Right Where You Want Me

Araceli's POV

Christina and I were going to her sister's quinceañera this weekend. I invited Mike because Chrissy and I were godmother's and I needed a date, so why not ask my boyfriend? I never been to a quinceañera but I assumed it was like all Sweet 16's: big party, cake, food and loud music. But I guess in quinceañeras the birthday girl wore a ball grown dress and had a Mexican band playing. Either way, Mexican food is always good to eat.

I was supposed to go to the mall and pick out a dress with Chris but since Ryan and her are having their weekly fights, I went alone. I was headed to get my eyebrows threaded when I saw a familiar man grabbing a drink from the vending machines. The hair, the plugs and the way he dressed was no other then Daniel Williams. I caught myself smiling and walked over to him.

"Thirsty?"

He looked to his left and a smile appeared on his lips. He put his arm around my neck and pulled me into a hug, greeting me. I couldn't help but inhale his scent. He smelled really good and it just made me happy. He slightly rocked me side to side until we pulled away.

"Shopping?"

"Yes, have you ever been to a quinceañera?"

He chuckled. "Are you asking me to one?" He moved his head, getting excited in a joking way. I giggled before answering. "I'm kidding, but yes, plenty of times in high school. The open bar was my favorite." He grabbed the soda from the vending machine and faced me again. "You're going to one?"

"This Saturday. I'm supposed to be shopping for a dress with my friend but she's having problems with her boyfriend."

"Did you buy the dress yet?"

"Not yet, I'm gonna get my eyebrows threaded then look for a dress." He made a painful face when I mentioned threaded. I laughed and crossed my arms under my chest.

"Ouch," he finally spoke.

"It's not painful. I've done it before. If I can handle it, a tough guy like you can also."

"I'm a guy. I can't handle beauty pain." He placed his hand on his chest.

"Yet you can handle these," I touched his earlobes and he smiled, saying it was different compared to eyebrows being torn out. I slowly moved my hand away from his ears and placed it back with my other arm. "Stop being a baby."

He smiled, showing his pearly whites. "I'm a man, no baby."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Who are you here with?"

"With the guys but they seemed to have ditched me." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking down the mall then back at me.

"You can watch me get my eyebrows done and help me pick out a dress." I grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside the little store where I was getting my eyebrows threaded. I signed in on the clipboard, still holding onto his wrist. We then sat down and waited for me to be called.

He made faces when I sat down on the salon chair. I smiled and closed my eyes. We chatted as I got them done and I heard his voice getting closer to me. My eyes were crying and he started to make fun of me.

"You're crying! You're in pain."

"My eyes are just sweating, okay?" I reassured him and smiled. The lady finished and added lotion to my eyebrows. I looked at myself in the mirror then faced Daniel. "They look nice?"

He smiled and nodded his head. I searched for my wallet in my bag. By the time I took it out, Daniel handed the lady six dollars. I was confused for a moment. He thanked the lady, held my hand and dragged me out of the store.

"That was unnecessary. I had the money and—"

"Where are you buying your dress?" He ignored me with a smile.

"Don't get any ideas about paying for my dress."

He laughed. We entered the escalators going to the second floor of the mall. We played around with each other as we looked around the stores in search for dresses. We spotted one that had beautiful dresses in display so we entered it and searched around.

"What about one of these?" I took the two dresses out of the rack and showed it to him. He contemplated between the two different designs he saw and shook his head.

"This looks like something I'd want to see my girlfriend wearing...if I had one." He pulled out a teal short dress. It was beautiful. I picked that one out and we continued looking around. He ended up picking the dresses he found "sexy".

"I'm gonna go try them on so you just wait here and don't ditch me."

He pretended to run out the store which made me laugh. I walked into the dressing room and placed the four dresses on the handle on the wall. I removed my clothes and put on the black one first. The zipper was on the side so I didn't need someone to help me. I stared at myself in the mirror and turned around. I didn't like it but I still wanted a guy's opinion.

"Danny," I called out and he responded. I walked away from the little fitting room and walked over to him. His mouth parted as I spun around slowly for him to see. "I don't like it. I'm gonna go try on the purple one."

I went back after a few seconds and tried on the blue one. It was one size bigger. I didn't like it either way so I took it off and tried the other one on but it was a size smaller. The teal was the last one. It had ruffles and it was short, not plain but beautiful. I slipped it on but I couldn't get the zipper to go up since it was in the back. So I called Daniel again.

"I need help, can you come?" I heard his footsteps approaching and I opened the curtain a little. "Can you zip me up?"

I was holding onto the top part of the dress so my chest wouldn't be revealed while my other hand held my hair.

"Y-yeah." He stuttered and cleared his throat. It took Daniel a moment to put his hands on the zipper and help. He zipped it up and I faced the mirror. I loved it. I looked at Daniel from the mirror and he was also staring at me in the dress. I got a little nervous.

"How does it look?" I turned around to face him and he cleared his throat again.

"Perfect," he smiled. I felt my cheeks burning as he stared at me up and down. I tucked my hair behind my ear and stared down at my feet. "I think we have a winner."

"Yes we do," I faced the mirror again and spun around slowly to see the back side. "I'm taking it home with me."

He was still looking at me and my blush reoccurred. It made me get more nervous. I pressed my lips together and smiled. "Can you help me unzip it?"

