Episode 10: Yield

A momentary lapse of bewilderment kicked in upon hearing the abrupt news from the woman herself. If certain, how long has she been feeling so? Denying it was of no use since her friend seemed convinced of the contrary. He may have heard few from their conversation but it was enough to assume it was true: she has strong sentiments for him. A sudden rush of ebullience took over him and off he ran to his friend's bedroom door, knocking it urgently in his haste. He just had to know this.

"Could you be any louder mate? I could barely hear ya." "Sorry, but I had to come over and tell you something I just found out." He steadied himself on the doorway to catch his breath. It had been a long run, revelation bystanding. "Easy there. Now, what happened?" "She loves me." "Who loves you?" "Who else? Melissa! I just heard her talk to a friend about it." Paul had regressed to boyhood, smiling from ear to ear at such joyous news. He'd been waiting for this day ever since he discovered his feelings for her, the day she would accept it was mutual. Mick pulled him right off the cloud asking: "Did she say those exact words?" "Eh..." Recalling the women's dialogue she didn't mouth them, rather her friend implied it. Either way it was true, right? "Exactly. Come in, we need to discuss this."

Once inside they were free to speak without chance of being heard by others. Paul explained it all: how he was walking to his room after soundcheck when he heard Melissa's voice from another one, curiosity beating him and stopping to listen, which made possible receiving such piece of secrecy. "That doesn't mean she loves you." "Maybe, but at least now I know she feels something for me." "Paul, I think you're precipitating over this. You can't jump to conclusions from a conversation you barely listened." "You're right. That's why I'll ask her." "What, you'll talk to her?" "Yes I will, to have this settled at once. I have to know what she really feels for me." "That sounds reasonable." "We understand each other well so she has to be honest on the subject right?" "Yes..." "Oh God, I hope it's true she loves me, and at the same time I hope it's false." This was novelty for Mick after days of Paul's stuborness on his infatuation for the girl. "You are officially a madman." "A madman?" "You pray she's in love with you but hope she's not? What do you want then? And nothing against Melissa 'cause I like her, but what on Earth has she done to you?" "She's bewitched me Mick, she makes me feel like never before. I said so because I've been thinking of this whole thing and, well...just look at me: I'm a middle aged man who has come and gone in life, with two teenage sons, in love with this amazing, young woman who could be their sister, and actually thinking it possible to get involved with her? I have nothing to offer her and I don't mean money-wise, she deserves much more than an economically stable life. She deserves a loving family, a strong, secure, protective man and...I'm not sure I could be that man because of my age." "At least you're being realistic." "I have to. Otherwise I'll go mad...much more than usual." "You definitely need to talk to her." "I will, I will. Let's see how it goes..."

She felt his sulky eyes following her every move. Nothing new to her for she realized she's been the object of his observation for the past months. This time however, it bordered harassment. Everywhere they went with the band those piercing, blue eyes would be staring at her intently. Even now he was playing he'd take a few seconds to contemplate her standing on one side of the stage. But it was an undecipherable look, one which bared plea. Was he trying to say something? She wished to read him and help yet there was that uneasiness, that turmoil in her heart when she saw him. It prevented her from getting close to him now, when before it used to be so easy. Perhaps Joannie was right and her emotions have shifted gradually?

