Who’s She?
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Fleeting Frozen Heart - Xxtarlit
(Y/n) was beautiful, fashionable, famous and filthy rich. But she wasn’t lucky or born that way she had to work for everything she had. She grew up poor with parents who worked nonstop to feed her and her six siblings. As the middle child she was often forgotten so she was determined to be noticed, to be seen. Every one of her siblings were amazing. They were doctors, psychiatrists, dentists but they weren’t happy with their lives. They worked themselves to death doing jobs they didn’t love because they wanted money. (Y/n) was dead set on not being like them. She made it her mission to be something. To do a job she loves. After graduating high school and getting into a prestigious college on a full ride scholarship she assumed her parents would notice her but after going through the same thing with her three older siblings they had gotten tired of throwing celebratory parties so all she got was a “that’s nice sweetie.” “For sure they’ll acknowledge me now!” The naive girl thought after graduating from college with honors. In the end her parents just gave her a small smile and a homemade card from lined paper that said “congrats!” as they were too occupied with their new baby to acknowledge her accomplishment.
When she got pregnant and had her daughter there were no congratulations. Just dirty and disappointed looks. “She’s throwing away her life.” They said. She was going to prove them wrong. If it was the last thing she did. It wasn’t until her clothing line took off did her parents and siblings start to notice her. (Y/n) was gaining fame and money faster than she ever imagined she could. Her clothing brand was as big as Gucci or Louis Vuitton! For the launch of her first fall clothing line she held a fashion show and invited her family to come support her. Only her parents came and they sat through the show with a blank expression on their faces. They didn’t even clap after the show. But they did make their way over to her and can you guess what their first words to their supposed beloved daughter in over a decade were? They weren’t “that was amazing!” Or anything encouraging you’d expect a proud parent to say to their child. They didn’t ask her if she was okay or if she needed anything from them after the incident that took place after the end of the show. No, their first words to her were “Do you have any money to spare?”
(Y/n) was crushed. Crushed was an understatement. She thought her parents might finally want to support her and see her daughter and maybe even rebuild their relationship with her but they only came because they knew she had money. When she told them to leave they caused a scene by yelling and saying she owes it to them for everything they had done for her. Because they were family. They called her all sorts of names and said all kinds of horrible things about her on their social media accounts the day after the show. No one was on their side from what she remembers but even just the idea of knowing her own parents could be so cruel messed her up mentally more than she would care to admit. She will never forget that day. However today (Y/n) didn’t have time to dwell on her past she had to focus on the present for her daughter. Today was her first day of third grade at a new school. (Y/n) was making breakfast in the kitchen as her daughter ran in wearing her slightly altered uniform. (Y/n) had dyed it a light pink and added a light pink lace trim to the skirt. And to compromise with the principal she embroidered the school’s crest on to the pocket of her shirt.
Her little girl was getting bigger each and every day. Her heart couldn’t take it. The little girl set a brush, a spray bottle with water and a container of gel on the counter then stood next to her mom.
“Good morning, mom!”
(Y/n) smiled softly to herself. That’s right she was a mom. She had been for eight years at this point but it was still so nice to hear her daughter call her mom. She wasn’t sure why it was so nice but she loved it. (Y/n) put a couple waffles on a plate then picked up the hair stuff her daughter had set down. She kissed the top of her little girl’s head then lead her to the dining room where she set down the plate in front of her daughter’s designated seat. The girl excitedly sat down at the table then poured herself a glass of milk as she gazed over the crispy waffles drizzled in a delicious maple syrup and topped with her favorite honey cinnamon butter.
“Good morning, my little Cadella. Are you excited for your first day of third grade?”
The girl nodded her head eagerly as she dug into the waffles. Waffles were her favorite food ever. She loved them even more than she loved cupcakes. However cupcakes were a very close second in the little girl’s heart.
“Yeah! Oh and yesterday, when I went to the park with Chloe and her mom, we saw a girl and she looked lonely so we asked her to play soccer with us and she was so good! Her name’s Gabriella. Chloe asked her where she went to school and guess what?”
(Y/n) giggled quietly to herself as she listened to her daughter ramble. She loved that her daughter was able to talk to her about anything and though it made her envy the good childhood Cadella has had so far she tries to not let her affect how she feels about Cadella after all she’s her daughter and she deserves to have the life she never did and it’s not her fault (Y/n) had a bad childhood.
“What?”
(Y/n) asked as she scooped another dollop of honey cinnamon butter on to the waffles fresh out of the waffle maker. The warm maple syrup cascaded down the sides of the crispy breakfast treat and ever so slightly melted the butter as Cadella poured it from the silver gravy boat that had been sitting beside the beautiful stained glass vase filled with daisies in the center of the table.
