Life Ain't A Fairy Tale

by Miguel Rivera

  "Really? No way. How about roller coaster rides, huh?"

  "No, no. I don't do that either."

  "C'mon. I'm going to get you on one." She responds in a commanding way.

  "No way. Don't even waste your time."

  "You have too many fears, man." She complains.

  "Sara, I know my limitations. That is all. It is better to know this from the beginning."

  "Do you have any friends here?"

  "Yes, I have three friends."

  "You can invite them to the club this Saturday, if they can come."

  "Okay, I am not sure if they will be available. I will ask them if they can come. By the way, are you a vegetarian?"

  "Me? I eat vegetables. I am not a strict vegetarian because I eat meat as well. Why are you so random with your questioning?

  "Sara, I ask you because you are always eating salads. There is no meat anywhere in your diet."

  "Okay, I see. Well, I am trying to lose weight. I am trying to avoid the calories."

  "You are fine. You don't need to lose weight."

  "Aw, thanks."

  "It's true. You look gorgeous. You are beautiful. No doubt about it." Sara blushes when she hears me say this.

  "You know, Jimmy, I enjoyed having you around this weekend. I don't know if you are up for it. I think it would be a great idea if you move in with me. We can spend more time together at my house."

  "Your house? For how long, Sara?" Her invitation takes me by surprise.

  "For as long as you like. I've always liked you since the day I met you on the first day of classes. I never thought we'd be this close." She looks at me tenderly.

  "Really? Wow, why didn't you tell me anything back then?"

  "I didn't know if you liked me." She shrugs her shoulders.

  "You couldn't guess that I liked you. Of course, I liked you. I would have said yes if you asked me out. We have lost so much time."

  "If you liked me so much, why didn't you ask me out?"

  "Well, I was scared. I don't like getting turned down or taking the initiative."

  "Guys are the ones who suppose to ask the girl out."

  "I really wish girls did the asking out. I have asked girls out that I liked before. Unfortunately, they have turned me down."

  "Aw, you poor thing. How many girlfriends have you had?"

  "None. You are the first one."

  "Oh my God. Are you serious? Something isn't adding up. How did you learn to have sex like you did last night?" She gives me a naughty stare.

  "Sex? That is simple math and physics. You know...there is an open space that needs to be filled. So, I fill it. Body contact causes friction; it creates heat. The heat creates pleasure. It is all self-explanatory. Sex is no big deal."

  "(Sara laughs) Are you sure that you are telling me the truth? Isn't there any adventures you've been part of or something?"

  "No, no. I'm serious. Don't make fun of my tragedy. Look, jokes aside, what hurt me the most weren't the girls turning me down as their boyfriend. These girls also turned me down as a friend. They did not give me the joy to be their friend. Can you believe that? I would have been happy with a hello, not even that."

  "They turned you down. I can't believe you still want to be friends with them?" Her face shows surprise.

  "Yes, I really wanted to be in their lives. To be honest, I admit it is entirely my fault. I didn't know how to romance them. When they avoided me as a friend, it was the most painful thing I've ever felt in my life."

  "Aw, don't worry. I doubt it was entirely your fault. Those times passed a long time ago. The girls you liked are stupid. You are the best thing ever. Back to our relationship, what is your answer to my proposal?"

  "Isn't the answer obvious?" I tease her.

  "No, it's not. What is it, Jimmy?" Her face shows concern. She believes my answer to her proposal could be no.

  "Yes," I say as she arrives at my house and parks in my driveway. She hugs and kisses me on the lips. I smile at her.

  "Thank God. I thought you were going to say no."

  "Why would I say no?"

  "Because you are a spoiled brat. If you live with me, things are going to be different."

  "I know. I am willing to make the necessary changes for you, Sara." Sara gives me a beautiful stare. When she flashes her teeth, I smile back at her.

  "I love the smile you have, Jimmy."

  "I love everything about you, Sara."

  She drops me off at my house. I kiss her goodbye and wave to her as she drives away. Ringing the doorbell, my parents see me from the window. I wave to them. They open the door. My parents greet me and bombard me with questions.

