My Perfect Love Story

Chapter 6: I Love You

Michael and Mariana kissing on the front porch of a beautiful condominium were all Maiana could think about. Ever since that memorable evening, Mariana and Michael have pursued their relationship. The time they've spent together gave Mariana joyful hope of a prospering relationship. However, Mariana caught a glimpse of Michael's yin during compromising situations. Michael has a hardcore, masculine exterior that seems to push everyone away. Yet, Mariana sees through it. Or so she thought.

Michael's erratic schedule stops the couple from spending constant time together. However, Mariana has used that time to be productive within her business. Her boutique has been very popular in her community which motivated her to hire more employees. With employees in the boutique, Mariana has invested her time in creating an online clothing store as a way to expand her brand as a fashion designer. With just one post on social media, the website has excelled before it got started.

August 6, 2021

Houston, TX

2:30 pm

Lunch with Amira and Myra was always an engaging moment for Mariana. Lunch was the time they used to share important, or interesting, updates on their lives. As much as Mariana tried to focus on their conversation, she couldn't help but think of Michael. 

"Mariana, how are things going with you and Michael?" Amira asked with a grin on her face. Mariana found it quite difficult to describe her relationship with Michael. She didn't know if they were official or exclusive.

"It's going well, we haven't made it official but we enjoy our time together," Mariana tried to sound optimistic as she attempted to utter the right words to prevent suspicion from her best friends.

"Enjoying time together doesn't always lead to a serious relationship. Are you sure he is serious about a relationship as you are?" Her words cut deep into Mariana's chest as the doubts she felt were common for her friends as well. Mariana fixed her mouth to refute Myra's worries but deep down, she knows Myra has a valid point.

"Listen, I get what you're saying and I can't read his mind but based on what I've seen, I think we're ready to give it a chance." Her heart was beating quickly as she tried to assure her friends how secure she feels about a relationship with Michael. "We are happy for you but he gives us weird vibes," Mariana's heart dropped as she heard her friends' discomfort towards Michael. She knew this was bound to happen, yet she decided to ignore all signs that would push Michael further away from her. Never has Mariana ever felt so attached to someone in such little timing.

"Weird vibes? He's a great guy, you guys just have to get to know him," Mariana hated to be the one to bring positivity to the conversation, especially when she knows Amira is right. Although Michael can be verbally aggressive at times, he's such an amazing guy at heart. Amira and Myra gave each other questioning looks before bringing up another topic. 

August 6, 2021

9:30 pm

Mariana's Boutique

The stress and anxiety within Mariana were too much to sustain within her. As a mechanism of coping, Mariana decided to stop by the boutique and assure the boutique is in perfect condition. As time flies, Mariana loses track of it. Her phone was ringing constantly, yet on silent. Her energy began to run low so, she made her way home. Mariana was actually in a positive mood on her way home.

Mariana unlocked the front door of her condo. The house was completely dark, which Mariana enjoyed. Vibrant lights are so beautiful and fluorescent, Mariana enjoyed warm colors as they tell her story. Mariana turned on the living room light while walking further into her home. She failed to see the muscular silhouette sitting on her recliner, watching every move she makes. 

Mariana sighs deeply in relief that she is home safely. As she turns around to take a seat, she screams as she finally sees the man in her house. "What are you doing in my house?!" Mariana was very creeped out and frightened at the thought of someone breaking into her home. "Why are you coming home so late? 5:30 was 4 hours ago if I'm correct. I was never really good at math, " Mariana stared at him with wide eyes as she is seconds away from an anxiety attack. 

The mocking laugh that came from the man abruptly stopped as he arose from the chair. He walked forward, towards Mariana. Mariana took multiple steps back, his condescending attitude caused Mariana's anxiety to increase with every move she makes. "I hope you're not having an anxiety attack, that would be tragic," The smile on his face was sinister. She saw that smile before. She vowed to never get close to anyone who held a similar smile.

