KNOWN BY MY HEART

by Bennett, Michelle

  All the while Marco is in the balcony, Venus is picking herself up and heading to the bathroom where she takes a pregnancy test. Seeing a negative result, Venus suddenly throws the kit into the trash can and finds herself back with Marco, who is now seated in front of his laptop searching for North Carolina hotels and travel information.

  "My family owns a good hotel in North Carolina, and I can help you get there in no time." Venus declares, as she starts massaging his back. Marco is surprised to see Venus looking at his laptop screen from behind. All he can manage is to reply, "Really? Can we get there soon? I need to meet a good friend of mine." Venus lips were already close to nibbling Marco’s ears when she seductively replied with a "Sure…"

  Marco and Venus are able to arrange the necessary transportation and hotel while in front of the computer, and that same night they are nearly ready to transfer to Casa Martin, Venus' family-owned hotel in North Carolina.

  Marco excused himself from Venus if only to escape from her lure that is slowly working Marco’s hormones again. While Marco goes to her condo's gym, Venus takes the opportunity to map out her next move.

  "I’m getting married tonight!" exclaims Venus as she contacts her cousins from North Carolina. After hearing the news, they break out screaming and ask about the upcoming wedding. In no time, her cousins volunteer to prepare the hotel for a 7:30 pm event that very night.

  Venus’ plan looks good and feasible if only everything will be working well at the right time. The car rental they ordered will be picking them up at 3:00 pm, but will take them six hours to reach North Carolina. If they fly there, she plans to book a plane that will leave New Jersey at 6:00 pm. This way, they would arrive at the hotel without giving Marco time to refuse the wedding. With all these in mind, Venus immediately surfs the Internet for the right bookings that suit her plan. The best scheme she finds is to book for a flight at 4:00 pm, so she plans to use the extra time to take Marco to visit several beaches just in time for them to get married at the hotel.

  Marco, just back from the gym, finds Monica busily surfing the Internet. When asked why, Monica replies that there are problems with their previous booking and she has to arrange for another one. She informs him that they will have to leave earlier, but will have time to stroll on the beach at sunset. Marco smiles upon hearing the words. This time he shows his appreciation by giving her a friendly hug. Venus is about to make something more of of it but for Marco telling her, "You’re really such a good friend, Venus!"

  At the airport, Marco is beginning to notice Venus' physical beauty as he also begins to appreciate Venus caring for him. Marco extends his arms to warm Venus from the cold airplane chill while they watch the beautiful landscapes below. Their lips nearly touching, the airplane suddenly starts jolting and shaking more than usual. The pilot attempts several landings when suddenly an explosion is heard, and the plane falls into the ocean near the North Carolina airport. Several parachutes are spotted landing in different places, while a good number of bodies are also reported to be missing from the area of concern.

  CHAPTER V

  Meanwhile, Jasmine bids goodbye to Monica who, after keeping her company on the seashore, has to leave for a new online date with whom she has been preoccupied the past few days. "I'm sure you found the right guy for you, Monica! Take care!" Jasmine shouts to her best friend as she is leaving.

  It is almost dark when Jasmine chooses to stay by the seashore and enjoy the cool breeze. Suddenly, Jasmine sees a man in the water far off asking for help. Almost instantly, Jasmine swims toward the spot where a man is holding onto a piece of luggage. Jasmine finds Marco wounded and half-conscious. Even with her frail body, she ferries him back to the beach where she is able to closely examine his now-unconscious face. Mesmerized by his handsome features, it took takes a while for Jasmine to apply mouth to mouth resuscitation until Marco starts coughing. Finally, Marco’s eyes open, and he sees the lovely face he has been searching for.

