Bella

by D. J. Barrett

  I told Victoria that I’d met an Italian man called Marco and that he was taking me on a date on Saturday.

  “Italian… You lucky girl! Where did you meet him?”

  She asked.

  “I met him a couple of days ago when I went out for a walk on the beach. I was sat down day dreaming and he just sort of appeared.”

  “What’s he like Bella?” She asked inquisitively.

  “He`s incredibly good looking, and has an really sexy accent. I like him but its early days, after our date I’ll be able to tell you more.” I answered.

  She turned to Simon who was sitting directly opposite me.

  “Bella`s got a date on Saturday with a sexy Italian.” She informed him. I could feel myself blushing. He was looking directly at me and for some reason he didn’t look too pleased.

  Saturday arrived and I felt somewhat nervous. I decided to wear the dress that Ben had made for me. Victoria offered to style my hair and Lizzie did my make-up. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the reflection looking back at me. I sprayed myself with my favourite perfume that I`d got for Christmas from Lizzie.

  I sat by the living room window nervously waiting for Marco to arrive, he actually arrived five minutes early.

  When I opened the door he whistled at me and said

  “You look stunning.”

  As he escorted me to his car he held on tightly because I was afraid I would slip. He was a real gentleman and even opened the car door for me.

  He drove along the shore merrily whistling along to the tunes on the radio. He pointed to the restaurant where he worked.

  “That`s where I take you.”

  The lobster restaurant was on top of the cliff overlooking the bay. We sat by the window, and had a lovely view of the whole town; it looked so pretty. The lobster Marco ordered was mouth-watering, along with a nice bottle of Chardonnay to accompany it. We had a lovely evening; chatting and laughing.

  We finished the meal off with coffee, mince pies and a small cognac.

  “Tell me about your family “I asked Marco.

  For some reason he looked uncomfortable with my question and changed the subject, so I decided not to push.

  “Let us go for walk, it`s a beautiful night.” He proposed. We walked along the promenade hand in hand. The night was clear, the stars were out and there was a full moon. I joked to Marco.

  “I might turn into a werewolf.”

  He looked confused.

  “Werewolf! What is werewolf?

  I laughed and tried imitating a werewolf until he understood.

  “You are funny lady.” And we both started laughing.

  I hadn’t felt so content in a long time and for once I realised I wasn`t thinking of Simon. We walked along the beach, It was freezing; Marco stopped and pointed to a shooting star.

  “Make wish Bella.”

  When I closed my eyes to make a wish, I felt his soft lips brush mine, and the excitement rushed through my body. I opened my mouth beckoning for more and we kissed until we could kiss no more. I felt so excited and content. I didn`t want those moments to stop.

  We walked back to Marco’s car and he drove me home.

  The small light in the hallway was shining through the window and I decided to invite Marco in for a nightcap.

  Tammy had gone to bed, and Ben was studying quietly in the dining room. Marco went outside to look at the view from our garden while I poured the drinks.

  “What amazing view you have from ere Bella.” He shouted.

  All of a sudden I could feel eyes drilling into the back of my neck. I turned round to see Simon standing there and he didn’t look very amused.

  “Who is he Bella?” He demanded.

  Marco came back in, and Simon looked at him frostily; I could see that he looked uncomfortable, so I introduced him to Simon. He put out his hand to shake Simon’s however; Simon was very rude and left the room without saying a word. I felt extremely embarrassed.

  “I’m so sorry about that, It`s not like him. I don`t know what’s got into him.”

  Marco looked at me and with rather an annoyed tone said.

  “Anyone would think he your boyfriend.”

  “I apologise for his behaviour, there’s no excuse for being so rude. It’s just since our parents died, he sometimes feels responsible for me.”

  I could feel my face getting warm. What else could I say? I felt really angry with Simon. How dare he be so rude? I couldn’t exactly tell Marco that I had the wrong feelings for my brother and that I was pretty sure he felt the same.

