boats came into the port with shipped goods from the Mediterranean Sea. The
aroma of the air smelled like old bay spices which were from stands that were
selling rare fish. People walked up and down from the broad walk looked at
dance shows performed by world tour artists. A man that was 20 years old and
was 5â7â came up to one of the stands. He looked like he was very well off and
muscular; he was dressed was in a gray sweat suit with his itouch strapped to
his shoulder. His black long hair was tied up in a pony tail. His skin was
tanned and his eyes were dark brown. He looked like he could be a ladiesâ man;
you could tell because he would talk about a different girl every other week. His
name was Enrique Morales who was from Miami, Florida.
He had his music up loud that everyone who passed by could
hear it blasting from his earphones. The
guy who was in his early 40s owned the stand finished with one of his daily
costumers then turned to him, âwhat captures the eyes señorâ, he said with a
heavy Spanish accent. Enrique turned down his music while looking about but
then looked back up at him with disgust, âI donât want none of this crap but Iâll
take that turquoise bracelet that looks like itâs on saleâ, he replied in a
spectator voice. The man looked back at him with shear disappointment but
ignored what Enrique remarked to him, âIt cost more than thatâ, Enrique let out
a low snicker then said, âthe way it looks from here it could cost animal shitâ.
The man retorted back, âno it doesnât, I looked at the original price myselfâ.
Enrique rolled his eyes, âplease you must have got it out of a gumball machine
that cost a quarter, trust me its plastic but for you Iâll pay the price you
gave it. So let the quarrel end there, ok señorâ, Enrique said it as a final
draw. The man gave up the fight and gave it to him while Enrique gave him the
money. He walked away while the man cursed at him in Spanish in a low tone not
knowing Enrique could hear what he was saying.
Meanwhile at a café near the shore, another guy who was 20
years old also and was 5â8â looked at his menu. He looked like he was a
professional business man who was well to do and had a muscular body. He was
dressed in a black white lined suit that was tailor made. His short reddish
brown hair was slicked back with grease that smelled like mango. His eyes were
dark brown with a shade of black while his skin was light brown. His name was
Lewis Liddell who was from Blackwood, Virginia. His cell phone went off while
he picked it up quickly, âwhat it isâ, he said in a ghetto tone knowing he was
talking to one of his boys. The waiter came up to him asking for his order,
âwould you like to begin your order misterâ, she said pleasantly. Lewis got
ticked off about it and he told the other person from the other end to hold on,
âwhat do you wantâ, he replied nastily. She rolled her eyes and tried to shrug
it off, âwould you like me to, sirâ. He retorted back, âI donât want freaking
anything, now leave me aloneâ, Lewis finished while she stormed off. Lewis
picked his phone back up and began talking again to his bud.
An hour later Enrique came back to the hotel suite, he
looked very exhausted the way his hair was half all over his head. He turned on
the TV and slouched in a resting chair. His younger brother came back in from
the terrace he was looking out from. He was 19 years old and was 6â4â, he
looked charming the way he had his dark blue short sleeve shirt and his dark
blue denim shorts. His dark brown short hair was cropped up in spikes while his
eyes were light hazel brown and his muscles had a definition. His skin was
creamy pale light, judging by the way he took good care of his skin. He looked
like an energetic guy who had a passion for fun but not like a womanizer his
brother was. His name was Antonio Morales who was also from where Enrique was.
He came into the living room with a smile on his face. Enrique looked up at
him, âwhat you smiling about Tonyâ, saying it in a usual tone. Antonio glanced
back at him, âoh nothing just looking at tourist go by, besides Iâm bored
anywayâ. Enrique rolled his eyes, âyou know you were looking at some fine
chicas down there, now donât lie to meâ, he said with a sly voice. Antonio
rolled his eyes back, âI am not like you Rico, so quit itâ, he said annoyed.
Enrique got up and started for the bathroom, âIâm going to take a nice long
bath while masturbateâ, he said out loud with a snicker, âyou are the nastiest
person Iâve ever metâ, Antonio replied with disgust while Enrique slammed the
door behind. Antonio walked over to the white linen couch and slumped deep down
on it. He flicked the channel when all of a sudden his brother made loud moans
that made him shiver in more disgust, âremind me not to use that anymore broâ;
Antonio said as he turned off the TV again and walked out with a slam of the
door.
Lewis came back to âEl Hotel Emperador (Emperador Hotel)â.
He walked into the lobby while he passed by Antonio who was going to leave,
Lewis didnât know that he was going to know him for a long time and for Antonio
too. Lewis went up to the desk clerk that was checking an old couple. He waited
until there turn was over, when his younger sister came up to him. She was also
19 years old and was 5â3â. Her attitude was very shy but her looks were
stunning. She had a light pink blouse with a light pink pencil skirt on but her
slim body defined her most. Her eyes were dark brown and her light brown short dyed
hair that came to her shoulders was made up into a French bun while her skin was carmel brown. Her personality was
kind of dull; it appeared as if she had no fun in half her life. Her name was
Alice Liddell who was from the same place Lewis was.
He turned around when she tapped him on the shoulder, âwhere
were you, I was trying to find you all dayâ, she said pissed off. He tried to
calm her down, âI was at the cafĂ© sweets, but was trying to call you. Was your
phone turned off?â he said lovingly. She rolled her eyes and said pitifully,
âLou you need some help, because right now I am going to whip your buttâ, she
replied as she put both her arms up in the wrestling position. Lewis face
turned blue, âcome on sweets, letâs not fight over something pettyâ, he said
calmly. She put her arms down, âwell you better tell me where youâre going next
time wise guy or Iâm telling dad that you were abandoning me againâ, she said
with a smirk on her face.
