her reaction was quick, grabbing his hand, she twisted his arm slapping him across the face.
"Next time you see a lost girl, try to help her instead of using her as a pawn to show how manly you are to your friends."
Diego began laughing, but quickly held it in as she walked over to us. I was shocked to silence. Felix stood there holding his face in pain, unable to move anything.
"Can I get a water?" She smiled wickedly at me. I slid a bottle across the bar to her. She set the money on the counter. She turned to Diego, pulling her sunglasses down just enough to look over the top.
"You're right." She smirked with her bright red lips, "I am out of his league." With that she pulled her sunglasses back over her ocean blue eyes before turning around and leaving with the click of her heals behind her. We were frozen by her presence. Her spell on us ended when Diego finally spoke.
"I think I'm in love."
"No, you're not," Felix came back over, shaking his head.
"Why not?"
"Because I am." Felix and Diego continued to fight over who was amazed by her more. I just let my mind recall our whole interaction. Her red lips, ocean eyes, tall figure, it was all so luring.
She was going to get me in trouble.
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Unavailable Love - Chapter 2
Show me a good time. Comment please.
-Charlotte-
After spending a while roaming around the resort, I decided to sit by the pool. I flipped through the magazines I had purchased at the airport, but none of them appealed to me. I was just plain bored. Scanning the pool scene, there were few kids and groups of guys and girls, but none of them looked inviting or friendly. My eye caught the boy at the poolside stand, who I had bought water from earlier. So picking up my bag, I decide to strike a conversation with him.
"Hey," I approach the empty stand.
"Hi, how can I help you?" He smiled, obviously a tad nervous in my presence. He wasn't bad looking either. Hispanic, but his curly hair swooped in front of his brown eyes. He had a gorgeous smile that I could see him using to get extra tips from the older women. He was surprisingly tall, taller than me, at 5'10.
"What's your name?" I asked, leaning against the counter.
"Marco." He tells me. There was some kind of tension in the air, yet I couldn't figure out what it was yet.
"Well, Marco. You seem like the most mature out of your little group of friends, so tell me. What's there to do around here?" I ask smiling at my little game.
"Well, there's the club or the sports bar. They have pool and other games in there. We also have a spa, if you're interested." He gave me the same polished answer his friend gave earlier.
"Sounds boring." I sigh, leaning away from the counter.
"Have you ever been to L.A. before?" He asked me curiously flirting with me.
"Once, but I didn't find it that interesting." I shrugged.
"Let me and my friends show you around." He offers, "Well, that is unless you have family you're visiting with."
"My mother could care less about where I am." I jump at the chance he was dangling in front of me.
"Alright, I get off in fifteen, meet me by the back gate," Marco gives me a wink.
"See you then," I began to back away when he caught me again.
"Ay!" He called out, making me turn around. "What's your name, chica?"
"Charlotte." I answer.
"Charlotte, don't wear anything too nice," he warns me with a crooked smile before letting me go.
*****************************************************************************
-Marco-
"You invited her to hang out with us?!" Diego practically screamed as we waited for her. I kicked my sneakers against the cement. I stared at the rock I was kicking around.
"She wanted me to show her a good time, she said." I told them.
"Do you even know her name?" Felix put me in the hot seat.
"It's Charlotte."
"A gorgeous name for a gorgeous chica." Felix smiled. He was right, she was flawless. I almost choked when she approached me this afternoon. She wasn't my type though. She was a rich white girl with not a problem in the world that money couldn't fix.
"Here she comes," Diego hissed nodding in her direction.
"Hey, Marco!" She waved, as she walked down the alley. Wearing a purple studded leather jacket, jeans with high-top sneakers, she looked ready to face the streets.
"Hey, girl." Felix nodded at her. She shot him a glare. I introduced her to them before she asked, "So what's the plan?"
"Depends, how much of L.A. do you wanna see?" Diego stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets.
"Depends, how much of L.A. is there to see?" She raised an eyebrow, ready to challenge him.
"Chica, where we come from, the largest house is a three bedroom, the dogs purpose is to protect the house, and no one owns a pair of jeans that cost more than $25." Diego explained.