"Is he still looking here?" "You mean if he's looking at you? 'Cause he definitely is." Melissa and Joannie whispered to each other while mingling in the celebration that was Gorillaz's afterparty at a local bar. Since the latter have bought her concert ticket before the former met the band she couldn't see it backstage with her friend. However, she had the opportunity to attend their gathering afterwards thanks to her pal's intervention. Sipping their respective drinks, they became secretive the instant Melissa again sensed him looking at her direction. "Ah man, poor Paul", she moaned at his far-fetched fascination. "Poor Paul? I'd be ecstatic were I in your place. But I see where you're coming from, it must be bizarre to learn someone special's so in love with you, especially with that self-esteem of yours." "Hey thanks." "I'm just saying you need to like yourself a little, there's nothing wrong in admitting you're a great person worth being loved." "But not by him, he's too perfect for little old me. He deserves so much more than a plain Jane. He deserves...you know: classy, sophisticated Barbie, something along those lines." "Just like Barbie, that's plastic. You, on the other hand, are real. Maybe that's what he wants. And speaking of wanting I better warn you, he's coming this way." "What?" "Hey, there you are. I've been looking for you for a while." The women eyed each other skeptically. "Yeah, we know", they thought in unison. Melissa's eyes locked with Paul's for a split second, that which seemed to last longer between them until she exclaimed: "Oh, I believe you haven't met. Joannie, this is Paul. Paul, this is my friend Joannie. She came from New Jersey to see the show." "Nice meeting you." "Likewise man. It was a great show, really good." "Thanks." "Would you please excuse me guys? I gotta get more Coke." Without expecting an answer Melissa left them in their chat, making her way through the crowd until she spotted a familiar face. "Hey!" "Well hello there, long time no see love." Damon's smile grew wider at her presence. "Where've you been all along? You've been out of circulation lately. Everything alright?" "Yeah, everything's fine. Just being a tourist, that's all." "Well you're here now, so now I won't let go off you. Wanna play ping pong? There are tables downstairs." "Sure! It's been awhile since I last played it but what the hell, let's do it." He grabbed her from the waist and made their way to the underground ping pong tables. It had been a long time indeed, she owed it to him to spend quality time together.

But she kept restraining from him nevertheless. Damon had done every possible thing to maintain her satisfied to that point yet she set her distance. It was odd to notice her so indifferent when previously her whole self illuminated at the sight of him. He wondered why this sudden change in such short amount of time. Has she grown weary of him? He trusted this guess to be false, realizing action needed to be taken before it was too late.

The next day turned to be a drowsy one and Melissa decided to take it easy and stay in the hotel and its vicinity. Joannie was back in New Jersey so she was alone for the rest of the day. But that night as she flipped through channels on the television there was a knock on the door. She got off the bed and peeked through its peephole. "Oh no..." she whispered. "Melissa, I heard you. Please open, we need to talk." "Dude, we have nothing to talk about." "Yes we do. Please let me in." She hesitated for a moment. Should she leave him outside or let him in and get this over with? "Melissa, I want to speak to you, not to the door." Taking a deep breath, she opened slowly and stepped aside to let him in.

They were both silent, Melissa looking at the floor avoiding his intense stare. "I will make this brief. I heard you the other day you were speaking with your friend Joannie." She was puzzled at this, still trying to stare down. "What are you talking about? We spoke several times." "I happened to catch a bit of the conversation you had here, when you mentioned me." She abruptly froze. "When we mentioned him? Oh my God!", she shrieked in mute horror. Composing herself she exclaimed: "We mentioned you because I was telling her about how I met all of you in the first place." "Melissa, don't lie. I heard you say you like me and Joannie then suggested you may in fact be in love with me." She realized he would insist unless she was emphatic, so she responded: "What's your point?" "The point is: is it true? Do you love me?" She looked him straight in the eye and said: "No, I don't." He was quiet for a second, almost defeated, when unexpectedly he answered: "I don't believe you." "You don't give up, do you?" "I don't believe you because she's right: your eyes say you do." "Paul..." "See? There it is again, that look in your eyes. You do love me, right? Don't deny it, I'm seeing it." "Please stop, just stop!" she begged, nearly in tears. "No, don't cry dearest. There's nothing wrong in admitting your feelings." I...I'm not worthy of your love", she started rambling. "You don't need a stupid little girl trailing behind your feet, you deserve much more than that. You must have dozens of women crazy for you but it's what they are: women. I'm just a lovey-dovey kid dreaming of being loved by a fantastic man who's much older than her..." "Say no more, little one. Here you have me."

