A/N: Got this idea from another. Some things are the same, but this is going to be somewhat of a short story. Not sure on that yet. Anyhow, while I figure out what I am trying to and enjoy the story! Make to review at the bottom!
DISCLAIMER (Ha! I remembered that time!): I hereby solemnly swear that I don't and never will in any shape, form, or pattern own The Perfect Chemistry. There! Happy now that you all crushed my dreams? Excuse while I go cry in my dark corner! *sobs loudly*
JULIANNA POV
The sound of my alarm clock didn't wake me when it went off at 5:00 A.M. I had been up for the last hour. I had woken up around four and couldn't get back to sleep so instead I just decided to pick out my clothes for today and be productive. I rolled out of bed and shivered lightly when the chilled air hit my uncovered skin. Shaking slightly I moved to my walk-in closet and threw the door back, hitting the switch to the left to illuminate the room. I had to move pretty far back to get to the section I wanted to. Yes, I said section. My closet was big. I can't help it though. When you have a filthy rich father that is never home and is too busy with his job to even realize you exist he buys you lots of stuff to make up for it. It didn't in my book, but he was here too fast and gone to quick for me to say anything so I just didn't. I sighed and trudged through different parts of my closet until I found what I wanted to wear. When I walked out of my closet my alarm was blaring signifying that it was time to start getting ready for real.
Since I had some time I quickly fixed my bed the way I wanted before walking over to the bathroom .I walked in shut the door behind me, sitting my clothes on the counter before stripping the ones on my body off and chucking them into the hamper. When the water ran the temperature I wanted I jumped in and got right to work on washing my skin so my coconut body wash was like second skin and my coconut shampoo and conditioner became almost like my natural scent of my hair. I shaved my legs, arms, and armpits and when the water ran cold I jumped out and wrapped myself in a towel, drying all the other excess water off my body with one towel and wrapping my hair with another towel. I opened the door to the bathroom when it became too hot for comfort to let some of the accumulated hot air and sweat smell out.
I stood there for a moment making sure my body was dry before letting the towel fall off my body and tossing it into my hamper. Grabbing my first article clothing I begin to get dressed. I swiped a black lace panty set that laid on top of my pile and shrugged them on. Grabbing some lace black tights next I put some black shorts over it that had just the right amount of tightness and made my butt look good. To pair it with I found some black ballet flats and a plain white tank top before tucking it into my shorts and attaching suspenders on my shorts and crisscrossed them in the back before snapping them back in the front. To finish off I found a black vest and some black, dangling black earrings that went with the flower design in my tights. I smiled lightly as I examined myself in the full length mirror that hung on my door of my bathroom, twisting this way and that.
Bending over I undid my hair from the towel where it was almost completely dry and gave it quick rundown with my hair dyer before grabbing my hairbrush, hair gel, and hairspray of the counter and got to work. Within thirty minutes I had brushed my teeth, applied my make up to give it a dark smokey feel and curled my hair to perfection. Actually, my hair was naturally curly. This way I was just highlighting what was already there. I put my make up back into its place and turned my attention back to the mirror, giving myself a last once over.
I was beautiful.
I had a petite figure with my clothing size being three. Even though I was small I was in shape and healthy for my height (5'3) and 110 pounds. I had tanned skin and tight muscles from all the time I spend running around the local parks and a killer boxer-dropper smile that would make any man fall to his knees. Not to mention my eyes. They have always been my best feature. They were ice blue and when I grin at you and make them darker at you than your hooked. I had natural blond hair that hung all the way down to where the swell of my ass started. My skin was smooth and completely blemish free like baby's bottom. I wasn't conceited or anything I was just honest.
I made sure to throw all my dirty clothes in the laundry and fix my counter back the way I found it before throwing my white iPhone 5, sunglasses, car keys into my purse before shutting my light off and my door before walking downstairs. I found my Dad already dressed for the day and sipping coffee when I walked in.
"Good morning." I greeted him cheerfully as I rummaged through the cabinets to find a pop tart.
"Hello Julianna." I barely refined from rolling my eyes. Why my Dad insisted on being so formal with me I'll never know. I turned around. I definitely got my looks from my Dad. He had the same hair and eyes as me and he was big and burly. My Dad was the kind of man who looked ready for anything. There was never a hair out-of-place on him. Unlike me though his face was cold and harsh; there was no love behind his ice blue eyes. Just pits that held nothing; they gave nothing away either. It sent shivers down my spine. I never felt completely comfortable around my Dad. It didn't bother me as much as it used to. I had learned to live with it.
"Honestly Julianna. Must you dress like such a tart?" He said as he regarded my outfit disdainfully. This time I did roll my eyes. I didn't bother saying anything back. I knew it would end up with everyone in a bad mood. I knew I wasn't a whore and that was all that mattered. Sighing I kissed his cheek before shuffling out the doorway and into the garage. My car was a 2013 Camaro, blemish free, white with red and black leather interior. Smooth ride too and I am freakishly OCD about it. God forbid that someone get a smudge of something on it. It got on Paco's nerves most of the time, but half the time he just ignored me when I bitch about it. I would clean it up later anyway and even though I bitch about cleaning it I love it. It's a sick cycle. Before I could even remember to buckle up and throw my bag and purse into the passenger seat I was off.
-X-X-X-
"Julianna!" I heard Ashley 's voice, my best friend since our Mom's were in birthing class together and moved in as neighbors when we were both six months old. Ashley says it was fate and on some level I had to agree. It was fate. She came to a halting stop by my locker. I glanced down and saw her signature stilettos on her feet. How she moved so fast in those things I will never know. They were easily eight inches and I could only balance myself in five and that was a maybe. I smiled and slung my gray messenger bag over my shoulder and slammed my locker shut. I looked up at her.
"This is Senior year Julianna! Aren't you excited?!" She bounced along beside me and walked slowly down the hallway and outside to the courtyard. It was beautiful day and I didn't want to waste it inside.
"Yeah I'm excited." I was excited to get the hell out of this town with Paco. Go to MIT and start all over. I was ready for a fresh start. When we got outside I spotted the only free bench under a shaded Oak tree and trotted over and threw my stuff down before anybody had a chance. Ashley followed my lead. I dug my White iPhone 5, another gift from my Dad trying to buy my love, and clicked the home button. It was only 7:00 A.M. And school didn't start until 8:15 A.M. I sighed.