“She goes to my new school! So we’re gonna be best friends! I invited her and Chloe over after school today! Chloe’s for sure coming but Gabriella said she had to ask her dad and her dad would have to meet you before he decided. Oh and Chloe convinced her mom to let her switch schools too! So we can all be friends together!”
(Y/n) sighed softly when she heard Cadella say she’d have to meet a parent. She HATED meeting other parents especially the other parents of her daughter’s friends. Since she spent most of her life either ignored or alone she wasn’t really as good as talking to people as she probably should be at her age and fame level. Although she was worried about meeting the parents of her new friends she was happy her daughter was even making new friends and keeping her old one as well.
“That’s amazing sweetheart! I’m glad you and Angie can attend the same school again this year. If you’re lucky you’ll attend the same school every year.”
(Y/n) said before going behind her daughter to fix her hair. Cadella was independent but she always struggled with her hair so her mother happily helped her. She sprayed her hair with the water then used some of the gel and the brush to slick back her hair into two cute little puff balls. (Y/n) wanted to do braids for her daughter’s first day but Isla wanted the puffballs and in a way (Y/n) was happy with that. It meant her little girl was still little.
Once she was done with her hair and Isla had finished her waffles it was time for the mother daughter duo to head to Cadella’s new school. Cadella grabbed her lunchbox and backpack before running out the door and to their bright pink convertible.
Cadella loves pink almost as much as she loves to use her puppy dog eyes to get what she wants so when she saw the once cherry red convertible in their driveway she convinced her mom to get it painted bright pink and (Y/n) is weak to her daughter’s puppy dog eyes. (Y/n) grabbed the house keys and the large tray of cookies she had made the night before for Cadella’s class. (Y/n) was an amazing baker so it had kind of turned into a tradition for her to bring baked goods on the first day of school. She walked out the front door then locked it behind her before unlocking the car doors. Usually they had a chauffeur but Cadella preferred it when her mom drove on the first day. (Y/n) got in the front seat while Cadella got in the back and buckled herself in. Once the both of them were all buckled in (Y/n) clicked a button that opened the large golden gates to their home then began to slowly drive away from their home.
“Remember, Cadella, we are always kind and pleasant but we are not pushovers. We stand our ground and we stand up for ourselves and others. You are very privileged to have the life you do but you are not better than anyone simply because of your money or how famous you are.”
Cadella was a good kid but she was still young and easily impressionable. (Y/n) didn’t want her to grow up to be a rude spoiled brat like her nieces and nephews so she said this to Cadella every year on the first day of school.
“I know, mom. I’m not a baby anymore you don’t have to give me the same message every year! I’m not a bully!”
Cadella said with a huff and a pout of her lips. (Y/n) laughed at her daughter’s drawn out statement. Maybe she was worried for nothing. Once they had reached the school and pulled into the parking lot (Y/n) noticed most of the parents were surrounded around a parking spot with her name on it. Weird. As she pulled into the parking spot the parents started to disperse. How unusual. She got out the car before helping her beautiful princess get out of the car.
“Ready?”
She asked as she looked down at the little girl beside her. Cadella had a stead fast look on her face as she nodded. The two stylish girls walked with confidence as the they entered the school. The pair turned a lot of heads. (Y/n) looked straight ahead but she could see the way people’s eyes followed her. She was the epitome of beauty and confidence and her daughter was the epitome of style and class. Not to mention they were new. A new face is always going to gain attention. When they finally made it to Cadella’s home room they were greeted by a tall and thin tan skinned woman with long curly red hair. She was like the embodiment of a star; bright and warm.
“Hello! I’m Miss O’dare! Which one of my bright little starlettes are you?”
The woman said with a warm smile as she bent down to greet the young lady. Cadella had a wide smile on her face and began to speak with excitement.
Her new teacher’s golden disco earrings and the solar decorations around the dangling from the ceiling and hanging from the walls intrigued the little girl. Her last school was nice but this seemed to tap into her creativity.
“I’m Cadella (L/n) and I brought cookies! My mom said they’re nut allergen free.”
The girl took the tray of cookies from her mom then showed it to the teacher. The curly haired woman smiled widely when she saw the tray of cookies. She gently took it from the girl then set it on her desk before turning around again to face the pair.
“That is awfully kind of you, Cadella! And how kind of your mother to ensure they’re nut allergy free. This will be a great first day treat for the class.”
