Love in a Box
Disclaimer: Okay everyone! I don't own any of the original characters, but Carmen and James and anyone in their families belong to me! Thank you.
Part 3: (of Candy)
(Okay, this is part 3, and it's probably gonna be a lot better than part 2. Less offensive, that's for sure... This part will definitely have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, and it will describe James more. Thank you for reading this, and now, go read the real story!)
****************************************************
* This story takes place about 3 months after 'Reviving Faith'. It is now March 20, 2001.Carmen and Mark are still dating, but they haven't moved past kissing. Life continues normally. *
"Oh man, what am I gonna do? What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?" Roger asked Mark, pacing back and forth across the carpet in their apartment. His hands were at his temples, rubbing them slowly, as if in contemplation of something.
"If I knew, I'd tell you!" Mark countered, frustration clear in his voice. The two had been sitting there for over an hour now, and both were at their wits end.
"All we need is fifty more dollars."
"That is the 100th time you've said that!"
"Sorry, it's just... Jesus Christ!" Yelled Roger, his short temper was called into play. There was a soft knock on the door and both men stopped yelling at each other long enough to inquire as to who was there.
"It's Carmen." Came a sweet voice, and Mark visibly relaxed a little.
Roger sighed and ran the fingers of his right hand through his short blond hair, "C'mon in."
The door handle turned and in stepped Mark's girlfriend. The filmmaker stood up and crossed over to her where they greeted each other with a small, lovely kiss. Tension in the room decreased as they were all reminded of the reason for the initial argument.
"Judging by the sounds I heard, I take it that the money search isn't going to well."
Mark exhaled slowly, "Not at all, in fact, we just need fifty more dollars."
This earned a short, sarcastic laugh from Roger and few mumbled curses describing Mark's character and Roger's opinion of it at that moment. The momentary 'detente' was shattered.
"I have an idea." Said Carmen, her normally soft eyes flashing with creative genius.
"What?" Asked Roger, looking at her directly for the first time since she'd arrived.
"James! You know, my neighbor? Maybe he can help, or at least know someone who can!"
"Yeah, but, we've only known him for a little while and we really shouldn't hit him up for cash yet." Commented the filmmaker. Even though he knew that James was gay, the closeness of Carmen and the Scotsman was something he didn't like. He had often discussed this with Roger, who agreed with him because Carmen and Mark were the only two who knew the truth of the matter. It's was the filmmaker's way of not being lectured, yes, lectured, by the musician.
"Oh Mark, he won't mind, besides, this is for love."
Her sweet smile made any doubts about her melt, "All right then, we'll go."
*******************************************************
The couple walked slowly down the hallway. A window at the end of the way let in a few rays of the early springtime sunshine. Roger was not with them, at the last minute, Mimi had arrived home unexpectedly. Due to the nature of the money problem, it was crucial that the musician stay home to divert his girlfriend's possible discovery of the secret. This was all the better for Mark and Carmen. They loved walking together. There was something pure about their relationship, it was one based on devotion rather than the lure of sex.
"So, do you think he's home today?" Asked Mark, rubbing his hands together to obtain heat.
"I hope so, the sooner we get that money, the better." She responded and knocked on her neighbor's door. Almost instantly, it opened, revealing the infamous James Wallace, as Carmen liked to called him.
"Carmen, dear, what are you doing here?" He inquired, kissing each of her cheeks.
"I need to talk to you James.... it's about money."
His look didn't change, the smile was still plastered on his face and he invited them in. James's apartment reflected who he was to the smallest detail. The table and kitchen counter covered with newspapers to protect them from the paint. The numerous canvases, some covered, some not, that filled up the front room. Each had it's own stand or frame which showed the lack of money by it's composition of scrap wood substitutes. Even the walls became a modern art piece with the splashes of color put their by intention, or by a fit of anger. The fits were less common, as they were more costly. Since Carmen was his main subject, more of the portraits staring back at you had her face.
"James, why is this wall bare?" She asked, running her fingers of the now blank wall space. It had once contained about 7 pictures of her.
"I have good news! I found a buyer!" The artist exclaimed, and Carmen embraced him.
"This is great James!"
He stopped long enough to look at her, "She loved all the pictures of you, and she wants another. A specially done one. Would you consider posing again?"
"I will, but, I have to ask you something first."
"Shoot."
"You see, Roger is planning to propose to Mimi soon, and he needs another fifty dollars for a ring. It's a favorite of Mimi's and he has to get that one for her. Is there any way that you could loan us the money?"
"Sure! After all, was it not you who got my paintings sold?" James's grin was wide, he turned to Mark, "Why don't you stay while she poses?"
