“SOPHIE I RAN INTO MIKE AGAIN.” I shrieked into her face.
“No way!” She said, a look of amazement on her face.
“I swear!” I jumped up and down several times until I ran out of breath. I calmed my body, but my heartbeat would never recover.
“Details! Tell me everything.” she exclaimed as we left the breakfast place and headed to class.
So I did.


Later that day, I returned to the apartment alone, Sophie staying behind because of her session with Rob. I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich and decided to work out a bit in the living room.
Two hours later, I was beat. I jumped in the shower and scrubbed myself clean. I didn’t even bother to dress up. I just put on my old baggy gray paint splattered sweatshirt, a pair of yoga pants and sandals. Pulling my hair up into a messy bun, I walked out of my room and into the living room where Sophie sat on the couch typing on her laptop.
“´Sup Sophie.” I greeted her.
“Hey Sams.” She said without taking her eyes off the screen. “I’m editing my paper, Rob has some very interesting ideas about it and I’m working, so shhh.”
Well that’s rude. I stuck my tongue out to her and grabbed my purse. “I’ll be back soon.” I announced and left.
I walked a couple of blocks to my favorite art supply store and shopped for some paint brushes, a big canvas and paint. Since the canvas was so big, a very cute guy who was shopping there offered to help me carry it back to my apartment. I agreed and left the store right behind him.
He introduced himself as Jake as we walked the streets, and I said I was Sam. We shared some small talk until we got to our building and climbed up the stairs to the third floor, Jake almost dropping the canvas about two times.
I opened the door and let Jake in.
“Where should I put this?” He asked.
“Oh, just leave it there against the wall.” I said, pointing to the mural wall.
He stared in amazement at the mural and then back at me. “You did this?!” He asked incredulously.
“Yes. Well, me and my roommate Sophie.” I responded.
“Roomate?” He asked, and as if on cue, Sophie stepped out of her room in a pair of spandex shorts and a tight tank top. Perfect strawberry blonde hair cascading down her shoulders.
They both stopped dead in their tracks, staring at each other.
“Um, who’s this?” Sophie inquired, never taking her eyes off Jake.
“This is—“ I started but was cut off.
“I’m Jake. I helped Sam here bring her canvas back from the shop.” He announced, standing taller and puffing out his chest.
I noticed Sophie regarding his appearance. I knew she liked what she saw. She smiled. “Nice to meet you Jake.” She flipped her hair in a subtle but flirty way.
I rolled my eyes and left them in the living room. Carrying my canvas into my room, I placed it on the easel and started to work. My stereo blasting the Blink-182 self-titled album.
Painting was what made me happiest in the whole world. That, and music.
As I painted away skillfully, I thought about Mike Fuentes again, not for the first time since our encounter that morning. God, why did he have to be so gorgeous? My heartbeat started quickening at the memory of him calling me cute. I wanted to see him again so badly.
A couple of hours later, I decided to call it a day with my painting. I turned down the music and slipped into bed. Yes, it was a Friday night and I wasn’t going out. Sue me.
I took out my book and started reading. I could hear Sophie screaming Jake’s name from next door and rolled my eyes. Sophie got any guy she wanted. It wasn’t by far the first time I had to hear her having sexual intercourse in the room next to mine, but I still wasn’t used to it.
After a couple of minutes, I fell asleep and dreamed, once again, of Mike Fuentes. Nothing out of the ordinary.