  The image of Jasmine made him smile, and he wants to speak until Jasmine herself advises him to rest before speaking. Now positioned beside a bonfire, Jasmine waits for Marco to regain full consciousness. She asks for his name and tells Marco that she will go get help from the local police when suddenly Marco holds Jasmine’s hand to stop her. "No, miss. Please don’t let anyone know that you found me. Somebody wants to kill me - I love to stay here by the ocean, beneath the stars and close to you," lies Marco out of exhaustion and inspiration.

  Jasmine gives into his request as she also realizes that it would no longer be safe for her to walk alone dressed in a damp cotton white blouse that clung to her body. As they stay together further into the night, they both feel cold and start to shiver. Soon Marco forces himself to sit up and offers his body's warmth to Jasmine who trembling nods her ascent to Marco. His eyes feast on her beautiful face now inches away from his. His arms grow tighter against every cold breeze that passes in their direction.

  The bonfire grows weaker as a soft drizzle starts around midnight. Alone on the beach, Marco and Jasmine are left in the dark, cold, drizzling weather.

  The coldness Jasmine was feeling turned into a comfortable heat that could only come from the human body as Marco wraps himself around her body. Marco, on the other hand, was feeling heaven, as he could imagine himself laying on the best fluffy and smooth clouds as pillows. With his arms and legs almost swallowing Jasmine’s whole body and Jasmine almost embedded in his sturdy physique, the two slept soundly, unconsciously rubbing each other’s body all throughout the night.

  The morning sun strikes at Jasmine’s eyes which compels her to wake up. She knows she feels tired, but she also believes that she had the best sleep of her life. Opening her eyes, Jasmine was surprised to find Marco half naked beside her. Slowly, without waking him, Jasmine gets up and cleans herself in the ocean water. Marco is already awake, but pretending to be asleep so he could secretly watch Jasmine sleep and move about. Marco delighted in watching Jasmine’s face, and examining her body in its still damp cotton blouse clinging to her chest and nipples. More flesh is revealed as Jasmine moves deeper into the water and takes off her clothes. From there, she washes her clothes and rinses her body, too preoccupied to notice that Marco has followed her in that part of the ocean. Suddenly the pristine water showed pale reddish spots as Jasmine screams out in pain due to a jellyfish sting which causes her to lose drop her clothes. Stumbling in blind pain from the jellyfish sting, Jasmine steps on a seashell which cuts her foot. Fortunately, Marco is close by, and it doesn't take long for him to grasp her hand and carry her back to the seashore.

  Jasmine is completely nude as Marco lifts her up from the water into their spot near the trees. He lays Jasmine on the sand, feasting his eyes at her exposed body. Marco grabs his coat and covers Jasmine up with gentle hands. When Jasmine got her senses back, she instructs Marco on which plant to apply to the cut as a temporary remedy.

  The jellyfish sting is concentrated on Jasmine’s inner thigh, and Marco caresses the tender spot thoroughly with vinegar from the coconut tree he climbs. He delights in watching and listening to Jasmine groan with relief as he massages her inner thigh almost nearing her groin. Jasmine is leaning on Marco’s sturdy abdomen when several policemen suddenly appear from behind them.

  "There’s the man I’ve been telling you. Go get my husband and take him to our hospital!" Venus commands to the policemen who accompany her.

  "Husband?" Jasmine’s eyes meet Marco’s, as hers fill with tears. As much as Marco would love to explain the truth to Jasmine, he doesn't get a chance as the policemen and medics immediately drag him off to the ambulance.

  CHAPTER VI

  Marco is in a private hospital room when he regains full consciousness. From his bed, he finds Venus watching him closely from her seat on the sofa that has been moved closer to Marco’s bed. Suddenly a group of women around Venus’ age came in without knocking and talk to Venus in front of Marco’s hospital bed.

  "Is he your lucky fiancé?" one of the
women asks. Venus nods back with a proud smile. "Ooo, he looks yummy!" blurts out by another cousin of Venus. Although Marco has already been conscious, he pretended to be sleeping to find out more about what’s going on. "Venus, your wedding is rescheduled for tomorrow night. And with your fiancée laying on the bed here, I suppose there’s no more escaping from you!" After a few more giggly, gossipy conversations, Venus’ cousins leave Marco’s room.