(Y/n) smiled softly at her darling angel’s eagerness and how well she minded her manners. She was so happy her daughter had made such a good first impression. She was about to praise her for her good manners but was cut off by the sound of a little girl’s squeal. Before she knew it one squeal turned into three. It took her a second but she realized Chloe had seen Cadella who had seen Gabriella who had seen them both.
“Cadella! Hiii!”
Chloe said as she ran over to the girl and her mom. The brown haired girl (Y/n) assumed to be Gabriella came up to the group with a very large man following close behind. His presence kind of startled her. His height and width were intimidating but he had the face of an angel; he was truly beautiful. (Y/n) worked with models all the time so she’s seen her fair share of attractive men but rarely has she ever been taken aback by someone’s beauty. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment but she quickly gained her composure when she heard the little girl speak.
“Daddy, this is Cadella’s mom. Make nice please.”
The girl said before grabbing Cadella and Chloe’s hands and dragging them over to the group of other children who were bunched in what seemed to be a butterfly themed corner with bookshelves practically filled to the brim with books. (Y/n) gave the large man a warm smile despite the slight frown displayed on his face. (Y/n) made note of the wrinkles on his face and bags under his eyes. He must be stressed out of his mind. Gabriella can’t be that much of a handful could she?
“I’m (Y/n) (L/n). I apologize if this is intrusive but are you a model? You have a very beautiful face and your build would be perfect for swimsuit or men’s suits modeling.”
She said as she looked over the man’s broad shoulders and thin waist. Okay, asshole. (Y/n) thought as she had seen the father of her daughter’s new friend roll his eyes at her statement before speaking despite his attempt to hide his passive aggressive actions by looking off to the side.
“Miguel O’Hara. I’m a scientist.”
(Y/n) pressed her lips into an awkward thin smile before speaking to the agitated man.
“I’m sure that’s…fun? Uh anyway I’m happy to be having your daughter over for a playdate! She seems very well mannered.”
She had changed the subject as she knows nothing about science but she does know any parent will take the time to talk about their child.
The man opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by a short woman with big puffy lips and wide hips that didn’t match her thin legs. (Y/n) thought it was sad since the woman’s natural features were nice but the excess filler offset her face. She doesn’t hate filler or women who use it as most of her friends had filler or had gotten some sort of cosmetic procedure and they were all stunning. This woman was simply unlucky enough to get a bad doctor. (Y/n) thought about recommending a doctor that could fix her up but decided against it as it sounded incredibly catty and could potentially be seen as a slight.
“Oh my goodness! Miguel! It is sooo good to see you-oh. Who are you? Are you lost?”
The woman gave (Y/n) a sort of dirty look with a raised eyebrow. Her orangey skin was a stark contrast to the floral green sundress she wore.
“No. My daughter goes here.”
(Y/n) said with a small smile. She assumed the woman was just having a bad day so she decided to show some kindness. The woman scoffed then put a hand on her hip. As she moved her hands the fluorescent lights bounced off the many crystal charms attached to her long pastel colored acrylic nails. If (Y/n) didn’t sew she’s 100% sure she would have something similar.
“You don’t really look like you fit in. What does your husband do?”
The question irked the woman in a way she didn’t even know was possible. She didn’t work her ass off for 10 years for some random woman to insinuate she’s only there because of her husband. However she just grit her teeth and continued being nice. She’s definitely having a rough day.
“I don’t have a husband. I’m a designer.”
The woman laughed haughtily and placed a hand on the large man’s arm. Miguel had a slight disgusted look on his face as subtly he pulled his arm away from the woman with a roll of his eyes. (Y/n) thought if he rolled his eyes again they just might fall out of his skull.
“That’s all? You’re probably the charity case the school accepts every year. My husband is the Adam Vanderwein; the famous actor.”
A platinum blonde curl bounced off the woman’s shoulder as she nodded her head with a sort of “gotcha” look on her face. (Y/n) snorted then rolled her eyes at the audacity of this woman to have so much pride in money and fame that’s not even hers.
“Adam Vanderwein? You mean the Adam Vanderwein? The one who was blacklisted for being wildly inappropriate with more than a few underage costars? The one who’s now bankrupt from his predilection for prostitution? The one that’s living off appearances on D list reality shows his producer daddy can somehow manage to get him? Right…what a prize!”
(Y/n) said with feign intrigue and kindness. Her eyes were wide and her black french tipped nails were in front of her mouth to convey shock. The short woman’s smug expression quickly disappeared when she heard (Y/n) list all the horrible things her husband had done. She had paid a lot of money to have his crimes covered up; to see someone she’s never met know so much made the woman beyond angry but also confused. However the woman just gave (Y/n) a smile that barely hid her anger before leaving the classroom.
