Chapter 12

Stolen Days

It has been 14 weeks since they first arrived in Gstaad. It was now time to leave the beautiful mountainside. With Alfonso's swift management and the cast's and crew's hard work, they managed to finish the shoot 2 weeks earlier. He had also graciously given them a 3 weeks holiday before they resume their shoot in Virginia. They will leave for Geneva in 3 days time and tonight a party will be given in honour of the hard work the team has put in to make the Switzerland shoot a success.

Carleena walked along the shops with Milo in hand. Carleena played with Liv's boy, while his mother tried to find something for him to wear for tonight's party. Liv also insisted that Carleena buy something new for tonight. The boutiques in Gstaad were amazing, with so many beautiful clothes and vintage dresses. Milo was getting restless. The three of them stopped at a small restaurant for some lunch. They ordered their lunch. As they waited, Liv and Carleena talked about Sandbridge Beach and how excited they are to begin filming there, "Oh, you're going to love Sandbridge, Carleena! It's so beautiful there. I once went there with…with Milo's dad." Carleena nodded, she knew of the divorce.

They continued their quest for the perfect outfits. The three of them entered a posh looking boutique called Madame. There were a lot of different dresses and gowns to choose from. After a few quick scans, Liv pulled out a stunning yellow dress. It was a strapless gown with beautiful beading on the bodice with flowing fabric hanging down from it. It was ethereal, "Look! This would look amazing on you! Plus, yellow is Orli's favourite colour!" Carleena walked closer to Liv. She held the fabric in her hand. It was soft and breezy. Plus, it is Orlando's favourite colour. Liv was now pulling her towards the fitting room, "You must try this on! You must!"

The dress fitted her like a glove. Carleena stood in front of the mirror, turning left and right, seeing how the dress looked on her. The dress emphasized her waist before it fell to her curvaceous hips. The problem now is the bodice was slightly small and her breasts lay dangerously close to the top. A small tug and the world would come to see her chest. Liv knocked on the door, "Come on! Let's see!" Carleena stepped out from the fitting room, with her hands covering her bosom, "I think it's too small." Liv scrunched up her face, "Small? What do you mean? It looks perfect!" Carleena finally lifted her hand, "It's small." Liv began to laugh when her 6 years old son saw Carleena and said, "Wow…" Liv walked towards Carleena, tugging and pulling the dress so that it'll fit her nicely, "It's not small. You are just one size too big, well at least certain parts of you. We can buy that transparent strap to hold the dress up if it makes you feel better."

Liv also found the perfect dress in the same shop. Hers was a deep emerald halter gown which looks so divine against her white skin. They also bought some accessories and shoes to go with the dresses they bought. The two lovely women made their way back to the hotel with little Milo in tow. Carleena went up to her room and was a little disappointed when she found it empty. Orlando was not in the room, "Where could he be?"

Orlando came out from the travel agency. He had bought a couple of tickets for the both of them. He wanted to give them to Carleena at the party. They had weeks off, so he wanted to take her somewhere warm and sexy. He of course chose the Caribbean. He had fallen in love with the islands the last time he was there, shooting for the Pirates of Caribbean. The plan was to spend 1 week there in this beautiful bungalow he had rented with its own private beach. He also rented a yacht for them to go sailing. He wanted her all for himself before they began shooting at Sandbridge Beach. He was looking forward to the trip because this time, he can bring Sidi along. It's been too long since he last saw his dog and he was missing Sidi.

Orlando finally got back to the hotel around 5.30 p.m. He needed to get ready for the party tonight. He was quite surprised to find Carleena already back from her shopping spree with Liv, "You're back early." Carleena smiled and stretched lazily on the bed. She had been reading a magazine up to that point, "Yeah. We're lucky we found the stuff we need without having to go to all the shops. So, where have you been?" Orlando sat on the bed, pulling the magazine to read what was so interesting to Carleena, "Oh, here and there. Listen, once we're done shooting in Virginia, I was wondering, maybe you want to spend Christmas with me and my family?" Carleena sat up in the bed, "Are you sure? I wouldn't be imposing would I?" Orlando laughed and pinched her nose, "No, silly! My mum has been asking me to bring you to London whenever we have the time."

Carleena was in the bathroom, putting on her lip gloss. Orlando was in the parlour, waiting for her to be ready, "Babe, are you ready?" Carleena yelled from the bathroom, "Almost. Hang on!" She looked at herself in the mirror. She gave herself a nod and walked out to the parlour, "I'm ready." Orlando turned around and felt his mouth open in awe, "You look dangerously beautiful." She let out a sensual laugh, "Dangerously beautiful? How so?" Orlando now strode across the room and stood in front of her, "Looking like that and in that dress, especially in this colour, I doubt I would last the night." Carleena giggled, "Well… if you can make it through the party without ripping my clothes off, I might reward you tonight." Carleena took Orlando's hand and made their way to the party.

