A/N: Thank you to my time is now, Dashings Destinty, jessbynaturexo, xsostarstruck, Glamagirl, xAmericanHoney, Nadia26, xDefiningImperfection, xBeautyinNegativeSpaces, xShiningstar, Cenationxprincess and xSoundlessHeartbeat for the reviews. I apologize for taking so long to update it. I'll try not to make you wait so long next time.
As always, I'm sorry for the grammar and spelling mistakes. English isn't my first language.
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Chapter Four - Imperfection
The Cena family's dwelling in West Newbury was a house with several years of history. It had been built a century ago and since then it belonged to the family, who travelled from Italy to America in search of a new life, a fresh beginning.
The historical residence accommodated many people due to its dimensions. However, the familiars' number had increased throughout the years - the family of seven nowadays included six more members and one more was on the way - and logistically it was hard to have everyone staying under the same roof.
The inconvenience could have been easily solved when the family members who didn't live in the house proposed to stay in a hotel, but Carol Cena promptly refused the idea. The mother of five wished to have all her family sharing the same space during the weekend events. In the end, they were part of her thirty-five years of marriage, which were being celebrated.
Due to John sharing his bedroom with one of his brothers - one who was still a single and living in the house - during his childhood, he and Stacy had been handed over the guest room.
Surprisingly enough - at least for Stacy -, it was still free when she and John reached their destination, a few hours later, which she was responsible for. After questioning her husband, the elementary school teacher learned the bedroom was still free was because it was located side-by-side with the master bedroom where his parents slept.
Some old habits from the Cena brothers were hard to lose and sleeping side-by-side with his progenitors' bedroom was one of those. Stacy didn't mind sojourn in that room during the weekend - she wasn't planning doing anything kinky and a private bathroom was welcome in her current situation.
Sat on the cold bathroom floor - it was an unpleasant sensation -, Stacy flushed the toilet by the second time in less than fifteen minutes that morning. Each second it spent, her suspicions about a true pregnancy grew more and more. However, she hadn't found yet emotional strength to make the test.
Closing her light-brown eyes, the teacher thought about the recent events. That morning, when the Baltimore native woke up she felt nauseated. Stoically she controlled her billowy stomach not to raise suspicious - her last desire was John to be wary of it. As soon as she found herself alone, Stacy ran into the bathroom and she hadn't left it until the moment.
The blonde wondered if she should get worried with her recent body's reaction. She hadn't eaten out-dated, neither spoiled, food to make her throwing up. It could be a sign of a baby growing inside her belly - something she wished for over a year - as she suspected. Nevertheless, it wasn't the first time she had pregnancy symptoms without actually being carrying a child - the doctor explained to her it occurred to some women when they desired to have a baby and the results were nowhere to be seen.
Nonetheless, to be truthful, Stacy had never felt symptoms with so much intensity as now. Perhaps her time had arrived once for all. Hadn't she waited long enough to be a mother?
Suddenly her thoughts and considerations came to an end. A knock on the bathroom door and her husband's voice brought her back to the reality.
Stacy prayed she could blame her imagination and John wasn't on the other side of the door waiting for an answer. However, it was real: her husband was standing outside. His parents' house was enormous, but he was still able to find her out.
- Stace! - She listened to him once again. She should have expected John to return soon or later. She was taking more time than usual to get ready; plus, she shouldn't suppose him to stay away for long after the last events.
The previous day, the blonde made him stop the car during their short trip. Her stomach didn't give her a moment of rest during it.
-Iblameyourdrivingforit.- She had told him when asked him to stop the car by the second time. She felt bad with herself for blame him for her condition, but it was something she needed to do.
By his baby-blue eyes, she understood he didn't believe she was car sick. It wasn't the first time they were driving to Boston - the trip had already been made several times - and Stacy never felt sick with his driving. Not even once!
- Stace, is everything okay?
