SWEETEST OBLIVION

Dec – 5- 2018 "What do I have to do to get a yes on a date from you?" the man asks. I shook my shoulders in frustration at having to deal with him. "Come on, there has to be something." I nod once more while still giving him a small smile. I don't want to bolster him, but I also don't want to offend him. Less than five minutes had passed since I'd arrived at the hotel cafe and was seated at a table near the glass wall when a man seated himself next to me and introduced himself as Derek. In a weird manner, he looked decent and friendly. But I had no interest, what’s so ever. I know I shouldn't evaluate a man based solely on his appearance. The heavens knows how much I despise it when a man stares at my curves, and I can see the disapproval on his face. This was the reason why i wanted to turn him down in the nicest way. Right now, the last thing I needed was a form of another relationship of any type with a man, knowing fully well that such relationships were bound to end one way or another. I chuckle as I cast a doubtful glance at him. "There is nothing you can do to influence my decision, I'm sorry." He slants his head to the side as if he's genuinely thinking about what to do next. "Not even the smallest amount." I exhale a breath. "Not in the slightest, Derek." What the hell was i doing here ? Since arriving here a week ago, I have been asking that question to myself repeatedly. I was alone by myself in Italy, so what the hell was I doing here? My decision to come here as a way of escape was beginning to wane on me. It was obvious that neither the country nor the city i was in had any bearing on it. Italy is no doubt a beautiful country, and if the situation had been any different, I probably would have enjoyed my stay here. Unfortunately, it wasn't. It wasn't intended for this to be a solo vacation. This was meant to be a memorable trip. One that had been months in the making. But as expected, life appeared to screw me over. Or perhaps more crucially, whatever little joy I did have, my mother, like usual, found a way to sabotage it. Although she claims differently, it seemed as though she enjoyed seeing me suffer. She has always been able to make her words and actions incompatible. She had always been able to make my life a misery even at a young age, with her insatiable gamble habits or her lack of ability to keep just one man in her life. And not the good, responsible ones. Her action has caused me much ache than i could account for, making me live the teenage part of my life as a loner, vulnerable to bullying. I’m not sure if I could say I was fortunate to make it through my teenage days but the very minute I turned eighteen, I packed up and moved away, sure to put as much distance between the two of us as I could. For the very first months, nearly a year away from her clutches, I thought I had finally found a breathing space yet like always, my mother had found a way to crawl right back into my life . Causing a wave of havoc in it while ending the only long-lasting relationship I had ever had. Since our first year of college, Joshua and I have been dating, and we have discussed going to Italy for our senior year. This was meant to be a celebration of both our four-years anniversary and the fact that we were done with college Joshua, however, grew weary of the hassles and baggage that came along with dating a woman like me. I was able to understand this. It wasn't easy to put up with a girl who was trapped in an eternal cycle of debt and a mother who brought about danger in her wake. Yes, I did comprehend his motive for wanting to break this unfortunate loop, but understanding did nothing to ease the pain I was feeling. "I swear I can make it worthwhile for you." Derek adds, reaching over the table, "One chance only." I slouch back. " I apologize, Derek. You seem like a nice person, but I already have a boyfriend." He rejects my account. His eyes enlarge as he stares at me without blinking, making it clear that he doesn't believe a word i just said . However, I keep to myself, smiling at him while maintaining an open expression . As much as I really didn't want to offend him, he was clearing ignoring my lack of interest. "Okay, well, until he arrives, I'll just wait here and watch out for you. Why don’t I be a source of entertainment to you." I begin to stumble. "Thank you, but...." I jumped, my words cutting off in my throat when an arm wrapped itself around my waist, " Sorry I’m late, bambina." That voice, distinctively deep and rich like hot mint chocolate, drizzled over melty vanilla ice cream, waking dreams in the making and perpetually unmet midnight cravings, and that was before I looked his way. He really had a captivating appearance and was really attractive. His features are all well positioned for admiration. He was dressed in a dashing black suit with an open collared business shirt that revealed some of his body art. He moved with the assurance of someone who never wondered what would happen next. He had perfect, thick, wavy hair that you could sink your hands into. He was every girls dream Attractive, perceptive, endearing, and in charge He has a smile on his face that made me feel good about myself. "I hope I wasn’t too late," he asked, his beautiful grey eyes leaving mine to glance at a stunned Derek. Once I was able to get a hold of myself and come out of my shock, I placed a hand on his chiselled chest, giving him a smile as I went along with the little act. "Not at all, love." I replied." Derek was gracious enough to keep me company." Derek appeared to be still in disbelief as I smiled He inhaled, giving the man next to me a wide-eyed glance before turning to face me. There were several emotions visible in his eyes, but one more prominent than the rest. Fear!.