Bittersweet Love

by Davids, Jesse

  He creeps up behind her, slowly moving towards her making sure she wouldn’t see him. Daniel wrapped one arm around her stomach and grabbed her ass with his other hand.

  Athena knowing only by his touch that it’s Daniel and no one else, she moved her head back and gave him a kiss. “Thank you baby.” She whispers, appreciation pouring out of her eyes. “It's my pleasure my love, so now that we are done, I was thinking of going on a nice date.” He held her hand while walking to Athena’s dorm. “I’d love that.” She shyly smiled and rested her head on his arm.

  At the dorm they both helped each other get ready for their casual date tonight. Daniel wore black chucks, jeans and a hoodie. Athena wore the same thing so they could match together; it made her feel more connected to him.

  The waiter stepped out of the dark with 2 dessert menus, handing it to them with an evil grin. “I would like the chocolate mousse cake, please.” Athena craved some chocolate for so long and couldn't help herself. “I’ll take the blueberry cheese cake.” Daniel looked over to Athena and began to smile at her.

  A weird sensation came over her for she has seen that exact same smile before on her birthday. “Baby, what are you doing?” Athena raised her eyebrow and threw him a smirk. “Nothing sweetheart.” Daniel reached into his back pocket and got an envelope with her name on it, and slid it across the table to her. “What is this?” She asked quizzically. “It’s your gift baby, open it.” Daniel folded his hands together. Sweat immediately started to flow through his pores.

  Athena opened the envelope slowly as her face began to show an odd reaction but a satisfying expression.

  Chapter 8

  “You are going to fucking Venice! When the fuck did this happen?” Jenny got up from her seat furious, only to be replied with a smirk on Athena’s face as she zipped her luggage bag closed.

  “When were you planning on telling me?” Will asked, laying sideways on his bed with feet stuck against the wall. “Well, I thought it would be better not to tell anyone because of your reaction right now. You might not have wanted me to go.” Daniel slowly rolled his clothes in tiny burritos for more space in his luggage bag. “No, I would’ve let you go, but you could've told me you know. What the fuck will I do now?” Will replied.

  Will sat up straight and walked to the bathroom to hand Daniel his toiletries. “Thanks bro. It’s not too late to make a plan you know, you always wanted to go to the Bahamas. Why not go and let Melissa pay for it.”

  Daniel gave a suggestion that made Will contemplate his existence. “When did you become so evil?” Will stood in front of him with a straight face; thinking whether or not he really does know his best friend of 11 years.

  “I’m just taking a chance that Melissa never gave us bro, and I think you should do that too.” Daniel spoke while putting a little red box in his bag, making sure he covered it under all his clothes. “Bro, you won’t mind taking me and Athena to the airport right? I’m really not in the mood for a taxi right now.” He requested.

  Daniel asked with caution, trying not to piss Will off. “Yeah of course, why did you even ask?” Will looked at him confused. Daniel felt relieved as he could always count on Will.

  “For how long will you be gone?” Jenny’s tone started to rise in frustration with the sudden plans they have made. “Only 3 days then I’ll be back here, with you. Don't worry I’ll be fine mom.”

  Athena laughed sarcastically and walked up to her and hugged her tightly. Not being sure if she ever wants to come back. “Well, you better fucking come back that’s all I'm saying.” Jenny kissed her on the cheek. “You better have fun too.” She smiled at Athena and walked into her room. “Do you have everything!” Jenny yelled from where she was standing. Athena stood in the middle of the dorm, thinking if she needed anything else.

  A light bulb flashed in front of her face as she almost forgot the most important thing. She ran to her bed side table and took out her passport and an envelope with extra money, in case she needed it. “Yeah I got everything!” Athena put them in her purse and sat down on the couch. She noticed that Daniel’s smell still lingered within the sofa material.

  Athena laid her head down smelling it, thinking she is already crazy.

  Daniel walked in unannounced without her noticing, and witnessed Athena smelling his side of the couch. “Does it smell bad?” Daniel started to laugh as he pushed his luggage into the kitchen area. Athena sat up quickly, fixing her hair as she began to blush from embarrassment. “No, it smells wonderful baby.” Athena got up, and jumped on Daniel wrapping her legs around him tightly with a kiss, as she remembered her birthday clearly. Her craving for him became stronger and fiercer every day, with it being fueled even more by the love that’s felt.

  “Hi, Jenny.” Will looked at Jenny from the head down in disgrace. “Hi, Will.” She replied with a cold tone freezing the oxygen in the air while Daniel and Athena kept kissing around the dorm. “Did you know about this?” Will whispered to Jenny. “No, did you?” She whispered back, trying not to spoil their perfect moment.

  “No, looks like we both got fooled.” Will silently chuckled and got the ‘talk to the hand’ gesture from Jenny.

  Bitch. Will thought to himself as he took a seat by the kitchen island. “Did you pack everything?” Daniel asks Athena as he knows she forgets a lot. “Yes, this time I didn't forget anything.” She smiled and got put back down to the floor, feeling tiny compared to his height but never felt belittled by him.

