Anita sighed, "Juan is getting married today," she said bluntly. Gemma slowly pulled her hands back, looking away. And then a tiny laugh escaped her mouth with words.
"No, he's not." It was the only thing she could say. When has he arranged everything Juan had told her weeks ago? How could he possibly get everything together?"I'm sorry, Gemma... I am," Anita said, having no idea why she was apologising, but Juan made her look like a fool. "He didn't call you?" She asked Juan was heartless, but she didn't ever think he would be this manipulative. *********** February afternoons were made to be like this. The sky, mid-afternoon, is a beautiful canvas graced with sky blues and pure milky whites and golden balls, shining down to earth. The blue in the depths beyond and the smooth, rounded, sugary sweet clouds in the foreground. Stained white wooden porches, green plastic lawn and park chairs and a yellow butterfly dancing above the steamy urban pavement with an invisible partner to a made-up song. A little girl appears, jumping and laughing to touch it. Gemma sat on one of the benches in the park. She appeared to love and smile at the girl, who danced, trying to catch the butterfly. A smile adorned her lips when their eyes met, her blue eyes locking with Gemma's, and she giggled and continued, shifting her gaze to the butterfly that made a run for it. "I will be back soon," she heard Juan's soft voice say; he didn't sound so happy, and she could guess why. She looked away from the young girl, who played with the butterfly, to her man, the person she loved most in the world, Juan Walker. Her smile faded into a hidden frown, knowing what he meant by that. He moved closer to her, placing his phone in his back pocket. Juan didn't look so happy as well as he approached her. His face is sad, but his eyes glint with warmness towards her. "Is something wrong?" she smiled as he approached her. His gaze neither shifted nor faltered. There was always something wrong when she decided to spend time with him. The park date was a perfect idea, she had been craving, and she had been planning this for the longest, for two years, and finally, she got him out, but time seemed to be against them. Juan grasped her wrist, and a whisper escaped his lips, "We have to go," he pulled her by her wrist, walking to a red SUV parked outside the park. "Juan," her gentle voice called, his grip was tight, and he didn't even notice. "What? I told you I wouldn't stay long" his voice became rough, and her eyes lowered to the floor as he faced her, and he let go of her and opened the car door for her. Gemma slowly got in without a word and waited patiently for him to get in, her gaze gliding on the little girl. She looked baffled, watching them both. Maybe she was taught about love differently. When their eyes met again, a little smile graced the corner of her lips, and she raised her hand. Gemma's heart calmed at the finger heart she showed her, and this made her smile again. Her eyes streaked while the little girl's eyes held hers. Juan started the engine. Gemma's smile widened when she waved at her. She then returned hers. "Who are you waving at?" Juan asked as he drove off the park. Gemma kept smiling at the little girl till she was out of her sight. She turned to Juan, ready to reply to him. "Someone," she adjusted, locking her seatbelt, smiling widely at him. "Hmm, the someone doesn't have a name?" he darts at her, with a think smirk at the end of his lips. Gemma's shoulders raised as she looked out of the window. Seeing the little girl and how she calmed her heart, Gemma turned to Juan again. He seemed focused on the road. Her heart suddenly palpitated with fear at the question she was about to ask. Either way, she forced it out of her mouth. "Do you want to have kids?" she swallowed, and just like she thought, Juan wouldn't take it well, hearing this question. Juan choked, instantly hitting the brake. Gemma took her head backwards, resting on the leather, feeling guilty and her heart pounding with fear. She waited for his reply while listening to his raging breath. I probably wouldn't have asked that. What was she thinking? She pinched her hand. She was like a mistress to him. If he did, it would be with his girlfriend, and he would never leave to be with her."Are you insane?" He turned over to her after parking at the edge of the road. Gemma remained silent, staring at him. "Emma? Are you serious?" He asked, his voice soft yet angered. "I'm sorry, I-I-I didn't know when that came out," She whispered, swallowing and folding her hand between her thighs. Fear gripped her like a blanket and darkness like a curtain. Juan breathed, seeing how much he scared her. He gulped and looked out the window, watching other cars pass them. He licked his lips, resting his hands on his forehead. "I have dinner with Alice. I don't want to be late" He cleared his throat, unlocking the car door. Gemma looked at the door. He was sending her out again. It had happened so many times that she had lost count. "Juan," her voice softened, and her gaze went watery. "Today is our anniversary; you're the reason I came out" She knew that, but she wanted to spend time with him. Was that a crime? And it wasn't even up to an hour now he was leaving; when next would she see him? That was all she cared for as he was sending her out. "Okay, would you come over tonight?" She managed to ask, her voice shaking as she whispered. "Gemma," he sighed. Frustration filled him up. That was a no. She hurriedly took out her bag and grabbed the lock, getting down. "I love you," she tells him before shutting the door. "I love you too," He answered. Gemma blinked away, staring at the street of Seattle. He was a liar, she knew that, but she wasn't ready to accept it; her heart still smiled when she saw him, her heart brightened when he slept beside her, and happiness filled the darkest hole when he smiled. She closed the door Juan drove off immediately. She took a deep breath and looked around. A little sigh escaped her lips, watching his car till it was out of her sight. A bell rang as she stepped into a studio, Nita's studio— a place where she worked. "Gosh, you're late," Anita— Gemma's manager and friend. Anita rushed forward to her, and her eyes were watery. Anita turned away from her, sighing. From