Is it love? 3

We got ready and I waited for him to get his cell phone. I clicked on the button of the elevator and waited. I heard foot steps behind me and I turned around, finding that he was there in front of me. We went down and walked out of the apartment. I was still thinking about Carlos, wether he might come back or something. Everything was a blur to me. I wanted to snap out of everything but it seems like I've walked into a trance. I started to daydream. In my mind I often daydream about things that aren't possible here in real life. Like, what if I broke up with Max and ended up being with Carlos. I stopped. It MIGHT be possible. Oh no, I'm starting to have feelings for Carlos. I didn't want to fantasize about Carlos at a time like this. I breathed and smiled at Max. "Honey, are you okay?", He asked. I made a face which that looks like a old lady being hit by a truck and burst out in tears. "What's wrong?", as he comforted me while rubbing my shoulders. We found a bench and sat there while I try to explain everything to him. "I love you Max", I said to him. "I love you too Anna, tell me what's the problem?", He questioned. "I just daydreamed about Carlos and imagined myself not being with you. I don't want to be mean and I love you so much", I replied while bursting out in tears. "Hey hey hey.. Don't worry about that baby, it was just a daydream. I am not going to be a bad boyfriend and I promise to love you forever", He replied. He wiped my tears with his thumb and kissed my forehead. I was smiling. I wanted to crawl into a small space and die there. I didn't want to feel this way. I know now what it feels like to be guilty and mean. I asked him if I could go home and stay in my room with him holding me until I fall asleep, he agreed and smiled. I was being vulnerable, a little too much. We got home real fast since I told the cab driver to drive extra fast and paid him fifty dollars to get me home quick. I ran for the elevator and clicked the button. As the doors shut, I breathed deeply and held on tight to Max's hand. I think I was hurting him. His face seemed fine though. I started to feel woozy and I wanted to lie on the floor. As the doors slide open I walked towards my door and turned to Max. "Can you stay with me tonight? Tomorrow Dani is coming back and we can go out for dinner tomorrow?" I asked and told him. His eyes were concentrating on mine. I wanted him to answer me and instead he held my hand, walked towards my room and hopped in with me on my bed and shut the lights off. "Is that a yes?", I questioned.I could hear him breathing next to me. He hugged me and went to sleep. I dreamed that night. It wasn't what I suspected, I dreamt of Carlos coming inside my room and hugging me from behind, like I was in a movie. Was I? Can this be real? I asked myself if this was a nightmare. But it wasn't. I woke up wanting fresh air. I went into Dani's study. A place where I can think and be normal. Suddenly, I saw something underneath Dani's diary, it was a photograph of Mom. But it looked like it was taken recently. She looks like the woman in the photo. I wanted to call Dani. So I called him using the home phone. Hello, This is Dani, sorry I can't pick up the phone right now, I'm kinda busy. So leave a message after the beep. *beeeep*. "Dad, I need to talk to you as soon as you come home, Bye" was all I said. I looked at the picture again and compared to the image I had before she left. Brown hair, dark brown eyes, pink lips and tanned skin. She did have the same features but much more slim than before. "Maybe this is Mom" I thought to myself. I quickly put the picture back into the diary and walked to the kitchen. I made myself hot chocolate with crackers and sat down at the living room. I stared to daze at the window and looked at the starry night sky. It was amazing. I heard footsteps coming and I turned to see that it was Max. He was rubbing his eyes and asked me what was I doing sitting alone. I told him that I missed Dani and I was still worried about the whole Imagining with Carlos thing again. He made himself hot chocolate and sat down next to me. "Nothing is going to end between us Anna, I promise you, I would never leave you nor break your heart, that's if you promise to do the same thing", My heart was thudding like it was about to come out of my body and so I took a deep breath and said "I promise Max", and smiled. He kissed my cheek and we watched the sun rise. We talked all night about Dani and his family and how he was raised as a child. It was really interesting because his story was similar to mine. No one wanted to be his friend until the day when one guy asks if he could come over to his house. He knew it was actually a bet so that he could just steal his favorite stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night and show it off to the whole school. Everybody laughed at him. Until the day he went to collage, everything changed. I asked Max if I could take a walk alone later just to clear my head before Dani comes. He asked me if I was going to be okay and I replied to him by nodding my head. And he allowed me to just think for a while. We eventually fell asleep and woke up around noon. Dani will be home at Dinner and I still have time to just take that walk at Central Park. I got all ready and Max was doing some research with his school work and he doesn't need me on it. I went down and walked out. Finally, fresh air. I can feel free. I sat down on a bench and just looked at people passing by. "Hi", a tender voice said to me. "Miss me?", he asked.




