by Michele Lee
“Fair enough, good night Marisol and thanks for today.” Then he headed to his car before she could change her mind. Marisol just stood watching him until his car was out of sight from the road asking herself what did she just agree to?
Chapter Six
The next couple of days flew. The boys were suspended for three days with the warning of one more incident they will be expelled which seems too lenient in Marisol’s book. It’s all because they played the race card by passing the blame on Alex, they had the gall to accuse him of initiating gang threats it was their word against his. The administration takes gang issues quite serious. There is a major dilemma with gangs forming in the area and between the school administration and the police department they were cracking down hard, no exceptions. The frustration set in for Marisol since none of the boys provided a true explanation that could help her figure out this crazy puzzle she so extremely needs to solve.
Even though, she was bombarded with work she seized every opportunity to question teachers here and there. No one seems to have a clue or concern which caused her to question herself. Is she imagining things? Should she trust her gut feeling which never lets her down? She decided she could use a night out to clear her mind. Abruptly, bringing her thoughts back to Nate, who was still mad at her and it was already Thursday and still no word from him. She had enough with Nate not responding to the dozen of messages she left for him and decided to drive over to his office after school with flowers.
Feeling nervous and eager at the same time, she built up her courage to storm into the reception area only to find no one there. She heard voices and followed where they were coming from. She realized at once it was Nate and Marco. Listening in she could hear them discuss plans for excavation which could only mean Marco is going ahead with the development project Nate mentioned. Then Marco moved on with thanking Nate for taking care of the deal for him. He is extremely happy with his decision and has been working full force. Butterflies began to form in the pit of her stomach. What deal was he referring to? Nate did say he was working on two projects but never mentioned the second one.
Shifting in his seat Marco had to ask the question that gnawed him all day long clearing his throat with unease he let the words flow. “Getting off subject here, I wanted to ask if you would have a problem with me taking Marisol out to dinner.” The eye contact between the two sent out electric sparks that could short out a neighborhood until Nate broke the current and looked down at his fingers as he flexed them clearly giving thought of his next response. He knew he needed to have a heart to heart talk with Marco, he prepared a whole speech for crying out loud but all his thoughts got muddled. He had to find a way to do it and not betray Marisol at the same time. His loyalty is to her first even though he knows what’s best for her.
“Look Marco, I’m honored you seek my approval but you don’t need my permission. Marisol is a grown woman with a mind of her own nevertheless I don’t want you hurting her or you will have me to answer to. You seem to have the impression that she and I...” Before he could finish his sentence Marisol interrupted knowing what he was about to say. She couldn’t afford for him to disclose their sham; it would ruin her scheme of revenge.
Rushing in, she headed straight to Nate extending the flowers as an offering. “Okay, okay I’m sorry for being a jerk. Please forgive me? I love you.” He looked so surprised to see her and the over display of acting he knew she was ease dropping.
“Marisol, what are you doing?” Nate asked with a look of disappointment, she knew the look and she also knew she couldn’t fool him for one minute but she wasn’t backing down. Her ulterior motive was to seek forgiveness it wasn’t her fault Marco had to spoil it by being there.
“Well, you avoided my calls and I came barging in here to seek your forgiveness. I can’t take another day of not hearing from you.”
Marco taking in the scene became more confused of their relationship. One minute they seem like an item and the next minute they were more like friends. Nate’s lack of rebuttal of taking her out on a date seemed odd and now this display of a lover’s quarrel had his head spinning. “Hello Marisol.” Marco interjected.
She turned to his direction with a startled look as if she just realized he was there. She needed practice in the acting department. “Hi, I’m so sorry did I interrupt you guys? I didn’t realize Nate had company.” God, why did he have to look so sexy? He wore jeans with a blue shirt with white pinstripes that had the embroidered Ralph Lauren logo. He looked so good; Ralph Lauren should be paying him to wear his clothes. Then she wondered what designer underwear he might be wearing. Shaking her head to wipe out her inappropriate thoughts, she focused in to his every word.
“No, no it’s fine; I was just about to leave. My father came home from the hospital today so I’m going to head over to the house. I’ll definitely see you tomorrow; I’ll be by your place to pick you up about 7:00.” Standing up extending his hand out to Nate he continued. “It’s been great and we’ll wait for the reports before we make any final decisions. Let me know as soon as they come in and we’ll go over it together. I asked Charley to fly down in about a week or so which gives us plenty of time to have everything in order.”
Nate shook his hand ignoring Marisol’s presence. “No problem. Today was good man; I’ll get back to you as soon as I have them. I’m glad I was able to assist you with the other deal. I can’t wait to see the transformation.”
Marco then took his leave before Nate divulged any further details he wasn’t ready for anyone to know about his acquisition yet. Watching Marisol standing there with flowers hanging from her hand looking awkward was too much for him to handle. He had the urge to throw her over his shoulders and drag her out like the cave man days it would serve her right for driving him insane. He just focused on getting to his car before making a fool of himself he has tomorrow to look forward to.