"I'm not an innocent porcelain doll. Let's go." She stays fierce, unfazed by his description of what we call home. Getting in the car, I open the door for her and she slid in. The car ride was long and quite with her there. She stared out the window, watching as the income in houses, went down as we got closer and closer to our side of town.
When Diego parked the car, we were at the playgrounds with an open field next to it. The crew was already waiting for us after Felix texted them, informing them we were attending the match.
"So, Charlotte," Diego catches her eyes in his rearview mirror. "Do you like soccer?"
"I've never played." She told us, making our jaws drop.
"Get ready for one badass game." Felix smirked, getting out of the car.
Walking up to the crew was the most awkward part of the evening. They stared at her as if she wasn't real.
"Who is she?" Irene draped herself around Alex, watching her competition.
"Charlotte." She spoke for herself.
"And what corner did you pick her off of, Diego?" She glared at Charlotte.
"Honey, I have more class than you." Charlotte looked unharmed, able to hold her own.
"Oh, you think so?" Irene, got off the picnic table, getting face to face with Charlotte.
"Sweetheart, I know so." Charlotte gave her a bittersweet smile. This threw Irene off, she shoved Charlotte's shoulders.
"Ven a mi chica," Irene started yelling at her in Spanish. Before Charlotte could hit back, I wrapped my arms around her and Alex did the same to Irene.
"Cool off, chicas!" Jose yelled, his voice booming over the field. They both stopped squirming in our arms. "Let's get this game started. Come on, boys." Alex and I let go of the girls, trusting them to behave. Felix, Diego, and I threw off our jackets wearing our white jerseys. I watched Charlotte as she took her place at the picnic table, as far away from Irene as she could. Crossing her legs and straightening her posture, she looked so out of place, which made me chuckle.
*****************************************************************************
-Charlotte-
My introduction to Marco's group of friends didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. But I wasn't going to back down to her level. I kept my head high, and took my seat next to a small girl with dark curls that looked unable to be tamed with a hair brush.
"Hi, I'm Dia." She beamed at me.
"Charlotte," I hesitate, but return to smile.
"I hope you don't mind me saying, but you are beautiful." She complemented. Slightly taken back, I thank her for her nice comment. "Have you ever been to one of these soccer games?"
"No, not at all." I tell her, watching the boys as they prepare to play.
"Do you get sick at the sight of blood?" She asked the peculiar question.
"No?" I give her a puzzled expression.
"Good." She sighed. Unsure of what she meant, I turned to watch the game. It was nice to know I had made a friend.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 3
Interesting enough for you?
-Charlotte-
I soon found out what Dia meant when she asked me if I got sick at the sight of blood. The boys were lethal. Slamming into each other, shoving shoulders, kicking shins. But, it all didn't matter, because these guys were all good friends, it was nothing personal if you punched someone in the face.
I bit my nail and tapped my foot between goals. Whenever Marco's team gained a point, Dia and I would stand up and cheer. We popped open some drinks.
"You've never had a beer?" She looks up at me, astonished.
"Campaign and wine is all I've ever had." I tell her honestly.
"Well cheers," she hit her glass against mine before taking a drink. I hesitate before quickly taking a large swallow. I squeeze my eyes shut to the nasty taste.
"Ew!" I make a face.
"A few more drinks and it will taste fine, trust me." She says, turning back to the game as if she were a professional at all things alcohol related.
As the game resumed, shirts started flying to the sidelines. I couldn't blame them either, even though it was dark at this point, it was still very humid and I could imagine how warm it was if you were running around on the field. However, it was a weird feeling I got suddenly. I barely knew these three boys and they pulled off their shirts with no hesitation, but that wasn't the weird part. The weird part was the fact I was admiring them all, especially Marco. They were not bad looking... at all. Obviously built soccer players with six packs.
The game ended and the boys won. Their ego just got bigger with them gaining the extra point right before it was over. Felix ran around the field in happiness, making Dia and me laugh.
"I better go settle him down." She laughs, pushing away from the bench. Marco came to take her place.