  Alone again, Venus turns to Marco and asks him with a commanding tone, "Who was the girl you were with last night? Don't you know we're getting married? I don't want you to be getting close to any woman! You are mine, and mine only!" Though Marco is listening, deep inside, he pretends to be sleeping again if only to escape Venus’ nagging words. In his fake slumber, Marco is plotting his plan to escape from Venus’ influence before the wedding ceremony.

  Marco attempts to escape every time he senses Venus leaving his room. Unfortunately, none are successful. With only less than two hours before the wedding ceremony, Marco still has one more chance to escape. This time he should be successful.

  Believing that Venus has connived with all the hospital security personnel, Marco’s only choice to exit the hospital through the back door. As he slowly creeps towards the back door, he keeps his eyes on the security and medical personnel who catch sight of him along the way. At that same time, Venus has arrived at the hospital and is about to enter the building through the back door as she always does. She sees Marco, whose back is turned to her. Immediately, Venus clings to Marco’s torso to prevent him from leaving. "Leave me alone!' Marco emphasizes to Venus as he struggles away from her. Venus, in her attempt to win Marco back, holds him all the more closely with her luring touch and kiss. Venus subtly moves Marco into a more private supply room and locks the door. She takes off her clothes, facing Marco as she screams in rage, "What else, Marco? What else?" Marco is taken aback as he is cautious with Venus, who forcefully draws her body closer to him.

  Marco finally escapes from Venus' arms and forces the door open. He was is about to get out when Venus once again grabs onto his arm. In the commotion, Venus suddenly grabs hold of a small bottle nearby and splashes its contents into Marco’s face, making him scream out in pain and hold his face.

  The next time Marco wakes up is in a private hospital room again, but this time his head is wrapped in gauze and bandages. Worse, he keeps saying it is dark until he hears a male doctor’s voice informing him that he has lost his vision, at least for the present time. Venus is, of course, by his side, giving instructions to the doctor who quickly leaves them alone again. When Marco felt feels he is alone with Venus, he turns away from her voice to show how disgusted he is with her. Venus, on the other hand, is also becoming angry as she tells Marco in a commanding voice, "This is all your fault! Now, I am setting another wedding tomorrow night, and you can’t escape this time!"

  Although unable to see, Marco’s mind is fully awake early the next morning. He is bothered by the thought he is getting married to a woman he does not love at all. Refusing to start his day though, he is surprised to hear a familiar voice speak in his mother tongue. "Como você está, amigo?" It is Daniel Rubio, Marco’s closest cousin from Brazil. Marco smiles for the first time since leaving the beach with Venus. Daniel is accompanied by several Brazilian embassy officials who, upon Daniel’s instructions, gives them privacy. The two Brazilian bachelors hold a quiet conversation, obviously speaking on serious matters.

  After a thorough discussion, the two have arrived at a plan to save Marco from getting married to Venus: Marco is to get married to someone else of his choice and then fly together with her back to Brazil. They put together a rough idea of Marco’s wedding entourage.

  That same afternoon, the Brazilian embassy makes arrangements with the hospital to take Marco back to Brazil.

  Venus flies into a rage when she enters the room to find Marco no longer there. In the midst of her rampage, she finds a piece of paper which momentarily pacifies her tantrum. On it, Marco and Daniel have drafted plans for Marco’s upcoming wedding in Brazil. The entourage list is complete with full names, except for the name of the bride, where it is written "Monica/Jasmine."

  Venus' rage is reignited as she crumples the piece of paper and says to herself in anger.. "Now, Monica and Jasmine! Aarghh!"

  After lengthy arrangements with the Brazilian embassy and some local businesses, Marco sets up a wedding ceremony on the beach. It was a secret wedding set in a private resort secluded in the mangroves of South Carolina. Daniel, too, has already spoken with the local population as he searches for Monica and Jasmine.

