Bittersweet Candy Bowl

39. Love My Way, original chapter posted 6/27/07

Page 9 of 22

Transcript

*The dance floor is crowded with couples dancing.*
Tess: One, two.. One, two.. One, two..
Tess: You got it! ♥

*Paulo grins triumphantly at Tess, holding her hand as they slow dance.*
Paulo: Man, I’m a natural!
*Tess smiles widely.*
Tess: Only about five stomps on my foot later!

*Paulo looks away with a mischievous smile.*
Paulo: That’s why I hesitated earlier.. You move too quick..
*Tess grins teasingly at Paulo.*
Tess: Ahh, so it’s my fault, is it? ♥

*Paulo holds Tess’ hand to his chest as they continue to dance, turning slow circles on the dance floor. Tess smiles happily.*
Tess: Paulo, you’re the cutest.
*Paulo gazes gently at Tess.*
Paulo: …

*Paulo stops dancing. He smiles, looking down.*
Paulo: Pff.. you don’t really mean that.
*Tess looks at him in surprise.*
Tess: ..?

*Paulo glances to the side with a sarcastic smile.*
Paulo: You already told me. This night isn’t going to matter one bit when it’s all over.

*Tess has a look of deep sadness.*
Tess: Paulo..
*Paulo keeps his head turned away.*
Paulo: It’s just a few hours of pretend..

*Paulo frowns sardonically.*
Paulo: No matter what I say. Guess I’m not hardcore enough to be in a relationship with the likes of Tess.

*Tess suddenly embraces Paulo, burying her face in his chest. Paulo’s eyes widen in surprise.*

*Tess tearfully yells into Paulo’s chest.*
Tess: Do you know how WRONG you are?!

*Paulo looks down at Tess, confusion on his face.*
Tess: I’ve fallen for you too, Paulo.. And that’s why it SUCKS we can’t be together.. don’t you understand?
Paulo: …

*Tess pulls back from Paulo, avoiding his gaze. Paulo watches her, heartbroken.*
Tess: I’m graduating next year and you’re only just starting out..

*Tess looks up at Paulo.*
Tess: Maybe to you, it seems perfect.. but I know better, trust me. I know I’m not ready for this.. and neither are you..

Tess: You think you like me now.. but later? We all change over the years. I don’t want you waiting. And not on someone like me..
*Paulo looks down, shaking in despair.*
Paulo: But..

*Tess closes her eyes, standing close to Paulo with her hand on his chest.*
Tess: Please.. someone else will love you..
*Paulo starts crying.*
Paulo: You’re wrong..

*Tess looks up at Paulo, tears now running down her cheek.*
Tess: You’ll thank me for it later.. really..
*Paulo gazes down at Tess, fighting his own tears. He leans close.*
Paulo: Tess..

*Tess and Paulo stare tearfully into each other’s eyes, swaying closer together until their faces are inches away from each other.*

*Tess and Paulo close their eyes. Tess tilts her face upward, blushing, as tears pool under her lashes.*

Author commentary

Veronica: Getting a little salty there, Paulo!!!! You should take no for an answer, dude!

Reader comments

Comment ID #150198

They have a whole year left to be together, it doesn’t make sense. i think it has more to do with Tess’ secrets.

WakyWizerdX March 3, 2011, 11:11 PM EST.

Comment ID #161397

Mike could learn a thing or two from the point Tess is making. It’s a pity he never really takes to heart the things other people say, even when he DOES listen.

Koren Korca May 15, 2011, 10:38 PM EDT.