A/N- Couldn't get any sleep so yeah… Let's see what good ol' Maria got for us, shall we? Looking forward to hear or see what you guys think so far. Thanks for the continued support (:
CHAPTER 54
Day 75: Part 4
Chucking her nail file over the couch, Maria stands up and dusts herself off, "Before it slips, I've already fed Micks and bathed her as well 'cus you two, apparently, didn't return last night.", her smile creeps me the fuck out by the second. She's too calm…, "Alright I guess you guys aren't in for some small talk.", she gazes deep into my eyes…sending me a warning signal.
Clearing my throat, "I'm in the mood for a nap, please excuse me.", I start making my way past Maria but she grabs my upper-arm
"Stay.", she says with a serious hint in her tone, "Please.", it's much more a command and I know this isn't going to be pleasant but I nod and take her place on the couch
"Instead of OUR Valentine's Day…we should talk about yours, sweet tart.", says Phil as he gets comfy on the arm chair.
Maria's lips twitch but still keep their usual smile, "Fine, babe.", she spits out the word as if it's a swear and glides over to sit on his lap, "Remember when I told you that I was gonna take off for the day?"
He smirks and pats her thigh; I frown slightly at this and begin to feel awkward as fuck, "Of course, Ria. You ran off to see Davey, how is he by the way?", Maria visibly tenses up a bit and sends me a glare believing that told. Phil sees this and turns her head so she's facing him again, "Now, now don't go pointing fingers, babe…she didn't say anything—I've known.", he says still smirking like it's nothing
"Yes, I did and he's fine, somewhat upset over then end of his marriage, but overall he's well. We went out for some dinner and did some shopping—you know…", she replies going along with her boyfriend's game or whatever.
"Nice. Very nice. I suspect that those flowers were for you, as well as the little note?.", he says still playing it cool. Maria's smile still shines through only faltering a bit. Only emotion of sadness is in her eyes that shine with pending tears. Not wanting to give up the game she still only nods, "Sounds…", Phil bites his lip ring, "Why, Maria, why?", Phil's tone comes off as a weak whisper
Growing uncomfortable with all of this, I speak up, "I'm just gonna…leave you…two al—"
"You have a part in this too, Marleene. Nobody leaves this room.", asserts Maria in a serious voice
Running my fingers through my hair, I plant myself back on the couch and pray to God, Jesus, and Virgin Mary…anybody that this'll go by quick.
Keeping Maria on his lap, "Why? Why'd you go off and do me like that? I want an honest answer…I DESERVE an honest answer.", Phil sets his jaw but I still see the slight tremble of his lips, "I knew that we weren't good…I thought it was just a rough patch but I didn't think you'd go and fucking see Dave behind my back.", he plays with his lip-ring, "Ria, I thought we were serious—hell, I asked you to move in wi—"
A tear glides Maria's cheek, she smiles, weak smile, and caresses his cheek, "Phil, you don't love me. I-I can't wait around in hopes that you'll grow to love me like I want you to… because you, like me, know that the one you love is Marleene.", her lips tremble as she tries to contain the pain of the truth, "I cut him off for awhile in HOPES that I could get you back, baby…but I never really did have you to begin with."
Shaking his head with furrowed brows, "How the hell can you say that? I LOVE YOU! I haven't left because I love you, Maria.", he holds her face in his hands and I feel my heart drop into my stomach—slowly being consumed by acid
"You love the IDEA of me, Phil…we've been together for so long that you're just used to me.", she kisses his fingers, "Babe, the one you're really in love with is Marleene…don't try to deny anything. I've seen the way you look at her, the way you touch her…how you took care of her…how worried you were about her…you even cried for her.", her smile finally drops, "I-I've finally given you up, okay? You're free. You don't have to be with me outta—anything.", tears freely stream down her face
Seeming to be at a loss for words, Phil stutters, "But…I-I…Ria, c'mon…I love you…don't leave me—I'm just—"
Maria untangles herself from him, "Please, stop trying to make me stay—I'm ready to let go. You're just scared of getting hurt, but if anything Marleene…she's a good woman. There's a reason you stopped your life for her.", Ria hastily scurries behind the couch to reveal her packed up suitcase.
