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Hey everyone, just want to put up the first chapter of my book. Let me know what you all think. Thanks x
Preface
I don’t really know how to start. I can’t speak to you but I need to tell you this. I need you to listen.
The first time I laid eyes on you I knew I had to be with you. I had to be near you no matter what it took. I had never had such strong feelings before, not for one person. But you, you were an exception. You turned my life upside down.
All of this is still soo new to me. I’ve never experienced love before. Since I met you, every minute of my life has been worthwhile. You have made me live and you’re the only reason my heart beats.
I know I’ve made a terrible mistake and I hate myself for hurting you like that, but I need you. I can’t do anything without you. I need you to believe me, I love you. I am begging you to forgive me. I need you by my side again, without you I am surrounded in darkness, my heart numb.
Please I need your love again because without you I am nothing. My life is meaningless.
I need you…I love you.
Chapter 1: First Impressions
I felt surprisingly cheerful as I sat in the back of the taxi. The window on my side was rolled completely down, letting the warm breeze of the night air wash over my face. I felt comfortable as the cool breeze washed away the stickiness on my face. The blistering heat was uncommon to me.
Even though it was evening the air was temperate. It was new to me. I expected that once nightfall fell upon us the temperature would drop however it stayed almost the same. I still found it difficult to believe I was actually out of England. The spontaneous rainfall and blustering breezes far behind me.
It was calm and quiet, inside and outside the taxi. The driver, a small stumpy man in his mid-forties, fumbled around with the dials on his radio. His radio was out dated and very badly kept. His crumpled face grew redder as he grew more frustrated. I quickly looked away as his dim tired eyes fell on my face, through the wing mirror.
Instead I turned to my mother. She sat graciously in the leather seat by the other window, day dreaming deeply. Her shiny honey brown curls laid upon her shoulders and her gentle lines looked softer in the diffused light of the taxi. She had a slight smile on her pink lips as she watched the sights of Madrid blur pass.
I turned my face away from her and rested my head against the back of the seat. My eyes closed slowly and I struggled to keep them open. I was slightly annoyed that my mother decided to book such a late flight. I could have submerged myself in the glowing heat and blue skies of Madrid if only our flight was a few hours earlier. I sighed.
“Bethany?” my mother said softly.
I opened my eyes and turned to face her. Her blue eyes twinkled brightly and her small smile still remained.
“Are you alright sweetie?” Her voice became a pitch higher and she tilted her head to one side.
“Yes mum, I’m just a little tired.” My voice was low and she watched me with kind eyes as I tried to hold back a yawn.
“I’m sorry we had to fly so late. I just wanted to make sure everything was ok for your father. I know he insisted on this short break for us but I don’t exactly trust him with all those electrical appliances.”
She was sympathetic as I rubbed my eyes and tried to stay awake to listen to her.
“Or the cooker for that matter.” I replied with a little chuckle.
I couldn’t hold it against her if she was making sure dad would manage without her for two weeks. I understood completely. She smiled as she knew I was ok with everything and went back to gazing out the window.
Although my father owned his own coffee shop and was quite bright, he was clueless when it came to household duties. Vacuuming, cooking, cleaning and washing were not top on his talents list. The only things he could operate at home, without much difficultly were the coffee machine, the TV and the telephone. Everything else, mum left him instructions for.
My mind fell on Joshua and it was a wonder how he was going to be fed. It was likely that dad would forget to feed Joshua, but at 11 years old I was sure he would be able to make something for himself. At least there was a male at home who knew how to look after a house, although I was sure Josh would get out of a having few baths while we were gone. Maybe as a treat for being left with dad.
The taxi began to slow and the sights that were blurred in the night, slowly took shape. The hotel we pulled up at looked amazing.
It was eight stories high and stretched out across the width of the sandy beach below. The ice white structure was bright even in the darkness and each of the many rooms had glass balconies and wide patio doors that gave the whole building depth and independence. Each window was flooded with a vivid light making the hotel an eye catching destination.
I reached down to undo my seatbelt and walked out into the cooling breeze. My hair drifted around my face softly, as I walked to the back of the taxi to help the driver unload the suitcases.
“Here let me help you with that.” I said politely as I took the handle of one of my mother’s bright pink suitcases. I placed it on the pavement in front of the hotel entrance, where my mother was standing, her face blank.
I stood by her side waiting for her to realise I was there. Her crystal blue eyes had clouded over and I knew she was in a deep trance, remembering a past memory.
“Mum are you alright?” I asked hesitantly. I didn’t want to break her out of her thoughts too forcefully, she seemed happy.
My mother was usually a very buoyant person; she had a certain aura about her, which just made people smile. In her prime, when I was around ten, that was the happiest I had seen her. She was always smiling and laughing, care-free and fun-loving but seven years on she had changed. Ever since Joshua was born my fathers interests and priorities changed to focus around Josh and the opening of his coffee shop and that’s when I noticed the change.
Her smiles were no longer heartfelt, her aura faded dramatically and she just became run down. All the while dad’s coffee shop exploded into success and Joshua did great in school. I knew she had always enjoyed being a mother but now, over these many years it changed for her. Being a mother and a wife was her job now, it wasn’t her life. And I could tell that’s what made her unhappy.
The taxi driver swaddled over to where we were standing, holding suitcases up to his nose. He dropped them down, his weak arms straining to hold the weight, and they landed by our feet with a bang.
My mother blinked a few times and she was staring at the hotel entrance once again.
“Oh dear!” She exclaimed as a suitcase flew open and scattered clothes over the dusty pavement.