Their eyes locked together once more, no words being necessary to make their emotions clear. It was Paul who grabbed her face tenderly and leaned down to her height. If the first kiss had left her permanently moved, this one made her senses quiver with excitement. She raised her hands to touch his face and shoulders, being too tall for her reach. He pulled her closer to him, grabbed the straps from her sundress and started lowering them to her shoulders. Melissa became nervous at the prospect of making love to a mature man, and not any man but one she'd been thinking of constantly the last weeks. She recalled that day in Cannes when lust took over her, looking at him on the beach. Again she could feel it crawling inside her due to his ripe, confident touch. His lips kissed her cheeks and neck, slowly removing the sundress from her as his hands caressed every curve on her physique. Melissa started unbuttoning his shirt but was too intimidated by his masculinity, overwhelming for her young soul. Paul laughed sweetly and took her to the bed, lying her over it as he took her panties off, leaving her the most exposed. He held his breath as he observed her in loving wonder. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined her, looking at her purest and most fragile. He leaned over her, kissing her mouth as he finished removing his shirt and pants. Even in his age the muscles were still present, increasing in strength as he probbed and tasted every line and hollow of her body, becoming the more aroused with every stroke. "You're simply breathtaking", he murmured in between kisses. Melissa was unable to ellicit any reply, wrapped in pleasure as Paul delved into her flesh, caressing the soft skin with firm fingertips and wet lips. "Love me, please love me." Her sighing was music to his ears as he introduced himself inside her. He was gentle, making sure not to hurt her sensitivity as he thrusted in. She whimpered softly, her hands clinging to his back and her legs curling up to his hips, causing him to quicken his speed and go farther. Their moans intertwined into melodic harmony as he entered incessantly, reaching beyond her very core, making her pull him closer. In a matter of minutes the explosion burst from their bodies as they both advanced to a state of pure bliss, holding each other as their skin melded together. Catching his breath, Paul kissed Melissa once more and smiling down, laid beside her as he gently patted her waist with one hand and her hair with the other, susurrating I love yous to reassure his complete devotion to her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2-DoBdxKg

Episode 9: It Says It All

Various types of flowers blossomed in their display, providing living color to the lackluster walls. Purple, red, pink, yellow, every different tone available to satisfy customers' needs. One of them, for instance, ordered a small bouquet of white lilies. The posy was clearly to be delivered to a sweetheart.

First thing her eyes saw when opening the door was a little arrangement of white buds being held by a golden-toothed cheery man, which made her feel guilty but still endeavoured to keep a mellow face. "Oh my God, how beautiful!" The deliverer simply smiled adoringly at the young woman's reaction. "Wanna come in?" "Need to ask?" She was glad for his visit, having not seen him in weeks since they were both engaged in their respective business. She especially had the urge to know of him, of changing gears after the tumultuous events taken place days ago. "Damon, you're an angel, you didn't have to buy me flowers." "I'd give you every single one in the face of the Earth if I could, you deserve them. Don't tell me they make you feel uncomfortable." "No, it's not that. It's just...I've never received flowers before." "Not once?" "Nope." "Lads in your town must be twats then." Melissa couldn't help giggle at Damon's accurate remark. He always had a way to make her feel better with herself, which she was grateful for. "So, how can I help you?" "In not much way, considering I came to see you after many days of absence. You have no idea how much I missed you." "Aww, I missed you too. Damn work." "Exactly. No complaints though, we're about to leave to America so that has me excited. By the way, everyone says hello and they miss you as well." "Hee hee, cuties, ditto to them." She set her gaze downwards, fighting her curiosity. Did he say something else apart from his greetings? Has he even spoken to his friend on the subject? "Are you okay?" She raised up her look to Damon's questioning expression. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why d'you ask?" "Just wondering why you kept silent for about half a minute." "Oh man, that long?" "Yes. Is something troubling you dearest?" "Oh no", she thought, "not that word, he used it with me." "Not really, it's just that work has been boring lately; lots of paperwork, you know", she answered. "Poor little darling, you must be tired of it all." He placed his palm over her worn face, caressing it tenderly to ease the fatigued features. "I can't complain either, thanks to it I get to go wherever I want to." Damon's eyes instantly lit up. "I have the perfect solution for you tiredness." "Which is?" "Come to America with me." "What?" "Yeah! Come to America in October. You'll have an entire month to rest." "Are you serious? I can't just stop going to work for a month." "Not if you tell them you have a sick relative with no one to help him, or her." "Well, the idea does sound tempting..." "But I don't wanna get near Paul!" she exclaimed inwardly. "Please come, Melissa, come with me. Please!" This last plead was made in the whiniest voice he could come up with that bass-like voice of his. She was touched by his boyish playfulness, reason why she said: "Alright, I'll go." He exhaled a loud yelp and rapidly bent forward to hug her. "I knew you'd say yes." "My guess is you actually came to invite me all along." "What the hell. Yes I did, but I needed you to give out a sign for me as an excuse." You naughty boy." His mischievious grin disappeared when he locked his lips to hers for a full kiss. Melissa had memories coming and going once more, recollections of that one his friend gave her unexpectedly, as well as that one she gave him impulsively. "You really are tired." "Huh?" Damon smiled at her understandingly and again caressed her face. "It's okay, I'm here to help you forget and relax." He kissed her for a second time, on this occasion dropping his hands to her waist, holding her top to lift it over her arms. That's exactly what she needed: to forget and relax. She took his shirt off, letting him do with her as he pleased as they proceeded to make love over the same couch on which Paul revealed his feelings just days past.

