Is it love? 3

We got ready and I waited for him to get his cell phone. I clicked on the button of the elevator and waited. I heard foot steps behind me and I turned around, finding that he was there in front of me. We went down and walked out of the apartment. I was still thinking about Carlos, wether he might come back or something. Everything was a blur to me. I wanted to snap out of everything but it seems like I've walked into a trance. I started to daydream. In my mind I often daydream about things that aren't possible here in real life. Like, what if I broke up with Max and ended up being with Carlos. I stopped. It MIGHT be possible. Oh no, I'm starting to have feelings for Carlos. I didn't want to fantasize about Carlos at a time like this. I breathed and smiled at Max. "Honey, are you okay?", He asked. I made a face which that looks like a old lady being hit by a truck and burst out in tears. "What's wrong?", as he comforted me while rubbing my shoulders. We found a bench and sat there while I try to explain everything to him. "I love you Max", I said to him. "I love you too Anna, tell me what's the problem?", He questioned. "I just daydreamed about Carlos and imagined myself not being with you. I don't want to be mean and I love you so much", I replied while bursting out in tears. "Hey hey hey.. Don't worry about that baby, it was just a daydream. I am not going to be a bad boyfriend and I promise to love you forever", He replied. He wiped my tears with his thumb and kissed my forehead. I was smiling. I wanted to crawl into a small space and die there. I didn't want to feel this way. I know now what it feels like to be guilty and mean. I asked him if I could go home and stay in my room with him holding me until I fall asleep, he agreed and smiled. I was being vulnerable, a little too much. We got home real fast since I told the cab driver to drive extra fast and paid him fifty dollars to get me home quick. I ran for the elevator and clicked the button. As the doors shut, I breathed deeply and held on tight to Max's hand. I think I was hurting him. His face seemed fine though. I started to feel woozy and I wanted to lie on the floor. As the doors slide open I walked towards my door and turned to Max. "Can you stay with me tonight? Tomorrow Dani is coming back and we can go out for dinner tomorrow?" I asked and told him. His eyes were concentrating on mine. I wanted him to answer me and instead he held my hand, walked towards my room and hopped in with me on my bed and shut the lights off. "Is that a yes?", I questioned.I could hear him breathing next to me. He hugged me and went to sleep. I dreamed that night. It wasn't what I suspected, I dreamt of Carlos coming inside my room and hugging me from behind, like I was in a movie. Was I? Can this be real? I asked myself if this was a nightmare. But it wasn't. I woke up wanting fresh air. I went into Dani's study. A place where I can think and be normal. Suddenly, I saw something underneath Dani's diary, it was a photograph of Mom. But it looked like it was taken recently. She looks like the woman in the photo. I wanted to call Dani. So I called him using the home phone. Hello, This is Dani, sorry I can't pick up the phone right now, I'm kinda busy. So leave a message after the beep. *beeeep*. "Dad, I need to talk to you as soon as you come home, Bye" was all I said. I looked at the picture again and compared to the image I had before she left. Brown hair, dark brown eyes, pink lips and tanned skin. She did have the same features but much more slim than before. "Maybe this is Mom" I thought to myself. I quickly put the picture back into the diary and walked to the kitchen. I made myself hot chocolate with crackers and sat down at the living room. I stared to daze at the window and looked at the starry night sky. It was amazing. I heard footsteps coming and I turned to see that it was Max. He was rubbing his eyes and asked me what was I doing sitting alone. I told him that I missed Dani and I was still worried about the whole Imagining with Carlos thing again. He made himself hot chocolate and sat down next to me. "Nothing is going to end between us Anna, I promise you, I would never leave you nor break your heart, that's if you promise to do the same thing", My heart was thudding like it was about to come out of my body and so I took a deep breath and said "I promise Max", and smiled. He kissed my cheek and we watched the sun rise. We talked all night about Dani and his family and how he was raised as a child. It was really interesting because his story was similar to mine. No one wanted to be his friend until the day when one guy asks if he could come over to his house. He knew it was actually a bet so that he could just steal his favorite stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night and show it off to the whole school. Everybody laughed at him. Until the day he went to collage, everything changed. I asked Max if I could take a walk alone later just to clear my head before Dani comes. He asked me if I was going to be okay and I replied to him by nodding my head. And he allowed me to just think for a while. We eventually fell asleep and woke up around noon. Dani will be home at Dinner and I still have time to just take that walk at Central Park. I got all ready and Max was doing some research with his school work and he doesn't need me on it. I went down and walked out. Finally, fresh air. I can feel free. I sat down on a bench and just looked at people passing by. "Hi", a tender voice said to me. "Miss me?", he asked.