“I’m so sorry miss.” The taxi driver said in a low gruff voice.
He bent down and helped my mother pack the clothes back into the suitcase.
“It’s quite alright.” She replied courteously, trying to gather all of her underwear and hide them under her other clothes, away from the drivers view.
Once everything was cleared up the driver held out his hand. I raised my eyebrow and was shocked by how rude his gesture was. He dropped my mothers clothes all over the ground, gave us an awful silent journey to the hotel and now he demanded his money without a single word.
I looked to my mother who seemed to have the same look over her face.
“Bethany could you pay this…gentleman, while I get some help?”
She kept her eyes on mine as she spoke, knowing that if she was to face the taxi driver, she wouldn’t have used the word gentleman.
I nodded and began to dig through my bag. I found my purse and looked up at the taxi driver. He was barely taller than me and I only reached a mere four foot seven. The deep wrinkles over his face deepened as he waited impatiently.
“How much?” I asked, trying not to sound too disgusted by the way he acted.
His small muddy brown eyes became a shade brighter. His face was immediately composed and the ugly scowl he wore turned into, what looked like, a smile. I shuddered.
“Oh, that will be…thirty euros.” His ill-tempered voice suddenly sounded excited, smug even.
At first I didn’t think there was anything wrong but as I searched for the right money I grew skeptical. I tried to remember the currency exchange that I learnt in my math lesson a few months ago. Thirty euros was close to twenty-five pounds, maybe more, there was no way a fifteen minute taxi ride would cost that much. I was being scammed.
“No, I’m sorry you must be mistaken. It can’t be thirty euros, that’s too much.”
I tried to remain polite but at the same time make him see I wasn’t falling for his trick.
His tarnished brown eyes turned suddenly hard, squinting furiously at me. A cold shiver ran down my spine and I clutched onto my bag, throwing the purse back inside.
“My taxi, my rules. I said thirty euros.” His voice was low and threatening.
He took a small step forward with his stumpy tree like leg, forcing me back. My heart sank within my chest as I scanned the area and saw no-one in sight.
“N-no.” I stammered my voice hardly audible.
I was shaking more violently now, my fingers loosing their grip on the bag. The taxi driver saw this as his chance and jolted forward, both hands flying for my bag. I couldn’t help but let out a small shriek. My voice disappeared just as quickly as it came.
The small thick man had more strength than I anticipated and as he yanked on my bag, my weak fingers almost gave way. I was losing the battle and he felt the weakness in my grip. I was about to let go as he raised a brawny arm to my face, about to swipe me with a muscular blow.
“Hey! What are you doing?” a strong powerful voice called from the automatic doors of the hotel entrance.
The taxi driver suddenly let go of my bag hurling me to the ground. I heard a car door slam and the wheels screeching into the night.
“Bethany! Are you alright sweetie? Are you hurt?” My mother’s anxious voice buzzed around me.
“Yes. I’m fine, he didn’t hurt me.” I assured her with a slight wobble in my voice.
She sighed a breath of relief and helped me to my feet. I looked up to the man standing tall beside my mother. It was obvious he was the one who scared off the taxi driver.
This young man was large and robust. He towered over my mother by a few feet and I had to crane my neck up to see his face. His face was nothing like I would have expected. He had strong powerful lines but his eyes were soft and gentle, his smile kind and friendly. His hair was jet black but the colour was hard to see, as he had a shaven head and the hair was too short to hold the full colour.
“That’s the fifth time in two weeks that someone’s been assaulted outside this hotel.” His voice boomed down in my ears and I almost lost my balance.
He took a step toward me and I was immediately intimidated by his enormous muscles bursting from the thin t-shirt he wore.
“Are you alright miss?” his strong voice was less firm as he lowered his face to look into my eyes.
His blue eyes were crystal clear, just like the ocean, but still generated enough warmth to make me feel safe.
“Y-yes. I’m fine, thank you.” I offered my gratitude as kindly as I could. It was hard to get any emotion in my voice as I was still shaking.
“That’s good to hear.” He smiled thoughtfully before turning to my mother. “Some women haven’t been that lucky. Just the other day a young woman in her early twenties disappeared after a night out.”
He sounded sickened by the events that had occurred. I’m sure I could see the tiniest amount of pain shimmer in his blue eyes, as I continued to watch his face.
“That’s terrible. I find it hard to stomach to know people like that are walking about the streets.” My mother rambled, seeing his previous sentence as a ticket for a conversation.
“I know what you mean. Anyway I’m Ashley and I would gladly help you to your room.”
He smiled at my mother and the disgust on her face faded as she grinned back, an admiration in her eyes.
She nodded happily as he gathered up all the suitcase in one large brisk movement. He held them all without a slight change to the smile pasted on his face. He held them soo easily, making the struggling taxi driver look even more pathetic.
My mother walked through the doors of the hotel and I followed slowly behind Ashley. I didn’t expect the hotel to be as impressive as it was. I struggled to hold back a breathless gasp as I looked around.
The inside was open and spacious. The elegant ruby carpet led all the way to reception desk, filling the whole room with blistering warmth. A well designed bar and seating area filled the left side of the entrance hall, while on the right was a secluded restaurant area. There were stylish chandeliers hanging from the paneled ceiling and modern artwork framed along each wall.
I scanned through all the faces of the people lounging around, unaware of our entrance. They were all middle aged, no-one remotely around my age. Even though I didn’t like to socialise with strangers I would have appreciated the chance.
I sighed silently as I swung my handbag strap over my shoulder.