Lewis rolled his eyes and walked up to the clerk, âdo you
have any voice messages for meâ, he said formerly. The clerk checked his
computer and then looked back up at him, âno sir there are no new messages for
youâ, Alice walked up to the desk as he said it. She turned to Lewis, âAmy
doesnât want you anymore, so why are you still sauntering about itâ, she said
it teasingly. His face lit up in fury,
âyes she does and I know itâ, Alice started to tease him more, âno she
doesnâtâ, he responded back, âyes she doesâ, he gritting his teeth. They both continue
to quarrel when the clerk spoke up, âIâm sorry but there are a lot of people in
behind you who want to check in, you knowâ, he replied as he pointed to the
opposite direction of the two. They both looked back and smiled nervously at
the angry crowd that formed. Antonio looked back at the commotion that was
going on behind him. He let out low laugh as he watched the two go over to the
elevator embarrassed. Antonio looked at Alice the most as he was captivated by
her. He watched as he saw them move up on the see through elevator looking
disgusted at each other, âwhat an argument they got intoâ, he thought to
himself. In the evening, the city of Madrid was lit up like Las Vegas. Clubs
were the highlight of the night; people on the streets were dancing around at
the carnival that was going down the street. Enrique sat on the bed putting his red gator
suede shoes on and said, âI canât wait to go to the club tonight Tonyâ, as
Antonio put his green silk shirt on. He looked back at him, âI know why you
want to go thereâ, he said teasingly, âwhat is itâ, Enrique tried to sound
dumbfounded, âbecause you want girls, girls, girlsâ, Antonio replied with a
singing tone. Enrique got up while he put on his polo cologne, âyou know I am
always tipping on those girlsâ, he said in sly tone. Antonio rolled his eyes
and continued, âI want an adventureâ, as he put his old spice cologne on.
Enrique glanced at the chrome clock on the wall, âwhat kind
adventure broâ, as he put his crystal cuff links on. Antonio went on, âI want
to see her againâ, Enrique rose to the comment, âwhatâs her nameâ, Antonio
looked out the window, âI donât know yet, but Iâm going to muster up and ask
herâ, he replied as he sat down. Enrique sat down on the other Swedish
temperpedic bed, âyou want a booty call donât youâ he said slyly. Antonio once
again rolled his hazel eyes, âno I want to be her friendâ, Enriqueâs eyes
widened, âwhat are you talking aboutâ, he said with bewilderment, Antonio tried
to hide his smile, âbecause she seems like a nice personâ. Enrique raised one
eyebrow, âthat sound very weak of you, saying you want to be her friend when
you know that you feel her deeper than thatâ, he said this while Antonio got
back up and put his dark green leather blazer jacket on. âBut please donât tell
meâ, Enrique protested, âthat you only want to be a friendâ, he said as he
shook his head lazily. Antonio couldnât help but laugh, âIâll do my bestâ, as
he said this Enrique put on his red velvet jacket on knowing that Antonioâs
best with girls was zero.
Lewis came out of the bathroom smelling fresh of axes
cologne, âare you going to a partyâ, Alice said as she put on her nude shear
stockings. He looked up at her, âyes, the country club, whyâ, he replied
wanting to know. She slipped into her pink silk thigh high dress on, âoh no
brother dearest, Iâm not going to the club to find a manâ, she replied it in a
baby voice teasing him. He responded back, âthe way that dress looks, your
definitely going to get one sweetsâ, as he put his creamy white jacket on.
Alice rolled her eyes, âoh come on, itâs not showing my panties. Besides stop
being my fatherâ, she said with a snarl. Lewis knew not to get in an argument
with her, because it would be another hour of fighting, âhey, you know this guy
keeps watching you from a distanceâ, Lewis giving her a heads up while Alice
sprayed watermelon breeze all over her body, âhe did, why?â, she replied back
looking kind of scared. âDonât worry sweets he wonât bother you when Iâm
aroundâ, he explained to her with confidence. Alice looked back at him with
knowing eyes, âfor one thing I can always count on you with protection and I
thank you for thatâ, she said as she put on her heart pink necklace. They both
smiled at each other as they walk out the door.
An hour later all four came to the country club called âClub
de Campo Villa de Madridâ. Lewis Alice sat in one booth while Enrique
Antonio sat on the other side of it. Everybody in the club were dancing
to party mix, colorful lights went flashing on and off in every direction. The
audience hollered to the DJ to keep it coming with the loud music. Lewis turned
to Alice and said out loud, âIâm going to get us something to drink Iâll be
backâ, he said as he got up and walked off. Enrique spotted a lady who caught
his fantasizing eyes, âIâll be right backâ, he said as he sprung up and walked
off. Antonio knew why but rolled his eyes, âI wonder where she is right nowâ,
he said it thoughtfully to himself. He got up and was about to go to the bar
when he saw her from the corner of his eye. Antonio turned around instantly and
came up to the booth, âHi there, whatâs your nameâ, he said it cheerfully.
Alice looked up at him and got ticked about it, âwhy are you talking to me you
strangerâ, looking kind of pissed. He tried not to hear her retort, âI just
wanted to say hiâ, he said in a sweet way. She looked away and tired to ignore
him, âplease leave me aloneâ, she replied angrily to him. Antonioâs smile begun
to fade rapidly, âIâll leave you aloneâ, he said quietly yet with a gentle
voice. He walked away with Alice feeling kind of bad for what she did to him.
She got up and started towards him when Lewis came up to her quick with the
drinks, âtake yours quick before I drop itâ, he said with a smirk. She rolled
her eyes and sat back down while she sipped her drink. Lewis did the same and
looked at random people go pass by their booth, Alice tried to scan Antonio but
he was nowhere to be found, she sighed to herself and kept sipping on her
drink.
