Chapter 25 New York I Love You The next few days were a constant blur for Carleena. She had to pack her things and on top of that she had her doctor's appointment. Things were weird between her and Orlando. They were cordial with each other. Last week he was loving and affectionate but today he was holding something back. They were scheduled to go back in two days. Carleena was worried about their situation. She knew what she's doing isn't right. That night wasn't something out of lust. She feels for him, she couldn't have made love to him if she wasn't. She loves him definitely but as what and to what extend? She was so used to being alone before he came. She likes Orlando's company but it's not like she can't live without him when he's gone. Can she? The entire house was turned upside down as the six of them packed all the stuff Carleena had. She had bought a fair amount of baby things and she wanted those brought with her to New York. They had begun packing in the morning and weren't done yet. It was well near the wee hours of the night. Carleena glanced around in her room. She had packed all the important things. She sat on her bed, reflecting on the days that were behind her. A sigh slipped past her lips. Something was amiss in her life. Why was she treating Orlando the way she did? If she doesn't love him anymore, then she should let him go. But there's a part of her just cannot imagine living without him. Why was it so hard for her to make this decision? What was she waiting for? A grand gesture on Orlando's part? He has done so much for her, more than grand. Was she waiting for herself then, to be present here, now? She lay on the bed. Her son kicked the womb surrounding him. She wanted to give him the best life he can get and she knows Orlando can be greatest dad in the world. Shouldn't that be enough to want this for the baby? For her? She sighed again and made a mental note to set up an appointment with her shrink next week. There were some issues she needs to face and resolve before she makes her decision. Orlando then came into the room, not aware of her still body on the bed. He went about his work, taking some clothes from the drawers. He turned around and was startled by her presence, "Oh, I didn't know you were in here. I'll be quick. I won't get in your way." Carleena sat up. What an odd thing to say. She knew he wasn't in her way, why would he say that? She called to him, patting the mattress; asking him to sit beside her. He sighed, "It's okay. What is it?" She was taken aback at his coldness, "What's wrong?" He looked at her, "Everything's wrong…" He didn't wait for her to answer. He left the room without saying another word. Orlando threw the clothes he took from the room into a box. He was enraged. How can she ask her what was wrong? Couldn't she see that everything was wrong? She should be with him, raising this child together. Instead, she was being cautious. He felt like the bad guy, waiting for a second chance. He didn't do anything wrong and he always made sure she knows how much she meant to him. He didn't know what brought up this rage and impassiveness in him. He had somehow changed after that night. He was angry because for him, sex is not only physical. For him, sex was the ultimate portrayal of affection and love. He didn't sleep with her that night just because he needed to fill his carnal desire. He made love to her that night because he wanted his touch to convey what he was feeling. However, he was beginning to think that night be just an outburst of lust on Carleena's part. He hated feeling like this but she did nothing to ease his anxiety. Carleena sat on the bed dumbfounded. What had happened? Why is Orlando acting so weird? She wanted to talk to him but she was getting really tired and sleepy. Soon, she was sailing away in the land of dreams, huddled in her warm bed. The next day the six of them got ready to see a play in Grosseto. It was their second last day there and Liv thought it would be nice to go out on the town and have fun. Carleena and Orlando didn't really seem all too excited on the notion but they followed regardless. The play was scheduled to start at 8 p.m. The six of them went out to dinner at around 6 p.m. and was now walking towards the theatre. Things weren't better between Orlando and Carleena but they walked hand in hand. Orlando stayed quiet the whole way. The others noticed this. Orlando was usually the life of the party but today he just wasn't interested in anything. They took their seats next to each other. The play was about to start and Carleena was reading the programme booklet. The play was about two young lovers, Marco and Andrea, who were separated by their family through trickery. They were parted for some time and one day they meet again in a very different circumstance. The lights began to dim and the audience clapped. The play started with Andrea singing at a family gathering. The play went on to show the young lovers together. The story progressed into the family feud. The two families were