how she looked, she could tell what happened. Her eyes rolled, stepping backwards. "He left," she says, dropping her bag frustrated on a chair close by "Why are you so stubborn!" She growled at her. Gemma didn't say a word. Instead, her sobbing became louder. "He's not the only guy in the world," Anita exhaled, holding her aching head. "You can't understand" She gawked at her, and even with her teary eyes, Gemma reached out for her bag and walked into a dressing room. "Understand what? You're sleeping around with a guy that has a girlfriend!" Anita followed. "That's enough!" She yelled, turning back at her. Her eyes widened, and her breathing increased, "Let's get this shot over with." "No, you look like a mess!" "Isn't that why we have a make-up artist?" she pointed in a low voice. Gemma and Anita stared at each other with rage. She hated when someone had to point it out to her. "You're so annoying" Anita rolled her eyes walking away from her presence. Gemma exhaled slowly, trying to calm her aching heart. She sat watching herself as they put her makeup perfectly, warm and light make-up. She had to model for a clothing brand along with a perfume company. After they were done with her makeup, she headed to the studio. Anita shook her head uncountable times as she looked her worst. "Are you insane!" She recalled every time his voice rang in her head, she looked away, sucking the flood of tears about to hit her. "It's our anniversary, and I have dinner with Alice," She sighed, tightening her lips. Juan had never taken her out on a date or for dinner. Whenever he came around, they watched a movie or had sex, but at least he brought her flowers or sent some to her. "What's wrong with her?" the photographer asked. Anita sighed, taking her hair backwards. "She looks devastated," He says. "She is" Anita looked at him, shaking her head again, she looked at Gemma, but she kept striking a pose like everything was fine. Anita looked at him. He had a smile on seeing how angry she looked. "Thank you for doing this," she tells him, tapping his shoulders. "It's no problem. The lady is stunning, and I want to bless my camera with such beauty," he smiled. Anita giggled, folding her hands across her chest. Finally, the shoot was over. Gemma went into the dressing room and sat staring at herself in the mirror and her phone rang; she picked it up and looked at its ring. Juan was calling. Should she pick it up? She battled with herself. "Hello?" She answered, holding her hands tightly. "Gemma?" he called, and she softly answered. "Are you-" he cleared his throat, and she heard his breath shakily. "Are you, by chance, pregnant?" he finally lets out. "What?" She muttered. "Are you still on the pills?" He asked repeatedly. She couldn't believe her ears. Was giving him a baby going to let him love her? "I am. Why?" Gemma looked around. "That's good, and I couldn't help but think about what you asked" "I was only joking," Gemma brightened, knowing Juan was worried. "Alright," the call was silent, and Gemma played with her fingers, waiting for him to say something. I have something to confess," he whispered over the phone. Gemma knew he was close to Alice. "What is it?" She smiled. Was he finally going to say what she's been dying to hear? "Alice and I are getting married," He says. Gemma's smile faded."Alice and I are getting married," He says. Gemma's smile faded, her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror, and her eyes went misty at the stabbing words. Gemma remained silent on the phone, but her breath increased and became shaky. She looked away from the mirror and raised her head, pushing back her tears, her hands brushing the tears rolling down her cheek. Gemma knew deep down he loved her so much and wouldn't let go. She didn't want to either. Juan meant the whole world to her. Gemma's eyes are wrinkled. "But we could still be together. I'm getting married, doesn't mean we won't be together," Juan said. Despite the breaking news, she felt him smile over the phone. She shut her eyes tightly, her face wrinkled, her mouth streaked and tightened together, and like a flash, tears rolled down her eyes. Gemma quickly trapped the wiping sound in the palm of her hand. She heard him giggle, he was happy, but she wasn't. It wasn't what she had planned. Maybe he would give up on t
The following day, Gemma arrived in Juan's car, and they both headed to her studio.Ding! The door opened, and Gemma stepped in at the same time. Anita walked out of the dressing room. She looked to her left and found Gemma smiling."Good morning, you look bright," Anita commented as she walked closer to her."I am," Gemma turned around, and Juan entered. Anita's smile fell, she looked at Gemma, and she had a massive smile. Confused, she managed a smile at Juan."Hi, Juan" He introduced himself like Anita didn't know who he was."Yeah, I know you, you're..." her eyes meet Gemma's. "You're handsome," through her gritted teeth and her brows raised."Thank you," He said with a small laugh and turned to Gemma. "Gemma wanted me to drop her off," he stated."Anita's brows fell, and she darted at Gemma, and she continued to smile, "Ah, so you didn't see any reason you should?" She asked."I'm sorry. I don't understand," Juan said, managing a smile which was already fading."What an impudent
"Juan..." Gemma stopped chewing, suddenly curious, Gemma couldn't care less what he said, but the moment it was Juan's name, it interested her because Gary and Juan were friends. "Juan sent me a wedding invitation," He spat with a laugh.Everyone was mute for a while. Everyone knew just how much she hated Juan being mentioned, mainly if it came from Gary."Of course, I know," She answered back and then, a smile graced her smile, Gary's smile faded, and everyone stared at her, confused, including Sarah and Lucy. Was she that desperate for his love? They thought, unable to say anything.Unexpectedly, someone got the courage to speak. Beside him was a blondie, clearing her throat and leaning closer, "Hey, Gemma, what are you after? Money? Love? Or you're just desperate?" Kimberly said. Kimberly— Another of her classmates inquired. Gemma's eyes were filled with rage staring at her."She didn't ask anything wrong," Gary said."Yeah, she didn't. Why exactly are you following a married man?"