“Bethany will you wait here with Ashley while I check us in?” My mother asked.
She stopped just before the round wooden counter, with a slender young blonde woman operating a high tech computer.
“Sure.” I replied as I looked to Ashley who smiled attentively once more.
We walked over to the glamorous seating area with the bar. I sat myself down on the only soft red chair and glanced around at the bar.
“You seem a little young to be interested in a drink don’t you? What are you fourteen?” Ashley questioned, as he watched me staring blankly at the drunken hotel guests. If I wasn’t mistaken his voice sounded smug.
I looked up at his towering face and that confirmed my suspicions. He had a huge superior smirk over his wide lips.
I narrowed my eyes and shot a warning glance at him.
“Actually I’m seventeen.”
He looked down at me and laughed. I glared at him and looked away, watching my mother talking to a male receptionist now.
“Oh, sorry my bad. You’re just–”
“Tiny.” I finished his sentence with more force than was necessary.
I heard him hold back another snicker. As I stared at him once more I noticed he was still holding all the suitcases in his iron grip. He didn’t even seem to realise that he was holding so many, heavy, suitcases as he spoke.
“Why don’t you sit down? I think my mum’s going to be a while.” I offered the seat next to me with my hand.
He glanced over to the reception desk and smiled.
“Why not. My shifts almost over anyway.” He said as he finally released the suitcases from his arms and sat down in the green chair, next to mine.
“I didn’t mean to offend you just then. I–”
“It’s fine. Forget about it.” I interrupted, hoping desperately that he would drop the subject. It happened all too often to hear the apologies from strangers again and again.
A few seconds passed and I thought I was in the clear, until Ashley decided to query further.
“I guess it happens a lot then?” He asked innocently. From the corner of my eye I could see him watching my face.
“Sorry?” I answered, pretending not to understand his question. Hopefully he would take the hint and move on to something else, anything else.
“People mistaking your age, does it happen a lot?” He asked again, still persistent.
I began to feel irritated. I obviously didn’t want to discuss this and why was he soo interested anyway?
“Well yeah you could say that.” I answered trying not to let my frustration show.
“Ahh.” Was all he replied, he sounded amused.
I kept my eyes off his face knowing he could he read me like a book. Everyone could read me like a book, from a complete stranger to someone close to me, I was too easily read. This made me even more annoyed.
More seconds passed without a word from Ashley. I could still see him studying my face from the corner of my eye.
I watched my mother across the room and she seemed to be in a deep conversation with the young man who arrived at the front desk. I knew I would be stuck here for a while yet. My mother wasn’t the type to turn down a good natter.
“You can guess my age if that will make you feel any better.” Ashley said as softly as he could, but of course his strong voice still made me jump a little.
“What are you talking about? Who said I needed to feel better?” I accused strongly, the irritation rising in my voice.
“That’s what I’m talking about. You’re a fiery girl aren’t you.” Ashley chuckled again, stating rather than questioning. My face felt heated and I blushed with angry embarrassment.
I whipped my face away from his and slumped forcefully in the chair, leaning my head on my hand. My hand acted as a small shield so I couldn’t see his eyes on my face but that didn’t stop me from feeling them staring at me. It was as if his eyes burned through my hand and I knew he was still watching me.
“Did you want to guess my age or not?”
It was true, I had wondered about his age. At first glance I thought maybe mid-twenties, but seeing the way he acted and the way he presented himself, he had to be younger.
“I don’t know…nineteen?” I hassled a wild guess with an uncaring tone.
I kept my eyes on my mother who was talking to an older man, with thinning white hair. I glowered at her from my chair, hoping she would see me and come over, but she was still unresponsive.
“How did you guess that?” Ashley wondered, sounding astounded.
“Why do you sound so shocked? It’s not that hard to tell.” I sighed heavily, seeing no chance that I would be rescued by my mother.
“No? How do you figure that out then?” He asked again.
I pulled my hand from my face and looked at Ashley. He was staring at me, curiosity all over his face.
I rolled my eyes. Surely he had been told this before. Still someone had to make it clear.
“Well at first glance you look like you’re in your mid-twenties maybe late. But that’s only because of your build. You’re tall and muscular so that throws people off that fact that really you’re still an immature teenage boy.”
I watched his face turn from confusion to stunned. His mouth was slightly open and his eyes were wide.
“Like I said, it was obvious.” I stated, perhaps the tiniest bit smug. It wasn’t often that I was proven right, usually my assumptions on other people never turned out to be right.
“Well you’re the first person to have guessed correctly. I must say I’m very impressed.” Ashley had composed his face and now looked amused once again.
“Should I be flattered by that?” I asked teasing him now. His smugness and playfulness seemed to be rubbing off on me.
“Of course.” He replied with a wink and a wide smile.
I sighed and rolled my eyes, looking back to my mother. She had been over at the reception desk for at least twenty minutes now.
Who on earth could be that interesting, that she left me with the busboy? I asked in my head, annoyed at her once again. Although, lucky for me, this busboy was good company.
“So why are you in Madrid then? A casual trip?” He enquired, his wide smile faded into a small line.
“I guess. It’s a little holiday for me and my mum. I’ve just started my two week holiday from college so now seemed like the perfect time.”
“So why choose Madrid?”
“My mum and dad came here for their honeymoon. Good memories I suppose.”
He opened his mouth again to ask another question, his eyes intent on the answer.
“Why soo many questions?” I questioned before he had the chance to interrupt.
My question threw him off guard. I was curious to hear his answer but my mother came over and interrupted before he could begin.