  When Marco arrives still assisted by the embassy personnel, he spends time deciding on who among the dozens of women named Monica and Jasmine are the ones he is looking for. As requested by the groom to be, Marco is seated on the beach near the seashore as one by one, each woman presents herself to be assessed by Marco’s senses of hearing and touching.

  To satisfy his desire to apologize to Monica, Marco begins by trying to identify her. He does this by asking the women present about past conversations from their time online. The first dozen prove to be the wrong Monica, as their answers do not match the words Monica shared with him in the hours they spent together online.

  CHAPTER VII

  Monica is almost out of touch from the town’s circulating news since she has been with Jasmine, who has been confined in a small local clinic near the boundary of North and South Carolina. It has been a peaceful confinement for Jasmine until Venus comes out of nowhere and slaps Jasmine’s face and pulling her hair. Monica’s self-defence skills take over, but unfortunately, Venus also knows self defence, and the meeting of the two results into a huge commotion.

  Looking pained and hurt, Jasmine is trying to get up and to run away on Monica's command, who is still struggling with Venus. Her instinct to run leads Jasmine to a remote place in the woody mountains.

  The fight between Monica and Venus has already reached the local police who quickly arrive. Once the commotion has been pacified, reports and further interrogations are conducted. When Monica gives her name, she gets news that there is a foreigner in their town looking for two ladies named "Monica and Jasmine." When asked why and who the foreigner is, the local official cannot answer well enough to convince her. Monica suspects she is the person they are looking for, but never has inkling that it is Jasmine, her best friend, to whom they are referring. After being released by the police, Monica immediately proceeds to the beach where the search for the "two wanted ladies" is being held by the foreigners.

  The line of the aspiring "Monicas" is long, and the wedding is about to start in four hours. Monica would have been disappointed and discouraged had she not seen the man she calls "Sunset" looking ill and weak with bandages in his head and unable to see.

  Moved with pity, Monica falls into the long line. When it is her turn, she answers all questions correctly, and Marco easily identifies her to be the right one, finishing his search for Monica. As Marco requests privacy for them, the two waste no time in catching up in each other’s stories just as they did online. Eventually, Marco is holding Monica’s hand and tearfully asking for her forgiveness. He is sorry he did not reveal his real name, and is even more regretful that he had to entertain another potential date while she waited for him all along. Monica holds Marco's hand as she too, asks for his forgiveness. "Monica, I need to marry you now," cries Marco. Surprised, Monica holds Marco close to her as she pacifies him. After a minute, Monica she asks him, "Why?"

  Marco finally admits, "It's you, Monica: it's your smile, your face I could never forget. It's you I see in every woman I meet. It's how we valued our friendship back then. It is how you respected me as a person and how you stayed that make me want to have you as my wife." Monica also nearly cries when she witnesses how Marco’s tears fall from his bandaged face. Marco’s hand on Monica’s cheeks can feel the tears that roll down her face as she shakes her head in response to Marco’s words. Marco knows knew the response is a was
a refusal, which makes him wonder what's wrong.

  "No, Marco, I'm not the right girl for you. I'm not the girl you really loved even before. Forgive me for failing you." Bursting into tears, Monica finally admits that the woman in the profile picture is not her but from her friend, Jasmine. "Jasmine? Let's find her..." As easily as Monica has forgiven Marco, so does he forgive her.

  CHAPTER VIII

  Monica volunteers to help Marco find Jasmine at that very moment. Together with Daniel, Marco and Monica are set on finding Jasmine.

  Jasmine, out of fear of Venus' raging attack, instinctively runs away from the clinic until she finds herself lost in the nearby mountain forest. Gasping for breath, Jasmine takes a while to rest until she finds blood dripping down her thighs. She feels dizzy, but holds on to her stomach until she finally faints and falls down on the grass.