Morning broke through the city night life and shined right
through. Alice was startled from her sleep when honking noises from cars
outside the hotel came in her window. She went to the terrace to see that there
was traffic congestion near her. She rolled her eyes and went back inside while
closing the large windows behind her. Alice got back in her bed and looked to
her right where her brother was snoring heavily on his bed, she started to
think about how she hurt Antonio, âmaybe I shouldnât have been so mean to himâ,
she thought to herself. She took a quick
shower, and then she put on her cardigan pink sweater, gray slacks, pink
stiletto shoes, and her hair in the usual French bun. Alice took one more
glance at Lewis and smiled devilishly while she slammed the door right behind
her. Lewis woke up suddenly to the noise, âwho is it, what happenâ, that was
all he could say startled.
Enrique came back to the hotel room. He sat on the bed,
âAntonio, where are youâ, he said teasingly while trying to cover up what he
was doing last night with the lady from the country club. He realized that he
wasnât there and got back up headed to the bathroom, âhe must be out somewhereâ,
he thought to himself. Later on in the afternoon, Lewis came out of the cab, âaquĂ
usted va señor (here you go sir)â, he said as he tipped him with his fare. The
guy nodded his head in response to the money while Lewis got out. He walked
into the hotel and went up to the clerk again, âdo you have any new messages
for meâ, he said formally. The clerk once again looked it up on his computer
and then glanced back at him, âno señor, you donât have any todayâ. Lewis
cheerful face began to fade as he walked to the restaurant that was on the
other side of the lobby, âwhy Amy doesnât want to call meâ; he said puzzled as
he kept walking slowly, âI guess she is out somewhere. I minds well keep myself
busy until she gets my messagesâ.
A half an hour later, Alice came out of the gift shop that
was near the bar, as she was about to walk outside to the patio she saw Antonio
drinking at the bar. She took a quick minute thinking to herself, âI should say
sorry to him, I was kind of rudeâ, Alice said as she walked over slowly to him.
Antonio was still talking to the bartender who was listening attentively to
what he was saying, âI canât believe my brother stood me up last night for some
hookerâ; he said half sluggishly from his drink. The bartender shook his head
disappointed, âhave some more Elderberry wine, you need itâ, he replied
thoughtfully. Antonio took the drink and was about to sip it when all of a
sudden he heard a voice behind him, âI am so sorry that I was mean to you, I
was still pissed off at my brother at the timeâ, she said calmly to him. He
turned around and looked at her confused, âwhat are you talking about sugar
that was all forgiven last nightâ, he said sweetly to her. Alice raised one
eyebrow and turned to the bartender, âis he drunkâ, the bartender just replied,
âkind of, you see heâs been here for an hour now, so I can be sure he is half
drunkâ, he said with a little giggle. Antonio stared into space as Alice sat
next to him, âyouâre drunk why donât you go back to your room and sleep it
offâ, she told him like she was his mother. He got out of his long trance,
âyouâre not my mommy, what have you got the right to tell me what to do. I
donât even know you like thatâ, he replied angrily to her, âwell Iâm telling
you for your own good, you know so stop acting like a childâ, she said as she
rolled her eyes. She tried to lift him up but was pushed away by him, âdonât
you touch meâ, he said it with lazy tone. Alice hesitated for a moment, âyour
drunk and you know it so stop actingâ, she replied furiously, âI was going to
help your butt but now Iâm not doing jackâ, she said as she stormed off in so
much rage. Antonio slumped back in his seat and laughed at her as she walked
off. Alice turned back around and gave him the middle finger and kept storming
off while the bartender looked stunned.
Enrique walked yet again on the broad walk as he tried to
scope out for pretty girls in bikinis, âwho is going to be my next notchâ, he
said slyly to himself with a devilish grin. He kept looking when he saw Lewis
for the first time slumped on the side looking depressed. Enrique felt kind of
sorry for him and walked over, âhey man whatâs wrongâ, he said as he stood next
to him, Lewis turned to see Enrique, âoh no its nothing, just had a bad dayâ,
he said as he fixed his posture up. Enrique gave him the âI know lookâ, âit is
something, I know for sure. You must have got dumped by some girl, didnât you?â
Lewis gazed his eyes back to the bay, âok you winâ, he replied back not putting
up a verbal fight, âAmy was her name, weâd been together for four years now,
when all of a sudden she broke up with me saying that I was never there for
herâ, Lewis confessed. Enrique looked out to the bay as well, âyou look like
the kind of person who wants to be with somebody for a long timeâ, he replied.
Lewis turned back to him, âhow did you know that I had girl problems?â he said
wanting to know. Enrique kept looking at tourists go by, âbecause your face
says it all broâ, Lewis looked confused, âwhat kind of expression did I haveâ,
Enrique faced him, âyour eyebrows are slanting inward on you faceâ, Lewis could
help but snicker under his breath, âman your lyingâ, he said while trying to
hide a smile.
Enrique kept a solemn
face on, âIâm not kidding, I know all that relationship stuffâ, he replied as
he slouched his elbows on the ledge of the board walk, âwell I was a good man
to her, I gave her all of my time and anything she could possibly wantâ, Lewis
said with dignity. Enrique burst out laughing leaving Lewis annoyed, âwhatâs so
funnyâ, he said manly, Enrique turned towards him again, âshe used you bud, no
doubtâ. Lewis face begun to twist up, âthat is so not true, she said that she
loved me for who I wasâ; Enrique replied with, âShe must have been one fine
lady for making you blind. You should have known betterâ, Lewis started to look
dumbfounded while Enrique continued, âthat girl didnât want you she wanted your
money, if you could have saw that back than you wouldnât be so hurt now.
Observe people and see if they are your friend or not, because not everybody is
your buddy. I learnt that the hard way with a girl tooâ. Lewis stared at him
for a while before he said, âyour right I was blinded by theâ, he was
interrupted when Enrique said, âby the bootyâ, he smirked under his breath,
Lewis rolled his eyes and finished what he was saying, âbeauty, stupidâ, he
replied annoyed. Enrique added, âWell since your single why donât we check out
some honeys on the broad walk, whatâd you sayâ, he smiling to every girl that
passed by him. Lewis gave in and replied, âWhat the heck, what I got to lose or
what do I have to gainâ, he explained lazily.