“Ahh I see you’re both getting on well.” My mother smiled as she looked to Ashley.
He was up on his feet, holding all the suitcases, before she managed to finish her sentence.
“Bethany is very easy to talk to. I guess I lost track of time. Sorry Mrs…” Ashley began but trailed off, looking mislaid as he looked to my mother.
“Tiffany. It’s Tiffany.” She smiled sweetly back.
Ashley nodded lightly and turned his back to us. He took a few steps forward and then looked back. I was slightly taken aback by the fact that he remembered my name, through my mother’s frantic outburst, in front of the hotel.
“Let me show you to your room. What is the number?”
My mother handed him the key card she got from the reception. We both followed behind him as he walked past the reception desk and up a large flight of stairs. We followed Ashley up two more flights of stairs until we reached the third floor. We trailed behind him down a long wide corridor with pale blue walls and creamy carpets.
“Here we are.” He announced with a booming voice.
He managed to slide the card key in without trouble, even though he still carried an armful of suitcases. He nudged the shiny white door open and walked in. My mother went in straight after but I stopped at the door.
The room was astounding! It was spacious and cozy all at the same time. The white sofa and chairs in the middle of room where surrounding a wide screen TV, the biggest one I’d ever seen. There was a white fluffy rug on the floor making the TV area look like a whole room. The light wooden flooring went all the way to the kitchen, and this corner of the room had almost every kitchen appliance I’d ever seen. Straight next to this sat a long wooden table with high backed chairs, and straight past the TV area was a wide double set of glass doors. These probably led out to the balcony, looking over the front of the hotel.
“Welcome.” Ashley said warmly as he dropped the suitcases by the white leather sofa. He walked over the long wooden table and poured to glasses of champagne. He handed one to my mother, who was twirling around slowly, taking in the room.
I took a step into the room as Ashley waited by the sofas, holding the champagne glass. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to him as he handed me the glass, a small smile on his lips.
“Thanks.” I muttered shyly.
“It’s cool. Just think, if I didn’t ask you your age, I wouldn’t have even poured you a glass.” He laughed, whilst leaning back on the arm of the sofa.
“You’re hilarious, you know that?” I replied sarcastically, watching my mother walk out on to the balcony.
“Yeah I knew.”
I looked down as he smirked. I took a sip from the glass and I flinched as a sharp pain flooded my mouth.
“Strong?” Ashley enquired sounding worried, but I could hear the slightest tone of amusement in his voice.
“Cold.” I answered almost straight away. “I’m not as weak as you think.”
“Yeah I can see that. Look, my dad owns a book store in town. I think you should come and check it out sometime. What do you say?”
He handed me a small card and without a look, I shoved it in my pocket.
“Yeah ok then. Thanks.” I smiled.
“Thank you ever so much Ashley. What is it I owe you?” My mother asked politely as she made her way back into the room and stood next to me.
Ashley straighten up and waved his hand in front of him.
“No nothing. It was a pleasure meeting you both.” He smiled and walked to the door.
My mother sat down on the sofa and began to scan through the channels. I watched him open the door and stop just before he closed it.
“I’ll see you at the shop.” He mouthed and with a quick wink, he closed the door behind him.
I smiled as my cheeks began to burn. I looked back to my mother, who was intently watching the news channel. Looking down at my feet I picked up my suitcase, leaving the other four, vivid pink ones on the floor. With my plain black case always next to my mother’s eye catching pink ones, it looked sadly faded and left out, but I still liked it all the same. How my mother managed to pack two weeks worth of clothes into four suitcases and not two mini vans full was a mystery to me.
“Are you going to bed already?” My mother asked just before I opened the door to the bedroom.
“Yeah. The journey was exhausting. I can hardly stay awake.” I answered, without turning back.
“Alright sweetie. See you in the morning.”
“Night mum.”
I opened the white varnished door leading to the bedroom and closed it behind me.
The bedroom was as grand as the room I just left. There was a wide window that looked over the side of the hotel, with rose floor length curtains framing it. A big double bed was in the middle of the room, also with rose bedding on it, matching the curtains. There were two doors on the left and I knew that one was an on suite bathroom and the other maybe a wardrobe or something.
I walked over to the bed and sat on the side. I looked at the pillows and breathlessly giggled as I placed the complimentary mint on the bedside table.
I kicked my shoes off and let my feet dangle above the royal blue carpet. Looking around the room, the creamy coloured walls made me feel calm and the artwork framed on the walls were intriguing.
I swung my legs on the bed and laid on my back. Tonight was going to be a long night. Although I had told my mother I was tired, I knew I wouldn’t be getting a wink of sleep.
The new surroundings and the feel of the hotel were all too exciting. Not to mention Ashley playing around on my mind. He was soo nice and charming and I couldn’t wait for the sun to rise so I could go to that bookstore. I couldn’t help but feel slightly confused.
Ashley was lovely, funny too, but maybe that’s just how he is. Maybe his charm came with his job description; he was a busboy after all. Maybe I would find out more when I visited the bookstore. Perhaps I would find that he had some alternative motive for inviting me. After all he hardly knew me. Whatever it turned out to be, I knew my thoughts wouldn’t let me sleep.
It felt like my blood was bubbling with exhilaration and my eyes were fixed open. I glanced at the digital alarm clock, sitting on the pine bedside table and sighed.
It was only 11:45. Late for some, but I knew I had the whole night ahead of me. I smiled as I pulled out my mobile phone from my jeans pocket. There was always someone I could talk to at a time like this. I just hoped he was awake.