"Yeah, I want to see exactly how a beautiful woman becomes a masterpiece." Mark pulled Carmen into his arms and kissed her.
She giggled softly at his compliment, still shy after all this time. James smiled at this, he was glad that Carmen was finally taking some chances. To allow the lovers time for more affection, the painter walked slowly to the opposite end of the room and pulled out his prized possession - a posing couch. One of those kind of couches with no side arms and a raised end that was common to Greek art. It was in perfect condition, the soft pastel colors of the rainbow swirling together in harmony on the cover. No one knew where Jimmy had gotten it, but he hinted that it had been a gift from his sister, who resided in their homeland of Scotland to this day.
When the kissing was over, Carmen walked over to the couch and sat down on it. Her small weight made no indents on the furniture. James walked over to her and seemed to study her. His eyes appeared to be melting her into the couch, trying to achieve the perfect pose.
"Hmm, okay, put your legs up here." Jimmy indicated the lowered end of the couch, "And flip over on your stomach."
Carmen shifted to comply with the painter's request. Her body took on the form of the couch. She turned her head towards them and placed her hands under her cheek. A soft smile was on her face and the soft eyes could be seen under lowered lids.
"That's perfect." Said James, retrieving the palette of paints and dipping a thin paintbrush into a glass of clear water.
Mark leaned up against the wall and placed his hands into his pockets. His eyes were focused on Carmen too, but, in a different way. He saw his girlfriend, for the beauty she was, smiling back at him. A sense of peacefulness enveloped him and he fell into a state of almost semi - consciousness. Meanwhile, James's paintbrush danced over the canvas, mixing and matching colors to fit his subject and her surroundings. Surprisingly, the painting progressed quickly, due to the extent of the painter's well practiced skill.
Carmen was so still, so unmoving, that she reminded Mark of a doll or a wax figurine. The only thing that seemed to give hints of life were her softly batted eyelashes and the rising of her body when she breathed. This went on for almost an hour before the painter called,
"All finished!" James was delighted with the completed work. Of course, it had to dry first and the colors would thin a little, but, that was nothing. Mark peered over his shoulder and observed the portrait. It was beautifully done, a perfect representation of Carmen. She stood up, stretched, and walked over to them.
"Did it come out okay?" She asked, cautious.
Both of the men smiled at her and Mark answered for the modest artist, "Yeah, it's really well done."
Carmen hugged first Mark and then James in happiness before beginning to help clean up. They all began to tidy up, throwing the paints back in the cabinets and picking up the spread out newspapers. A sudden knocking on the door made them look up.
"Who's there?"
"It's Collins, are Mark and Carmen there?"
"Yes they are, hang on a minute." James sat down some crumpled up newspaper and walked to the door. Since that one night about 3 months ago, he had seen Collins only a few other times. He had been testing the smarter group member and had come to a promising conclusion.
James pulled the door open and smiled at the man on the other side, "Please, come in Collins." With his right hand he gestured toward the open room.
"Thanks James. It's good to see you again."
"Same here. So, you were looking for Mark and Carmen?"
"Yeah," Collins leaned a little bit to the side and waved to his friends, "Hi guys."
"Hey Collins." Responded the couple.
Mark spoke up again, "We're just cleaning up here and we'll be able to go in a minute."
The three went back to work and Collins stood near the door, waiting. In his pocket, he fingered the note that Roger had given him to deliver. As he propped himself up, he watched James. Like Mark did with Carmen, Collins let his eyes wander over James's body. The Scotsman had a lanky build, with not a lot of muscle mass showing. More like Mark with Roger's height. He was 22 years old and stood about 5 foot 10 inches. His eyes were of a light brown colors and his previously black hair had been dyed a platinum blond color, that was lighter than Roger's. Other than that, he reflected the basic look and accent of his kinsmen.
Collins decided that he liked James, his look, his manner, everything.... As far as he knew though, James was heterosexual. Mark and Carmen had never mentioned that James was gay in any casual conversations. In a way, the painter was afraid of being outcasted for his sexual preferences due to his father's hatred of homosexuals. Even James's parents didn't know about their son, but they had hit him hard.
James felt eyes on him and he turned around toward Collins. His glance was short and stolen, and a little shy. Not long after that, Mark and Carmen finished picking up and left with their friend. Before they all exited, Jim pulled Carmen aside.
"Here is the money Carmen, and thank you again for posing."
"That's okay Jimmy, I enjoy it. Hey, do you wanna come to the Cafe with us?"
