Bittersweet Love

by Davids, Jesse

  “Daniel please wait!” Athena ran after him and grabbed his arm. “Please stop Daniel! Let me explain!” Daniel stopped and tried to stop the bleeding coming from his knuckles. “Explain what Athena? What is there that needs to be explained!” Daniel whisper yelled. “Can we please go inside? Its cold outside and I just want to explain please.” Athena begged with all her might. Daniel shook his head in disbelieve and followed her into her dorm room.

  As he walked past Jason, Daniel kicked him in the face with no remorse for his actions. “Please sit down.” Athena's eyes began to tear up slowly. Daniel didn't say a word and sat on the far end of the living room, trying to avoid the couch they always used to sit on together. “Is Jenny here?” Daniel asked. “No, she went out with her friends.” Athena replied in a dead tone only known by living zombies. “Can you please make it quick I have somewhere to be” Daniel looked down, not daring to look her in the eyes. Betrayal filled his heart, confusing his mind from everything that’s real or fake.

  Athena sat down on their favorite couch, trying to find the courage to explain to him everything, hoping she wouldn’t lose him in the process. “I was in bed ready to sleep, and I heard a knock on the door. As you can already know it was Jason, and he told me that he wanted to talk about his relationship problems because apparently I'm the only one that understands him. So, I let him come in and he sat right there where you are sitting actually.” Athena pointed to him unaware. Daniel stood up and walked to the kitchen, and stayed there for the remainder of the discussion. “He talked about his problems and shit, but I didn't really pay any attention to it because I truly don't fucking care what he does in his love life. After fucking me over so many times I couldn't care less about what you just did to him baby. I’m sorry and I shouldn't have let him come inside.” Athena's voice pleaded asking for forgiveness.

  “He told me he slept with you.” Daniel looked to the ground, still trying to avoid her eyes. “He did? Well, then I'm even more happy you fucked him up right now because he's lying Daniel, please trust me he was lying.” Athena stood up trying to walk over to him. “Stop; Please just stay over there.” Daniel gave her a hand gesture and took 3 steps back. “Why don't you trust me?”

  Athena’s eyes puffed up from the amount of tears that were coming out of her eyes. “I do, but after this I'm not so sure anymore. I’m only gone for 2 fucking days Athena! 2 days! What I did for those 2 days won’t benefit me; only you!” Daniel’s hands started to shake as his anger slowly started to escalate. “I’m telling you I didn't sleep with him! Why don't you fucking believe me?” Athena stomped her foot hard on the ground. “You’re right, maybe I fucking don’t!” Daniel yelled back not even caring that she's crying.

  “Trust is the most important thing to fucking have but apparently I don't have your trust! I swear on my grandmother’s grave, we only talked Daniel!” Athena cried out.

  Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

  “Daniel, I’m not that stupid to risk what we have. Its special and I love everything about it. I’m sorry you had to witness this but I swear baby, I swear I didn't sleep with him.” Athena’s heart and chest felt contracted by the pressure, the fear of losing Daniel was her main concern. Daniel walked to the toilet and rinsed his hand with water. Athena stood at the entrance of the toilet. “Why don’t you trust me?” Athena asked. “I do, but to see that and to top it off with what he said to me. It’s hard to process all of it at once.” Daniel replied as the blood stopped leaking from his fist. “Are you sure because I trust you too, and for those 2 days I don't know what you were doing but I accepted it.” Athena frowned and walked to the couch to sit back down.

  “I was trying to finish the painting; as I can see you finished yours. It looks great by the way.” Daniel looked over to the corner of the room as he saw her end of the year exam clearly. “Thank you, why didn't you tell me you were busy with it?” Athena asked quizzically. “Because I didn't want you to ask to see it and stuff, it’s just I needed some time to concentrate and finish it, and I haven’t.” Daniel leaned on the wall next to her bedroom; he looked inside and saw the bed made up without a wrinkle on it. “Al right, I’m sorry this all had to happen right now, very bad timing for that asshole to come over. It won’t happen again Daniel.” Athena slowly walked to him and hugged him. Daniel frowned, accepting her apology with open arms, he hugged her tightly. “I do trust you baby. I’m sorry too.” Daniel whispered into her ear, hurt from what happened but healed by her touch as he felt love once again.