"Cute outfit." Ashley said suddenly and I looked down and up before saying thank you. She said something else, but I didn't hear her because I was too busy reading a text message that had come in.
To: Julianna
From: SILF
Hey beautiful. You school?
I laughed a quickly typed out a quick reply.
To: SILF
From: Julianna
Yeah I am. Woke up too early. Hanging with Ashley.
His reply came immediately.
To: Julianna
From: SILF
Be there in a few.
"Who's SILF?" Ashley asked, catching a quick glimpse before I locked my phone.
"Savannah. She was wondering if we were still hanging next weekend?" I lied smoothly and Ashley grinned.
"Heck yeah we are!" She pumped her fist. "I am ready to see her! I miss her." I sighed. I missed her too. She used to go to Woodrow High with us, but she had to move because of her Dad's job. We were thankful that she didn't move out-of-state. That would have been a long trip. Ashley was rambling on about something, but I was too busy staring at the God walking toward us to care.
My boyfriend was the hottest guy in school and I don't say that just because. He really is. He's 5'8 and has perfectly tanned skin thank to his Latino nature that he got from his Dad. Just enough to highlight that perfectly white and straight smile of his. He's ripped from all the time he spends working out, but his muscles aren't bulging like some guys. Paco's are more lean and when they flex under you grip when you hold them... it can make you melt. We have gone out since February 13, 2009. We started dating the Summer after eighth grade; it was the year we began high school and our first day Paco instantly became popular while I choose to stay in the background, but I was okay with that. Paco and I both were. We may have gone out for four years now, but the thing is... no one knows. Not because I didn't want to shout it to the whole wide world – the same goes for Paco –, but if my Dad found out it would be bad. Real bad.
Yeah, my Dad hates Mexicans that much which is what Paco happened to be even though his Mom and little sister Shelly, who is a freshman at our high school, is white. Paco gets his coloring from his father, Alex.
You see, my Dad is a firm believer in the fact that no immigrants should be allowed in the country, but Latinos more than any other race. I never knew why; I just knew he did. My Dad has never met Paco or any of Paco's family. I dread that day that he finds out because I don't what he is capable of. He gets mad seeing them in the newspaper. Seeing them in real person... dating his daughter... that was a bad omen from the beginning. It didn't matter though. This is our last year of high school and then we are off to college in the Fall. Thousand of miles away from here, from my dad... the only thing we have ever wanted. Not that I didn't love him, but I couldn't love Paco around him.
Paco is my life. I couldn't function without him. He was the one who held me together when my younger sister, Alyssa, and my Mom died in a car accident when I was ten. Almost eight years ago to the date. Alyssa was only two years younger than me when she died. Too young. It made me realize that life really is too short. You have to live in the moment. Otherwise you'll miss it and you can't get it back. I shook my head. I didn't want to think about such sad thoughts. Today was a day to be happy. I looked up and gave Paco a fleeting smile before Ashley saw. When I mean no one knew I really meant no one knew. We would tell her and our families before we left for college. Ashley and Paco's family would be the first to know.
"What's up Ashley?" He asked, completely ignoring me. He kept his hands firmly clenched in fists and I internally giggled. That was his way of not touching me. She shrugged and tossed her back length brunette locks over her shoulder.
"Ready for this day to be over!" She gushed to him. "I can't believe it's Senior year!" Her eyes widened like she just remembered something. "Have you guys been accepted into any colleges? I just got into MIT just last week!" She told us proudly and Paco grinned.
"Me too." Her face scrunched up like she smelled back.
"Darn! I was hoping to get rid of you." She teased him. He just laughed. Then she turned her eyes on me.
"So Julianna, did you get into MIT? I know you applied." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Paco shake his head back and forth. I shook my head sadly. Her face fell. I bit my lip in guilt. Ashley was my best friend; I hated lying to her.
"You could make it up to me you know." She grinned mischievously and I was afraid to ask, "What?"
"I know the perfect guy for you!" She squealed and I groaned. This is another reason I wanted people to know. She was very persistently trying to "hook me up" as she calls it.
"I don't want to!" I moaned and sounded somewhat like a whiny three-year old. She huffed and gripped my shoulders, shaking me slightly.
"Julianna! You do this every time! I am beginning to think your lesbian!" She told me seriously and I gasped. I shook my head as calmly as I could.
"Ashley," I carefully removed her nails from my skin. "I am not lesbian!" She gave me a look that I wasn't sure what to think of.
"Really?" I smiled at her assuredly.
"Really." Shelley showed up then and made himself comfy beside Paco. When she asked what was up Ashley told her everything we had discussed and when Ashley mentioned the last part she could hardly control his laughter.
"Julianna? A lesbian?" She choked out. "That's like Paco being gay. It just doesn't happen." Paco snorted.
"Thanks Shelley. That's reassuring." Shelley gave him a cheeky grin.
"Your welcome." The bell rang overhead and Shelley and Ashley left for class leaving me and Paco semi-alone. I gave him a small smile before walking off although what I really wanted to grab him and kiss him until we both couldn't breathe. Yeah, that will be the day I thought wistfully. Sighing I plopped myself down and waited for first period to be over. After first period that day flew by and soon it was lunch. I grabbed a snack lunch from the cafeteria before hightailing it to an old stairwell that went unused because of the retched smell that accumulated there sometimes. They even had a 'DO NOT ENTER' tape crisscross over the double doors where it had been blocked off by faculty. It was the perfect place for Paco and I to meet.
He arrived a few minutes after I did. The first thing he did when he got close enough was haul my mouth to his. I sigh when my lips touched his. I don't think I would every tire of Paco's kisses. When he finally pulled away we were both panting for air.
"What was that for?" I asked, my breathing finally returning to normal.
"I just missed you. I didn't get to see you much this weekend." His face suddenly brightened.
"Hey! Wanna hang out this weekend? We can go shopping at your favorite stores!" He grinned and did a double eyebrow lift. He knew shopping was my weakness. I pretended to think about it.
