Oscar Winning Performances (Part 3)

-4-

A few hours later, the Frantisek mansion was full of music and people dancing. There was still no sign of the birthday girl, but it was her prerogative to be the last to arrive. A table was set up in the middle of the room and was already stacked with presents, the drinks were flowing, and several parents had turned up to talk to the infamous Frantisek’s.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Miss Salix Frantisek’. The music lowered and a voice boomed out. People turned and looked expectantly towards the huge marble staircase from which a dazzling princess was descending. People gasped as diamonds glittered on her wrists, neck and finger. The black silk dress clung to her perfect body and her elegant neck was accentuated by the curls swept on top of her head with a white silk rose tucked under the band.
Her finger tips brushed the banister and the other hand held up her dress showing simple black shoes and manicured toenails. Antonio swept out of the crowd and held out his hand, Salix took it and he kissed her knuckles with a loving kiss. He kissed her cheek.
‘You look beautiful, princess, all grown up.’ He held his arm aloft and she executed a spin underneath it and tucked her hand through his as he whisked her around the room to meet several important people.
‘This is Simón Armadia, Bonita, he’s a Spanish fashion designer, wishes you to model his clothes.’
Simón kissed her hand and began to explain that his designs were a new style, with new fabrics other designers were scared to use but Salix wasn’t listening for a cute guy had just entered the room with a pretty girl hanging on his arm.
‘Excuse me Simón; I’ve just seen an old school friend who I haven’t seen for years, I’ll be sure to get back to you.’ She rushed off, sweeping close to the guy so he could feel the hem of her dress brush over his shoe and smell her scent.
‘Amie, who’s that guy who just walked in; the blonde one with the brunette girlfriend?’
Amie and Salix had become friends in first year of secondary school when they knew how the other could help them. Amie was smart, beautiful and knew everything about everyone.
‘Jon Whittlers, the girl is Carla Kaleen. She just moved over here from America, and he was living with his grandma in the States when his father called for him. They’ve been together for three years; they were each others first for everything. His dad is Caleb and his mother is Famil, she French and Jon is the heir for Catchitune record label. Carla’s mum and dad are pretty well known over there, they’re called Sam and Erica, they run a school for dyslexic kids, nice people actually. Carla’s got an elder brother called George; he’s just gone twenty four.’
Salix placed her hand out and Amie shook it. This was a routine bet they had going. Salix had just two days to break up the couple or Amie would get a pair of her shoes. So far she had only lost one pair of Prada heels which she had bought in Paris. She whisked around the crowd and floated up to him when Carla had disappeared.
‘Hi, you’re Jon, right? I’m Salix, nice to meet you.’ She flashed a warm smile but bit her bottom lip, making sure her eyes sparkled. ‘I hear you just moved from the States, how was it there?’
‘Oh it was beautiful, I was living with my grandma, but father insisted I came over to learn the tricks of the trade. I get the business when he croaks.’ His laugh surprised her, it was deep but flowed like chocolate and his Adam’s apple hardly moved.
‘What business is it, do you mind my asking?’
‘Catchitune Records. Pretty dull, but it’s a living. I could always sell it, but it’s selling a part of my family. I’ve heard it through the grapevine that you’re an amazing singer, maybe you could come and do a sample sometime.’
She nodded and excused herself as she saw the girlfriend returning. ‘Nice to meet you Jon, if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me.’ She smiled and rested a hand on his forearm and left him staring at her bare back. She returned to Amie and looked for the next target.
‘What about that one over there, the brunette with the red haired girl, under the chandelier.’
‘Charles Dengue and Hannah Griffin. Both moved from Paris, his dad, Rufus, casts people for French films, trying to make a name for himself over here, his wife Amelia is a famous violin player. Charles is training to be a jockey. Hannah’s dad is Martin and he just retired at the ripe old age of 35 and her mum is Christina, she’s a photographer and film caster originally from Prague. Hannah’s got a little brother called Frankie who is only eight. Not a lot to know about Hannah so just have fun.’
‘Ok, what about that guy? Is he with anyone?’ She pointed to a tall guy with a blonde ponytail who was puffing on a cigarette.
‘That’s Shane Redding Junior; his girlfriend just went upstairs with Jacob James. He just got accepted to Oxford to do law. His mum is an actress, she’s called Anna and his dad died only three weeks ago of cancer, he was called Shane as well.’
‘Oh no, I think he might need a bit of cheering up.’ She smiled and held out her hand for Amie to shake.
‘We don’t need to bet, I think they’re about to break up, look, he’s going upstairs to find her.’
Salix hurried to the base of the stairs just as Shane was reaching the bottom step; she rubbed her eyes and gave a slight sob as she bumped into him. He held her shoulder and looked at her.
‘Are you ok, Salix?’ His blue eyes were full of concern, ‘do you want a drink?’
‘No thanks, I just need to have a bit of peace and quiet for a little while. I don’t suppose you could come with me; I just don’t trust guys when they’re drunk.’ She enlarged her eyes and looked vulnerable. He nodded and put an arm around her shoulders, leading her upstairs. Amie smiled in disbelief from next to the punch bowl.
They reached her room on the second floor and she rushed into the bathroom to turn on the taps, pretending to splash water on her face as he sat on the bay window, looking at the snow that had started to fall. He looked around the room and noticed a corkboard full of pictures of a young girl on the beach. He stood up to admire them.
‘Oh, you found them, how embarrassing.’ She had seen him gazing at the tanned family on a holiday that looked genuinely happy. ‘We were at Nana’s house in Spain tracing back our family tree. Papa got called away because some people were threatening to walk out of the London office. It was nice though, managed to have all of three days together.’