As she tries to flee, Punk holds her back, "Please, Ria…don't.", he begs and this is one of those moments of Punk showing his raw emotional side. It breaks my heart to see him like this. It should break your heart to hear him declare his love for another woman…
Maria hugs him, "I gotta go, Philly. Thank you for the time we had…it was something I'll always keep close.", she kisses his cheeks and continues out the door and stops abruptly to dig something out of her suitcase, "For Dominic, I kn-know how much he loves vi-videogames so…", she hands Punk a game, "and for my prin—I mean, for Eli…", she pulls out a stuffed monkey plushie, "Tell them that-that I love them…so much.", with that she scurries out the door. Where? I have no clue but I hear a car door slam close and engine roar.
With his hand in a fist covering his mouth and gifts at his feet, Phil silently stands there trying to keep his emotions in. I, on the other hand, try to process what just went down and what's to come.
The day has dragged on since Maria's departure. Phil after about 10mins decided that it was time to hit the gym. Something about getting in shape and that it helps him with stress and all that good stuff. He kissed my forehead and practically flew out the door with his gym bag and phone in hand.
It's approximately half-day and all I've been doing for the past couple hours is watch re-runs of La Familia P. Luche in hopes that the quirky, goofy, velvet-wearing characters will give me a laugh or two and eating reheated pancakes. My mind is still clogged up with Maria's words and Phil's, too. No matter how much I try to shake them off…I can't.
Estella makes a run-by in my mind making me bite myself as I chomp away of my pancakes. I wince and curse the hell out of the floppy pancake. Last time I saw the bitch was about a decade ago, I was 11—a child. I am now 21 and no longer need her but still resent her. Life's fucked up. Seeing how her life turned out: married to a possible millionaire, having all the luxuries money can offer, and nothing to really worry about. Look at how I'm living…look what you did, stupid bitch!
Biting my lip, the temptation of calling somebody to dish out my shit to enters. I'd go to my bestfriends but yeah. Who else is left? Jee, Carlos, Bree, and JoAnn if I'm not mistaken are at work. I miss my job… Mama Rosa is probably yelling at Dominic for eating chips on her sofa and probably too busy with Eli. I really should go scoop them up… Cher, Ramses, and Thalia? No, no…NO! They're probably still laughing at their discovery… Randy! Strolling to retrieve my phone, I wonder what the man is doing.
Returning to my place on the couch, I scroll through my inbox which reminds me that the mail box is probably overflowed. Looking down at myself, I shrug and go out and open the box to find some bills. Woo! Bills that I have no cash to pay! Inside, I sit my ass down on the couch and go through about 20 text from multiple people and reply to all, 'No wrrys. Im still alive!'
Searching and finding Randy's number I weigh between texting or calling…I choose the latter because I'm tired of hearing my conscience talk. Pressing 'talk', I wait for the Viper to pick up. Sorting through the mail as the phone rings, I find hospital, electricity, water—EVERYTHING bills. As I start to go through the first stages of a meltdown, I hear a deep voice say, "Well it's nice to read that you are alive."
I take a breather and chuckle, "Hello to you too, Randy."
The man chuckles, "Randy? Sweetheart, you're talking to John…Rands is currently on the treadmill."
My eyes rip out their sockets, John…as in John Cena? The one with the booty you could bounce a penny off of?, "Oh…um…he-hey…", I slap myself for sounding like a total fangirl
John snickers, "He-hey you. So, I've heard about you, ya' know?", he has?, "Rands can't st—Hey!", and indistinct voice bickers with John for the phone, "I was just talking to her, man!", I hear John laugh out
"Sorry, Marleene. SOMEBODY, robbed my phone from right under my nose…", I chuckle, "What's up? I haven't heard from you in like…3yrs."