Enrique smiled and they both walked off exploring the bay for women.
Night crept over the San Juan hills. The midnight breeze
blew the palm trees below, people walked about the shore while a beach party
was going on. Enrique and Lewis walked down the steps that led to the party, âlook
at thatâ, Enrique said childishly. Lewis face him, âIt is a wild party alrightâ,
Enrique scanned around when all of a sudden a young girl caught his eye, âI
love wild parties, cause wild girls go there, you know what Iâm saying broâ, as
he walked over to her. Lewis was left stranded and tried not to let himself
seem lonely so he walked over to the bar and sat down, âgive me scotch on ice
pleaseâ, he said to the bartender, âok mister coming right upâ, he replied as
he prepared Lewis drink. A lady came up to him; she was 20 years old like him
and was 5â3â. She had figure to die for while her light skin was sprayed with
bronze. Her long hair was black but was curly all over and her eyes were light
brown. She wore a two piece yellow flower bikini but her beauty radiated more.
She looked like the type that was kind hearted and had a lot to give like Lewis
did. Her name was Alexa Vegas, she came and sat next to him looking sorry for
him, âwhatâs wrongâ, she said it with a light Spanish accent. He turned toward her,
âI just got dumped by my exâ, he replied hurt. She looked him up and down with
loving eyes, âwhat was her nameâ, she said curious to find outâ, he continued,
âIt was Amy, we been together for four years. I thought she was the oneâ, he
explained to her painfully. Alexa put one hand on his back, âyouâre gone to get
through this, I know soâ, she replied reassuringly. Lewis looked back at her
and smiled gently.
Back at the hotel, Alice came out of the elevator and headed
towards her room when all of a sudden Antonio raced down the white elaborate
designed hall with an ice bucket, âI wonder what the hell he is doingâ, she
said to herself as if he was up to no good. He saw Alice and came up
immediately to her, âhey there strangerâ, he said it with a fake southern
accent. Alice rolled her eyes, âyou need to stop screwing with people like that
or you could get hurtâ; she said but put in quotation, âphysicallyâ. Antonio
couldnât help but laugh, âYeah ok, so how was your dayâ, he setting the bucket
down on the floor beside his feet, âthe usual stupidâ, she replied like he
knew. Antonio teased her back, âI donât know you like that so how am I suppose
to know what you do every day, wise guyâ, Aliceâs face began to lit up in fire,
âdonât you talk to me like that fucktardâ, she beginning to storm off again but
was stop when he put his hand around her arm, âwhoa there chica I wasnât trying
to get smart with you thereâ, Alice looked at his hand on her, âget your
pervert hand off meâ, she retorted. He started to get angry, âno Iâm notâ, he
replied angrily to her, âoh please you gigoloâ, she teased him nastily, Antonio
picked up his bucket and walked off with a pissed look on his face while Alice
felt happy to herself that she thought she won the fight at last. Antonio
stopped abruptly and turned around quick, âat least Iâm not frigid like you,
daddyâsâ little girlâ, he said as he teased her again. Alice lit up in rage
once more, âgo to hell mamaâs boyâ; he ignored her and walked away feeling
happy that he won the fight again.
Morning rose yet again as it conquered night. Lewis waited
for Alexa to come so they could begin their date. He looked at his Armani grey
watch, âI wonder why she is taking so longâ, he said in his mind. Then he felt
a tap on his shoulder he suddenly turned around and looked up, âhi thereâ,
Alexa said in girly tone. He immediately rose up, âoh hello Miss. Vegasâ, he
said it politely, âjust call me Alexa, I donât want to sound oldâ, she replied
as she sat down giggling. Lewis smiled back and sat down while he picked up his
menu, â you can have anything on this entire menuâ, he said it with a smooth
tone, Alexa gave him a wink, âIâll get something that can fit your budget, I
donât want to wipe you out of your moneyâ, she replied respectfully. Lewis
shook his head in response, âits ok with me, spend on anything you want babeâ,
she looked back at the menu, ââIâll just take an appetizer thanâ, Alexa replied
sweetly, Enrique than came into the little bistro with his honey dip. He saw
Lewis and put is âokâ finger up as they both sat down and began to take their
order, âwhat do you want babyâ, he said as he put his hand on her thigh gently,
It sent chills up her spine and she began to gasp, âIâm having what your
havingâ, she replied turned on. Lewis rolled his eyes at Enrique and then
looked back at Alexa who was still studying her menu, he couldnât help but gaze
at her beauty that only he saw.
Alice walked into the book store while Antonio secretly
followed in behind. She walked to the back where mystery novels where, âI
wonder what they sound like in Spanishâ, Alice thought to herself. Antonio
crept up to her very slowly than lashed out on her with a big hug from behind,
âwhat the heckâ, she said startled, âhey suga, what you doingâ, he said while
he sounded curious. Alice tried to release herself from him but his grip was to
strong, âlet me go or I will call the cops you freakâ, she replied scornfully.
Antonio only smiled and hold on her even tighter, âoh please Iâm not letting
you go that easyâ, Alice rolled her brown eyes and still tried to squirm out of
his embrace, âdonât moveâ, he said stiffly. Alice than froze in fear, âwhatâs
going onâ, she said with a stutter. Antonio slowly moved on close to the
bookshelf and cautiously banged it with one of the encyclopedia books. It fell
down on the floor, âwhat the hell was thatâ, Alice replied with a scare in her voice,
âit was a black widowâ, he replied back while he glanced at her.