"Interesting enough for you?" He was out of breath and sitting too close. I nodded right when I noticed his cheek was bleeding.
"Oh, your cheek." I inform him. He touches it examining the blood on his fingers and shrugs. I put up a finger before retreating to the first aid kit that was at hand. Picking up some bandages and alcohol I return to him. I carefully place the stinging ointment on the scrape, he winces but recovers when it settles in.
"Gracias," he said, smiling.
"It's not a problem," I shrug letting the corners of my lips turn up at the gratitude.
"So, it was fun for you?" He asks again.
"Yes, thanks for letting me tag along. I know it's probably really weird to let a stranger hang out with you and your friends." I tell, a bit embarrassed.
"It was fun having you here." He nodded.
"Okay, we have to work early in the morning, so let's get Charlotte back to the resort."
Diego came to pat Marco on the back, letting him know we had to leave. The ride back to the hotel was a lot more talkative than the ride to the game. Excitement over the game still pumped through all of us. When they dropped me off at the back gate, I thanked them all.
"Any time," Diego smiled.
"See you tomorrow." I stepped away from the car as they said their last goodbyes, driving away. However, watching them, I saw Marco turn around and watch me out of the back window. Making my way up to the hotel, I expected Mother to be there waiting with a lecture about how I'm not responsible, when the rolls are actually switched.
Opening the hotel room, I found it pitch dark and no sign of Mother's presence since we checked in. Crawling into my bed, I noted the time was 1:30 AM.
No one had meetings till 1:30 in the morning.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 4
Behind their lives.
-Charlotte-
The sound of our forks scraping against our plates was the only thing shared between Mother and I during morning breakfast.
"So what time did you go to bed?" She asked, trying to fill the silence.
"Early," I shrug.
"Please sit up straighter, Charlotte. Good women practice good posture," she complains. I do as I am told and keep my eyes on my plate, playing with a grape that didn't want to be caught under the sharp point of my fork.
"How was your meetings yesterday?" I test her for the truth.
"Fine." She cuts my conversation dry. The breeze felt so good against my shoulders as we sat on the balcony. Looking out over the resort, I see a familiar car pull up to the back entrance. Three boys jump out and disappear into a building. I smile to myself, remembering last night.
"Well," Mother stands up, straightening her Calvin Klein black dress, "I'm off to work. I'll see you for supper, Bella."
"Goodbye." I tell her as she grabs her clutch and starts fidgeting on her iPhone as she walks out without another word. As soon as she is out of the room, I get up to prepare for a day poolside.
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-Marco-
"Have a nice day, ma'am." I tell a woman who just purchased a soda. I've been eying Charlotte all afternoon as she laid out on a chair, tanning herself under the L.A sun.
"Amigo!" Diego calls as he approaches the stand. I hand him a water to cool him off from the heat. "I'm getting off early. You only got 10 minutes, si?"
"Si." I nod.
"You coming to the bonfire with us?" He asks.
"No thanks, I'm just going to hang out with Ray tonight." I tell him.
"Alright, Amigo. Tell him hola for us. I'm going to get Felix. Adios," Diego left me standing in the booth by myself. Charlotte came up next with her long dark hair blowing in the wind.
"Any exciting adventures tonight?" She asked curiously cocking her head to the side.
"Don't you have your mama, chica?" I question.
"Yes," She nods, "But, she's busy. Maybe we could go to the beach or something?" She seems too eager to hang around me.
"Sorry, Charlotte but I can't hang out tonight." I tell her and watch her face faintly fall. "I need to be with my family."
"I understand." She shrugs, but I can tell she is wounded. I hated to turn her down, but Ray needed me and I wasn't going to ditch him.
"Another night, I promise." I tell her. She nods and turns away,
"I'll see you later," Grabbing her bag that probably coast more than what I get in a year, she walked away towards the hotel rooms.
Clocking out, I grabbed my backpack, double checking I had everything I needed in it before heading downtown. When the cab stopped, I paid him and entered the building I knew too well.