Preface
I don’t really know how to start. I can’t speak to you but I need to tell you this. I need you to listen.
The first time I laid eyes on you I knew I had to be with you. I had to be near you no matter what it took. I had never had such strong feelings before, not for one person. But you, you were an exception. You turned my life upside down.
All of this is still soo new to me. I’ve never experienced love before. Since I met you, every minute of my life has been worthwhile. You have made me live and you’re the only reason my heart beats.
I know I’ve made a terrible mistake and I hate myself for hurting you like that, but I need you. I can’t do anything without you. I need you to believe me, I love you. I am begging you to forgive me. I need you by my side again, without you I am surrounded in darkness, my heart numb.
Please I need your love again because without you I am nothing. My life is meaningless.
I need you…I love you.
Chapter 1: First Impressions
I felt surprisingly cheerful as I sat in the back of the taxi. The window on my side was rolled completely down, letting the warm breeze of the night air wash over my face. I felt comfortable as the cool breeze washed away the stickiness on my face. The blistering heat was uncommon to me.
Even though it was evening the air was temperate. It was new to me. I expected that once nightfall fell upon us the temperature would drop however it stayed almost the same. I still found it difficult to believe I was actually out of England. The spontaneous rainfall and blustering breezes far behind me.
It was calm and quiet, inside and outside the taxi. The driver, a small stumpy man in his mid-forties, fumbled around with the dials on his radio. His radio was out dated and very badly kept. His crumpled face grew redder as he grew more frustrated. I quickly looked away as his dim tired eyes fell on my face, through the wing mirror.
Instead I turned to my mother. She sat graciously in the leather seat by the other window, day dreaming deeply. Her shiny honey brown curls laid upon her shoulders and her gentle lines looked softer in the diffused light of the taxi. She had a slight smile on her pink lips as she watched the sights of Madrid blur pass.
I turned my face away from her and rested my head against the back of the seat. My eyes closed slowly and I struggled to keep them open. I was slightly annoyed that my mother decided to book such a late flight. I could have submerged myself in the glowing heat and blue skies of Madrid if only our flight was a few hours earlier. I sighed.
“Bethany?” my mother said softly.
I opened my eyes and turned to face her. Her blue eyes twinkled brightly and her small smile still remained.
“Are you alright sweetie?” Her voice became a pitch higher and she tilted her head to one side.
“Yes mum, I’m just a little tired.” My voice was low and she watched me with kind eyes as I tried to hold back a yawn.
“I’m sorry we had to fly so late. I just wanted to make sure everything was ok for your father. I know he insisted on this short break for us but I don’t exactly trust him with all those electrical appliances.”
She was sympathetic as I rubbed my eyes and tried to stay awake to listen to her.
“Or the cooker for that matter.” I replied with a little chuckle.
I couldn’t hold it against her if she was making sure dad would manage without her for two weeks. I understood completely. She smiled as she knew I was ok with everything and went back to gazing out the window.
Although my father owned his own coffee shop and was quite bright, he was clueless when it came to household duties. Vacuuming, cooking, cleaning and washing were not top on his talents list. The only things he could operate at home, without much difficultly were the coffee machine, the TV and the telephone. Everything else, mum left him instructions for.
My mind fell on Joshua and it was a wonder how he was going to be fed. It was likely that dad would forget to feed Joshua, but at 11 years old I was sure he would be able to make something for himself. At least there was a male at home who knew how to look after a house, although I was sure Josh would get out of a having few baths while we were gone. Maybe as a treat for being left with dad.
The taxi began to slow and the sights that were blurred in the night, slowly took shape. The hotel we pulled up at looked amazing.
It was eight stories high and stretched out across the width of the sandy beach below. The ice white structure was bright even in the darkness and each of the many rooms had glass balconies and wide patio doors that gave the whole building depth and independence. Each window was flooded with a vivid light making the hotel an eye catching destination.
I reached down to undo my seatbelt and walked out into the cooling breeze. My hair drifted around my face softly, as I walked to the back of the taxi to help the driver unload the suitcases.
“Here let me help you with that.” I said politely as I took the handle of one of my mother’s bright pink suitcases. I placed it on the pavement in front of the hotel entrance, where my mother was standing, her face blank.
I stood by her side waiting for her to realise I was there. Her crystal blue eyes had clouded over and I knew she was in a deep trance, remembering a past memory.
“Mum are you alright?” I asked hesitantly. I didn’t want to break her out of her thoughts too forcefully, she seemed happy.
My mother was usually a very buoyant person; she had a certain aura about her, which just made people smile. In her prime, when I was around ten, that was the happiest I had seen her. She was always smiling and laughing, care-free and fun-loving but seven years on she had changed. Ever since Joshua was born my fathers interests and priorities changed to focus around Josh and the opening of his coffee shop and that’s when I noticed the change.
Her smiles were no longer heartfelt, her aura faded dramatically and she just became run down. All the while dad’s coffee shop exploded into success and Joshua did great in school. I knew she had always enjoyed being a mother but now, over these many years it changed for her. Being a mother and a wife was her job now, it wasn’t her life. And I could tell that’s what made her unhappy.
The taxi driver swaddled over to where we were standing, holding suitcases up to his nose. He dropped them down, his weak arms straining to hold the weight, and they landed by our feet with a bang.
My mother blinked a few times and she was staring at the hotel entrance once again.
“Oh dear!” She exclaimed as a suitcase flew open and scattered clothes over the dusty pavement.
“I’m so sorry miss.” The taxi driver said in a low gruff voice.
He bent down and helped my mother pack the clothes back into the suitcase.