âWhat is a black widowâ, she asked him curiously, âItâs a
spider that can kill you instantly if it pricked youâ, Antonio said it plainly.
Alice stood still in fear knowing thatâs what she saw, âoh my goodness, that
thing scared the shit out of me. I hate bugs, I donât care if their big or
small. There disgustingâ, Antonio gazed back at the bookshelf as he put the
encyclopedia back, âthatâs kind of funny, knowing you canât be near them at
allâ, he replied with a smile. Alice gave him a quick glance, âthanks for
saving my life from that horrible creatureâ, she patting him on the back, âdonât
mention itâ, he kissed her on the forehead, âwhat the hell was that all aboutâ, Alice
said as they both walked back to the front of the store, âoh nothing just a
friendly kissâ, he replied lying to her. She shook her head, âoh please that
was not a friendly kissâ, Antonio looked back at her, âwell then is this a
friendly kissâ, he said as he put both his arms around her waist and pulled her
close to him, âwhat are you doingâ, Alice replied confused. He gave her a soft
kiss on the lips that lasted for a good 10 seconds. âOh me oh myâ, Alice said
dumbfounded from the powerful kiss, Antonio smiled, ânow thatâs a friendly
kissâ, he said as the store owner looked in awe from the two, âI think the
first one was friendlyâ, she corrected him, âwell I must agree with you thanâ,
Antonio replied giggling under his breath. Alice rolled her eyes, âwell I guess
we better go cause the clerk doesnât like what he seesâ, she said while looking
at the owner who was in their business, âfine with me sugaâ, Antonio said
sweetly. They both walk out while the clerk was still amazed.
Lewis came back to the hotel while he thought about Alexa
until the clerk said his name out loud, âMr. Liddell, you have a new messageâ,
he said eagerly. Lewis looked kind of confused but went over to the desk
anyway. âWho is it fromâ, he replied, the clerk gave him the telegram. Lewis
took it from him and walked over to a nearby chair, he opened it up and begun
to read it. He looked stun, âare you sure this is from Miss. Amy Johnsonâ, he
said while he walked back up to the desk, âsĂ she did left you an email. I
printed it out myself so you could seeâ, the clerk replied reassuringly. Lewis
looked at it once more and ripped it up, âwhat are you doing señorâ, the clerk
replied confused. Lewis shook his head, âI donât want anything to do with her,
she broke my heart. So I am moving onâ, he said as he walked over to the
elevator and continued, âbut I can tell you one damn thing, she was a gold diggerâ,
he shouted out as the elevator doors closed with him still inside while the
clerk looked at him with both eyes bulged out.
Night came as it cast
its darkness on Madrid. Alice sat out on the terrace as she read her book when
all of a sudden she heard a mariachi band coming up the street near the hotel.
She thought it was one of the women again that were being serenaded but was
astonished when it came near her terrace, âwhat is this, âshe thought to
herself as Antonio came out from behind them dressed like them as well, âhey
beautiful how you doingâ, he said it in a ghetto but sexy tone. She raised one
eyebrow, âwhat are you doingâ, she replied. He only began to sing while the
band played, Alice sat there for 5 minutes in awe as he kept singing his heart
out to her, âoh Tony that was beautiful, I didnât know you could singâ, she
said as they finished. Antonio nodded his head in response, âoh its nothing I
just wanted to prove that I care about youâ, the whole band than shouted out
loud, âwhat he is trying to say is that he wants to be with you and he loves
youâ, Aliceâs brown eyes widened, âwhat ? you want to be with meâ, she replied,
he looked down to the ground at his feet, âuh yeah, I doâ, he said as if he was
a shy little boy, Alice smiled and then replied, âyes I want you, oh yesâ, she
said desperately, âwhy donât you go up there Tonyâ, one of the band members
said in heavy Spanish accent. Antonio nodded and race into the hotel, Alice ran
back inside and waited for him to come. People who were on the balconies and on
the street cheered amorously as the band kept playing. âHere I am babyâ,
Antonio said as he busted into the room, she walked over slowly to him and
confessed, âWhy do you want to be with me, I have been mean to youâ, he walked
over close to her, âI saw pass through that, you just didnât have fun in your
life, but now Iâm here. Donât worryâ, he replied as he grasped her in his arms
and kissed her again but longer. They both spent the rest of the night together
as they talked about deeper feelings for each other.
Morning once again invaded as it rose up high in the sky
shining brightly as ever on Madrid. Lewis came out of the elevator and head
towards the room. He then looked at the red crystal clock that was on the wall
beside him, âwow Iâm late, I guess Alexa took all of my timeâ, he said with a
sly voice. Alice gazed into Antonio eyes as he did the same, âoh baby I canât wait
to spend the night with you againâ, Antonio said while he hold her very close
to him, âhug me more Tonyâ, Alice replied as she snuggled more in his arms.
They both sat back down and kept hugging each other when all of a sudden Lewis
came in, he looked back up and just stared, â Lou what are you doing back so
earlyâ, Alice said hesitatingly as they both got up from the bed, âitâs not
what you thinkâ, Antonio added in nervously. Lewis could not say anything but
gasp with anger, he walked over slowly while Alice & Antonio stepped back
even further, ânow Lewisâ, Alice said but continued, âTonyâ s right, we didnât
do anythingâ, she turned to Antonio, âsay something sweets, tell him the whole
thingâ. Antonio gulped and went on, âI came over last night trying to make it
up to her by serenading her with a mariachi bandâ, Alice nodded and added, âhe
sounded beautiful tooâ, she smiled to him, Antonio smiled back but continued,
âand she accepted my apology, so I ran into the hotel and went to her room. We
hugged we kissed and just talkedâ, Antonio finished and then he stared into
space as he thought about last night but was startled when Lewis hissed, âI
donât believe you two. Alice your lying to meâ, he said as he was about to
chase Antonio around the room. Alice stood in his way, ânow donât you start, he
was telling the truth. Let me ask you this question; is there a glow on my
face? âShe snarled at him. Lewis looked at her blankly, âno, but you slept with
himâ, her faced turned cold; âwe didnât do anything. Spending the night with a
person doesnât mean that youâre sleeping with them, Lewisâ, she replied shaking
her head. Antonio looked back and forth at them when he finally added, âyou
know my brother Enrique right?â he asked him, Lewis turned to face him, âyes
whyâ, he said coldly, âWell cause sometimes he puts your name in conversations.