- Yes - she yelled back. In her wedding day, the tall blonde made a vow, under the eyes of their families, many guests and God, to conceal nothing from her husband throughout their marriage. Nonetheless, she would rather keep her suspicions as her little secret in case the pregnancy wouldn't be confirmed.
Rising up to her feet, Stacy took a look at her image at the mirror. She was pale - too pale. When she opened the door, her lips coiled into a charming smile. With a bit of luck, he wouldn't notice how sick she was feeling.
- Trish called to your cell phone and as there wasn't a sign of you I answered it. She wants us to confirm our presence at hers and Adam's engagement dinner next weekend. - The married blonde bit her bottom lip. The always so responsible teacher had done quite a mistake. - I thought you had already done it. Didn't you speak with Trish about it yesterday?
- I forgot to verify our presence - Stacy replied as innocently as possible. With the possibility of a real pregnancy, everything else vanished from her troubled mind.
She was charged to advise Trish the preceding day that she and John would attend the friendly dinner. However, the engagement dinner eclipsed from her mind until the current moment. When she and the petit bride met, nothing good would be waiting for her. Maybe if she had courage to explain the truth, Trish could understand her situation.
Realizing Stacy wouldn't give any explanations, John changed subject.
- Do you come to take breakfast? My mother is almost finishing it. - John couldn't perceive the reason Carol wanted to lose two hours in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone. Nonetheless, he had never understood his mother very well.
- Yes, I'm starving. - Lies were told to not hurt people, but this lie would hurt her stomach. If she put a piece of toast inside her mouth before it was chewed, she would have already thrown it up. At that moment she wished the Cena family had a dog. It couldn't be too hard to sneak food under the table.
Prior to the blonde escaping from him by the wooden stairs, John wrapped his fingers around her wrist to stop her from going farther. This wasn't the Stacy he knew. Something was going on and he needed to know what it was.
- Stacy, I mean it: is everything fine? - His baby-blue eyes were concerned. John didn't think his wife was acting as herself.
- John, I mean it too: I'm okay. - She walked closer and gave him a quickly kiss on his lips. - It must have been something I ate at school Friday. You know school's canteens aren't very safe.
Once again, he had been left unconvinced. Shaking his head, John followed Stacy to the kitchen. Carol was indeed an extraordinary cook.
The smell of delicious food on the kitchen only made Stacy feel sicker. If she wanted to survive the weekend, she would have to keep herself away from that space. Carol's cooking would be the death of her.
Stacy twisted her body to leave only to be prevented by John. Why did he have to be so close? He was interrupting the way between her and the bathroom.
- I forgot something in the bedroom - she excused herself the faster she could and before someone took notice, Stacy wasn't anywhere to be found.
John ran his fingers through his short hair. He was convinced something was going on and Stacy was keeping it away from him. If he could only figure out what was…
- John - he listened to his mother, Carol. - What happened between you two?
- Nothing - John replied taken out of surprised by his mother's question. Why would Carol think he had a quarrel with his wife? As far as he knew everything was perfect between them.
- You arrived late yesterday. Also, we haven't seen you and Stacy spending any time together. - In a matter of fact, Stacy hadn't been seen spending time with anyone since their arrival.
His wife was acting a little out of the ordinary, but John couldn't understand the reason for Carol to think they were having marital problems. Until his mother's suggestion, the idea never crossed his mind. As many couples, they had their occasional discussions which ended up being resolved - even if once a while the solution wasn't enjoyed by one of the parts. It was marriage: "sacrifices" had to be made to make it work out.
- Once again: it's everything fine between us. - He was sure of his words. He truly believed something was going on and Stacy was keeping it away from him. However, she wasn't mad at him.
- John, sometimes there is something wrong that you, men, can't figure out; you just can't see it.
If his mother was right, the reason Stacy had been acting so strangely was that he had done something abhorrent and he wasn't aware of it.
As much as he was inclined to accept his mother's suggestion, it still didn't explain to him why his wife felt nauseous. Perhaps Stacy was telling the truth and he should believe her word.