  “Please don't leave me baby. I won’t be able to live without you.” Athena began to sob uncontrollably as the thought of him leaving her was painful enough for her to imagine. “I won’t ever leave you baby, you're everything to me; and if I do leave one day I want you to find me.” Daniel continued to hug her, trying to reassure her everything is going to be okay.

  Jenny opened the door slowly and saw Daniel and Athena hugging it out in front of her door. “What is Jason doing outside? He's bleeding pretty badly.” Jenny was concerned about Jason’s wellbeing but left it as it is as she received no response from either of them. Daniel let go, proceeding to hold her cheeks. “I love you so much okay. I’ll never leave you.” Daniel lied once again about a small part that can turn into something bigger than the both of them. “I love you too baby, I’d never leave you either I promise.” Athena sobbed silent as Daniel kissed her on her pink red lips.

  Jenny stood still, watching magic unfold right in front of her face as she felt the love was real. She smiled and silently walked into her room and closed the door. “Goodnight!” She yelled from behind the door. None of them couldn't care less about Jenny, but only what was in front of them.

  Breaking the moment Athena’s cellphone rang once again. She let go of Daniel’s hands and quickly rushed over to the couch where her cellphone resided most of the time. “Honey, it's my mom can I take this real quick?” Athena squirmed in shame to leave the moment that could have led to their sexual interaction. “Yes, baby take the call.” Daniel gave her the thumbs up and went into her bedroom to look for her first aid kit. Daniel carefully disinfected his knuckles and wrapped his fist in a band aid.

  “Why didn't you tell me sooner mom?” Athena seemed confused at what’s happening. “Well, I didn't have enough time to explain everything; all you need to know is that I’ll be in New York like I said before remember?” Athena’s mother always had a low tone when speaking over the phone, except when she laughs. “Al right, I’ll see you soon mom, bye.” Athena ended the call quickly and rushed to Daniel.

  “Is your fist okay baby?” Athena pouted, feeling bad for what happened. “Yeah, it’s al right my love.” Daniel pulled her on his lap and kissed her. “I missed you so much.” Daniel spoke in a low husky tone. “Oh yeah? How much did you miss me?” Athena shyly asked in hope he would give her a treat tonight. “Do you want me to show you?” Daniel smirked and winked at her. “Yes, please show me baby.” Athena bit her lip, opened her legs and sat directly on his erection. “I see.” Daniel lifted her up and safely put her down on the bed, as he proceeded to kiss her neck like a maniac. Athena couldn't stop laughing from how ticklish his tongue felt on such a delicate part of her body.

  Daniel took off his shirt as fast as he could, as Athena unbuckled his jeans. Sweat followed soon after, heavy breathing could be heard all the way from Jenny’s room. Jenny knocked on the wall. “Can you guys keep it down please? I’m trying to sleep you know!”

  Jenny mumbled her way to sleep after losing the unseen battle. Athena’s head board wouldn't stop hitting the wall, thrust after thrust, neither of them wanted to stop. As the night went on until the break of dawn, silence finally commenced, birds could be heard chirping to the new day as the sun showed its face. Naked bodies, perfectly stuck to each other from an unseen force of nature called love.

  Daniel quickly got up covering his manhood with one hand and used the other one to cover his eyes from the bright sun rays that struck the bedroom window.

 
So fucking bright what the fuck; damn my back feels so fucked right now.

  He jumped back into bed, waking Athena up in the process, as the sun had no effect on the cold room they were sleeping in. “Good morning baby.” Athena sheepishly said the first words after a night of slow, hard, passionate sex.