  Daniel threw the car keys to Will. “Let’s go?” He looked down at Athena as she nodded shyly. Will and Jenny helped carry their bags to the car, as Will rushed to sit in the drivers seat. “Jenny, to the front” Athena pointed her away because she wanted her and Daniel to sit in the back seat. Filled with every emotional memory and tension, they couldn't stop staring at each other, for they knew what they have done right there, on that exact spot.

  Athena slowly laid on Daniel’s lap for the whole ride to the airport, she couldn't bear to watch how reckless Will began to drive. “You can slow down you know, we won’t be late.” Jenny stated as she fasten her seat belt, making it tighter every second until they reached the airport safely.

  Daniel got out of the car first and rushed to the trunk; because Will parked illegally in front of the international departure gate while a police officer watched them carefully, gesturing to Will not to park there.

  Jenny and Will got out of the car, as hugs became their main priority. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.” Daniel whispered to Will in an evil tone. Daniel laughed and placed the bags on the trolley carefully. “I’ll make sure to give you all the details when I get back.” Athena kissed Jenny on the cheek as Daniel grabbed Athena’s hand passionately,

  “If you guys decide to do something naughty, don't do it on the back seat. I’ve warned you.” Daniel couldn't stop making jokes as Jenny flipped him off

  “Don’t miss us too much al right.” Will spoke loudly; Daniel and Athena walked into the airport waving them goodbye.

  Will and Jenny climbed back into the car before the police officer could make his move. Will drove off as fast as he could to escape yet another ticket. The car filled with silence, emptiness as their two best friends abandoned them together in a hopeless case of ever becoming good friends. Something was too strange for Will to recognize as he felt shivers race down his spine.

  “You look familiar; like I've seen you some place before.” Will broke out a conversation without hesitating. Silence wasn't his biggest forte.

  “I probably look like all the girls you look at with those big hungry eyes; feasting on everything you see trying to fill your imagination with dirty thoughts.” Jenny snapped; she couldn’t control her anger for him, as she would never forget how he abandoned her in the first place.

  That’s the last time I try to speak to you.

  Will suddenly felt this amazing regret in his stomach and vowed to never try to make small talk with her again. A long ride filled with traffic, and accompanie
d by shit music Will finally made it to the dorm parking lot. Jenny got out of the car furiously as soon as Will engaged the car to park. Guilt began to grow in the back of Will’s mind; he felt guilty that he never made an effort to make it work with Jenny. But some things aren't meant to be, as fate always defines your destiny. Never to escape its clutches that holds on the mind while manipulating the population by cheating, lying, distrust and honesty.

  This is the last boarding call for flight A626 on Etihad Airways to Venice, Italy. Please make your way to boarding gate A15 in the next 10 minutes.

  The intercom went on, screeching, making it hard to hear anything the lady was saying. “Baby” Athena looked over to Daniel. “We are at gate A5.” Daniel looked over to her as his eyes became wide from shock, realizing how fucked they are. Both of them got up and grabbed their carry-ons as fast as they could and ran like everything depended on it. “Excuse me!” Daniel yelled through the corridor trying to make people move out of their way as he held on to Athena’s hand making sure she's right behind him.

  “I don’t know why they have to change the fucking gate like this.” Daniel said confused at where he's going, as Athena took the lead and showed him the way. He felt good that he could count on her just as much as she counted on him.

  Athena successfully led them to the right boarding gate after 3 minutes that felt like a life time of running. Daniel took her passport and ticket and kept it with him safely, in case she loses it. He handed it to the flight attendant and gave a courageous smile. “You almost missed your flight Daniel and Athena, you're lucky.” She gave their passports back along with the boarding passes with it. They rushed into the airplane as quickly as they could. “Excuse me Sir, not that way. Follow me.”

  Daniel curious as to what she's talking about ignored her and went left to the economy side. “Sir!” Athena looked back and gave her the biggest death glare ever seen. “What is it?” Athena asked her with no patience. “You have first class tickets ma’am, not economy.” Daniel confused as he looked at the tickets again.

  Wow.

  Daniel looked at Athena and started laughing while everyone on the plane tried to figure out what’s going on. “Baby, I thought you got economy class tickets.” Athena confused at what she should believe. “I think I was a little high that day.” He softly whispered in her ear as she remembered the day they bought the car together. “You bum.” Athena giggled and followed the hostess to their seats.

  “Would you like anything to drink?” The hostess asked the both of them. “Water please.” Both of them answered at the same time and began a rivalry of jinx you owe me a soda games.

  Half an hour into the flight Athena scratched in her purse. “Baby, need some help there?” Daniel raised his eyebrow as he turned the readers light on for her. “Thank you.” Athena smiled as Daniel fixed her hair to get out of her face. She took out her sleeping medication and took one with water.

  “I hate flying, I’d rather sleep.” Athena frowned and laid her head on Daniel’s shoulder. “Al right baby, do you want me to wake you up if they start to serve food?” Daniel asked while rubbing her cheeks slowly. “No baby, it’s okay, but you can eat if you feel hungry sweetheart.” Athena just started to rub her cheek against his hand, feeling his warmth. Thinking about how she got so lucky to have found someone so special in her life, as she drifted off to sleep.