He says you two always have a wild time at partiesâ, Antonio replied with a
little smirk. Alice smiled as well when the phone rang, âIâll get itâ, Lewis
said disgusted, he walked over and picked it up, âhello, who is thisâ, Alice
and Antonio just stood there and waited, âoh good Iâll be right downâ, Lewis
finished and got back up from the chair, âyou guys are off the hook this timeâ,
he said as he walked out with the slam of the door. Alice ran over quickly and opened the door,
âLewis I am a grown ass woman, donât you tell me what to doâ, she said as shouted
down the hall. A woman in her late 40s opened her door and looked out to see
what all the commotion was while Antonio went up to her and tried to calm her
down, âitâs ok chicaâ, he said as he kissed her on the back of her neck,
âalrightâ, she replied back.
Enrique ran into to the hotel as if he was being chased by
someone. He walked hastily up to the desk clerk, âum excuse me, do you know
what this bracelet is made ofâ, he said as he extended his hand out, the clerk
took it and studied it, âwell isnât this swell, this bracelet is made out of
real jadeâ, Enrique looked at him confused, âwhat are you talking about, I got
this from one of those vendors out on the broad walkâ, the man nodded happily,
âwell señor you struck the real thingâ, Enrique swallowed his pride, âthat explains
why this man ran after meâ, he replied scared out of his wits. The man looked
at him amazed, âwhat did you sayâ, he stared at him, ânothing I justâ, he
continued without saying the rest but replied, ânever mindâ, the clerk kept
looking at him as Enrique walked into the elevator, âI have to tell Tony whatâs
going onâ, he said to himself.
Lewis came out of the other elevator and walked up to the
clerk, âdo you know where Ms. Alexa Vegas isâ, he said anticipated, âyes señor,
she is out on the patioâ, he replied eagerly to him. Lewis thanked him and
raced out. He went out and ran up to her while he scooped her into his arms;
Alexa smiled and kissed him on the lips. They sat down on one of the lounge
chairs and kept kissing.
An hour later Alexa
walked down the street Plaza Puerta del Sol until she bumped into a guy, who
looked mysterious, she looked up at him for a quick second but kept walking. He
started to follow her close behind. She started to get nervous and walked a
little quick. The guy followed her pace, âwhat does he wantâ, she said to
herself, the guy headed for her even faster, so she ran as fast as she could,
âleave me aloneâ she said out loud, the guy didnât respond but kept running for
her. She tripped on the side walk, âplease donât hurt meâ; she said helplessly,
the mysterious figure came up very close. She fainted as he picked her up and
carried her off.
Late at night, Antonio was on his bed reading when all of a
sudden Enrique came in the door, âhey man whatâs wrongâ, Antonio looked up at
him, âI have to tell you somethingâ, Enrique replied as he sat down on
Antonioâs bed, âtell me Ricoâ, he wanting to know. Enrique started to stare in
space, âremember that bracelet I got from that vendorâ, he said as Antonio kept
staring at him but continued, âit wasnât fakeâ, Antonio looked confused, âwhat
do you meanâ, Enrique shortened his story by saying, âthat bracelet is made out
of jadeâ. Antonio got up quick and looked at Enrique up and down, âyouâre
kidding me rightâ, Enrique looked down to the floor, âthatâs rightâ, he replied
pitifully, âwell thatâs all good, you can sell that for a good deal, you knowâ,
Enriqueâs eyes widened, âbut this is the worst part. This mysterious man keeps fucking
following meâ, Antonio looked confused again, âwhy did he follow you forâ.
Enrique looked at the clock on the wall, âI think he wants my braceletâ,
Antonioâs cheery face began to fade, âoh my this is serious, we need to call
the policeâ, as he said that he went over to the phone but was stop when Enrique
came over and shook his head, ânot now bro, letâs give it another day and see
what happens okâ, Antonio turned around and sat back on his bed, âok but if it
gets out of hand one of us is callingâ, he replied seriously.
In the afternoon, a week later, Alice walked out to the
terrace and looked down below again. She could she Antonio getting out of a
taxi cab, âI wonder where he went toâ, Alice thought as she went back inside
and headed for the door. She then started for the elevator, as she was about to
walk inside she saw him holding pink rose flowers, âwhose is that forâ, she
said with her arms crossed, âfor you señoritaâ, he replied as he got out and
handed them to her, âhow nice of you. Thatâs why you went out so earlyâ, she
said as she smelled the roses. Then Lewis came out of the next elevator, âhey
Lou whatâs wrong with youâ, Alice said while she looked him up and down, âitâs
strangeâ, Lewis began but was interrupted by Alice again, âwhat do you mean by
strangeâ, Antonio looked at both of them while they talked, âdid you have
happen to bump into Alexa this morningâ, Lewis replied formally. Alice shrugged
her shoulders, ânope didnât see herâ, Lewis looked more confused, âwhen was the
last time you saw herâ, Antonio added in, âwell I was with her last Thursday
ago, so that shouldnât be longâ, he described to him. Antonio rubbed his chin,
âsomething is wrong here, my brother being stalked by this mysterious man and
your girlfriend not showing up at allâ, Lewis then said, âI didnât know Enrique
was being stalked, for what?â, Antonio gave it a minute before he begun again,
âwell he says itâs because he got this bracelet that was made out of jade ever
since then this guy keeps on following himâ, Alice looked into Antonio eyes,
âthis is something strange, Iâm thinking that these two problems are linked
togetherâ. Lewis made a frown, âit canât be true, Alexa isnât missingâ, he said
trying to defend his case, âwell ever since Rico had that bracelet your girl
might be snatched up by the strangerâ, Antonio said gravely. Alice couldnât help but
think for a minute, âWhy donât all four of us sit down in a restaurant and sort
this thing outâ; she replied looking at both of them, âIâm with herâ, Antonio
added. They all walked back into the elevator, âIâll call Rico so he can meet
us thereâ, Antonio said as the doors closed in front of them.