“It’s quite alright.” She replied courteously, trying to gather all of her underwear and hide them under her other clothes, away from the drivers view.
Once everything was cleared up the driver held out his hand. I raised my eyebrow and was shocked by how rude his gesture was. He dropped my mothers clothes all over the ground, gave us an awful silent journey to the hotel and now he demanded his money without a single word.
I looked to my mother who seemed to have the same look over her face.
“Bethany could you pay this…gentleman, while I get some help?”
She kept her eyes on mine as she spoke, knowing that if she was to face the taxi driver, she wouldn’t have used the word gentleman.
I nodded and began to dig through my bag. I found my purse and looked up at the taxi driver. He was barely taller than me and I only reached a mere four foot seven. The deep wrinkles over his face deepened as he waited impatiently.
“How much?” I asked, trying not to sound too disgusted by the way he acted.
His small muddy brown eyes became a shade brighter. His face was immediately composed and the ugly scowl he wore turned into, what looked like, a smile. I shuddered.
“Oh, that will be…thirty euros.” His ill-tempered voice suddenly sounded excited, smug even.
At first I didn’t think there was anything wrong but as I searched for the right money I grew skeptical. I tried to remember the currency exchange that I learnt in my math lesson a few months ago. Thirty euros was close to twenty-five pounds, maybe more, there was no way a fifteen minute taxi ride would cost that much. I was being scammed.
“No, I’m sorry you must be mistaken. It can’t be thirty euros, that’s too much.”
I tried to remain polite but at the same time make him see I wasn’t falling for his trick.
His tarnished brown eyes turned suddenly hard, squinting furiously at me. A cold shiver ran down my spine and I clutched onto my bag, throwing the purse back inside.
“My taxi, my rules. I said thirty euros.” His voice was low and threatening.
He took a small step forward with his stumpy tree like leg, forcing me back. My heart sank within my chest as I scanned the area and saw no-one in sight.
“N-no.” I stammered my voice hardly audible.
I was shaking more violently now, my fingers loosing their grip on the bag. The taxi driver saw this as his chance and jolted forward, both hands flying for my bag. I couldn’t help but let out a small shriek. My voice disappeared just as quickly as it came.
The small thick man had more strength than I anticipated and as he yanked on my bag, my weak fingers almost gave way. I was losing the battle and he felt the weakness in my grip. I was about to let go as he raised a brawny arm to my face, about to swipe me with a muscular blow.
“Hey! What are you doing?” a strong powerful voice called from the automatic doors of the hotel entrance.
The taxi driver suddenly let go of my bag hurling me to the ground. I heard a car door slam and the wheels screeching into the night.
“Bethany! Are you alright sweetie? Are you hurt?” My mother’s anxious voice buzzed around me.
“Yes. I’m fine, he didn’t hurt me.” I assured her with a slight wobble in my voice.
She sighed a breath of relief and helped me to my feet. I looked up to the man standing tall beside my mother. It was obvious he was the one who scared off the taxi driver.
This young man was large and robust. He towered over my mother by a few feet and I had to crane my neck up to see his face. His face was nothing like I would have expected. He had strong powerful lines but his eyes were soft and gentle, his smile kind and friendly. His hair was jet black but the colour was hard to see, as he had a shaven head and the hair was too short to hold the full colour.
“That’s the fifth time in two weeks that someone’s been assaulted outside this hotel.” His voice boomed down in my ears and I almost lost my balance.
He took a step toward me and I was immediately intimidated by his enormous muscles bursting from the thin t-shirt he wore.
“Are you alright miss?” his strong voice was less firm as he lowered his face to look into my eyes.
His blue eyes were crystal clear, just like the ocean, but still generated enough warmth to make me feel safe.
“Y-yes. I’m fine, thank you.” I offered my gratitude as kindly as I could. It was hard to get any emotion in my voice as I was still shaking.
“That’s good to hear.” He smiled thoughtfully before turning to my mother. “Some women haven’t been that lucky. Just the other day a young woman in her early twenties disappeared after a night out.”
He sounded sickened by the events that had occurred. I’m sure I could see the tiniest amount of pain shimmer in his blue eyes, as I continued to watch his face.
“That’s terrible. I find it hard to stomach to know people like that are walking about the streets.” My mother rambled, seeing his previous sentence as a ticket for a conversation.
“I know what you mean. Anyway I’m Ashley and I would gladly help you to your room.”
He smiled at my mother and the disgust on her face faded as she grinned back, an admiration in her eyes.
She nodded happily as he gathered up all the suitcase in one large brisk movement. He held them all without a slight change to the smile pasted on his face. He held them soo easily, making the struggling taxi driver look even more pathetic.
My mother walked through the doors of the hotel and I followed slowly behind Ashley. I didn’t expect the hotel to be as impressive as it was. I struggled to hold back a breathless gasp as I looked around.
The inside was open and spacious. The elegant ruby carpet led all the way to reception desk, filling the whole room with blistering warmth. A well designed bar and seating area filled the left side of the entrance hall, while on the right was a secluded restaurant area. There were stylish chandeliers hanging from the paneled ceiling and modern artwork framed along each wall.
I scanned through all the faces of the people lounging around, unaware of our entrance. They were all middle aged, no-one remotely around my age. Even though I didn’t like to socialise with strangers I would have appreciated the chance.
I sighed silently as I swung my handbag strap over my shoulder.
“Bethany will you wait here with Ashley while I check us in?” My mother asked.
She stopped just before the round wooden counter, with a slender young blonde woman operating a high tech computer.