  "I see you have a girlfriend now." My father says proudly.

  "Yes, I do." I respond.

  "Aw, I told you that one day you would meet the right girl for you." My mother says.

  "Did you and your girlfriend already do it?" My father asks eagerly.

  "No, father. Not all women are as easy as those on the TV." I lie.

  "You see, I knew every woman in the world is not throwing themselves at men on their first dates. Sure they exist, but they are not all the same." My mother tells my father with pride.

  "Yes. You need to stop stereotyping women, father. My girlfriend proposed to go live with her at her house."

  "Already? Isn't this kind of soon?" My mother asks. My parents become startled by this announcement.

  "Are you sure you want this son?" My father asks.

  "Well, I figure that I move in with her. If things go bad, I can always leave and come back here."

  My parents are not too happy that I am moving in with Sara, but I have an even bigger concern. I worry over the ups and downs of this fantasy called love. Sara is in the infatuation stage. For me, I know love is a fantasy. One year or two from now, I know the intense romance will be reduced to a peaceful friendship. I am okay with that. On the other hand, Sara believes love is real and forever. She is too young to realize that her strong feelings for me will disappear as soon as she sees my flaws. She liked me because I wasn't myself. Sara did not have the chance to see my real flaws. Getting along as classmates is a lot different from getting along as a couple. My parents claimed they were in love when they got married. They are not in love anymore.

  I, James Gutierrez, have flaws and not the good kinds. My flaws do not exist in our society. I am not a people person. Rarely, do I go out. I am afraid of trying new things such as riding roller coasters or going water rafting. I am not the kind of guy a girlfriend can show off as her trophy. I am very uncomfortable playing the role of a trophy. Trophies are shiny and the center of attention of any sports event. I do not like being the center of attention of anything. Most women like their boyfriends to get along with her friends, but I struggle to be likeable. Personally, I wish I could interact with Sara only. That is not how society works. Sara's friends have to be my friends too.

  When she snaps out of love and sees my flaws, will our relationship end because we will not be as in love as her parents are? Her parents are the exception, not the norm. They have been stuck in the infatuation stage. This can't last much longer. It is only a matter of time before they hate each other like my parents.

  Because of her parents, her view of love and a relationship is different from mines. I hope that as she matures, she will see things my way. Love isn't rosy in real life. She clings to a fantasy that doesn't exist. I am ready for a long-term relationship whose foundation is friendship. At this moment, she is not ready for that type of relationship. The only consolation price for me is that at least I am having one girlfriend before I die.

  During the week that passed by, we went back to our daily lives. I did my tutoring while Sara went back to being a scientist at Biopharm. Throughout the week, our texts were all hugs and kisses during the morning, the afternoon, and midnight. I never thought I'd be so glued to my smartphone for Sara's text messages. When I tutored students on the fundamentals of Biology and Algebra, there was not one moment
when Sara did not cross my mind. My infatuation with her is really strong.

  As I relax from work this Friday night, my immediate concern is her invitation for tomorrow night. I accepted the invitation to avoid upsetting Sara. I had no choice. If I want to keep a relationship with Sara, I have to be a part of her life. I know how to dance. It is not the way everybody dances. Every music genre has its own dancing style. I dance every song the same way. I will have to tolerate the loud music, too.

  Inviting my friends was considered, but I do not know how Sara will take their craziness. At first, it seemed nice to show Sara my friends. When I login to the online social network, their profiles' status updates make me think twice. Luis has a status update saying that Angela gave him the best blowjob ever. He feels it is necessary to share that. Juan and Justin's profiles show images of women in skimpy bikinis. Their butts hide the thongs they wear. I think it is better to play it safe. Who knows, Sara might like them more than me. They are more fun and more people friendly than me.

  Sara is no saint either. On her profile, she has photo albums showing her drunk and partying at a club. She is also seen doing a keg stand with two guys holding her legs upward. I always hated hanging around drunken people because they are so annoying. Their alcoholic breath disgusts me. I hope Sara is not as wild and drunk as she looks. She is a scientist for crying out loud. Alcohol is not good for anyone.

