Chapter 2

They agreed to keep it down. At least in the beginning. They want to get used to this very new and very exciting thing for them. And they know that the second their secret gets out, that they will be scrutinized. Not only by their families and friends, but also by their colleagues and the public in general. That's just how's it going to be. With Daniel being attached to this relationship.

Though they didn't let it come between them. They were spending nearly all of their time together. And on the second weekend, when Daniel came over to Betty's apartment. With coffee and croissants in tow, she decided that enough is enough. What exactly are they waiting for? They know each other for freaking four years. So when she opened her door and saw him standing there, she literally jumped him. How he managed to save the coffee is beyond her. But somehow, he put them down on the little console next to her door. That's where they found them afterwards. The croissants on the other hand didn't get so lucky. The paper bag must've felt down and they stumbled over it, when they made their way over to her bedroom. His comment to get to know her better first got easily ignored. And her spontaneous snort and huffed out 'Shut up' was just so... - her.

When they are dating for four weeks and couldn't be happier, they decided that they should finally tell their families. Betty is already looking for a new job and hopes to cut herself loose from MEADE PUBLICATIONS in a few weeks. Not that it was an easy decision. But it was one that they had to make. And she can't work at a company owned by her boyfriends father. That would feel wrong. At least to her. Daniel gets it and supports her decision, but is already complaining about not seeing her enough.

And this weekend they're going to do it. They made a plan. Saturday they go in to Queens and talk to her family. And on Sunday they wanted to visit Daniel's parents. But of course, Hilda has to intervene. She and Bobby finally have the house finished. So this Saturday they are going to move. And they asked for all the manpower they can get. So Hilda easily suggested for her to ask Daniel if he wants to join them. Because he is the one that helped Bobby with the contract and she wanted a way to personally say thank you again. When Betty asked if letting him help move their stuff is really a good way to say thank you, Hilda simply huffed out a breath and told her to shut it.

Daniel was okay with it. Of course. He's dating her sister, he wants to stay on her good side. At least that's what he said to Betty. And they can still do the announcement. Maybe when they're done with everything. But they had to change they're plans for Sunday. Daniel would go alone, while Betty would stay at her Papis. She would help Hilda out on Sunday too. Not ideal. But they don't want to wait another week.

'Okay, we already packed everything up, the boxes are upstairs and down here in the living room and my old salon. Once we're done packing up this stuff, we're going to Bobby's and pick up the last bits', Hilda explains animatedly. Has a little check board and pen ready. 'Oh, and mami, can I talk to you real quick? Alone?'

Hilda grabs Betty's arm and drags her into the kitchen. Away from everyone else. And there leaning back against the kitchen counter stands a young, good-looking, italian guy. His black hair falls in luscious curls around his face, his skin a soft cappuccino-brown and his muscles as defined as her own cheekbones.

'That's Marco, mami. He's Bobby's cousin and single', Hilda brought her a moving-date? Did she finally loose her mind?

'Hey Marco, nice to meet you, will you excuse us for a minute?', Betty drags Hilda into the hallway.

'Ouch, watch your nails'

'Hilda, are you crazy? You can't be serious?'

'What? I thought we could catch two birds with one stone? You've been so worked up lately and how long is it that you've been on a date? I thought this could be a good opportunity for you'

'Just 'No', Hilda. I'm not worked up and just because I didn't mention them, doesn't mean that I don't have any dates. I have plenty, thank you very much'

'Then why do you never talk about it? Your lonely, mami. I can see that. So, you're welcome', and Hilda turns around and is gone.

'Wait, that's not...', and there in the doorframe to the kitchen stands Marco, smiling wide at her. 'I'm sorry. I don't know what my sister told you, but...'

'Well, she didn't say how beautiful you are'

'Oh, wow, that's just..., uhm...'

'Hey Betty, we start upstairs with the boxes and heavy furniture..., are you okay?', Daniel looks back and forth between the two. Sees Betty's blush intensifying and the goddamn seductive smile on that dudes too gorgeous to be natural face.

'Yup, I'm good. Let's start', she's way to chipper and Daniel looks through her immediately. Well, just her damn luck, that she has absolutely no time to explain everything to him. And if only Marco could stop looking at her like that. Like she's the last woman on earth.

When she could finally steal a moment for them, Betty drags Daniel into her room. Explains to him what Hilda had done. That Marco is sort of her date. Which is weird, because Daniel's her date. Well, not officially. At least not to her family. But for her he's her permanent-doesn't-need-to-mention-it-because-they-come-in-a-double-package-kind-of-date. He's her boyfriend for crying out loud.