‘So you don’t see him a lot, your dad?’
‘Not as much as I’d like to, he’s away terrorising certain offices all around the world, the holiday in Spain is the only one I remember him being there for more than two days. He managed to be here for tonight because he left someone equally terrifying in charge. Enough talk about me, what about you? I heard you just got accepted into Oxford.’ She smiled warmly and sat on the bay window, kicking off her stilettos and resting her legs under her chin.
‘Yeah I did, I only tried for it because my dad always wanted me to go to Oxford but he died the day before I got my results. His funeral in a few days.’
She held her hand out for him to sit next to her on the bay window seat. He sat down and she rested her head on his shoulder, he looked at her and she met his eyes.
He lifted his hand and let it rest on her cheek; he tilted her chin towards him and let his lips brush hers. After a few moments, they pulled apart.
‘I know it’s hardly a first date and I don’t really know you, but would you come to the funeral with me? It’s in three days, on Thursday.’
Salix nodded and kissed him again, pulling him towards the bed. They lay down next to each other and continued to kiss.
‘No, I can’t do it.’ He sat up and apologised, walking over to the bay window. Snow had completely covered the trees and the party had moved outside. Several people were making snowmen; more people had begun a snow fight. Salix shuffled to the edge of the bed.
‘I’m sorry; I knew I shouldn’t have done that.’
‘I’m gay, Salix. I give you permission to look at me as if I’m a dirty bastard, most people do anyway.’ She looked shocked.
‘Your being gay doesn’t change my wanting to come to the funeral as your friend. In fact, your being gay could work for us; I need a shopping partner. If your family don’t know then I could pretend to be your girlfriend if you really needed. Anyway, we should go back to the party.’ She held out her hand and he took it, standing up and kissing her cheek.
They returned to the party together to everyone’s surprise and Amie nodded with a raised eyebrow but Salix ignored her. She smiled at Shane and then went in search of Amie.
‘Mission accomplished?’ Amie was looking amused when Salix shook her head.
‘He’s not a bet, his dad just died, the night before he got his Oxford results so it’s not fair. I’m going to the funeral with him in a couple of days. Plus, he’s gay so a break up is already on the cards.’
‘Ok, so Charles Dengue is next, he just went into the living room without the girlfriend. You better hurry though; Hannah Griffin just went looking for him.’ Salix nodded and walked briskly towards Charles. She knocked into him and apologised, staring into his chocolate brown eyes and smiling.
‘Oh, sorry, I’m miles away. You’re Charles, right? I’ve seen you around town’ she lied. She held out her hand and he shook it, slightly bewildered that the host was talking to him.
‘Nice to meet you, and thanks for inviting me. It was really nice seeing as we hardly know each other.’
‘This is a perfect chance for us to get to know each other, don’t you think? Do you want a drink?’
She smiled into his eyes and he nodded silently.
‘Sorry, but the only girl that get Charles drinks is me. Hannah Griffin pleased to meet you.’
A small ginger girl appeared by Salix’s left shoulder and shook her hand, staring angrily at her. Her small frame was accentuated by a low cut blue dress which showed off her small bottom and small breasts. Salix wondered what she looked like naked yet shook her head free of the thought.
‘Oh, you’re Hannah Griffin, I’ve heard a lot about you, and it’s nice to put a name to a face. I hear you two have just moved from States, why did you move?’ She directed the question at Charles but Hannah interrupted him.
‘Charles’s father and my mother are casting a new French film together, trying to find an ‘English Rose’ such as you for the lead role. It’s called ‘La Femme Diable’; I think you’d be perfect for the main role.’
‘No thank you, as much as you may think, I’m not a She-Devil.’ She smiled kindly at Hannah as her eyebrows creased into one, not anticipating Salix to understand French. ‘I’ll see you around.’
Salix walked back to Amie, deliberately swaying her hips.
‘That Hannah Griffin is a total bitch, she just offered me the lead role in ‘La Femme Diable’ thinking I wouldn’t understand what it meant. She totally rules Charles and it’s like he doesn’t have a mind of his own.’
‘Well Hannah was voted Prom Queen in Paris, so he must’ve thought he was really lucky to get her and doesn’t want to lose her, I’ve seen it all before. Dweeb falls for rich girl and she realises the advantages of having a dweeb boyfriend.’
‘Well what ever she’s doing to him, I have to get him out, it’s like she’s programmed him or something.’ Salix sighed and looked around the room. ‘Who’s that girl over there, the one talking to Francis?’
‘Well that poor girl is Maddy Down, her mum works in the church across town and her dad is a teacher. She’s waiting for Rufus Dengue to call her because he broke her heart last year when she went to France.’
‘So they had a little thing going on in Paris and Amelia didn’t notice?’ Salix looked shocked and Amie shook her head.
‘Not a thing. Amelia was off in Venice playing for some orchestra and screwing the conductor.’
‘Wow, I wonder if I can pull Jacob’s little brother. There’s only three years between them; he must live with his dad.’
‘Yeah, but his dad just kicked him out for smoking drugs in his house. Jacob won’t be too impressed if he finds out him and his brother has slept with the same girl.’
‘Yeah well they’ll have to sort it out themselves, won’t they?’ Salix smiled and went to save Maddy.
‘I’m afraid I have some bad news Maddy, may I speak to you for a second?’ She pulled Maddy away from Francis and smiled as the concern crossed her features. ‘That guy you were just talking is my ex’s brother, he gets really possessive; I thought I should tell you so you don’t get sucked up into him. There’s no bad news by the way. I’m Salix.’ Maddy’s face relaxed and she smiled, her eyes were coral blue and her lips were full and red. She shook Salix’s hand and bit her bottom lip.