I wanted to turn around and see who it was. I was scared. I didn't want to look at his face. I counted to three in my mind as I turned around. He was gone. I then faced front and "BOO!", he said. "AHHH! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?", I screamed. "So, you miss me or not?", Carlos asked. "What are you doing here?", I questioned him. "I came here to see you and Max, how are you guys by the way, if you don't mind me asking?", he grinned. Ugh, thanks for ruining my day. "Can you just leave me and Max alone like you promised?". I asked nicely. "But I have to admit that I do miss you Annabelle", He told me. He patted my back and pinched my nose. "STOP IT!", I yelled at him. I walked away from him and didn't look back at all. I was frustrated. I could hear footsteps behind me. Like it was following me. I ran for it. I didn't look back. I ran as fast as I could. I turned back and saw no one. I headed for the apartment. Clicked on the button and ran to my room. I curled up in my covers and began to dose off. I finally woke up and saw the ceiling. I leaned to my left and faced my door. My eyes were still at blur, I was trying hard to look at the blurry lights flashing in front of me. I blinked twice and saw the time. -9:30- 'CRAP' I overslept!. Dani must be here already!. I washed my face and brushed my teeth and ran for the door. When I opened it, I saw Dani's art set and suitcases. Where was he?. I smelt pizza coming from the living room. I followed and saw that Max was having a conversation with Dani. They were talking about the Art Gallery whilst eating the pizza. Dani wasn't really the type to talk to people about his work, except for me and Mom. I walked in. Max and Dani stood up like gentlemen. Surprising. Usually they'd just ignore that. This time, it's different. Dani has finally grown up. haha.. I giggled. "Well hello there sleeping beauty, you're not going to give your Dad a hug then?", He played. I laughed and hugged Dani. Boy,did I miss him. "How was your walk? have you already thought things through?", Max asked me out of the blue. I was a little angry about Carlos this afternoon and I didn't want to talk about it. "Someone was trying to catch me today, I ran of my life and eventually made it to the apartment", as I turned to Max with wide eyes. He understood what I meant and I wanted to talk to him about Carlos's habits on revenge. I took a large bite on the pizza."Anna, did you see the news this morning?", Dani asked. "No, why? what's wrong?", I answered. "There was a Tsunami in Indonesia and it had hit your school apparently", he said. I was shocked. My mouth dropped and I look like the girl from that scary Japanese movie. I wanted to sit down,I needed to breathe. I asked myself, "What if Miss Sate was still there?! What if Aunt Lacey was stuck under a tree and washed away", I panicked towards Dani. "Relax.. relax, there is nothing to be afraid of, Everyone is fine. No one got hurt and they're flying to Brunei tomorrow. I was frustrated that they were going to Brunei and I wasn't. I missed everyone. Their the only ones that understand what I'm going through, due to the fact that they are girls and I'm not with them. On the contrary, If it weren't for New York I wouldn't have met Max. I stared at him for a while, I thought. 'How did I get so lucky to have a guy like him?'. I asked Dani if we can go out for Dinner at a restaurant later. Max interrupted. "Actually, I forgot to tell you that I was going to bring you both to the annual fashion show that my Mother designed and it'll be in an hour", as he glanced at his watch. I have never been to a fashion show and I guess this might be the first for everything. I asked Max if he could pick out the dresses that I kept in the end of my closet, I never actually worn any dresses and it's just one night. I think. I stepped out of the closet and put on my earring that my Mother had worn on her wedding day and the locket that Max gave me for our first date. I didn't realize that Max was standing there in my room. I saw him, very handsome and wearing tux. I was wearing a peach dress, it was rather comfortable. He looked at me with dazzling eyes and I thought that there was something wrong with my dress. " What? is there something wrong? is it the shoes?", as I twirled in front of him. "Uh.um.. nothing, you look beautiful", he said. I blushed. "Shall we go now?", as he showed his arm to me and smiled. I feel like a princess. "You deserve every right to feel like a princess", he whispered to my ear. "Wow Dani, you look spiffy. I like your bow tie", I complimented him. He smirked. "Are we set?", I asked Dani. "Yeap!, let's go!", I held both of them and smiled. My two gentlemen. I was excited and scared at the same time. Knowing that it'll be the