  We both sipped our drinks in silence. I was worried in case Marco decided not to see me again. After what seemed ages we both started to speak at the same time.

  “You first Bella.” He said, breaking the silence.

  ”Would you like to come for supper on Thursday?” I asked half expecting excuses.

  “I be happy to Bella, but will Simon be ere?”

  I explained to Marco that Simon was only staying over Christmas and would be leaving soon. Marco looked somewhat relieved.

  “Well I leave now Bella, it is late and my turn to open the restaurant early tomorrow morning.

  I walked Marco to his car and he gave me a kiss on my lips, my body ached for more. I waved goodbye and as he turned the corner he beeped the horn. I don’t know what made me look up at Simon’s window, but I noticed the curtain slightly open and he was looking directly at me.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Thursday couldn’t come quick enough. I was so excited and happy to see Marco again. I asked Victoria to go shopping with me to help me choose some clothes that suited me.

  After traipsing around for hours, our feet were killing us so we decided to stop off at a little coffee shop on the corner of the high street. We sat by the window and ordered coffee and cake. People with screaming children passed by the window, rushing here and there loaded with shopping bags. As I looked across the street, I spotted Marco however, he wasn`t alone, he was with a woman, they were laughing, then he leant over and kissed her on the cheek which made me feel sick inside. Luckily Victoria didn`t see the look on my face. I told her that I had a migraine coming on, so we left the coffee shop and headed for home.

  Victoria stayed to speak to Tammy for five minutes and then went home.

  “Are you ok?” Tammy asked me with concerned look.

  “I have a migraine coming on, I think I’ll go and lie down for a while.” I told her.

  I put the clothes that I’d bought down on the bed and sat in the chair by the window. I started to think that every time something good came my way, it was taken away again.

  I tried to sleep but it was hard, every time I closed my eyes I could still see Marco with that woman, both of them laughing, then the kiss on the cheek. It could have been something perfectly innocent, nevertheless; I had to ask him about it.

  When my alarm went off I felt exhausted, I splashed my face with cold water and went downstairs to make some coffee.

  Tammy was in the kitchen making breakfast; I still felt tired from my restless sleep.

  “Good morning love, would you like some pancakes?

  “No thanks. I’m not very hungry. I’ll just have a coffee.”

  Usually I loved pancakes but this day I couldn’t stomach anything.

  ”Are you’re not coming down with something?” Tammy asked. I wanted to tell her what I’d seen but I thought it was better to wait until I’d spoken to Marco.

  The annoying thing was I couldn’t even call him and ask him not to come. Stupidly we’d forgotten to exchange phone numbers, so I had no other choice but to be patient and confront him face to face.

  I took a sip of coffee, and swallowed some aspirin. I wanted to feel better before I started cooking the evening meal. I ran upstairs to my room and decided to lie down for a while hoping the tablets would get rid of my headache. I soon fell asleep. An hour later I woke up and felt much better. Luckily my headache had gone away; so I decided to have a nice long s
oak in the bath and wash my hair. Tammy had gone shopping; I’d left her a note asking her to pick up a few things for me for that evening. I’d planned to cook roast beef with all the trimmings and homemade apple pie with whipped cream for dessert.

  I heard Tammy arrive, so I quickly got dressed and went downstairs and we both started preparing the evening meal.

  That day went by really quickly; Tammy and I were both extremely busy making sure everything was perfect because I wanted to make a good impression. I went upstairs to get myself ready; taking time to do my make-up and hair. While I was drying my hair I started thinking that maybe Marco didn’t find me attractive, although I was sure that the kiss we’d shared said something different.

  Marco finally knocked on the door. He was twenty minutes late, I really thought he’d decided not to come; whenI opened the door he presented me a lovely bunch of red roses. How did he know they were my favourite? They must of cost him a fortune this time of year. I thought.

  I asked Tammy and Ben to join us because I didn’t want to be alone with him.

  Sitting at the table I found it extremely hard to make conversation with Marco; I couldn’t get out of my head what I`d seen. He seemed to enjoy the meal very much; but I wasn`t very hungry and made an excuse that I still had a headache.