Anita sighed, "Juan is getting married today," she said bluntly. Gemma slowly pulled her hands back, looking away. And then a tiny laugh escaped her mouth with words."No, he's not." It was the only thing she could say. When has he arranged everything Juan had told her weeks ago? How could he possibly get everything together?"I'm sorry, Gemma... I am," Anita said, having no idea why she was apologising, but Juan made her look like a fool. "He didn't call you?" She asked Juan was heartless, but she didn't ever think he would be this manipulative.Gemma took a deep breath, maybe trying to process everything happening. She had her eyes closed, and her hands covered her shameful face. "He didn't tell you he was getting married? Oh, he's such a scum!" Anita vomited."He did. He told me he was-" her voice quivered, letting go of her face."What? He told me he was. And Gemma," Anita stopped, stupefied by her actions, "Did he give you a date, at least?" She asked."No, he didn't. He told me
Gemma's car was parked in front of the hotel where Juan's wedding was held. Someone had sent the invitation to the group. Isaac looked at her as he turned off the engine. She couldn't even look at the hotel as they arrived and hung her head low with mutterings, "Thank you for doing this" were the words that escaped her lips.Isaac leaned closer to hear what she had said, "I can't hear you," he said, a little close to her. Gemma gently raised her head and looked at him. She looked away when their eyes met, and he fanned her. "What are you smiling about?" she asked, staring out the window. Her face was covered in tears and sweat; it wasn't something she wanted him to see, but then, she couldn't bear him smiling. She had felt he was laughing at her stupidity, which bothered her.Isaac's genuine smile faded upon hearing her speak those words, and he wasn't the one getting heartbroken over some useless guy; besides, he was only smiling to cheer her up. Maybe he smiled too much, he assumed
It's been an hour now, and Isaac had no trace of her; he had searched the whole area hoping to find her but couldn't.He stood at the entrance while he awaited Anita's arrival, and soon after, he spotted her running towards him."Did you see her?" She asked, trying to catch her breath. Isaac took a good look at her and replied."No, I searched everywhere," He said with both hands on his waist.Anita stood straight, glancing around. "She must have found out," Anita mumbled to herself. "I shouldn't have let her go," she said, running her hand through her hair."It's not your fault. I shouldn't -" Anita interrupted."If she saw her, I mean Alice, she would know," Anita kept whining. She bit her nail, nervously glancing around. "Is that obvious?" Anita furrowed her brows, looking at Isaac. He must have seen her, anyone would recognise a bride if they see one, plus he had been inside before she arrived. Isaac nodded in response, and she closed her eyes briefly, shaking her head."Gosh, he'
Juan approached them with a glass of champagne, "It's Anita, right?" He asked with a wicked grin.His steps were slow and careful with the wicked smile he had on. He carefully glanced around, and Anita could tell he was trying not to cause a scene. After an eternity of his walk, he finally stood at their front. He looked at Isaac and back at Anita. He had no idea who Isaac was."Juan," Anita said, taking deep breaths, forcing herself not to explode. "Where is Gemma?" Isaac blurted out while blocking him from coming closer to Anita. Juan looked in Alice's direction and Anita. "Who's this?" He asked, chuckling."Don't make me," Isaac whispered, "You don't want to make a scene," he sneered, knowing very well that he wouldn't want his darling wife to find out anything about Gemma."She left a while ago," He replied, defeated by Isaac's threat. He looked at Anita, and she avoided eye contact. Isaac lowered his gaze, and seeing their reaction, he could tell something was wrong. And it w
They both stepped out of the hotel and stopped. Anita looked at Isaac, and out of shame, he avoided her gaze."I will get the car," he said."Alright, do," she replied and took out her phone, comfortable with the situation. Was Juan right? Did he like Gemma, was that why he was doing this? These thoughts ran through her head.The horn blew, and she raised her head, lowering her hand. Isaac parked in front of her.Anita got into the car, and he watched her bulk her belt. She looked at him, and he threw his face in front, facing the road. Isaac started the engine immediately, driving off. The ride to Gemma's house was quiet. They both tried as much as possible not to bring up what happened a while ago.Anita glanced at him when she remembered she hadn't told him the address and wondered how he knew the way to Gemma's house without her directing him."How do you know the way through?" Anita asked in a low tone avoiding eye contact.Isaac focused on the road and cleared his throat despite