ancient rivals. One day the Andrea's brother, Roberto decided they should use trickery to force them apart. One night, the two young lovers consummated their love. Both were very happy huddling together under the stars. Suddenly Roberto came and with him was both of their parents and a pregnant woman. The two lovers were shocked. The brother accused Marco of robbing her sister's innocence. He then pulled the pregnant forward, condemning Marco of being the father. Andrea was devastated when the woman confirmed that she was indeed carrying Marco's child. Andrea ran back to her house in tears. Carleena shifted uncomfortably in her seat. This story seemed to be moving in a direction she didn't want. Her gaze fell on Orlando. He was immersed in the play. She gulped. Was she going to see her life played on stage? Was she being shown her mistakes here tonight? The play continued. It was now 3 months from the incident. Andrea and her family moved away from Sicily to the country side. She was shattered when Marco lied to her. She walked to the nearby forest. Her sorrow had not fully left her. She sat down by the stream. Her eyes welled up and tears flowed down. She began singing her sorrows. "I will not say, do not fall in love, Just do not fall for someone far away, Having left me... Having shunned me, having broken my heart! My love, my friend, keep your promise! Remember me, don't somehow forget! You come to meet me in the time of flowers, and when the leaves fall, you became a bird and fly away. You put tears in eyes that were laughing. You don't come back, even though you have promised… My love, my friend, the season has passed. Remember that, don't forget somehow! The world speaks truly when they say don't love. Love is a terrible illness, A disease to fear! The fate of lovers is loneliness, For desire's other name, friend, is parting…" Carleena cried. The song touched her heart. She felt that way when she saw Orlando with Angela. She can feel her body shake from trying to hold back tears. Orlando glanced at her. He felt his heart break when she saw her face wet with tears. He looked down at his feet. He knew she was hurt but he could never really grasp how hurt she was. Today he was beginning to understand. Andrea cried. She has not forgotten Marco, not even for a day. She loved him and he had hurt her badly. She cried and cried. The sun was beginning to set. Andrea was tired from her tears and grief. She stood up and made her way back to her new home. Carleena saw Andrea stopped abruptly. All of a sudden, she fell and fainted. The crowd gasped and the curtains came down. Carleena quickly wiped her tears when she realized the lights were coming back on. It was the interval. Orlando got up and looked at her. Carleena turned her face elsewhere. Her makeup was ruined from her tears and she didn't want him to see. He sat back down and leaned in closer, "You want anything? Drinks?" Carleena shook her head, "I'm fine." Orlando walked towards the restrooms. A few minutes later he appeared again with some refreshments. He sat down again next to Carleena an offered her a pack of tissue. She smiled at him and took the tissues. The lights dimmed again. The curtains were raised and the audience can hear someone screaming. Andrea was in bed, a physician was by her side, speaking to her mother who was standing a foot away. It was her mother who screamed. The physician repeated again that Andrea was indeed with child. Carleena gasped. She was sure God was making her see this. She laughed nervously. The play continued. Now, the audience finally got to see what became of Marco. The scene changed. Marco was in the middle of the square, drunk. After Andrea left, he fell into despair and was drinking himself to oblivion. He was later known as the village drunk. Orlando smiled and shook his head. How the play was indeed like a fragment of his life. Suddenly, he felt Carleena squeezing his hand. He didn't look at her nor did he push her hand away. The six of them watched the rest of the play till the end. - The six of them walked back to the van in a sombre mood. The play was fantastic indeed in its tragic ways. The young lovers were once again united when Andrea was six months pregnant with Marco's child. Poisoned by the words of her family, she did not accept him and treated him badly. Marco tried his best to convince her that he was innocent and indeed it was her brother that framed him. Andrea did not trust him. She will never trust him again in this lifetime. Grieved by her answer, Marco desolated himself from society. No one saw him again for many days. One day, a young boy stumbled upon a rotting body near the woods. There was a letter in its hand. It was Marco. He poisoned himself in hopes with his death; Andrea would finally accept his innocence. Andrea was stricken with sadness when she found out. Haunted by his deed, Roberto finally confessed of his trickery. The pain Andrea felt couldn't be contained. She slipped into darkness. She spoke to no one and only came out to eat. One day, she