  Chapter 12

  Part II

  Daniel opened the door and witnessed a pool of blood that spilled out of Jason’s mouth lying on the floor. He scrunched his nose.

  That’s so gross. He thought.

  “Baby, I’ll come by later today okay; I have to finish that painting.” Daniel stood in front of her door, ready to leave back to his dorm. “Okay, I’ll be here waiting for you baby.” Athena stood on her tippy toes and kissed him passionately. Daniel walked off trying not to look back at her; she closed the door and barged into Jenny’s room unannounced, falling right on her bed. “Please, I don't want to know anything, I heard too much last night and barely got any sleep. So, the only thing I want to hear from you right now is. Jenny I’m sorry I was too loud last night and it won’t happen again. That’s all I want to hear from your mouth.” Jenny sat up with her arms crossed looking at Athena very seriously. “It won’t happen again.” Athena conformed and laid quietly on the side of her bed. “So, what do you want to say?” Jenny felt bad and opened her ears for once. “I need a favor.” Athena smiled, in a daze of last night that couldn't escape her mind. Athena stood up and walked to her room. “Are you going to tell me the favor or what?” Jenny yelled. “Yeah I will; but later!” Athena opened her closet and chose the outfit she’ll wear for the day.

  Daniel walked into his dorm room and went straight to the toilet, not noticing that Will isn't there. He picked up his painting and took it into the room and set it in the middle of the beds.

  Finally some peace and quiet in here!

  Daniel splashed paint onto his color mixer and started with no hesitation, all he could think of was her; looking at her made him feel indestructible. Within no time Daniel finally finished his painting.

  A moment he has been waiting to see for a long time, to see if his skills are up to par with one of the greats, or even in his own lane. Daniel hopped over to his closet and took out the frame he bought for the canvas which was located right next to the panic button. Daniel set it down carefully in front of the bathroom window to dry before putting the frame onto it. The frame had tiny engraving all over it making it seem like it was bought in the 1800s.

  “Daniel!” Will gave Daniel the fright of his life after hearing no one entering the room. “Fucking hell man; Shit don’t do that again fuck!” Daniel walked passed Will in shock, going straight to his bed after a long night of restless sleep. “Hey Daniel.” Allison stood by the door as Daniel didn't even notice her being there. “Oh, hey Allison, how are you?” Daniel responded politely. “I’m fine, we got you a traveling bag, and its red too.” She said.

  Allison picked up the bag, walking over to Daniel as she handed it over to him. “Wow that was very thoughtful, thank you. Did Will tell you anything?” Daniel asks as he inspects the bag. “No just that you have to leave early because of family issues.” Allison smiled at Will while he scratched his head. “Oh he said that huh?” Daniel looked over to Will. “Thanks bro.” Daniel smiled sarcastically, as he wasn't supposed to tell anyone. “Would it be wrong if I told you it slipped out of my mouth?” Will chuckled, trying to avoid his eyes. “It would be yes, but you bought me a bag so I guess you're off the hook.” Daniel slowly whispered to him across the room.

  Allison stood still, thinking she was the one who shouldn't have said anything to Daniel as Will specifically told her in the car not to say a word of it. “Sorry.” Allison gestured to Will without Daniel noticing. “It’s okay, don't worry about it.” Will waved her off.

  “I saw the painting Daniel, its incredible man, you should really be proud of it.” Will tries to fix the situation. “Thanks man, and did you get the envelopes I asked you to?” Daniel sat down on the bed and released a huge yawn. “Oh right, yes I did.” Will reached into his back pocket and took out 2 white envelopes and set it neatly down on the bedside table. Daniel laid down and covered his legs with a fluffy white blanket. “I’m going to close my eyes for a few minutes, if you're staying just keep it quiet please.” Daniel mumbled as sleep took over him within seconds.