“That’s Angelica. She’s been anything but angelic since she first showed up two years ago. Unfortunately her evilness has seeped into her daughter, Angel. That’s what I’ve heard from the other moms anyway.”
Aurelia said as she had just walked over to the duo. She would have joined them sooner but she had been preoccupied with getting the trio of girls to settle down.
“Well I hope our daughters are a good influence on her. She’s just a product of her environment. Hopefully she changes while she’s still young.”
The woman said with a soft smile on her face. She meant what she said. Mostly because she wants Chloe and Cadella to make some new friends that aren’t just each other. If they can help a little girl better herself along the way then all the better. She’s sure this Angel girl just needs some guidance from the right person.
Miguel noticed the small smile tugging at the brown skinned mother’s features and he couldn’t help but feel drawn to it. There was something about her smile that felt comforting. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but it felt…familiar. Homely. He opened his mouth to say something but yet again was cut off this time by the melodic sound of a harp. Miss O’dare cleared her throat after strumming the glorious golden harp by her desk.
“Alright students! Now that everyone is here it is unfortunately time for the parents to say their goodbyes to their little saplings.”
Cadella ran up to her mom and gave her a tight hug before she could leave. Feeling how tightly her daughter hugged her filled the mother with so much love and happiness tears began to fill her eyes as she hugged her little girl back just as tightly. This was the fourth year her daughter had been going to school yet every year on the first day it was still a struggle for her to let her go.
“Bye mom! And don’t cry! I do this every year!”
The older woman placed a kiss to her little girl’s head before she pulled away from her and nudged her back to her desk. (Y/n) had to choke back tears as she spoke to her daughter.
“I know I know I just love you so much! Bye, sweetie. Have a great first day.”
The mother’s lips quivered slightly as she blew a kiss to her now seated daughter before leaving the classroom with the other parents. Aurelia shoulder shimmied her way over to (Y/n) before bumping her with her hip.
“Hey, (Y/n), some of the parents are going to the café up the street since it’s so nice out. Wanna join?”
She thought about the possible bad outcomes of going to the cafe for a moment before trying to disregard the anxiety building from the small possibility of someone driving their car through the cafe or robbing the place at gunpoint. It’s a cafe there’s no way someone would rob a café. (Y/n) tried to shake the thought of anything bad happening from her mind as this would be a great time to get to know the other parents.
“I would love to.”
Aurelia exclaimed with excitement when she answered yes before dragging her out to her cherry red muscle car.
(Y/n) had spent 3 hours talking to the other parents at the café’s beautiful outside area under the shining sun. They all seemed to really like her which was something she was very happy about. She didn’t have many friends just associates and coworkers so she hoped this would be her chance to make some. One especially took interest in her and though they talked for hours, strangely, she couldn’t remember anything about the parent. Their sex, hair color, name, nothing. It wasn’t uncommon for (Y/n) to blank on faces and names but she usually at least remembers their sex but she just chalked it up to meeting so many people she got confused. Eventually the other parents began to leave and after a while it was just her and Miguel since neither of them had other children or plans to attend to. Her fashion line for winter is already drawn out and Miguel had taken the day off to get Gabriella ready for her first day at a private school. Miguel had his wealth for a while but didn’t but Gabriella in private school until recently as she had decided to stay in public school when given the choice until this year.
(Y/n) wasn’t in the habit of ear hustling but she couldn’t help but listen to Miguel speak as he told the story to another single father earlier. To (Y/n)’s great surprise Miguel was actually the first one to break the silence between the two.
“Cadella. It sounds Jamaican. Is it?”
(Y/n) was shocked that he not only cared but also knew the correct origin of Cadella’s name. A smile appeared on the brown skin woman’s face as she had immense pride in heritage.
“It is, yes. In all honesty I’m very surprised you knew that. Even more so that you decided to speak. Her name means beautiful princess. I knew it was perfect for her the moment I laid eyes on her. What about Gabriella? What does her name mean?”
(Y/n) asked as she took a sip of her iced drink. Miguel gripped his glass mug tightly as he stared into the dark liquid inside. He stared at his sunken cheeks and eyes and the small scars that littered his face before snapping his head up to the meet the gaze of the woman across from him who stared so intently at him.
“Heroine of God. Her mom chose it. She said our girl would do great things. Her choice to leave Gabriella doesn’t make sense if you heard her reasoning for choosing her name. If you knew her, though, it wasn’t shocking.”
