FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HEART.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

Monday signifies soccer practice but since the school was creating their magazine Mike had to pose for the pictures that Wills was taking. But it was also a way for Mike to talk to him over his issues.

  "So summing everything up." Wills said "I guess you're saying you need a date?"

  Mike carried the ball as he struck another stance. "That's about it. Sounds sensible, right? I mean you advised me."
Wills nodded "Indeed I did. But I don't think that's something you just wake up and want to climb on. I mean the same girl you're trying to escape from is the same one you last had a relationship with...Sidney kind of hit you hard."

  Memories flashed through Mike's mind but he said nothing.

  "Maybe a date can help." Wills continued after taking another picture "But the two issues: Are you ready to plunge back into that world? And if so, with who?"

  Both questions couldn't be answered so Mike shrugged. "I got no idea. That's why you're meant to help."

  "I got a relationship I have to deal with," Wills told him with a sigh. "Your's is the least of my worries...but maybe Fred could help?"

  Mike shook his head. "The lad hasn't been in a relationship for a long while. Face it, you're the best option here."

  Wills adjusted his glasses. "You have been out of the game for a while so I guess you'll need my help eventually...let's pick a girl."

  Later Mike, Wills, and Max sat outside Starbucks staring out at the streets.

  "How is this meant to help get a date?"Max asked sipping his cappuccino slowly due to the heat. "Ask him." Wills told him turning to Mike "Is this you use to pick up girls back then?" Mike nodded "This is Starbucks so you gotta make a wish."

  Wills lowered his glasses. "That's the most sh-"

  "Hi, guys." Kim said and Wills turned to her with his eyes widened "Kim? Where did you come from?" Kim pointed to the other side of the street "I and two of my friends were shopping when I noticed you guys. Did something happen?"

  Mike grinned. "Nothing, Kim. Your boyfriend just got fooled." Max scratched his chin "I wasn't expecting that. But anyways, were are your friends?"

  Two girls appeared from the coffee shop holding cups of smoking liquid but the girl on the right was also smoking in Mike's eyes and as soon as Wills noticed he slammed his toe.

  "Stop staring." He told him before also turning Max and seeing him in the same state. "You're both hopeless." He sighed and looked at both of the girls.

  Kim turned to the girl on her right with short dyed blue hair and the white sweater shirt. "Venus," she said "do you remember Wills?"

  Venus smiled revealing perfect white teeth. "You mean the boy who gave you the best birthday ever? And is possible your best boyfriend? Why the hell not?"

  Kim blushed a bit and turned to Wills. "Babe, this is Venus Darest and this tanned beauty over here is Daisy Moat."

  Wills pointed to the guys who believed that they were looking at angels. "Mike Roland and Max Poralt. They seem to be...in a phase."

  Mike knew it. All comes to those who wait and this was definitely worth all the wait. Venus was hot and the baggy shirt actually turned him on along with the dyed blue hair.

  Mike elbowed Wills and as they made eye contact the bro conversation happened within five seconds.
"Lad, ask her if her and her friends are free tonight."

  Wills rose a brow. "And where do you want to go on a bloody monday night?"

  Max joined the whisper conversation. "I believe we can do the club at the corner of my house."

  Wills shook his head. "You're both crazy. You guys do it. I'm going to be busy with Kim and her brother."

  Venus looked at them with suspicion. "Um, are you guys good?" Wills got up "Yeah, we're good. Kim, mind if you and I go grab something nice for my cousin?"

  Kim wasn't stupid so she knew that Wills just wanted Max and Mike to try their luck. "Sure. Venus, Daisy, mind chilling with them?"

  Venus grinned. "Sure. You guys have fun."

  As soon as Wills walked off with his girlfriend Mike and Max knew this was practically their only chance. "So," Mike said "how long you and Kim been friends?"

  Venus pulled her hair aside. "We're like you three. All girls know that we three are inseparable, ever since kindergarten."

  "But Kim said you boys have gone through a whole lot of stuff." Daisy told them"So I can't say that we're as glued as you three."

  Max grinned. His "handsome" grin. "But I guess since we got to be friends for those two, right? I kinda like them."

  Daisy stared at Max studying his face then her eyes widened. "You! I bumped into your ass in Australia. You saved me by attacking that snake and getting bitten in the process."

  Mike turned to him. "The fuck, mate? You didn't mention a girl being in the equation."

  "Oh, I'm sorry. I must have forgotten while I was in the hospital in pain!" Max snapped back.

  Venus smiled. "You lads are pretty mint if one of you can attack a wild animal for a girl. Maybe we should get together." She winked and it srnt a vibe through Mike's body. A vibe he thought was long gone.

  Daisy smiled at Max. "We're free tonight, you boys busy?"

  Mike grinned. Objective complete. "Not at all. Max has a good place. Small and nice. How bout we pick you up?"

