“Can I see you tomorrow? I want to take you out for lunch. I thought it would be nice to go to La Bistro again, but I don’t know how you would feel about that after what happened last time.”
I smile thinking that whatever happened with the way Alan tried to spoil my experience, I didn’t want to let him win. The memories I have there have always been nice, especially since it was the first day he and I met. That can never be taken away.
I didn’t think it would be a good idea to go, but Jake had such hope in his eyes that I couldn’t let him down. How could I ever say no to those turquoise green sparkling eyes of his? “Okay,” I say without even thinking. The word was out, so there was no turning back now. His face was such a picture of hope and happiness that it made my heart flutter.
He walked me to the door lingering as he kissed me gently on the forehead. A voice inside me was shouting, “Ask him in, tell him you love him!” but I held firm. If I did that I knew I would be lost.
I got back to the apartment immediately wanting to satisfy my next craving for ice cream. I got out the two tubs I had saved from when Jessie went to the grocery store, and put in a scoop of each one in a bowl. I mixed it all up, letting the flavors blend in. The more strange it all tasted, the better for me.
Once I was finished up, I went to bed taking off all the star jewelry that Jake had bought for me all those weeks ago. I was exhausted now and I knew I would sleep for England—or should I say, America? I decided to bring out the CD that Jake bought for my birthday and put it in the CD player. I wanted to listen to the masculine tones of Bon Jovi’s voice, especially “In These Arms Tonight.” It was the song Jake said reminded him of me. I listened intently to the words, letting the tears flow. I clutched onto my sheets for comfort and closed my eyes, willing sleep. It wasn’t long before my prayers were answered.
Chapter 27
I woke to the sounds of a text message on my phone. I knew it was late in the morning, as the sun was beating right through my curtains. At least I knew it was going to be a nice day for lunch with Jake. The thought quickly reminded me of what today will bring, as I snap my head up to reach for my phone.
‘I enjoyed every moment with you last night and can’t wait to see you later. I’ll be round to pick you up at one.’
I looked at the time and was shocked that it was nearly midday already. Boy, can I sleep at times. I text him back quickly to let him know that I was looking forward to it too, and set about getting ready.
I was just applying the last touches of my makeup when the doorbell rang. I quickly ran to the door—trying to get Jake’s earring in—and when I opened it, I nearly gasped. He was wearing a thick cream shirt with beige trousers, and boy did he look hot. He had gelled his hair a little, making the spikes at the top his head stand up that little bit more. His eyes were glowing, taking every inch of me in also.
“Ana, you look beautiful in that dress,” he says leaning in for a kiss.
I decided to wear a little floral number considering it was a lovely day outside. I knew it was cold so I brought a cream cardigan with me, just in case.
“Thank you, Jake. You look great yourself,” I said, hungrily.
“Don’t start, Ana, or else I’ll never get you to lunch. You look like you need to gain a few pounds.”
Oh bother, little does he know I will be shortly, with a vengeance.
We get to Reston in about twenty minutes and it’s heaving with people enjoying the autumn sun. We find our table inside for a change, and we sit in silence for a few minutes gazing over our menus.
“Hi, how y’all doing? What can I get to drink for you today?”
Oh great, it’s her. Miss Drooly into her Bloody Panties is here again. This is going to get pretty old, fast.
“I’ll have an orange juice,” I say loudly to prompt her attention away from Jake. She seems to nod absent-mindedly in my direction and turns back to Jake again, smiling. I’m going to smack this bitch in a minute if she’s not careful.
“I’ll have a Bud please,” Jake said, smiling back at her.
She just about does everything to make her feelings obvious, aside from getting naked in front of him. Luckily she saunters off, albeit rather reluctantly.
“Do you not want any Pinot? I know you liked to have a glass or two here at times.”
I was still scowling at the waitress. “No, I’m fine thanks,” I said through my teeth.
“What’s wrong? You seem agitated about something,” he asked amused.
“I’m fine as long as people stopped being arseholes,” I said, a little too aggressively.
“Arseholes? Hmm, the potty mouth has returned.”
I couldn’t hold my anger for long. The way Jake said arsehole, instead of asshole had the giggles suddenly erupt.
“See, that’s better,” he said triumphantly, “Who's being an ‘arsehole’ anyway?”
“No one, certainly not you. I just don’t like it when people make their feelings so damn obvious… oh look, speak of the devil.”
The waitress returned with our drinks and purred the words, “So what would you like to eat?” In Jake’s direction, I might add.
“I’ll have the double cheeseburger with fries please,” I said, loudly again.
“I’ll have the same,” Jake said, not once taking his stare away from mine.
One to Ana Sinclair, bitch, I thought. Man I was pissed. What on earth has gotten into me?
The meal was pleasant and I happily sat there eating every last morsel. I was super hungry considering I didn’t eat any breakfast this morning. It may have been something to do with the fact that I had slept through it all.
After eating, Jake ordered the bill whilst I went to the restroom. When I got back I was mortified to see the same waitress leaning over showing her cleavage, trying to hand a Jake a piece of paper. That was it, I snapped. I ran over to the table and fumed, “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked. My voice boomed so loudly that all the other people in the restaurant heard. Good, they can all see just the kind of horrible person she really is.
