Sold to Him

Chapter 6

I watch as Bernard leave the balcony until his figure disappears into the crowds of dancing people. The smell of Jack's strong cologne comes closer, almost burning my nostrils.

"Your name is astonishing, yet so simple."  I turn to look at him as the tapping of his shoes echo towards me. He smiles, revealing his white straight teeth that I bet you sparkled.

"It's really just a common name with four letters, but thank you."

"I've met many foreigners of Italy, France, and many others, yet I haven't encountered your's. But tell me Ella, have you had any exes in the past?"

I stared at him for a few seconds in silence with thoughts filled of confusion. Why was he even asking me this?

"No, surprisingly. It's difficult."

My mother who was beautiful in everyone's eyes, always found her ways with men throughout her teen years and even after she was married to my father. She simply switched from man to man as if she were speed sleeping or speed cheating. I, for some reason, can't even get one guy to date me or even hit on me. Maybe it was because she was part of Playboy, but I still envied my mother with her looks and sparks.

"Wow, you're gorgeous though. How could anyone not fall in love with you?" He leans in closer with a smile, allowing me to examine his long, dark lashes and his slightly cracked lips.

"Honestly, I always wonder about that. Everyone around me is already getting married, while I'm over here untouched and single as ever." I look down at my drink and swirl the leftover pink liquid that began to warm down over time. "You're lucky you're gorgeous. You could lay your finger on any girl and she'd fall in love with you."

"I'm not married either, I'm still single. Women love to play around with me, but I'd rather settle down and a have a family." He sighs.

"You can find a perfect girl by now and make her fall in love with you in a flash. I've never dated anyone, but I've fallen terribly for this one guy in middle school."

"You'll find love soon."

"I wonder who."

For a moment, there was an awkward silence between us. Even the crickets interrupted with chirping like those movies. By then, I knew I had to change the subject.

"What time is it?" I look out at the sky.

He looks down at his golden watch, "It's already 5. Wow, time goes quick."

"It sure does." I look down at my shoes with my colored toenails that were beginning to peel off. We, Fiona, Marcie and I, called it "Marciecures" because Marcie would always suggest to pay for all of us with her rich boyfriend's money. However, she stopped doing all of that after she got into a fight with him, which affected her her heavily.

He sits down on the stone bench, scooting over to me. "I'm sorry you were forced to be put in such a position. If you ever want to get your mind off that bastard, Leonardo, you can always come to me."

I look at him and give a slight smile and then looking away. He was kind and all, but I didn't know if I could trust his words and actions, especially alone with him. Yet, at the same time, I could imagine myself with him because he is one of the nicer guys compared to Leonardo. He was also comforting and good looking, someone you could easily fall for.

"What are you thinking about?" He moves his head lowered to mines in order to see me facing the floor.

"Nothing." I say, quickly looking up at the dark starry sky. "The sky is quite beautiful today."

"I guess I could say the same." Jack responds, looking up at the sky with me.

"The sky is literally pitch black. Are you guys blind?" A voice that I've been trying to avoid all night interrupts as I look down from the sky to see his figure leaning against the wide doorframe. His arms crossed and brows a bit furrowed, Leonardo.