“Sure.” I replied as I looked to Ashley who smiled attentively once more.
We walked over to the glamorous seating area with the bar. I sat myself down on the only soft red chair and glanced around at the bar.
“You seem a little young to be interested in a drink don’t you? What are you fourteen?” Ashley questioned, as he watched me staring blankly at the drunken hotel guests. If I wasn’t mistaken his voice sounded smug.
I looked up at his towering face and that confirmed my suspicions. He had a huge superior smirk over his wide lips.
I narrowed my eyes and shot a warning glance at him.
“Actually I’m seventeen.”
He looked down at me and laughed. I glared at him and looked away, watching my mother talking to a male receptionist now.
“Oh, sorry my bad. You’re just–”
“Tiny.” I finished his sentence with more force than was necessary.
I heard him hold back another snicker. As I stared at him once more I noticed he was still holding all the suitcases in his iron grip. He didn’t even seem to realise that he was holding so many, heavy, suitcases as he spoke.
“Why don’t you sit down? I think my mum’s going to be a while.” I offered the seat next to me with my hand.
He glanced over to the reception desk and smiled.
“Why not. My shifts almost over anyway.” He said as he finally released the suitcases from his arms and sat down in the green chair, next to mine.
“I didn’t mean to offend you just then. I–”
“It’s fine. Forget about it.” I interrupted, hoping desperately that he would drop the subject. It happened all too often to hear the apologies from strangers again and again.
A few seconds passed and I thought I was in the clear, until Ashley decided to query further.
“I guess it happens a lot then?” He asked innocently. From the corner of my eye I could see him watching my face.
“Sorry?” I answered, pretending not to understand his question. Hopefully he would take the hint and move on to something else, anything else.
“People mistaking your age, does it happen a lot?” He asked again, still persistent.
I began to feel irritated. I obviously didn’t want to discuss this and why was he soo interested anyway?
“Well yeah you could say that.” I answered trying not to let my frustration show.
“Ahh.” Was all he replied, he sounded amused.
I kept my eyes off his face knowing he could he read me like a book. Everyone could read me like a book, from a complete stranger to someone close to me, I was too easily read. This made me even more annoyed.
More seconds passed without a word from Ashley. I could still see him studying my face from the corner of my eye.
I watched my mother across the room and she seemed to be in a deep conversation with the young man who arrived at the front desk. I knew I would be stuck here for a while yet. My mother wasn’t the type to turn down a good natter.
“You can guess my age if that will make you feel any better.” Ashley said as softly as he could, but of course his strong voice still made me jump a little.
“What are you talking about? Who said I needed to feel better?” I accused strongly, the irritation rising in my voice.
“That’s what I’m talking about. You’re a fiery girl aren’t you.” Ashley chuckled again, stating rather than questioning. My face felt heated and I blushed with angry embarrassment.
I whipped my face away from his and slumped forcefully in the chair, leaning my head on my hand. My hand acted as a small shield so I couldn’t see his eyes on my face but that didn’t stop me from feeling them staring at me. It was as if his eyes burned through my hand and I knew he was still watching me.
“Did you want to guess my age or not?”
It was true, I had wondered about his age. At first glance I thought maybe mid-twenties, but seeing the way he acted and the way he presented himself, he had to be younger.
“I don’t know…nineteen?” I hassled a wild guess with an uncaring tone.
I kept my eyes on my mother who was talking to an older man, with thinning white hair. I glowered at her from my chair, hoping she would see me and come over, but she was still unresponsive.
“How did you guess that?” Ashley wondered, sounding astounded.
“Why do you sound so shocked? It’s not that hard to tell.” I sighed heavily, seeing no chance that I would be rescued by my mother.
“No? How do you figure that out then?” He asked again.
I pulled my hand from my face and looked at Ashley. He was staring at me, curiosity all over his face.
I rolled my eyes. Surely he had been told this before. Still someone had to make it clear.
“Well at first glance you look like you’re in your mid-twenties maybe late. But that’s only because of your build. You’re tall and muscular so that throws people off that fact that really you’re still an immature teenage boy.”
I watched his face turn from confusion to stunned. His mouth was slightly open and his eyes were wide.
“Like I said, it was obvious.” I stated, perhaps the tiniest bit smug. It wasn’t often that I was proven right, usually my assumptions on other people never turned out to be right.
“Well you’re the first person to have guessed correctly. I must say I’m very impressed.” Ashley had composed his face and now looked amused once again.
“Should I be flattered by that?” I asked teasing him now. His smugness and playfulness seemed to be rubbing off on me.
“Of course.” He replied with a wink and a wide smile.
I sighed and rolled my eyes, looking back to my mother. She had been over at the reception desk for at least twenty minutes now.
Who on earth could be that interesting, that she left me with the busboy? I asked in my head, annoyed at her once again. Although, lucky for me, this busboy was good company.
“So why are you in Madrid then? A casual trip?” He enquired, his wide smile faded into a small line.
“I guess. It’s a little holiday for me and my mum. I’ve just started my two week holiday from college so now seemed like the perfect time.”
“So why choose Madrid?”
“My mum and dad came here for their honeymoon. Good memories I suppose.”
He opened his mouth again to ask another question, his eyes intent on the answer.
“Why soo many questions?” I questioned before he had the chance to interrupt.
My question threw him off guard. I was curious to hear his answer but my mother came over and interrupted before he could begin.
“Ahh I see you’re both getting on well.” My mother smiled as she looked to Ashley.
He was up on his feet, holding all the suitcases, before she managed to finish her sentence.
