The Forgotten

The Forgotten (15)

Chapter 15:

I woke up with Marcus’ arms wrapped around me. He looked so cute when he was sleeping but there was no way I could get out of this tight embrace without waking him up. “Marcus, wake up.” I whispered close to his ear. He stirred and pulled me closer to him without opening his eyes. So much for the gentle approach. “Wake up!” I shouted in his ear and he jumped. He had such a comical expression on his face. That was definitely a Kodak moment.

We walked down to the meeting room after having breakfast. I was still giggling and Marcus kept on scowling at me. Isaac sat grinning in his seat and I felt really uneasy about what we would have to do. “You need to make a gesture to your partner to show that you trust them. I don’t care about how you do it but it needs to be done within the week. You don’t need to come down here for the rest of the week.” He told us before walking out.

I knew what I had to do to show that I trust Marcus. I would tell him about Stefan. I’m sure he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. There was no way he would change right? I was so deep in thought that I didn’t realise everyone had left the room except me and Marcus. “Should I go first?” He asked me. I shrugged. “Let’s get out of this hotel though” I suggested so we walked down to the beach.

“At home I’m a lifeguard.” He told me as we sat down on the sand. “Well that’s great...” I said trailing off because it was so random. “I do it because I don’t want anyone else to die like my mum did. I know it doesn’t pay much but when I’m older, I want to become an aid worker and travel to LEDCs and teach people life skills like swimming.” He told me. “That’s an amazing dream!” I told him grinning and he smiled back.

“I trust you so I’m gonna tell you what happened.” I said after a while of silence. “Are you sure? If you’re not ready then I understand.” He told me looking worried but I shook my head smiling. Just as I opened my mouth to tell him, I caught a glance at something and my gaze hardened. “What’s wrong?” Marcus asked. I nodded over in the direction of my gaze. He turned and saw what had left me speechless. Stefan was walking with Melissa down at the other end of the beach.

“I bet that bitch was with that guy when we went to the amusement park.” He growled. I thought back to how she was flirting with Marcus at the flower shop. That was before Stefan had even seen Marcus. It didn’t make sense. “I don’t think she was.” I said gently. He was shaking with anger so I suggested we go get something to eat.

That was the worst mistake I made. We sat down in the restaurant and ordered some pasta and then Stefan and Melissa walked in. Is this guy following me now? I almost banged my head on the table in frustration. Stefan caught my eye and smirked. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Marcus. He hadn’t noticed the ugly couple come in through the door and I was hoping to keep it that way.

The pasta that we ate was so delicious that I basically inhaled the food. Before we left, I quickly went to the toilets. On the way, I saw Melissa really turning her flirt on to the max. I shook my head and turned the corner to where the toilets were. Before I reached the door, I felt a prescence behind me.

“You still haven’t ditched the idiot I see.” Stefan taunted. “Why don’t you just go back your date and I’ll go back to mine.” I suggested icily. He came up so close I could feel his breath on my skin. “Jealous? If you want me back, all you have to do is ask.” He told me. I pushed him back and glared at him. “Missing me already? Sorry but you will never have me again.” I told him with conviction and then stalked into the ladies. “All men are the same Van baby. He’ll do the same thing to you once he gets the chance.” I heard faintly as the door swung shut.

I rushed into a cubicle as I felt bile rise in my throat. I forced it back down and stood there for a few minutes fighting for composure. I came out and saw Melissa redoing her makeup. She sneered when she saw me washing my hands. “If it isn’t the bitch that stole Marcus away from me.” She taunted and I rolled my eyes. “That was all your fault.” I replied. “Whatever bitch.” She replied. I rolled my eyes and turned to face her. “I’m gonna give you some advice Melissa: break up with Stefan or you’re going to regret it.” I told her.

“Are you threatening me?” She asked incredulous. “No that implies that I’m going to do something but I’m not going to make you regret it; Stefan is.” I replied. “You’re just selfish.” She told me. I raised an eyebrow. “You’re so fucking greedy, you want all of the guys to yourself. You act so innocent but you’re actually a fucking slut. You got Marcus, leave Stefan alone.” She told me. “If that’s what you want to believe then so be it. Don’t come crying to me when it goes wrong because I will just say ‘I told you so’.” I told her before walking out.

“Are you okay Ness? You were in there for quite a while.” Marcus asked. “Yeah I’m fine. There was a line.” I told him smiling. He fell for my lie and started to get up. “Let’s go then.” I told him and we walked out of the restaurant. He slung around my shoulder as we walked back to the hotel and I couldn’t help but dwell on what Stefan had said. Marcus couldn’t be like Stefan could he? He wouldn’t hurt me right?

The more I thought about, the less convinced I became. I really liked Marcus and I wanted to trust him but what if it backfired and he broke my heart. I’ve already had my heart and spirit broken before; I wouldn’t be able to handle it a second time. “I’m just gonna go and catch up with Cory okay?” He told me and I nodded smiling slightly. “I need to go call my sister anyway.” I replied so we parted ways.

I basically ran up the stairs, grabbed my phone and locked myself in the bathroom. Images of that dreaded day with Stefan swirled in my mind but now with Marcus’ face mixed in there as well. The bile that I had forced down earlier rose up again and I threw up in the toilet. Tears streamed down my face as I called my sister. “Hey Jess.” I tried to be a little more cheery. “What’s wrong?” She asked me not falling for the pretence. “Stefan.” I choked out sobbing.

“Are you still having those nightmares?” She asked. “Yeah but that’s not the point. I’ve gotten used to them now. He’s here.” I told her. “Who’s there?” She enquired sounding baffled. “Stefan. He’s here in America.” I replied. “What!?” She exclaimed and I could almost feel the anger coming from her. “I first saw him last week and he tried to take me somewhere but Jay knocked him out before he could do anything but now he just keeps on taunting me.” I told her. “Why didn’t any of you bother to tell me any of this?” She demanded. “Be angry later! I was out with Marcus at a restaurant and-” I started but cut off by a squeal.

“What the fuck Jess?” I asked. “Tens namorado?” She asked and I could imagine her grin. “You sound exactly like mum.” I muttered. “You haven’t denied it though.” She pointed out. “Eu sou solteiro.” I bit out and she giggled. “Not for long though right?” She teased giggling. “I’m not so sure about that.” I replied sighing. “What do you mean?” She asked suddenly serious again.

“If you had let me finish, you would understand. Today, Stefan told me all guys are the same. What if Marcus ends up hurting me like he did?” I asked my voice turning into a whisper. I heard Jessica sigh. “Not everyone is like Stefan you know.” She told me softly. “But what if” I started but Jessica cut me off again. “You can’t live life by the ‘what ifs’ Ness. If you think he’s worth it, then take a risk.” She told me.

We talked some more before hanging up. Jessica had really helped me but there were still something I needed to figure out. Could I trust Marcus? I was sure I could before so why should I let Stefan sway my decision? One question popped up in repeatedly: Could I risk my happiness for a relationship with Marcus? When he walked into the room and smiled at me, I knew I had found the answer. I hope this doesn’t backfire on me...

Sorry I haven't uploaded in ages, i've been busy with school and i've been ill as well. I hope you like this and hopefully i'll be uploading more because it's summer now. Tell me what you think. Nana :)