"I can't, I'm meeting that buyer again." The painter looked left and right, then, lowering his voice he inquired, "Is Collins like me?"
Carmen nodded, but didn't speak.
James gave a small smile and hugged Carmen again. He had developed a crush on the educated one, and Carmen was glad for him.
*************************************************
As the little group of three walked down the street, Collins retrieved the note from his pocket and handed it to Mark.
"Mark, since you haven't come back yet, I assume you have the money. You know where the ring is and I need you to pick it up. I'd come myself, but Mimi's got me - tied up - at the moment. Don't let her know I need this to be a surprise. Meet me and Mimi at the Life Cafe at about 8:00 p.m." The filmmaker read aloud.
Carmen laughed and clung to Mark's arm, "I feel like we're secret agents on some sort of mission."
"Yeah." Collins laughed too and checked his watch, "Jesus! It's nearly 7, we'd better get going!" The group ran toward the location of the jewelry store. It took awhile to get there, because Roger hadn't been able to find a trustworthy store anywhere in their vicinity. When they finally did arrive, all out of breath and with side cramps, the store was close to closing. Carmen gave the money to Collins who went inside first. After a moment or so, the other two followed him.
The store almost looked like an antique place with it's exotic jewelry styles and many other items on display. Like a little girl, Carmen picked up a gypsy costume and studied it with avid curiosity. Mark walked over to her and wondered why such an odd thing had caught her attention.
"Isn't it pretty?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"It's just like the one I wore at my first dancing recital."
"Really? You dance?"
"I used to. My mother's tap dance lessons turned into this gypsy like dance and I landed a solo role. I twirled on-stage with a tambourine, those metal thing on my shoes made that clicking sound, so both styles didn't go together. It was hilarious."
Mark smiled at the thought of Carmen as a little girl in a bright red, purple, and gold costume with a tambourine in hand. It just wasn't her. Carmen put the outfit down and walked over to Collins.
"Do they have the ring?"
"Yes, Roger put it on hold. Have you seen it yet?"
"No."
The clerk returned with the ring and Collins paid him for it. He handed the ring to Carmen for examination. It was a small ring, but beautiful. Gold bands wound themselves around each other forming a vine like pattern with was topped off with a small, yet well cut diamond.
"It's nice, I like it." She said, restoring the ring to it's velvet box.
All three then left the store to head to the Life Cafe. They had lost a great deal of time with the long walks, but, no one there owned a car, or even a bike for that matter. The time was 7:45 when they entered the cafe doors. Roger was already there, but Mimi was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey Rog. Where's Mimi?" Asked Mark.
"She's in the bathroom. Did you guys get the ring?"
"We are triumphant." Laughed Collins, handing Roger the small box.
Roger breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you guys. I'll pay you back eventually."
"No. The money was a gift from James, I have to repay him."
"How?"
"He paints and I pose. It's simple." Carmen nodded, closing her eyes slightly with her head tilted to the left. Roger rolled his eyes, laughed, and hugged Carmen.
"Let's all eat first, I'll ask after dinner."
"Ask what?" Came a familiar voice, and it wasn't Mimi's. The group turned around to see Maureen and Joanne standing there. Mark instinctively grasped Carmen's hand, and the lovers stood facing their less than best friends. No one had any problems with Joanne, but Maureen was another story. After the fight that one night tensions had been running high for three months now.
"Well, what's Roger gonna ask?" Demanded Maureen, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"Nothing." Roger said, slipping the ring box into his jeans pocket. It was then that Mimi appeared. While Mimi was mad with Maureen for the diva's treatment of the girl who had dragged Mark out of his depression, she didn't hold grudges for long. While hugs were exchanged between the three women, Mark whispered to Roger,
"Did you invite them?"
"Yeah, I had to. I'm sorry, but we have known them for like, ever. I didn't want them to find out later and then know that everyone had been there except them!"
"We could've all lied to them."
"Okay okay, I'm sorry! I'm just being polite!"
Carmen gave a sigh, "I just hope that nothing starts. This is too nice of a day to be..... be messed up."
They all nodded and sat down at the table. Each person order their favorite dishes, most off the vegetarian menu. The seating arrangements were carefully done. Carmen, then Mark, Roger, than Mimi. Sitting across from Carmen was Collins, then an empty seat, and finally Joanne across from Roger and Maureen opposite Mimi. Silence surrounded the table, it was obvious that Maureen was not in a fighting mood right now. Carmen was greatly relieved, for this time, it wouldn't be so easy to just leave. As soon as the eating was over, Roger stood up.
"I'm very happy you guys all came here tonight, cause it's kinda special."