I wanted to turn around and see who it was. I was scared. I didn't want to look at his face. I counted to three in my mind as I turned around. He was gone. I then faced front and "BOO!", he said. "AHHH! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?", I screamed. "So, you miss me or not?", Carlos asked. "What are you doing here?", I questioned him. "I came here to see you and Max, how are you guys by the way, if you don't mind me asking?", he grinned. Ugh, thanks for ruining my day. "Can you just leave me and Max alone like you promised?". I asked nicely. "But I have to admit that I do miss you Annabelle", He told me. He patted my back and pinched my nose. "STOP IT!", I yelled at him. I walked away from him and didn't look back at all. I was frustrated. I could hear footsteps behind me. Like it was following me. I ran for it. I didn't look back. I ran as fast as I could. I turned back and saw no one. I headed for the apartment. Clicked on the button and ran to my room. I curled up in my covers and began to dose off. I finally woke up and saw the ceiling. I leaned to my left and faced my door. My eyes were still at blur, I was trying hard to look at the blurry lights flashing in front of me. I blinked twice and saw the time. -9:30- 'CRAP' I overslept!. Dani must be here already!. I washed my face and brushed my teeth and ran for the door. When I opened it, I saw Dani's art set and suitcases. Where was he?. I smelt pizza coming from the living room. I followed and saw that Max was having a conversation with Dani. They were talking about the Art Gallery whilst eating the pizza. Dani wasn't really the type to talk to people about his work, except for me and Mom. I walked in. Max and Dani stood up like gentlemen. Surprising. Usually they'd just ignore that. This time, it's different. Dani has finally grown up. haha.. I giggled. "Well hello there sleeping beauty, you're not going to give your Dad a hug then?", He played. I laughed and hugged Dani. Boy,did I miss him. "How was your walk? have you already thought things through?", Max asked me out of the blue. I was a little angry about Carlos this afternoon and I didn't want to talk about it. "Someone was trying to catch me today, I ran of my life and eventually made it to the apartment", as I turned to Max with wide eyes. He understood what I meant and I wanted to talk to him about Carlos's habits on revenge. I took a large bite on the pizza."Anna, did you see the news this morning?", Dani asked. "No, why? what's wrong?", I answered. "There was a Tsunami in Indonesia and it had hit your school apparently", he said. I was shocked. My mouth dropped and I look like the girl from that scary Japanese movie. I wanted to sit down,I needed to breathe. I asked myself, "What if Miss Sate was still there?! What if Aunt Lacey was stuck under a tree and washed away", I panicked towards Dani. "Relax.. relax, there is nothing to be afraid of, Everyone is fine. No one got hurt and they're flying to Brunei tomorrow. I was frustrated that they were going to Brunei and I wasn't. I missed everyone. Their the only ones that understand what I'm going through, due to the fact that they are girls and I'm not with them. On the contrary, If it weren't for New York I wouldn't have met Max. I stared at him for a while, I thought. 'How did I get so lucky to have a guy like him?'. I asked Dani if we can go out for Dinner at a restaurant later. Max interrupted. "Actually, I forgot to tell you that I was going to bring you both to the annual fashion show that my Mother designed and it'll be in an hour", as he glanced at his watch. I have never been to a fashion show and I guess this might be the first for everything. I asked Max if he could pick out the dresses that I kept in the end of my closet, I never actually worn any dresses and it's just one night. I think. I stepped out of the closet and put on my earring that my Mother had worn on her wedding day and the locket that Max gave me for our first date. I didn't realize that Max was standing there in my room. I saw him, very handsome and wearing tux. I was wearing a peach dress, it was rather comfortable. He looked at me with dazzling eyes and I thought that there was something wrong with my dress. " What? is there something wrong? is it the shoes?", as I twirled in front of him. "Uh.um.. nothing, you look beautiful", he said. I blushed. "Shall we go now?", as he showed his arm to me and smiled. I feel like a princess. "You deserve every right to feel like a princess", he whispered to my ear. "Wow Dani, you look spiffy. I like your bow tie", I complimented him. He smirked. "Are we set?", I asked Dani. "Yeap!, let's go!", I held both of them and smiled. My two gentlemen. I was excited and scared at the same time. Knowing that it'll be the first time ever that I'll be going to a fashion show and meet Max's Mother. My hands were shaking and I couldn't help but fidget. Max kissed my hand to calm me down and touch my face with his warm hand. "It'll be fine, I promise you", as he rubbed my shoulders. We were in the car and as I see lights flash by. I was still wondering about Dani's picture in his Den the other day. Was she really Mom? or was it just a girl he just met at the Art Gallery?. How was I suppose to know , if he doesn't tell me anything. I'm his daughter of gods sake!. To that very thought I became angry and I wanted to talk to Dani alone. We finally arrived and the valet opened the door. As we stepped out of the car, photographers were taking pictures of us and reporters asking questions to Max about his Mother and about me. One of them asked if I was his girlfriend and he agreed. I was smiling the whole time. "EXCUSE ME! MISS!! EXCUSE ME! HELLO?!", Someone behind me trying to call me. "HUH? Yes?", I replied back to the reporter. "What is your name miss?", she asked, "My name is Annabelle Board", I replied nicely. "Are you Mr Miller's New Girlfriend?", she questioned. "uhh... um..", I didn't know what to reply. "Yes she is", Max replied. I smiled. He pulled me close to his chest and kissed me in front of the reporters and photographers. I was getting chills down my spine. The way how he doesn't care and how he doesn't mind people watching us. Exposing our love to the press. Just wonderful. I opened my eyes and realized that we were inside already. "Mom, I want you to finally meet Annabelle Board", as he introduced me to his Mother, She had a humble look and a beautiful smile. "Hello Annabelle, what a lovely name, I've heard so much about you and it's a great pleasure to finally meet you. I love your dress by the way!", she said all at once. I couldn't take it all in. I breathed and replied, " Hello Mrs Miller, Thank you so much for inviting Dani and myself to your fashion show, it is so spectacular and the place is amazing", "haha oh shush dear, call me Marisa. I'd rather be called that then hearing myself sound old, OH excuse me, I must go now. Please find your seats and enjoy the fashion show!", she answered. I held Max's hand and sat down with him. The fashion show has free seating and you could sit anywhere you want. We know that everyone wanted to sit in front but Max insisted that we should sit middle row. Just the right spot for us to see people coming in and out of the stage. It was thrilling.