  "That's a good idea. At 8:00?" Venus smiled and slid a piece of paper across the table. "Later, handsome."

  That night Max and Mike were in the Parlot mansion getting ready.

  "Damn, mate, I can't believe you saved a bird that fit." Mike told him as he arranged his hair with his hands.

  "And I can't believe you still got tricks and that Roland charm.' Max said "I thought it went extinct ever since...Sidney."

  Mike frowned. "I guess it's true. But I do need this night. Maybe it would help me... I think."

  Max patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll be good. You're Fiesta Roland, lord of the party. This is child play."

  It was child play. It was three times smaller than Kim's birthday party and the music was somewhat boring.

  Max rose his arms. "Welp, I honestly didn't expect this. But, Daisy, want to at least slow dance?"

  Daisy giggled. "This is a club not a school dance, but whatever. Venus I'm off." She grabbed Max's arm and they went off to start dancing.

  This was a disaster in Mike's head. He couldn't even understand how fucked up the place was and he had no idea what he could do to make Venus have a good time. So much for the "Fiesta Roland."

  Venus noticed how down he looked. "Roland, does it still bother you?"

  At first Mike turned to her perplexed. He wasn't understanding her question then he realized what she was talking about.

  He turned to the bar table with a sigh. "To be honest, Venus, atimes I can't tell. It was a long time ago but it still feels like it happened yesterday, and I can't help but ask myself why it does."

  She nodded and looked forward. Mike knew that face. That face of stress and issues of their own.

  "Does it help?" She asked "The sex?" Mike didn't have the answer. It was always fifty-fifty in the situation. "I guess." He told her "Sometimes it feels like the worries and troubles are being washed away. But sometimes it feels like after it the thoughts only get heavier."

  Venus turned to him. "I...I too have the same issues. My boyfriend was cheating on me with my cousin who flew in from Germany. I didn't know because they did it everytime I slept but I caught them one night. I thought they'll feel sorry, I thought he would know what he did was wrong but the second we broke up he's all over the place with her. I was heartbroken but the girls helped me. I guess some people aren't just human."

  Mike shrugged. "I guess. Look, I'm sorry, and I know I'm an asshole for just wanting you to sleep with me." He sighed "But now I have a feeling that sex wouldn't cut it anymore."

  Venus smiled. "Yeah. I feel the same way."

  And there it was. That moment where they stared into each other's eyes and noticed the beauty yet pain beneath them.

  Her soft hands held his face as she pulled in and to be honest Mike couldn't move. He didn't know whether this was good or bad. And he wasn't sure if pulling back was the best option. For the second time, the girl was in contro-.

  The moment was shattered by the Apple chime.

  Mike looked down at his phone and didn't know whether to curse it or thank it, but answering it wasn't an option. "Hello?"

  "Mr.Roland." Kebash's voice bellowed through the phone and Mike suddenly fixed his posture. "Principal Kebash. This...is suprising."

  "Believe me I don't want to call you." Kebash told him "And by the music playing I believe you're not at home."

  Mike gulped. The man had good ears if he could pick up the boring songs but before he could respond Kebash continued.

  "I need you to get to the Levesique mansion. Her parents would like to see you...if you're not busy."

  That wasn't a question.

  Mike sighed. "I'll get to the place." He cut the call and turned to Venus "I have to go do something." He rose from his seat "I'll-"

  "Don't." She told him "I don't know what was about to happen and I'm not sure whether I wanted it too. So I'll call you."

  Mike knew it wasn't an insult in anyway. She needed space and so did he so he nodded and left.

  His new Bentley drove down the pebble path that revolved around a fountain. It was far more beautiful than his place and he was certain of it but that wasn't what he was here for.

  He walked up to the door and as he was about to knock it opened up to show Mrs.Levesique smiling at him. "You're quite fast. Sorry for the late notice, come in."

  Mike stepped into the house and looked at the place. It was definitely more beautiful than his place.

  "Thanks for inviting me to your place." Mike told her and she giggled "Oh please, it's the least we can do after you saved our girl from that savage boy."

  Mike was suprised that she had told her parents. He had even almost forgotten about it.

  "Just looking out for her." He told her.

  She crossed her arm around his and began leading him to the dining room. "Nonsense, my husband was so happy he decided to sign a deal with your parents making White Rose and Saturn Rooms to be in business. You have just given your parents and us a healthy deal and a good relationship. Now, let's eat."

  Mike loved the dining room. Especially with the chandelier that hung and illuminated the whole place but although this was nice something felt off.

  He turned and saw Mr.Levesique, Anna, and her two brothers but he noticed someone else.

  Mike looked right and as they locked eyes Mike's hand curled up into a fist.

  "Michael Roland." The boy said as he adjusted his collar "I had no idea I'll see you here."

  Mike gritted his teeth. "Same for you, Gerald Vonn."