‘To be honest, he was doing all the talking. I wish I hadn’t worn this top now, he kept looking down my cleavage, Mum was right.’ Her voice was timid and her blonde curls rested on her shoulders. Her right hand clutched at a pendant on her necklace. Salix saw a glint of diamond and asked about it.
‘My mum and dad bought it me last year, its real diamond.’ She showed Salix the delicate cross and smiled shyly.
‘It’s beautiful. If you ever get any trouble, all you have to do is call me, and I’ll come and get you, no matter what time or where you are.’
‘Oh thank you, that’s really sweet Salix.’ Her eyes lit up and a curl fell over her left eye. Salix wished to push it behind her ear yet just smiled and wrapped a friendly arm around Maddy’s shoulders and lead her towards Amie.
‘This is Amie Fibril, she’s my best friend ever, Amie this is Maddy Down.’ Amie smiled at Maddy and offered her some punch.
‘Salix, Francis is going to bug Carla Kaleen. Go and get him?’ Salix nodded and excused herself and made her way to the kitchen.
‘Francis, leave her alone.’ Salix was standing in the doorway with an air of a Barbarian queen.
‘Hey, Salix, you’re looking sexy tonight, hope my big brother is treating you well. Whoops!’ Francis ignored Carla and stumbled towards the host, falling onto her shoulders. He was grasping a nearly empty vodka bottle with a joint in his other hand. He smothered Salix’s face with smelly kisses.
‘For God’s sake, Francis, no wonder your Dad chucked you out, come on, we’re going upstairs.’ She grabbed his right arm which was clutching the vodka, stubbing out the joint in a nearby ashtray and led him upstairs to an empty bedroom. ‘Why are you here? I didn’t invite any of your family tonight.’ She dropped him onto a couch at one end of the bedroom.
‘I know; I heard music as I was driving from Kelly Brooke’s and thought I’d come and crash. Come, sit.’ He patted the seat next to him and pulled Salix down after she refused to move. ‘You’re really prettiful. I meant beautiful and then started to say pretty. Drink?’ He held out the vodka bottle and Salix took it and threw it in the bin.
Francis continued slurring. ‘I can see why Jacob loves you, I mean, look at those tits.’ He lifted his hands to grope them but Salix slapped them. ‘Easy on, I’m only joking around, you used to be fun.’
‘I still am.’ The acidity in her voice made Francis wince, he had never seen Salix so angry. ‘You have nearly ruined two girls’ evening by being drunk and stoned out of your skull. I’ll get you some bed clothes and some water, I want you to stay here tonight or Jacob will kill you.’
‘I sleep in the buff, thanks.’ Francis smiled and winked.
‘Not tonight you don’t.’ She threw some clothes at Francis, ‘I’ll be back to check on you later.’ She turned around to leave but Francis had grabbed her arm and refused to let it go.
‘No, don’t go.’ He yanked her and she fell on top of him, she looked at his bloodshot eyes and he kissed her. His stubbly chin scraped her jaw and his hands wrapped around her waist, refusing to let her go until she kissed him back.
Salix could taste stale alcohol and cannabis on his breath, but it didn’t seem to matter. She felt like she was falling into oblivion and the only way to land safely was to pull away. She opened her eyes and froze. Staring back at her was Jacob, his face contorted with anger. She jerked back and Francis opened his eyes with concern.
‘What’s wrong, Salix?’ She pulled away and raised her hand to her forehead, shaking uncontrollably. Francis leapt up and held her until the shaking had subsided, he smoothed her curls out of her face and pulled her to the bed, holding her close.
‘No, you shouldn’t… We shouldn’t be doing this. I’ve got to go.’ She ran out of the door and bumped into her father.
‘Princessa, what’s wrong, who’s in there?’ His Spanish temper flared as his daughter clung on to him.
‘No, Papa, it’s ok, I just had a flash of doubt.’ She wiped her eyes, careful not to smudge her make up and pulled him downstairs away from a stoned Francis. Her mother rushed up to her announcing that it was time for the cake.
‘Oh Mama, I’m eighteen now, I can’t have a cake! That’s so childish.’ Maria smiled shrewdly and dragged her daughter into the main room. She sat her daughter down and clapped her hands. In walked a tall tanned man carrying a white cake with a single candle on it. Salix’s face lit up and she rushed towards him.
‘Hey, mind the cake, Madre spent ages making this.’ Glen smiled and set the cake down on a nearby table. He held out his arms and Salix leapt into them; he swung her round and kissed her cheek, setting her down again. She looked flustered and gazed in awe of the bronzed gentleman standing in front of her. His black hair was spiked slightly and his brown eyes looked like melted chocolate. Salix launched at him again and kissed him quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
‘Salix Marie Frantisek, would you do me the honour of the next dance?’ He winked and laughed, kissing her cheek.
Amie was by her side in an instant.
‘Amie, this is Glen, he was my best friend in Spain when we were children. Haven’t seen him for nearly ten years. You have a lot in common; chat and I’ll be back soon.’
She ran off to hug her mother and father.
‘Thank you for bringing him here Papa, I know they couldn’t have done it without you.’ She kissed him on the cheek and crept under his arm. ‘And thank you too, Mama, for taking me shopping earlier. I can’t believe it, thank you both, for this awesome evening.’
‘We have something else for you Bonita.’ Antonio pulled out an envelope and handed it to his daughter. She pulled it open and slid out the contents: two aeroplane tickets for an around the world trip.
‘Thanks Papa.’ She kissed his cheek again.