was overwhelmed with pain. Her child was coming and it saddens her that she would be bringing this child alone into this world. Her daughter was born after a difficult labour. Although her wounds weren't severe, Andrea had lost the will to live. Her body went cold and her eyes darken. The people around her begged her to hold on, for the sake of her child. Andrea was too immersed in her sadness and alas, she left this world to be with Marco again, leaving her unnamed child behind. The rest of the ride home was continued in silence. Carleena sat at the back, sobbing to herself. She couldn't comprehend what had happened. For sure this cannot be what her life would become. But she couldn't help noticing how similar the play was to her life. She stared at Orlando head. Surely he will not do that to her, leave her behind. She would unquestionably die of a broken heart. Her hand stroked her belly. She did not want to leave her son alone in this world to fend for himself. The image of Marco's dead body haunted her vision. She felt sick, "Stop the van! Stop the van!" Elijah stepped on the brakes. Carleena stumbled out from the van and heaved out the contents of her stomach a few feet away. She was on the gravel on her fours, vomiting and crying at the same time. Orlando was horrified at what he saw. He quickly went to her and held her. Carleena broke down and cried. Her heartbreaking wails echoed throughout the night. Her body was shaking. There were fresh drops of sweat forming on her forehead. Elijah, Liv, Evan and Scott didn't know what to do. They watched as Orlando tried to soothe the distraught mother. She did not stop crying. Orlando turned around to his friends and told them to go home. The house wasn't far away. Elijah nodded and the rest of them rode back to the house. Orlando carried Carleena to the small park near the road. He sat her down on the bench near the fountain. She was still holding on to him for her dear life. Orlando held her face in an embrace, "Baby, what's wrong? Tell me…" She looked up at him, tears in her deep black eyes, "Promise me you will never leave me. Promise me…" Orlando was confused, "I will not leave you. You know that." She sobbed, "P-pro-mise me, you will not leave me in this world alone. Y-you have to promise me, t-that you will not die and leave me alone!" Orlando shook his head. A smile formed on his lips. She was definitely affected by the play. He kissed her cheek, "I promise you, as long as it is in my power, I will not die on you." She looked up at him, "I love you Orlando Bloom. I love you with all my being and with all my heart. I'm sorry I've put you through hell and back. I'm sorry…" Orlando pulled her closer and held her close to his heart, "Hear that? I love you with every beat of my heart. It is I that should be apologizing. I've hurt you even though it was not my intention." He lifted her chin and brushed his lips on hers. Her pink lips were salty from her tears. He deepened his kiss when she pulled him closer, circling her arms around his neck. The sweet embrace ended when Carleena felt a kick, "He's excited again." Orlando smiled and placed his hand on her belly, "Maybe because he knows his mommy and daddy are okay." Carleena smiled. Today her life was complete. She has a wonderful partner and a baby on the way. Life couldn't be more perfect. Orlando stood up holding out his hand, "Come on. The rest might be worried if we don't get home soon." Carleena accepted his hand, a hand that she will never let go again. - It was finally the day they would all return home stateside. The six of them were at the airport waiting for the boarding call. Everyone was pleasantly happy when they saw Orlando and Carleena walk back hand in hand, kissing and hugging. Things were finally better and now all that they need to do is go back home. Carleena sat next to Orlando in the waiting room. She had placed her head on his shoulder and their fingers were entwined. Liv watched the two of them. She can feel the love radiating from them and it was definitely infectious. Every so often, Orlando would bring her fingers to his mouth and kissed them. Elijah then plopped down beside her, "Hey. What are you looking at?" Liv smiled and nodded in the direction where Orlando and Carleena were sitting, "Them. It's nice to see them together again." Elijah smirked, "Yeah. It's about time I think. They both had managed to mess up their life pretty good. I'm glad they are back together." It was finally time for them to board the plane. Liv and Elijah walked in first followed by Evan and Scott. Carleena took her time. It wasn't easy for her to move around when she's this big. Orlando waited for her to gather her things and held her hand as they walked towards the gate. Carleena turned around and gave Italy a last look. She had many memories here, both bitter and sweet. So this is how she will remember Italy, bittersweet. The flight back to New York was exhausting. Liv and Elijah said their goodbyes at the airport. Evan and Scott decided they'd help Carleena with