A half an hour later all four came to the â4 seasonsâ
restaurant. The waiter escorted them to a booth that they could sit in. After an hour they were finished with their food, âok when did this man start
stalking youâ, Lewis said plainly to Enrique, âwell it was a week later when I was
out taking a jog on the boardwalkâ, Enrique replied while Alice looked down at
her empty plate and begun to push her leftovers around with her fork, âthat
must have been after words when you got that pricy jade braceletâ, Antonio
added in, âwhy did you not tell anybody about that guy stalking you beforeâ, Alice
said as she kept playing with her leftovers, âwell I didnât think that it was relevant
at the timeâ, Enrique replied back lazily. Lewis thoughts were transition back
to Alexa, âIt doesnât make sinceâ, Antonio said confused, âdonât get to
confused, we need to think rationally or street smartâ, Lewis replied
cautiously, âI think I got the answerâ, Alice said finally as she set her fork
down, âafter he got that bracelet from the vendor that mysterious man started
to stalk him, am I right so farâ, she trying to get all three of approvals,
they all nodded while she continued, âwell since Lewis and Enrique are
friends that man see you two together all the time. But maybe one time Alexa
was with yallâ, Lewis interrupted, âyeah she was with us one timeâ, he added as
Enrique shook his head in approval, âwell that man saw Lewis and Alexa being together
and how lovey dovey they were. Since you and Enriqueâ, she said it to Lewis,
âare best friends he wanted to take something away from you that was very close
to youâ. Antonio then begun to realize, âI know what youâre getting at, youâre
trying to say that the reason why Alexa is missing is because the mysterious
man has something missing tooâ, he said this as he pointed to Enrique with the
bracelet around his arm, âI mean why would he go through all that trouble, he
could ask me and I would have giving it back to him or somethingâ, Enrique
replied frustrated. Lewis shook his
head, âin other words what they both are trying to say is that you took
something from him so he took something from you meaning from me since weâre
friendsâ, he put in quotation, âAlexaâ. Everybody started to rub their chins,
âI think everything is coming into focusâ, Antonio said, âIâm with youâ Alice
added, âI still donât fucking get itâ, Lewis replied dumbfounded. Everybody looked at
him and rolled their eyes angrily when Lewis spoke up out of the minute silence, âletâs
not waste any time and letâs start finding herâ, he finished with the pound of
his fist on the table.
Later in the evening, all four got in a cab and told the
driver to go to Plaza Puerta del Sol. Once they arrived all four walked all
around the streets to find her, they even asked people who were around there
but all they got was âthey donât knowâ. âI canât believe it we still canât find
herâ, Antonio said as he sat down on the bench beside Alice, âSuppose sheâs
deadâ, Enrique concocted up, Lewis looked at him with an evil look, âdonât you
ever say thatâ, he shouted out. Lewis eyes widened, âI didnât mean that, geesâ,
he said as he pouted his lips, âletâs not get into a fightâ, Alice snarled out,
âwe need to calm down before we make a scene out hereâ, Antonio replied
quietly. They sat there for 5 minutes in silence until Alice saw something
shining on the ground, she went over quickly to it, âwhatâs thisâ, she said as
she picked it up, âwhat did you find babyâ, Antonio said as he went over to
her, âitâs a crystal bobby pinâ, she replied while she studied it. Lewis still
stared off into space while Enrique kind of felt sorry for him and tried to
cheer him up, âthere are other fish in the sea broâ, he said as he patted him
on the backâ, maybe she just leftâ, Enrique added on. Lewis gave him a twisted
face and hissed, âDonât you talk to me or ever. Itâs all your fucking fault, you shouldnât
have took that jade braceletâ, Enrique rolled his eyes, âI didnât know at the
time so chillâ, Alice and Antonio came back to them, âlook what Alice foundâ,
Antonio said eagerly, she extended her hand, âitâs a bobby pinâ, Lewis took it
out her hand, âthis is Alexaâ s, Alice thank you. Now weâre getting somewhereâ,
he replied happily, âIâm sorry that I retorted to you like that Ricoâ, Enrique
shrugged his shoulders, âits ok I know you lost a love one, I just wanted to
cheer you upâ. Antonio rolled his eyes and said, âRico you know thatâs not your bestâ,
Enrique smiled to him, âI beg to differâ, he said it in a proper tone, âletâs
not waste any timeâ, Lewis said as he walked hastily.