Monday morning came quicker than I would’ve expected. Sophie pulling me out of bed. Me jumping into the shower. Today I decided to just not try. I pulled my hair up in a more than messy bun, put on my gray paint splattered sweatshirt, a pair of light jeans and my converse. No make up. Not even gonna try, I thought.
God, I hated Mondays. I needed caffeine. I needed sleep. I needed food. I was so damn needy on Mondays.
Sophie went straight to the breakfast place and I went to Starbucks, as always. I got my usual and, carrying a cup in each hand, started walking towards the exit, until—
I slammed into someone and poured coffee all over his shirt.
“SHIT!” Mike freaking Fuentes exclaimed, pulling his shirt away from his body, recoiling from the heat.
“Oh my God I’m so sorry!” I practically sobbed as I placed the now empty coffee cups on a table nearby and covered my face with my hands.
“Ah! It’s hot!” He kept tugging at his shirt, an expression of pain on his face.
“I’m such an idiot! Here, let me help you.” I grabbed some napkins and started cleaning off the hot liquid from his arms and shoulders. I didn’t really care about the fact that I was touching Mike Fuentes without his permission; I was more preoccupied with the fact that I had just spilled fucking hot coffee all over the poor guy. Tears were definitely threatening to come out now. How could I be such a mess? Of all people, Mike Fuentes? Please God let me die.
“Thanks.” He sighed as I dried his arms, letting go of his shirt. “I was hoping I’d run into you.” He said as his mask of pain started to be replaced by a small smile.
“No, you weren’t.” I corrected. “This happens a lot to me, I’m so sorry. Coordination is an unknown term for my body.”
He chuckled. “Shit happens. It’s okay.” He sat down on the nearest chair.
I stood there, in complete and utter horror at myself. Mike looked at me with an expression that read ´well?´ He motioned me to sit down with him.
Why would Mike Fuentes want to sit with me? My heart started pounding insanely in my chest. But I did as he told, and sat.
“Hey Sam.” He smiled gorgeously.
“Hi.” I whispered.
“It’s really okay. Don’t worry about it.” He said. “Well, now that I found you I guess I should ask you.”
Huh? “Ask me what?”
He looked nervous now. Surely not because of me, right? He scratched the back of his head, exposing his tattoo covered arm in the air. Damn those were hot.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you. Um, do you have a day off at college or something? Or are you free Friday night?” His voice was obviously timid.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but I answered nonetheless. “Tomorrow is my day off actually.” My voice sounded raspy and foreign.
His face lighted up with a smile. “Great, so I guess you could go out with me tonight? Of course that is, if you want to.”
Now I didn’t even bother to act composed. My jaw dropped open and my mind went blank. “What?” I managed after plenty of awkward seconds.
Mike laughed noiselessly. “I’m asking you out Samantha Martinez. Will you?”
“Are you serious?” I asked. Wow, really smooth Sam, I scolded myself.
He rolled his eyes. “Yes dummy, I’m serious. Why do you think I kept coming back?”
Mike Fuentes wanted to go out with me. Jesus Mary and Joseph. Holy shit. Oh my God.
“I dunno…..the coffees good?” I asked, which only awarded me with another dramatic eye roll from Mike.
“You are so clueless.” He shook his head. “So what do you say, around seven tonight?”
“Yes.” I managed. He chuckled in amusement, and asked for my address, saying he’d pick me up. I wrote it down on his phone and added my number too, at his request.
“Sweet, I’ll see you tonight then Samantha Martinez.” He tipped his hat down and left with a smile on his face.
This couldn’t be true. I had to be dreaming. I had a date with Mike Fuentes.


“You are so not going to believe this dude!” I ran at Sophie.
“What?” She eyed me suspiciously, and studied my face. “Oh no, you have that face again.” Her own split into a huge smile. “You ran into Mike again?” she exclaimed.
“Not only that my dearest friend, I also have a date with him tonight!” The words sounded so odd coming out of my mouth.
Her mouth turned into a wide ´o´. “Dear Lord you have listened to my prayers.” She said, looking up at the sky, then turning back to face me. “Finally! You haven’t had a date in centuries!”
God, that was true. Easily around four years since I’d dated someone. “Oh my, what am I going to wear?” My eyes widened. Shit.
“Do not worry child, I shall fix that. We’ll go shopping after class.” Sophie assured me as we walked through our classroom door, the bell ringing in the background.



Staying true to her word, Sophie took me to the mall after her session with Rob. We walked around a little bit until she stopped and turned to face me.
“So, did he mention where you were going?” She asked and I shook my head. She frowned and said, “Well then I guess we’ll have to go with a universal outfit.”
After about an hour of shopping, we hadn’t found anything we liked. I growled. “I’m so not going.”
“Yes, you are. Do not lose faith youngling.” She squeezed my shoulders and led me out of the store.
Just then, my phone buzzed in my back pocket. Unknown number. I answered and brought the device to my ear. “Hello?”
“You ruined my favorite shirt.” An amused and sexy as hell voice sounded from the speaker.
“Mike?” I smiled widely. Sophie made her typical humping gestures at me and I flicked her off.
“The one and only.” He said.
My heart was literally threatening to burst out of my chest. “Hi.” I said. Lame.
“Hey,” he answered. “I just wanted to tell you something, since I forgot to this morning.”
“Yeah?”
“We’re not going anywhere fancy, so dress comfortably. I know how clothing is such a big deal for girls, although I don’t really know why.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“You are a total lifesaver, thank you.” I sighed in relief. At least I knew what kind of outfit to look for.
“And you are a total shirt murderer.” He teased.
“I said I was sorry!” I exclaimed.
His laugh was adorable. “I know, I know. See you later Sam.” He said and he hung up.
“What’d he say?” Sophie inquired.
“He said to dress casually. Nothing fancy.”
Sophie smiled. “I think I know what we’re looking for.” She grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me along, laughing with excitement.



