🔺Love Triangle🔺

Part 10

It's a beautiful friday afternoon, I've been hanging out with Charles for a whole week. We went to lunches, to the cinema, we cuddle and skilfully avoid the paparazzi. I'm happy. After a long time I am happy again. Charles canceled all the plans and stayed with me in Madrid. We return from a walk hand in hand and laugh like teenagers.
"Vanessa? Charles?"
We both look at the familiar voice at the same time.
"Mommy!" Vivi runs to me. I quickly let Charles's hand and squat down to my daughter, who throws herself into my arms. "I missed you," said the girl. "I've missed you too," I whisper to her and kiss her on the cheek.
"Tio Charles!" Vivi hugs him. At this time Carlos approaches us.
"Why didn't you tell me when you were coming?" I ask.
"Vivi wanted to surprise you," he replies coldly. Yeah, this is really a surprise. I stare at him. How beautiful is he, all tanned.
"What is he doing here?" he nods towards Charles.
"Hello, mate," Charles greets him, stepping closer to us.
"Can you explain what's going on?"
People walk by and look at us.
"Not in the street," I reply, then I take Vivi's hand and walk towards the entrance of the building. Vivi chats and tells me about her adventures with dad. I just listen to her frantically, as I try to follow what is happening behind me. I'm worried about how this unexpected meeting will end.
At the apartment, Vivi rushes to her room.
"Now, can you two explain what's going on?" Carlos asks with his arms crossed. "I'll let you two talk alone first," Charles says, looking at me. I nod to him. He turns and walks to Vivi. Carlos stares at me immovably and waits.
"So..." I start. Those dark eyes of his. I sigh: "Me and Charles... somehow we like each other. We decided to give us a chance and try."
"To give you two a chance!?" he sputters angrily. "Vanessa, you have a child."
"So what?"
"Vivi deserves a decent family."
"Charles can be a part of her family too."
"I'm her father," he raises his voice.
"You should have thought of that before you cheated on me!" now I raise my voice too.
"I am so sorry, Nessa. What can I do to make you forgive me?"
"Fine, I forgive you. Now please let me be happy. Charles and I have a lot in common."
"The two of you have nothing in common. I know you both very well. Believe me, sooner or later things will explode between you two." I roll my eyes: "Ah, please."
"Vanessa Maria Rivera Gonzales de la Riva, te amo. I want you back. I want more children with you, a big house, four dogs, a lot of property. Do you remember that these are our wishes, our goals?" Tears melt in my eyes: "Please, stop," I say quietly. "You want all that too. With me, not with him, not with anyone else." He steps closer to me. I see that there are tears in his dark eyes too. He takes another step, leans down to me and kiss me. Softly, sensual.
"Stop it!" I push him away. "Please, leave." I turn away and stare out the window. Tears are burning in my eyes.
"Think about our wishes. I know you're in love with me" he says, then leaves.
At the same moment that he leaves the apartment, I break down. I run into the bathroom and lock the door.
Of course I'm in love with him. He is the father of my daughter, he is my soulmate. But still, I love Charles too. He is so gentle, funny, life is easier with him. I cry and cry. I don't know how much time passed, how long I've been locked in the bathroom. I know that Vivi has come home from holidays and I need to be with her, but I can't. Am I a bad mom?
knock, knock
"Nessa, open it." It's Sofia. I don't answer anything. I'm sitting on the cold bathroom floor. "Are you ok? Can you hear me? Please, open the door."
I finally unlock.
"Hey, I'm here," my friend says as she sits next to me and hugs me. I cry out loud again. Sofia caresses my hair in silent. "Where is Vivi?" I ask through tears. "Charles took her out for ice cream," she says as she hands me a tissue so I can wipe my nose and tears.
"What should I do?" I ask.
"Listen to your heart."
"The heart is in love with both of them."

*Carlos*

I'm furious. I storm out of the apartment without saying goodbye to Vivi. I run down the stairs, straight to the car. I sit in and drive out of the parking lot at full speed and the tires squeal. What do these two think? They are making fool behind my back? He, who is supposed to be my friend? He knows very well how much I love her, I talk about her all the time. I told him what she like, what she doesn't like, what are her desires are and what her fears are. He used all this to his advantage and stabbed me in the back.
I don't even know where I'm going. I just want away. I have already drive pass the third red light. I have to calm down so I don't endanger myself and others. I stop in an abandoned parking lot, leave the car idling and get out. I scream out of my lungs. I love her so much. I miss her, I want her back.
I sit down on a rock and look at the lights coming up over the city.

-the next day

I am awakened by a headache. I take a shower, then take an Aspirin. I wear shorts and a t-shirt and go to a run. I'm running in the park when I hear someone's calling me. I stop, when Vivi runs up to me.
"Daddy!"
I squat down and hug her tightly.
"Where did you go yesterday?" she carress my chin with her tiny hand. I should shave.
"Sorry I was in a hurry."
"Hi," Vanessa approaches us. I give her a short nod in greeting. Both of us are uncomfortable, so we are silent.
"Will you come with us to buy fresh bread and croissants?" Vivi asks and looks at me with her dark eyes. "Daddy has training, sweetheart. You know that in a few days he will start racing again," Nessa said quickly. I narrow my eyes and look at her: "Actually, I'm done with training. I'm going with you."
Vanessa sighs and Vivi squeals with joy. She holds each of us by the hand and we slowly walk down the path towards the bakery.
We are silent all the way. Both of us only talk with Vivi. We buy bread and croissants at the bakery, then return along the same route back. A few fans stop us in between.
"Daddy, can we go to your place?"
"Vivi, our apartment is closer," Vanessa says.
"Does that mean you're inviting me at your place?" I whisper, as she rolls with her eyes: "It's just because of Vivi." I nod and laugh.
The morning turns into late forenoon and it gets quite hot outside.
As we walked at the apartment, Vivi rushes to the dining table.
"Wash your hands first," we both warn her at the same time. When the girl obeys and runs to the bathroom, I step closer to Nessa: "Can we talk?"
"There's nothing to talk about," she replies without looking at me and steps away as Vivi runs back.
"Can I take a shower?" I ask, but Vanessa just nods and focuses on Vivi. I walk to the bathroom, where undress myself and step under the shower. Soon after that, I hear the bathroom door open and close. I turn around. "I brought you a fresh towel. You'll probably need it," Vanessa said quietly.
I smile at her: "Thanks, you're so nice." Then I continue to shower. When I close the faucet and turn around again, I see that she still stands there. She's leaning against the door, watching me.
"Is something wrong?" I ask as I grab a towel and wipe my hair first. I decided to tease her a little. I'm slowly wiping myself. She looks at me as I wipe my body - especially when I wipe my stomach and lower part. I can hear her fast heart beating.
"What is Vivi doing?"
"Watching cartoons," she replies in a raspy voice, still staring at me.
"Is it interesting?"
She shrugs: "I guess so. If you want, you can wear fresh clothes later. You still have some jeans and t-shirts in the closet."
I nod: "Sure. Later," I reply and walk over to her.