‘Paolo apologised, he’s got his finals tomorrow.’ Salix smiled and shook her head, understanding.
She dashed off to find Amie and Glen who had disappeared into a quiet corner of the dining room.
‘Amie, what can you tell me about Hannah Griffins?’
‘Only what I told you before. Look, you’re not going to be able to split them up, she’s too tight on him.’
‘I wasn’t planning to do it alone. Glen is going to help me, aren’t you Glen?’ She looked at him and smiled in a way that made him feel protective of her.
‘Ok, what or who do you want me to do?’ Salix clapped her hands excitedly and pointed at the redhead who was dragging Charles onto the dance floor surrounded by guys. ‘That’s going to be a tough one, Bonita. She looks like a stuck up cow.’
‘She is, but her boyfriend is the cutest little thing that you will ever see, he’s terrified of losing her because then he becomes invisible again. You get Hannah to fall for you and I’ll show Charles the real her and introduce him to someone more like her.’ She pointed to the kitchen where Maddy was standing.
Glen sighed but held out his hand, Salix shook it and bounded into the kitchen where Maddy was standing alone by the back door.
‘Hi Maddy, enjoying yourself?’ She breezed into the room and smiled nicely.
‘Not really, I’ve liked Charles for a while and that Hannah girl is all over him.’ She looked sadly into her unfinished drink. ‘Why am I always the one that never gets the guy?’
‘I can get him for you. You know Glen, the guy who appeared earlier? Well he and I have this ‘business’ if you will. We find the couples who don’t deserve each other and split them up in the nicest way possible.’ Maddy looked disgusted but hopeful.
‘Do you think it would work on Hannah and Charles? He’s too scared to talk to anyone else and she’s recognised the benefits of having him as a boyfriend.’
‘Trust me, Maddy, it’ll work, Glen will work his magic and I’ll set you and Charles up. Give us a week at the max., and you will get Charles.’ They smiled at each other and Maddy hugged and thanked her. Salix grabbed a drink and turned around, bumping into a guy on the way out.
‘Oh, excuse me, hello. I’m Salix.’ She smiled innocently into his eyes.
‘I’m Oli, Oliver Firth. Nice to meet you.’ He smiled back at her and the world seemed to stop. Salix broke the eye contact by gushing apologises and rushing out of the room in a flustered state.
She ran up the stairs, passing several entwined couples. She pushed open the nearest door and shut it behind her. She slid to the floor, shaking with excitement and anger.
‘Why did I just run out like that?’ she spoke aloud. ‘What a twat, I should go back.’
‘Why are you talking to yourself?’ A figure had sat up in the bed to her left and it started walking towards her. The shadows that were cast from the faint glow from the lamps outside showed that the figure was a tall male.
‘Francis. I’d forgotten you were in here. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about earlier; about the kiss.’ She stuttered incoherently until he was standing inches away from her. He leant forward and rested his lips on hers, raising his hands to either side of her head. He began to kiss her and stroke her ear lobes as his tongue slid over hers. Salix was still from shock as his kisses grew more passionate.
‘You’re worth more than Jacob deserves, he’s a prick,’ he muttered into her neck as he began to lick and kiss it. Salix was caught in a room with the only guy she wished she wasn’t. His kisses descended to her collarbone and pulled her closer to the bed. She sat down heavily and he sat back, looking into her eyes.
Salix looked at him, his eyes were becoming their normal hazel colour and his cheeks were beginning to flush. He looked embarrassed and dragged a hand through his blonde hair, wishing the awkward moment would pass.
‘Kiss me Francis.’ Salix looked at him from below her lashes and slowly advanced on him, letting her eyelids droop as she could feel his breath on her lips, she hoped he wouldn’t leave her looking like a fool, but he had leaned forward and met her lips with the softest of touches. His eyelashes fluttered against her cheekbones and his hand found hers and he locked his fingers between hers. She lifted her hand and rested it against his cheek and pulled him softly back onto the bed. He lay across her a little bit and slid his hand down her torso, letting it rest on her hips. She kissed him lovingly and she buried her face in his neck.
‘Are you sure you want this Salix? I think we should go downstairs, the party should be breaking up soon and I don’t want to do anything that you’ll regret afterwards. I mean, I’m a crack head and I’ll end up wasting money off you and spending it on drugs and booze.’
Salix shrugged and nodded, letting Francis pull her up. He led her downstairs and left her next to her father.
‘You ok princess?’ Salix nodded quietly and the lights dimmed. A slow song started to play and all the girls squealed as their boyfriends dragged them to dance. Salix and Francis stood at opposite ends of the hall and she stared at his back, wishing him to turn around. ‘Ask him to dance, princess, I’m going to find your mother.’
Antonio found his wife’s waist and swept her up in his arms and whisked her around the dance floor while Salix sheepishly approached Francis.
‘May I have this dance?’ Francis turned around, shocked, and nodded. She held his hand and pulled him into the middle of the room and snuggled close to him. He exhaled with relief as he wrapped his arms protectively around her and rested his cheek against her hair.
‘Salix, I’m sorry for earlier, I won’t do it again, and I just couldn’t resist you.’ Salix laid a finger on his lips and leant against him as they continued to sway in time with the music.
She looked across the room and saw Glen dancing with Hannah, the wide smile on his face was directed at Salix and she smiled back. She pulled away and excused herself as she saw Maddy and Charles standing apart from each other.
‘Hi, Charles, you not dancing with Hannah?’ she asked with pretend concern. He shook his head and pointed at Hannah and Glen kissing. ‘Oh, why don’t you ask Maddy to dance? She’s on her own, and it’s only one dance after all. You never know, you could have a lot in common.’ She pushed him towards Maddy and smiled when she took his outstretched hand and they started to dance.