"Hmm?" Asked Mimi, turning in her chair to look at her boyfriend. The other two people who didn't know wore similar expressions on their faces. Roger grasped Mimi's hand and she stood up.
"What's going on?" She asked the group, but no one responded. Suddenly, and to her great shock, Roger got down on his knee. Reaching in his pocket, he retrieved the ring.
"Mimi, I love you and I don't want to lose you again. Will you marry me?" He asked, and drew in a breath in anticipation.
Mimi was shocked beyond belief, she loved Roger and this was something she thought he would never do. Indeed, no one could picture Roger getting married in their wildest dreams. Finally, Mimi looked at him,
"Yes, I will."
A loud clapping and cheering erupted from the table and all the waiters and waitresses. Roger stood up, slipped the ring on Mimi's finger and kissed her. Mimi kissed back, wrapping her arms around her fiancee.
*******************************************************
Carmen and Mark walked hand in hand to Carmen's apartment. After everyone had congratulated the couple, the different parties had dispersed. Plus, the couple still had a date to go out on tonight, but Carmen had insisted that she needed to change and wash up first. Once at her apartment, the male filmmaker sat on the couch as Carmen decided to wash her hair in the bathroom sink to avoid a whole shower. Suddenly, Mark appeared at her side. More than once he had offered to wash Carmen's hair for her. One of his loves was the feel of her soft brown locks between his fingers.
"If you want to, you can." She said to him and he helped her rubbed in the shampoo and conditioner. Her hair was smooth and a deeper shade of brown than when it was dry. Mark massaged Carmen's hair and helped her to dry it.
"Thanks." She smiled and kissed him. When he kissed back, something passed between them. A fire of sorts sprang through both their bodies. Neither of them knew the origin of it. It was completely out of place, but it seemed right. Mark ran his hands down her back holding her tightly to him as if he was scared she might disappear. Carmen felt the same as wrapped her arms around Mark's neck. The kissing continued for minutes that couldn't be counted in regular time. She leaned back over the counter, caught up in the passion so much so that she couldn't think properly. He moved to undo her shirt buttons.
As Carmen felt his hands brush against her upper garment, she seemed to almost offer it to him. When his fingers touched the bare flesh of her stomach, they were so warm that she felt like she was burning all over her body. Her wet hair dripped cold droplets onto her back and something happened. The iciness struck her like needles and it brought her back to reality.
She pulled away from Mark and opened her eyes.
"What's wrong?" He asked, confusion on his face.
Nervousness stirred in her stomach, "I can't do this. It's going to far."
She saw the disappoint she expected from him, but no words accompanied his look.
"I'm just not ready, I'm sorry Mark." With that, she turned from him and bit her lower lip.
Mark didn't know how to handle this, his rejection skills were rusty. Finally, and without another word, he turned, and left Carmen's apartment. He wasn't mad, just disappointed. As far as he had known, she loved him enough to take that last step, but, as he recalled, the past was working against her. Upset, he returned to the apartment he shared with Roger and Mimi for the night.
Back at her apartment, Carmen went into her room and curled up on her bed. She cried softly in the dark, scared that she had ruined everything that she and Mark had built up in the past 3 months. Why was her past tormenting her? Every time a man got close she felt nervous and needed to back away. There was no chance for sleep now and so, she kept up her never-ending tears.
***************************************************
James heard the door close from Carmen's apartment, but at first, he thought nothing of it. He set down his earlier painting on the finishing table and began to spread a sealing mixture over it. The stuff made him wrinkle his nose, but after awhile, he'd get used to it.
'Maybe I should buy some of that rose scented kind next time.' He thought to himself, and continued moving the paintbrush up and down the canvas.
It was then that he heard something. He stood up straight and strained to listen. It was a woman, and she was crying. Suddenly, it dawned upon him that it was Carmen he heard crying.
"Poor lass, I wonder what's going on... "He said aloud, and quickly resealed the sealer container. Walking out of his apartment and over to Carmen's, he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Called a choked voice.
"It's James. Are you all right?"
"Not really."
"Do you want to talk about it? If you need help, I'm here."
Carmen pondered this option. James was a good friend, a man with which there was no type of tension romantically. She got up and walked to her front door. He entered her apartment and sat her down on her couch. Without any words he began to make her a glass of tea.
"So, what happened?"
She dried her eyes and took the tea from him as he sat down next to her.
"It's all my fault." She began....
**************************************
Well, that's the end of part 3! If you want to see a part 4, please be a nice person and review this story. Your reviews do not go unnoticed, and I'd also like to say thank you to everyone who has ever reviewed my stories. Thanks again!