She should have refused their plans for tomorrow but the words wouldn’t escape her mouth. Turning her full attention to Nate once Marco cleared the room she just gushed out all her words without breathing. "Before you say anything, please listen to me. Look, I'm really sorry, I was out of line the other day and if you ignore me another day I will go insane, start a hunger strike and will wither away and I know you wouldn't want that on your conscience would you?" While giving her speech she stared at him with her puppy dog face the face he never seems to go up against.
He watched her with intensity trying to weigh what his next move should be. Leaning back into his chair bringing his hands to the back of his neck watching the anticipation in her eyes as she waited for his response was pure torture she deserved. Letting her off the hook he finally responded. "Marisol, you don't need to apologize you said what you felt and you made your point. I just wish you follow your own advice." Feeling guilty she looked down and focused on her Nine West shoes that look like they could use a good shine. "With that said I weighed in everything you said and tried to prove you wrong no doubt. I had a long talk with Lucas and you were right, yes I did say you were right.” He admitted he was wrong and Marisol loved him even more. Lucas is lucky to have him. “Lucas confessed he felt alienated from my life even though he supports me in my personal decisions but nonetheless he still felt lonely. We have spent the past few days trying to figure out what changes need to happen in phases. First step we committed to being exclusive and scheduled a Caribbean vacation to seal the deal. We met with the travel agent and we leave next week. Perfect timing at work to take some time off.” He looked up at Marisol with eyes filled with contentment displaying the biggest grin his cheeks could carry. She felt elated with joy causing her own eyes to fill up with unshed tears. “I haven’t felt this happy and carefree in a really long time, so thank you Marisol for opening up my eyes."
Marisol looked at him through blurry eyes, "Oh my God, O-M-G as the kids would say. Nate, I don't know what to say besides the fact that I’m so proud of you."
"Well, it’s definitely a start in the right dire
ction. Now figuring out how to approach my family is a whole other issue but I am taking it one step at a time. He is the first person besides you of course that I can vision myself being with for the rest of my life."
She knew once he fully came out of the closet there was no turning back and his life will be altered forever. He will no longer have to live life in a lie or hide from the truth. The hard part for him will be taking a risk of being chastised or disowned by his family who are not only Baptist but couldn’t be farther to the right than they were already. His whole career and achievements were based out of the family’s real estate company. She prays the love they have for him is unconditional and will feed them the strength to accept him as he is. Marisol came and sat on his lap wrapping her arms around his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I’m so happy for you but I have to admit the jealousy is kicking in. Just remember one thing buster; I’m the only woman in your life." She truly cherished their special friendship; he was her rock and the only person left she held dear to her heart.
He cradled her and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "You will always be my number one. Now tell me, why didn’t you let me tell Marco the truth about us?” Shrugging her shoulders she didn’t want to damper the mood and disappoint him so she kept silent. “Well, being the romantic that I’ve recently become I hope this Friday will work its magic for you both. I would love to see you have your happily ever after too. You deserve it more than anyone." She couldn’t help but think if that was even possible. Maybe it wasn’t in the stars for her only time will tell.
****♥****
Friday was upon her and anticipation for the evening was mixed with nervousness and excitement. She kept reminding herself it was not a date and to stay focus. Work was incredibly busy she completed the presentation for the seminar on bullying, and the progress reports were processed and sent out. She could now breathe and what a sense of accomplishment of meeting all her deadlines. She needed to celebrate with a nice bottle of wine. This weekend was most welcomed. Packing up and saying her goodbyes to her co-workers she had the urge to skip through the hallways. Lost in her thoughts she bumped into Alex just outside the school building. “Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t paying much attention I guess I am too excited about the weekend. How about you Alex, are you doing anything special?” Alex appeared startled to see her and just wanted to avoid her at all costs.
“Nothing special, see you around.” Before he could escape she noticed what looked like welts along his neck.
Grabbing his shoulder she shouted. “Alex, wait!” He turned to look at her with an uncertain expression. “What happened to your neck it’s all red?”
“I don’t know maybe it was from the other day when I got jumped. I have to go, or I will miss the bus.” She stood frozen as she watched him dash out as fast as he could heading straight to the buses. She knew better and that was not from the incident the other day. She was the one who cleaned him up afterwards she would have noticed, plus these marks seem fresh so why did he lie yet again?
Marisol spent the past couple of hours running errands; she picked up a few needed items for her father. Walking through town she stopped in front of the Prescott’s Antique Shop and gazed at the door for a minute or so. Then on impulse she entered the shop and scoped it out until she came in eye contact with Mrs. Prescott. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes but there was warmth in them when she recognized Marisol. She tilted her chin up and approached her with cool controlled steps. It almost felt mechanical with her brownish hair swept up in a tight braided bun and even though she carried a smile her eyes still appeared solemn. Her face was over shadowed by all the gloomy black clothing from the high neck blouse to the polyester pants to the rubber sole slip-on shoes. Marisol felt compassion remembering a time she too suffered and needed energy just to breathe.
“Hello Ms. Braxton, what a surprise to see you here.” She said extending a light hug to her.
“Hello to you too Mrs. Prescott, I was just in town and wanted to check in and see how you and Mr. Prescott are coping.”
