My Kind of Perfect

"Can we just make this real?
I don't want this game anymore..."

Seventeen and simple. Of mixed race, Spanish and American. And Isabel Romero’s the name.

I moved to L.A. just a year ago. I was born and raised in Barcelona where I lived with my parents.

But due to some personal reasons, my father decided to send me here where I now reside with my brother, Carlos.

Carlos is the typical older brother type. He’s responsible and charming. And he takes his studies seriously. He majors in Biochemistry in one of the major universities here but no- he is not a nerd.

My first few days at my new school, Harrington High was hell.

I had been forced in this relationship with the campus crush and not to mention the school’s biggest airhead, David Windsor.

I initially came across this douche when I accidentally bumped him on my way to the Principal’s office. I said sorry but no, he didn’t accept it saying I would pay.

I just bumped him for God’s sake!

The moment I set eyes on him, my head was screaming GANGSTER! to me. And that's what he really looked like, how he acted like.

And during my first period that day, Literature, I had to sit beside him. And this had to go on for the whole school year. Isn’t that suffering enough? That I had to sit beside this bloody wannabe for the rest of the year? But no, according to him, it’s actually an honor for me. For me? Was he kidding?

And to add more to my suffering, we had all classes together.

How lovely.

Like I said, I was forced into a relationship I never even wanted, never even hoped for. No, not even in my wildest dreams. He said I would be his little toy. To be played with, to be used. I know every other girl in this school would die to be in my position now but I’m not like them. I despise this vile creature, I detest David Windsor.

I could have refused. I know. But who was I to? I was a newbie and he was the cutie. So I agreed. What else could I do? I mean, he already threatened me and I admit he was scary. Really scary.

So yes. I’m officially dating the gangster.

Bur I swore to myself that I would never fall for him. No, even if he was the sweetest thing (which he obviously isn’t), I never would. Even if he was the most “handsome” being in Harrington High, no. And even if it were a choice between him and a giant squid, I would never fall for this gangster.

And I’m certain I never will.

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We had to make everyone believe we were a couple. We would go to school together. He would pick me up from my house and drop me off after class. But every conversation we had were always banters. You want an example? This was our first banter as a "couple," (Yes, my tone was dripping with sarcasm.)

“Why are you doing this?” I asked him incredulously as we made our way to the classroom.

He didn’t answer me. He just stopped walking and stared at me.

I was pissed. Why can’t he just answer me? Was it too hard to say why?

“Hey, David! You have to answer me. I have to know why and how I got tangled up into this mess!”

He sighed heavily and looked at me. Anger pulsating from every angle of his being.

“Why do you have to know? You’re too nosy! Can you just shut your trap and act along?!” He shouted at me and gripped my forearm tightly.

He let go of my arm and continued walking swiftly leaving me rooted to where I was, in state of utter bewilderment.

Another one?

On the way home, we stopped by a nearby gas station to refuel.

He lit a cigarette and I punched his arm, took the cigarette stick and threw it out the window. And he was really pissed.

“What on earth are you doing!?”

“What the hell is your problem, Isabel? First you scream at me, next you punch me and then you took the cigar and threw it out?! Are you insane?”

“No, I’m not insane. You were smoking inside the car. And we’re inside a gas station for crying out loud! Are you trying to get us killed?”

He sighed, clearly exasperated with my OC-ness. But I don’t care. Smoking inside a gas station? David was clearly bonkers.

“Shut up already!”

And I did. I don’t know why but I did. Maybe it was the tone of his voice that would make you obey what he said. And it was frightening. Too frightening.

I tried cutting of the ties, breaking away from this stupid deal I was daft enough to confuse myself into.

But at the back of my mind, I wanted to do something but I can’t quite place it. So I stayed. Still unclear why but I did.

And then it clicked: I wanted to change him. For the better.

This is the second month of being his toy, his fake girlfriend. And to be honest, it didn’t bother me that much anymore. Sure, he can be a jerk and frivolous and whimsical at times but that’s what made him so mysterious. He had this mood swing that nobody but me could understand. I guess that’s the reason why the whole girl population of Harrington High, with my exception, is too hung up on him.

As odd as this may sound, David and I became friendly to each other. He would snap and scream at me sometimes but he always apologized afterward. And I always end up being shocked.

I mean, I always expected him to be callous and irresponsible with his words and actions but he always surprises me and everyone with his apologies and constant smiles.