"Hey Marco," Nurse Shelly smiled at me. "Ray has been excited all day for his older brother to come see him tonight. Any big plans?" She asks as I check-in.
"I brought his favorite movie and some chocolates, but don't ruin the surprise." I tell her playfully. She just chuckled a bit, making her gray curls bounce. She handed me my visitors badge and I walked down the hospital halls till I made it to room 315. Knocking on the already open door, I see Ray sitting on the floor with his tubes, all hooked up to his machine. He pushed little trucks against the hard floors.
"MARCO!" He screamed giving me a toothy smile. I came and hugged him, picking him off the cold ground. His arms wrapped around me. I brought him to the bed, setting him down.
"Guess what I brought?" I asked, unzipping my backpack.
"What?!" My eager 6 year-old brother jumped up and down. I pulled out Robin Hood and the chocolates. He looks shocked and I tell him, "Sit back and relax, chico." I pushed the tape into the VCR, letting the movie pop up onto his TV. I settle in beside him in the hospital bed. I put an arm around him, and watch as he is so easily amused with the cartoon, slipping the candies into his mouth.
I wouldn't give up time with Ray for anything. Even the prettiest girl in the world.
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-Charlotte-
I kept thinking about what Marco must be doing right now. My mother surprised me this afternoon by actually showing up in time for dinner. She told me she wanted to spend quality time together, so we went out to eat at the Red Line, a five-star restaurant in downtown L.A.. As I picked at my pasta, Mother's face seemed cold and distant. I wanted to ask her how her day was but I knew I'd get the same one word answer I always get. I chose a different approach,
"I talked to Izzy yesterday," I tell her in a happy tone.
"Really? What did she say?" Even her words seemed hallow.
"She's really excited to come see us in a few weeks." I take a drink from the glass of water.
"I bet," Mother nods. That was it. I yearned for her to talk to me, about anything. I wanted to tell her about last night and about how much fun I had with Marco.
I Shake the silly thoughts from my head.
That will never happen.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 5
I believe in hope.
-Charlotte-
The bass made my skin vibrate every time it hit. The warm bodies packed so tightly together in the club as we slipped our way through. Marco was leading the pack while I was right behind him. Felix, Diego, and Dia followed. I'd never been to a club before but I felt high just being under the roof. Felix quickly grabbed Dia when we were far enough in to dance with her. I just stood there for a second, not wanting this adrenaline to leave my bones.
"You're going to dance, chica?" Marco said over the music. I just smile at him, taking on his challenge. The night continued in a blur. I draped my arm over Marco's shoulder as we shared secrets on the dance floor all night long. It didn't take Diego very long to find a girl to flirt with at the bar. Felix and Dia ended up spending most of their time by themselves, as if the world revolved around them.
"Does this beat Mozart and caviar?" Marco whispered in my ear at one point.
I froze.
My thoughts shot to Mother, Izzy and Father. The look on Mother's face if she knew who I was with and what I was doing right now. That is if she ever stopped having one-night stands with random guys. Izzy's advice she might give if she answered any of my calls. Then there was Dad, if I could talk to him without breaking down into tears because I missed him so much.
I didn't realize that Marco's arms had gotten tighter and his eyes were examining my face cautiously.
"You're alright?" His words nervous and soft.
"Yeah, just thought about something that's all," I shrug.
"Why don't we go to the beach," He smiled making me nod. Gathering the gang, we headed out, piling into the car. With all the windows rolled down, Dia and I let our hands run through the blowing wind as we drove down the coast. We found a deserted part of the beach, sprinting through the sand.
"Come on chica?" Diego challenged as they stood waist deep in the sea that was dark and unpredictable. I shook my head.
"Scared of getting your million dollar dress dirty?" Felix, pulled Dia deeper into the ocean with him.
"Come on, Charlotte!" She yelled at me. Kicking off my shoes, I followed them into the freezing water. Jumping into Marco's arms that awaited me. I laughed as the ice-cold waters surprised me, making Marco amused.
"Ready?" He asked.