"Michael, what are you doing?" Her voice was shaky as she continued to step away from him carelessly. Not only was her voice shaky, but every part of her body was also shaking. She tripped over her feet many times before her lower back was pressed against the dining table. Mariana doesn't know why she's so scared. She's seen the behavior of abuse but Michael would never hurt her. At least that's what she thought. 

"Mari, I asked you a question." He stood so close to me with a snide smirk on his face. His nose lingered on Mariana's neck as he rose his face to meet hers. He leaned in slowly, making her believe he was leaning in for a genuine kiss. As Mariana leaned in as well, Michael's smirk was replaced with a hard glare as his cold, rugged hand gripped Mariana's neck violently. Mariana gasped sharply before her breath was taken from her, in the hands of a dominant man.

"Are you going to answer my question? Or do I have to choke it out of you?!" He gritted out harshly as his spit flew in her face. Mariana never expected to be in her mother's position, she never expected to be with a man who treated her like her father treated her mother. "A-a-ans-wer," Mariana managed to utter a word out as her breath slowly began to sliver away from her throat. 

Michael roughly removed his hand away from her throat. Mariana began coughing hysterically as she fell over, caressing her bruised, purple and blue neck. Michael grabbed her by the back of her shirt and slammed her against her tan-colored walls. "I w-wa-was at wo-work, p-please," Mariana stuttered as she also begged for mercy. 

Michael walked closely to Mariana as she cowered away from him, "Next time I call you, you better answer the f*****g phone in seconds," Michael whispered harshly in her ear, causing her to whimper in fear. He stood straight and slowly made his way towards the door, he gave her one last look and said, "I'll call you tomorrow baby," With that, he left.

Mariana's sight began to blur as she also became dizzy. The entire condo was spiraling in circles as she laid on the ground, too weak to arise. She slowly began to succumb to the false darkness around her until all she saw was pitch black.

                                                                        Mariana

The beautiful flower bed with red, pink, and purple flowers planted in the garden brightened the entire field. Walking down the pathway of the flower field was a haven to comfort me. At the opposite end of the field, there was a male silhouette who was walking towards me. 

The man captivated me and gave me chills of excitement and thrill. I attempted to walk forward but my legs were stuck to the ground. Tears surfaced as my legs became immobile and the flowers began to shrink. The clear, blue sky became dark, grey clouds. I turned to the flower beds and they were rotten and discolored. I felt the strong wind blow against my face as the man got closer and closer.

There he was, standing in front of me. He was a handsome man, beautiful brown eyes and brown curls for hair. His tan skin was perfect against mine, I leaned in as much as I could, the warmth of his breath on my chin was soothing. My eyes were closed as I savored this moment. Our lips were centimeters apart, one more move. 

As I leaned in, a raindrop fell on my cheek. I opened my eyes to see nothing but rotten flowers and a dark sky. Another raindrop fell on my face as I looked up to the sky. I saw a lightning strike on the opposite side of the field. I looked to see nothing but a windmill, which raised questions in my head. I furrowed my eyebrows as the rain became heavy, along with my breathing. I tried turning around but my legs were still immobile. They slowly became weak as I hyperventilate. "Mariana," I frantically looked around vigilantly, fear slowly began to overtake me.

I felt hands on my shoulders, slowly caressing them. The tears in my eyes were heavy and I sobbed hysterically. "Please stop," I begged. I didn't know who was behind me or what they were doing. I wanted to leave. The immense thunder made me shake and close my eyes as I cried in fear. "I love you," The person whispered and their hands were removed abruptly. The air was refreshing again. The sky was blue and the flowers bloomed. I tried to move my legs and it worked. A smile came to my face and my first instinct was to run. 

As I made the first step, I fell into an unknown hole. It was dark and quiet. I looked up to see the sight of bright, blooming flowers turn into nothing but darkness. "I love you," I heard again as I continue to fall into the endless pit. I couldn't answer, I refused to. I looked down to see a black platform with scratches, it looked far. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I opened my eyes and looked down to see the platform get closer and closer. I began to scream. I didn't want to die. I was falling and I wouldn't make it. The platform was here.

I'll be dead in 5, 4, 3, 2, "I love you,"

BOOM!

                                                               ~My Perfect Love Story~