He was a whole lot nicer now. Well, everyone in this school says he was really nice, even before. But they say that after his ex-girlfriend, Katrine, broke up with him over the phone and left the country the following day, David was a mess. He never smiled again. He never talked to anyone aside from his friends again. He would cut class. He started smoking and he drank more often. And by more often I mean, everyday.

But now, they say he has changed. A lot. Even his best friends, Nate Cross and Marcus Blaine said he improved from being the reckless drunkard to the reliable tipsy. And they all said it happened since I met him. Or more precise, when he met me.

So yes, David and I became friends. Like real friends who would laugh at each other 's jokes. We still argue of course, that’s inevitable. But they didn’t include insolent words being meant. He would call me names and I would call him names too but we never took those seriously.

___________________________________

One late night, as I was working on my project when he suddenly texted me:

1 text message

From: Crazy Windsor
Sab, you go to sleep. It’s almost one AM. We’ve got classes tomorrow. :)

From: Insane Isabel
I’m finishing the project for Chemistry so that I won’t have to do it during the weekend. XD

From: Crazy Windsor
You worry too much, Sab, Go to sleep. Have pity on your EYEBAGS :)))))))

And just when I thought he actually made sense and cared.

From: Insane Isabel
Shut up. Just when I thought you were sane :P

From: Crazy Windsor
What do you mean sane? I am not crazy. Maybe you are. :P

From: Insane Isabel
Shut it. I’ll see you tomorrow :D

From: Crazy Windsor
Alright alright. Good night then :)

I didn’t even bother replying. His quirky commentaries never fail to make me laugh or smile even in the most incongruous times.

But no. I wasn’t in love with him

***

After a night out with my best friends, Lianne and Atasha, I got drunk. And by drunk I mean flat out drunk. Like I’m not comprehensible and I’m loony. But still, I claim to be sober when I knew I was not. I ended up throwing up outside Atasha’s house. I was about to drive myself home when they both stopped me.

“Sab, you’re really not serious about driving yourself home in your condition, right?” Atasha asked worriedly.

“Why not? I’m still sober,” I said a bit woozily, slurring at the end.

“No, you’re not. Lee, did you call him already?” Atasha said addressing me first then Lianne.

“Yup yup. ‘Said he’s on his way here,” Lianne replied.

I didn’t know what or who they’re talking about and I didn’t bother knowing. I was too drunk to remain conscious for that.

Next thing I knew was that I was being carried by strong arms. Strong, muscular and chiseled arms by God knows who. I slowly opened my eyes but I didn’t quite recognize the face. All I knew was that he looked like the Prince Charming I had always dreamed of.

“What happened to her? How did she end up like this?” the guy asked.

“I don’t know. She just had too many shots. And she wouldn’t let us stop her,” Atasha said to him.

“Next time… Next time don’t let her drink too much, okay?”

My best friends made a sound of agreement.

The man carried me to my car and strapped me in.

“Who are you and where are you taking me?” I asked, confusion stamped to my face.

“You really don’t recognize me?” He said, chuckling.

“No. ¿te conozco?” No. Do I even know you?

“Al parecer, sí. Tú me conoces.” Apparently, yes. You know me.

And my Prince Charming speaks Spanish? Wow. Who must this guy be?

I wasn’t awake to know what he said next.

When I finally awoke, suffering from hang over, I looked around and realized I was in my room. And I noticed the sheets on my sister’s bed beside mine were ruffled which was unnerving since my sister is in Barcelona.

I got out of bed and combed my hair, went down and looked for something to eat when I saw a guy. An oddly familiar guy. He was talking to my brother as if they were old friends. The problem is, I don’t really recall the guy.

“Oh, por lo que está despierto hermanita!” Oh, so you’re awake, little sister! Carlos, my brother, addressed me.

“Sí, sí. Lo siento por ser demasiado borracho la noche anterior. Yo no sabía lo que pasó,” Yes, yes. I’m sorry for being too drunk last night. I didn’t know what happened.

“It’s okay, Isabel. Good thing your friend here brought you home,” Carlos said, gesturing to the guy.

And “my friend” turned around and faced me. I was flabbergasted and my jaw hit the ground.

Apparently, my so called “Prince Charming” was no other than David Windsor.

“YOU?!”

