Daniel walked up to her fast, but stopped dead in his tracks as he saw a familiar face breaching his antennas. A face he didn't want to see for another million years. As Daniel got closer Athena stood up and hugged him tightly, she let go and introduced him to her mother. “Daniel, this is my mom and mom this is Daniel.” Athena proudly boasted her man at the highest levels. Daniel walked over to Melissa’s side of the table and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Daniel couldn't comprehend the feeling that came over him; waves of shock filled his heart. A fake smile covered his anger just for Athena’s enjoyment. “Nice to finally meet you too, please sit down. Athena talks only about you, so I wanted to see for myself if you're really the man she’s been going on about.” Melissa gave Daniel a smirk, only to indicate that she didn't know either; Eyes bulging right at him, secretly telling him not to fuck up.
“Well, I hope you kept your expectations low ma’am I never met anyone’s mother before.” Daniel strapped into the seat, firmly playing a role that he was not meant to do. “Tell me about yourself if you don't mind.” Melissa asked, expecting Daniel to deliver on point false information. At that moment Daniel saw Will and Allison running into the restaurant.
What the fuck is this.
Will thought as he noticed Melissa’s evil grin from a distance, stopping before Athena could see them both. Will turned around and took Allison by the hand. “Let’s go, he seems fine.” Will couldn't help but to leave Daniel to deal with the situation as he didn't want to encounter another moment with her. “Al right, looks like he just met her mom.” Allison chuckled as she saw the expression of hopelessness on Daniel’s face.
“Baby, you okay?” Athena whispered over the table, kicking Daniels leg slightly. “Oh, I am 22 years old, I'm from Alaska born and raised.” Daniel chuckled with a forged smile beaming off of his face. “I study art, same as Athena and that’s about it.” Daniel ended the subject, not wanting to go further into detail. “Is that it? Athena he seems rather boring.” Melissa stuffed her nose right back into the menu.
“Mom, he’s just nervous right now, why don’t you just give him a chance?” With no warning Daniel stood up in panic. “I have to go, sorry.” Daniel walked 5 feet away from the table and heard the sound that has been torturing him for the past 12 years straight. “Come back here! Sit down please.” Melissa ordered Daniel, as he felt no other choice but to comply. Athena buried her head in embarrassment, hoping this night would end like she hoped it would. “I’m sitting, no need to yell.” Daniel smiled, chuckled at Athena and sat down obediently.
Daniel looked over to Athena with eyes that wanted to escape his soul. “Baby, are you okay?” Athena asked as she held his hand over the table, feeling compassionate from the moment he walked in. “Yeah I'm fine, so what are we eating.” Daniel picked up the menu and began reading, trying to get his mind off of the fact that Melissa is there, actually being Athena's mother.
This is not happening. What kind of sick person does all this to their daughter? Wait till Will hears about this. Fuck I should've known.
Over the course of 12 years being with Melissa, she never revealed her full name under any circumstances whatsoever. Daniel felt fooled, not to mention bewildered at its best. A confusion so daring it could kill you within seconds. Daniel’s cellphone vibrated, receiving a text message from Will, startling him out of the daze he was in.
Please tell me that wasn't Melissa.
Daniel covered his face even more with the menu. “Daniel, do you love my daughter?” Melissa stared into his soul. Daniel slowly came out of the words distracting him from her. “With my entire heart ma’am, she's my first love, and hopefully it won’t get ruined by you.”
Daniel’s tone was serious, with a touch of sarcasm lingering on his side of the table. Melissa went quiet, looking over to Athena as she was just as shocked too; Melissa began to laugh hysterically; trying not to break the bond of acting. “Athena tells me you're quite the painter.” Melissa tried to resume her motherly side for the sake of the experiment. “Yeah, but she hasn't seen anything yet, so she can’t tell. I did finish my end of the year exam, which is supposed to be a painting.” Daniel winked at Athena, as he flowed with what Melissa was doing.
