Forever and Always

Stay

I woke up the next morning on that dark leather couch, with a headache and a loss of memory from the other night. The first thing that came to mind was Isaac, I rummaged through the pile of napkins and plastic cups to find my phone. Then I hear a ring. It was coming from the kitchen. I dashed around the wrecked beer pong table and grabbed my phone, my mom was calling. I picked up and heard that voice I longed to hear.

"Hola mami! Hey baby how are you?"

"I'm good mom, just going to clean, I had a Christmas party yesterday."

"Sweetie why didn't you come over here instead? Gerardo said you should've come and slept over."

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise.

"S-sorry mama I just wanted to spend it with my friends. I'll come some other time."

"I thought your mother was more important than any huercitos , but I see I was wrong. Anyway I hope you didn't forget tomorrow is my birthday. I also hope you bought me what I wanted."

I loved my mom, but she always seemed to want to know about me whenever I could benefit her in some way.

"Yes mami I didn't forget, I have your present."

I had gotten her that diamond ring she had always wanted, one that apparently Gerardo couldn't get for her yet he could afford buying a new car.

"Thanks baby girl, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah ma- wait tomorrow?!"

"How else will you bring me my present in time?"

I didn't think I'd have to go. The thought of having to see Gerardo again scared me to death.

"Yeah mom, ok I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes baby see you tomorrow muuahh besitos ."

"I love you mom."

She hung up after that. I knew she heard me, but it was rare when she told me she loved me. Actually, mom never had told me she did. I turned to the living room and I saw Clarissa standing by the stove.

"Was that your mom?" She said in a raspy voice. She cleared her throat.

"Yeah, I forgot I have to go over there by tomorrow. Are you sick?"

She nodded and tried clearing her throat once more. Her voice was faint and weak.

"I'm going too make myself a tea. You go pack up, I'll make you breakfast."

I smiled. No matter how crappy my best friend was feeling she always took the time to look out for me. I kissed her in the cheek.

"Thanks mana, I love you."

"Yeah yeah I love you too. Orale, hurry."

She coughed and held her hand up to her head. I started walking past her when she whispered something that I understood instantaneously.

"Please take care.."

I went to my room which was neat and clean since I hadn't slept there the other night. I decided to text Isaac that I had to leave. He replied a few minutes later.

Isaac:
Meet me at the park.

I wondered why he wanted to meet up as I changed into my skinny jeans and long-sleeved black shirt with a turquoise sweater. I struggled with putting only combat boots and yelled out to Clarissa.

"Mana I can't stay for breakfast! I have to meet up with Isaac!"

I heard a grunt, then footsteps coming toward my room. She smirked at me as she moved a hair in front of her face from her messy hair bun.

"Fine but you better get me some Starbucks on the way back."

I laughed, and pretended to be serious.

"Will that be all Mrs.Ramirez?"

She giggled and played along.

"Yes that is all, now run along peasant, I have royal duties that I must attend to."

I bowed my head down, and she let out a cackle. I ran to my truck and turned on the A/C. In a few minutes I was at the park. I got out and saw Isaac lightly moving back and forth of a swing. He seemed to be holding a long, skinny object in his hands. As I approached him I saw it was a rose. I sat on the swing beside his, yet he didn't look up. He only moved his hand, which extended to give me the flower. I took it and stared at him, he slowly looked up and smiled lightly. He didn't look so happy.

"So…yesterday night huh? That was crazy.."

"Yeah, I know, what Roger did was stupid. So um why did you want to meet up?"

He looked down and mumbled.

"Are you really going over there?"

"Its only one day Isaac."

"You know why it bothers me Chelsea."

I looked down.

"Yeah…I know…"

His hand slipped in to mine, and they interlocked. I felt my heart race, a warm feeling aroused me.

"Chelsea, I don't want you to go. Just the thought of your step dad even being close to you just…"

I saw every muscle in his body tense up, his face twisted with rage. I kissed his cheek softly and hugged him. His face changed from angry to surprised.

"Isaac.. I know you just want to protect me, I know you don't want anything to happen. But I can't hide from him forever. I love my mom, I want to see her."

He then looked straight into my eyes with a mix of seriousness and compassion.

"Chelsea, I get that, but listen to me. If you go over there your taking the risk of getting hurt.."

He placed his gentle hand on my cheek.

"…and I can't stand here knowing that your going over there with that monster..."

I looked away. He was right. I was taking a risk. He tilted my chin up, and his eyes locked with mine one again.

"Please stay…stay with me …"

I felt my face burn as I stared back at him. He looked passionately at me and leaned in, our lips inches away. I inhaled his sweet breath, and fell into a trance. But soon I remembered something.

Roger…

I stepped back and winced.

"I-im sorry Isaac…I can't.. I'm going to go I'm sorry.."

I started walking away and he grabbed my hand.

"Chelsea no, plea-"

I slipped out of his grasp and my voice cracked.

"Isaac no! I have to go…"

I started running, never looking back. I turned on the truck, I felt like I betrayed Roger in a way, but again I felt a sense of happiness…and I knew then I was falling for Isaac.