"Hum. I guess shopping doesn't sound so bad." He leaned forward and planted a long kiss on my lips before pulling back. I smiled. He could be so sweet when he wanted to be. We ate out lunch quietly for a few minutes before Paco spoke again.
"Our five-year anniversary is coming up." He grinned excitedly. I nodded.
"Next Wednesday. I can't believe that we are going to have been together five years. It's so surreal."
"Plus, this is our last year and then we are off to MIT with Ashley and we can finally start of lives together. Like together, together. Where I can kiss you out in the open and not under some nasty stairwell." He turned his nose up in distaste for the current place. I giggled. Something I only ever did with him.
"Well," I started. "I have been thinking about that and since it is our Senior year I was thinking we could tell everybody." I smiled, pleased with my plan. His eyes lit up childishly and he wrapped me in a hug.
"Seriously? I can tell everyone your my girl?" His eyes shined at the idea and I pecked him on the cheek just for being so darn cute.
"Really, really. Plus maybe Ashley won't think I am a lesbian and will stop trying to hook me up." I frowned. I really hated it when she did that stuff. Paco laughed at my pain and I slugged him lightly in the shoulder. He rubbed the place where my shoulder hit him and put on a wounded expression.
"Ow. That hurt." He pouted and I rolled my eyes. Suddenly his face turned serious and I touched his shoulder lightly.
"Paco?" He met my eyes and I bit my lip.
"What about your Dad?" He laced his fingers through mine and I sighed.
"I love my Dad, but I am done hiding in the dark. I been afraid of him for too long and it's time for me to grow up and quit hiding. I love you and I want everyone to know it. Including my racist of a father." I said with a firm nod of my head. Paco squeezed my hand and when I looked up he was wearing a proud look on his face.
"I'm so proud of you baby." He reached down and peeked me on the lips; with him lingering longer than need be, but I didn't mind.
"We are going to tell our families first and then the school." I told him. He shrugged.
"Tomorrow is Saturday. Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow? My aunt and uncles' are coming over along with my cousins and then we can tell everyone at once and on Sunday we can tell your dad. Will he be home?" He asked. I nodded, my teeth gnawing at my bottom lip again. Just because I was ready doesn't make me worry any less.
"Stop that baby." Paco's thumb tugged my lip out of my mouth and he leaned his forehead against mine, his hands cupped my face. "It'll be fine." I nodded. He was right. My Dad was going to be pissed, but I am sure he would get over it, right? I was his daughter for crying out loud. If he wanted me in his life then he would have to deal; there was no other way. I sighed and stood up. I went to wipe off the seat of my shorts, but Paco wrapped his arms around me and beat me to the punch. I closed my eyes and sighed as his hands caressed my backside. Sick I know. Paco laughed in my ear and the sound of it sent shivers down my spine. I pulled myself back from him before we got too carried away. Paco sighed too. This was always the hardest part: going back to class. He walked me to the double doors and with both leaned around the doorway, me on bottom and him on top; when we saw the coast was clear with both sneaked out, both going our own ways.
-X-X-X-
The day flew by after leaving Paco and soon I found myself walking out to my car after the final bell rang. I was just about to get into my car my phone dinged with a message.
To: Julianna
From: SILF
Me. You. My room. Midnight? Tomorrow is Saturday and my parents will be out until three for some alone time and I am dropping Shelley and her friend off at her friend's house now for a sleepover. We can be all alone. ;) Waddaya say? We could go shopping, grab a bite to eat and just spend the day together until dinner.
I smiled and I furiously typed out my reply. I was so excited I could hardly get out what I wanted to write with backspacing every two words.
To: SILF
From: Julianna
That sounds amazing. I'll be there. Are you picking Shelley up tomorrow? Should I bring money?
His reply with instant and I settled myself in my car before reading it.
To: Julianna
From: SILF
My parents are picking Shelley up at two before heading home. Nah. I am paying for everything, but bring your car. Mine is broken... again. -_- Dad says he is going to have Aunt Kiara look at it tomorrow after dinner.
I burst out laughing when I read the last part. Paco had his dad old Monte Carlo from college. It is a good car, but it has some mechanical problems to the fullest. I think it has sat more than he has driven it. Even though his family is filthy rich he isn't spoiled in the least. Both him and Shelley work for everything they get and they are damn sure proud when they do. Since their dad grew up really poor he wants to teach them you have to work for whatever you get. Let me tell you... the lesson is working. I kind of felt bad for him, but on the good side he always drives me around. He enjoys driving my bad ass car; I enjoy being driven. It's a win-win situation.
When I got home no one was there as usual. I was glad. All the less questions that would be asked. When I walked into the kitchen I find a note on the counter from my Dad.
Julianna, It read and I could already tell where this whole thing was going. Had some business to deal with. I should be back within a week. Most likely this coming Saturday. I'll contact you when I land to let you know I made it safely. I sighed and threw the note in the garbage before trudging upstairs. There went my spilling my big secret; it would just have to wait until he got back. I made sure to pack some clothes, my hair, make up, and hygiene essentials and throw the shoes I wanted to wear tomorrow in my oversized black and pink PINK bag before throwing myself, setting my alarm for 11:00 P.M. I drifted off to sleep with little trouble.
-X-X-X-
To: SILF
From: Julianna
Leaving now. Your parents asleep?
I waited for his confirmation message of 'yes' before speeding out of the driveway and toward Paco's house. We lived in the same kind of neighborhood (big houses, rich people around us), but I lived on one side of the rich neighborhood and he lived on the other side; we lived about fifteen minutes away from each other. Not too bad considering. I made it to Paco's house by 11:55 P.M. and parked at an unsold house around the block before walking to his house (luckily unnoticed) and around to the back door where I could see his outline faintly through the squared off glass. When I got close enough he opened the door as little as possible and ushered me upstairs and into his room on the second floor at the very end of the hall Shelley's was at the other end with a full bath in the middle the was Shelley's since Paco had one in his room – very convenient for us. Only when were safely double-locked in his room did he let out the breath he had been holding. Even after three years (we didn't start this until our third year together – tenth grade) he is still so nervous we are going to be caught out and truth be told I was too. Soon enough he won't have to worry about being caught with an unidentified female in his bed, but why said female was in his bed was another story...