Everybody looked amazing and I was dazzled by the models. They were tall and beautiful. Such young faces and still maintaining their flawless skin. I was jealous. I didn't realize that Max was looking at me and smiling. "What?", I shyly asked. "You are more beautiful then those models, I know what they are and they don't have much", he said to me. I smiled and thanked him. He praised me so much. I need to do the same but how?. No man has ever talked to me before and he's my first boyfriend. I still wanted to talk to Dani about Mom or whoever it was in the picture that he took in the photograph. There was break time for the models and everyone had snacks at the waiting hall. I went looking for Dani. "I have to talk to Dani for a bit, I'll see you later?", I told Max and let me go. I kept yelling out his name and there wasn't any response, except for the fact that there are a lot of people named Dani in the waiting room. Then I suddenly saw a familiar face. She had tanned skin and dark brown hair. She was talking to Dani. I was mesmerized by her looks. Was it her? Was it really her? I thought to myself, 'What should I say? How should I greet her?'. I breathed and came forward. "Dani, I ne--", I stopped and forgotten everything about the picture and saw her. "Mom?", I was shocked. I wanted to hug her but I was still angry about the part that she left Dani and me in Jakarta alone. I had mixed emotions. The pain in my heart came back to me. I wanted to yell at her for leaving us. Yell at her to get out of this show and yell at her for leaving me. Instead I ran from Dani and found Max instead. "What's wrong?", He asked me. "Nothing, hey look it's starting again", I pulled Max and walked back to our seats. I could see his face, he was trying to figure out everything just by looking at my expression. "Anna, can I please talk to you for a second?", I heard Dani calling me from behind. I stood up. I wanted him to know how angry I was for not telling me anything about Mom coming. "What do you have to say for yourself Dad", I asked him nicely. "I'm sorry Anna, I wanted you to be surprised. I wanted you to finally meet after so long, She has been dying to meet you ever since I met her in Brooklyn for the Art events I've been going to and meetings", He explained. I was even more angry when he just told me that they actually met up at Brooklyn and he didn't even bother to call me. I didn't want to look at Mom. I saw her head peaking from the pillar behind Dani. "Mom, I know you're standing behind that pillar, I'm not blind you know", I said to her. She eventually walked towards us and greeted me 'hello'. "What happened to you? Why did you leave us? Why Mom?", I was scanning her. Her brown eyes and tanned skin. "I'm sorry Annabelle, I've been meaning to call the both of you in Jakarta, but then Aunt Lucy said that you guys flew to New York and started a new life here. She told me that I shouldn't meet you both but I couldn't resist,I miss you so much and I wanted you to forgive me like your father did when I met him at the Art Events a few weeks ago", She explained. I looked at Dani and all I could see is a face that wanted me to forgive her, forgive her for leaving us. I felt bad. The fact that my Mother is standing right in front of me and that Max is walking towards us. I was getting sweaty. I didn't know what to do. "Mom, I want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Max", I embraced his arm while introducing him to her. "Hello Max, oh so you're Annabelle's Mother, now I see where Anna got her beautiful face from", He complimented her and she was flattered. I squeezed his hand, I was nervous. When suddenly, A man standing there next to the exit and waving at me. I breathed, "Carlos". I wanted to run but instead he came up to us. "Hello Annabelle, what a pleasant surprise to see you here, Max", He greeted me while giving Max a look. " I thought you were gone?", I said. I wanted him to feel the rush of my hand hit his devilish face. He lied to me. "I'm actually one of the people who donated some of the art here and did some designs for Max's amazing Mother", He explained. I looked at Max and his face seemed like he didn't know anything. I was surprised. "So you designed one of the dresses?", I asked. " I made at least eight of the designs and I was inspired by you Annabelle", He answered. My Mother looked at him when he said my name. It was as if he had fallen for me or something. I didn't want to look at him, knowing that there might be something going on. I didn't want to stand here anymore. I held Max's hand and dragged him to the seats. I wanted to cry because I feel so guilty. But what did I do wrong?. I wanted to ask Carlos and I needed to talk to him immediately.

As the night ended, I waited outside and dazed into the dark sky. Looking at those beautiful twinkling lights and jazz music fills the feel to this night. I was frightened with a jolt. Carlos had poked me on my hip and asked what was I doing. He looked up as I explained about the twinkling lights and told me that I spoke of nonsense. "I need to talk to you Carlos", I sound so discreet. His face was smiling. I was curious. Was he actually waiting for this day for us to be alone? Did he want me all to myself?.

I looked around to see if Max was anywhere near and he wasn't. I took Carlos to the bench just near the bus stop and asked him, " Why are you always appearing whenever I'm around? You said it yourself that you'd be gone. Why did you lie to me Carlos?", His face began to soften and being much normal. I wasn't suppose to look at those eyes but they were amazing. " I can't stay away from you Annabelle, I've fallen for you ever since the day I met you at the Coffee house. But when I saw that Max had you first, I knew I must have you. My heart crushed knowing that a girl like you deserved him when you deserved me most. It's not only fair but it's the truth", he explained as he grasped my wrist. "What are you doing Carlos!", I questioned him as he decided to hurl himself towards me and I was being attacked. "I need you Anna! don't you see?! you need me as well!", he shouted. I kept pushing his face away from me and he was fighting it. I was about to cry so much and regretted ever asking for a word. I then heard a sudden car screech coming from a distant. It was hurling towards Carlos and I. Carlos didn't stop trying. I wanted to get up but he pinned me down to the pavement and begging me to give myself to him. I was afraid and I cried so much. My eyes were shut and I didn't want to feel pain. I couldn't breathe and everything was blurry. I heard a growling sound of a car and lights were as bright as the sun. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING ASSHOLE!", it sounded like Max. I was fading out. I heard punching sounds and fowl language being used over and over again. I forced my body to get up and get out of the area, but all I could do was crawl to the curb. I couldn't breathe and I was blacking out. "Anna.. Anna.. wake up baby.. don't do this..", I heard Max's voice, worried.