“Oh can I see it?” Athena asked; excited to see what he painted. “Not until the day we have to show them. It’s a surprise.” Daniel chuckled as the waiter stood behind him. “Can I take your order?” The waiter smiled and moved over to Melissa’s side of the table. “Yes, I would like the duck with the pomegranate vinaigrette on the side.” Melissa closed her menu and looked at Daniel.
If eyes could kill Daniel knew he would've been dead by now. Daniel tried to avoid any eye contact, looking at Athena, the only reason why he's doing this. “I want the chicken ravioli please.” Athena thought for a quick second Daniel would pick the same thing as her. “Give me the lobster.” Daniel looked around, with a change of heart as he didn't want Athena to regret doing anything. He felt grateful for letting him meet her mother, as it’s a big deal in a girl’s life, but also he would've never known its Melissa.
I’m going to fuck up this whole dinner for you Melissa.
Athena stared at the loud bang coming from Daniel’s plate. Hitting the hammer right on the claw of the fish, as spatter flew on Melissa’s forehead. Daniel looked over to Melissa and started laughing, knowing she can’t fuck this dinner up either, a pass to everything he felt like doing for the 12 years he spent in EA.
Athena slightly chocked on her ravioli, trying not to laugh as hard. Melissa wiped her head off with a handkerchief. She stared at Daniel as she knew what he was up to.
Fucker, I know what you're doing.
Daniel looked right back at her with steric eyes, subliminally telling her the games have just begun. “I’m so sorry about that, usually that doesn't happen, I'm sorry.” Daniel apologized for the sake of Athena. Melissa bent down her head and continued eating. Seconds later fluid from the lobster squirted on her purple blouse. Daniel’s eyes suddenly became bigger, not expecting it to happen twice. “I guess the lobster hates you.” Daniel burst out laughing, hitting the table in the process. Athena seemed freaked out at all of it, but laughed with Daniel as he thought it was the funniest joke alive. “Good one baby.” Athena giggled into her plate of food.
Melissa stood up vigorously. “Thank you Daniel for joining us for dinner, I have to go unfortunately. Athena he's a keeper I can tell you that much.” Melissa tried getting the stain off but was unable to. “Are you sure mom? We aren't even done yet.” Athena stood up, trying to make her sit back down. “No, it’s late and I have a meeting with a colleague of mine.” Melissa walked out of the restaurant; as Daniel sat quietly waiting for a response from Athena.
“That wasn't so bad right?” Athena giggled sarcastically. “Yeah, it wasn’t bad at all I like her very much.” Daniel took one of her hands and held it tightly. “Really?” Athena shyly smiled, happy that he finally met her. “Yes, really, really, I'm glad I came here baby.” Daniel gave her a satisfying smile which made her fall even more in love with him. The acceptance for Athena couldn't have felt greater. She felt a connection she never felt before, from the first day she met him at the pub.
Daniel had bad news written all over him from her perspective. Athena took a chance, disobeying her own rules she’s set out for the dating game, and broke every single one of them in the process. “I’m not hungry anymore, how about we go for a walk?” Daniel asked as he stood up and reached for her hand. Athena took a last bite out of her ravioli and stood up, taking his hand firmly.
Chapter 13
While the weather was slowly approaching its summer potential; Daniel laid on the couch in Athena’s dorm room with open legs; short, and shirtless to the touch. Athena stood next to the window, feeling the breeze of hot air, hoping to cool her down. “What do you feel like doing today?” Athena fanned her face with her hand continuously. “I have no idea; this heat is kind of making me sleepy.” Daniel tried with all his might to keep both his
eyes open, but couldn't escape the terrible epidemic of lazy eyes.
After minutes of doing nothing Daniel stood up and walked to the refrigerator, he opened the door and stood in the path way of the cold coming through. “Oh shit! I forgot there’s ice cream!” Athena rushed to where Daniel was standing and reached into the freezer, taking out a tub of chocolate butter pecan topped with toffee ice cream. “Ugh what is that?” He asked disgusted.
