Chapter thirteen
1200 Words
"I can take you guys to dinner if you are up for it"Marlon said as he led the girls out of the hospital.
"I'm a little hungry.Though I don't really think I can stomach any food right now"Debra said.Her grahmen's condition had taken a toll on her.Her heart broke from knowing she would lose grahmen eventually.
"Okay..What about if I buy you take outs?"Marlon asked.
"Okay."Luzma said as she squeezed Debra's hand.
After Marlon went to get their meals the girls sat in his car in silence.All their thoughts were jumbled.
"Now it's just you and me"Luzma mumbled as she lay her head on Debra's shoulder.
"Yeah."Debra answered gruffly.
"Are we going to be alright?"
Debra felt her throat clog up.She had almost forgotten that Luzma was just a teenager.A fourteen year old who looked up to her.She realised that she was
Luzma's only family now.
At last Debra cleared her throat.
"I'm right here.Losing grahmen is hard but I promise you, I'll take good care of you.You are all I have left"
"I'll take care of you too"Luzma said as she embraced her sister tighter.
Debra smiled at Luzma's enthusiasm.
"I know.We are the Delgado's after all.We may not be that strong but our determination can withstand any storm"
As they held each other everything fell into place.
Marlon came with the take out food.
"Here"He said as he handed the beef burgers to the two girls.
As Marlon went over the other side to get into the driver's seat Luzma whispered to Debra.
"He's kinda cool Are you dating him?"
Debra sent her sister a freezing glare.Marlon had been supportive and there for her even though they had known each other for a short time.She would forever be thankful to him.He had tried his best to help save her grandmother.Debra now saw him in a different light.He was no longer the egocentric man she had met at Maria's coven months ago.
Hell, come to think of it ,it had been long since she last saw him with those legged women he liked so much.
"I'm going to a sleepover at Merce's .I hope that's okay with you"Luzma said.
Debra was about to complain but Marlon beat her to it.
"Merce?"
"Yeah.She is my friend from school."
"I thought we would have a quiet time at home"Debra mumbled.
"It's just for tonight.I want to forget what has happened for now.I don't think staying at the house will do me any good"
Marlon squeezed Debra's hand and told her to let it go.He could understand what Luzma was going through.He knew she was the type to run away from her problems.Debra though, she faced them head on.Marlon only admired her more.
They dropped Luzma at Merce's house and promised to pick her up in the morning.
"Do you still want to go home?"Marlon asked when they were out of the driveway.
"I don't know.This is all too much.I feel so alone "
Marlon felt like he had been hit hard in the chest.
With a sombre look he turned to her and said gravely.
"I am right here if you need me.All yours."
Debra did not know what to make of his confession.All she felt was the warmth in her chest as her mind processed what Marlon had said to her.
"I have a beach house a mile from here.Maybe you would want to be in someplace quiet."Marlon said.
Debra found herself nodding to his invitation.
Marlon's beach house was a pristine white bungalow that was located yards away from the beach.Debra had never been in a house so big and clean.
"You live here?"Debra asked as she took in the place.There was no sign of life in the place.No potraits or photographs.The house was dead cold.Though Debra had to admit it was beautiful.
Marlon chuckled.
"Occasionally.When I'm stressed out I come here to rewind"
"It's beautiful"
Marlon rubbed his neck.
"Uhm, okay.I'll light a fire to make it warm.Do you need a drink?"
Debra laughed when she saw his discomfort.
"We are not on a date, silly.But thanks for trying anyway"
In her peripheral ,she heard him grumble something about women being impossible and then he disappeared through a door.
Debra sighed as she released a breath she had been holding.Marlon had been right when he said that she needed a break.She wouldn't have been able to be alone in her home.
She walked out to the balcony and marvelled at the beautiful scenery.The ocean stretched far away.The stars above shined so bright.She felt like she was on a movie scene.She never knew nature could be so enticing.
Maybe it was the presence of Marlon that made her feel that way.It felt serene.Special.As if she had been transplanted into another world.
Marlon watched Debra with a desire that almost brought him to his knees.The cold wind blew over her.Her hair blew away from her face and given an etheral beauty.Marlon understood why she intrigued him so much.
He was falling in love.
He couldn't believe it was happening.He had never felt this tightness in his gut over a woman.
Debra felt Marlon's presence when he came behind her.Her body felt faint when she saw how he looked at her intensely.His eyes dark as he looked at her face.
She had close to no experience with men but she knew that look very well.Marlon wanted her.That thought alarmed her and she cleared her throat.
"I think it's better if I leave"She rasped.
"Oh.",Marlon sighed."I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable"
He felt like an i***t standing there.Almost begging that she spend more time with him.Even though nothing would happen between them.
Debra saw the dejected look on his face and prayed for strength.As she walked to the door she saw the fire burning brightly.Wine glasses and a bottle of Cassavana were placed neatly on the rug.
Her feet kind of froze.
"I was hoping you could stay and talk ? for the night."Marlon muttered.
"Talk. really?"Debra mused.She waited for his answer with a beating heart.
"Maria,I would never do anything you don't consent to."Marlon said.Heart beating fast he stood his ground.He wanted to be with her.See how soft her skin really was.Feel her breathing when she was caught up in throttles of passion.He wanted to get lost in her warmth.If only she would give him a chance.
Unable to stand the building tension anymore Debra crossed her arms around herself.
"It's the first time you have called me that."She said with a smile.
"Will you stay for the champagne?"Marlon asked.
Debra eyed the Cassavana.
"Just for tonight."
Just for the night.Debra promised herself.
It was a promise she was not keen on following up.
***
- Writer