“Bethany is very easy to talk to. I guess I lost track of time. Sorry Mrs…” Ashley began but trailed off, looking mislaid as he looked to my mother.
“Tiffany. It’s Tiffany.” She smiled sweetly back.
Ashley nodded lightly and turned his back to us. He took a few steps forward and then looked back. I was slightly taken aback by the fact that he remembered my name, through my mother’s frantic outburst, in front of the hotel.
“Let me show you to your room. What is the number?”
My mother handed him the key card she got from the reception. We both followed behind him as he walked past the reception desk and up a large flight of stairs. We followed Ashley up two more flights of stairs until we reached the third floor. We trailed behind him down a long wide corridor with pale blue walls and creamy carpets.
“Here we are.” He announced with a booming voice.
He managed to slide the card key in without trouble, even though he still carried an armful of suitcases. He nudged the shiny white door open and walked in. My mother went in straight after but I stopped at the door.
The room was astounding! It was spacious and cozy all at the same time. The white sofa and chairs in the middle of room where surrounding a wide screen TV, the biggest one I’d ever seen. There was a white fluffy rug on the floor making the TV area look like a whole room. The light wooden flooring went all the way to the kitchen, and this corner of the room had almost every kitchen appliance I’d ever seen. Straight next to this sat a long wooden table with high backed chairs, and straight past the TV area was a wide double set of glass doors. These probably led out to the balcony, looking over the front of the hotel.
“Welcome.” Ashley said warmly as he dropped the suitcases by the white leather sofa. He walked over the long wooden table and poured to glasses of champagne. He handed one to my mother, who was twirling around slowly, taking in the room.
I took a step into the room as Ashley waited by the sofas, holding the champagne glass. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to him as he handed me the glass, a small smile on his lips.
“Thanks.” I muttered shyly.
“It’s cool. Just think, if I didn’t ask you your age, I wouldn’t have even poured you a glass.” He laughed, whilst leaning back on the arm of the sofa.
“You’re hilarious, you know that?” I replied sarcastically, watching my mother walk out on to the balcony.
“Yeah I knew.”
I looked down as he smirked. I took a sip from the glass and I flinched as a sharp pain flooded my mouth.
“Strong?” Ashley enquired sounding worried, but I could hear the slightest tone of amusement in his voice.
“Cold.” I answered almost straight away. “I’m not as weak as you think.”
“Yeah I can see that. Look, my dad owns a book store in town. I think you should come and check it out sometime. What do you say?”
He handed me a small card and without a look, I shoved it in my pocket.
“Yeah ok then. Thanks.” I smiled.
“Thank you ever so much Ashley. What is it I owe you?” My mother asked politely as she made her way back into the room and stood next to me.
Ashley straighten up and waved his hand in front of him.
“No nothing. It was a pleasure meeting you both.” He smiled and walked to the door.
My mother sat down on the sofa and began to scan through the channels. I watched him open the door and stop just before he closed it.
“I’ll see you at the shop.” He mouthed and with a quick wink, he closed the door behind him.
I smiled as my cheeks began to burn. I looked back to my mother, who was intently watching the news channel. Looking down at my feet I picked up my suitcase, leaving the other four, vivid pink ones on the floor. With my plain black case always next to my mother’s eye catching pink ones, it looked sadly faded and left out, but I still liked it all the same. How my mother managed to pack two weeks worth of clothes into four suitcases and not two mini vans full was a mystery to me.
“Are you going to bed already?” My mother asked just before I opened the door to the bedroom.
“Yeah. The journey was exhausting. I can hardly stay awake.” I answered, without turning back.
“Alright sweetie. See you in the morning.”
“Night mum.”
I opened the white varnished door leading to the bedroom and closed it behind me.
The bedroom was as grand as the room I just left. There was a wide window that looked over the side of the hotel, with rose floor length curtains framing it. A big double bed was in the middle of the room, also with rose bedding on it, matching the curtains. There were two doors on the left and I knew that one was an on suite bathroom and the other maybe a wardrobe or something.
I walked over to the bed and sat on the side. I looked at the pillows and breathlessly giggled as I placed the complimentary mint on the bedside table.
I kicked my shoes off and let my feet dangle above the royal blue carpet. Looking around the room, the creamy coloured walls made me feel calm and the artwork framed on the walls were intriguing.
I swung my legs on the bed and laid on my back. Tonight was going to be a long night. Although I had told my mother I was tired, I knew I wouldn’t be getting a wink of sleep.
The new surroundings and the feel of the hotel were all too exciting. Not to mention Ashley playing around on my mind. He was soo nice and charming and I couldn’t wait for the sun to rise so I could go to that bookstore. I couldn’t help but feel slightly confused.
Ashley was lovely, funny too, but maybe that’s just how he is. Maybe his charm came with his job description; he was a busboy after all. Maybe I would find out more when I visited the bookstore. Perhaps I would find that he had some alternative motive for inviting me. After all he hardly knew me. Whatever it turned out to be, I knew my thoughts wouldn’t let me sleep.
It felt like my blood was bubbling with exhilaration and my eyes were fixed open. I glanced at the digital alarm clock, sitting on the pine bedside table and sighed.
It was only 11:45. Late for some, but I knew I had the whole night ahead of me. I smiled as I pulled out my mobile phone from my jeans pocket. There was always someone I could talk to at a time like this. I just hoped he was awake.
Great 
So who is this guy at the end? 
i thought she would be more comfy with ashley or will she be split between the two of them?
How dare you make me wait? 
2 & 3