Disclaimer: Okay everyone! I don't own any of the original characters, but Carmen and James and anyone in their families belong to me! Thank you.
Part 3: (of Candy)
(Okay, this is part 3, and it's probably gonna be a lot better than part 2. Less offensive, that's for sure... This part will definitely have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, and it will describe James more. Thank you for reading this, and now, go read the real story!)
****************************************************
* This story takes place about 3 months after 'Reviving Faith'. It is now March 20, 2001.Carmen and Mark are still dating, but they haven't moved past kissing. Life continues normally. *
"Oh man, what am I gonna do? What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?" Roger asked Mark, pacing back and forth across the carpet in their apartment. His hands were at his temples, rubbing them slowly, as if in contemplation of something.
"If I knew, I'd tell you!" Mark countered, frustration clear in his voice. The two had been sitting there for over an hour now, and both were at their wits end.
"All we need is fifty more dollars."
"That is the 100th time you've said that!"
"Sorry, it's just... Jesus Christ!" Yelled Roger, his short temper was called into play. There was a soft knock on the door and both men stopped yelling at each other long enough to inquire as to who was there.
"It's Carmen." Came a sweet voice, and Mark visibly relaxed a little.
Roger sighed and ran the fingers of his right hand through his short blond hair, "C'mon in."
The door handle turned and in stepped Mark's girlfriend. The filmmaker stood up and crossed over to her where they greeted each other with a small, lovely kiss. Tension in the room decreased as they were all reminded of the reason for the initial argument.
"Judging by the sounds I heard, I take it that the money search isn't going to well."
Mark exhaled slowly, "Not at all, in fact, we just need fifty more dollars."
This earned a short, sarcastic laugh from Roger and few mumbled curses describing Mark's character and Roger's opinion of it at that moment. The momentary 'detente' was shattered.
"I have an idea." Said Carmen, her normally soft eyes flashing with creative genius.
"What?" Asked Roger, looking at her directly for the first time since she'd arrived.
"James! You know, my neighbor? Maybe he can help, or at least know someone who can!"
"Yeah, but, we've only known him for a little while and we really shouldn't hit him up for cash yet." Commented the filmmaker. Even though he knew that James was gay, the closeness of Carmen and the Scotsman was something he didn't like. He had often discussed this with Roger, who agreed with him because Carmen and Mark were the only two who knew the truth of the matter. It's was the filmmaker's way of not being lectured, yes, lectured, by the musician.
"Oh Mark, he won't mind, besides, this is for love."
Her sweet smile made any doubts about her melt, "All right then, we'll go."
*******************************************************
The couple walked slowly down the hallway. A window at the end of the way let in a few rays of the early springtime sunshine. Roger was not with them, at the last minute, Mimi had arrived home unexpectedly. Due to the nature of the money problem, it was crucial that the musician stay home to divert his girlfriend's possible discovery of the secret. This was all the better for Mark and Carmen. They loved walking together. There was something pure about their relationship, it was one based on devotion rather than the lure of sex.
"So, do you think he's home today?" Asked Mark, rubbing his hands together to obtain heat.
"I hope so, the sooner we get that money, the better." She responded and knocked on her neighbor's door. Almost instantly, it opened, revealing the infamous James Wallace, as Carmen liked to called him.
"Carmen, dear, what are you doing here?" He inquired, kissing each of her cheeks.
"I need to talk to you James.... it's about money."
His look didn't change, the smile was still plastered on his face and he invited them in. James's apartment reflected who he was to the smallest detail. The table and kitchen counter covered with newspapers to protect them from the paint. The numerous canvases, some covered, some not, that filled up the front room. Each had it's own stand or frame which showed the lack of money by it's composition of scrap wood substitutes. Even the walls became a modern art piece with the splashes of color put their by intention, or by a fit of anger. The fits were less common, as they were more costly. Since Carmen was his main subject, more of the portraits staring back at you had her face.
"James, why is this wall bare?" She asked, running her fingers of the now blank wall space. It had once contained about 7 pictures of her.
"I have good news! I found a buyer!" The artist exclaimed, and Carmen embraced him.
"This is great James!"
He stopped long enough to look at her, "She loved all the pictures of you, and she wants another. A specially done one. Would you consider posing again?"
"I will, but, I have to ask you something first."
"Shoot."
"You see, Roger is planning to propose to Mimi soon, and he needs another fifty dollars for a ring. It's a favorite of Mimi's and he has to get that one for her. Is there any way that you could loan us the money?"
"Sure! After all, was it not you who got my paintings sold?" James's grin was wide, he turned to Mark, "Why don't you stay while she poses?"
