MARITA

Into The Darkness (Part 1)

Violetta's head rested comfortably on Frank's arm.

It took him few seconds to realized the situation. Frank scrambled to get up covering himself with whatever he could reach.

Violetta was awoken by his sudden scrambling out of the bed. She wrapped herself in a blanket and got up to open the window.

"Good morning, Frank" that dimpled smile was no longer cute to Frank.

Frank remembered walking home in a dazed because he couldn't remember anything. Violetta said Frank was not feeling well so she took him to her place instead. She said Frank didn't want to go home to worry his mother. Frank yelled at her out of desperation. Violetta simply laughed and said that at least he was talking to her instead of his polite smile and nod.

After that incident, Violetta kept her distance. 2 months later, Frank woke up one morning to Violetta chatted away with his mother. She had showed up unannounced at his house.

"Oh you're awake! Come and have breakfast. Violetta was just telling me about how much of a headache it was to organized your youth retreat."

Mama went inside and Frank confronted Violetta.

He yanked her arm hard. "What are you doing here?" was the first thing out of his mouth.

"Auch, Frank. You hurt me." Violetta squirm a bit but she looked up to Frank and flashed her dimpled smile and greeted him lovingly.

Frank let go of her arm not wanting Violetta to scream.

"I told you. I do not want to have anything to do with you!" said Frank. Don't get me wrong but I really do not think we should see each other again" He added looking sternly at her.

Violetta smiled and put something on the table.

Frank jaw dropped.

"Frank, help me to put this on the table!" Mama went in carrying a heavy tray of breakfast.

Violetta jumped from her seat. "Let me carry it, Ma". She rushed to Mama and get the tray from her.

Frank picked up the box and put it in his pocket. Violetta put down the tray and smiled to him.

Frank stomach churned at the sight of that sickly sweet smile.

"Aren't you having breakfast?" Asked Mama to Frank who staggered back inside.

"I......" Frank was lost for words. He battled between dragging Violetta out or hurling the content of his stomach. He turned around to see his mother worried look.

"I'm going to take a bath first." He shot a warning look to Violetta.

Violetta pursed her lips. She knew Frank was warning her not to say anything to his mother. She knew better not to spill all her beans now. She watched Frank walked in and disappear inside the house.

--------

Frank drove them to the parking lot of the mall. He chose the spot as far away as possible from the mall to minimize people to see them.

"Give it back to me, Frank!" said Violetta.

Frank took the box from his jacket pocket. "First, tell me what does this mean?"

Violetta laugh. "Seriously? I am sure you are not that naïve."

Frank bit his lip.

Violetta pushed herself forward and planted her lips very close to Frank's ear and mouthed the words, "You're going to be a dad, Frank"