"For what?" I tilt my head to the side. He doesn't reply but pulls me into the water with him summering my body with piercing ice. I gasp for air, breaking the surface as the guys chuckle at my reaction. Splashing around, I was unable to keep myself stable.
"Where's Marco?" I breathe heavily, searching the dark waters surrounding me.
"I don't know?" Dia turns, voice turns serious as I could not see her face, only the silhouette of her attached to Felix, by holding his arm. Hyperventilation came to me quickly as I thought of the horrible things that could happen in the ocean.
"Bah!" Marco tackled me back into the water, approaching me from behind. When I finally came up for air, everyone was laughing, even Marco who ran his fingers through his hair.
"Hardy har har, so funny. Let's scare the white girl." I roll my eyes. When I started walking out of the water, Marco followed.
"We're only joking." He explained.
"I know," I smiled, letting him know we were all good. He noticed my shivering arms and ran to grab his coat that was still warm and dry.
"Here," he placed it on my shoulders. I thank him and take a seat on the warm sand where he followed. "Lay down." He commanded, my palms grew sweaty and nervous.
"Excuse me?"
"Just do it." He told me, laying down and looking up at me. So I let my head hit the soft sand and gaze upward. Stars consumed the sky, like someone blew small pieces of glass all over a black blanket. I smile, knowing he respects the little things in life.
"My dad used to take me out to the beach and let me watch the skies. He saved up a bunch of money and bought a telescope, setting it up for me and my siblings to go stargazing." Marco sighs. "It's weird to think it goes on forever, that the sun is just over the horizon and these are the same stars that they see in India, Egypt and the United Kingdom. Yet, they are so far away."
"Do you want to be a part of NASA or something when you grow up?" I ask him, watching him as if he were a kid in a candy store.
"Nah, that was just a fun hobby." He shrugs, however now I'm curious.
"Marco?" I sit up.
"Yeah?" His eyes twinkle in the moonlight.
"What do you want to be when you're older?" I let my elbow hold my weight as my hand rests on my chin.
"A doctor." His answer surprises me.
"And why is that?"
"I believe in hope," his eyes gloss over as if he's thinking of something else, so I left it at that.
However the answer echoes in the back of my head.
I believe in hope.
I believe in hope.
I believe in hope.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 6
"You're... Channel on a Sunday afternoon." - Dia.
-Charlotte-
It seemed that time was flying all of sudden, however at the same time, it felt as if it could stop. My mother's late night meetings would allow me escape to see Diego, Felix, Dia, and Marco. We would go all about the town, normally ending up at places my mother would frown upon. However, I didn't care. Being with Marco allowed me to snap to a different reality. It's like time would stop in these exact specific moments that made everything else seem so small.
Tonight we walked the streets of L.A when Dia pointed out a place to eat.
"Why not?" Diego shrugged, leading us in. It was obviously a grill and bar. However the specialty was Karaoke. When I saw the obvious banner hanging above the stage, I quickly turned around.
"Why don't we try somewhere else?" Felix laughed.
"You're actually afraid of a little singing? Come on, Char." He took my shoulders, turning me around and guiding me to a table right up front, sitting me down for the show.
"You're gonna sing for us chica?" Marco smiles, taking the seat next to mine, making sure our knees touched.
"Question is... are you going to sing for me?" I put up a brave wall, testing his limits. This was one of those moments, however he noticed and moved away, turning his attention to the stage where a middle-aged women was singing a country love song completely off pitch. It took me by surprise, the last few days he's been with drawling and it makes me curious.
After watching for a while, cheering on some of the clearly drunk participants, the boys go to get drinks.
"What's wrong?" Dia notices my falling face.
"Has Marco said anything about me?" I ask, almost pleading her. "It's just, I thought he might be into me but he's been... distant, lately. Like, he's ignoring me in a way."
"He does like you." She assures me, smiling.
"Then, why doesn't he make a move?" I lean across the table, hanging on to every word she says.
"He's just nervous he will overstep the boundary." She tells me simply. I slump back into my seat.
"What does that me? There is no boundary!" I sigh, giving up.