I made myself comfortable by storing my bag and purse with my car keys in it and plugged my phone up to charge bedside his night table beside his bed. With a sigh I threw myself down on his bed back first. He gave me that playful grin of his and stalk over to lay bedside.
"So eager to sleep with me you are already in your pajamas." He teased me. One of his hands slightly lifted my shirt so he could trace random designs with his forefinger. I shivered lightly at the feeling out his rough, calloused fingers tracing my smooth skin. I looked over at him and smiled.
"Don't flatter yourself. I took a nap before I came. I didn't want to waste time changing so I dressed beforehand."
"Well you look beautiful." I blushed. It was only a pair of black yoga pants and a plain white tee-shirt. Nothing special, but then again, Paco saw me differently. He leaned over a long kiss. One of those kisses that warmed your whole body and made you never want to let go. When his pulled back my lips dripped, as if wanting to follow his. He chuckled, sending his sweet breath across my face. I turned slightly towards him and his strong-arm held me to him be hooking his elbow at my neck and his hand fiddled with my head. We laid like that for a while before I heard his voice again.
"Are you excited for tomorrow?" He voice sounded kind of loud in the quiet of the room.
"Yeah, I am. I am nervous though. Do you think your family will like me?" He pecked me on the forehead.
"Well, Shelley already loves you and Cecilia and Estelle are sure to too along with Junior, Juan, and Enrique and my parents, aunt, and uncles' are happy as long as I am happy." He said confidently. I looked up at him.
"How old are your cousins again?" He thought for a moment before answering.
"You already know Shelley is fourteen. Cecilia is seventeen and Estelle thirteen. Juan, Enrique, and Junior are seventeen like Cecilia." I nodded. No wonder they were such a close-knit family. They weren't that far off in age and I knew their parents weren't either. I sighed and felt that longing for a real family I had before the accident. Paco sensed something wrong with me and tugged my closer to him. He slipped his arm from its place, my head hitting the pillow, and instead stuck that on around my waist with the other one in between us with mine. We were face-to-face now; we were so close I could smell him. Unconsciously I leaned forward to be closer to him and he did the same thing causing our lips to touch.
I sighed when our lips touch and Paco took the chance to drive his tongue into my mouth. A kiss that would have been gentle and loving on any other day quickly gained passion and soon we were panting in to each others mouths. Paco ripped his lips from mine and trailed them down my neck, nipping and sucking any part of my skin he could reach. I let out of swoosh of air when he straddled me. A dark arm came up and gripped both my wrists in only one of his hands while the other hand continue to explore my body. With all of his weight on me I could hardly move and I almost screamed in frustration when I felt his hand caress the sides of my breasts and all I could was lay there.
"Paco..." I whimpered, unable to form anything more from the sensations running through my body. He leaned his head down so I could feel his hot breath on the sensitive skin on my ear. I shivered twice before stilling... barely.
"Tell me what you want, baby. I'll doing anything you want. Just say it." His voice dripped with sexual tension and I know he was only in control of himself as much as I was; only barely. I swallowed thickly and used the little muscle he didn't turn to mush to push myself up so I could breath the words I was about to say into his mouth.
"I want you to take me. Make me yours." A sound that resembled a growl rushed out of his mouth and that was the last words I said that made sense as he covered my body with his.
-X-X-X-
I woke up in the morning with Paco already awake and propped up on an elbow staring at me. I smiled and yawned loudly.
"Morning." I said groggily as I snuggled close to him. "What time is it?"
"Almost ten. I didn't get up until a few minutes ago." I smiled at him.
"We better get going. We have a lot of stores to visit!" He groaned playfully and rolled out of bed with me following.
"I'd forgotten about that." I laughed with him and shimmed into the bathroom after he used the bathroom. We both took a shower together to conserve the hot water and make sure we both got hot showers. There was nothing sexual about it; in fact, we both splashed each other with soap and water most of the time after we did everything we needed to. He left me to go get dressed after he had dried himself and I did the same when my body was dry too. Paco was already dressed in some dark wash jeans, his favorite NIKES, and a non-nondescript gray tee-shirt when I got out. I smiled when he kissed me on the forehead as he walked past me to go do something in the bathroom.
Walking over to my bag I threw it on the bed that way I wouldn't have to bend down and dug through it until I found my outfit for the day. Letting the towel drop to the floor I put on me black bra and panty set before shrugging on my light blue jean caprices that stopped six inches above my ankle. I slipped on a pink tank top with my plaid light blue and pink button down shirt over it, letting it hang open. I walked into the bathroom to find Paco brushing his teeth. I smiled lightly before bending down and unraveling my mostly hair from the towel. Grabbing my hair dryer from the counter I flipped it on and got to work drying and straightening it. Since my hair was clean it took longer than it normally would to straighten it, but I made it work.
I brushed my teeth before applying my make-up though I gave it a light feel; I only put on some blush, mascara and some shimmering pink lip gloss. Flipping my head over again I arranged my now straight hair in a neat bun on the top of my head. When I leaned up Paco was leaning against the counter watching me with a smile. I smiled back as I loaded all my make-up bag into its bag and unplugged my straightener, rolling the cord around the end and walking back in his room to put in into my bag. Paco followed behind.
"What?" He shook his head and threw our dirty towels and his dirty clothes into the hamper in the small closet behind is door that held all his bathroom stuff, towels, and washrags.
"I just can't believe someone as perfect as you is mine forever." I smiled stupidly and leaned up to kiss him.
"Well believe it. Your stuck with me now." I teased him and he winked at me.
"Promise baby?" I just laughed and unplugged my phone, shoving it into my back pocket and my charger it into my bag before Paco put it in to closet on his top shelf. This way if anybody saw it they wouldn't think twice about it. I gathered up all my dirty clothes in my hands and came up short for a place to put them. I couldn't put them in my bag. They would make everything smell. Paco walked over and took them from my arms.
"I put them with mine and I'll do a load this evening with mine." He shrugged and I smile brightly at him.