  Daniel kept her tightly in his arms.

  This feels so right. Fuck Daniel you are one stupid motherfucker. Daniel started tearing up, crying silently thinking what he has done to a girl like her. You should've never agreed to Melissa’s evil fucking plans. I love her so much. Daniels heart started to ache, more and more every day, sleepless nights became a norm in his life. Just thinking about her kept him up at night.

  Throughout the whole flight, Athena caught up to sleep she lost for the past couple of months from stressing, and worrying, all she needed was a good sleep before her vacation started with Daniel.

  “Baby.” Daniel rubbed her arm for her to wake up. Athena opened her eyes and saw his bright eyes staring down at her. “Hey baby, did we arrive yet?” Athena tried her best to open her eyes with a sleepy tone lingering in her voice. “Yeah we are going to land any minute now.” Daniel reached over and fastens her seat belt securely before he did his.

  Athena sat up and fixed her hair, trying to get her earrings together before anything else. “Baby I have to go pee.” Athena got up slowly making sure she won’t get dizzy from the side effects of the sleeping pills she took earlier. “Baby, wait I want you to drink some water first, don't want you dehydrated.”

  Daniel handed her the bottle of water, she drank only half and couldn't drink anymore, as her urine kept pushing; knocking on the door to get out.

  She rushed to the lavatory, while Daniel put his laptop back in his bag, as he watched 3 movies throughout the whole flight, making sure not to disturb her. The hostess came around and gave Daniel 2 new SIM cards and a gift card worth of 2 free flights from anywhere, anytime. “Complements from the captain Sir.” She said. Daniel turned, confused by what is happening for he didn't do anything to receive such a gift. Athena came out of the lavatory distraught by the sound the toilet made when it flushed.

  “Thank you.” Daniel turned to Athena and showed her what he got for free. “No way, did we do something?” Athena giggled softly, as she took her seat. “That’s exactly what I was thinking!”

  He whispered the same level she spoke at, trying not to draw any attention to them. “Oh well, now we don't need to find a SIM card and shit.” Athena agreed, as she drank the other half of the water bottle completely empty.

  “I knew you were thirsty.” Daniel smiled at her and kissed her lips softly as he held her neck with his whole hand. He felt his whole world in his hand, his feelings, existence, and everything that meant a lot to him was right in front of his face, he knew he had to make a plan to never lose such a connection.

  “Passports please.” Daniel gave the customs officer both their passports. With no hesitation the customs officer stamped their passports with a visa valid for 30 days. They walked down, out of the arrivals area and found a chauffeur holding a sign with their names on it. “I swear, I didn't plan this, or at least I think I didn’t.”

  Daniel surprised as he has no memory of ordering a chauffeur when landing. “Baby, it probably came with the type of tickets you bought, we should take it. Besides, it’s already 11 o’clock at night here.” Athena held his hand trying to reassure him every step of the way. “Yeah, I guess you're right.” Daniel walked up to him and made sure it is actually for them, and not for another couple, but what are the odds of that happening in today’s world.

  The chauffeur took their bags in a bigger trolley and showed them the way to his car. Amazed by the views they saw, as neither of them ever travelled to Italy before. They couldn't stop staring around, the vibe, the feel of the place had them captivated by modern and old cultures. People looked more vibrant and full of life. Daniel opened the door for Athena, as he took her hand and safely got her in the car.

  He walked to the trunk and helped the chauffeur with their bags. “Thank you Sir.” The chauffeur responded cheerfully. “You're welcome.” Daniel got in the car and closed the door. “Driver, you know the hotel, right?” Athena asked politely looking over to Daniel with her leg over the other giving him a shy look. “Yes ma’am.” The chauffeur looked in the rear view mirror, eyeing Athena. “I know that look baby.” Daniel slid over to her and whispered in her ear sexually, and looked him dead in the eyes. Athena's eyes widened, as her legs involuntary closed tighter. “I’m so wet for you.” Athena took revenge and made Daniel sit in regret trying to maintain his boner.

  Throughout the whole city, the buildings, with its lights, and architecture made them want to stay there forever. “This place really is amazing isn't it Daniel?” Athena spoke while looking outside of her window. Yet Daniel couldn't be bothered about the outside.

  He kept staring at wh
at’s next to him, lustfully, in love, his concentration couldn't be broken. Light began to shine in the car as the chauffeur opened the sun roof, visibly seeing the curves Daniel loves so much. Whenever he looked at her, he couldn't help but picture her naked anatomy.

  Moments later the driver stopped at their hotel. He took the bags out and called the bell boy to help him. Daniel got out of the car and opened the door for Athena. Stepping out beautifully she became the center of attention for many goggling eyes. Daniel was there to defend them all off with his death glares.

  The hotel lobby glittered with pretty chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. “Hi, we would like to check in.” Daniel handed the receptionist their passports, as she went behind the computer to check for their reservation.

  “Nice lobby isn't it?” Athena rubbed her nose against Daniels arm. “It was itchy, and yes it is, I love the layout of it.” Without noticing the receptionist walked to the bell boy and gave him their room key. “Sir, can you please follow him.” She spoke in a happy tone, happy to have them stay at their hotel.