"Yes there is." She goes into explaining. "We love hanging out with you, you're almost one of us. But, at the same time you aren't. You're... Channel on a Sunday afternoon. Bottom line is, he feels as if he isn't worthy of you."
"That's so silly though. I don't think of it that way at all!" I explain.
"Then you need to give him the green light. Let him know that it's okay."
"And how do you suppose I do that?" I beg for more information.
"Do what?" Diego returns with the other guys. Marco places my drink in front of me. When I turned to smile at him, he isn't even looking at me.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing." I say firmly, capturing everyone's attention, except his.
I am fed up.
"Anyone else want to come and sing a song?" The host of the karaoke called through the microphone. I stand, walking up the stage, my heals click against the wood. I whisper in his ear. His reply was.
"Sounds great! Give it up for our next participant; Charlotte!" He hands me the microphone and runs to start the music and all my friends are staring in awe, except Marco, whose eyes were in another direction. Suddenly a wave of nerves rush over, but my anger reins them in.
I begin to sing "This Kiss" by Carly Rae Jepsen. I don't have to read the words on the projector in front of me, I just kept staring at the one person in the room I was trying to impress. While I sang, he slowly let his gaze retreat to me, but I knew it was through curiosity. When he finally noticed that my gaze was fixed on him, I prayed he understood the message.
When the song was finally over, I was still concentrated on Marco, so when the thunderous applaud hit, I was taken back. Handing over the microphone, I return to my friends, sitting back in my seat, not making a big deal out of it.
"That was incredible!" Dia complements.
"That was really good Charlotte." Felix was amazed. I thanked them. Even though I felt Marco's eyes on me, I didn't turn to meet them. I made my feelings very clear.
When we finished eating, we decided to walk for a while. So, as we did, Marco made a point of making me stay back with him as the others joked around a couple of yards ahead of us.
"You were phenomenal tonight." He murmurs, trying to make it a big deal.
"Thank you. Did you like the song choice?" I try to push. He shrugged. I abruptly stop, surprising him.
"Marco, decide what you want, because I'm getting sick and tired of waiting around for you to make up your mind-" When his lips suddenly found mine, I stopped my quick talking. He didn't give me any time to react because he pulled away just as suddenly as he kissed me.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. That was crossing the line." He quickly steps away.
"There are no lines." I step forward, finishing what he started.
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Unavailable Love - Chapter 7
Focus.
-Marco-
The sun wasn't even up when Felix, Diego, and I got to work. There was a mandatory staff meeting before we were sent to do our jobs, because someone was coming to inspect the resort sometime this week. When the meeting was dismissed, Irene stopped me, pulling me into one of the maids closets nearby. Her moves were so quick, no one noticed her kidnapping me. Not even the guys.
"I hear you've been out with that white chica." She pushes her hand against my chest, too seductively, but it was intimidating.
"Si," I wasn't afraid to answer.
Irene let's go of a temporary laugh, "And why would that be?"
"Because I like her," I tell Irene forcefully, hoping she would get the point and back off. However, her red lips turned up in amusement.
"Do you forget last summer so easily, muchacho?" She looks down to make the effect of her eyes more magical.
Of course I couldn't forget last summer. I fell head over heals for Irene. We always mingled in the same friend group, but we ended hooking up at a party and started hanging out. The more time I spent with her, the more I fell for her. She held back though, always causing me to beg for more. She was my first. But, then school started and Ray got diagnosed. Whenever I tried to talk to her about Ray, she would get bored and complain about how I never gave her attention anymore.
"You do," She whispered only an inch away from my face. "I know you do."
"Just because I do, doesn't mean I care. You played me and I'm done with girls like you," I keep my poker face on. Giving up, she backs away slightly, just enough to give me room to breathe again.
"You know, Marco." She gives a sigh. "She and I are a lot alike."
"That's not true." I roll my eyes, thinking of her in that moment.
"Really, it's true. I might not be some stuck up rich girl, but just like me, she knows how to play with boys. You are just too blind to see it. Wait for it, Marco. She will be your downfall." Irene tells me before exiting the closet, leaving me all alone to consider what she said. Her words lingering in the air.