The ballroom looked magnificent. The rest of the team were already dancing and drinking. Liv was seen dancing with Alfonso somewhere in the middle of the dance floor. Orlando and Carleena were seated at the dining table, enjoying the dessert. Orlando couldn't take his eyes off Carleena. The way the dress clung to her body and how the bodice was slightly smaller than her bosoms. Carleena felt his eyes staring at her and tasting every part of her body. Orlando sure knows how to make a woman feel sexy. She felt his hand taking hers, "Come on. Let's dance!"

The music this time was right, the right mood and the right tempo. Orlando held Carleena in his arms and swayed to the beat. Carleena was oblivious to her surroundings, quite content to remain in his arms like this forever. His hand on the small of her back sent shivers up her spine. He pulled her closer, pressing her body towards his. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as the perfume she used reverberates through his whole being, "I have something to ask you." Carleena looked up, "What?" Orlando was smiling, "I have bought us a pair of tickets to the Caribbean. I have rented a nice place and a yacht. I was wondering if you want to go away with me for 1 week." Carleena's eyes twinkled, "The Caribbean? 1 week? Oh, Orlando! Of course! I would love to spend more time with you!" They continued to dance the night away and Carleena of course kept her promise…

It was 9 p.m. Geneva Airport was full of people. Some were travellers trying to get from point A to point B and others were fans, who knew Orlando and Liv were there. The security personnel kept everything safe for both the actors and fans. Orlando and Carleena would part from the rest of the team today. They would be flying to the Caribbean while the others would fly back to New York. Liv and Carleena shared a tearful goodbye but reminded themselves that they would be meeting again in 3 weeks. Alfonso had a little chat with Orlando while waiting for their flight, "So, I take it things are okay with the two of you?" Orlando turned his gaze towards Carleena, "Yeah, I think so. It's good." Alfonso smiled, "Take care of her Orlando. She's new to this world and dating a megastar like you won't make it any easier for her. Underneath that tough exterior is a very vulnerable and innocent woman. That innocence drew me to her when she did her audition. Take good care of her." Orlando nodded. Yes, fame has a big price to pay. He still remembered the time when he was dating Kate Bosworth and how the world poked and pried, making it hard for them to work through all the problems they had.

It was soon time for them to board the plane. Orlando and Carleena said good bye to the rest and left for Bahamas. They flew to London's Heathrow Airport and took a connecting flight to the Bahamas. The trip took them almost half a day and they spent most of their time sleeping. Carleena still hadn't gotten use to flying long hours and she can feel the energy draining from her body. She only came to when Orlando gingerly stroked her face, "Wake up love. We're here."

As they stepped out from the plane, the warm breeze was a welcome. They had spent 4 months in the blistering cold and now it was time for some fun in the sun! It took the 20 minutes to finally get to the bungalow Orlando had rented for the week. It was a two storey building with lots of windows and a patio that led to the sea. There was a small stretch of beach in front of the patio. The palm trees were in full swing as the breeze moved across the land. The water was blue and calm, with small waves crashing on the beach. It was paradise!

Orlando chose the room downstairs, facing the sea. It was airy and breezy with generous amount of sunlight. After taking care of the luggage, he looked around for Carleena. She was not in the house. Orlando walked outside and saw her walking near the beach. Suddenly, the bell rang. He opened the door when a flash of black fur jumped on him and started licking his face, "Sidi! Oh, I missed you boy!" His agent had arranged for Sidi to be delivered here in the Caribbean. The dog jumped and barked happily at the sight of its master. Orlando picked up his dog and walked towards the beach. He was eager to introduce Sidi to Carleena.

Carleena was looking at the sea. Never would she imagine that one day, she'd be here in the Bahamas with Orlando Bloom. She could hear him walking towards her but with an unfamiliar bark. She turned around and saw Orlando with a dog, "Oh! This must be Sidi." The dog barked with excitement and wriggled its way out of Orlando's arms. Sidi jumped around Carleena, excited to meet this new person in Orlando's life, "I think Sidi likes you." Orlando pulled Carleena in his arms, resting his chin on her shoulder. Both stared at the ocean, enjoying each other's company.

They spent the next few days getting to know each other, little things that make them unique as a person. Orlando found out that Carleena loves flowers like roses and daisies. Carleena also found out that Orlando's favourite vegetable is spinach. They also spent the nights getting to know each other's bodies closely, learning every curve and every bump. At the end of each day, they find themselves more in love than before.