“I’m sorry, is there a problem?” a voice asked from behind.
I looked across my shoulder and spotted a man in a suit, obviously the manager or owner.
“Nothing’s the matter,” I said sarcastically. “I just don’t take too kindly to a waitress trying to ply my man with her telephone number the minute I leave to go to the restroom, that’s all.” Oh shit, did I just call Jake ‘My man?’ I turn back to Jake and he’s now beaming from ear to ear. My anger just rose even higher.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. Rachel I think I need to see you in my office a moment. Next time you come, you have a free drink on the house. I’m so very sorry.”
I nodded my head but didn’t stick around longer to argue. I was still angry and wanted the hell out of there all of a sudden.
“Hey, hey, wait up, Ana!” Jake shouted.
“Don’t talk to me I’m angry,” I seethed. He went to say something else and I put my hand up. “Just take me home, Jake. Now.”
The rest of the journey was made in silence. I was still really angry about that waitress and it clearly showed. When we reached the parking lot I shot out of the car before Jake could react.
I was heading home.
“Why are you so angry with me?” Jake asks, running behind me.
I didn’t bother answering I just got in the lift and made my way up, Jake following my every footstep.
Once at the door I slammed it in his face and ran into my room.
“What’s going on?” Jessie asks, as Jake’s banging on the door.
“Nothing, Jessie. Don’t let him in!” I shouted, but it was too late.
“Thanks Jessie,” Jake panted. “Where is she?”
“She’s in her room; I’m about to head on out so I’ll leave you two to it.”
“Traitor!” I shouted from my bedroom. I heard the door shut and the sound of mine opening.
“Ana, why are you so angry with
me? Tell me.”
I got up from my bed in a huff and shouted, “I don’t know, okay! She pissed me off, what can I say.”
He walked over and placed a finger under my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” he implored.
What could I possibly say? The man was my everything, and if I told him now, my whole world would be destroyed. I knew I couldn’t hide it any longer. I knew I had to tell him the truth, tell him that he was going to be a father. But there was one thing I wanted more right now, and that was him.
I threw my arms around him, the tears streaming endlessly. This was going to be the last time Jake and I would make love together and I wanted it to be special. I remember the words I said at the hotel and it all brought me back to that moment again.
“Jake, please make love to me. Take the pain away,” I begged.
He grabs my head and looks at me, wiping the tears away from my face.
“Ana, I don’t think this is a good idea. You’re upset. We need to talk.”
“Please Jake, I want this. I want you. I need you to make love to me.” I clung on to his shirt frightened that if I dare let go he would be pulled away from me somehow. I knew he wasn’t going anywhere, but the fear gripped me harder still. I had to have him one more time. I had to feel him, touch him, be as one with him. I knew once it was over I had to tell him, but for now he was the only thing that mattered to me—the only thing in the world that existed. Jake was and always will be my favorite thing.
I pulled at him desperately trying to lay his lips to mine. He tried to pull away, but I gripped harder, begging the word, “Please,” into his mouth. I feel him visibly let go as he gave into my pleas.
He kissed me back and it was tender, loving. “Ana, you’re scaring me. You’re not going to leave me again are you? Why does this feel like you’re saying goodbye?”
I shook my head, “Jake, I’m not going anywhere, I promise. I just need you so much.”
He picked me up into his arms and cradled me until we reached my bed. He gently laid me down and pressed his lips to mine. I wanted to feel his skin on mine so much, that I couldn’t give the time to unbutton his shirt. I tugged at it, pulling it over his head. He pulled the straps of my dress down to my shoulders and kissed every part of my chest and neck. He exposed my breasts, licking and sucking each one meticulously. I moaned out, lust taking over my whole being. He kissed his way down until all my clothing had departed from my body. He released himself from his trousers and quickly raced to find my lips. I needed to feel him inside me; I wanted it as much as my craving for ice cream—my craving for life.
He scooted down past my breasts and I thought he was going to kiss that sweet spot he knew I loved so much, but instead he laid kisses on my belly. The feeling shocked and thrilled me. If only he knew there was a life growing inside there—a life he and I had created together. A little miracle that was brought into existence out of a couple so in love, they couldn’t possibly live without each other. I wanted to sob, but the feeling to have him this one last time took over. He was my everything and always will be.
Jake came back up kissing the side of my neck. He wasted no time entering me and the shock made me gasp loudly.
“Ana, I love you so much,” he said thrusting himself inside me again and again.
I knew I couldn’t hold it much longer; I had to let him know I felt the same way. “I love you, too!” I screamed, willing him deeper and deeper. He was practically clawing his way into my core and I was a very willing participant. He always knew he could have me no matter what the circumstances. There was no going back for me this time. The one chance in a lifetime opportunity and I was taking advantage of it as much as I could muster.
The feeling of him pounding inside me is exquisite. I know I won’t be able to last long. “Jake,” I cry grabbing the sheets and holding them tightly in my fists. I’m close, I know I am and I never want this feeling to stop. “Jake, don’t stop, Jake!” I shout again willing my orgasm to explode.