her things. They reached Orlando's apartment around 7 p.m. and began moving some of her luggage up. Carleena walked slowly until they reached his apartment. She had only been here once. It was still the same, save for the picture on the wall. It was a picture of her and Orlando. She remembered that day. They went to a play in Broadway and took that picture just outside the theatre. She went to their room and placed her things. She sat on the bed, looking outside from the window in their room. New York was beautiful at night. Neon lights gleamed and the sounds of the traffic below were refreshing. Too long has she stayed in the countryside, surrounded only by the sounds of crickets at night. She was startled when Orlando placed his arms around her, "What's up?" She turned and kissed him, "Nothing. It's nice to be back. The last time I was here was before the premier." He ran his long fingers through her shiny black tresses, "Yeah. I remember. Evan and Scott went home. They said to tell you bye. So, bye." Carleena giggled, "Bye then. I'm hungry. I want to cook. Are you hungry?" Orlando nodded, "I am. But you don't have to cook. We'll call for takeout." Carleena protested, "No! I want to cook. It'll make me feel at home." Orlando didn't want to argue. It was best to let a pregnant woman have her way, "Okay. We'll have dinner in front of the fireplace, okay?" Carleena smiled, "Wonderful! Let's start cooking!" It took Carleena an hour to prepare the meal. She definitely needed to thank Orlando's housekeeper who miraculously managed to buy the things she loves to eat. Orlando was in the living room, starting the fire. He had set the plates and arranged some pillows on the floor. He took two wine glasses and poured his glass to the brim and poured half a glass for Carleena. She carefully carried the plates to the front. They were having fish tonight with steamed vegetables and fresh pesto. Orlando helped her carry the plates and placed them on the coffee table. There was a familiar music playing in the background. Carleena took his hand and kissed it, "I'll stand by you… I love this song." Orlando stroked her cheek, "I know you do. Come, let's eat!" Dinner was eaten in silence. The two lovers gazed at each other and sometimes fed each other morsel of food. Dinner ended pretty quickly and now the two rested on the couch in each other's arms. Orlando placed his chin on the top of her head. Both sat there, contented with their current predicament. Orlando gingerly caressed her neck, making her shudder. He noticed how her breathing became laboured and he smirked. He continued making invisible circles on her collarbone. Suddenly, she caught his mischief finger, "Don't start something you don't intend to finish." She turned to look at him with a glint in her eyes. Orlando's eyes widened, "Who said I don't intend on finishing it?" He grabbed her head and tangled his fingers with her hair. She moaned in pain and in the anticipation of pleasure. He came closer. She can feel his warm breath near her face. He stopped just half an inch from her mouth, deliberately breathing harder. She quivered, bending forward to kiss him. He held her at that distance with his hand still holding her hair. He came closer and gently brushed his lips on her plump lips. Carleena moaned in frustration. "Kiss me, Orli. Kiss me now!" He chuckled and obeyed. His mouth was warm and moist. It ravaged her lips, covering it with passion and the rising heat of his desire. She parted her lips and gently licked the upper lip of her lover. She can feel Orlando smile and then she felt his tongue meet hers in a wild dance. She pulled his shirt off and threw it on the floor. She kissed his broad chest, gently making her way down to his nipples. Orlando groaned when he felt her wet tongue circling his nipples masterfully. He watched as she continued to kiss down his abdomen. She stopped and looked at him. Her hands were now undoing his pants. Orlando can feel the urgency building in him but he was not about to let her have all the fun. He pulled her up and sat her upon his lap. He dipped his face into the nook of her neck, nuzzling and biting gently. His hand roamed free on her body and rested on the treasures upon her chest. He kneaded her breast with one hand and with the other holding her head in place while he kissed her again. Carleena pulled away, gasping for air. Orlando had a wicked smile on his face. He unbuttoned her blouse and pulled away her bra. She sat there in his lap topless. Orlando reached out and took the bottle of wine on the coffee table. He took a sip and then poured the rest on her chest. Carleena cried out. She did not expect this. He dried off the wine from her body using his tongue. Where ever the liquid trickled, his tongue followed. Carleena moaned and huffed as he took her hardened nipples in his mouth, alternating his ministrations. He lifted her and placed her on the sofa as he stood up and let his pants down. Carleena wolf whistled at the sight of his arousal. He laughed and lunged at her. He