************************************************************************************
-Charlotte-
I flipped through the VOGUE magazine, reading over my sisters interview and observing her stunning pictures, when Mother finally exited her bedroom.
"Morning!" I greet her, far too happy to punish mother for her late nights.
"SHHHH." Mother put up her hand, squinting her eyes to the light. "You are far to loud for this early hour."
Checking the clock, I realize it was only nine in the morning.
"Mom, it's only nine." I notify her.
Rubbing her forehead she mumbled to herself. "Where is the aspirin?" She was fumbling through her purse.
"Did you read Izzy's article in Vogue?" I try and change the topic in a hushed tone.
"No." Mother snapped. "I'll skim it later." She dismisses the subject, heading for the door. "I'm going to work."
"Have a good-" SLAM "-day." I finish more to myself, now that she was gone. I waited a little before exiting the room as well, to meet my dirty little secret. Practically skipping up to the poolside snack bar, I'm far too giddy after what happened last night. Marco was bent behind the bar, unable to see me. I knock on the counter causing him to surface.
"Good Morning!" I smile, far to happy.
"Hi." He says, a little reserved, but I didn't think much of it.
"So, I know that you have a break in a little bit and I was thinking that you could come and visit me up in the suite." I set the spare key down on the counter." I tell him.
"Charlotte-" He starts.
"I know it's a little dangerous but I think it'll be fun." I ignore him.
"Charlotte-" He tries again.
"Don't worry about my mother, she's at work." I explain.
"Charlotte!" He grabs my hands. I look up at him, stunned.
"What!" I reply with just as much alarm. He sighs, releasing tension between us.
"Never mind," he shakes his head.
"Alright! I will see you in a little bit." I beam, leaving the key with him, before heading back up to the suite.
Maybe I was coming on a little strong. I wasn't meaning we had to do anything serious, but the kiss last night was unavoidable and I needed to get another one before I burst. I prepared myself for his arrival, straightening the pillows on the couch and fixing my hair and makeup. When I heard the door snap open, I suddenly became nervous, however I got up and met him in the doorway. He was only halfway in the door.
Pulling him in and pushing the door shut I say, "We don't want anyone to catch us." I laugh playfully. He stood there like a stone but I couldn't take it anymore. Quickly throwing my arms around him, I kiss him, much like last night but I was not as nervous anymore.
His arms hesitated before he gave in and held me. I tried to forget about my prick of a Mother, I tried to forget the success of my sister, and I tried to forget about how much I miss my father. I did focus on the boy who sent electricity through my bones. Backing up, I lightly guided us my bedroom, not letting us part for a second. When the door clicked behind me, he pushed me away. I gave him a puzzled expression, before trying to kiss him again, but his hands roughly grabbed my hips.
"Please don't." He said between breaths. We both were breathing pretty hard at this point. We both look away, knowing it was a buzz kill.
"You don't like me." I realize, looking to the side at a lamp. Trying to think about anything but rejection at the moment.
"No, Charlotte," his hands were still on my hips. "That is not it at all."
"I mean, I know I came on a little strong and I didn't mean to push anything, but I couldn't ignore last night." I try to say, but I was practically talking to the lamp.
"I don't think this is an option for us right now," he explains.
"What does that mean," I couldn't believe what he was saying. That's when I realize I still had my hands pressed against his chest, letting the tips of them trace a button.
"I don't know if us being together is an option for us," Marco's words felt like stabs. Us, the word that no one used that included me.
"I don't know if I can believe you," I finally get the courage to look up at him, our lips only a small distance away. His eyes were in a trance as if I put a spell on him with just one glance.
"I don't know if I can either." He whispers before kissing me again. It was as if the awkward moment melted and was long forgotten.
Unavailable Love - Chapter 8
Somebody comes to town.
-Charlotte-
I was a good girl. No worries.
However, it was a kill joy when Marco had to return to work. So my lonely day continued, I was just about to leave for the spa when there was a knock on the door. Puzzled, I didn't recall requesting any room service. Opening the door, I was just about to explain I didn't order anything when I found my sister stand there.