“Ana,” Jake cries and that’s all it took. I was gone and there was no turning back. I screamed and pulled his ass into me so hard that it spurred Jake’s climax at the same time as mine. We were shaken and breathless, but I knew that it could never get any better than this.
We laid there for a while with Jake’s head on my chest. I stroked his hair, taking in as much of the seconds, minutes we had with one another. The tears fell and I couldn’t help it. How could I ever get over the man of my dreams? The one man who taught me just how good being in love could possibly be.
He lifts his head up and spots me crying. I hated him seeing me this way, but I couldn’t help myself. I was an emotional wreck. He rises to face me better and strokes my cheek.
“Ana, please tell me what’s wrong? Tell me and I will fix it. I promise. I don’t want to lose you again. I can’t lose you again.”
I take a deep breath thinking it’s now or never. He takes my face in his hands and wipes the tears away imploring me to speak—to tell him what it is that has been bothering me all these weeks of turmoil. I know it has now come to that point. I made a pact with myself that I would have Jake one last time and then divulge my little secret. My beautiful miraculous secret.
“Jake, I’m—” I began, just at the time Jake’s cell phone rang.
“Don’t worry about that; tell me. You’re more important.”
It briefly stopped, but then it just started back up again.
“Jake, you have to answer. It may be Matthew needing your help or an emergency at work. Please see who it is and then we’ll talk.”
He reluctantly rushed to his pants pocket and retrieved his phone.
“Bennett,” he said rudely. “What do you mean accident, when?”
His face looked panicked which worried me. There was definitely something wrong.
“Okay, I’m leaving now.” He slammed his phone shut frantically pulling his trousers back on.
“What’s happened Jake? What’s going on? Speak to me.”
“It’s Matthew and Cindy. They’ve been in an accident and they’re both at Virginia Hospital Center. I have to go there now.”
I hopped around the room wasting no time in getting dressed. We were both ready and out the door within five minutes. The journey of around twenty minutes took less than fifteen because of the way Jake was driving, and I couldn’t blame him. I was as anxious to get to Matthew as he was.
Once we were there, we quickly found someone who pointed us in the right direction. Thankfully a very young doctor met us in the corridor.
“Mr Bennett?”
“Yes, that’s me. Where’s my son?” he asked, panicked.
“He took quite a big hit in the accident. We have had to force him into a coma because he has some swelling on the brain. As soon as the swelling goes down we can bring him around. He has a lot of bruising and a broken femur, other than that he is stable.”
“Can we see him?” Jake asked.
“Of course, come this way. I must warn you though; you will be shocked at the sight of him. But I assure you it looks a lot worse than it seems, okay?”
Both of us nod our heads, but the shock of everything still made the whole situation a lot fuzzier than it was. If I was feeling this way, lord knows how Jake felt.
“How’s Cindy, Matthew’s girlfriend?” I ask, remembering she was in the car with him.
“She is physically okay with just some cuts and bruises, but I’m afraid she lost the baby, so she is visibly distressed.”
Baby, what baby? Oh no. I look over to Jake and the shock is evident on his face. The doctor leads us into Matthew’s room and seeing him made us both gasp. His face was all swollen and bruised. His eyes were puffy and red and there were several cuts on his face. I clasped my hand over my mouth, willing the tears to stay put. I look toward Jake and he turns away burying his head in his hands. The shock of seeing his son lying was obviously too much to bear.
There was
only one thing I could do and that was to go to him. I placed my hand on his arm, and he swung around pulling me to him. He cried into my shoulder and I stood there as long as he needed me to. The amount of times he had been there for me, it was now my turn to be there for him. I couldn’t be selfish and think of my own grief in this situation. His son was suffering and in turn, so was Jake. I had to let him know I was there for him no matter what.
“Jake, he’s going to be okay. He’s young, fit and healthy. He’s a Bennett for crying out loud. They never give up, I know that for sure.” I hear a slight laugh as he nods into my shoulder.
“Thanks, and thank you for being here with me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I already told you, I’m not going anywhere.” I kiss him tenderly on the lips and we both turn our attention to Matthew. We sit for hours just waiting and hoping that everything will be okay.
Some police officers turned up sniffing around and told us what they knew from witnesses so far. Apparently a drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and went into the driver’s side of Matthew’s car at such high speed; it toppled it over several times. It sounded horrendous. The other driver was in a different hospital with internal injuries. They weren’t too sure whether he was going to make it, and I didn’t think Jake cared too much he was so angry.
A little while later I left Jake with Matthew so I could seek out Cindy. I wanted to make sure she was okay, as she must be suffering terribly.
When I get to her room I notice a couple sitting by her bed. Their heads pop up as they spot me walking through the door.
“I’m sorry,” I say timidly. “I’m Ana, Matthews—” I pause for a moment as I don’t really know what to call myself in relation to the situation. Matthew is like family to me, so I can’t call him a friend.
“Ana, of course. I’m Claudia, Cindy’s mother and this is Dominic, her father.”
I walk towards them shaking their hands. I then look over towards Cindy and notice her sleeping.