Take it Deep (Take 2) (5 page)

“I know I’ve said this before
, but I can stay if you want me to?  I feel bad about missing your birthday.” 

“Honestly
, Jessie, I’m fine.  Michael called; he’s picking me up after eight, so I’m good.”  She swings around and grabs her bag pulling out a little present. 

“I got this for you.”  She pulls out the card she mentioned earlier and places it on the table.

I frown as I don’t recognize the writing, but quickly turn my attention back to the present.  I open it up to take a look, and I’m completely taken aback by what she’s got me. 

“Jessie, you little bitch
, what am I supposed to do with this?”  I’m laughing so hard now as I turn it on.  It buzzes straight away in my hand. 

“
Ana, if you need me to explain that to you, then there’s obviously something missing in your life.  I just thought, you know, since you may be lonely in that room all by yourself, you might need some company.  They’re not the same, but they help during the hard times, believe me.” 

I snort,
“Well, thank you—I think.  I’m on my period at the moment so that would be a bit messy.” 

“You know, funnily enough so am I
, but I have condoms.  That will be less messy.  There are plenty in the nightstand if you need any for that big fella—or any live beating ones, if that’s what you want.  You can’t beat the live beating ones.” 

She looks off in obvious thought.  Thoughts I do not wish for her to go to in my presence.  “Well I appreciate the gift
, Jessie.” 

She rubs
my shoulder and gets up from the sofa. 

“I’m just going to hop in the shower and get ready.  You need anything?  Are you good?”

After Jessie’s present suddenly I am.  It’s not the actual gift I like; it’s the thought behind it.  It’s just Jessie all over. 

“I’m very good.  I’ve got a great friend and another taking me to the movies later. 
Can’t get much better than that.”  I smile, but there is still a hint of sadness in that smile.  I never thought there would be life without Jake in it. 

“Well, I’ll hit the shower then.  Oh and don’t forget your pasta.” 

She heads off and I make my way back to the kitchen.  I spy the present on the side and I quickly pick it up and put it exactly where it belongs.  In the bin.  I give myself a triumphant pat on the back and make my way over to the kitchen cupboards to look for some sauce.  I pop it in the microwave and drain the pasta. 

All is re
ady in no time, so I saunter into the living room and sit on the dining table.  Jessie comes out with a towel wrapped around her head and she inhales deeply. 

“God
that smells good.  I’m really hungry already.” 

I pull my fork up to her.  “You wan
t some?” 

She shakes her head,
“Nah, I’ve just brushed my teeth.  Besides I want to keep my hunger ready for Jerry later.  In all sense of the word.” 

I roll my eyes at her. 

“Don’t be jealous.  You have Mr Brator to help you out later.”

I look up to her and frown. 

“You know, first name, Vi.”  She giggles and makes her way back to her room. 

She can be a little bugger at times
, but I wouldn’t have her any other way.  Jerry’s a lucky man to have her.

Chapter 6

I get myself ready for Michael, deciding to put on a simple tank top and jeans.  I grab the earrings that Matthew bought for me and put them on, admiring the way they twinkle in the light.  I pull out a cardigan I can wear for when it gets chilly, and make my way back to the living room.  Jessie’s still in her room when the doorbell goes. 

“Ana, can you get that?  It
should be Jerry.” 

I shout back
“okay,” and make my way to the door.  I look through and see who must be Jerry. 

“Hi, you must be
, Ana?” 

I nod my head and shake his hand.  He has a nice
black suit on with a blue tie.  His hair is black and slicked back with perfectly aligned side burns.  My, he does look like Tom Cruise. 
Way to go, Jessie!
 

“I’ve heard so much about
you.  I’m glad we’ve finally met,” I say making our way into the living room. 

Unfortunately we never got round to meeting before.
  He was always so busy at work—or Jake and I couldn’t make it out for one reason or another—so it never happened.

“Me too,” Jerry answered.
  “You and Jessie seem very close friends and I know she feels very fondly of you.”

“As I do her,” I smile.
  “She’s been my rock.”  He smiles back happy with my answer and I gesture for him to make himself comfortable. 

“Jessie’s just in her room getting ready.  She’ll be out in a minute.  Do you want me to ge
t you a drink of anything while you wait?” 

He shakes his head,
“No, that’s fine; we have dinner reservations for seven, so we will need to get going soon.  Thank you, anyway.” 

“Where are you taking her?” 

“I have a friend who owns a restaurant near McLean.  I’m taking her there.” 

My heart constricts suddenly after hearing him mention
McLean.  This was my home until very recently.  I try to fight a smile. 

“Soun
ds wonderful,” I say somewhat forlornly.

Jessie then makes her appearance looking as stunning as ever with her auburn locks and beautiful royal blue dress.  I spy Jerry and he’s every bit taking in her beauty.  He’s smitten and it’s great to see that for Jessie’s sake.
 

“Wow, babes
, you look wonderful.” 

She blushes.  I think that’s the first time I’ve seen Jessie blush.  It’s lovely to see.
 

“Thank you
, Jerry.  You don’t look bad yourself.  I see you’ve finally met Ana now?” 

He nods and looks in my direction.  “Yes, I’ve had the pleasure.”
 

I return his smile as Jessie walks over to Jerry and gives him a de
ep kiss on the lips.  I groan, “Oh God, please get a room.” 

She starts giggling in his mouth.
  “Oh, Ana, I intend to later, that’s for sure.” 

I bring my hands up to cover my eyes.  “Right ok
ay, I think you need to leave now.  Have a great time and be good.  Remember you have work tomorrow.” 