He saw them arrive at Heathrow holding hands, him beaming at her side and her doing the same but shyly. The slightest of pain entered his chest at the sight of them, rising as he observed him lean down to kiss his young companion. Has she already decided over him? He couldn't bare see her so happy with another man, and even worse: with one of his best mates. Enough reason to turn sideways and walk on, not wanting to see them in such intimate fashion. What he ignored was her sudden unwillingness to affectionate demonstration with Damon after months of it. "Dude wait, not here." "But why? Can't I kiss my beloved?" "I don't feel comfortable doing it in public." "You didn't give a fuck before." "Well I do now. I don't want the crew to start speculating." "So? Who cares what they think?" "I do, I don't wanna be called a slut behind my back for coming along with no special task whatsoever." "Yes, you do have one: to make my days merrier." A silent laugh came from her when meeting those turquoise eyes full of devotion. "This man loves me as well, it's so obvious", she inferred. "For that he deserves nothing but my loyalty." "Let's go Damon, we're being waited for." "Aye aye, captain." He put his arm over her shoulders as he kissed her forehead warmly while resuming their strolling.

Canada was the first stop of their journey, one country Melissa had never been to so she took full use of their brief stay to sightsee as much as possible. She was mostly on her own or with some of the musicians, the famous ones prefering to stay in whichever hotel they were at. Not being constantly at Damon's side was beneficial since she was able to come and go as she wished. Of course, time with him was valuable because of his amiable, outgoing personality. Days improved when they were together. However, she had been avoiding getting too intimate with him as of lately, although not entirely. There were still doubts, especially concerning the occured with Paul weeks ago. What had happened? Did she do it out of sympathy for his touching words? Or was there something else behind her sudden conduct?

Her concerns remained all the way to New York, where they arrived more than a week later. She looked forward to this visit not only for the prospect of seeing Gorillaz at Madison Square Garden, but also due to her encounter with her friend Joannie, who would come from New Jersey for the show and meet her beforehand. If there was someone who could be trusted it was her. She knew what occured in Melissa's personal life through their internet chats, and her wisdom would be of much help in this matter. At that moment she needed an external voice more than ever.

Thursday night would be a busy one since the band had a special one-hour television performance ahead which of course she would attend. So she took the afternoon to hit the streets by herself. There was a particular sight she needed to visit, one she had heard and seen pictures of. It wasn't a museum, neither a monument, but it well could be. There it was, that huge brickwall covered in several bright colors, all of them forming the most heartfelt tribute she had ever seen. A man with sunglasses and a black leather jacket looked out from the wall, the words THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN placed at the left. Melissa couldn't imagine the amount of people who have stopped by to pay their respects to this man who died too soon. He still had much to do, much to say to the world. It's a pity to have a fascinating life cut so short. All of these were her thoughts while staring at the mural. Too absorbed she was, surprise took over as she heard the voice she had been dreading for weeks. "Melissa?" She turned around and saw him there, standing about three feet away from her and looking as puzzled as she did. "Oh God, not you." He walked towards her but she stopped him curtly. "No, don't get close to me." "What? But we're alone dearest..." "Stop calling me like that, I'm not your dearest. Just 'cause we're alone doesn't mean you can take advantage of me." "Take advantage of you? I would never do that. I just wanna talk..." "Well now it's not the time. I gotta go now." His eyes were full of anxiousness, uncertain at what to do or say. "Can I walk you?" "No! I mean no thanks, I know the way back." And off she went the opposite way. In his lament he looked up to the mural and with melancholic tone expressed out loud: "She came to see you and I did the same. Was it you calling us purposely?"