Picking up her handbag, she pushed through a crowd and walked into the garden wishing she had put a coat on. The snow was falling in her black hair and she pulled a cigarette out of her hand bag and lit it with a shaky hand. She placed it to her lips and dragged on it deeply, letting the smoke drift around her head. She exhaled and wrapped her arms around herself, staring into a snowy sky. The garden was empty except the snowy white swans drifting across the lake. She walked towards it and sat on the swinging bench that, luckily, was clear of snow. She tucked her feet underneath her body and started to swing gently, still dragging on the cigarette. She could hear music drifting across the garden and rested her head against the bench frame. She stared at the serene lake and saw mist floating upwards and she wished for guidance.
‘Happy Valentine’s day.’ Salix spun her head around and saw the silhouette of a muscled man. He walked towards her and sat next to her, turning his face towards the light so she could see who he was.
‘Oli, hi, what are you doing out here?’ She dropped the cigarette in the snow and heard it fizzle.
‘I could ask you the same thing, it’s freezing out here and you haven’t got a coat on.’ He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. ‘Why aren’t you in there dancing with one of the many boys that want you?’
Salix shrugged and stared at the footprints in the snowy white blanket that lay around them. ‘It’s my party and I can do anything I want, I suppose. The guys in there are the kind of guys that I came out here to escape.’ She looked up at him and he laid a hand over the back of the swinging bench.
‘Fair point, but I think your dad is looking for you. He and your mum look in love.’ He glanced back to the mansion and sighed. ‘I wish my parents were still in love. They have their own lives in different parts of the eminent scene and it’s like they’re competing to be bigger than the other, which gets pretty ugly when I try and explain they’re in different leagues.’ He chuckled and Salix looked up at him surprised that he could talk so openly about his parents’ failing marriage.
‘So they don’t get on, at all?’
Oli shook his head and shrugged. ‘They only got married to boost their own publicity, but if they divorce they get the wrong kind of publicity so they stay together. It suits us all.’
‘I never knew that, I always thought that you were blissfully happy with all your fame and money, but I know that money can’t buy you complete happiness.’
‘Why’s that, then?’
‘Well, I’m kinda in a little predicament, I like this guy but I’m going out with his older brother, but I’m also going out with someone else. I can’t live without any of them because they all have different things that I love about them.’
‘You’ll find a way to sort things out, and I’ll be here the whole time if you need someone to talk to.’ He squeezed her shoulder and she cuddled up to him. ‘I don’t suppose you have a spare ciggie, do you?’ He smiled at her and she handed him one and put another between her smooth lips. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a lighter, flicking it so she could light hers then Oli’s. He raised his hand to shield the flame and their fingers touched. He inhaled on his cigarette and smiled at her as he blew it out in a circle. She smiled back.
‘So, tell me all about yourself, missy, like what your favourite foods and useless stuff like that.’
‘Why? You’ll never use it; you’ll just forget it all by tomorrow.’
‘It is tomorrow, and it’s officially Valentine’s Day so I think we should have a little kiss just for the fun of it.’ He winked at her and she leaned in, kissing his cheek. He cupped her chin with his finger tips and kissed the corners of her mouth, slowly working his way to kiss the whole of it. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and teased hers until she responded. He held her hand and pulled her into the woods naughtily. He began to kiss her again and she wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him lift her up.
‘Let’s go inside, Salix; its freezing and the party will be over soon. You don’t mind if I crash here do you?’ Salix shook her head and bounced towards the house, taunting James so he ran after her and tickled her. They ran squealing into the house and were greeted by Antonio looking angry.
‘I’ve been looking for you for over half an hour, Salix, you should tell someone when you’re going outside! For God’s sake, put yourself away.’ He waved an angry hand at her dress which had slipped off her shoulders as she was running back into the house.
‘Papa-’
‘Silence! Do not speak to me when you have shown such disrespect to your mother and I! You have been seen going into several rooms with several different boys, Salix, you are showing impertinence towards this family, and it’s not the first time either. Need I remind you of all the times you got sent home from holiday camp for sneaking into the boy’s camp?’
‘I was at those camps because Mama was having a nervous breakdown every time you left the country to sort out your businesses instead of your marriage! We never see you Papi, how do you expect me to act any differently when all I’ve seen growing up is women sneaking in and out of the house at god forsaken hours every time you’re back in town? I don’t understand why Mama puts up with it, you claim to be faithful yet you’re screwing every thing in a skirt!’
Antonio slapped her with the back of his hand and Salix was knocked into a counter, clutching her face.
‘How dare you speak to me like that? I want you out of the house, rápido! Don’t touch her or it will be the last thing you ever do. Get out of my way.’ He pushed his way through the crowd that had gathered and rushed up the stairs into his bedroom on the third floor, Maria followed and Oli bent down to look at Salix.
‘Come on, let’s get you upstairs.’ Oli went to lift her off the floor but she smacked his hand away.
‘Just leave me alone, everybody, just leave me alone! This party is over.’ She scrambled to her feet and ran through the crowd with tears streaming down her face. Nobody followed.

-5-

Salix threw herself onto her bed and sobbed until she couldn’t breathe. She raced into the en suite bathroom and threw up, choking. She heard a knock on the door and a hand holding the stray hair away from her face. She sobbed and her head was pulled onto a warm male chest, warm arms wrapped around her shoulders and she was being rocked slightly. She felt butterfly kisses on her hair and she was picked up and carried to her bed. The person lifted the duvet and placed it under her chin, stroking her hair until she fell into a fitful slumber.