"Yeah, I want to see exactly how a beautiful woman becomes a masterpiece." Mark pulled Carmen into his arms and kissed her.
She giggled softly at his compliment, still shy after all this time. James smiled at this, he was glad that Carmen was finally taking some chances. To allow the lovers time for more affection, the painter walked slowly to the opposite end of the room and pulled out his prized possession - a posing couch. One of those kind of couches with no side arms and a raised end that was common to Greek art. It was in perfect condition, the soft pastel colors of the rainbow swirling together in harmony on the cover. No one knew where Jimmy had gotten it, but he hinted that it had been a gift from his sister, who resided in their homeland of Scotland to this day.
When the kissing was over, Carmen walked over to the couch and sat down on it. Her small weight made no indents on the furniture. James walked over to her and seemed to study her. His eyes appeared to be melting her into the couch, trying to achieve the perfect pose.
"Hmm, okay, put your legs up here." Jimmy indicated the lowered end of the couch, "And flip over on your stomach."
Carmen shifted to comply with the painter's request. Her body took on the form of the couch. She turned her head towards them and placed her hands under her cheek. A soft smile was on her face and the soft eyes could be seen under lowered lids.
"That's perfect." Said James, retrieving the palette of paints and dipping a thin paintbrush into a glass of clear water.
Mark leaned up against the wall and placed his hands into his pockets. His eyes were focused on Carmen too, but, in a different way. He saw his girlfriend, for the beauty she was, smiling back at him. A sense of peacefulness enveloped him and he fell into a state of almost semi - consciousness. Meanwhile, James's paintbrush danced over the canvas, mixing and matching colors to fit his subject and her surroundings. Surprisingly, the painting progressed quickly, due to the extent of the painter's well practiced skill.
Carmen was so still, so unmoving, that she reminded Mark of a doll or a wax figurine. The only thing that seemed to give hints of life were her softly batted eyelashes and the rising of her body when she breathed. This went on for almost an hour before the painter called,
"All finished!" James was delighted with the completed work. Of course, it had to dry first and the colors would thin a little, but, that was nothing. Mark peered over his shoulder and observed the portrait. It was beautifully done, a perfect representation of Carmen. She stood up, stretched, and walked over to them.
"Did it come out okay?" She asked, cautious.
Both of the men smiled at her and Mark answered for the modest artist, "Yeah, it's really well done."
Carmen hugged first Mark and then James in happiness before beginning to help clean up. They all began to tidy up, throwing the paints back in the cabinets and picking up the spread out newspapers. A sudden knocking on the door made them look up.
"Who's there?"
"It's Collins, are Mark and Carmen there?"
"Yes they are, hang on a minute." James sat down some crumpled up newspaper and walked to the door. Since that one night about 3 months ago, he had seen Collins only a few other times. He had been testing the smarter group member and had come to a promising conclusion.
James pulled the door open and smiled at the man on the other side, "Please, come in Collins." With his right hand he gestured toward the open room.
"Thanks James. It's good to see you again."
"Same here. So, you were looking for Mark and Carmen?"
"Yeah," Collins leaned a little bit to the side and waved to his friends, "Hi guys."
"Hey Collins." Responded the couple.
Mark spoke up again, "We're just cleaning up here and we'll be able to go in a minute."
The three went back to work and Collins stood near the door, waiting. In his pocket, he fingered the note that Roger had given him to deliver. As he propped himself up, he watched James. Like Mark did with Carmen, Collins let his eyes wander over James's body. The Scotsman had a lanky build, with not a lot of muscle mass showing. More like Mark with Roger's height. He was 22 years old and stood about 5 foot 10 inches. His eyes were of a light brown colors and his previously black hair had been dyed a platinum blond color, that was lighter than Roger's. Other than that, he reflected the basic look and accent of his kinsmen.
Collins decided that he liked James, his look, his manner, everything.... As far as he knew though, James was heterosexual. Mark and Carmen had never mentioned that James was gay in any casual conversations. In a way, the painter was afraid of being outcasted for his sexual preferences due to his father's hatred of homosexuals. Even James's parents didn't know about their son, but they had hit him hard.
James felt eyes on him and he turned around toward Collins. His glance was short and stolen, and a little shy. Not long after that, Mark and Carmen finished picking up and left with their friend. Before they all exited, Jim pulled Carmen aside.
"Here is the money Carmen, and thank you again for posing."
"That's okay Jimmy, I enjoy it. Hey, do you wanna come to the Cafe with us?"