Putting on the Tiffany earrings which Alberto had offered her in their first anniversary of marriage, Melina completed her wardrobe for the night. In a black-red print boatneck dress by Carmen Marc Valvo which fitted her body perfectly and her long raven hair straight, Melina was stunning. No one could deny it.
- Whose party will be attending tonight? - Melina queried her husband when she caught a glance of him by the corner of the eye.
Until a few hours ago, she expected to spend the evening alone with husband. She had even planned a marvelous dinner for them. Nonetheless, Alberto called her while he was at the club and told her they had been invited for a party that same night. As much as she took pleasure in attending parties, she would rather have a night just with the two of them.
- It's from one of our neighbors. He is new around here and invited the building to come to his house for a friendly meeting. I couldn't refuse it - Alberto explained to his wife. He was aware she hadn't been very fond of the invitation - Also, he is the owner of "The Red Carpet".
- Isn't that the name of the restaurant where we went two days ago? - She raised her plucked eyebrow. She wasn't aware of the fact they lived in the same building as the owner of it. In a matter of fact, she hadn't perceived someone new had moved in.
- Yes, he's the owner. I spoke with him today at the elevator. He seemed a nice man. Haven't you seen him yet?
- Mr. Ross told me someone was moving in, however, I didn't see anyone new around the building. - Alberto sent a puzzled glance in her direction. To whom belonged the name she referred? Quickly, the Latina understood the glance he was sending in her direction. - Mr. Ross is the doorman. You should try to learn the name of the people who open up the door to you.
- I'm a busy man. - Realizing how she was staring at him - those dark eyes were sending flames in his direction -, the Mexican aristocrat hurried up to add a few more words. - But for you, I will memorize it. Shall we go?
Melina had knowledge he only promised it not to get her furious at him. They had been together for more than three years and he would promise - or do - everything to see her cheerful and to be sure he wouldn't trigger her rage. Being such a love caring husband, Alberto was all she could wish for.
- Sure - Melina agreed and grabbed a black clutche from her colossal collection. Hurriedly, she put inside it her cell phone and a red lipstick in case she needed to retouch her faultless makeup. - I don't want us to arrive in last.
The married couple stepped into the elevator. By the metallic reflection, Melina gave a final touch in her hair. She wanted to cause a good impression to the man who owned a business that her husband was fond of.
- You look gorgeous. - A glittering smile flourished in Melina's face after the compliment.
With her arm around her husband's, Melina made her way out of the elevator when the doors opened. Many guests had already arrived - most being familiar faces who she saw in the building every day.
The house had an interesting decoration. With a quick glance, she concluded the apartment belonged to a single man for sure. A small picture caught her full attention. It was familiar - very familiar. Now, if she could only remember where she saw it…Probably in some art gallery she had visited with Candice in the last weeks.
- Champagne? - A waiter asked, extending a tray with glasses of champagne to the married pair. Alberto took off from it two flutes and handed one to his wife. Until now it everything was perfect.
Traveling her eyes through the house, she hardly noticed the host for the night had reached her and her husband's side. The Latina would final meet the man who her husband spoke about during their stint at the restaurant.
- John, it's nice to see you again. I want to present you to someone very important.
The smile illuminating her lips vanished when her eyes met the man her husband was presenting to her. They excused presentations - of course, she wouldn't tell Alberto they were acquaintances. Not only had Melina meet this man years ago as she had an intimate relationship with him which lasted many years.
- This is my lovely wife, Melina.
That Latin was shocked as she had crossed paths with a ghost. Trying not to feel so upset with her ex-boyfriend's unexpected presence, she pulled out a fake, yet charming, smile - she wasn't delighted with John's presence - when their eyes connected.
- It's a pleasure to meet you - John spoke, being those the first words she listened to from his mouth in almost a decade.
If he was going to play this game, she could play it too. However, it would be hard to play it without Alberto realizing she knew John and then she would have to reveal the nature of the relationship they had in the past.
- Nice too met you too.