lifted her legs and began pulling off her pants. Soon both of them were naked and aroused. He lifted her up and straddled her again. He gently massaged her breasts. She was beautiful and she was his. He watched as her eyes fluttered as he touched her. He came closer and took her nipples in his mouth again, careful not to crush her belly. She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes. Orlando took this moment to slip his fingers under her and massaged her centre. She cried out in surprise and arched her back at the feel of his fingers massaging her folds. She was wet and she was near the edge, "Orli, I can't hold on any more…" He whispered seductively into her ears, "Then don't… Come for me…" He quickened his fingers. He can feel her canal tightening around them. She moaned and cried out his name when she found her release. Orlando was not satisfied. He will not let her recover from her release. Instead he lifted her and placed her on the sofa. He then gently nudged her legs opened and settled between then. He knelt on the floor and now her quivering body stood just below his neck. Carleena closed her eyes. She was spent but little did she expect what Orlando did next. She grabbed a chunk of his hair when he flicked his tongue at her swollen nub. He didn't even give her time to recover. She was tender and the feeling of his tongue on her was too much and she came again! She held his head when he was about to lick her again, "Orli! Give me a minute! I can't… Wait…" Orlando didn't heed her plea. He can feel her molten sweetness on his mouth. He flicked his tongue again on her centre and she pulled his hair again. Carleena can feel her body trembling and she knew she was about to hit the edge again, "Honey, stop… Please… I'll come again if you don't!" Orlando pulled away. His eyes dark with lust and he wanted her. He took the pillows from the floor and stacked them up. He lifted Carleena from the sofa and placed her on the rug, where the pillows helped support her back. She looked at him, trying to anticipate his move. He knelt down between her legs and lifted one over his shoulder. Without leaving her gaze, Orlando pushed himself in with one hard thrust. Carleena threw her head back into the pillows and cried out in pleasure. He moved slowly. He loved being inside her; she was warm and moist. Orlando watched how her face contorted into many different expressions of pleasure and lust. He watched as her bountiful breasts bounced with each thrust. He could feel himself nearing his completion. He held on to her hips and moved faster and harder. Carleena seemed to agree with him, "Yes! Faster… Oh! God, Orli!" Carleena was tired but she can feel her body coming to another explosive ending. After a few more thrust from Orlando, her body arched and shook, as her orgasm hit her like a nuclear explosion. He felt her channel constrict around his hard manhood. With her tight canal squeezing around him, he came and emptied his seed inside her before falling on his back next to her on the rug. Both laughed and giggled before cuddling closer to each other. As Orlando hugged her, he remembered something, "Wait! We still didn't eat dessert!" Carleena giggled and sat up, "I think we have already had dessert just now." He watched as a naked Orlando rushed to the kitchen. He came back later with two ice cream bowls filled with chocolate and vanilla ice cream. They sat around the coffee table and wrapped themselves with the only blanket there. Orlando placed the ice cream in front of her as he himself began digging into the sinfully delicious dairy. Carleena shook her head as he watched him attack the ice cream with such voracity. She took the spoon in her bowl and was ready to eat when she saw something glinting on top of the ice cream. Orlando played coy. She looked closer and saw that it was a ring. Not just any ring, an engagement ring! She took it and turned to look at Orlando, who was now kneeling with a pillow in between his legs, trying to cover up his nakedness. Carleena laughed. The sight was incredibly funny but he was definitely proposing to her, "Carleena Romano, you have filled my life with your love and laughter. You have made me a better man and you have loved me unconditionally. All I ask from you now is to let me repay all the kindness you have shown me. Let me love you unconditionally in return. Let me love you with every fibre of my being and let me love you till the day I die. Carleena Romano, would you give me the honour of being my wife?" Carleena cried. It was the perfect proposal. Here they were, naked, basking in the afterglow of their love making and he was here with her. She scooted forward and held his face in her hands, "I will Orlando. I will!" He was overjoyed and kissed her face over and over again. He reached out and took the ring from the melting ice cream and placed it upon her finger, "I love you." Carleena kissed the ring and then her fiancé, "I love you too." Alas, the ice cream melted away as they made love again that night, over and over again.