The Stars // Yoandri Cabrera

13 | The Countdown

Chapter Thirteen

Angelia's POV

"I hate this," I whisper.

I feel tears cascade down my cheeks and Joel holds me tighter. "Joel, he left." Joel kisses my head and I sniffle. I push his comfort away and say, "You should go home. Text me when you get there."

He hesitates but leaves anyway and my parents look at me concerned, "Baby what's wrong?" I look at them and shake my head, "Nothing. Nothing at all." They look at each other and my dad raises an eyebrow.

I give him a shaky smile and walk up the stairs, into the bathroom, and into the shower. I sit in the tub with the water on, clothes on, and my hair falls over my face.

"Don't touch me. I'll be fine without you."

I tilt my head back and his words circle my head. All I hear is his voice in my ear, his words hitting me like a bullet, his hurt eyes. I shake my head and realize that tomorrow was New Years Eve.

My family was holding a party and its guaranteed that he is coming. I choke at the immense feeling of longing and pain in my heart. "So this is what heartbreak feels like."

I sigh and rub my eyes, "I fucking suck." I look at my reflection in the mirror, "I fucking suck a lot."

I take off my wet clothes and turn off the water, drying myself and putting myself in my coolest pajamas. I sit up in bed and look at nothing for a long time.

And soon it's morning.

And soon my mom is calling me to get up.

Little does she know that I didn't sleep.

I couldn't.

***

Joel knocks on the door just as I finish zipping myself up, and I tell him to come inside. He takes one look at me and opens his arms. I walk into them and mutter, "You're a good friend." He laughs and says, "I know. But thanks."

I push him away letting a small smile arise on my face. My dad passes by and greets, "Hey Joel." Joel gives him a smile and says, "What's up Mr. W?"

Dad snorts and shakes his head, walking past my room. I look at my reflection and whisper, "I don't think I can do this." I had on a glittery skater skirt with a wide strap black crop top and black thick heel ankle boots.

"I'm gonna stay in bed all night. Yeah that's what I'll do." I see Joel frown and he says, "Look if you see him, come to me. I'll be your rock tonight."

I nod and say, "We are in charge of the door tonight." Joel smiles reassuringly just as the doorbell rings. I rush down the stairs and when I open the door I see my older cousin look at me happily.

"ATHENE!"

She laughs at my excitement and then a voice interrupts my happiness, "Can we get a move on?" I feel all the color fade from my face and my blood turns cold. Yoandri smirks and then I see Lillian on his arm.

I look down at my feet, unresponsive. Athene glares at Yoandri, as he smirks at me, and mutters, "What a jerk." I shrug and she sees Joel behind me. "What's wrong?"

We look at each other and back at her.

"Okay so."

***

Athene nods and then says, "Still think he's a jerk. You guys were just devising a plan to get him to talk to Angelia." Joel sighs and nods, "I wanted to make my mistake up to him."

I sit in the corner while Joel explains the story and afterwards I hear his laugh, her laugh. They don't seem to notice the three people in the corner as they make out grossly.

Joel throws an arm over my shoulder and prohibits me from watching the couple. I don't let tears escape my eyes but I hear him moan and I let out a hiccup.

Athene sees me in pain and glares at the two who were now more than aware of our presence. "Angelia?" I shake my head and Joel responds to Yoandri, "You've done enough, Yoli." I close my eyes but remember the nickname for future reference. 

Not that there would even be a future.

"Look, I didn't know she was here. Let me see her," Yoandri demands. I choke on my tears and Yoyo spots me in the corner. His eyes show hurt and when I walk out of the basement, I feel the pain seep into his voice when he says, "I didn't know."

***

Joel and Athene do their best to distract me and I find myself bursting out in laughter frequently. Yoandri doesn't pass my mind and when Yo Te Quiero by Marc Anthony comes Joel offers to dance with me.

I laugh and nod, smiling. "Sure." Athene smacks my butt on the way out of the guest room which we were currently in and I laugh.

Joel keeps a hand on my hip and pulls me closer, giving me a smirk. I roll my eyes and toss my head back laughing. "Come on," he whispers in my ear.

I nod and allow him to lead me through the song. I smile as we pick up the pace and when the chorus comes on he gives me a twirl and dips me.

I laugh and he smiles at me, gazing into my eyes. I stop laughing and when he pulls me back up he gives me a small smile before saying, "I gotta go."

I nod and he leaves me in the middle of the dance floor just as the countdown begins. "FIFTEEN! FOURTEEN! THIRTEEN! TWELVE!"

I join in and suddenly I'm being touched on the shoulder, "Yeah?" I turn around and I'm enveloped in his unsettling touch, his chocolate eyes, his warm breath. "ELEVEN! TEN! NINE! EIGHT!"

I feel his fingers running up and down the curves of my body, my arms, my neck. He nudges my head with his and I feel the hotness of his skin against mine.

"SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR!"

I look up at him as he smiles against my skin. He hands pull me closer and feel myself gasp as his hands land on my bare stomach, my heart pounding against my chest.

"THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Cheers erupt all around me but the only thing I feel is butterflies in my stomach, warmth spreading over me head to toes. His mouth meets mine and I start to crave more.

But he pulls away and I'm left with a wanting that leaves a fire in my belly because goddammit Yoandri, why do you always leave?

______________________________

a/n

Joel was going to kiss Angelia but that would've been a hot mess.

P.S. They kissed but that does not mean that they made up.