  Tammy and Ben were looking at me with puzzled expressions on their faces because they knew there was more to the explanation than I had given them.

  After dessert I followed Tammy to the kitchen. She began preparing the coffee and turned to me.

  “What’s wrong with you?” She asked worriedly. I poured myself a brandy and began to tell her what I’d seen.

  “The best thing you can do is ask him straight out. Guessing won’t do you any good.” She said. She was right, I knew. I carried the tray of coffee and brandy into the dining room and Marco said.

  “You very quiet Bella, are you ok?” I waited until Ben and Tammy left the room and then said.

  “I saw you the other day when I was in the coffee shop in the high street.” Marco didn’t say anything. “I was sitting by the window and you were on the other side of the road talking to a woman. She was very petite with long dark hair, dressed in a beautiful grey suit with red shoes and handbag.” Marco shuffled uncomfortably but still said nothing.

  “You were speaking to her for quite a while and then you gave her a kiss on the cheek.” I looked at Marco and noticed he had a worried expression on his face and then suddenly he said.

  “You come to my restaurant, so I can present you my sister.” I felt a little surprised but happy. Sister, of course!

  “Oh, she doesn’t look like you Marco, you are so tall and she is so petite.

  “No Bella she look nothing like me.”

  I tried to convince myself that he was telling the truth. He obviously guessed what I was thinking about and laughed.

  “Bella, Bella, I never cheat on you, why you not come over and speak to me.” He said.

  “Believe me I nearly did, however, you might have got a slap, I don’t think your sister would’ve been too happy.” I replied.

  After a short spell of silence, I began thinking, why should he tell me such a lie, and began to feel better.

  I lit the log fire in the front room and we sat toasting marshmallows’ and chestnuts, washed down with mulled wine. The wine made me feel warm and fuzzy inside and I must admit I felt rather tipsy. Marco leant over and kissed me softly on my lips, our kiss became passionate and his hand slowly moved to my breast. He noticed that I was shaking and asked me if I had ever been with a man before. I told him I’d never made love to anyone.

  I took his hand and lead him upstairs to my room. He started to unbutton my dress and it fell to the floor, then he unfastened my bra and slipped it off and gently kissed my breast, his tongue probing my nipples, then he took it into his mouth. It felt wonderful, I was very nervous but at the same time extremely excited. Marco soon helped me to relax and it wasn’t long before I melted into his arms and we gently made love. He was very passionate but gentle at the same time, as he knew it was my first time. As I lay in his arms the feeling I had was heavenly.

  Next morning I went downstairs to the kitchen. Ben was already up and making breakfast.

  “Good morning Bella! I hope you’re hungry?” I blushed hoping that he couldn’t see the new glow about me. “Will Marco be joining us for breakfast?”

  “No, I’ll take it up to my room, as I don’t want to embarrass him. Where’s Tammy?” I asked.

  “She’s already left for work.”

  Ben had made bacon and eggs and a pot of ground coffee. I took a tray up to my room, put it on a little table next to my window and we ate hungrily. After Marco had showered and left. I couldn’t stop thinking about the night before. I could still feel his hands on me exploring every inch of my body. I put the thoughts out of my head and quickly got dressed and went downstairs to do some baking and clean the house.

  Later that day I decided to go and see Simon and find out why he was so rude to Marco. He looked rough when he answered the door, it looked like he hadn’t slept for days, he was unshaven and his hair was a mess.

  “Do you want some coffee Bella?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “How is your relationship going?” He asked me in a rather sarcastic tone. I ignored him and asked.

  “Why were you so rude to Marco the other day?” He looked at me and answered.

  “Because I don’t like him, and I don’t trust him. There’s something about him that I can’t put my finger on.” He took a deep breath and continued. “I was also shocked to see my baby sister with a man.”

  “Less of the baby, I’m eighteen now Simon.” He looked at me and said.