Looking down at her hands while she entwined them she lifted her chin up again and replied with as much vigor she can muster. “We are coping as well as to be expected I guess. There are days I just want to stay in bed and wither away. Then there are days God gives me strength and I face the day with vengeance.”
“Well, I know it’s hard and I won’t pretend otherwise. I lost a baby girl just after two weeks of being born it happened when I was quite young so I know what it takes just to get out of bed so I commend you for it.”
“Thank you, it’s hard when folks come in here and try to understand and I just feel like screaming YOU DON”T UNDERSTAND SO STOP TRYING!” she then looks a bit shock that she revealed such personal thoughts and recovers quickly with a shy smile. “But I know that would be rude and they are only showing me kindness.”
Marisol smiles and bites her bottom lip contemplating then goes on impulse once again. “Mrs. Prescott, I wanted to ask you a question, which may be out of line so please just hear me out.”
She looks apprehensive at first then curiosity sets it. “Okay, what is your question?”
“Did you see Savannah acting out of the ordinary the week before she died? Was she hanging around her cousins James and Jack at all? I only ask because I truly believe in my heart they know something and I don’t think it was suicide.” Okay, Marisol realizes at that very moment she went way too far to retract.
Mrs. Prescott looked bewildered her face became paler and turned quickly to gather her composure while she headed towards the back of the store. Marisol taking her lead trying to rectify the situation stops short as Mrs. Prescott swiftly spins to face her again. “I don’t know what you are insinuating Ms. Braxton, but I am going to ask you to leave.”
Marisol looks down and then faces her again taking in a deep breath. “I know I’m way out of line, and I apologize but I feel there is more to this story that is being said. As a mother, wouldn’t you want to know the truth?”
In total despair she answers her with a mere whisper. “Will it bring my daughter back?”
“No but think of it this way, it may prevent someone else from getting hurt and it may bring you a sense of closure.” Marisol pleaded and feeling the agony penetrating through Mrs. Prescott’s eyes.
“Are you insinuating my nephews pulled the rope that hung her? How dare you. Good bye, Ms. Braxton.” Dismissing her before she could better explain herself, Mrs. Prescott sauntered back to her office and closed the door gently bringing an end to their discussion. Noticing for the first time there were a few customers who witness their encounter or more like their altercation. Marisol kindly smiled and led herself out of the shop feeling more hopeless than ever.
At home she tried to play the scene over in her head and was shaken over the whole mess she created. Wishing she could retract the whole saga, why did she have to react on impulse? “Ugh.” Shoving her head into her sofa pillow she shifted and wish she could cancel her plans and sulk, but what good was that going to do her? What’s done is done. Looking at the time and seeing the darkness sneaking its way through the house she decided to get up and take her shower otherwise she will never be ready in time. It didn’t help the fact she still had no clue on what to wear. What did it matter anyway it wasn’t a real date but she wasn’t fooling herself, deep down she yearn to impress him and see him squirm with regret. She long for her outfit to scream out “eat your heart out this is what you lost!”
An hour later, Mace started pacing the living room and hallway as she was putting her earrings and assessing herself quickly in the mirror and pleased with what she accomplished. Heading towards the living room she approached her longtime companion, “What’s wrong baby boy someone out there?” Then the doorbell rang and all her confidence seemed to escape her. Looking out the window she noticed the Mercedes. Okay, Marisol game time you can do this. Greeting him at the door her hands began to tremble a bit while she held onto the door kn
ob, he looked so hot no make that sizzling hot, wearing a black fitted V-neck sweater and a white t-shirt underneath with black jeans showing his muscular thighs and immense bulge. “Hey Marco, come on in. I just need to get my purse and we can head out.”
As he entered inside he greeted her with a kiss on her cheek not missing her inspection of him as her eyes roamed from his face slowly trailing down to his thighs. “No problem, take your time. I’m in no rush.”
Closing the door behind him she could feel the steam radiating from her cheek and not wanting to read too much into it. “I just need a minute. Thanks.”
God, she looked amazing he didn’t know how he was going to make it through the night without bedding her. Seeing her long shapely legs in skinny jeans wearing red pumps and the beige sweater outlining her perfect sized breasts with her wavy hair cascading past her shoulders put him over the edge with need and want. Watching her leave the room definitely put him in over drive. There was no doubt his body and mind wanted her and he knew patience was required to win her over. Taking in his surroundings everything looked exactly the same as the last time he stood in this very room. How strange he thought knowing she now lived here alone and there was no sign of Marisol’s presence here besides the pictures her mother had displayed.
“Okay, I’m ready Sir.” She announced as she entered the living room where she found him looking at a picture frame containing a picture of her from when she was about eight years old she had a pouty face an expression of sure displeasure.
Looking up at her he gave her a smile that took her breath away. “I remember the day this picture was taken. This was at my aunt’s house your Mom refused to let you run around and chase the goats with us boys and you had a hissy fit.” Waving his finger at her as he continued with his accusation; wearing a grin that sent chills right up her spine. “You always wanted to keep up with me back then. Sometimes you refused to acknowledge that you were merely a girl. Too funny, this really brings me back to some great childhood memories.”