  Tonight is probably the last time I will hangout with my friends. I am not very enthusiastic about driving from Sara's home to their bar. I always wanted a girlfriend. The only reason I hanged out with my friends was because my parents encouraged me. Considering that I am going to pal around with Sara's new friends, it is pointless to continue my friendship with them.

  At the bar, Luis, Juan, Justin and I are hanging out without Angela. Since Sara updated her status from 'single' to 'in a relationship' with me, I did the same thing. Finally, I have someone who is unashamed to like me publicly. It is probable I will be hearing from them about my first relationship. I am expecting some jokes on how I finally hit it or stuff of that nature.

  "Looks like little Jimmy finally rises to the occasion." Luis starts clapping, and the other guys join in as well.

  "I am afraid to ask what you mean by finally rises?" I see their jokes coming.

  "Yerps. James finally got a girl." Justin says.

  "Little Jimmy handled his business in the dirty south." Juan teases me.

  "No, don't get too happy. We did not have sex. I am not a slut. I am not easy." I lie.

  "He probably wore two condoms, cause 90% plus 90% equals 180% effectiveness." Justin points out.

  "I don't care if you don't believe me, but I do have a girlfriend, and I am moving in with her." I say.

  "Say what?" Justin asks as his jaw drops.

  "Whoa, Sara got you hooked already. Jimmy is a gentlemen in the street, but a beast in the bedroom." Luis jokes.

  "Yeah!" Justin salutes and toasts to the joke.

  "For someone who is a goody two shoes, you seem desperate to have sex with your girlfriend again." Juan says with a look of mischief on his face.

  "It is not about the sex. She is a cool girl. She earned a Master's Degree in Biotechnology. She is a very bright scientist." I brag.

  "Of course, you think she is very bright. She even adds biotechnology to the fuckfest." Luis jokes. All the guys laugh at what he says.

  "You know something. Your sex jokes are horrible. That is the truth. When I took a bus ride back in high school, I heard a girl say the best sex joke ever. Better than any of your jokes." I challenge them. They observe me with interest.

  "Oh, really? Jimbo, what was that awesome joke about?" Luis asks.

  "Well, Luis. It goes like this. Life is like a guy's cock. When it gets hard, fuck it." I get a huge boisterous reaction from the guys.

  "You know something else wise guy. When it gets hard, suck it." Luis changes the ending to the joke.

  Juan interrupts. "Now, for real. Let's keep it real. Are you going to move in with your girl to be her housewife?" Juan asks. Juan uses the pool stick to simulate the broom I will be sweeping the floor with.

  "Maybe. I don't know. Nothing wrong with being a housewife." I respond. Juan responds with a loser hand gesture.

  "That is a dumb question, Johnny boy. Remember when I asked back then if he would rather be a girl or a jerk, and he said girl." Luis reminds everybody.

  "Even the biggest nerd in our high school answered jerk." Justin reminisces and looks at me in disbelief.

  "I don't let society labels dictate my future actions." This is my catchphrase.

  "Well, congrats, man. You are a good man. You've been overlooked for too long." Justin compliments me. He extends his hand to give me a handshake.

  "Thanks so much, Justin." I respond in gratitude and extend my hand to shake his.

  I bid everyone farewell without saying my decision. They will never see me hangout with them again.

  My parents have some mixed feelings about my relationship with Sara. On one hand, they are happy I am finally a part of this society. They hated to see me glued to the computer, TV, or video game console the entire day. It surprised them that I was not able to develop any close friendships. On the other hand, they are concerned Sara's friends will take advantage of me because I am naive.

  I assure my parents that I am my own man. History confirms that I do not succumb to peer pressure. If I do something crazy, it is because I willfully want to do it, not because other people force me. I never drank beer in my life. My anti-drinking stance will not change. I really hope Sara doesn't mind my lifestyle tomorrow or else it will be the shortest relationship ever.

