Sixteen
He was still there in the morning, fast asleep on her couch. She watched him as the sunlight touched his face, still couldn’t believe that he didn’t flee as soon as she told her story. Something inside her thought it would’ve been easier for her if he just stood up and left, because the load was too heavy to carry.
But he stayed, and the anticipation of what will be, gave her the chills. Her overthinking head was chattering continuously. No one had touched her since that day, the notion that she will have to let him touch her was terrifying. But the kiss came so naturally, and in his arms, she never felt safer.
He opened his eyes and grasped his surroundings. He saw her sitting on the floor staring at him with a smile. “How long have you been staring at me?” he asked shyly, covering his face with a cushion.
“Not long enough,” she giggled.
He sat and ran his fingers through his hair. She had never seen anyone look so beautiful waking up from the couch. His pillow face, his sleepy eyes staring at her was breathtaking.
“Do you want to go out for breakfast?” she asked.
His lips curved in a smile, “I’d love to … I’m famished.”
She took him to her favorite spot for breakfast by the beach. There weren’t many people around in the morning except for a few joggers and surfers who liked to catch the morning waves. They didn’t bring up their conversation the night before, instead they swap stories about the life they’ve lived and the things that excites them.
“What time do you have to leave for work?” Sandy asked.
He glanced at his watch, “We still have time,” he looked at her, “let’s go for a walk on the beach.” He took her hand and went walking towards the shores. They were enjoying the scenery, the breeze and each other’s company.
She can feel that he just wanted to spend more time with her, just as she was with him.
“What is it that you love so much about this island?” he asked.
She looked at the horizon, her eyes sparkled, “What’s not to love? It’s Paradise island … the island of …”
“The gods … yes, I was told,” he looked in the same direction she was gazing at, he found it too. There was a peaceful energy in the air, a quietness that lets the sounds of nature sips into the soul.
She put her arm around his waist as they walked further, it felt natural to her. To be so close to him and have him in her arm felt normal, even though they’ve only known each other for a few weeks, it felt like she’d known him forever.
He stopped his footsteps and turned to face her, “Can I ask you something?”
Her heartbeat quickened, she nodded.
“Can I kiss you? … properly this time … ” his gorgeous smile made her blush.
“Yes … properly …” she said.
He leaned in slowly to kiss her, their lips touched. They closed their eyes. He pulled her closer, she put her hands on his face, his tenderness made her want more. They got lost in the kiss for a moment.
He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She ran her fingers through his thick luscious hair, he looked incredibly sexy with messy hair. He was intoxicated by her and the kiss was a push towards madness.
“I can do this all day,” he said.
They laughed, and kissed some more.
**********
He loved working. It was his passion. It was one of the reasons why he was put on this earth, he believed that. Fame was not something he was comfortable with, but he embraced it nonetheless. The money he earned from it, he almost never saw. He gave it away, much portion of it, everything else was handled by his management. He never ran out of it, and the jobs kept coming, he never ran out of that either.
Sandy watched him as he trained and worked. He was focused, and worked really hard, something she admired from anyone who had found their passion in life. The shoot on the location was going to wrap up in a few days. He had asked Sandy to take him out to the suburbs for his two day break.
It was a sunny day, he was still not used to the heat. Having to wear a long sleeve and full length pants, his face looked like he was struggling to breathe. Sandy and Andrea were sitting by the sidelines in their island dresses, everyone was getting tanned, except for John.
“Lucas!” Andrea shouted and waved at Lucas who came to see what the fuss was all about.
He wore shades and a very casual T-shirt and shorts, looking relaxed. “Hey girls! So this is where all the girls hang out? I heard John Brady was shooting on the island,” he said and sat next to Sandy. He hadn’t been in touch with Sandy since that night. “Hi, Sandy … it’s good to see you,” he said politely.
“Hey, Lucas, how are you?” she genuinely wanted to know.
“Okay … I guess … considering,” he said with a less enthusiastic voice.
Andrea nudged her elbow, Sandy turned to look and saw John was looking their way. He was distracted by Lucas’s presence but she pretended not to notice.
Lucas mentioned that he had met John in his restaurant that night, Sandy made no comments on that. The confidential agreement strictly prohibited her to share any information about her client.
They were talking casually, laughing and being friendly, until something in the crowd caught her attention. Her face turned white, a surge of horror punched her in the stomach. She grabbed Andrea’s arm so hard that she screamed.
“What?” Andrea asked, slightly annoyed.
“Get me out of here,” she whispered, her hands were cold.
“What’s wrong?” Lucas jumped into the confusion.
“I think I just saw Patrick,” Sandy said almost in tears.
“What? Where?” Andrea looked around to find a familiar face.
Lucas stood up and scanned the area.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
“Please … I just want to leave,” she started to shiver, she clutched on Lucas’ hand.
Andrea held her close and escorted her away from the set. Lucas was still on the lookout, when he was about to follow their footsteps, he saw him. Standing among the bystander, watching the spectacle just like everyone else. Patrick Evans was holding a can of cold beer, ate peanuts, he was alone. It didn’t feel right. Why would someone who had been deported come back to the place where he’s done his crime, only a few days after his restraining order expired.