They kept walking until they got to a ware house, âwow this
is creepy lookingâ, Lewis said as he broke the silence, âdo you think she is in
thereâ, Alice said to Lewis, âIâm not sure but weâre going to find outâ, Lewis
replied as he headed in the front of
them who were in behind. They stop up to an iron gate that led into the ware
house, âI donât like the darknessâ, Enrique said spooked out, âyouâre afraid,
my own big brother afraid of the darkâ, Antonio replied teasing him. Enrique
only ignored him and kept following Lewis who was the leader. They all got
inside and found there were no lights on, âwhoa this place is pitch-darkâ,
Lewis said as they all huddled in the space, âI wish we had a flash lightâ,
Enrique replied still spooked out, âI have one rightâ, Alice said but was
interrupted when she felt a hand on her butt, âwhose is thatâ, she said
angrily, âit was mi amourâ, Antonio replied as he whispered in her ear, âoh
Tonyâ, she said with a gasp as she got the light pink mini flash light out of
her Dolce Gabbana hot pink leather pocketbook. Lewis turned around and
rolled his eyes, âcome on you two love birds, save it for laterâ, they both
giggled to each other and moved on. Alice turned on the flash light and started
to look around; she didnât know that she wondered away from them too far. So
Alice just kept walking but heard footsteps behind her, she thought it was the
others but it was the mysterious guy ganging up on her, âuh guys I think weâre
going in the wrong directionâ, she said as nobody answered. She thought they
were ignoring her, âthatâs rude of yall, I was trying to get my point acrossâ,
still no answer but footsteps coming closer to her. She started to panic, âwho
is that, guys Iâm not playing, say somethingâ, when all of a sudden she was
muzzled by the guy. She tried to escape but his grip was to strong, she just
ended up fainting like Alexa did.
All three still moved on not knowing that Alice was snatched
up, âman oh man we need the lightâ, Enrique blurted out, Antonio turned around
and saw that Alice wasnât there, âAliceâ, he shouted out, âwhatâs wrongâ, Lewis
replied, âAlice had the flashlight, now she is goneâ, Antonio said with a
panic. All of them stopped walking, âcalm down everything is going to be okâ,
Lewis said as he came over to him, ânow heâs got my baby dollâ, Antonio said
pissed off, ânow itâs on, Iâm going to fight that guy with all my mightâ, he
finished as he jumped up in rage, âletâs just keep our cool hereâ, Lewis said
calmly, âhow can we when Iâm fucking scared right nowâ, Enrique stuttered out
when all of a sudden all three of them heard low screams coming from the
opposite direction, âit must be themâ, Enrique replied freaked out, âis that my
baby, Iâm coming for yahâ, Antonio shouted as he ran for them, âAlexa Iâm here
donât worryâ, Lewis shouted too as he ran in behind.
They both kept running in that direction as they could hear
the sounds get louder. When they reached their destination there was a dim light
coming from the end of the dark hall, âweâre comingâ they both shouted out as
they got up to the door, âits locked Lewis said wearily, âdonât under estimate
me this time Lou. Iâm going to knock down this doorâ, Antonio replied with
dignity, âstand backâ, he continued as he head longed to the locked door and
busted it down with his foot. They both got inside and find Alexa & Alice
tied up, âbaby its okâ, Antonio said reassuringly as he untied Alice, âIâm so
happy that youâre alive sweetsâ, Lewis said quietly. They both got them out but
were stopped when the mysterious guy came back in, âwhat do yall think youâre
doingâ, the guy said. Lewis stood up straight and replied, âyouâre the vendor
dude, arenât?â, he finished, âyes and I want that bracelet backâ, he hissed at
them. Antonio stared at him blankly, âwhy do you want it so badâ, he replied
formally, âcause it worth a lot of money, when I heard that it was real jade I
couldnât resist it. So I stole your brotherâs best friendâs girl awayâ, Alice
looked coldly at him, âbut for what reasonâ, the guy continued, âto get even
plus to use that as a diversion to get the bracelet back anywayâ. Lewis
finished for him, âso you were going to come back and steal it anyway with
Alexa on your armâ, the guy smiled devilishly when all of a sudden Lewis lashed
out on him badly but was held back by Antonio before he could really do damage
to him. âHe isnât all that, you know I wouldnât leave you for all the money,
fame, and intelligence in the worldâ, Alexa said as she walked over to Lewis to
calm him down, âyou really mean that hunâ, he said while he walked closer to
her, âIâm just glad you and your friends saved me from that horrid old manâ,
the guy spoke up, âIâm not old just middle agedâ, he added but then the policĂa
(police) came in with Enrique in lead, âthere he is get himâ, they both
snatched him up, âyou stole a lot of things from the museum including that
bracelet, didnât youâ, they said to him, âno I didnâtâ. They ganged up on him
by chanting âconfess, confess, confessâ, he finally gave in, âok, ok I did but
I need that money to pay off my gambling debtsâ, he replied stupidly, âthat
teach you a lesson not to mess with meâ, Enrique said as if he was big and bad
but everybody just rolled their eyes and said out loud âshut upâ.
Morning rose over the hills and shined out itâs rays, all
five of them walked back into the lobby of the hotel, âman Iâm so glad to be
backâ, Alexa finally said as Lewis wrapped his arms around her, âIâm glad that
your back in my armsâ, he said as they begun to kiss each other deeply. Antonio
walked over to Alice, âI have something important to tell youâ, he said as he
got real close to her, âwhat is itâ, as she said that he got down on one knee
and took a small satin white box, he opened it and revealed a pink diamond
ring, âWill you marry me Aliceâ, he said smiling from ear to ear. Everybody
turned around and looked at the sight, at first she was speechless but then
said, âYes, yes, and yes I will marry you Antonioâ, she replied shouting to the
top of her lungs. He got up and whisked her into the air with his arms;
everybody in the hotel who was there including Lewis, Alexa, and Enrique
clapped for the lucky two.
âWell I guess Iâm going to be by myself nowâ, Enrique said
finally, âcause I donât need anyoneâ, he continued with a sly smile, âall I
need to do is come right here to Madrid in the summerâ, as he said that with
interruption a group of high school senior girls from Brooklyn, New York were
on a learning trip saw him, they thought he was real cute. He sensed that he
was going to be chased so he got a head start and ran away with them running
after him screaming and shouting in delight, he finished what he was going to
say at last by shouting out, âwhen Spain always sizzlesâ.
Via: https://www.lushstories.com/stories/love-stories/spain-when-it-sizzles