Three hours later, I stood facing myself in the mirror. I had to admit, I looked pretty good. My dark hair was naturally wavy, down to my waist. My make-up simple, just a little bit of eyeliner, blush and lip gloss. I wore black leather leggings, a pair of cargo boots and a cute pale blue wavy top, my deathly hallows necklace around my neck. It was simple and hot, without being the tiniest bit revealing.
I sighed and counted to ten to calm myself. I was so nervous, I couldn’t breathe. I glanced at my phone and the time read 7:15. Any minute now he’d be here.
The doorbell rang. My heart stopped. “SOPHIE ANSWER THE DOOR I HAVE TO PEE!” I ran into the bathroom and shut the door. I wasn’t kidding, I had the sudden urge to pee.
I heard voices from the living room and breathed deeply. I took a last look at myself in the mirror and headed out to where Mike and Sophie stood having polite small talk.
Mike looked gorgeous. Black skinny jeans with a pair of vans, a simple white v-neck and a leather jacket over it. A beanie on his head.
He smiled, looked me up and down and leaned in to kiss my cheek. “Hey.”
My face burned. “Hi.”
“You ready?” I nodded, and he motioned me to follow. Sophie gave me a quick thumbs-up and I smiled back at her.
We walked down the stairs in silence and climbed into his car. He even held out the door for me. Moonlight washed over the streets, giving the pavement an odd silvery glow. I had the sudden urge to paint this scenario, but brushed the idea away. I was on a date.
Mike drove with one hand on the wheel, the other popping open a compartment in the car with a whole CD collection. “You pick.” He motioned to the CD’s.
I took my time and searched through them. A lot of names popped out to me. Mayday Parade, My Chemical Romance, Sleeping With Sirens, Memphis May Fire, Pierce The Veil (duh) System of a Down, Blink-182, and many others. Finally, I decided for Homesick, by A Day To Remember.
“Nice.” He smiled, giving my hand a squeeze. I squeezed back.
The Downfall Of Us All started blasting in the stereo at high volume, filling my ears with pure bliss. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the music.
After a while, I felt the car stop. Mike killed the engine and hopped out, me right behind him.
“What do you think?” Mike asked.
“I think it’s perfect.” We stood in front of the ticket booth of the city Fair. Mike went up to pay for two entrances and in we went.
We played a couple of games, laughing and marveling at how we sucked. The bright lights around the lot brightened the night with a variety of color. Carnaval music was always in the background, the smell of popcorn in the air. God I loved this.
After a while, I started to feel really comfortable around Mike. Of course I was still nervous, but I didn’t feel like I’d be spilling any cups of coffee soon, so I was grand.
Mike’s smile was beautiful, and he hugged me once when I won a small stuffed animal, claiming he was proud of me.
A few kids would come up to us from time to time, recognizing Mike and asking for autographs. He was so nice to his fans, and never once commented anything rude about being interrupted or bothered. By the time we had bought some hot dogs and a soda, I had taken about thirty pictures of Mike with his fans.
“So, what’s your story?” He asked with a mouth full of hot dog.
I laughed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, tell me about yourself.”
I thought for a moment. “I don’t really know where to start.” I smiled at him. He had bread crumbs on his beard stubble and I itched to touch his face and brush them off, but I held myself back.
“Alright, tell you what” He brushed off his hands on his jeans and swallowed his mouthful. “I’ll ask one question and you answer. Then you ask me one and I answer.”
“I accept the challenge.” I declared with triumph.
He smiled. “I’ll go first.” He made a big deal out of scratching his chin and pretending to think deeply. ”Okay, what are your five favorite things in the world?”
“That’s easy!” I went on. “Art, books, music, food and unicorns.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Unicorns? Seriously?”
“Let me be.” I stuck my tongue out to him and he chuckled. “My turn.” I thought for a moment and then asked. “I’m bad at this. What are your five favorite things in the world?”
“Copy-cat.” I shrugged. “Alright um…….. I guess music, food, beer, weed and sleeping.”
“How classy.” I muttered.
“Hush tiny one.” He went on. “Okay, simple question. How old are you?”
“I’m twenty-three.” I say proudly.
“Awww, you’re a baby.” He grinned.
“Am not!” I shrieked as I punched him lightly on the arm. His face was a mask of pure amusement, and the sweet sound of his laugh filled the air.
“I already know you’re twenty-eight so, I’m gonna go with………” I was so bad at this. “ Um, why did you want to out with me, of all people?”
His eyes bore into mine, and my breath caught in my throat. “You really have no idea do you?” he asked softly.
I shook my head, barely. Feeling nervous all over again, I looked down.
“Hey,” he said. “Look at me.” I did. “When I went into that Starbucks about a week ago and laid eyes on you, rummaging through your bag for your wallet, I just……….. I thought you were so adorable.” He took my hand and stoked the back of it with his rough calloused thumb.