She looks at me scornfully,
“Yes, Mom.” 

Jerry winks at me and then pats Jessie on the backside
, causing her to yelp and giggle again. 

“Please just go,
go!” I shout, but I’m laughing along with them.

I potter about for the next couple of hours just making time go in for Michael’s arrival.  At roughly around twenty past eight, I hear a knock on the door.  I look to see who it is and sure enough, it’s him. 

He’s looking rather dapper with his navy trousers and white perfectly pressed shirt.  His hair is a mass of wavy
dark blonde curls, and his smile is curved up in a way that would normally melt hearts.  Unfortunately, mine is already broken to evoke any kind of reaction to it.  Why can’t I just fall for a nice uncomplicated guy who will respect my feelings?  The only trouble is I don’t just want nice, I want Jake.  I mentally kick myself again.  I really do need to stop. 

“Hi
, Ana, you look lovely as always.” 

“Thanks Michael, right back at
you,” I smile. 

He lifts his arm up brandishing a present.  “Oh Michael, you shouldn’t have.” 

I welcome him in the apartment and open what he has got for me.  It feels quite heavy so I sit down and carefully unwrap it.  I place it on my lap and notice it’s another box.  I lift the lid up; carefully unfolding the white wrapping sheets, and I stare inside.  My eyes widen at the most beautiful figurine of a lady sitting tucked neatly in the box.  I carefully pull her out and inspect her more closely.  She is bronze with lovely sleek flowing hair.  She has one arm up towards her chest and the other cradling her waist.  She looks slightly to the side like she is admiring something, or someone.  She has the most beautiful white gown that hugs her perfect figure.  It trails down below her hips and flows out at the ends of her feet.  It is the most beautiful gift I have ever received.  A sudden tear rolls down my face.  Michael notices and places his hand on my shoulder. 

“Ana, do you not like it?  I can return it and get something else.” 

I violently shake my head.  “No way, Michael.  This is the most precious gift anyone has ever given me.  Thank you, she’s beautiful.”  He smiles satisfied that my tears are happy ones. 

“She reminded me of you so I had to get it.  I’m glad you like it.” 

I lean over and kiss him on the cheek.  “Like it, Michael, I love it.  Thank you so much.  I will treasure her, I promise.” 

I get up and excuse myself so I can check out my makeup in the
mirror.  All is not too bad so I just wipe away the tears, and reapply a few touches. 

I must stop all this crying.  I’m like an emotional wreck lately.
 

I place the figurine gently on my bedside and grab my bag.  I take another long lingering look at her beauty before switching the light off and grabbing Michael to head out the door.

It’s a little bit chilly now, so I wrap the cardigan around me for comfort. 

“Are you warm enough?  Do you want to go back quickly and grab a coat or something?”

“No, I’m fine, Michael.  Let’s go.  We don’t want to miss the movie.”

He opens the door to his Grand Cherokee
, letting me climb up.  I smell the newness coming from the car and it smells nice.  I inhale deeply as Michael climbs up the driver’s side. 

“I love the smell of brand new cars.  When did you buy her?” 

He starts the engine and she roars to life.  “I loved the way you just referred to the car as a female.  She is nice, isn’t she?  I had an old one and traded it in about a month ago for this beauty.  She runs like a dream and will come in handy for the winter.” 

I groan.  I hate
winter and I hate snow. 

He drives out of the parking lot laughing.  “You really don’t like the winter do you?  I remember when you first started
working—that was coming up for winter—you really were an unhappy bunny.” 

“I can’t stand it
, Michael.  I think I need to move further south where I can have sun all year round.” 

He glances towards me and smiles.
  “I have an uncle who lives in Florida.  Maybe we can move down there together and enjoy the Sunshine State.” 

I laugh at his joke
, but I somehow feel that a part of him isn’t joking. 

We get to the cinema in no time at all and grab our tickets.  We queue up to get some popcorn and Michael buys some M & M’s, quickly informing me that I look a little thin, and that curves suit me much better.  I nudge him in the arm but accept the chocolate.  I’m on my period, so I seem to be craving them anyway. 

“You know there was some talk of a few guys going to the Bahamas for a few days in November.  You may want to go with Jessie.  I think i
t’s still warm there around that time of year.” 

This is news to me.  “Really, are
you going?” 

He nods his head,
“I think I will.  It should be fun.” 

I suddenly realize that I haven’t got my
passport.  I know my mum sorted all that stuff out for me, and it’s been a while since I travelled anywhere. 

“I would
have to apply for a passport.  I haven’t even got one.  Do you know what you need to apply for one?” 

He looks stunned,
“You don’t have a passport?” 

I
shake my head, “Well, my mum took care of all that for me.  I’m not going to go and ask her.  Things between us are kind of awful.” 

He winces
at my statement.

“I’m sorry about that
, Ana.  I think you will need proof of your citizenship and your Birth Certificate.” 

Oh great, something else I haven’t got.  “I’ve never seen my Birth Certificate.” 

We stand in the aisle queuing to get in, as Michael looks at me hesitantly.

“You know the internet is a great thing.  You can
just about find out anything online.  Try one of those government websites based in the UK; you should be able to trace yours from there.  You can order it for a small fee I think.” 

I thank him and we take our seats
, just in time for the film to start.

Chapter 7

The film was not as good as it looked in the trailer but sometimes it happens that way.

Michael was the perfect gentleman
, but on occasion felt it necessary to feed me popcorn.  I just laughed and let him carry on as I knew he was just doing it to try and fatten me up.