first time ever that I'll be going to a fashion show and meet Max's Mother. My hands were shaking and I couldn't help but fidget. Max kissed my hand to calm me down and touch my face with his warm hand. "It'll be fine, I promise you", as he rubbed my shoulders. We were in the car and as I see lights flash by. I was still wondering about Dani's picture in his Den the other day. Was she really Mom? or was it just a girl he just met at the Art Gallery?. How was I suppose to know , if he doesn't tell me anything. I'm his daughter of gods sake!. To that very thought I became angry and I wanted to talk to Dani alone. We finally arrived and the valet opened the door. As we stepped out of the car, photographers were taking pictures of us and reporters asking questions to Max about his Mother and about me. One of them asked if I was his girlfriend and he agreed. I was smiling the whole time. "EXCUSE ME! MISS!! EXCUSE ME! HELLO?!", Someone behind me trying to call me. "HUH? Yes?", I replied back to the reporter. "What is your name miss?", she asked, "My name is Annabelle Board", I replied nicely. "Are you Mr Miller's New Girlfriend?", she questioned. "uhh... um..", I didn't know what to reply. "Yes she is", Max replied. I smiled. He pulled me close to his chest and kissed me in front of the reporters and photographers. I was getting chills down my spine. The way how he doesn't care and how he doesn't mind people watching us. Exposing our love to the press. Just wonderful. I opened my eyes and realized that we were inside already. "Mom, I want you to finally meet Annabelle Board", as he introduced me to his Mother, She had a humble look and a beautiful smile. "Hello Annabelle, what a lovely name, I've heard so much about you and it's a great pleasure to finally meet you. I love your dress by the way!", she said all at once. I couldn't take it all in. I breathed and replied, " Hello Mrs Miller, Thank you so much for inviting Dani and myself to your fashion show, it is so spectacular and the place is amazing", "haha oh shush dear, call me Marisa. I'd rather be called that then hearing myself sound old, OH excuse me, I must go now. Please find your seats and enjoy the fashion show!", she answered. I held Max's hand and sat down with him. The fashion show has free seating and you could sit anywhere you want. We know that everyone wanted to sit in front but Max insisted that we should sit middle row. Just the right spot for us to see people coming in and out of the stage. It was thrilling.




Everybody looked amazing and I was dazzled by the models. They were tall and beautiful. Such young faces and still maintaining their flawless skin. I was jealous. I didn't realize that Max was looking at me and smiling. "What?", I shyly asked. "You are more beautiful then those models, I know what they are and they don't have much", he said to me. I smiled and thanked him. He praised me so much. I need to do the same but how?. No man has ever talked to me before and he's my first boyfriend. I still wanted to talk to Dani about Mom or whoever it was in the picture that he took in the photograph. There was break time for the models and everyone had snacks at the waiting hall. I went looking for Dani. "I have to talk to Dani for a bit, I'll see you later?", I told Max and let me go. I kept yelling out his name and there wasn't any response, except for the fact that there are a lot of people named Dani in the waiting room. Then I suddenly saw a familiar face. She had tanned skin and dark brown hair. She was talking to Dani. I was mesmerized by her looks. Was it her? Was it really her? I thought to myself, 'What should I say? How should I greet her?'. I breathed and came forward. "Dani, I ne--", I stopped and forgotten everything about the picture and saw her. "Mom?", I was shocked. I wanted to hug her but I was still angry about the part that she left Dani and me in Jakarta alone. I had mixed emotions. The pain in my heart came back to me. I wanted to yell at her for leaving us. Yell at her to get out of this show and yell at her for leaving me. Instead I ran from Dani and found Max instead. "What's wrong?", He asked me. "Nothing, hey look it's starting again", I pulled Max and walked back to our seats. I could see his face, he was trying to figure out everything just by looking at my expression. "Anna, can I please talk to you for a second?", I heard Dani calling me from behind. I stood up. I wanted him to know how angry I was for not telling me anything about Mom coming. "What do you have to say for yourself Dad", I asked him nicely. "I'm sorry Anna, I wanted you to be surprised. I wanted you to finally meet after so long, She has been dying to meet you ever since I met her in Brooklyn for the Art events I've been going to and meetings", He explained. I