"Thanks! Your so sweet." I hugged him before walking over and slipping into my black TOMS on my feet and grabbing my purse. My eyes briefly scanned his room for anything I forgotten. Luckily there was none. Finally ready to go we walked downstairs together. When we reached my car I handed Paco the keys before he shut my door and jogged around to get in on the driver's side. I had already buckled up, put on my sunglasses, and sat my purse down in the floor beside my left foot when he got in . He fiddled for a moment with adjusted the seat and mirrors and buckling up. When he was done he started up the car and it come on it a loud roar before it idled smoothly in park. I reached over and turned it Paco and I's favorite radio station and turned it up loud enough so we could hear the music and still hear each other. He slid on his own sunglasses before lowering the gear shift down to D.
"Ready baby?" He glanced at me and I nodded. Without another word I braced myself and was proud of myself when I didn't bump against the door when Paco hit the gas so hard that the tires squealed loudly
as the car sped down the road with my giggling and Paco's deep laughter sounding along with it.
-X-X-X-
PACO POV
When we walked into the mall Julianna went straight for Rue 21; her favorite store among her favorite store. I smiled as I watched her browse the racks, following behind her, and commenting when she asked me, 'What do you think of this?' She would roll her eyes when I said she would look beautiful in anything, but I couldn't help it. She was gorgeous to me. Period. I couldn't help but notice that she didn't argue back and it made me smile to think she viewed herself as I did. Not of this low self-esteem crap.
After Rue 21 our next stop was Abercrombie then American Eagle and after that came Charming Charlies along with that came Forever 21. Bed, Bath, & Body Works was the next stop and just when I thought we had hit all her favorite stores came the last one, and probably my favorite to see her shop in, Victoria's Secret. By the time we got there I had two handfuls of bags, with Julianna having one, and a devil-like smirk plastered on my face. I cleared my throat.
"Why don't I take these to the car?" She smiled and carefully handed me her bags. I jogged as fast as I could to her car with the weight I was carrying and piled them skillfully in the trunk, making sure not to crush any of them. I had to put some in the backseat and was I was proud of myself when I still had room left over for her last stop. Julianna was at the perfume section when I found her with the biggest bottle that they sold of the only perfume she wore: PINK.
"Anything else?" I asked when I was near enough. Please, please let there be something else. I mentally smacked myself. She smirked when she saw my face.
"Yeah," She toddled off and I followed behind. "I need some new bras. I had to throw away my other ones. They were old and too small." I gulped at the thought of her breasts getting bigger, but, hey, I was a man. What did you expect?
"Okay then." Was all I said and I was surprised when my voice portrayed nothing but calm.
The calm didn't last long.
I had to shove my hands into my pockets and clench them into fists to keep from throwing her over my shoulder cave-man style and showing her exactly what I thought about that blood-red, lace, barely covered anything bra she had in the bag swinging back and forth in her hand. Not to mention the pink, blue, black ones too. Damn it all to hell. She did that on purpose. And when I saw the smirk and glint in her eye I knew she did. I smirked too; just wait until later. She is going to wish she never did any of that.
"It one o'clock. Want to grab some lunch? It's going to take at least until three to get home and I want to drop my bags off at my house. Plus I don't want to be later for dinner. Do you think I should change into something nicer? I don't think want your par-" I cut her off with a sound kiss to her lips. I kissed her for a long moment, letting her forget everything she was saying before pulling back.
"That sounds good and no you should not change. You look beautiful and everyone is going to love you. Got that?" She bit her lip and nodded. Without another word I laced our fingers together and pulled her into the food court.
"I'm sorry. I am just so nervous." She finally said when we got in line for Subway. I looked down at her and smiled.
"It's okay. I am nervous to about telling you Dad next week." I was a little disappointed when Julianna told me about his business trip, but is sort of figures. He was never there for Julianna. The thought made me irrationally furious; the fact that someone could care less about their own daughter. Julianna tugged on my hand and it took me a minute to realize we were next in line. I gave her a reassuring smile when I saw her worried and she smiled back before moving up and telling the man what she wanted. It wasn't until we found a table and started eating that I remembered.
"Oh! I need to call my parents and tell them that my gorgeous girlfriend is coming over for dinner so they won't be caught off guard." I winked at her as I pressed my phone to my ear. She blushed lightly and continued to eating around her sandwich. Although it was awkward with that huge grin she was sporting.
"Hello?" My Dad's deep voice rumbled over the other line.
"Hey Dad. I was just calling to let you know that I am bringing someone extra special to dinner tonight; so, I need everyone to be one their best behavior. Especially uncle Luis and Carlos." I rolled my eyes. They were to two in the family who you could always count on to make an inappropriate comment and Julianna was already nervous. I didn't need dumb ass one and two ruining it.
"Extra special?" He laughed and I heard him say something to another person. Probably my Mom and when I heard someone laugh I knew for sure it was her. "No problem Paco. What time should we expect her?" I thought for a moment.
"Around six. That cool?" My Dad mumbled something to my Mom.
"Sure. We are on our way to pick up Shelley now and your mom said the family we will be there around five. That will be enough time to prepare everybody. "
"Great. See you then."
"See you then." I hung up and locked the screen before grinning at Julianna.
"You ready for this?" She sighed and turned her head heavenward.
"Not a chance."
-X-X-X
Six o' clock came way too soon. When we were riding home Julianna fidgeted the whole way there, when we stopped by her house she was taking deep breaths every five seconds, and now as we walked up the stairs to my house I wasn't sure if she was breathing. I wrapped my arms around her in front of my door and tried to comfort her; I was completely unaware at the many eyes that spied from the blinds of the living room.
THIRD PERSON OMNISCENT POV
The six adults that were sitting on their knees, facing backwards on the couch spied the young couple from the vantage point of the blinds.
"That's her? How in the hell did Paco land her?" Luis was the first one to ask a question. Brittany snorted.
"The same way Carlos landed Kiera and Alex landed me. You didn't." Luis wanted to argue, but, like always, Brittany was right. Luis hated that BS. All noises ceased expect the ones from the dining room and kitchen where the kids were sitting the table and loading all the food onto it; totally unaware of what their parents were up to. Since the windows were so thin the people on the couch could hear every word that was said as long as they were dead silent.