“Then I saw your face when you realized who I was, and that only added to your adorable factor.” He smiled. “And the way you flushed crimson when Sophie embarrassed you…….that was fucking cute.” I laughed, blushing. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you, for some reason, so I came back expecting to run into you, and I did.”
“This time, I really didn’t have much time, since I had to go to the studio but….I wanted to see you. You looked as cute as ever, and before I knew it I actually said you were cute. And then today…..I saw you through the window with your old sweatshirt and messy bun, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to ask you out, so I did.” He dropped my hand. “Well, obviously after you heartlessly murdered my shirt.” I laughed along with him, his eyes twinkling with light.
“I still find it hard to believe, but okay.” I gave him a peck on the cheek.
He gave me a sad smile for a moment, making me feel bad about not believing him. But how could I? I wasn’t special, I wasn’t extremely pretty. I was ordinary.
He shook his head. “Okay then, my turn. Why’d you leave Mexico and come here?”
I sighed. Here we go. “I’ve always wanted to go to Art College since I was around fourteen. I always told my parents and they’d never listen. I was the perfect daughter. I was best in my class, I never skipped, I didn’t drink, I didn’t disobey……I didn’t do anything wrong.” Mike was looking at me directly, and I could sense the strength of his gaze. “So when I got to senior year, my parents were convinced I’d attend law school…..but they didn’t know I’d filed applications for scholarships to some Art Colleges. And well, I got in. I left it all behind and leaped at the chance to become a professional artist.” I closed my eyes for a bit. “I’ve barely spoken to them since. They’ve never forgiven me.”
He took my hand in his and squeezed it. He didn’t say “I’m sorry.” or, “that sucks” like other people did. I just knew he understood.
I shook my head a bit and forced a smile. “I don’t regret it really, I’m happy that I’m here.”
He smiled wide and laced his fingers with mine. “Your turn.”
“Okay, this is a pretty personal question.” I hesitated.
“Shoot.”
Here goes nothing. “How many girls have you been with…….sexually?” I closed my eyes and regretted asking this stupid question the moment it leaked from my mouth.
I heard him chuckle. “The big question. It’s okay, don’t close your eyes. I like them.” He still held my hand as I opened my eyes. He was staring at the sky, a weird expression on his face. “Mmm, honestly? I don’t really remember. More than I can count.”
I nodded, swallowing thickly. Why should I worry about this? It was out first date! Odds were he’d probably forget about me after tonight and never call me again, so why dwell on those things? “Your turn.”
He was clearly relieved to change the subject. “Okay, so um, same question to you.”
How many guys I’d slept with? My blood turned cold. No, I couldn’t tell him. I’d totally drive him away, and that’s the least I wanted to do in the world. I felt so happy here with him, I didn’t want to ruin this. “Can I not answer that? Please.”
He knitted his eyebrows together but didn’t push me further.
We spent the rest of the evening asking weird random questions and laughing like idiots at our answers. God, we were such weirdos.
But everything has to come to an end, and at around 1:00 he reluctantly drove me back home. He walked me up to my door and leaned against a wall, facing me.
“I really had a great time tonight Mike. Thank you.” I smiled at him.
He didn’t return my smile though. He just gazed into my eyes. The smile slipped from my face and coldness started to creep around my heart. He didn’t look happy. His expression was one of confusion and, I’m pretty sure, bewilderment.
I started to get nervous all over. “Mike, are you oka—“ His hand had lifted up to cup my face, his lips coming down to mine.
I felt the combination of his warm lips on mine and the cold feeling of his lip ring. Heat radiated through my body, making me dizzy. I felt in the clouds, I felt fire curse through my veins. Did he feel the same way?
His lips moved with mine, deepening the kiss. God, he tasted amazing. His tongue teased my lower lip, making me shiver.
I don’t know how long we kissed, but when we finally broke apart, gasping for breath, I had somehow ended up pressed against the wall, pinned between it and Mike.
I felt the heat radiating from his body, and it made me crazy. My breaths were ragged and I had a hard time listening to his words because of my heart pumping in my ears.
“You have no fucking idea how much I’ve wanted to do that all night long.” He breathed into my face, making my eyes flutter shut.
“Me too.” I’ve wanted to do that way long before I even met him at Starbucks.
He kissed me once more, on the lips and stepped back, releasing me. I felt the absence of his body heat against mine instantly, and I wanted it back.
“I’ll call you tomorrow, is that okay?” He asked. I just nodded.
Mike gave me a small peck before turning away and walking down the stairs.
Oh boy, I breathed. Not again. I was falling like a rock down a cliff and I didn’t even know if there was a bottom, and I was terrified.
I was falling like a rock for Mike Fuentes.

Notes

A long one:) I hope you like it.
Feedback is welcome!! Please tell me what you think!!

Check out my PTV artwork on my instagram @alebandam or my tumblr artdelirium.tumblr.com

I really hope you like it! It's my first story, I'm sorry.