“Buenos días, Isabel.Veo que estás sorprendida de verme,” Good morning, Isabel. I see you’re shocked to see me. He said, laughing softly.

Even my brother was laughing at me. I glared daggers at him and he composed himself.

“Yes. I am shocked. Why are you- I mean, how did you- ugh! Nevermind!” I stromed out of the dining area and went to my room mumbling to myself.

I just took a bath to calm myself down and went back down to eat.

When I got there, I saw David sitting by himself.

I sat down in front of him and nibbled on my food. I couldn’t face him because I was ashamed of myself. Ashamed of being the incomprehensible flat-out drunk girlfriend. No, scratch that. Ashamed of being the incomprehensible flat-out drunk fake girlfriend.

“Thank you,” I said softly, finally looking up at him.

“You’re welcome. Just don’t drink more tan what you can tolerate. It’s a good thing Atasha and Lianne called me to pick you up,” he replied.

“Yeah. I know. I’m so sorry you had to see me like that.”

“It’s okay. You know, I sort of understand you. I’ve been in that situation before when Katrine broke up with me..” he trailed off.

“You don’t have to talk about that. I know it hurts you talking about her,” I said seriously.

“Me? Hurt? Nah. I got over her. I’ve moved on. God, Sab! You eat slower than a snail crawls,” he laughed at me.

“Shut up. But thank you. For last night. And I mean it,” I said and smiled at him genuinely.

“Don’t mention it. Next time you drink, you have to tell me. I’m your boyfriend right? I have to know,” Since when did he take our deal seriously? As far as I know, I was his toy. A piece in his games. Nothing more.

I just nodded, not wanting to say anything else.

He smiled at me. No- he grinned at me. Not an evil grin but it was somewhere along the lines of I care for you grins.

I rolled my eyes and thought to myself: He may have saved my ass but I’m not in love with him. No. I can’t be and I won’t be.

***

During class, I was feeling really ill. But I still stayed, saying I was fine. My head hurt badly and I was seeing things. But I didn’t want to go to the clinic. It was a waste of time. I leaned my head on the table for a while. Unfortunately, my teacher noticed me.

“Are you okay, Miss Romero?” My head shot up.

“Yes, Mr. Anderson. I’m so-“ I was cut-off.

“No, you’re not. C’mon, I’m taking you to the infirmary,” David helped me up and carried me seeing I can’t even stand up.

The teached just nodded and continued talking.

“What happened? I noticed you’re not really yourself today,” David asked.

“I’m okay, I’m okay. You didn’t have to do that. Let me down, please,” I said wearily.

“You can’t even say it properly. No, I’m not setting you down,” he said.

“Please, I can walk,” he set me down and I stumbled.

Luckily, he caught me before I hit the ground.

“No, you can’t,” he chuckled and carried me once again; sleep took over me.

Inside the infirmary, I woke up after an hour or so when I felt someone clutch my hand softly.

I opened my eyes and saw David’s sleeping figure sitting on a chair and leaning on the infirmary’s bed, still clutching my hand.

I noticed how relaxed he looked when he was sleeping. I noticed how gorgeous his nose was, how perfect his lips looked, how long his lashes were and how peaceful his entire being looked. He didn’t even resemble the gangster he is. No. This was an entirely different person.

I didn’t want to wake him up so I moved slowly. I leaned over him and kissed his cheek, muttered under my breath, “Why did you have to be always there when my ass needs saving? Please don’t make me break my promise…” I trailed of and finished, “Thank you.”

Twice. He saved my sorry ass twice. What was he doing? Acting like superman? Oh, David. Please don’t.Don’t give me a reason to fall for you.

***

“Here. You have to multiply both sides to the fourth power to eliminate the radical sign…” he explained how to solve this Goddamned Mathematical problem. I wasn’t a dumb person, nor was I really the genius type. Fairly average. That's who I was. But Science is my pride. Not Math. So blame me for needing a Math tutor. Good thing David’s good at math. He’s good at everything, the back of my mind said but I paid it no attention.

“Congratulations, Isabel,” He said as he handed me my Math paper. A+! Wow.

I must admit. He’s a good tutor. I aced the test and my teacher congratulated me for it.

“Thank you, sir.” I said, smiling. I turned to David who was sitting beside me. Without thinking, I hugged him.

“Oh my God, thank you David!”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I told you right? You can do it!” he said, hugging me back.