  Late Saturday morning, I bathe, eat, and pack my suitcase to wait for Sara. I begin the day eating my favorite honey flavored cereals. I take a warm bath. There is enough time to eat chicken noodle soup with two drumsticks. I shave and dress myself with a red, white, and blue shirt, black jeans, and brown boots.

  Unexpectedly, my parents treat this farewell very emotionally. While helping me pack my suitcase with clothing, shoes, gel, and toothbrushes, they remind me how my birth changed their lives. During my baby years, I gave them the most wonderful moments they ever had. They love how nice a person I always have been from baby to adult. I become overwhelmed with emotion as well. I tell them that they are the best parents a child can ever dream of having. When Sara arrives at my driveway, I take the suitcase and leave the house with lots of hugs and kisses from my parents. They have tears in their eyes.

  Sara waits in her car while I walk down the steps with a suitcase. She opens the trunk of her car so I can put my suitcase in it. When I open the passenger's door, my breath is taken away by how gorgeous she looks. Her black hair is wavy today. She wears a light purple strapless cocktail dress and the purple high-heeled shoes she bought last Sunday. She has pink eye shadow makeup and vibrant pink lipstick on. I cannot believe this beauty of a woman likes me back.

  "Jimmy, your eyes look a little teary." She asks with a concerned look on her face.

  "I have lived with my parents forever. They are the best people in my life."

  "Aw, don't worry. You will see them again." She pats me on the back.

  "Yes, that is true. I remember you said that you love your parents. I love my parents even more. I did not have close friends, brothers, sisters, or cousins throughout my life. My parents are my best friends. They are in their older years. I will miss them so much when they are not around."

  "Aw, you are so sweet. Get ready to meet a person I love with all my heart and soul, my sister."

  Chapter 4

  Sara drives me to her sister's New York apartment. Her sister lives in the brown five-floor apartment. We take the elevator to the third floor. Sara finds her sister's room number. Sara knocks on the door. A young woman opens the door. She has long black hair reminiscent of Sara's former hairstyle and a black purse on her shoulder. She is chubby, slightly taller than Sara, and has large breasts. Her oval body type'
s fat is well distributed, making her pleasing to the eye. Her face is skinny compared to her body. She wears a red cocktail dress with thin straps and dark red high-heeled shoes. The sisters hug and kiss each other on the cheek.

  "Jimmy, this is my sister, Gina. Gina this is my boyfriend."

  "Hi, Jimmy. How are you? My sister has good taste." Gina warmly greets me with a hug and kiss on my cheek.

  "Thank you, Gina. You too. You and Sara look alike." The similarities in their mannerisms amaze me. When strands of hair hang in front of their faces, they stroke their hair strands back identically.

  "Aw, thanks. I wish I could look like my lovely sister Sara. She is so pretty and thin." Gina hugs Sara from behind.

  Sara, Gina, and I ride in Sara's car to go to the nightclub. I have never been to a nightclub. Sara and Gina sing together radio songs throughout the entire car ride. Their heads sway from side to side for every radio song. It is adorable to see both sisters singing together. Their chemistry is palpable. Sara informs me there are three other people inside waiting for us.

  When we arrive at the nightclub, the scene startles me. The loud music overwhelms my ears; I am not used to very loud noises. Additionally, the bass of the music gives me the impression of a loud heartbeat in my chest. This loudness reminds me of the very loud high school pep rallies. The club is also very overcrowded. I am accustomed more to small gatherings. Visually, the bright light flashes contrast immensely with the nightclub's darkness. Initially, the flashes of light bother my eyes.

  Finally, we arrive at the table where Sara's friends are. One of them is Chad, Sara's co-worker at Biopharm. He is blond and a green-eyed Caucasian in athletic shape. His tight black short-sleeved shirt shows off his muscular physique. The other two women are a blue-eyed blonde called Lizzie and a brown-eyed brunette named Melissa. Both ladies have a similarly thin straight body type. Lizzie is wearing a dark green dress while Melissa is wearing a white dress. Their dresses have a similar design to Gina's dress. Both girls are friends of Sara and Gina. They work in video production of media events like Gina does.