  “Yes and a very beautiful woman.” I felt myself blushing.

  “Anyway, I’ve come to ask if you and Victoria would like to meet us for dinner at the restaurant where Marco works.”

  Simon rubbed his chin.

  “OK love, I’ll do it for you.” We chatted for a while longer then I looked at my watch.

  “Is that the time, I must be going.” As I walked to the front door, Victoria was on her way in; she gave me a kiss on my cheek and I told her about our pending dinner arrangements.

  “That will be lovely, Bella.” Victoria looked at me. “We have some news for you too, however, it can wait until we meet up for dinner.” I glanced over at Simon who was looking down at his feet.

  “Why can’t you just tell me now?”

  “Like Victoria said, we’ll tell you on the day we meet up for dinner.”

  “Well, I’ll let you know the time and date later.” I wanted to know what news they had to tell us, but I knew I’d just have to wait. I left their house and headed home. On the way I started to wonder if Victoria was pregnant, I couldn’t possibly think what else there could be.

  I went to see Marco at the restaurant and asked him when he would be free to have dinner with Simon, Victoria and myself.

  Marco replied.

  “Next Saturday? I will be free and can make arrangements myself. However, I hope I not going to get frosty looks from your brother again?”

  “No, I’ve been to see him; and he’s just worried about me because I’m his little sister. He sometimes forgets that I’m all grown up now.“

  “Well I understand Bella, you’re a beautiful woman, I feel the same way about my sister.”

  “Anyway, Simon and Victoria have some news for us. Ok, I have to go now. I’ll let you get back to work.”

  As I arrived home I was still wondering what the news could be.

  All week the only thing that was on my mind was Simon, and to make matters worse he couldn’t get any time off work until our dinner date.

  As I wasn’t due back at college for another two weeks, I decided to treat myself and booked into a health spa nearby for a couple of days because I needed time to think.

  I arrived at the health spa and was shown into a beautiful room overlooking a garden. T
he owner asked me what I’d like; I said I was in need pampering so she booked me in for the full works.

  After a restful nights sleep I went down to the restaurant. The only thing on the menu was carrot juice and tuna salad.

  I was then taken to a small room and was given a heavenly massage. I also had a full facial, and an Indian head massage. I must admit I started to feel much better after my detox and treatment. My skin and hair were glowing. I was so pleased that I’d decided to have those few days away.

  Tammy greeted me when I got back home but looked a little flustered and asked me to sit down.

  “I’ve something to tell you Bella.” She said rather awkwardly.

  “As long as it’s not bad news, you can tell me anything.” I said reassuringly.

  “Don’t worry, it isn’t bad news, but you may not approve.”

  Tammy sighed. “You know I loved your father more than anything, however, I’m lonely. I’ve met someone; its early days but I’d like your approval.”

  I looked at Tammy.

  “It’s about time! I know you loved my father but he’s gone now and you have to live your life. I know you’ll never forget him.” I told her that I’d spoken to Simon and Victoria and they’d mentioned they had some news for us. Tammy thought that maybe Victoria was pregnant and I said that thought had crossed my mind too.

  Two days later Tammy introduced me to Roy. I thought he looked a lot older than Tammy, however, he was very handsome, six feet tall with dark grey wavy hair and piercing blue eyes like mine and he had a very distinguishing moustache.

  “Pleased to meet you Bella.” Roy said politely. We shook hands. I was so glad to see Tammy looking happy for a change because I knew that lately she’d been a little down.

  “How did you both meet?” I asked.

  “I was shopping in the high street and I dropped my handbag.”

  Roy said.

  “I was her knight in shining armour.” Then he laughed out loud and had such a wonderful smile. I could see why Tammy liked him.

  “You look so happy together.”

  “We are happy Bella. Roy’s a lovely man. After he picked up my handbag, he asked me if I wanted to go for a coffee. We chatted for a while and found we had a lot in common. Roy lost his wife in a car crash two years ago. Unfortunately they weren’t able to have any children.