'You've got to be kidding me?', he slumps down on her old bed, looks up at her and how she leans against the windowsill. Arms crossed, nose crunched up and lips twisted. She looks as uncomfortable as he feels about that guy.

'I'm not and I'm so sorry. But if it makes you feel any better, I told him that I have a boyfriend', she smiles wide at him and pushes off the window. Wanders slowly over to him. Sits down next to him and slings her arms around his waist. Her chin softly plopping down on his shoulder.

'It does, babe, I guess I just wish he wouldn't be here in the first place', he places a kiss against her temple and softly rubs over her back.

'You know, this is actually not so bad', her mischievous smile slowly stretching over her face.

'Please tell me where the good in this is? Because I can't see it. I hate this. A young good looking guy is downstairs and is trying to swoon his way into your pants', he's exaggerating, true. But he really hates this.

'Ok, I don't think that he actually tries to get into my pants. After I told him, he backed off completely and stopped flirting with me, didn't he? And apart from that, my pants are sealed. Like a goddamn chastity belt. And you know who has the key, don't you?', nuzzling her nose against his cheek, she purrs into his ear. Softly starts to nibble at his lobe.

'Chastity belt? If that would be true, than you should've made me work harder getting the key in the lock', Slipping his hand under her shirt, he softly rubs up and down her spine.

'Oh, but you had the key, from the moment you said you're crazy about me. And I don't know if you realize it, but I literally had to make the first move. Because I don't know why, but you keep putting me on this weird pedestal. Like I'm some freaking saint. Guess what, I'm not'

'Ok, I thought you're not the kind of woman who jumps into a sexual relationship. So I took it slow'

'Yeah, at a snail like pace. Daniel we know each other for four years. There's literally nothing about you I don't know. Except for that. And it didn't feel like jumping butt first without thinking, more like finally arriving where I belong'

'I could take this the wrong way, you know? That sounds awfully final, babe'

'This is final, babe. You're not getting rid of me'

'Well, I don't want to, ever. Though that kind of brings me back to what you think is so great about this situation we're in? You know, young adonis downstairs lusting after you'

'Look where we are, babe? Alone in my room. Thanks to him, we stole us away and can be alone for a few hopefully gloriously heady minutes', she's back at flirting with him, her smile again as playful as it is mischievous. And he can enjoy this very much. Because she's so hot when she's like that.

'I like the way you're thinking', and leaning down to her, he kisses her hot and searching. Slowly lowers her down onto the bed. 'I miss the mermaid sheets'

'Shut up'

And god, how she lets her hands travel over his back and shoulders. Her fingers that are softly combing through his hair, before pulling it sensually and making him groan out in pleasure. It's almost too much. The goosebump spreads out over his entire body. Makes him shiver all over. The lightheaded feeling in his head, distracts him effectively from the outside world. Her family that's still bustling around long forgotten.

Rolling on top of her, he pins her down effectively, lets one of his hands wander down her body. Lets it glide over her small waist and the width of her hips, before gently grabbing her butt. Kneading for a quick second, before grabbing her leg and pulling it around his waist.

'I love you - so much, Daniel', her voice is breathy and she's so turned on right now. Can only feel what he's doing to her and how absolutely amazing it makes her feel. Winding her leg further around his waist, she grinds up against him, while letting her hand migrate down. All over his back and softly overcomes the last boundary between her hand and his silky skin. She slips her hand sensually under the hem of his jeans, lets her finger ghost over his skin, before pushing further. Beneath his boxer shorts and grabbing his gorgeous butt for all he's worth.

'God, I love you, too. You're going to be the end of me', his kisses migrate from her lips, to her jaw and slowly downward to her collarbone. Moving her shirt to the side, he places nibbling and lingering kisses to every patch of silky hot skin he finds exposed.

'Hng...', she's writhing and shivering beneath him. Arches up and presses herself further into his body and the way he keeps kissing down her cleavage.

'Hey Betty, do you know where Daniel is? We're moving over to Bobby's now', Hilda knocks rapidly on her door, realizes too late that it's locked and smashes right into it. 'Ay, mami, why's your door locked?'

'Because I want privacy. And there are too many people in this house that I don't want accidentally walking into my room'

'Why are you out of breath? What are you doing? And where is Daniel?'