"IZZY!" I screamed.
"BELLA!" She returned the greeting, throwing her arms around me. I embraced her back, not letting go of one person that I have always called home.
"Come, bring in your bags to my room." I insist, letting her in along with the man pushing the cart full of Louis Vuitton suitcases. We gave the man a tip, before he let himself out. "I am so glad you're here." I sighed, "But, I thought you weren't coming till tomorrow!"
"I told my manager they could find another girl for the fashion show tonight and caught a red-eye flight here." She sighed, gracefully sitting on my bed. Pushing back her dark curls she acted as though the whole situation was so simple.
"So, they just let you come?" I dig deeper for answers. Tiffany, Izzy's manager is kind of a strict parent. I couldn't imagine Tiffany just letting Izzy jump on a plane to L.A dropping everything.
"Well, after I explained that I needed some R and R." Much like me, my sister didn't like to confess her real feelings, even when she was talking to me. However, I could see through the wall she put up.
"Izzy, what's really happening? I haven't heard from you for two weeks now and all the sudden you show up early?" I sat next to her, reaching for her hand so she would address me. When she finally looked up at me, I didn't see a 22-year-old model at her peak of fame, I saw my sister and best friend. I saw her flawed and hurting. I believe that a sister bond goes deeper than just matching parents. If she laughed, I laughed. If she cried, I cried. This was one of those times.
"I've been struggling with a lot lately, Bella." She let me see the cracks in her self-confidence. "I'm always on planes or at a photo shoot or walking a runway. I spend more time talking to my manager than all of my family combined. I can't remember the last time I went out and actually had fun. All the other girls get to go out for drinks and to parties sometimes but Tiffany always tells me I have a flight to make or need to get to bed before waking up early the next day for hair and makeup. Plus, It doesn't help when every time I try to leave the hotels, press surround me, snapping pictures and jokingly asking me why I don't have a social life."
"Did Tiffany really just let you come here?" I ask again.
"No... I just kind of left," she confesses.
"Izzy, people are relying on you for that fashion show tonight. You should at least have the decency to call Tiffany and get her to find you a replacement." I played a real mom for the time being, knowing Izzy needed some guidance.
"You're right. Tiffany doesn't deserve that. She has already called me thirty-seven times since I left." She rolled her eyes.
"You can't blame her. If your client went MIA, would you flip too?"
"Yeah. I just, needed to be with family." She looked at me as if I'm the only one that could save her from this hell.
"Well, Mother is very "family-like" at the time being, however I am fully available." I smiled patting her hand.
"Thank you, Char. I don't know what I would do without you," she hugged me.
"Now, go call Tiffany." I instructed her. Handing her the iPhone that she set down on the bed. Smiling at me, she left the room to make the call. I sighed leaning back, remembering Izzy and I's childhood.
Discussions like this happened all the time, Izzy and I raising each other, taking turns playing Mom, since ours weren't around much and there were some topics we just couldn't talk about with Dad. Stuff like boys, gossip, and periods. Night spent staying up, crying over broken hearts or laughing over funny and awkward moments.
However, I was always a bit envious of Izzy. Since we were tiny, she was beautiful and when we were in high school, she had a plan with her life and successfully lived it out. Now, she is the number one super model in the world. Then, here I am, not having an idea of what I want to do. I just finished my senior year of high school and got accepted into most of the Ivy league colleges, yet I have no clue what I want to do. Even Marco knows what he is going to do with his life. Some of my peers have questioned why I don't just live off of Mother's money and dine in the spotlight of my sister. But, not once have I considered that as an option. I'd never use my family for success. I just needed something to get passionate about.
"I talked to her," Izzy returned, lying down with me.
"And?" I pushed.
"She was upset at first," she said just as I had suspected. "However, once I talked it out with her, she understood. She said that she would clear my meetings for the week so I could stay and rest with you."
"I'm glad you're staying." I smiled, not having to be anyone else when I was around my sister.
"Me too." She beamed back. "Now, show me what you do for fun around here."
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