was even more angry when he just told me that they actually met up at Brooklyn and he didn't even bother to call me. I didn't want to look at Mom. I saw her head peaking from the pillar behind Dani. "Mom, I know you're standing behind that pillar, I'm not blind you know", I said to her. She eventually walked towards us and greeted me 'hello'. "What happened to you? Why did you leave us? Why Mom?", I was scanning her. Her brown eyes and tanned skin. "I'm sorry Annabelle, I've been meaning to call the both of you in Jakarta, but then Aunt Lucy said that you guys flew to New York and started a new life here. She told me that I shouldn't meet you both but I couldn't resist,I miss you so much and I wanted you to forgive me like your father did when I met him at the Art Events a few weeks ago", She explained. I looked at Dani and all I could see is a face that wanted me to forgive her, forgive her for leaving us. I felt bad. The fact that my Mother is standing right in front of me and that Max is walking towards us. I was getting sweaty. I didn't know what to do. "Mom, I want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Max", I embraced his arm while introducing him to her. "Hello Max, oh so you're Annabelle's Mother, now I see where Anna got her beautiful face from", He complimented her and she was flattered. I squeezed his hand, I was nervous. When suddenly, A man standing there next to the exit and waving at me. I breathed, "Carlos". I wanted to run but instead he came up to us. "Hello Annabelle, what a pleasant surprise to see you here, Max", He greeted me while giving Max a look. " I thought you were gone?", I said. I wanted him to feel the rush of my hand hit his devilish face. He lied to me. "I'm actually one of the people who donated some of the art here and did some designs for Max's amazing Mother", He explained. I looked at Max and his face seemed like he didn't know anything. I was surprised. "So you designed one of the dresses?", I asked. " I made at least eight of the designs and I was inspired by you Annabelle", He answered. My Mother looked at him when he said my name. It was as if he had fallen for me or something. I didn't want to look at him, knowing that there might be something going on. I didn't want to stand here anymore. I held Max's hand and dragged him to the seats. I wanted to cry because I feel so guilty. But what did I do wrong?. I wanted to ask Carlos and I needed to talk to him immediately.

As the night ended, I waited outside and dazed into the dark sky. Looking at those beautiful twinkling lights and jazz music fills the feel to this night. I was frightened with a jolt. Carlos had poked me on my hip and asked what was I doing. He looked up as I explained about the twinkling lights and told me that I spoke of nonsense. "I need to talk to you Carlos", I sound so discreet. His face was smiling. I was curious. Was he actually waiting for this day for us to be alone? Did he want me all to myself?.

I looked around to see if Max was anywhere near and he wasn't. I took Carlos to the bench just near the bus stop and asked him, " Why are you always appearing whenever I'm around? You said it yourself that you'd be gone. Why did you lie to me Carlos?", His face began to soften and being much normal. I wasn't suppose to look at those eyes but they were amazing. " I can't stay away from you Annabelle, I've fallen for you ever since the day I met you at the Coffee house. But when I saw that Max had you first, I knew I must have you. My heart crushed knowing that a girl like you deserved him when you deserved me most. It's not only fair but it's the truth", he explained as he grasped my wrist. "What are you doing Carlos!", I questioned him as he decided to hurl himself towards me and I was being attacked. "I need you Anna! don't you see?! you need me as well!", he shouted. I kept pushing his face away from me and he was fighting it. I was about to cry so much and regretted ever asking for a word. I then heard a sudden car screech coming from a distant. It was hurling towards Carlos and I. Carlos didn't stop trying. I wanted to get up but he pinned me down to the pavement and begging me to give myself to him. I was afraid and I cried so much. My eyes were shut and I didn't want to feel pain. I couldn't breathe and everything was blurry. I heard a growling sound of a car and lights were as bright as the sun. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING ASSHOLE!", it sounded like Max. I was fading out. I heard punching sounds and fowl language being used over and over again. I forced my body to get up and get out of the area, but all I could do was crawl to the curb. I couldn't breathe and I was blacking out. "Anna.. Anna.. wake up baby.. don't do this..", I heard Max's voice, worried.