"I can't, I'm meeting that buyer again." The painter looked left and right, then, lowering his voice he inquired, "Is Collins like me?"
Carmen nodded, but didn't speak.
James gave a small smile and hugged Carmen again. He had developed a crush on the educated one, and Carmen was glad for him.
*************************************************
As the little group of three walked down the street, Collins retrieved the note from his pocket and handed it to Mark.
"Mark, since you haven't come back yet, I assume you have the money. You know where the ring is and I need you to pick it up. I'd come myself, but Mimi's got me - tied up - at the moment. Don't let her know I need this to be a surprise. Meet me and Mimi at the Life Cafe at about 8:00 p.m." The filmmaker read aloud.
Carmen laughed and clung to Mark's arm, "I feel like we're secret agents on some sort of mission."
"Yeah." Collins laughed too and checked his watch, "Jesus! It's nearly 7, we'd better get going!" The group ran toward the location of the jewelry store. It took awhile to get there, because Roger hadn't been able to find a trustworthy store anywhere in their vicinity. When they finally did arrive, all out of breath and with side cramps, the store was close to closing. Carmen gave the money to Collins who went inside first. After a moment or so, the other two followed him.
The store almost looked like an antique place with it's exotic jewelry styles and many other items on display. Like a little girl, Carmen picked up a gypsy costume and studied it with avid curiosity. Mark walked over to her and wondered why such an odd thing had caught her attention.
"Isn't it pretty?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"It's just like the one I wore at my first dancing recital."
"Really? You dance?"
"I used to. My mother's tap dance lessons turned into this gypsy like dance and I landed a solo role. I twirled on-stage with a tambourine, those metal thing on my shoes made that clicking sound, so both styles didn't go together. It was hilarious."
Mark smiled at the thought of Carmen as a little girl in a bright red, purple, and gold costume with a tambourine in hand. It just wasn't her. Carmen put the outfit down and walked over to Collins.
"Do they have the ring?"
"Yes, Roger put it on hold. Have you seen it yet?"
"No."
The clerk returned with the ring and Collins paid him for it. He handed the ring to Carmen for examination. It was a small ring, but beautiful. Gold bands wound themselves around each other forming a vine like pattern with was topped off with a small, yet well cut diamond.
"It's nice, I like it." She said, restoring the ring to it's velvet box.
All three then left the store to head to the Life Cafe. They had lost a great deal of time with the long walks, but, no one there owned a car, or even a bike for that matter. The time was 7:45 when they entered the cafe doors. Roger was already there, but Mimi was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey Rog. Where's Mimi?" Asked Mark.
"She's in the bathroom. Did you guys get the ring?"
"We are triumphant." Laughed Collins, handing Roger the small box.
Roger breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you guys. I'll pay you back eventually."
"No. The money was a gift from James, I have to repay him."
"How?"
"He paints and I pose. It's simple." Carmen nodded, closing her eyes slightly with her head tilted to the left. Roger rolled his eyes, laughed, and hugged Carmen.
"Let's all eat first, I'll ask after dinner."
"Ask what?" Came a familiar voice, and it wasn't Mimi's. The group turned around to see Maureen and Joanne standing there. Mark instinctively grasped Carmen's hand, and the lovers stood facing their less than best friends. No one had any problems with Joanne, but Maureen was another story. After the fight that one night tensions had been running high for three months now.
"Well, what's Roger gonna ask?" Demanded Maureen, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"Nothing." Roger said, slipping the ring box into his jeans pocket. It was then that Mimi appeared. While Mimi was mad with Maureen for the diva's treatment of the girl who had dragged Mark out of his depression, she didn't hold grudges for long. While hugs were exchanged between the three women, Mark whispered to Roger,
"Did you invite them?"
"Yeah, I had to. I'm sorry, but we have known them for like, ever. I didn't want them to find out later and then know that everyone had been there except them!"
"We could've all lied to them."
"Okay okay, I'm sorry! I'm just being polite!"
Carmen gave a sigh, "I just hope that nothing starts. This is too nice of a day to be..... be messed up."
They all nodded and sat down at the table. Each person order their favorite dishes, most off the vegetarian menu. The seating arrangements were carefully done. Carmen, then Mark, Roger, than Mimi. Sitting across from Carmen was Collins, then an empty seat, and finally Joanne across from Roger and Maureen opposite Mimi. Silence surrounded the table, it was obvious that Maureen was not in a fighting mood right now. Carmen was greatly relieved, for this time, it wouldn't be so easy to just leave. As soon as the eating was over, Roger stood up.
"I'm very happy you guys all came here tonight, cause it's kinda special."