'Nothing, go away'

'Oh hell no, not happening. You sound like your running a marathon in there', Hilda hears a soft moan and then something mumbled. This is weird. What the hell is her sister up to? 'You're not masturbating, are you?'

'Oh my god, you're so annoying', the door flies open, a hand grabs Hilda's arm and pulls her swiftly into the room.

Crashing the door closed behind her, Betty locks up again. The call from their Papi to not throw any doors in the house gets ignored easily.

'What the hell is going on, Betty?', Hilda looks at Daniel on Betty's bed. His slightly disheveled hair, the wrinkles in his shirt and how crooked the jeans sit on his hips. Betty, well she has a feverish blush on her cheeks, glowing from fifty miles away. Her lips are plump and red, her hair one huge entangled mess and her breaths come way to fast. And on top of it all her shirt collar is all messed up and she just tried to button up her pants without Hilda noticing. 'You guys are messing with me, right?'

'Can you shut up for a second and listen to me?'

'That depends?'

'On what?'

'How juicy you make it'

'Oh my god, shut up, will you? We wanted to tell you guys tonight, when we were done moving your stuff. But then you brought Marco along as a date for me and it messed everything up. Why did you do that?'

'I thought you could use a man in your life'

'I have a man in my life'

'STOP YELLING! MIO DIO, ARE YOU COMING?', Ignacio calls, standing at the foot of the stairs.

'GIVE US A SECOND, DAD', Betty opens the door and calls back. Thinking real quick, she makes a new plan. 'Can you do me a favour, Daniel?'

'Hmm...', getting up he walks over to her. Sees how tense she is.

'Can you go downstairs to the others and tell them that we have a sister thing? Just go ahead, we'll come whenever we're ready'

'Sure, no problem, I'll see you later', he embraces her quick and pecks her on the forehead. 'Love you'

'Hey... I love you too', she grabs his shirt and pulls him back to her. Kisses him passionately, before letting him go and closing the door again. Hilda already knows. So there's no reason for them to be shy about it now. Especially not in front of her. Her sister is known for not having a filter. At all.

'Wow..., mami, did you guys just had a quickie, here?'

'What, no, of course not. We just made out'

'Are you sure, because you look like you had a lot of fun'

'Shut it, don't mess with me right now, Hilda. Don't poke me. I'm stressed, frustrated and not averse to use violence'

'Ok, I'll shut my mouth. But let me ask a few questions', Hilda climbs on Betty's bed and leans back against the headboard. 'So you finally got your shit together?'

'It's kind of mean when you put it like that'

'Come on, tell me. How long is this going on?', Hilda pats the seat next to her and Betty takes it easily. It was her suggestion after all.

'Four weeks'

'Good for you guys. I'm happy for you. Really. And if I would've known, I wouldn't have brought Marco. Ok, that's a total lie. I would've brought him either way, because he's young and super trained. I mean, did you see him? And he just won't get tired'

'Hilda? Stop marketing him. I have a boyfriend'

'That, in my defence, I didn't know off. But ok, I'll shut up about Marco. So, Daniel and you, huh? This is huge for you both. How did it happen?', Betty sighs and leans her head against Hilda's shoulder. Takes her hand in her own and squeezes it gently.

'You remember four weeks ago? When I came to Queens to help you pack? Friday night when I was back at my apartment I couldn't sleep. I just thought about Daniel and how more obvious I could get. Without literally spelling it out. And I figured he's probably afraid to do something wrong. Which was right by the way. So I got up, texted him to meet me on the Brooklyn Bridge when he's still awake and made my way there'

'Wow, that's kind of romantic, mami'

'Yeah, right? Well, but as you can figure out. It did help. We talked for a little while and then after we both blurted out that we liked each other, he kissed me'

'Uuuh, and what a great kisser he is'

'Oh god, right?', biting her lower lip, Betty feels the blush heating up her cheeks.

'Mmmh, I can still remember that kiss as if it was yesterday. I'm telling you mami, your one lucky girl. He's incredibly handsome, I mean have you seen his arms?'

'Mh hmm...', Betty sighs deep, presses her cold slightly sweaty hands against her cheeks. Tries to suppress her obvious physical reaction. And he's not even here. Not even touching her in any way. The thought alone so heady.

'I'm sure he has a decent six pack', Betty's little nod too cute. Hilda never saw her like this. Not even when it came to Henry. Who she claims was her first love.

'I knew it. And if the tabloids are to be believed...', seeing Betty's dreamy smile, Hilda starts to giggle and slings her arms around her sister. 'Now tell me, I always wondered. Is he really as good as everyone says?'