(Y/n) cleared her throat and smoothed out the napkin on the table. She had a bad habit of fidgeting with whatever was closest when she’s anxious and talking alone about a touchy subject like deadbeat partners with the father of her daughter’s new friend definitely made her anxious.
“Well at least she has your face. I’m sure if she had her face it would a hard reminder of the woman you loved and lost. I mourn the death of the man Cadella’s father used to be. I find as a single parent with a partner who’s not around it’s good to have a good therapist to talk to. Even if you have nothing going on it’s still good to have someone to talk to. I really clicked with my first therapist but I really had to shop around for a good fit for Cadella. I thought she was just trying to avoid going to therapy at first but when we found Ms. Cherise she really got into it. She constantly writes about her days in her journal to tell her at the end of the week and I’m rambling I apologize for that I just get to talking about Cadella and I just yap and yap non-stop my apologies.”
A soft chuckle managed to escape Miguel’s lips before he took a sip of his coffee. It was black with two packs of sugar. (Y/n) made a mental note of how he liked his coffee in case he ever stopped by in the mornings.
“Don’t worry about it. Parents love to talk about their kids.”
(Y/n) nodded softly before letting a comfortable silence envelop the two as they finished their coffee, enjoying the show the swans and ducks floating in the pond at the park across from the cafe put on as they did so. A few minutes after Miguel had finished spending an absurd amount of time sipping his seemingly never ending coffee (Y/n) turned her attention from the alluring pond to the man across from her.
“Would you like to come back to my place? I figure since we both have the day available and our daughters are going to be friends we should get acquainted. I don’t let my daughter go over to just anyone’s house.”
(Y/n) said with a small smile as she stared into the man’s eyes. She could have sworn she saw them flash red for a second but Miguel looked away before she could confirm. He nodded softly before standing up and leaving more than enough cash for their coffees underneath his coffee cup so it didn’t blow away in the wind.
“Sure.”
Was all he said as he exited the eating area through the gorgeous black iron garden fence gate. That was a little weird. The mother thought as she followed after the single father. Had she said something wrong? She decided not to ponder on the thoughts of a man she barely knows as she going over to her car.
“Just follow behind me.”
(Y/n) said to the beastly man standing beside a black SUV before getting into her own car. When the two parents reached (Y/n)’s home she opened the gate for them to enter by pressing a button on the hot pink remote she kept in a cupholder. Miguel had seen many nice houses in his time but this was the first one to have a golden gate. There was even a giant marble mermaid fountain in the center of the impossibly large driveway. Either he greatly underestimated how much designers make or (Y/n) was a world class assassin on the side.
“Am I about to enter heaven or something?”
He muttered to himself as he slowly followed behind the pink convertible in front of him. Once the both of them parked (Y/n) got out of her car then locked the car doors behind her. She waited patiently for the tall brooding man to catch up. He had a small frown on his face again. It made her wonder if that was just his resting face. She gave him a warm smile then lead him through the large white door to the inside of her home.
“Welcome to my humble abode. Please leave your shoes by the door.”
(Y/n) said as she slightly bent down to take off her shoes. Humble was definitely not the word Miguel would use to describe her home. The foyer was almost as big as her driveway and beautifully decorated with wall sconces shaped lily of the valleys. Where there wasn’t a sconce there was either a painting or photo of (Y/n) and Cadella or of Aurelia and her wife with Chloe. Miguel couldn’t help but gaze at every aspect of her home.
“Would you like a snack? I made some scones this morning.”
(Y/n) said as she turned to face her guest. He was much closer than she thought causing her to laugh nervously and take a step back.
“Uh…yeah sure. A scone sounds good. You seem to like baking. Did you ever consider that as a career path?”
He asked as he followed the (e/c) eyed woman to her kitchen; glancing at the pictures on the walls and many vases filled with different flowers as he walked. (Y/n) placed a small basket of scones on the island in the center of her kitchen then began filling a kettle with some water.
“I did actually. I took some culinary classes in high school but one day a friend asked me to make her a dress for prom and ever since that day I’ve been obsessed with designing and making clothes. What about you? Did you always want to be a scientist?”
The (h/c) haired woman asked as she sat at the island then took a bite of a scone. Miguel thought for a second while he ate one of the white chocolate cranberry scones. It actually surprised him how good they were.
“No not exactly. I wanted to help people but this job is cushy and I technically am helping people.”
She wanted to ask more but decided not to in fear of coming across as nosey or pushy. He doesn’t seem to be the talkative type and she doesn’t really want to push someone out of their comfort zone. Especially in this case since she barely knows the man so instead of pressing him for more info she pressed her lips into a thin line and nodded her head before simply saying
“I see.”