That night she hardly slept. She woke several times crying, yet was rocked back to sleep.
Next morning, she woke up in bed alone, she sat up straight and looked around the room, noticing the vomit smell on her breath and the guy slumped onto the window seat. She got out of bed and padded over to him and pushed his hair back off his face. He awoke startled.
‘Hey, how are you feeling now?’ His sleepy smile made him look vulnerable.
‘Francis, were you the one who put me to bed? And you slept on there? Oh sweetie, you should’ve gone to another room if you wanted to sleep.’ She smiled and cocked her head on one side.
‘No, I wanted to be here in case you woke up crying again. I heard about what happened last night, and it looks as if you’re going to have a very good reminder of it anyway.’ He pointed to her right eye and she frowned. She looked in the mirror and saw the developing bruise that surrounded her eye. She gasped and touched it, wincing as pained seared through her cheekbone.
‘You’re still beautiful to me’ he said sheepishly as he approached her. He reached for her face and turned it towards him so he could kiss her. She jolted it back and looked at her hands.
‘Francis, you must’ve heard what Papa said last night, it was all true. I was in a different room with a different boy every ten minutes; I’m a slag so you should just go.’
‘No, I stayed here to look after you so you wouldn’t choke on your own vomit, and I plan to stay so you don’t choke on your own blood when your father beats you to a pulp.’ He sat next to her and wrapped his arms around her lovingly. ‘I’m not leaving you Salix.’
Maria opened the door a fraction.
‘Papa’s gone to London; he left first thing this morning. He’s going to be staying in the apartment there for a while. Oh, Salix, he’s sorry about last night; you know what he’s like, all he wants is for this family to be popular.’
‘That’s his problem, Mama, he doesn’t care about the family, he cares about the way people see us. I was having fun last night, and I only went in two rooms last night, Shane and Francis, and nothing happened with either of them, we just kissed. Madre, you have to believe me.’
Maria nodded and stroked her daughter’s hair but stared at Francis.
‘You look familiar, who are you?’
Francis jumped up and held out his hand politely.
‘I’m Francis Dean, Jacob’s younger brother.’
Maria looked suspiciously at him and nodded slowly.
‘I can see the resemblance now. Have you been here all night?’ Francis nodded sheepishly.
‘I slept on the window seat. I didn’t want to leave in case Salix choked on her vomit. She was throwing up for about twenty minutes last night and she kept waking up, so I didn’t want her to be alone.’
Maria’s face softened into a smile as she thanked him and offered him breakfast. He shook his head respectfully and explained that he had to get back to his brother’s house.
‘Thanks for the offer though, Mrs Frantisek, I don’t want to overstay my welcome. Salix I’ll call you later, ok? Make sure you rest.’ She smiled gratefully and he kissed her cheek.
‘Oh, Francis? Thanks, for looking after me, knowing me, I would’ve choked to death.’ She hugged him and he left.

***

‘Salix, it’s for you, darling, it’s Jacob.’ Maria handed the phone to her daughter and Salix walked into the other room.
‘Hi, you didn’t turn up last night.’
‘I know, I wasn’t feeling too good, maybe we can meet up sometime soon and have our own little party?’ Jacob could tell she was smiling and said he’d come and pick her up. They hung up the phone and Salix rushed into her room to get dressed. She came back down ten minutes later with her hair scraped back into a ponytail, wearing jeans and a fitted jumper. She looked young and vibrant as she bounded across the hall to answer the door.
Jacob was standing on her doorstep with a bunch of red roses and an embarrassed smile on his face.
‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Salix.’ She gasped and hugged him.
‘I’d totally forgotten all about it, I’m so sorry Jacob.’
‘It’s ok; I knew you’d forget, that’s why you’re giving me the gift of your company this evening so we can go for a nice meal. I’ll pick you up at six o’clock.’ Salix smiled and rushed to her room to get dressed. She pondered over the perfect outfit and watched fitfully as the clock hands edged closer to six o’clock. She decided to go smart casual and shoved her legs into a black pencil skirt, and threw a red jumper over her head, making her curls spring into life.
Ten minutes later, she heard the door open and grabbed a coat from the cupboard, jumping into Jacob’s car.
The conversation flowed easily as they travelled into town and found a French restaurant to eat in. They ordered their food and Jacob reached for her hand across the table. He gave it a quick squeeze.
‘How was the party last night? I heard music all the way from Fran- from my house.’ He smiled and glanced around, looking for the waiter.
‘Heard it from whose house?’ She looked questionably at him and pulled her hand away. ‘Why didn’t you turn up last night, Jacob?’ He looked down at the wine red table cloth and scratched the back of his neck.
‘I was at Francesca’s house, she wasn’t feeling too good.’
‘And you were the first one she thought to call? Jacob, what the fuck were you doing at her house? What happened to ‘I love you’?’ He protested but she stood up. ‘No, fuck you, Jacob.’ She shook off his hand and barged past the waiter carrying their food. He called after her as she ran down the road. The snow had melted and caused muddy puddles to form on the pavement. Rain splashed on her face and her jumper sagged. She had left her coat in the restaurant and her mascara was streaming down her face. She collided with several families and apologised as she continued to run blindly. She ran through several puddles, not caring about her appearance and only stopped running when she reached the park. She lifted her head to the heavens and closed her eyes as the water washed over her.
‘Salix?’ She looked to her right and saw a shadow weaving towards her.
‘Francis. What are you doing out here?’ She took in the bulge in his right jeans pocket and looked disbelievingly at him. ‘Don’t tell me that that’s… No, Francis, I thought you were getting off it.’