"That's logically impossible, you've known me for a little more than a month!", I reply smartly
He snorts, "Somebody is trying to act smart…", I laugh, "How you been, gorgeous?"
Rolling my eyes at his pet name, "I've been better than days before, honestly. Finally let my main man go…well, sort've…yesterday."
"That pretty good to hear. Don't tell anybody but I've been worried about you, missy."
"Don't worry, I won't ruin your rep, Vipes.", I scoff
"Vipes?", he laughs, "How's the clan?"
"Micks is N/A. The kids are cute and currently at my surrogate mother's house…yeah.", tell him
"What about Phillip, huh? And his chick Maria?", I can picture Randall's smirk. If only you knew…
"I kinda wanted to talk to you about something that includes them…got time?", In the background I hear John singing his theme song. I laugh my ass off. Randy tells the man to shut up
"Ayo, Rands…tell your little girlfriend that we have to head out to the arena.", I hear John say, "Oh and that I'm looking forward to having some fish-n-chips with her and you.", he laughs.
The sound of what I imagine is a hand making contact with a face sounds through my phone and I crack with a fit of laughs, "You heard that, didn't you?", mumbles Randy
"Yeah.", I breathe out
"Well, yeah…I've gotta head out, Marleene. With Wrestlemania coming up in April, shit is pretty hectic. 'Lotta work, no play.", he laughs, "
Pouting, "Aw, poor you but 'kay."
"I'll keep in touch, though. By the way, I don't know about you but I'd be thanking me for paying that phone bill…JUST SAYING!"
My eyes bulge, "WHAT?", I exclaim but the phone line has gone dead. I shake my head. That man…
Being that I'm still home alone, the responsibility of cooking Micks dinner has been bestowed upon me. I decided to be as nice as possible so I heated up her favorite food in the world…Chef Boyardi's Lasagna. Plenty of days I've spent with her to know that if she could, she'd have an affair with the damned can. Grabbing the bowl of lasagna, a rag to lay on her lap, and cup of orange juice, I slowly walk to her room. Truth be told, last time I ever really saw her—she tried to lash out at me which has got me all shaky-legged.
Breathing profoundly I knock on her door before opening it. Propped up with a bunch of pillows, Micks sits on her bed with the t.v going on but her eyes saying different—she's not actually there. Her room is dark, save for the glow of the t.v. I purse my lips. It hurts to see just how bad she is. Flipping on the lights, she turns her head in my direction and I tense up for a minute, but she doesn't acknowledge me.
Clearing my dry throat, "Hey babes.", I whisper with a tiny smile, "I brought your favorite, Boyardi's Lasagna.", I hold it up to show her but as I expected, she says nothing. Resisting the urge to shake her 'till she reacts I go over to her and gently set the rag on her lap and place bowl in between her legs, "Careful, it's hot.", I warn her
Checking the clock on her wall, it's about 7:30p.m and still I with no signs of Phil. RAW is has been on air for the past half hour so I decide to try something, "Micks…is it okay if I stay here and watch RAW…with you?", I ask the silent woman. She blinks and I take that as 'yes'. Carefully, I get in bed next to her and switch the channel.
(1 HOUR LATER)
They've just announced that my all time favorite Superstar, Eddie Guerrero, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Call me a dork but that actually gave way to some teardrops. He really deserves to be in that shit. Off to my side Micks is still eating her, already cold, lasagna. Tomato sauce stains her lips so I grab the cloth and wipe her mouth.
Putting the cloth down, I touch her cheek gently and look her deep in the eyes to check if she even sees me, "Babes, please…please come back.", I purse my lips not wanting to frighten her with my tears, "I need you badly."
McKenzie follows me with her eyes but says nothing. And I guess that is enough for me…enough for right now.
Once upon a time in highschool my American Studies teacher taught us a little some-some' about the 50's and the lifestyle and all that good stuff, if there's one thing I took away from that class it was that women in that time period were expected to hold down the house. 'Hold down' as in do everything that sexists think pertains to a woman: kitchen duty, cleaning everything, washing and stitching clothes, buying the necessities, popping out the munchkins and taking care of them, making sure that husband was free of hassle, and obeying the husband without question.