"You can't be sure." The blond told Paco as she shook her head. Paco tucked his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"Trust me baby. I haven't ever lied to you before have I?" Paco eye's twinkled as his hands slid down her body to loop his forefingers around two of her belt loops. With a hard tug she fell against him, but he didn't release the hold he had on her. The girl snorted and placed her hands on his abs and shivered when they rippled under her touch.
"What about when you lied about taking me out-of-town for my birthday? Or that time you dinged my care or that time-?" Brittany and Alex's son cut her rant off by sealing his lips over hers. He didn't pull back right away though. He strayed there and just enjoyed the feel of her soft lips against his.
"I get it, but time I'm not lying." He gave her a playful look. "If we stay out here any longer they'll come looking for us." The blond's face scrunched up in distaste at her boyfriend's words. With a deep breath she released Paco and let her hands flutter around her body; fluffing her hair and tugging at her clothes; making sure she was perfect.
"Do I look okay?" Paco dropped a kiss on her head.
"You look gorgeous." Was all her boyfriend said before he reached and gripped the door handle in his hand. The six spying adults dispersed around the living room and tried to make their actions look normal. Luis and Nikki threw themselves on the couch while Carlos and Kiera made themselves comfortable on the couch; meanwhile, Alex hurried to set down in an oversized recliner and pulled his wife onto his lap. Brittany hooked an arm around her husband's neck and angled her butt in her lap with her legs crossed and resting in the middle of Alex's legs just in time for Paco and Julianna walked into the room.
"Hi guys!" They all looked up with fake expressions of surprise; desperately trying not to give away the fact that they had eavesdropped.
"Hola Paco! Estas bien?" Carlos exclaimed happily to his first nephew.
"Si Tio Carlos." Julianna, who had been twisting her hands awkwardly, was tugged by Paco to his side and wrapped an arm around her waist. Her waist as so small that his forearm could reach around her whole stomach and he could still touch his fingertips to the inner part of his elbow.
"Guys, this is Julianna Gallagher." He introduced her proudly. "My girlfriend." The blond, now known as Julianna, blushed when Paco squeezed her waist.
"It's very nice to meet you all" She blushed even harder and Paco laughed.
"That's my Uncle Carlos and Aunt Kiera, and over there is my Aunt Nikki and Uncle Luis."They all waved as Paco pointed them out one by one. Paco's girlfriend gave them a timid smile. "And this..." He turned her attention to the two people in the recliner. "is my Mom and Dad." Julianna nodded her head and smiled nervously at them; her hands started to mess with her hair once again. Paco noticed and frowned. He took one of his hand and laced it with one of hers, bringing the constant stream of movement to an abrupt halt. She looked at him with his favorite blue eyes that glistened silently. Paco knew what they were saying.
What if they don't like me? Paco immediately shook his hand.
They'll love you and that was the end of it.
"Very nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes." Brittany laughed and shook her head.
"Mrs. Fuentes?" She laughed again. "Man I'm old." Luis opened his mouth to say something, but Nikki elbowed him in the ribs hard.
"Ow!" He yelped and every one sent him a look. It was one that clearly said: What the hell, Luis? He smiled sheepishly. "Stubbed my toe." He shrugged in a 'what can ya do' kind of way and every one in the room let it drop. Instead their attention turned back to Paco's girlfriend who was still blushing.
"Call me Brittany." Paco's Mom finally said.
"And you can call me Alex." Paco's Dad chimed in as well.
"Dinner is re-!" Shelley started to say, but cut off when she noticed Julianna in the room.
"Julianna!" A wide grin stretched across her face. "Are you here to meet Paco's girlfriend?" A snort sounded off from behind Shelley's head.
"Don't you get it?" A Junior look-a-like said. His voice was condensing. As if was talking to a child and not an almost-adult. "She is his girlfriend." Shelley went wide-eyed.
"No way." She squealed and immediately turned back to her group of cousins.
"That's her! The one I was telling you about in the kitchen!" Now every one was shocked and wide-eyed.
"You mean the same Julianna that Junior dropped the gravy when he heard her name?" Another Junior look-a-like said. A tall blond snorted as she scrutinized Julianna.
"Dang Junior. No wonder you were shocked. You could never get a girl who was that pretty." Junior shoved her playfully while Paco cleared his throat.
"Julianna," He caught her attention. "these are my cousins. You know my little sister Shelley and there's Cecilia and her little sister Estelle." He gestured to two blondes, blue-eyed girls, one who was taller than the other. "and over there is the triplets: Junior, Juan, and Enrique."
"Hey guys." Julianna greeted them all. They grinned and all together said, "Hi Julianna." Carlos laughed.
"Looks like you already know everybody." Juliana smiled. Brittany jumped up then and clapped her hands, catching the room's attention. "Dinner time!" Time seemed to fly by as Paco's family fired question after question at the couple. The easy ones came first: When did you meet?, How did you meet?, Did Julianna have any siblings?, How long have they been together?, etc. The last one everyone was shocked that they kept it a secret for so long, but Paco explained to them they don't communicate out in the open at school and that when they go out it is out-of-town after school. They brood, save Julianna, didn't look so confused after Paco's explanation.
Carlos had only said, "Well, you two must be damn good to keep a secret that long." Every one laughed at that. Then came the question. Paco and Julianna were semi-nervous; Julianna of rejection and Paco of a room full of Latinos trying to kill an old white guy. It was Luis who had asked, "Why?" Julianna looked down and pushed food around her plate for a moment before answering.
"My Dad is a huge racist. He thinks all immigrants should be deported and/or killed. Don't ask me why because I don't know. Latinos are the worst for him. He gets mad seeing them on the news and won't go into any place that has them in at the time. It's sick, but that is just the way he is. If one was in his home; if one was touching and dating his daughter..." Julianna and Paco both shivered. "I don't know what he'll do. I don't know what he's capable of." Every one was silent for a beat before Junior burst out laughing with the rest of the kids following behind.
"Trust Paco to find trouble without looking." Junior heaved out through the laughter that was shaking his whole body. Soon that whole table was full of deep chuckles and high-pitched giggles.