'Better', sighing deep, she melts against the headboard of her bed. Is lost in her own memories.

'Did you ever go back there before?'

'No, never. It kind of feels like our spot you know? That's where it all began, sort of. The first time we really connected. So you know..., I thought maybe that would help', nodding Hilda realizes for the first time, what a beautiful romantic side her sister has. How much Daniel really means to her. If the bridge becomes their spot after one time being there for twenty minutes.

'How do you feel about this change? It can't be easy. I remember how I freaked out when I first realized that I'm in love with Bobby'

'I'm so happy. He still is my best friend. But on the other hand he's so much more now. He just gets me, you know? I don't have to pretend. It wouldn't make any sense, cause he would look through it anyways. It's deliberating. To just be and not worry about it. Do you know what I mean?'

'Of course, why do you think I gave that speech at my wedding? I was hoping you two would realize what's going on. What could be'

'Really? Just for us?', Betty throws a sceptical look at her sister. But finds nothing but good old fashioned honesty.

'Yeah, just for you guys. Come on, mamita, tell me more. Is he treating you good?'

'Oh, don't worry, Hilda. He's absolutely lovely when we're together. He treats me like I'm from a different planet. Like I'm some sort of otherworldly being. It's annoying and adorable. And not necessary at all. But he does it nonetheless'

'Good, you deserve that. All your boyfriends always treated you like shit. You deserve someone who worships the ground your walking on. Someone who would put everything on hold when you say that you need him. Daniel is that kind of guy. The way he looks at you, Betty. He has it bad. Believe me. In his head, he probably already made plans for your future'

'What do you mean?'

'I'll be damned, if he hasn't already thought about when to propose. Or how many kids you're going to have'

'Hilda, four weeks. We're dating for four weeks'

'So? You snuck him back into your old room to make out with him. You've never done something like that before'

'Well, I mainly snuck in here to explain the whole Marco thing. Which by the way, he isn't too happy about'

'Yes, yes, I learned my lesson. And I promise that I'm going to apologize to him later, ok?'

'Thank you, he will appreciate that'

Sitting in silence, Betty basks in the comfortable moment she shared with her sister. How great it feels to have someone know.

'He's so worried. That you guys wouldn't approve of him being my boyfriend. I told him that he has no reason to. But he still worries'

'Why wouldn't we approve? He's a great guy'

'That's what I told him. That you guys want me to be happy. And I am. So happy', the tears softly glide down her cheeks. She can't hold them back.

'Oh mami, are those happy tears?', Hilda gently brushes them away. Examines her sisters calm features for a few quick seconds.

'Yeah, definitely happy tears. I just love him so much, Hilda. I can't imagine my life without him. I couldn't before, but now it's just so painful to think that we could separate or loose sight of what's really important. What if something happens to him?'

'You'll never. Daniel wants this so bad. A real and functional family. And didn't you tell me that they are so much better nowadays? Believe me, mami. He grew up seeing what cheating, lying and absence does to a relationship. I think, that he would do anything in his might, to keep you in his life. To make your relationship work. And he's totally healthy. What should happen to him?'

'I don't know. I know I'm being irrational. And it's not that I'm worried about all that. I'm really not. I think we have quite a unique connection. We can talk about literally everything. With Walter or Henry, sometimes after sex it would be a little bit awkward. It just sort of felt off, you know? I didn't know what to say or how to react. But with Daniel it's so different. Even during sex we can laugh and joke and in the next minute we're just sort of lost in the moment. It's so different then what I experienced in my other relationships. But in the best way possible'

'Then what are you worried about?'

'I'm not worried. I just..., it's hard to..., I don't know how to say this without sounding crazy'

'Sound crazy, mami, it's just us'

'Ok, well, this is it, Hilda. He's my endgame. And I think, it's hard for me to realize that. I know it deep in my heart. That this is not just another relationship that will fall apart one day. But my head refuses to connect the dots. I think, I have to get used to the thought of him being 'It'. Then again, I can't imagine being with anyone else. Not ever'

'So because he's your Mr. Right, you sort of freak out. Because..., why exactly?!'