Is ir love? 2

I wanted to turn around and see who it was. I was scared. I didn't want to look at his face. I counted to three in my mind as I turned around. He was gone. I then faced front and continued watching people pass by until "BOO!", he said. "AHHH! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?", I screamed. "So, you miss me or not?", Carlos asked. "What are you doing here?", I questioned him. "I came here to see you and Max, how are you guys by the way, if you don't mind me asking?", he grinned. I made an ugly face in front of him and he laughed. "Can you just leave me and Max alone like you promised?". I asked nicely.

"But I have to admit that I do miss you Annabelle", He told me. He patted my back and pinched my nose. "STOP IT!", I yelled at him. I walked away from him and didn't look back at all. I was frustrated. I could hear footsteps behind me. Like it was following me. I ran for it. I didn't look back. I ran as fast as I could. I turned back and saw no one. I headed for the apartment. Clicked on the button and ran to my room. I curled up in my covers and began to dose off. I dreamt of things going upside down and I was the right way up. I dreamt that I could see myself skipping barefoot on the ground and rolling like a child. I felt calm and relaxed. I finally woke up and saw the ceiling. I leaned to my left and faced my door. My eyes were still at blur, I was trying hard to look at the blurry lights flashing in front of me. I blinked twice and saw the time. -9:30- 'CRAP' I overslept!. Dani must be here already!. I washed my face and brushed my teeth and ran for the door. When I opened it, I saw Dani's art set and suitcases. Where was he?. I smelt pizza coming from the living room. I followed and saw that Max was actually having a conversation with Dani. They were talking about the Art Gallery whilst eating the pizza. Dani wasn't really the type to talk to people about his work, except for me and Mom. I walked in and pretended to cough. Max and Dani stood up like gentlemen. Surprising. Usually they'd just ignore that I'm here and go on with their lives. This time, it's different. Dani has finally grown up. haha.. I was actually giggling. "Well hello there sleeping beauty, you're not going to give your Dad a hug then?", He played. I laughed and hugged Dani. Did I miss him. "How was your walk? have you already thought things through?", Max asked me out of the blue. I was a little angry about Carlos this afternoon and I didn't want to talk about it. "Someone was trying to catch me today, I ran of my life and eventually made it to the apartment", as I turned to Max with wide eyes. He understood what I meant and I wanted to talk to him about Carlos's habits on revenge. I took a large bite on the pizza and it was pretty huge. I don't think that I could finish it. "Anna, did you see the news this morning?", Dani asked. "No, why? what's wrong?", I answered. "There was a Tsunami in Indonesia and it had hit your school apparently", he said. I was shocked. My mouth dropped and I look like the girl from that scary Japanese movie. I wanted to sit down and take a break from all this madness that I was in. I needed to breathe. I asked myself, "What if Miss Sate was still there?! What if Aunt Lacey was stuck under a tree and washed away", I panicked towards Dani. "Relax.. relax, there is nothing to be afraid of, Everyone is fine. No one got hurt and they're flying to Brunei tomorrow. I was frustrated that they were going to Brunei and I wasn't. I missed everyone. Their the only ones that understand what I'm going through, due to the fact that they are girls and I'm not with them. On the contrary, If it weren't for New York I wouldn't have met Max. I stared at him for a while, I thought. 'How did I get so lucky to have a guy like him?'. I finally got out of the little bubble that I'm in and asked Dani if we can go out for Dinner at a restaurant or something. Max interrupted. "Actually, I forgot to tell you that I was going to bring you both to the annual fashion show that my Mother designed and it'll be in an hour", as he glanced at his watch. I have never been to a fashion show and I guess this might be the first for everything. I asked Max if he could pick out the dresses that I kept in the end of my closet, I never actually worn any dresses and it's just one night. I think. I stepped out of the closet and put on my earring that my Mother had worn on her wedding day, just pain pearls and locket that Max gave me for our first date. I didn't realize that Max was standing there in my room. I saw him, very handsome and wearing tux. I was wearing a peach dress because I really didn't want to stand out. He looked at me with dazzling eyes and I thought that there was something wrong with my dress. " What? is there something wrong? is it the shoes?", as I twirled in front of him. "Uh.um.. nothing, you look beautiful", he said. I blushed. "Shall we go now?", as he showed his arm to me and smiled. I held him and felt like I was going to a ball or some sort. I feel like a princess. "You deserve every right to feel like a princess", he whispered to my ear. "Wow Dani, you look spiffy. I like your bow tie", I complimented him. He smirked. "Are we set?", I asked Dani. "Yeap!, let's go!", I held both of them and smiled. My two gentlemen. I was excited and scared at the same time. Knowing that it'll be the first time ever that I'll be going to a fashion show and meet Max's Mother. My hands were shaking and I couldn't help but fidget. Max kissed my hand to calm me down and touch my face with his warm hand. "It'll be fine, I promise you", as he rubbed my shoulders. We were in the car and as I see lights flash by, I know that the people I love are still with me and yet I am still wondering about Dani's picture in his Den the other day. Was she really Mom? or was it just a girl he just met at the Art Gallery?. How was I suppose to know , if he doesn't tell me anything. I'm his daughter of gods sake!.