"So," Alex was still chuckling slightly when he spoke. "when is he coming over for dinner?" All laughing ceased. Poor Julianna was choking on her dinner with Paco patting her back.
"That's not a good idea." Paco's girlfriend wheezed out. Paco nodded in agreement. It was most definitely not a good idea.
"Nonsense!" Alex wiped his mouth with a napkin and waved the couple's concerns off.
"Sense." Paco said, trying to make his father see reason.
"He's coming. Just say were white." Alex snorted and this time Brittany giggled along with him. Julianna and Paco sighed knowing they'd lost.
"I'll call him." Julianna conceded. Alex nodded, satisfied. The rest of the night flew by as Alex's uncles regaled his girlfriend with stories of his childhood, making sure to add that most embarrassing ones in there. Julianna was having such a great time; she never wanted to leave. She felt such a relief that Paco's family liked her as much as they did. That just meant one less thing to worry about it. Before anyone knew it the clock said it was nine at night. Nikki, Luis, Carlos, and Kiera had headed out with their kids about an hour beforehand since they didn't want to be driving home too late, but they did leave Julianna with a hug and an offer to call if she ever needed anything. She damned near cried when Carlos whispered that her ear. He could tell though because he smiled, kissed her cheek, and followed his family out the door.
Julianna tried to cover her yawn, but just her luck Paco noticed and chuckled. "Time to get you home." She tried to protest, but ironically she was too tired to. The couple walked to foyer with Brittany and Alex close behind. Brittany pulled her son's girlfriend into a tight hug.
"It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope you know that you are always welcome here." Brittany smiled warmly. The younger blond's eyes glistened with unshared tears. When Paco's Mom let her go she buried her face in his shirt, not wanting no one to see her cry. He rubbed her back as they walked to Julianna's car.
PACO POV
"What did I tell you?" I chuckled, drying those beautiful blue eyes of hers. She choked out a laugh and finish wiping away her tears.
"As always." She sighed. "I'm happy they like me." I pressed her up against the door, my hands locked on either side of her head; it made it impossible for her to escape. Her breathing hitched.
"Are you coming over tonight?" I whispered, running my nose up and down the length of her jaw. She shivered and I followed her lead, letting out a shiver of my own. I was painfully aware of her all the time. Her body, her eyes, her lips, her scent; oh God, her scent. It was pure coconut. It made it hard to breathe sometimes.
"If you want." Her voice brought me out of my lust-filled haze. I smiled at her and moved back some so I wasn't so close to her. She frowned when I did and I smiled. She was just too adorable. I waved as she backed out and drove away.
"So," My Dad said when I walked back inside. My Mom and him were sitting in the same position as when Julianna first got here. I walked over and plopped down over the couch.
"Yeah?" I asked when he didn't continue.
"I like her," He told me and I smiled. I was glad they liked and approved of her.
"Good. I like her too." My Dad shot me a devilish smirk.
"I think you more than like her." I shrugged, but didn't bother denying what he said. We both knew it was true. Their was no reason to deny it. I chatted with my parents a bit longer before headed upstairs to bed. I slipped off my jeans and shirt and climbed in just my boxers; my only thoughts were of my girlfriend and how the future was looking brighter everyday.
-X-X-X-
"Your blowing my mind right now. Let me get this straight... You and Paco have been together five years and nobody knew. How in the fuck did you keep a secret?" Ashley's face was pure confusion as she stared at us with wide-eyed and her jaw dropped. I laughed lightly.
"I wasn't as easy as it looked." I said. "We never talked to each other in school; our schedules are the exact opposite of each other. As a matter of a fact the only time we do talk is during lunch when we meet and on the weekend and in the evenings during school." I explained and what he expression become a little less confused. Suddenly she snapped her fingers.
"Your SILF." She said, as if it should have been completely obvious before. My eyebrows pulled in while Julianna cheeks flushed. I shot her a wicked smile when I caught on.
"I didn't know you felt that way." Even though she was embarrassed she winked at me.
"Only for you baby." Ashley squealed.
"You guys are so cute!" She clapped her hands giddily. "I don't know what I didn't think of it before. Wait!" She held her hands up like she was stopping traffic. "Does your families know?" I nodded.
"My family does and we are telling her Dad this weekend." Ashley whistled.
"You'll have to tell me who died." I couldn't help, but laugh.
"A racist white guy in a room full of Mexicans. What could go wrong?" Julianna gripped my arm.
"Don't jinx it!" She screeched and I winced as I removed her manicured fingers from my arm.
"Don't worry baby. Everything will be fine." I didn't know who I was trying to convince, her or me, but one look at her and Ashley told me neither one of them bought my story and I wasn't so sure I did either.
-X-X-X-
Sunday came faster even though I prayed everyday that it wouldn't. Julianna and I hadn't stop fidget since she had showed up at my house. Her Dad flight was getting in later so he said he was going to go home for a quick nap before coming over.
"That's it!" My Mom screamed before grabbing Julianna by the arm. "Come help the the girls in the kitchen! You are driving me crazy." She was drug off before she could protest and I threw myself down on the couch with my legs still bouncing. My Dad, Uncles the triplets shot me glares.
"Sorry!" I said in defense. Suddenly my Uncle Luis snorted and looked at my Dad.
"Who does he remind you of chico." My Dad thought for a moment before smiling serenely.
"Me before I asked Brittany to marry me." My Dad laughed as he recalled his younger self. "Carlos slapped me and you threw water at me. I got so pissed because then I had to change again." He pointed a finger at one of his brother then the other. "I am still not over that by the way. And what about you?" He spoke directly to me Uncle Luis. I was too amused to do anything, but laugh and smile; the distraction was more than welcome. "Mister, Oh what if she doesn't say yes?" He mocked. Uncle Luis got a look of defiance, but didn't argue at what my Dad had said. Instead he turned to Uncle Carlos.
"Hey! I wasn't as bad as Carlos. He threw up." They didn't stop throwing insults at each other. I was laughing so hard that I didn't hear the doorbell ring, I didn't hear my Mom say dinner was ready, and I certainly didn't hear Mr. Gallagher come to a spot in the doorway of the living room. I jumped to attention when my Mom introduced him.