We broke apart seeing people eyeing us curiously and muttering in hushed voices.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so happy!” I smiled at him.

“It’s okay. Don’t mind them. They just can’t keep their noses off.” He said, making his voice loud so everyone heard him.

Everybody stopped their chattering. David snickered. Still an asshat, I said to myself.

He just grinned at me and he held my hand. I stared at him and raised my eyebrow but he didn’t let it go. He just held it for the rest of the period.

What is this? I can’t be falling for David! I promised. I promised! No, no. I can’t. I can’t. I kept repeating that to myself, willing for it to sink in. I admit. He was my kind of perfect. No. I can’t fall in love with this dolt sitting next to me. No. It just can’t happen.

***

After P.E. class, was dripping wet. Even after the shower, I just hadn’t cooled down. It was just so humid! I kept waiting for the rain to come but no. It didn’t.

David waited for me at the gym. He finished earlier since they were to play basketball and he was exempted. He was just the MVP for five straight years in this school. Jaw-dropping, right?

“You okay? You look so… off,” he asked.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’m just bummed,” I said.

“Bummed? Why?”

“I kept waiting for the rain to fall. I mean, it’s just so hot.” I replied, fanning with my fingers.

“I’m sorry, I’m here. I radiate that hotness,” he joked and winked.

“Jerk,” I said. Once an airhead, always an airhead.

“You love the rain?” he asked.

I just nodded.

He made a quick U-turn and a sharp left. He drove until we reached a big gated area.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“C’mon let’s go,” he didn’t answer me. As soon as he cut off the engine, we were out the car. He was running across the lawn with my hand in his.

We went inside and I realized: he lived here.

It was a high-ceilinged home with drapes that match it's beauty. The house- no, the mansion was well lit and well maintained.

“Mom, I’m home!” he called.

“Hello, honey,” his mother, a tall and beautiful woman around her early thirties appeared at the top of the huge staircase.

“¿Quién es esta mujer joven y bella?” Who is this beautiful young lady? His mom asked, eyes lighting with curiosity.

“Mom, this is Isabel Romero. Isabel this is my mom. Mom, she’s my girlfriend,” David said, smiling at me and still holding my hand.

“Buenas tardes, señora. Es un placer conocerte,” Good afternoon, Ma’am. It’s nice to meet you. I said and smiled at her. She descended and hugged me when she reached us.

"The pleasure is mine, Isabel. I've heard a lot about you," she smiled.

David appeared minutes later with two towels.

“C’mon, let’s go. And leave your stuff there,” he said, grasping my hand and leading me out.

Once we were in the lawn, he yelled, “Please!”

Not knowing what he meant, I just stared at him.

Next thing I knew was that the sprinklers were turned on and we were soaking wet!

We were playing around. Chasing each other like idiots. Laughing so hard, oblivious to the world.

“What’s this all about?” I asked him under the artificial rain.

“Well, you said you wanted it to rain. I can’t actually make it rain. I can just turn the sprinklers on high and it feels like raining,” he said, timidly. As soon as he finished, he smiled and blushed.

I just gazed at him. He did this for me. He brought me here and turned the sprinklers on just because I wanted it to rain.

“Can we just make this real? I don’t want this game anymore…” he trailed off.

He wants to call it quits? Is that what he was saying? I don’t get him. And I doubt I ever will.

Little by little, I got lost in his dark eyes. Our faces just three inches apart. He tilted my chin up and said, “Te amo. Wo ai ni. Ik hou van jou. Je t’aime. Ich liebe dich. Aishiteru. Eu te amo. Saranghae. In every language I know, I love you.”

I was still gazing at him when his lips crashed into mine. It was enchanted. Extraordinary. It’s like fireworks and sparks flying. It was magical.

What is this I’m feeling? I can’t explain this. Is it love? No! I can’t be in love with David. It can’t- Oh what the hell? Am I deluding myself? All along, was I just kidding myself? Letting myself believe I felt nothing for him? And I came to a verdict:

I was undeniably and irrevocably in love with the gangster, David Harris Windsor.

"Je t'aime, trop. Ich liebe dich auch. Ik hou ook van jou. Ti amo troppo. Watashi wa anata o mo aishite. Saranghae. Eu tambem te amo. Te amo demasiado. And in every language I know, I love you, too."

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Disclaimer:
1. I got the idea from "She's Dating the Gangster" by SGwannabe.