The Rich Life

29

"I stand in front of all of you today, consumed with grief. Tony Blanco helped me find light when I was in the dark. I'm just sorry I couldn't help him find his light in the dark. He all influenced our lives in such mesmerising ways. I'm lost for words, at what to say. He was the essence of laughter and happiness even though he wasn't happy himself. Today is my chance, a chance for all of us to thank him for the impact he had on all of us. We will forever feel frustrated at fate who took away our Tony but we will cherish the memories we had with him."

I stood in front of the waxy lemon trees and the weeping willows in the garden of Villa Anna-Maria. All of his relatives were here, as well as people he helped in his life. Adam Dervishi stood next to me and Karamat stood on the other side. I just prayed they wouldn't fight.

"He was charitable. He felt the suffering of the homeless, sick people, marginalized and disadvantaged communities. He provided hundreds of thousands of children, educational opportunities. It was his own feelings of hurt that allowed him to connect with these people, his desire to do good, stemmed from his feelings of unworthiness which was amplified by his eating disorder and depression. For all the riches and wealth he had, nothing fulfilled him more than charity," I paused to take in the scenery, breathing in the citrusy scent.

"The last time I saw Anthony Blanco was on the 4th of December. I have come to treasure those childish moments we spent together in each others company..."

I faded away into more memories and little anecdotes of him. Then I brought out the kazoo that I had purchased at the airport, "Tony wouldn't have wanted this to be a sorrowful affair. He would've wanted it to be vibrant with life like he was,"

I played God save the Queen. It was what he would've wanted. After the service, Adam grabbed me to one side, away from Karamat and from everyone, under the shade of a tree, pinning me against it. I wriggled uncomfortably, heat rising to my cheeks and an electrifying sensation through my body

"Listen to me. I know what Tony wants. And I haven't stopped loving you for one minute. I didn't need Tony's death to tell me that. You broke my heart and I broke yours. I will not stop fighting for you, and I won't concede to your pretty boy. Because you are mine and mine alone. Just remember that. War is our love, Amara. You can't seriously be happy with him,"

"You're with Madilyn. Do you know how unfair that is, on her?" I whispered, "I'm done chasing you Adam. If you want me, now it's your turn to put in a bit of effort,"

"I'll give her up. I'll give everything up. I just want you in my life," His voice was filled with emotion as he said those words. He traced the lines of my exposed shoulders, "Does Karamat know the ways in which to make you happy like I do?" His lips caressed my skin and I gave a slight shiver.

"Adam," I wanted him. But this was so wrong. We both had significant others. My lips were against the side of his head, my fingers buried in his soft, thick hair. Pleasure really was a sin.

"Say my name louder slut," He murmured. I pressed my lips against him, heat and adrenaline rushing through me. The delightful thrill and the awful plunge in my stomach that I only got with him made an appearance. I kissed him hungrily, pulling him close to me. His hands grabbed the lower part of my back and he pushed himself against me. I sighed in euphoria.

"No one's forbidding you in my life. Just. I won't be ever with you again. You gave that up," I said, breaking apart. Thank god I was wearing clear lipgloss.

"Wanna bet? I'll chase you to the ends of the world, Amara. Why do you think I moved to London?"

Now it's my turn to appear impassive and unexpressive, however, my insides were exploding with fireworks. I pushed the heavy weight of him, "I really couldn't care less. You have given me nothing,"