Athena noticed a perplexed look on his face which made Athena want to shove down tons of butter pecan ice cream down his throat. “Can you just try it please, its butter pecan with caramel.” She scooped a spoon full as Daniel realized it doesn't look like caramel at all. “Baby, I don't like toffee, I hate it with all of my heart.” He spoke, only his lips moving in case she tried to fool him into speaking. “I swear to you its caramel baby, why would I lie.” She giggled, rubbing it against his lips. “I know what caramel looks like, and that’s not it.”
Daniel took a step back, and looked back into the freezer noticing another tub of ice cream. “Strawberry cheesecake, I’d rather eat this than toffee, and also I hate chocolate ice cream if you didn't already know. Vanilla is so much better on so many levels.” He stood proud and firmly on the ground, not giving in to the menace of chocolate ice cream. “It’s a disgrace to ice cream land.”
Daniel whispered as he took a spoon out of the drawer and walked back to the couch. “Well, I love chocolate ice cream no matter what you say.” Athena took a seat right next to him, as the television played a horrible series called Teen Wolf. “Do you know which ice cream is the best of all ice creams?” Daniel tried to speak as he ate his ice cream at a very slow pace. “No; what?” She looked at him, thinking who eats ice cream that slow. “The 1 dollar vanilla cone at McDonalds, I shit you not. Do you want to try it? It’ll blow your mind trust me.”
Daniel looked down at the tub Athena kept holding in her hand, condemning every bite she took of it. “I might’ve, but I think I forgot how it tastes like.” “Well, maybe I should take you down memory lane once in a while.” Daniel snickered, wiping the sweat dripping from the side of his face. Athena jumped up in a quick motion. “I have an idea!” Daniel jumped out of his skin.
“What? What is it?” He half chocked, trying to comprehend the excitement that flew through him. “Let’s go to the beach!” Athena stood in the middle of the room, as she felt so stupid not thinking about it in the first place. “Oh shit! That’s a perfect idea, but I don't know where any beach is so you will have to drive.” Daniel looked at her, star gazing into her eyes, subliminally telling her to please drive. “Fine, I don't have a problem driving.” Athena ran into the kitchen and carefully put the tub back into the freezer.
“I’ll go chance into my swim suit.” Athena charged into the room, catching a hawk eye coming from Daniel. “Don’t worry, it will be nothing too revealing.” She giggled and opened her wardrobe. “You know there’s a reason why they call it wardrobe. It was originally invented for women, first because it’s a war and then they added drobe so that women don't notice.” Daniel’s laughter echoed into her room.
“Oh shut up!” Athena giggled, taking off her sun dress replacing it with above the knee shorts and a tank top. “Do I look okay?” She stood in the door way, receiving lustful eyes from Daniel. “Okay, I got the message.” Athena giggled, walking up to him as she grabbed the ice cream tub from his hands. “Let’s go!” “Right; let's do this.” Daniel stood up lazily walking to the door. He opened it and dangled the keys in front of her face. Athena snatched it excitedly as this was her first time driving his car.
“I was wondering when you’ll let me drive. I hope you won’t be too scared.” Athena walked out as Daniel got a better view of her behind. “No, I trust you baby.” Daniel closed the door, smacking her ass in the process. “You love my ass don't you?” Athena shyly asked. “With my entire heart baby, but one doesn't simply choose between ass and boobies.” Daniel stated.
They laughed their way to the car, trying to determine which is better, but couldn't come to a conclusion. Athena jumped into the driver’s seat, reclining her seat forward making sure her feet can touch the pedals. “You ready?” Daniel slowly strapped in his seat belt. “Yes, I think so it’s been a while since I drove, but don't worry I'm not going to kill us.” Athena giggled and started the car. “Okay, like I said I trust you, I’m just going to lay back and close my eyes till we get there.”
Daniel wore his sunglasses and reclined his seat more back and rested his eyes. Athena saw it as trustworthy and comfortable; the fact that he wasn’t worrying about her driving gave her more confidence to get the job done. Throughout the short drive which took 25 minutes of their time, Athena stopped and tried to remember the way to a beach she once went to when she was young. Standing at a cross road, determining which one to take.
Fuck it, I’ll go right.