The next day signalled Gorillaz's Madison Square Garden gig and Joannie's arrival to the city. Melissa received her excitedly after months of online talking. She was eager to do so in person to discuss their respective lives, as well as seek advice for the emotional struggle she faced. They spent the whole morning and part of the afternoon together having breakfast and visiting sights. For the main conversation, however, Melissa chose the privacy of her hotel bedroom. "Are you sure we can be here? Someone could hear us", warned Joannie. "Not a chance, no one's around, they're at soundcheck", was Melissa's reply. "So, remember what I told you about meeting Damon and his supossed flirty attempts on me?" "Yes, you mentioned them." "Okay, so back in June when we went to Glastonbury we got pretty close...as in REALLY close." "Oh that..." "And he's been really infatuated ever since: being super nice, spending extra time with me, he even threw me a birthday party, for God's sake." "He organized a party for you? That's lovely of him. But..." "But, here's the thing: even with all these actions and details, he hasn't said he loves me." "Maybe he's the kind of guy of few words but his actions speak millions." "Not really, he's usually very opinionated and outspoken. But again, his face literally lits up when he sees me and he may not say the words, but he has made merits to win me over." "Have you thought he adores you so much maybe you make him nervous with your presence?" "Maybe. I dunno." "What do you feel for him?" "I like him a lot, always did actually, when I was a mere fan. And he makes me feel I'm worth it, that I'm not a loser." "You're not a loser. Kudos to him for making you feel good about yourself. You haven't mentioned something though: that you love him. In fact, you look rather confused." "I haven't told you everything." "There's more?" "Lots more. See, I told you I met pretty much every musician involved in Gorillaz. Well, Damon's best friend in the band is interested in me as well. "Wait, you mean..." "Yes, Paul's into me." "What?! Paul Simonon? Come on Melissa, you gotta be kidding." "I'm serious Joannie. He said so about a month ago." "Ok hold on, you met him around the time you met Damon?" "I met them the same night. Apparently he's been in love with me ever since." "He told you?" "A month ago he went to my apartment and just poured his heart out. You should've seen him, just the way he was looking at me said it all. He's just...he's so sweet, such a dear friend of mine, an amazing guy all around..." "I was supposing as much. But I mean, in love with you?" "I know it sounds hard to believe but that's what he said, that he fell in love by knowing me from our conversations together. And he claims he likes my personality. My personality? Yeah, if you're into flustered girls." "Don't be too harsh on yourself, you're a very nice girl. If he's truly in love, as he claims, he may have seen it." That was the real issue: was it love? Maybe he's confused like herself, so was Melissa's thought. She was interrupted by Joannie, who stated an important truth: "I dunno. I mean for starters, he's old enough to be your dad, which already is quite disturbing." Tell me about it." "And secondly, maybe he feels attracted to you 'cause you're young and beautiful, and you know girls like you are every mature man's fantasy." "That's what I thought, that it was only an attraction. Until he started saying pretty much every single thing he likes about me and and how he ended loving me...and then I kissed him." "You what?" "I kissed him, totally out of the blue. His words touched me like no others I've heard and something in me made me do it." "Dear God. You know? I'm actually thinking you may be feeling the same for him." "What? No, I'm with Damon, I'd never be unfaithful to him after all he's done for me." "I understand but listen: your words deny it, but by the way you described Paul and by that look in your eyes, you say the contrary." Uncomfortable silence. Was that the reason for her impulsiveness? It made sense but... "Your silence gives away your feelings." "I..." "Admit it, you're in love with him." "I do admit I like him. I mean, when we were in Cannes there was a moment in which I wanted to sleep with him 'cause he looked especially gorgeous and he was being really kind to me..." "What woman doesn't wish that? Besides I didn't say like, I said love, and your body language is practically screaming this last one." "I dunno Joannie, I honestly don't think so." "Then why are your eyes saying the opposite?" "Come on, he would never see me that way." "Didn't you just tell me he declared his love openly awhile back?" "I still think he's confused." Such conversation stretched on for a considerable amount of time and little did Melissa know, she was actually being listened from outside by a flabbergasted eavesdropper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-7KryHmDts