To that very thought I became angry and I wanted to talk to Dani alone.

We finally arrived and the valet opened the door. As we stepped out of the car, photographers were taking pictures of us and reporters asking questions to Max about his Mother and about me. One of them asked if I was his girlfriend and he agreed. I was smiling the whole time. "EXCUSE ME! MISS!! EXCUSE ME! HELLO?!", Someone behind me trying to call me. "HUH? Yes?", I replied back to the reporter. "What is your name miss?", she asked, "My name is Annabelle Board", I replied nicely. "Are you Mr Miller's New Girlfriend?", she questioned. "uhh... um..", I didn't know what to reply. "Yes she is", Max replied. I smiled. He pulled me close to his chest and kissed me in front of the reporters and photographers. I was getting chills down my spine. The way how he doesn't care and how he doesn't mind people watching us. Exposing our love to the press. Just wonderful. I opened my eyes and realized that we were inside already. Was I seriously inside my own bubble when it stopped?, I guess I was. "Mom, I want you to finally meet Annabelle Board", as he introduced me to his Mother, She had a humble look and a beautiful smile. "Hello Annabelle, what a lovely name, I've heard so much about you and it's a great pleasure to finally meet you. I love your dress by the way!", she said all at once. I couldn't take it all in. I breathed and replied, " Hello Mrs Miller, Thank you so much for inviting Dani and myself to your fashion show, it is so spectacular and the place is amazing", "haha oh shush dear, call me Marisa. I'd rather be called that then hearing myself sound old, OH excuse me, I must go now. Please find your seats and enjoy the fashion show!", she answered. I held Max's hand and sat down with him. The fashion show has free seating and you could sit anywhere you want. We know that everyone wanted to sit in front but Max insisted that we should sit middle row. Just the right spot for us to see people coming in and out of the stage. It was thrilling.

Is it love?

We got ready and I waited for him to get his cell phone. I clicked on the button of the elevator and waited. I heard foot steps behind me and I turned around, finding that he was always there in front of my face. I had a mini heart attack which then made me laugh in the elevator, Max did too.

We went down and walked out of the apartment. I was still thinking about Carlos, wether he might come back or something. Everything was a blur to me. I wanted to snap out of everything but it seems like I've walked into a trance. I started to daydream. In my mind I often daydream about things that aren't possible here in real life. Like, what if I broke up with Max and ended up being with Carlos. I stopped. It MIGHT be possible. Oh no, I'm starting to have feelings for Carlos. I didn't want to fantasize about Carlos at a time like this. I breathed and smiled at Max. "Honey, are you okay?", He asked. I made a face which that looks like a old lady being hit by a truck and burst out in tears. "What's wrong?", as he comforted me while rubbing my shoulders. We found a bench and sat there while I try to explain everything to him. "I love you Max", I said to him. "I love you too Anna, tell me what's the problem?", He questioned. "I just daydreamed about Carlos and Imagined myself not being with you. I don't want to be mean and I love you so much", I replied while bursting out in tears. "Hey hey hey.. Don't worry about that baby, it was just a daydream. I am not going to be a bad boyfriend and I promise to love you forever", He replied. He wiped my tears with his thumb and kissed my forehead. I was smiling. I was still stubborn about the whole thing. I wanted to crawl into a small space and die there. I didn't want to feel this way. I know now what it feels like to be guilty and mean. I asked him if I could go home and stay in my room with him holding me until I fall asleep and he agreed to and smiled. I was being vulnerable, a little too much I think. We got home real fast since I told the cab driver to drive extra fast and paid him fifty dollars to get me home quick. I ran for the elevator and clicked the button. As the doors shut, I breathed deeply and held on tight to Max's hand. I think I was hurting him. His face seemed fine though. I started to feel woozy and I wanted to lie on the floor. As the doors slide open I walked towards my door and turned to Max. "Can you stay with me tonight? Tomorrow Dani is coming back and we can go out for dinner tomorrow?" I asked and told him. His eyes were concentrating on mine. I wanted him to answer me and instead he held my hand, walked me towards my room and hopped in with me on my bed and shut the lights off. "Is that a yes?", I questioned.

I could hear him breathing next to me. He hugged me and went to sleep. I dreamed that night. It wasn't what I suspected, I dreamt of Carlos coming inside my room and hugging me from behind, like I was in a movie. Was I? Can this be real? I asked myself if this was a nightmare. But it wasn't. I was cheating on Max through my dream. I woke up wanting fresh air. The gasp I took wasn't normal like my other nightmares. I went into Dani's study room. A place where I can think and be normal. Suddenly, I saw something underneath Dani's diary, it was a photograph of Mom. But it looked like it was taken recently. She looks like the woman in the photo. I wanted to call Dani. So I called him using the home phone. Hello, This is Dani, sorry I can't pick up the phone right now, I'm kinda busy. So leave a message after the beep. *beeeep*. "Dad, I need to talk to you as soon as you come home. Oh and if you get this call me back. Bye" was all I said.