  “I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Will whispered and pointed at the door as Allison slowly walked out. “If you need anything I’ll be with Allison.” Will poked his head out of the door and closed it softly. Daniel raised one thumb in the air and fell asleep. Finally at peace, his brain gave in and gave him no choice but to rest.

  “Do you think he will be okay? He kind of looked sick in a way.” Allison worried about Daniel’s wellbeing. “Don’t worry; I've seen him like that many times actually. He might sleep till tomorrow if I'm not mistaken.” Will chuckled as they walked down to the parking area. “Since its 7pm how about we go watch a movie in the cinema?” Will smiled brightly as he adores watching movies. “I think that’s a perfect idea.” Allison leaned her head on his shoulder, and gave him a slight peck on the cheek.

  After endless searching as neither of them is quite familiar with New York, they finally came across an old cinema that only plays movies made back in the 1900s. “You won’t mind old movies right? Because I see they are playing pulp fiction, which starts in 10minutes actually.” Will smiled so bright it reached his eyes, hoping Allison won't disagree to his proposal. “I fucking love that movie.” Allison looked at him weirdly.

  Finally realizing they have so much in common; she would be stupid not to let him into her world. Her fantasy of the perfect man may indeed have become reality. Will jumped out of the car stylishly sliding over to her side of the door and opening it. “Please, let me.” Will held out his hand. She placed hers softly in his manly hands and got out of the car. “Thank you, you're very kind.” Allison felt shyly flustered at Will’s ability to treat her like the only girl in the world.

  Will continued to hold her hand as they walked across the wet street. “Hey, 2 tickets for pulp fiction please.” Will politely asked the cinema guy working at the ticket booth until late hours. “2 tickets for pulp fiction; it started so make your way down to door 5, thank you.” The cinema guy slid the tickets through a tiny opening in the glass shield. They rushed to get sour cream and chives flavored popcorn with a red and blue slushy.

  “Hey baby.” Daniel answered the phone with neither of his eyes opened, drooling from his right cheek to the pillow, wondering what Athena wants. “Hey baby, can you come real quick I need your help.” Athena spoke softly next to a stall where a lady was letting herself go after a plate of nasty seafood. Daniel woke up instantly as her voice sounded in dying need. “Sweetheart where are you?” Daniel sat up quickly. “I’m at the restaurant where you took me on our first date.” Athena whispered as no sound came from the stall next to her, which was kind of creeping her out in the process.

  “Al right baby I'm coming.” Daniel stood up and wore his pants, without fixing his hair or washing his face as he looked for the car keys.

  Where the fuck did I put it. Oh right Will took the car. Fuck.

  Daniel unlocked his cellphone, urgently calling Will nonstop. “Hey, if it’s not urgent then end the call.” Will answered, whispering in the cinema, trying to low ball the man with a flash light. “I need the car man, Athena is in an emergency.” Daniel’s voice changed from sleepy to concern within a matter of seconds. “Oh fuck okay we are coming.” Will rushed Allison up, as they exited to the door way. “What’s going on?” Allison seemed confused from both ends. “Athena is in an emergency, and we have to save the day.” Will chuckled while speed walking to the car.

  “Get in get in!” Will jumped into the driver’s seat and took off without looking in his side view mirrors. Daniel stood downstairs waiting for Will to arrive, hesitantly walking around in circles, nervous but more scared as what Athena might have gotten herself into.
From a distance Daniel saw the car coming and jumped with his hands in the air, signaling his standing at the road.

  “Over there!” Allison pointed straight at Daniel, Will reversed out of the parking he firstly wanted to park in and drove to Daniel. Daniel hopped in the back seat. “Drive! Go to II Mulino fast!” Daniel couldn't care less of the impeccable driving Will produced. “Here stop!” Daniel jumped out of the car as Will and Allison tried to find a parking space. Daniel walked up to the restaurant, barging in unannounced as he startled one of the waitresses. Daniel looked at every table and finally saw Athena sitting at a table in the corner of the restaurant.