"Everyone this is Mr. Gallagher, Julianna's Dad. Mr. Gallagher this is my husband Alex." My Dad stood up and held out his hand for Julianna's Dad to shake. He stared at it for a minute with disgust before shaking it as fast as possible. My Uncle Luis and Uncle Carlos stood up and introduced their family ; Julianna's Dad's look didn't change. I frowned. I knew this was a bad idea, but does anyone ever listen to me.
"Pleasure to meet you..." My Dad tried to fish for his name, but the man wouldn't budge. Julianna was quick to cut in.
"Paul, my Dad's name is Paul." He Dad shot her the nastiest look that I had ever seen anybody give another human being. Anger filled my veins, but I pushed it back. I knew the was important to Julianna; I was bound and determined not to mess it up. Out of my peripheral vision I saw my Uncle Carlos and Luis's fists clench hard. I knew they were on the same boat at me. When the silence became so thick it felt like I was suffocating my Mom spoke up. I could have kissed her right then.
"Why don't we go eat." No one had any objection as we all fought to get out the room at a normal pace to make it seem normal. Dinner was like in the living room; thick and tense with silence. I kept my mouth full of mashed potatoes and rolls as to not talk. Julianna followed me lead as the rest of my cousins. Around the very last part of dinner Uncle Carlos finally took the dive and asked, "So, " Everyone was internally pleading with him not to say something Carlo-ish like, 'Hey man, why are you such a huge dick?' Yeah, that was bound to go over well. Not.
Fortunately he asked, "So, Paul, what kind of work do you do?" Julianna's Dad made sure to chew the last bit of his food carefully, washing it down with some of his tea before speaking.
"Carlos is it?" He didn't wait for a response before he continued talking. "Let's not deal with causalities. I have always been a to the point man, no chit-chat. I hate this family and I don't want my daughter anywhere near your kind." Now he ignored my Uncle Carlos whose face was locked in anger and spoke directly to Julianna. I did a double-take. She looked furious. "Julianna," Her jaw clenched and I heard her teeth grind. "I am forbidding you from seeing this boy ever again. As a matter of a fact you'll be lucky to ever see the light of day again." With that he pushed back from the table, threw his napkin down, and walked away, expecting Julianna to follow him. He got as far as the opening that lead into the living room before his daughter's voice stopped him.
"No." Her voice was steady and filled with anger and bitterness. We all looked at her in shock now.
"Excuse me." His voice was tight, but his face as calm. As if he expected her to change what she had said once he saw her face.
"You heard me. I said no." He scoffed.
"Don't play games Julianna." He said, again with that calm expression, but I could see something simmering beneath the surface. She stood up and placed her hands on her slim hips; a woman ready for battle.
"I'm not. You can't control my life and Paco and I are a package deal. Either you deal with him or you lose me." He eyebrows rose as he crossed his thick arms across his chest.
"Are we giving ultimatums now? Fine, here is one: either you come with me or I cut you off for good."
"I pick him." She didn't even give him a chance to let him respond before she was talking again. "I have my own money. I know Mom left me a trust fund; more than enough. I don't need you... besides, it's not like your ever at home anyway. " I looked at her proudly. Her eyes glistened with tears, but they were hard as diamonds.
That's my girl
It was like a tennis match; Julianna to Paul, Julianna to Paul. We all wanted to know who would come out of on top.
"You can't walk away from me. Where will you live. You can only rely on the money for so long." Julianna snorted and I could see her anger flare higher.
"She left me over 2 million dollars. That's enough to buy a house and car, pay for college, buy me clothes and anything else I want. I have survived on my own ever since Mom and Alyssa died and they wouldn't want me to stay and be unhappy and controlled by you. I'm done being scared of what you think, I'm done living in constant fear of what will happy if you know that I'm in love with a Latino. Even though I've only known these people for week they have given me more love and affection than you have my entire life. They love me, for me. They don't try to change anything about me and I love that. I am so in love with these people and Paco I feel like my heart is bursting at the thing and if that means I have to give up a man who never loved me to begin with then I'll chose them every single time."
Her eyes glistened with tears, but her shoulders had lifted as if a great weight had been removed. My heart swelled with pride at the beautiful girl in front of me. The one that defended me to her Dad, the one that loved my family like her own. God, I loved her so much if hurt sometimes, but I wouldn't give her up for the world. Mr. Gallagher stood still with fury, his face with purple and he was so thin-lipped I thought they had disappeared. I silently brought Julianna close to me and I could see my Uncles and Dad unconsciously move closer to my girlfriend's side. I watched closely as Paul's hands shook, twitching here and there, and I grew wary. His muscles twitched again. This time in his arms and his hands.
"Maybe you should leave now." My Dad's voice was tight and I recognized it as the one he used on us when he was out of patience. Paul's eyes bulged out as he stalked over and jammed a finger roughly into my Dad's chest. Now I was really wary; my Dad had a short temper. I knew for a fact that nothing good can come of it when he loses it.
"This is all your fault. You've turned my daughter against me, but I won't let you take my daughter away from me. She is mine." I watched as my Dad's eyes blazed with suppressed rage.
"She is not property, she is a human being who just happens to be in love with my son and if you weren't so blinded by your predigests than maybe you could see that I love your daughter like my own. Hell, even my own daughter and niece's think of her as a big sister and my nephews are already so protective of her. My wife thinks of her like a daughter too and my brother and sister-in-law's would do anything and I mean anything for that girl because you know what? That's what families do. Not that you would know that." My Dad form shook as he raised an arm and pointed to the doorway. "Get out of my house! Don't you ever come through my door again." Paul had paled a little he stared silently at my Dad. With one last look her turned to leave, but not before turning back to say, "This isn't over. I will get my daughter back no matter what it takes." A few minutes later the front door slammed shut. No one knew what to say, but we didn't have to say anything. We all knew what the other was thinking.
This was far from over.
SSSSSOOOO...What did you think? Any good. I am sorry if I had any grammer/puncation mistakes. I proofread multiple times before posting it, but then again. I had a lot of fun writing this and I can only hope you had as much fun as I did reading it. Make sure to leave me a review of your thoughts.