I looked at the picture again and compared to the image I had before she left. Brown hair, dark brown eyes, pink lips and tanned skin. She did have the same features but much more slim than before. "Maybe this is Mom" I whispered to myself. I wanted to deny it but I couldn't. I quickly put the picture back into the diary and walked to the kitchen. I made myself hot chocolate with crackers and sat down at the living room. I stared to daze at the window and looked at the starry night sky. It was amazing. I heard footsteps coming and I turned to see that it was Max. He was rubbing his eyes and asked me what was I doing sitting alone like this. I told him that I missed Dani and I was still worried about the whole Imagining with Carlos thing again. He made himself hot chocolate and sat down next to me. "Nothing is going to end between us Anna, I promise you, I would never leave you nor break your heart, that's if you promise to do the same thing", My heart was thudding like it was about to come out of my body and so I took a deep breath and said "I promise Max", and smiled. He kissed my cheek and watched the sun rose up with me. We talked all night about Dani and his family and how he was raised as a child. It was really interesting because his story was similar to mine. No one wanted to be his friend until the day when one guy asks if he could come over to his house. He knew it was actually a bet so that he could just steal his favorite stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night and show it off to the whole school. Everybody laughed at him. Until the day he went to collage, everything changed. I asked Max if I could take a walk alone later just to clear my head before Dani comes. He asked me if I was going to be okay and I replied to him by nodding my head. And he allowed me to just think for a while.

We eventually fell asleep and woke up around noon. Dani will be home at Dinner and I still have time to just take that walk at Central Park. I got all ready and Max was doing some research with his school work and he doesn't need me on it. I went down and walked out. Finally, fresh air. I can feel free. I sat down on a bench and just looked at people passing by. "Hi", a tender voice said to me. "Miss me?", he asked.

Carlos 5

We finished eating the pizza and I was really full. I only ate three pieces and Carlos finished the whole thing. We walked to the apartment and He promised that this would be the last time I would see him.

I shook his hand and waved him goodnight. It wasn't that bad., I did have a little fun. But it wasn't the point, I was glad that I got rid of him and I was happy that he won't ever come into our lives anymore. I ran to the elevator and by the time I got to the top, I quickly ran into Max's apartment and slowly opened his room and saw that he was still asleep. I feel really guilty that I didn't tell him about what happened a moment ago. I wanted to say sorry in an indirect way by sleeping next to him and spend the most amazing day with him later on. As I lay next to him, I noticed that it was 4 in the morning and I was still awake. I was thinking about what might happen if he realize that Carlos isn't there to go into our lives. I'm afraid he might ask if I knew something about it. I felt him shuffle about, and he woke up smiling next to me.

"Hey! you woke up early", as he rose up from the bed. "uhh.. well I didn't sleep well actually, I stayed up instead", I replied. I felt that burning feeling in the pit of my stomach and I did want to slap myself until my face turns red. He scooted next to me and let me lay on his shoulder. "Is something wrong?", He asked. I looked at his face, smiling and all, I didn't want to ruin that perfect smile. "I'm just thinking about the rooms thats all and how to fix it. It's got me thinking about everything you know. Us girls love decorating", I replied with a good answer to keep him nosing in on what happened last night. He chuckled and rubbed both of my shoulders together and calmed me down. "Don't worry that's why I'm here", He answered.

I told Max that I had to rest and all, so he took a shower and I slept on his bed.

As I closed my eyes, I started to dream. It wasn't really that bad until Carlos ended up being there. "Why are you with him? Don't you want to be with me?", He questioned. I couldn't talk. My mouth couldn't open since it felt like it was stitched. I touched my lips and both were sealed shut but they don't have marks on them. Nothing. I tried telling myself to walk up but I couldn't, I started to cry and begging to me to wake up and stop having this nightmare. I felt someone shaking my shoulders. Then... I woke up. My body lift itself up and I quickly hugged Max. "Hey hey hey, what's wrong?", worrying about me with that tone.

I was panting and my heart was beating fast. I was crying in front of him for the first time. "I have to tell you something", I said to him. "You might want to let go of me right now cause this is important and I know you'd get angry and upset at me", I warned him. He looked at me and he face was very clam. "What is it?", he asked. "Well, I went out with Carlos last night and it was important because he promised to stay away from me, from us. And I know you're angry at me but I just did it to make us feel safer and better", I grabbed both of his hands and looked into his eyes. He looked extremely clam. He took a deep breath and looked at me. "I know", He said. "When you were about to come up to the apartment, Carlos called me and told me everything and he said that he won't bother us again after what you've done and I WAS mad at him for asking you without my concern but now I'm not cause he's not here anymore and YOU made that happen", as he put both of his hands on my face and made me stare to his beautiful green eyes, "I thank you so much though I am a little upset that you didn't tell me earlier, but it's okay", I smiled. "So, you're really not mad? I just feel so guilty and I don't want to feel this way ever, help me make it go away", I asked him. "Uhh..Okay how about this, You buy me Pizza and we'll both feel better and I'm hungry, what about that?", He offered and I nodded.

Carlos 4

It was his mother, I told him to pick it up. "Hello? Hey Mom, nothing.. I'm with Annabelle. No, I've been helping the boards lately. Do you mind if I ask you something?" and he walked away to another room. I guess I'll just think things through about this room I guess.

I rubbed my hands together and rubbed them on my shoulders, the room was chilling and I had no sweater. It was in my room and it was too far away from me. I heard footsteps coming, probably Max. He came in and I started to ask him questions like a normal suspicious girlfriend would ask. "Was that your mom? What's up?", I asked him politely. "Well, my mom asked me if I could go to Brooklyn with her and I said no. I told her that I've been helping you with everything and apparently I am, and I asked her if she would meet you in person this time. Not as a neighbor but as a friend". I stopped breathing for a second and I was shocked by what he said. "It's okay, it's gonna be like me and your dad and only this time I won't be feeling nervous that much", he joked around. I punched him, it wasn't the mean type, like playing around. "Well, lets wait for another week and you'll meet her soon", as he put both of his hand on my shoulder. I think he could feel how intenseness I'm feeling. So, he rubbed my shoulders altogether. Dani messaged me that he's got his things and he's going to some convention to France about Sculptures. I replied to him that it's okay and to go have fun. Maybe he was the footsteps I heard. Maybe.