It was better for him not to know she inhabited that building with her husband or the hell cat inside her would get loose - it wouldn't be something nice to witness.
- Can you give me a second? - Without adding another word, Alberto abandoned Melina with John. He was confident of his wife's skills of maintain a conversation with the host while he greeted a couple of friends who he knew from the club.
Left alone - if it could be said they were on their own with all the people invited surrounding them -, Melina lost her fake smile. Her dark eyes met John's. If she could make a scene without producing a scandal with monumental proportions, she would pour down him the liquid inside her flute.
- What are you doing here? - Melina whispered with her fingers strongly wrapped around the flute. Luckily, the glass didn't break in pieces.
- I could ask you the same - he swerved his eyes to Alberto's direction -, but I see you came with your husband.
- I'm sure you were aware I lived here as I was married with Alberto before tonight.
- Believe me when I tell you that your presence surprised me as much as mine surprised you. The raven-haired women didn't believe his affirmation by an instant. Nonetheless if John had knowledge of it, he wouldn't have brought a house where he could face her every single day. Or did he have some evil plan? It wasn´t the Morrison she met and knew, however, many years had spent and people change - plus, he hurt her a lot before they feel apart.
- You did well with your life. Who would imagine you left the neighborhood to own a fancy restaurant. - She confessed she was astounded with the turn of events. John was the last person she expected to be living a wealthy and fabulous life. He never had those aspirations when they were a couple. He was the one who kept her down to Earth.
- I could say the same about you, Melina. - A chill ran down her spine when she listened to him pronouncing her name. The Latina preferred not to think about the meaning of it. - Marrying a high-class guy certainly changed you.
The comment weaved by John wasn't a flattering observation. His eyes traveled through her body - he observed her from head to toe. The Melina standing at his front wasn't the Melina he knew. He was always aware of her dreams during their dating times - dreams he couldn't afford when they were mere teenagers -, but he never expected her to be even close of it.
- What are you trying to imply? - It wasn't the first time someone meant she was a gold-digger; her marriage was a pure facade. Nevertheless, John should think twice before considering it. She wasn't in the mood to deal with his offences after everything that went down between them years ago. Not waiting for a hurtful answer, she quickly switched her question. - Did you come here to ruin my life?
- As I told you before, I didn't know you lived here before tonight or that you were married with him. - His following words ended up being harsher than he intended them to be: - You aren't the center of the World. I'm not here for you.
- You have never been anywhere for me. - Was he ever there for her? Quickly, Melina changed subject. Nevertheless, she didn't deviate too much from the previous theme: their past. - So, where is she? Or did you already change her for another? I heard once a cheater, always a cheater.
- There was never a "she".
- Of course not. - She used the most jocose voice she had. Who was he trying to fool? It had almost spent nine years since they lose what they had, but she remembered perfectly the fall out, discussion-by-discussion. - I simply started using a different perfume without have knowledge of it.
They discussion didn't go further with the arrival of the Mexican aristocrat with whom Melina swore to spend the rest of her life.
- You have a lovely wife - John exclaimed, preparing his cue to leave. - Excuse me for a moment.
Morrison retired himself to another corner of the marvelous house to speak with other guests, leaving Alberto and Melina together. The last didn't discern if she should feel relieved or not with his departure.
- What did you think? - Usually, Alberto didn't make her tough questions. However, this one was far from being difficult. Her last wish was to share with her husband her sincere opinion about her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her very badly in the past. - I'm planning to invest some money in the restaurant. It's a great place to bring investors.
- That's perfect. - It was imperfect. This couldn't be happening to her. She needed to keep her husband the farthest she could from John.
Alone with her troubled thoughts - the conversation her husband was sharing with a man who appeared out of nowhere didn't request her attention -, she imagined the consequences of John Morrison's return to her glamorous and wonderful life.
Also, she could hardly believe that not only her husband was in love with her ex-boyfriend's restaurant, but John would be leaving in the same building as her. Someone was having fun playing with her life.