The room was silent for a few minutes before a mischievous smirk appeared on her face. Miguel raised an eyebrow when he saw her face change.
“Do you partake in weed by any chance?”
(Y/n) asked as she made her way over to her pantry. Miguel’s eyes followed her hips as they swayed with each step she took. It had actually been years since he last smoked or took an edible but he didn’t want to seem lame in front of her. Seem lame? Why was he acting like some teenager trying to impress their crush? However before he could even think to change his answer his mouth moved on it’s own.
“Uh yeah sometimes.”
He answered when the woman had disappeared into the pantry. He mentally kicked himself in the pants but a little white lie wasn’t the worst thing in the world and it’s not like she would ever find out he lied to seem cool to her so what’s the harm?
At least that’s what he told himself to make himself feel better. While she was away he scanned the kitchen trying to find out more about the woman. There were many pictures and paintings on the gold and beige colored argyle walls. All the pictures and paintings were of her and Isla and their friends, he presumes. He recognized the little brown haired girl in one painting. Chloe, he thinks her name was, so he assumes the brown haired woman and blue haired woman on either side of her were her mothers. Miguel realized he actually knew the woman with blue hair. She never told me she had a family. She’s kept a lot from me it seems He thought as his eyes continued to scan the items in her kitchen. Her kitchen perfectly matched the rest of the house he’s seen so far. All of the utensils were either pink or black and it really looked like something from a Tuscan Villa magazine; classy and cozy. If it were still the early 2000s. He assumes the Tuscan Villa vibe was (Y/n)’s doing and anything he felt was out of place were touches from Cadella.
(Y/n) came back with a thick chocolate chip cookie in hand. She split it in half then handed the other half to Miguel as she took a bite of her half. Miguel looked over the cookie before cautiously taking a bite. He knew it would taste good based on her scones; he’s mostly worried about the potency.
“Wow this is delicious. You really could make good money selling these on the side.”
Miguel said as he quickly ate the cookie, forgetting this isn’t a regular cookie from how good it tasted. The man’s words made her blush and filled her with an immense feeling of pride. She had gotten compliments on her baking before but it was different when it came to edibles since cannabutter can really make the baked good taste bad. She finished her half of the cookie then poured herself a cup of tea.
“Thank you. Do you have any hobbies like that? Wait don’t tell me let me guess.”
(Y/n) set down the kettle then hummed loudly and tapped her chin with her finger pretending to be in thought. Miguel let out a soft chuckle as he watched her dramatic drawn out “thinking.”
“You like to paint?”
The man’s soft chuckle turned into a slight laugh as he nodded enthusiastically. For the first time in a long time Miguel enjoyed someone’s company that wasn’t his daughter’s.
“Yeah actually! I’m really surprised you got it. These days I’ve mostly just been painting Gabs but I used to paint other things.”
He said with a fond smile tugging at his lips as he thought about the paintings he had made as he stared off in the direction of a painting of Venice on her wall. Painting was his passion. He wanted to be a painter but ultimately decided on something more stable when Gabriella was born. (Y/n) was like a mirror; she had a tendency to reflected what she saw. Seeing him so content made her feel the same. A small smile on her face as she made the man in front of her a cup of tea.
“What can I say? I’m psychic.”
She gave the man a wink and a smile before continuing their conversation.
“I hope to see some of your work some day. It’s not every day I meet another artist. I might look to you for inspiration one day.”
She hopped down from her seat at the island then gently took the man’s hand. As she did so she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her causing an squeal to come from the woman as she recoiled her hand.
“Ow! Sorry! I must have rubbed against the carpet or something.”
She said with a laugh before dragging him to the couch. Cute. Miguel thought as he followed close behind her. He could see himself becoming good friends with this woman. She’s successful, independent, beautiful, kind, good with kids and she seems to have an actual personality. It had been a long time since he’s thought about pursuing any sort of relationship that wasn’t strictly business in a long time. After his last relationship he decided it would be best to just focus on Gabriella. He hopes to have a good friend again. After a few moments of struggling (Y/n) had managed to pull out the foot rest on the couch before sitting down with a sigh she waved him over to the tan leather couch with cup holders in the arm rests separating each seat.
“You’re gonna wanna sit down. The cookie will hit you soon.”
(Y/n) said with a giggle as she pat the spot on the couch next to her. Miguel was sure the edibles wouldn’t affect him too much they never did but he sat down just to be safe. It had been a while since he was last high so there is a chance he actually does green out. After about forty minutes of watching whatever was on the tv it had been a while since he took the edible at this point and he wasn’t feeling the high. He was about to say something about it then BOOM the high hit him like a truck. He felt like he was in a dream.