Episode 8: Enraptured

The coffee machine made its accustomed rattling as every morning. A fresh roast poured into the cup, which Paul grabbed and took to the living room. Usually during that part of the day he relaxed due to his activities taking place in the afternoon, so its first hours were tranquil for him. For once it was different. He leaned by the window sipping his coffee, analyzing the last four months. His existence had been easygoing, what with working voluntarily and not out of necessity, as well as having an active social agenda. He couldn't complain, he was privileged. But it had become a drag, doing the same every two or three weeks. There was more to life than artistic events and fancy parties. He was already aware of it, but finally realized it once he met her. There she was, a person who cared not about these matters but gave importance to much simpler details. Someone understanding, who still showed joy for little things others didn't take notice of. Not to mention her disposition towards everything and everyone. She was the purest of innocence, that girl. And yet there was this strange quality about her, a womanly sensuality any man could sense. He knew it well, having that sensation everytime he saw her. No doubt it was the combination of the child-like naïve nature, and the precocious sexual appeal which made her so irresistible. There was that detail as well: her youth. She was really too young for him, and he was very conscious of his own age, which made him consider she probably viewed him as some mischievious elderly. Even with the years that separated them, this feeling was inevitable in him. He couldn't help it, he was besotted ever since the first time he saw her. Knowing her only deepened it.

"And now I don't know what to do." He discussed his uncertainty with Mick when the former visited the latter in his house two weeks later. Left all for himself due to his missus and daughters being absent, he was able to speak freely of that which perturbed his friend. "Right, so you do remember she just turned 26 years old." "Yes yes, I know, that's what hurts me the most, the age difference. It wouldn't be such a problem were she in her forties, or even in her mid thirties, but she's practically a little girl for me. And yet I've fallen madly for that little girl." "But are you sure it's love Paul? She has yet so much to live, you have life experience to spare, basically you're both in different stages. What makes you think a relationship between you is possible?" "She's mature in other aspects. Her personality, her views of life, even her artistic tastes are very grown up. I mean, if you've listened to our conversations you'd notice she's truly an adult. Even if she's such a young girl in every other aspect, she's grown up mentally." "That I don't question it, she knows where she's standing. Now, have you thought of Damon?"

Paul went silent. He hadn't really stopped to consider his sentiments. He knew he felt similarly for her but according to his observations, there was nothing more than a mere platonic relationship, even romantic gestures included. "There's nothing serious between them." "How do you know?" "Melissa hasn't said so, and neither has Damon. Of course, I haven't asked them." "Why? Do you fear they might say yes?" "Well..." "You suspect there's something, right? Problem is, you don't want to admit it. Or rather you don't want to admit you're probably not meant to be." "I hope there's nothing but I don't know..." Another doubt crossed Mick's mind. "Do you even know what she feels for you?" Paul sighed loudly and ellicited the resignated truth: "She sees me only as a friend. And I don't blame her for it. I approached her from the beginning in a friendly manner but eventually my heart beat any logic left in me. And again there's the whole age difference. She's so young for me, I'm too old for her. I'm sure she perceives me as some funny old geezer, especially after the incident on her party. But it was an impulse, really." "I can imagine how she reacted." "Stunned, she didn't even kiss me back." "Again, can you blame her?" "Not really." When Mick finalized voicing his opinion, it was Paul who justified his choice. "If you could see her through my eyes, Mick. She's wonderful in every single way. And she's so beautiful. The way those big eyes of hers lit up when she receives good news, how she smiles at everyone, even her laugh is adorable. And she cares, you know. She's such a good listener, at least with me she is, and supporting with everybody. She's just remarkable, an incredible person..." Mick listened attentively but had a thought: "If it's not love, he certainly has strong feelings for her."