‘So did I, I’m just having a bad time dealing with things at Jacob’s and it’s the only way I know how to relax. Why don’t we cotch on the swings and I’ll show you how amazing it is.’
Salix was shaking her head and holding her hands up in confusion.
‘Francis, give it to me, I’ll throw it away then you can stay with me and get you off it.’
‘No way, this cost me a grand for two ounces.’
‘A thousand pounds! Francis, are you crazy? No wonder you’re always broke and have permanent bloodshot eyes.’ The rain was getting worse; it washed away Francis’s voice.
‘Hang on, it’s Valentine’s Day, aren’t you out with Jacob?’
‘I was, but I found out he was shagging Francesca last night when he promised to come over to the party. Stop trying to change the subject, Francis. If you’re not going to throw it out, we’ll have to smoke it, won’t we?’ She walked towards the silhouettes of the swings and looked back at him as he stood still in shock. ‘Come on then, I thought you wanted me to know how great it is.’ She carried on walking and pushed open the black steel gate, the metal sending a violent shiver through her body.
She sat on a swing that was sheltered by a large oak tree, waiting for Francis to join her. He tested the dampness of the seat before he sat on it and pulled out the plastic food bag containing cannabis. He handed her the bag as he ruffled in his pockets for some smoking papers and fixed two together. Salix admired his fingers as he quickly assembled the joint and lit it, cupping the flame so it didn’t go out. He dragged on it, letting some smoke escape as he breathed in. He handed it to her and she took it nervously. Her hand began to shake as she put it to her lips; she looked sideways at him, but he had rested his head on the chain and had closed his eyes, releasing the smoke in a large cloud. She inhaled as if it were a cigarette and coughed slightly as it went into her lungs. He glanced at her and snatched it back.
‘You’re not having anymore; I don’t want you getting hooked like me. So how did you find out about Jacob and Fran?’
‘He let it slip that he was at her house last night.’ She pulled his hand towards her and dragged on the joint that was still being held between his index and middle fingers.
‘He’s lying,’ he said simply. Salix looked at him, puzzled. ‘He wasn’t at hers, she was at his. She came around at about five and she was still there when I got in this morning. Sorry, love, but Jacob’s bullshitting you.’ He handed her the joint as she slumped against the chain with tears welling in her eyes. ‘Here, have the rest of this and I’ll start another one.’ She took the joint and sucked on it, pushing the hair out of her eyes and sighing.
‘I can’t believe he would cheat on me.’
‘Well you cheated on him so it’s tit for tat, which is really juvenile but it gives you the mild satisfaction when your other half finds out and you throw their actions in their face, but then you get the destroying taste of guilt when you realise that you’ve hurt the only person you’ll ever love. Some people are too stupid to see that what they have in front of them is the best that they’ll ever get. They say you never appreciate what you have until it’s gone, or in most cases, until someone else has it.’ He sighed, lit the second joint and puffed on it. ‘But hey, if you really love him, then you’ll end up forgiving him in one way or another.’
‘Francis, I-’ she turned to look at him and he continued to stare at his darkening shoes as he dragged on the joint.
‘I’m starting to feel the buzz now, you want to dance?’ He stood up and offered his hand. Salix took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. The rain continued to fall yet he pulled her from the shelter of the tree and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.
‘Salix, I love you.’
‘Ah that’s sweet, Francis.’
Francis sighed, hating that she didn’t understand what he had meant, but annoyed that he had let his guard down for only a second. His eyes blurred as rain bounced off Salix’s curls and into his eyes. She shivered lightly and he pulled off his jacket, holding it around her. She looked up at him, her eyelashes sticking together, and he fell in love with her even more. She looked young, vulnerable, and absolutely beautiful. He kissed her pixie nose and rested his cheek against her hair, wishing she knew how he truly felt.
‘Forgive me my weakness but I don’t know why without you it’s hard to survive. Every time we touch I get this feeling and every time we kiss I swear I could fly. Can’t you feel my heart beat fast I want this to last.’ she sang into his chest.
He pulled away with a confused smile on his face. ‘Why did you just say that?’
She looked at her hands on his chest and said truthfully, ‘it was the first thing that came to mind. Sorry.’ She looked up at him embarrassed but he shook his head and held her face with his hands and kissed her with as much love that his current condition would allow.
He pulled her closer and kissed her harder, enveloping her in his arms, not letting her move an inch. She finally pulled away, feeling dizzy with happiness.
‘Come home with me, Francis, you’re soaked through. I’ll find you some of Paolo’s clothes and I’ll feed you my infamous rock cakes’ she chuckled. He kissed the tip of her nose once again and grabbed her hand, pulling her through the streets towards the taxi station. They jumped into a vacant taxi and said their destination.
‘Bit of a wet night tonight, is it, love? To be honest, I ‘adn’t really noticed. I’ve been listenin’ to the football results and readin’ the paper in the station. I saw a few girls with umbrellas but I fort that they were just protectin’ their hair and that.’ It was clear he was from Birmingham due to his accent, yet Salix and Francis weren’t listening; they were huddled on the back seat, kissing as if they had been in love for years. The driver tutted and continued to drive towards the quiet side of town.
‘Eight twen’y please, love’ the driver said as they reached the Frantisek’s mansion. Salix handed him the money and walked up to the gate, typing in the security code and started the long walk past the fountains to the house. Only the light in the kitchen was on in the entire house, Salix looked at her watch; 11:55 p.m.. She gasped and started to run to the front door, unlocking it carefully and dropping her keys on the side table and Francis’s jacket on the banister.