'Because this is the beginning of the end of my life. This is where I start making plans. Getting engaged and married, having kids. That sort of thing. I couldn't imagine any of that with Walter. And with Henry I was counting down to the end from the beginning. There was no kidding myself. I knew that we would never get there. Even when he proposed. It just didn't feel right. And Matt? The pregnancy-scare was enough to make me realize that I'm not ready for that. At least I thought I wasn't. But now with Daniel, I think about these things and I'm excited. That one day we will get married and have kids together. It feels possible with him, where it never seemed like an option with everyone else. All this time I thought that that kind of life just wasn't for me. But I just had to find the right partner'

'Ok, I get that. But come on, doesn't it feel great? To finally find your soulmate?', Hilda softly combs her hand through Betty's hair. Makes her sisters head fall back against the headboard and turn around to look at her.

'It does. And I know I'm overreacting. It's probably because no one knows. Telling you guys this weekend makes it feel a little bit more real, you know? And when he will tell his parents tomorrow...', Betty's eyes get incredibly big, the little sigh sounds so worried.

'What you think they won't approve of you?'

'I don't know. I think Mrs. Meade likes me enough to not say anything against us. Though it does make a difference. If you're a friend or the girlfriend. And Mr. Meade? That's a totally different story. He's the big boss. Who knows what he will think about it?'

'Sorry that I messed up your plan. If you need to go with Daniel tomorrow. I would totally understand, mami. We will manage. We can do the rest by ourselves'

'What? No, I want to be there. And the more I think about it, the more I think it's better when he tells them alone. Maybe it's good when I'm not there'

'I don't think you have anything to worry about'

'I don't know, Hilda. Though I do know that Daniel wouldn't take it. When we made the plan to tell everyone, he said that he can't imagine his parents being against us. But just in case he wanted for me to know, that if he's wrong about them and they are? Then there would be consequences. For them. He doesn't care about they're opinion'

'Wow, that's so hot, mami', Hilda looks suggestively in Betty's direction. Takes in Betty's little blush.

'Ok, stop it. I don't appreciate you talking about my boyfriend like that', Betty slaps Hilda on her hands. The almost booming laugh slightly annoying.

'Oh come on. I'm only joking. And it's not my fault. You decided to date your super hot, incredibly handsome and freakishly attractive best friend. Not me. Let me tease you about it a little bit. That's our dynamic. I tease and you blush ferociously'

'I never said that I like our dynamic'

'Well, too late. But ok, I'll try to tone it down a bit', they settle against the headboard. Both are lost in their own thoughts. It's such a long time ago that they did this. It feels great that they still have this bond. That they can talk about everything. Give each other advice. Be happy or sad for one another. 'Can I ask you one last question, Betty?'

'Sure'

'But promise to be honest'

'Okay...?'

'Being with Daniel now, do you still think that Henry was your first love?'

'Why do you ask?'

'Because I can't help, but think, that this is the first time I see you like this. Giddy and completely happy. Blushing uncontrollably and absolutely glowing', looking at Hilda, Betty thinks about it. Really thinks about it. That is not an easy question.

'I think, that I loved everyone of my boyfriends in a very different way. But I still loved them. And being with Daniel now, I can see what was missing in the other relationships. I can understand now, why it would've never worked. Though I do think that Daniel is my one true love, you know? The one that lasts. No matter what. And if you would ask me, if I would do everything again? Have Walter cheat on me, Henry going away with Charlie and the disaster with Matt? I would say yes. Because it all sort of led me to Daniel. Whenever something happened with one of them, I found myself in his company. Complaining to him about them. Or he would stand in front of my apartment door with Chili cheese fries in tow and keep me company. He would tell me to forget about them. Or that they're not good enough for me. That I have bad taste in boyfriends. Well, whatever it was, I wouldn't be who I am today. And we wouldn't be as close as we are now'

'You know what, mami? I'm glad you two finally are together. You make each other better. And you look great together. You make a cute couple. And I'm happy for you. That you have finally someone who loves you the way you deserve', Hilda places a kiss on Betty's cheek. Marvels at the huge brilliant smile.

Betty is so beautiful. She's naturally gorgeous. She doesn't need a lot of make up. Her skin is clean and flawless, her eyes so big and bright. She has these almond-shaped eyes with the longest dark-brown almost black lashes, Hilda has ever seen. She doesn't need a lot of mascara to highlight them. And her lips are so sinfully plump and full.

Her sister has the full package. Absolutely gorgeous, incredibly smart and hard working and she has a heart of gold. Any man who's able to win it, will be the luckiest guy on earth. And Hilda knows that Daniel will never take her for granted. They've been through too much together. Now, she will only enjoy watching these two and be happy for them. And maybe, just maybe she will tease them a little bit.