Fireflies

Chapter 2

“I…love you…baby”

“Stay here until I return okay”…

Those words,those images,I was back there again,my fists clenched tightly,My chest tight with fear,I was sweating again

“!”the sound that always shook me back to reality.

My eyes immediately shot open,my face was wet with tears with my heart pounding really hard…It was easier to fall back asleep knowing Marcus was there

I got up in the morning to see that Marcus was not in the room, I looked over at the stopwatch sitting on the table it read a bold 10:47AM

I went downstairs and saw that Marcus had made an avacado toast with egg bacon and some freshly made orange juice.

“Babe, wow this looks nice”I said hopping like a little child.He chucked lightly as he walked over to me pressing his lips on my cheek as he whispered good morning.

We sat and ate breakfast.

“So what do you have planned for today?” he asked

“nothing much I just need to order in more fabrics and make new designs for a client”I said taking another delicious bite from my toast

“Okay then!in that case,I’m taking you out today” Marcus said adjusting into his seat with a smile and a proud nod,I wondered if he noticed how stunned I was,aside the other formal dates we went on ether for my birthday or our anniversary or a celebration,Marcus never opted to do anything with me,so this was new

I’m not sure I was as excited as I sounded but I managed to squeal a series of yayyyyys. “So where are we going?”I asked

“Now that’s the surprise”he chuckled

“So how would I know what to wear?”

“Now that’s where your fashion boss test comes in” he joked lamely with a wink “okay…just wear anything that screams fun”he added

I finally settled for a tight black leather leggings paired with a white button down with black sneakers,had my usual messy bun and threw on a base ball cap

“Supriseeeeee!” We were in front of the city’s park,I looked at Marcus in awe,this was so thoughtful of him,I’ve been so busy and locked up in my own world that I forgot to breathe or even relax and he thought to bring me here,now I was truly excited

I hurriedly made my way out of the car as Marcus did same as I threw my arms to him in the warmest and happiest embrace with little laughs

We walked and walked until we finally sat on a bench with me staring at the kids running around the playground

“Ice cream?” Marcus offered

“Yes please”I responded almost immediately

“Why would anyone prefer that flavor”I annoyingly asked as he ate his watermelon sugar flavored ice cream

“Um…why would anyone prefer that flavor”he sassed right back at my vanilla ice cream throwing us into a series of laughter

We spent a long time at the park and I couldn’t stop wondering if all was well.it was dark already and the stars were out

“Don't they look beautiful” I asked staring at the wonders of the sky in awe

“ yeah sure…sure they do” he responded hesitantly without even looking. He seemed to have been so focused on his phone and didn't really pay attention to me or to what I was saying

“ hello!”I called snapping my fingers in his face which managed to catch his attention as he finally looked up at me causing him to apologize “ohh sorry babe, I was just texting my client ”

He put down his phone and pulled me closer to him and finally said the most he had in the last hours we spent at the park “ I love you Pen and I really appreciate all the time we spent together, thank you”

For the first time his words didn’t feel whole,I felt nothing so I just gave a slight nod but he leaned in to kiss me to actually solidify his point

“Babe,I’m pretty tired.let’s go home.I had fun,Thank you”I said as I gave him a hug

I woke up early cause of work only to notice an already dressed Marcus

“Marcus, where are you going so early… I thought you had the whole week?” I asked rubbing my sleepy eyes

“I’m so sorry babe, something urgent came up and I have to leave for L.A, we have a big investor flying out to L.A, so we have to be there to welcome them, I promise I would make it up to you”with that he kissed me on the forehead and hurriedly made his way downstairs.

I got to work and continued my normal routine,Marcus’s strange attitude was something I had gotten so used to already.

Marcus returned after a whole week and was hurriedly preparing for our trip to New York,it felt like there was more to it for him…gosh! I had grown so used to double thinking all of his intention

New York made me so uneasy,every memory I had fought over the years to lock in a part of my head rushed back to me like the speed of lightning…I felt so weak in my knees but I didn’t want to ruin this for Marcus so I stayed cool

We arrived at NoMad hotel in Manhattan but I never settled down mentally,it was draining for me.

“Babe,7:00pm okay” he leaned in to kiss me and left without saying where

I was dressed in a beautiful black gown staring at my almost 6ft tall self,my bright red lips and my most adored long dark hair with tight curls… “Penelope Axel,the one I created”I thought to myself as I felt a huge familiar figure towering over me,pressing me into a warm hug from behind

“My Princess,you look stunning”Marcus complimented as always taking my hands in his as we made our way out of the room

We got to a garden Marcus had decorated and reserved specially for us,red petal flowers flowed from the very entrance of the garden to a table sitting at the center of a table.

“Babe”I cooed looking at Marcus while fighting the tears in my eyes

“After you my lady”Marcus said pulling a sit for me before making his way to his own sit

The table had all of my favorite meals…ah!wasn’t this man an angel

I didn’t waste any time as I started eating and just then

“Pen, I have something to tell you”he started.

I could feel my heart beat,his blue almond eyes had something in them,I thought pity but immediately discarded the thought

“I really love you, I really do and no matter what I would always care for you”he carefully said

“But Pen,I’m breaking up with you”