Today will be a special day. Orlando had rented a yacht and today they would be sailing the Caribbean. He had the whole day planned. Carleena didn't know about this of course. Orlando wanted today to be a surprise for her, because today he wanted to give her something to prove that he was hers forever. Carleena wore a short black dress with her hair pulled up. She thought Orlando was taking her to dinner but was in shock when he blindfolded her through the length of their journey. He walked her towards the pier. Carleena could hear water splashing but she would never have guessed that they were actually heading towards a yacht. When Orlando finally opened the blindfold, she was rendered speechless as they sail away from the pier.

The yacht was enormous. It had 2 rooms, a dining room, an entertainment room and also a Jacuzzi on the upper deck. Tonight, next to the deck was a table for two with candles and flowers. They sat down enjoying the view of the moon and stars. A violinist serenaded them with wonderful tunes and romantic ballads. They ate dinner while holding hands and feeding each other, laughing as they miss and smear gravy all over their chins. Dessert came in the form of chocolate mousse. They enjoyed dessert in silence, looking at each other and enjoying the beautiful music.

Orlando looked at her. She looked dreamy tonight under the moonlight. Her black hair flowing in the wind and her beautiful eyes shone when she spoke. She had that energy that leaves you enamoured. You feel drawn to her instantly and more so when she laughs. Orlando took a deep breath. He wanted to ask her something, "Babe? You love me don't you?" Carleena grinned, "Yes, only because I took pity at you. I mean, you can't even find a great girl to fall in love with even with all those women around you." Orlando had to laugh. That's my girl, he thought, she always knows how to keep me grounded.

Carleena looked at Orlando seriously now, "What's wrong Orlando?" He smiled. Nothing was wrong, it was about to be perfect. Orlando then stood up and knelt in front of her, holding her hand, "Carleena, I love you with all my heart. You have given me joy, more than I could ever imagine. You have made me into a man worthy of your love. You have given me pleasure no woman can administer and you have given me your heart and all your love. For all that you have given me; I wish to return all your affections by giving you this…" At that very moment, he pulled out a small velvet box. Carleena gasped. What's he doing? She thought. He can't ask her to marry him, not now when her career's about to take off. Carleena trembled hands opened the box and found a beautiful heart shaped necklace inside. The relief on her face was evident when Orlando spoke, "I would have asked you to marry me if I was selfish, but I am not, A'maelamin. I know that you're career is on the move, so consider this necklace a token of my devotion to you, promising myself to you and only you. Perhaps in time, when we're both ready, I'll put a ring on your finger."

Carleena can feel the emotions building inside her. Unable to contain it, tears flowed down her cheeks. Never before has she been loved like so by any man. She pulled him up and kissed him with all her being, "Thank you for being so understanding. I love you Orlando Bloom and I wait the day I shall be Mrs. Bloom." They resumed the night in the lower deck, on a beautiful brass bed. The stars and the moon were witness to the love and desire they both had for each other.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. The stolen days in the Bahamas had come to an end. Carleena and Orlando were on the flight back to New York. As she watched the man whom she had come to love more than her, her hand caressed the heart necklace that hung from her neck. If things were different, if she was already an established actor, she would've said yes to him if he asked her to marry him. She continued to watch him sleep, something she was accustomed to now. Today will be hard on her, for today would be the first day she will be apart from him. They will be heading to their respective homes once they reached New York, Orlando to a hotel somewhere and Carleena back to Brooklyn. They won't be able to see each other until they resume shooting in Virginia in 2 weeks time. 2 weeks would be a long time for her, since she has grown to love his company.

The plane landed smoothly. The captain announced their arrival. Carleena reluctantly walked out of the plane with Orlando in hand. She didn't want to leave him but she hadn't the heart to ask him to stay with her, not in Brooklyn. Her apartment is too small and pathetic for someone like him. But it would be hard for him to travel back and forth to New York, as Orlando still has some work to finish. He told her about the New York, I Love You shoot he will be doing in 2 days. Plus, there was also the UNICEF commercial he had to shoot.

They took their luggage. Orlando insisted that he send her home but Carleena didn't want to part there. It'll make it harder for her, "No. No need to send me home. I won't be able to let you go if you do." Orlando held her close, not wanting to be apart himself. "I love you, Orlando Bloom." Orlando looked at the woman in his arms and kissed her. The kiss was long and ardent. He wanted her to remember him by that kiss, keep her company until their next reunion, "I love you more, Carleena Romano." They broke free of each other. Carleena watched as Orlando walk away towards the main entrance. This is going to be a long 2 weeks…