He didn’t even realize how high he was until he turned his attention from the tv to (Y/n) to tell her the high wasn’t hitting him.
“Fuck. I’m so high right now.”
(Y/n) burst into laughter which caused Miguel to burst into laughter. His laugh rumbled through her. It was only slightly deep but it was just so full of joy. Sometimes when you hear someone laugh you can tell they haven’t laughed in a while and (Y/n) could definitely tell it’s been a while for Miguel. (Y/n) was starting to feel the effects of the edible as well as her artistic guest.
“I should have warned you I’m sorry. My friend, Aurelia, has a green thumb. The stuff she grows is insane.”
She said through laughs as she placed a hand on his arm. Miguel tried to calm his laughter while leaning into her touch slight. He usually hated being touched yet her touch felt comforting to him. Not like she was only trying to turn him on or pity him.
(Y/n) gasped loudly then turned to completely face him.
“Do you know what we should watch? My first ever fashion show!”
Before he could answer she was on her knees and rummaging through a treasure chest. Miguel bit his lip as he watched her. He couldn’t help but admire her hair and gorgeous figure. He admired her rolls clinging to her tight maroon v-neck shirt. The way her plump thighs and butt squished against her calves as she sat back on them to put the dvd into the dvd player sitting on the gorgeous brown entertainment center that sat under the wall mounted flat screen tv. The way the dark blue jeans with bedazzled pockets she wore hugged her thighs and butt beautifully. Something overtook the man as he stared at her. His mouth opened instinctively as he thought about sinking his teeth into her alluring and soft flesh. When she stood up Miguel instantly closed his mouth realizing how it would look if he kept it open. Fuck I need to control myself. The high can’t be affecting me that much can it? The look in Miguel’s eyes and the way his gaze followed her every movement as she made her way back over to the couch made her feel…weird.
It worried her more than walking in a dark alley alone does. He looked like a lion about to pounce on it’s prey.
“Th-this was from 6 years ago. I hadn’t even graduated college yet. It was a complete disaster!”
Miguel wanted nothing more than to just stare at her face and take in her features however he thought that would look creepy so he used all his strength to turn his attention to the tv. He could feel himself begin to get hard as he saw her on the tv screen. Her hair was black and down to her shoulders at the time. The short white dress she wore accentuated her curves and rolls.
“Woah…you look beautiful.”
He muttered. (Y/n) heard his muttering but didn’t hear what he said exactly. She tried her hardest not to laugh at how he was staring at the tv. His mouth was agape and he was hunched over like Igor. (Y/n) noticed it was nearing the end of the fashion show so she quickly got up then took the dvd out of the dvd player. She cleared her throat as she put the dvd back where she found it before sitting back on the couch.
“And that’s the end! You’re probably very confused.
Now that I’ve rewatched the tape that looked perfectly fine! It was mostly the models stumbling and my designs. But anyway movie time! I love watching bad movies when I’m high and what better way to bond with the parent of your child than to watch bad movies together?”
She said with a slight smile. Miguel was on a different planet and yet he could tell she was lying about the fashion show. He wanted to ask her what was up but he had just met her and figured that was a story for people she knew and not a man she just met. With a long stretch (Y/n) placed her legs over his lap before putting on a random bad movie she had favorited. Miguel was surprised by how comfortable she was getting with him and if these were different circumstances he would have immediately pushed the woman away.
However how at ease (Y/n) seems to be around him seems to put him in the same sort of state. He stared down at her legs then his eyes went up to her thighs and he could feel himself getting more excited. He cleared his throat and adjusted his sitting position before turning to her to speak. He hopes talking about nothing will help his problem go away.
“Do people really think vampires sparkle like that?”
A soft giggle left the woman at his question. It’s one she’s heard since the movie first came out. Usually the question would irritate her as the question had always seemed judgmental. As if the person who asked the question was insinuating sparkling vampires are stupid and by extension she’s stupid for enjoying it. Miguel’s question, however, seems to have come from a place of genuine confusion and intrigue which elicited the giggle from the mother of one.
“Nah I don’t think so. Well maybe when they first watched it since most people watched it as teens but as adults? I’d say no. Most people who watch know it’s bad it’s just fun to tap into your teenage side every once in a while ya know? And my favorite way to do so is by consuming comically bad media from that time. What about you? How do you get in touch with your teenage side?”
Miguel stared at what he thought was an impossibly high ceiling as he tried to think of an answer to her question. Whenever he tried, though, his mind immediately went blank as all he could focus on was her perfectly smooth cream colored ceiling and the beautiful chandelier in the center of it. After a few minutes of silence Miguel turned to (Y/n) before giving his answer.
