The Facade

Chapter 31*

"And so when I came to New York... I lived with my sister and her husband. Trying to get this acting gig off the ground." He tossed the ball up and caught it repeatedly in his hand. "And after that I got caught up with a few ladies just to better my career. I'll admit it."

My heart warmed that he finally felt comfortable enough to tell me these things.

"All I wanted was the world, Rose." Marlon held up the globe. "And I got it. The money, the fame. But it's all bullshit."

"You've made a pretty good life for yourself." I took the globe from his hand softly. Then, I looked at in the palm of my hands. It seemed much bigger in my hands compared to his large hand that cupped around it.

"My life is a mess, Rose." Marlon scoffed. "Nothing is real with me. It's all an illusion."

I placed the globe back on the desk. Marlon faced the desk and pressed his palms onto the surface. His shoulders were stiff as he stood there, thinking deep thoughts that I couldn't imagine.

"Marlon?" I touched his back. When he turned back around, his eyes were once again red. He was crying again.

"You want to know the real reason I was gonna tie the knot with Eula?" Marlon asked quietly. I stayed silent, allowing him to choose whether or not he wanted to share that with me. "She got knocked up. And I panicked and told her I'd make a name for myself in Manhattan."

"You had a child?" I asked in disbelief. "Marlon— I never knew."

"I was supposed to have a child." He exhaled. "Until she had an operation with a hanger."

My whole body went cold. He crossed his arms over his chest, his face becoming red as he began to hold back tears. I touched his hot cheek with the palm of my hand, then he wrapped his arms around me.

"She killed my baby, Rose." Marlon cried onto my shoulder. "She killed my baby and didn't even tell me until after."

"Marlon, you two were so young? How could you ever raise a child?" I asked, stroking my fingers through his hair as he held me in an embrace. "Maybe it was the right thing to do at that time."

"I would've been a great father. I know I would've. I wouldn't treat my kid like how my 'rents treated me." Marlon held onto my waist as he looked into my eyes. "I'd be the best father."

"I know you would have." I wiped away one of his tears.

Marlon and I looked into each other's eyes, and for the first time, we finally saw each other. He'd finally give his persona a rest and allow me to see the real him. This was the Marlon I'd always wanted to know. The hurt little boy that has been tucked away behind a curtain.

What I realized is that Marlon's performances were not brilliant just due to his skill, they were brilliant because he had so much hurt. With every line, every tear, he'd call on the emotions attached to these memories. This hurt is what made him into the man he is today.

Although it was certain to me that he usually wasn't himself. He'd created a man he'd wanted to be, and hid the hurt child he truly was away. He'd never have time to grow from his past because he forever took on roles to avoid it.

Marlon placed a hand on my cheek as he kissed me. The kiss was slow and tender. His salty tears brushed against my cheeks, sending a shiver along my skin. His warm lips brushed against mine, until I let his tongue explore my mouth.

Next thing we knew, neither of us were finishing dinner. We snuck away to the guest house. He shrugged off his blazer, I unzipped my dress. He kicked off his shoes, I unbuckled his belt. Marlon stood behind me kissing my shoulder as he swiped my dress off. I'd exhale as he cupped my breasts that were covered with my thin satin bra.

My behind was firmly against the growing member in his pants. I reached behind me and began tugging at his pants, but he was so pressed against me they wouldn't move. He unbuckled my bra, discarding it onto the floor, then he slowly pressed my back. I leaned forward as I laid on my stomach on the bed, then he slowly rolled my underwear over my ass and down my legs.

I closed my eyes as I felt his body crawl over mine. He kissed every inch of my back, from my shoulders, down my spin to the curve of my lower back. His large hand cupped one side of my behind as he pressed his lips to the soft skin. I gripped the sheets as I suddenly felt his mouth come between my legs.

He pleased me in a way he hadn't before. It was more than just a physical connection, it was a spiritual experience. I felt lifted as he brought me closer to my ultimate satisfaction. I'd nuzzle my face into the bed mattress below me as Marlon brought me closer and closer to release.

He climbed on top of me and entered himself inside of me. His lips kissed my cheeks, my lips, my collarbones and my breasts. His hand cupped around my breast as he sucked my nipple tenderly, then kissed my lips.

I clawed at his back as he slowly thrusted his way into me, doing stiff and rhythmic thrusts. My nails dig into his ass while he released. After he was done, he continued to lay on top of me, resting.

There I laid under him, my fingers brushing through his brown locks. Marlon had finally given himself to me. Finally, I experienced what it was like to be cared for by Brando. It was a feeling that I could easily get used to, but I knew that wasn't the best thing.

After all, he was Marlon Brando. These affairs were always temporary for him. On New Years, we'd be over for good. I bit my lip as I tried to prepare myself for that. The day I'd lose him.

Or may I didn't have him at all.