"Hmm?" Asked Mimi, turning in her chair to look at her boyfriend. The other two people who didn't know wore similar expressions on their faces. Roger grasped Mimi's hand and she stood up.
"What's going on?" She asked the group, but no one responded. Suddenly, and to her great shock, Roger got down on his knee. Reaching in his pocket, he retrieved the ring.
"Mimi, I love you and I don't want to lose you again. Will you marry me?" He asked, and drew in a breath in anticipation.
Mimi was shocked beyond belief, she loved Roger and this was something she thought he would never do. Indeed, no one could picture Roger getting married in their wildest dreams. Finally, Mimi looked at him,
"Yes, I will."
A loud clapping and cheering erupted from the table and all the waiters and waitresses. Roger stood up, slipped the ring on Mimi's finger and kissed her. Mimi kissed back, wrapping her arms around her fiancee.
*******************************************************
Carmen and Mark walked hand in hand to Carmen's apartment. After everyone had congratulated the couple, the different parties had dispersed. Plus, the couple still had a date to go out on tonight, but Carmen had insisted that she needed to change and wash up first. Once at her apartment, the male filmmaker sat on the couch as Carmen decided to wash her hair in the bathroom sink to avoid a whole shower. Suddenly, Mark appeared at her side. More than once he had offered to wash Carmen's hair for her. One of his loves was the feel of her soft brown locks between his fingers.
"If you want to, you can." She said to him and he helped her rubbed in the shampoo and conditioner. Her hair was smooth and a deeper shade of brown than when it was dry. Mark massaged Carmen's hair and helped her to dry it.
"Thanks." She smiled and kissed him. When he kissed back, something passed between them. A fire of sorts sprang through both their bodies. Neither of them knew the origin of it. It was completely out of place, but it seemed right. Mark ran his hands down her back holding her tightly to him as if he was scared she might disappear. Carmen felt the same as wrapped her arms around Mark's neck. The kissing continued for minutes that couldn't be counted in regular time. She leaned back over the counter, caught up in the passion so much so that she couldn't think properly. He moved to undo her shirt buttons.
As Carmen felt his hands brush against her upper garment, she seemed to almost offer it to him. When his fingers touched the bare flesh of her stomach, they were so warm that she felt like she was burning all over her body. Her wet hair dripped cold droplets onto her back and something happened. The iciness struck her like needles and it brought her back to reality.
She pulled away from Mark and opened her eyes.
"What's wrong?" He asked, confusion on his face.
Nervousness stirred in her stomach, "I can't do this. It's going to far."
She saw the disappoint she expected from him, but no words accompanied his look.
"I'm just not ready, I'm sorry Mark." With that, she turned from him and bit her lower lip.
Mark didn't know how to handle this, his rejection skills were rusty. Finally, and without another word, he turned, and left Carmen's apartment. He wasn't mad, just disappointed. As far as he had known, she loved him enough to take that last step, but, as he recalled, the past was working against her. Upset, he returned to the apartment he shared with Roger and Mimi for the night.
Back at her apartment, Carmen went into her room and curled up on her bed. She cried softly in the dark, scared that she had ruined everything that she and Mark had built up in the past 3 months. Why was her past tormenting her? Every time a man got close she felt nervous and needed to back away. There was no chance for sleep now and so, she kept up her never-ending tears.
***************************************************
James heard the door close from Carmen's apartment, but at first, he thought nothing of it. He set down his earlier painting on the finishing table and began to spread a sealing mixture over it. The stuff made him wrinkle his nose, but after awhile, he'd get used to it.
'Maybe I should buy some of that rose scented kind next time.' He thought to himself, and continued moving the paintbrush up and down the canvas.
It was then that he heard something. He stood up straight and strained to listen. It was a woman, and she was crying. Suddenly, it dawned upon him that it was Carmen he heard crying.
"Poor lass, I wonder what's going on... "He said aloud, and quickly resealed the sealer container. Walking out of his apartment and over to Carmen's, he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Called a choked voice.
"It's James. Are you all right?"
"Not really."
"Do you want to talk about it? If you need help, I'm here."
Carmen pondered this option. James was a good friend, a man with which there was no type of tension romantically. She got up and walked to her front door. He entered her apartment and sat her down on her couch. Without any words he began to make her a glass of tea.
"So, what happened?"
She dried her eyes and took the tea from him as he sat down next to her.
"It's all my fault." She began....
**************************************
Well, that's the end of part 3! If you want to see a part 4, please be a nice person and review this story. Your reviews do not go unnoticed, and I'd also like to say thank you to everyone who has ever reviewed my stories. Thanks again!