I sighed. Looking around the room made me feel calm. I blinked. The sudden picture of Carlos in my head popped out for no reason. I turned to Max and hugged him. I was scared.

DING DONG.. The door bell.

I peeked to the peeking hole and saw curly black hair. Could it be? No, it can't. I wanted to take another look to see if it's not a dream. But I couldn't.

"elles, who it is?", Max yelled from the room. I didn't want to reply. I just opened the door and saw Carlos. He was holding a rose and grinned at me as I opened the door. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?", I questioned him, I felt angry inside. I kept it together. Breathe.

"I wanted to see you madame", he replied with a tender voice. I wanted to slap his face and slam the door to his face. But I couldn't, Max would run to me and panic.

I breathed once more and said, "Just go away, leave me alone", I shut the door but his foot stopped it. "I won't move until you have dinner with me", I turned to see Max inside the room.

"Fine, I'll go if you just leave me alone, I'll meet you later at the pizza shop at midnight". Apparently, I thought of a 24 hour pizza shop that was on the ground floor of our apartment.

I walked back to Max and felt a cool chill running down my spine. I was a little jumpy about the date thing I'm going to do with Carlos to make him go away.

I hope Max doesn't find out.

"Who was that?", he asked. "That was just some people asking if I could join their church group but I told them that I wasn't ready for that yet", I replied with a little punch in my stomach for lying to the person I love. I twitched a little. But I think he could tell that I was lying to him. He got a soft grip of my hand and squeezed it tight. I rubbed his arm and it relaxed him.

"So! are we gonna do this?", as he clapped his hands together while letting go of my right hand. I was still thinking of what to do, but he startled me with his jumping idea. "Oh umm... we should put this as a room, like a guest room", I replied without thinking. "Why not, we put it as an Art room? just for you?", He offered. I bit my lower lip because I was still thinking of what to do about later, "Belle?, are you okay?" while snapping his fingers in front of my face to get my attention. I clicked straight away after the fifth click. "I think it will be amazing! Thank you for everything, I love you", I said after hugging him. I wanted to cry. I didn't want him to know that I was going to meet Carlos later. We went out around ten and bought everything for the rooms. We came back at 11:30 and I was tired and hungry. I ate an apple and drank water. I looked at the time and it was still 11:35, In my head I could hear ticking and I was shaking. I could see the water shake. I walked over to Max, he was sitting on the couch and he was really tired, I asked him if he wanted to sleep in his room tonight and he agreed that he wanted too. I held his hand and brought him to his apartment and walked to his room. He walked like a drunk person when walking to his bed. kicked off his shoes and hid under the covers. I sat next to him and he popped out of the covers with a smile. "Will you wake me up in the morning baby?", he asked me with the most cutest voice. I nodded my head and smiled at him. I kissed his forehead and he fell asleep. I switched off the lights and shut the door. I walked out of his apartment and walked in mine. it was 12:00 and I was panicking, my heart was beating fast. I changed to my tights and white shirt with slippers. I didn't want to look nice, since it wasn't a real date. I hated Carlos.

I went down and see if the coast was clear and walked out of the room and ran for the elevator and clicked the ground floor. I was playing with my fingers alot. I closed my eyes and heard the sound of the elevator, I breathed. I walked out and nobody was there. Just the person who takes care of the hotel and the guard. I walked out and went to the left that leads to the pizza shop. I could see a curly-haired guy sitting on a table alone and waiting for someone to sit next to him. The waiter asked me if I was sitting with anyone and Carlos was right in front of me when I looked down. I'm with him, I pointed with my eyes and he took my hand and let me follow him to his table.

He pulled out my chair and let me sit first and tucked me in. He quickly sat on his and smiled to me. "Can we have the menu?", he asked the waitress. There was still ticking in my head and I was worried if Max would find out from anybody. He ordered us soft drinks and a regular cheese pizza with olives. "Annabelle, I'm sorry if I came off too strong at you and Max. I didn't mean to scare you and I never knew that you were his girlfriend." he said. "Why did you ask me out?", I asked him with a questionable voice. "I like you, I want to know you, you look like a sensible person and very interesting," He replied. I was flattered and yet worried about Max and a tad angry at Carlos.

Carlos 3

Indoor pool

Red door (up)
Purple Door (up)
We got up and walked back home. My stomach hurts, I guess its my time of the month again. I hate having it, it makes me eat a lot. I told Max we had to hurry cause I told him that there was a "problem" and we actually ran back home. I was relieved that we made it in the elevator.

It really hurts and I had to cover my stomach for this. I wanted to sit on the floor of the elevator and rub my stomach to make the pain go away. The doors slide open and I ran for it, unlocking the door and ran to my room and straight to the toilet. I changed quickly, I wasn't sure if Max caught all that but I think he got a little surprised on how fast I run when it comes to my time of the month. I came out and breathed with relief, not knowing what might come next.

'Annabelle Board, breathe..', I thought to myself. "Elle, are you okay?", I heard Max asking from the living room, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be right out in a minute!", I replied back.