When she saw him in the doorway, the color wiped out of her face. She seriously considered closing the door and leave it at that. Instead she let him in silently. "I'm sorry for coming unexpectedly but I need to talk to you." His pace was aghast, notions that had been troubling him for the last days unable to be delayed anymore. Melissa, on the other hand, did not look so keen at the idea. "Listen, Paul..." "No, please don't say anything yet, at least until you listen to me. I owe you an explanation..." "You don't owe me anything..." "Yes I do, dearest, I've offended you terribly and I'm sorry for that. But at the same time I won't apologize for kissing you. I did it because I love you." Had it not been for her friends' assumptions, this abrupt declaration would've come as a bombshell. His words however, still carried significance for finally being acknowledged by him. "Paul, please..." "No, don't say a word yet. I've had too much on my chest for a long time and I won't stop now." She saw it again, that fixed look directed straight at her. Everytime she saw him with others his eyes were placid, his poise serene; this was not the case so undoubtedly she was the cause for his present uneasiness, making her feel guilty all around. He sat up straight and explained himself thoroughly.

"You mesmerized me from the first instant, when I saw you back in April. You just stood out from the crowd and I couldn't keep my eyes off you. I was glad when I finally met you later that night and rejoiced every second of it, convinced I would never see you again and would become a precious memory with time. Can you imagine what it was seeing you weeks later? Coincidence or not, all I know is it happened for a reason. The more conversations we had, the more my feelings for you became what they're now. Ever since I've been tormenting myself for never opening up to you for fear of being rejected or receiving a mocking remark, which would be even worse than being rejected because I wouldn't stand it, coming from you. Most especially, I observed your fascination for Damon and seeing he was, rather is, quite smitten with you, I chose not to speak, painfully watching how your mutual affection grew everyday. But that night, on your party, I couldn't handle it anymore. Seeing you dance set my heart racing like never before. Then discovering you actually share birthday with Joe, my dear friend...Add to it everything I've felt for the last four months and that was it, you drove me to madness. That's why I kissed you my dear, because my feelings could not be held any longer. And I know what you're thinking, that I'm too old for you but I'd like to think it's not an impediment to have something..." Melissa needed to barge in, to say anything in order to interrupt his loving words. "Paul, it's not just the age difference, there are many things: our ways of thinking, our interests, our upbringings, the fact that your friend Damon, 'cause that's what he is, your friend, is actually interested in me..." "Did he say he loves you?" She reminisced he never expressed those exact words. He said he liked her a lot but nothing more than that. Still his attitudes and actions proved so. "He has shown it." "I have as well, but now I'm saying it..." "Paul, wait. Honestly, why do you wanna get involved with someone like me? I'm lazy, naïve, flawed, and you're the complete opposite of that. I'm so not worth it, you don't need such a loser in your life." "Melissa, I'm not sure you realize how incredible you are. It's precisely that innocence of yours that stole my heart, and I like your intelligence and your way of being. There's no one like you out there, your uniqueness won me over. And yes, you may be very young for me but I don't care, you're amazing all the same and I love you. At this point I couldn't give a flying fuck if the whole world knows it. I don't even care what Damon thinks. All I care for is you, dearest, and I'll do anything to win your heart..." His conversation abruptly ceased, his lips sealed by Melissa's, who found herself so overwhelmed by Paul's candidness something dictated her to do so. He was surprised by her reaction but immediately responded to her kiss, gently grabbing her back while savouring her full, parted lips. All of a sudden she pushed him back, her face the mask of horror. "Holy shit", she exclaimed. "Melissa..." "You should go now. Yes, it's time for you to leave." "What? But honey..." "No Paul, please go." She walked to the door promptly, shoving him out but with no violence. "There's nothing to be ashamed of really..." "Yes there is, please go now, I can't..." She closed the door, turning around and covering her mouth with her finger tips, completely shocked at her impulsiveness. At the other side, Paul stared at the entry, placing his hands over it to anyhow grasp what remained of her on them before exiting the building.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcnFmJeS0A