‘Miss Salix, I was wonderin’ when you’d be getting back. I’ve just put the kettle on. Oh, hello, love, who are you then?’ Mary Bottomly, the house keeper, had just entered the main hall from the kitchen as she had heard a noise.
‘This is Francis Dean, Jacob’s younger brother.’
‘Oh right, I fort you was out wiv Jacob tonight, only he came to pick you up this evenin’. Well, it’s none of my business, Miss, so if you don’t need anyfin, I fink I’ll go to bed now. Night, Miss, night Sir.’
‘Night Mary, and please call me Salix and him Francis. We’re not like Papa, you’re not our slave. I’ll even save you a rock cake for you to wake up to.’ She smiled kindly and kissed Mary on the cheek lovingly. ‘Night. Sleep tight. Oh, and Mary, you don’t have to bring either of us anything in the morning. Have a well earned break while Papa’s away.’ Mary smiled gratefully as she went to her room, a cup of cocoa and her glasses in her hands.
Salix led the way to the kitchen and gestured for Francis to sit down.
‘You’re so nice to your staff, Dad treats his like that’s all they’re good for.’
‘So does Papa, but I don’t like people waiting on me hand and foot, it doesn’t feel right. So, rock cakes?’ She smiled brightly and dug out the ingredients from the cooking cupboard. She set it out in order and washed her hands before she began adding the butter to the flour. She slipped a stripy apron over her clothes and stuck her hands in and began to rub the two together. Francis crept up behind her and slid his hands in beside hers. She giggled and kissed him, turning round to face him.
‘I’m not bothered about the rock cakes anymore, to be honest, you don’t make them very well anyway’ Francis joked, but Salix turned back round to finish.
Ten minutes later, the complete mixture was in the oven and she had washed up all the equipment she had used. She sat at the kitchen counter with a mug of hot chocolate clasped in her hands.
‘You’re an angel, you know that? I don’t even know why Jacob’s such a prick when he has such an amazing woman right here.’ He smiled and leaned in to kiss her but she turned her head away.
‘Salix, what’s wrong? We were ok a minute ago.’
‘The cakes are going to take twenty minutes and I want you so badly. Every time you kiss me, I just want to rip your clothes off and have you right there.’ She looked into her mug and he laughed lightly.
‘I thought I was the only person who ever felt like that. We could always turn the cakes off’ he smiled to her.
‘Or we could do it right here.’ She smiled naughtily to him and stood up, sliding her soaking jumper off her shoulders and letting it brush her bare feet as it fell to the floor. Francis smiled and walked towards her, lifting her with ease onto the counter. She giggled and he moved her mug to the other counter so it wouldn’t get knocked off. Lifting her skirt slowly, he exposed her shaved legs and thighs. He slid his fingers up either side making her tingle and leaned in to kiss her bare collarbone. He slid his hand between her velvety thighs and underneath her knickers. She squashed her legs together, wondering if she would have pubic stubble yet. He pulled away, suggesting they waited a while as he wanted it to be special. She sighed with relief and respect as he helped her down off the counter just as the timer indicated that the cakes were ready. She pulled them out carefully and smiled as the delicious aroma drifted through the house. She looked at her watch; 1:24 a.m.
‘We should go to bed. Come on, I’ll find you some night clothes. Oh sorry, you sleep in the buff don’t you?’ she laughed as he nodded with a goofy grin on his face. He held her hand and led her upstairs to the closest room, shutting the door behind her and kissing her passionately.
‘I’m still a bit stoned, so we should wait until the morning or I’ll end up throwing up all over you’ he said as she pushed him towards the bed.
She smiled cheekily and changed into a night dress and shorts, sliding in to bed. Francis looked confused yet stripped to his boxers. On this occasion he would wear underwear as to not pressure Salix into having any sexual activity. He slid in beside her. She shuffled down beneath the sheets and took off Francis’ boxer shorts, taking his penis in her mouth and sucking it softly as he tried to think of a reason why they shouldn’t be doing this.
‘Bonita, I’m stoned.’ She pulled the duvet down over her shoulders.
‘So am I, let’s see what happens.’ She shuffled back up and kissed him intoxicatingly, running her hands through his blonde hair. He grabbed her bottom and pulled her closer. He turned her over and slid down the bed, pulling down the shorts and sucking her clitoris. She pulled his face up so it was level with hers.
‘Have you got a condom?’ she asked. He shook his head and lay on his back, his penis standing erect as she lay across him to dig in the bedside drawer. She pulled out a condom and ripped open the packet, being careful not to rip it. She slid it over his erection and was about to straddle him when he grabbed her hips to stop her.
‘Don’t your Mum and Dad mind you having sex in the house while they’re here?’ She shook her head.
‘They’d rather I did it here than in some dodgy back street club. At least they know that I have condoms if I should need them.’ She kissed him and he shrugged, dropping her on his penis. She moaned and rubbed her hips against his, and guided his hand to her clitoris.
He rubbed it gently at first, and then sped up as his orgasm built up. She turned around with his penis still inside her and heard him moan.
She rocked against him, letting her own orgasm build up, and massaged his testicles as he lifted and dropped her onto his erection.
He groaned loudly and felt her vaginal muscles tighten around him. She panted as her orgasm reached its peak and he came with her. Sliding off him, she peeled off the condom and tied it up, throwing it in the bin and snuggling up to Francis.
‘That was amazing, Bonita. I can’t help feeling that I’m just another fuck to you, though.’
She sat up a little and frowned.
‘You’re not. We both wanted that and I’m glad we did because it’s making me fall for you. Now go to sleep Francis, I’ll see you in the morning.’ He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and waited for her to fall asleep before he fell asleep himself.