I placed my phone and keys on my drawer and walked out of my room and shut the door. I saw Max wondering around the hall with a curious look on his face while rubbing his chin with his finger. "What are you doing?", I finally asked him, "Nothing, just thinking", he answered. "How many rooms do you have Ells?", he questioned me. "Well.. I haven't checked it all yet, do you mind wondering with me around the apartment?", I offered. He nodded with agreement and held my hand. We wondered around and about the apartment. I remembered The Green room, which was the movie room for us. The yellow room, which is my room. The Blue room, which was Dani's. But I think we missed two more. There was a Purple and Red room. Well basically doors, yet still I can't help but wonder what were in them. We walked towards The Purple room and slowly opened it. I peeked in for a sneak peek and saw the most wonderful thing. The Purple room was actually a swimming pool area. Amazing!. I didn't had a clue that this was going to happen. Did Dad already know this? That can't be true?. We shut the door close and opened the Red one. I saw nothing but an empty room. The walls were golden and looked like it was painted, not wallpaper. The brush looked big I guess. I could see the brush marks in circular motion, it was amazing. I felt the walls and it felt dry ad rough, I breathed the soft air that was in this room and turned around to see Max smiling at me. I smiled back and walked towards him. I held both his hands and felt so inspired.

"What shall I do with this room? Shall I do an Art studio? shall I make it as an extra room?", I asked him. I wanted him to help me, which thankfully he did. I asked him if he wanted to help me with my Art room and he looked at me by surprise. "I never told you that I took alot of art at school have I?", I smirked at him. He shook his head and smiled at me. "Help me fix this lovely room and turn it to something beautiful. Do you want to go to the store and get things to make this room fit in the apartment theme?", I asked and again he just grinned and nodded. "Why are you so quite?", I questioned him. "I've never really seen you this happy before and I don't want to ruin it by talking too much and you look adorable when you're happy, your cheeks get all red and you sound like a puppy", he replied to me. I awed him by thinking that I was cute.

I hugged him tight and just when I was about to cherish this amazing moment with him, the phone rang.

Carlos 2

I turned around and saw him smiling at me. I turned to Max, he was still inside the shop. I was shaking and I was hoping that Carlos doesn't it. I sat on my hands to keep them warm, but instead I had the feeling of blood moving away from them. "What do you want Carlos?", I questioned him, "Nothing, nothing.. Can't I just say hello to an old friend's girlfriend?", he joked. "No, you can't!", I heard behind me. I turned to Max and he looked angry at Carlos. "What in the world are you doing here?", he growled at Carlos. "I was just grabbing a bite to eat? what? can't a guy eat by himself on a nice afternoon?", he replied. "Just stay away!", Max ordered. I look on the table and saw the pizza, it felt warm near my hand and I was so hungry.

Carlos grinned at both of us and walked away. He dropped a twenty dollar bill on his table and called the cab. Max sat beside me and smiled a tiny bit. "What's his deal? why can't he leave me alone?", I asked him. "Nothing, it's really nothing", he replied. "Tell me", I ordered.

"Just don't get mad or whatever okay?", he warned me before telling the story.

" You see, Carlos and I were really close friends and we did everything together. At that time he was seeing this girl named Lisa, She was really pretty and I had a crush on her. Carlos didn't know. We were still kids, I thought, we were still in high school and I thought he wouldn't mind or anything. Later that night, I was hanging out with Carlos and Lisa at a cafe and he had to go to the bathroom. Lisa was looking at me and it felt intense, like she knew my feelings for her. She stood up and kissed me, I was surprised and scared. We turned to see that Carlos saw me kissing her and she blamed me for everything. I knew it was wrong and he WAS my best friend back then. He said I stole his dream. At school, they posted up on the board on who gets in the collage they wanted, some do get it but some don't. I always wanted to go to NYU with him, but he didn't get accepted. He told me that we couldn't be friends because he said I stole his dream and his girl. I told him that it was just dumb luck and everything might've been like this already and now he's a creep and a manic. I don't want him to steal you away from me", he explained to me. I was in awe and surprise.

"Yet I'm thankful that you got in, or not I wouldn't have met you and you wouldn't have taught me so well", I looked on the brighter side. I know the story was old and Carlos is new to me. But who cares.

I was still hungry after all the talking. We finished the pizza and I wanted to know more about Carlos. Max didn't want to talk about him, I guess, but the relationship between Lisa and Carlos was fine. And I hadn't a reason why Lisa was into Max. I wanted to know more about her also. "Can you tell me more about Lisa?", I asked. He looked at me and rubbed his hands together because of the cold air. He held my hand and found a bench we could sit on. He held my hand and rubbed it close together with his. "Well, Lisa and I were close friends, like I told you with Carlos. She told me that she liked me back and I never knew that. She said that we she sees me with other girls, she just wanted to slap me. So, there was one night where we were invited to Carlos's party at LA and I drove us there and when we arrived, Carlos had a girl waiting there for me and he handed her to me and she was really drunk. I ended up being drunk myself and one thing lead to another. I told Lisa about it and her eyes just went all teary and she wanted to hit me so bad. Instead she went over to Carlos and they ended up waking up next to each other in the morning. And they've been together ever since, which made me jealous and that was it for me", He explained. I realized that when he kept on saying her name, he sounds so heartbroken. I wanted to find this Lisa girl, but I know it'll make everything between me and mark complicated. I didn't say anything to him, so I just breathed deeply and calmed down. I looked at my watch and smiled at him.

"You know I love you Annabelle Board", as he lifted my chin with his finger, "I know, I love you too", I replied.