Athena ended up in a place unfamiliar to her memories, renovated to the core the beach seemed much nicer, but lacked the scent of memories that lingered to her from a distance. “Baby, we are here.” She took off his sunglasses, automatically waking him up. “Oh shit, we made it.” Daniel reclined his seat back to how it was; admiring the view, Daniel got out of the car and took a deep breath. “It’s awesome right.” Athena added as she got out of the car, making sure her purse is in a safe place.
“Yeah, it’s amazing and weirdly not full of people.” Daniel got back in the car and took his shoes off. “What are you doing?” Athena looked at him quizzically. “What? I’m taking off my shoes; who walks on the beach with shoes? But you can hold your flip flops in your hands if you don't want to leave them in the car.” He said.
Daniel jumped back out as Athena agreed and left her flip flops under the seat, away from stealing eyes. Daniel rushed to the shore, kicking sand in Athena’s face. “Catch me if you can!” Daniel loudly shouted. Athena ran after him and jumped on his back as revenge. “I got you.” She held on tightly, being carried by the only man she ever wants to be carried with. Daniel reached the shore line and dipped his toes into the ice cold water. “Oh my god, that feels incredible.” “Hey let me down!” She struggled to let go of Daniel’s grip. “Why? You're coming with me.”
Daniel proceeded to walk deeper into the water. “Baby I don't want to get wet!” Athena cried out for help hopelessly. “We came here for a reason my love, now don't fight it.” Daniel laughed hard, falling into the water, taking her with him. Athena came out of the water gasping for air. Daniel rose out of the water, with deadly shark minded intentions.
Daniel dove under the water, swimming to her sneakily; grabbing her leg and arms, he picked her up in his arms. “You scared me.” Athena shyly giggles. “I love that giggle, I love all of you.” Daniel couldn't stop his emotions speak for themselves. “I love you too baby.” Athena turned bright red from the cheeks down as Daniel walked out of the water onto the shoreline; he put her down as they walked the beach straight down to the end and back up again. “You know they call this beach the Riviera of New York.” Athena smiled and laughed as she threw smart facts on his face.
“What does Riviera even mean?” Daniel seemed puzzled by the whole existence of it. “It means a coastal region with a subtropical climate and vegetation. I googled it while you were sleeping.” Athena hugged on his arm, leaning against him. “Oh it makes sense now.”
Daniel agreed as he looked around and felt the subtropical weather blowing on his wet shirt, making his nipples hard. “I’m really scared of losing you Daniel; you're literally all I have and all I truly care about.” Athena looked up to him with watery eyes; Daniel reached to her cheek and wiped off a tear that dropped from her left eye. “I won’t ever leave you do you understand me? Don't ever be afraid of that okay, I’ll always be here.” Daniel pointed to her heart and laid his hand by her left breast.
Athena stretched out on her tippy toes and gave Daniel a passionate kiss as the sun was calmly setting down on the horizon, while the sky was lit up by red
light from participating clouds. In the back of Daniel's mind he could only think of how perfect this moment is, and Will yelling. ‘Movies bro movies!’; “Come, let’s get out of here.” Daniel held her around her waist as they walked over the sandy beach trying to make it to the car.
“When we get back to the dorms, I’ll go sit with Will for a while okay?” Daniel stated what he wanted to do next. “Okay baby I need some sleep anyway, tomorrow is the big day right.” Athena agreed, scared that tomorrow her painting will fail. “Hey, I know your painting is going to get flying colors okay, don't even worry about it because I know how good you are.” Daniel reassured her everything will be okay, as he knew in his mind that that is what he was set out to do. “I can’t wait to see your painting though, the one you have been hiding from me all the time.”
Athena giggled, more excited than Daniel himself. “You will see it, and I hope you look very closely. Remember always look at the bigger picture.” He smiled and gave her a flirtatious wink. Sand wiggling between their toes they finally made it to the car, trying to shake of the remaining sand stuck to their feet. “Fuck it, just get in the car baby I can clean the car later.”
Bittersweet Love Page 18