Now, I say this because if I were a woman in the 50's…the men in the neighborhood would, more likely than not, stone me or burn me at stake. I don't do anything, I mean it. You're talking about a woman who not only doesn't know how to use the washer but one who doesn't clean…or cook…or anything. Unless, for some reason, I feel the need to do any of the previous… Like right now, with so many things running through my mind, I'm busy cleaning clothes and doing the dishes.
The door unlocks, I dry my hands and peek over to see who it is. It's a sweaty, sticky Phillip Brooks in all his glory. He drops his bag on the floor and lazily kicks off his shoes before falling limp on the couch.
Admiring how attractive he looks all sweaty and shit, the smell he'll leave on the couch should he not remove himself is much more distracting. Strolling over to the man, I tap on his shoulder and he peeks through a half-closed lid, "You an angel or somethin'?", he slurs, sleepily rubbing his eyes.
Smiling at the cuteness, "Far from that, Mister. Come on, you needa hit the shower—you gonna stink up the place.", I notice plastic covering on all his fingers and take one of his hand in mine, "You got new ink?"
Phil looks at his fingers, "I guess so."
I frown and try to figure out what they say, but all I get is a jumble of letters, "What do they spell out?", he locks his hands together and I read, "Romantic.", I chuckle, "Romantic?"
"Don't laugh…I consider myself a hopeless romantic…at heart.", he mumbles pulling his hand away
I raise a brow, "Right…well, git'up Romeo…you're in dire need of a good shower.", groaning and all he makes his way to the bathroom.
In the meantime, I head into my messy ass bedroom and change into my Cubs tank and shorts. Sighing at the state of my room, I pick up a pillow and my Batman blanket and head into the living room and turn on the t.v to see that Spiderman is on tonight. Making myself comfortable on the couch, I just chillax and try to make myself fall asleep.
(11 MINUTES LATER)
"I didn't know we were having ourselves a movie night!", booms Punk waking me from my light slumber.
Blinking a couple of times to regain focus, my jaw drops. Yes, Phil's body still amazes me… Wiping off my dirty thoughts, "You're lovely…I was trying to catch some shut-eye.", I whine
Phil plants himself next to me. He picks my legs up and sets them on his lap, "Don't mind me then, I'll just watch Spidey by myself.", he says with a smirk
Watching the movie in silence with him for a couple minute, the urge to ask him how he's doing and stuff pangs at me. Nudging so he's listening to me, "Punk, how are you…after all of this?"
He raises an eyebrow, "Care to explain?"
Rolling my eyes, "Stop playing dumb, how are you after…you know…Maria?"
He makes an 'o' with his mouth and taps his chin, "I've crossed the bridge.", he states simply.
Eyeing him, I give up…he ain't gonna talk unless he wants to… But where we stand after last night's happenings still bugs me, "What about us? Where do we stand?"
Phillip observes my features, "Where do you want us to stand? I don't do one-night stands…if that's what you're asking about."
Green eyes bore into my gray eyes waiting for an answer and the only thing I can say is, "I'm going to put my cards out on the table, okay?", I start out feeling unsure of myself
He nods, "I'm all eyes and ear…"
"Right now, I don't need labels, Phil…I just…I just want to know that I'll wake up tomorrow and find that you're still here…no terms, no conditions.", I smile weakly, "I don't need anybody else leaving my side, yeah? I'm still in the process of being fixed and…and—"
Phil pulls me into a tight embrace and kisses my forehead, "That's a relief 'cus I was planning to stay either way.", he says chuckling, "I love you, I mean it.", but you still love…her.
After a while, we cuddle watching Spiderman. My mind still isn't at peace but I feel safe. I am safe, for now. I look at Phil and see that even though he might be staring at the t.v…his mind, it's somewhere else.