“I’m really high.”
Miguel’s low tolerance was amusing at first but he was truly starting to worry (Y/n) now. She quickly got him a glass of water and some muffins from the pantry in an attempt to sober him up faster than what the edibles would allow. She handed the large man the treats with a sideways smile tugging at her lips.
“I’m sorry. I probably should have given you less, huh? It seems it’s been a while since you last indulged in something of this caliber.”
Miguel shook his head as he took a bite of the lemon pistachio muffin the mother had handed him. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel bad over something so silly.
“Don’t be ridiculous it’s not like I’m greening out or anything it’s just potent is all.”
His words came out in a hurry and (Y/n) definitely noticed his attempt to not hurt his pride but (Y/n) just gave the handsome man on her couch a knowing smile before taking back her seat beside him.
“Of course. Now tell me how you tap into your teenage side! I can’t imagine a big intimidating man like yourself partaking in something as trivial as this though if I’m honest.”
For a moment Miguel thought about telling her the truth of his youth but he thought “What’s one more white lie?” which ultimately changed his decision.
“Even menacing men like me have sentimental sides. I like to…um…”
Miguel tried to casually glance around (Y/n)’s living room with the hope of finding something in the room that would be a believable past time for him. (Y/n) thought him pausing was due to him being high out of his mind. For a second a snicker crept past her lips causing her to quickly cover her laugh with a cough. The designer pursed her lips to suppress the the oncoming smile as she gave the scientist beside her her rapt attention.
“You know I actually do, uh as you put it, “partake in something as trivial as this.” I happen to um well I-I play the banjo.” Miguel closed his eyes and formed his lips into a straight line as he stated his supposed hobby. He had restated his previous comment in a different way in an attempt to give himself more time to come up with an answer as she had nothing in the room that would make sense for his past. Though, he supposes, this doesn’t make much sense either.
(Y/n) nodded her head slowly with an understanding look on her face. She assumed him pausing and looking around was because he was embarrassed about playing the banjo. Not the most common thing to be insecure about but everyone has their insecurities I guess.
“Well you don’t have to worry about me judging you or anything the banjo is cool! Everyday you’ll see some dude with a guitar or violin or even a cello but it’s not every day you find a banjo player! It’s different; it’s neat.”
Suddenly slight guilt shot through Miguel at her words. How supportive she was of his fake habit of playing the fiddle to feel like a teen again for some reason inflicted him with guilt. He feels guilt all the time for a plethora of things but none of them something as small as a white lie. A soft almost bitter laugh left Miguel’s lips as he shook his head.
“It’s not something I do often-“
Men are incredibly easy. This is something (Y/n) has come to realize as she had grown up something of an ugly duckling even though guys didn’t fawn over her they did fawn over Aurelia who has always been pretty. Aurelia taught her everything she knows and she was going to use Miguel’s obvious attraction to her to her advantage.
(Y/n) flipped her hair over her shoulder and slightly tilted her head to the left as she cut Miguel off to ask something of him.
The soft wind her locs had created as they were swept off her shoulders wafted the scent of her in Miguel’s direction. Almost immediately the man’s legs were crossed and his hand was over his nose and mouth.
“But I’m sure you play well. Next Saturday I’m doing a country themed photoshoot for a magazine and I’m sure some banjo playing would put the models in the right mood. Do you think you could preform for them? You’ll be paid handsomely for your time of course. I know this is a lot to ask of a new-“
“I’ll do it.”
Miguel’s eagerness shocked even himself. It had felt like someone pulled the words out of him however Miguel shook the feeling off and had his new friend reiterate the plans to him. (Y/n) had to repress the cheshire grin trying desperately to display itself on her lips. How easily men agree to things when a beautiful woman asks always made her feel a certain way. She wasn’t sure what it was about it but she loved the feeling.
“How kind of you to do this for me; especially since we just met. I truly appreciate it. You can trust that I will return the favor whenever you ask. Scout’s honor. And don’t feel too scared I know my way around an acoustic guitar. I just thought a little something extra would help the girls. Most of them are new to modeling. I have the perfect song. I’ll send you the song later.”
(Y/n) held up her left hand and put her right hand over her heart. As (Y/n) spoke Miguel hung on her every word. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was high beyond mortal comprehension or because she’s just that elegant but either way she seemed to have this effect on everyone whether she noticed or not. The man had a slight gleam in his eye as he spoke.
“Don’t even worry about it. It was my New Year’s resolution to be more friendly.”