I moved my hair to the side and waited for him to undo the zipper. He did it slowly and cautiously. I watched him through the mirror and he was staring at my back with his mouth slightly parted. A flashback from that one night flashed in my mind.

When he unzipped it all the way down, I turned around and thanked him with a smile. Our faces were close but neither one of us moved. I gazed into his green eyes and he did the same. I had the urge to kiss but I didn't think it was appropriate since we're in the fitting room and I'm with Mike.

The space between our heads was slowly getting smaller and smaller until there was no space left. His warm tender lips brushed against mine. His hands made their way to my waist and mine were placed on his arms. His kiss was sweet and gentle; I couldn't help but steal another one when it ended. My hands snaked up to his neck then to his hair. My mind raced in no particular direction. It was just desire and I didn't mind. We pulled apart after several seconds and smiled at each other.

"I'll meet you outside," he said in a soft voice. I smiled and closed the curtain when he left. I changed back into my clothes and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I placed the other dresses on the rack and walked over to the cash register to pay for the dress.

It wasn't awkward between Daniel and me. We've kissed before so we're a bit used it...I guess. I know I was still with Mike, but it didn't felt wrong at all. I liked his kisses as much as I liked Mike's...or maybe a bit more?

We walked out the store and grabbed a pretzel as we chatted. We found his friends and I greeted them all before I left back to my car. My phone went off and it was Mike's ringtone. My eyes grew wide and my pulse accelerated.

He saw me. Someone saw us. I panicked. I took my phone out of my bag, almost dropping it.

"H-Hello?"

"Babe, you busy?"

"I'm—I'm just leaving the mall," I said quickly. I shut my eyes tightly and pushed my hair back. Dammit he's going to know something is up.

"Are you okay? You sound nervous."

"I—uh—" I pressed my lips together and tried to calm down. "I'm fine. I just got out of the mall."

"...did you buy your dress?"

"Yes, D—I'm driving right now. I'll call you back when I get home."

"I'll just meet you at your place, I want to see you."

"Okay. Bye." I hung up and dropped my phone in my bag. I rubbed my face and laid my head on the steering wheel. Sooner or later he's going to find out. I'm gonna have to tell him but...I don't want to. He's going to think I did it for revenge which was my intention at first but then it wasn't.

I inserted the key in the ignition and drove off to my house. Mike's car was parked up front and it looked like Joey and Ryan were home as well...and Christina. I climbed off and headed inside with my bags. I opened the door, shut it behind me and removed my shoes on the side where all the other shoes were at.

"Araceli, tell Christina that she's being absurd. She thinks I've been cheating on her for the past month. You've seen me come home after work. Tell her she's wrong." I stared at Ryan, then at Chrissy. I noticed Mike’s eyes were on me with his mouth parted slightly.

"He hasn't. We usually watch movies or TV shows when he gets home." I walked over to Mike and he kissed my forehead before I hugged him. The fighting between Chris and Ry ceased. I walked over to my room and placed the bags on the floor. Mike walked in and threw himself in bed. He turned my TV on and tuned into some reruns of Lost. I took my clothes out of the bags and placed them on hangers.

"How was your day?" He asked, out of the blue.

"Um, good. I found a really nice dress." I took it out from the hanger and showed it to him.

"Do I get a little show?" He smirked.

I smiled, "this Saturday you will."

"Wait, this Saturday?"

I already knew what that tone meant. He either has some band stuff to do, have other plans or is leaving town. Great he's going to make me go alone.

"Don't tell me you can't go?" I lowered the dress and stared at him.

"I thought it was next Saturday. I already made plans with Craig and Jonny."

I turned around, rolling my eyes and hung the dress again.

"I'll just go alone." I walked over to my drawer and placed my new clothes inside.

"I'll cancel."

I walked over to the bed and climbed on top. I told him he didn't have to even though I wanted him to. I hope he knew what I mean. He leaned down and kissed my forehead, then my nose but before he could kiss me I moved my head to the side. He let out a long sigh and turned off the TV. Oh, this can't be good.

"What did I do now?" I looked away. I didn't want to argue with him so I faced the other side of the room and closed my eyes. "Araceli, we need to talk about this, baby."

"I don't want to." I grabbed my stuffed bear and cling to it. I hoped he just drop it because I didn't want to talk about it...at least not now. I needed time to confess to him about Daniel.

"If we're not gonna talk then why am I even here?"

"You invited yourself," I reminded him which ticked him off. He got up from my bed and headed for the door, murmuring words I couldn’t decipher. He slammed my door and took off.


I smiled and turned the screen off on my phone. I haven't spoken to Mike since he left my house but he needed some space, apparently. He should know I wasn't ready to forgive him or kiss him again. It still made me think of that Melissa chick.

I started at my ceiling where the missing picture of Mike and me was at. I wonder if he caught that when he was in here. The door opening made me change my direction towards Chrissy. She looked sad and needed a friend. I smiled and motioned for her to lie down next to me. It was night and the weather was a bit warm. It was probably ten already but I was wide awake. I snuggled with my best friend.

"What's wrong?"

"Did Ryan really not cheat on me this past month?" She asked.

"Nope. I'm also surprised he hasn't. But he's changing." I smiled and she returned it.

"Why did Mike storm out a few days ago?"

My smiled dropped. Maybe it was time I told her about everything since I knew everything about Ryan and her. I took a deep breath before explaining everything that happened. From the day he flew me over to him until the mall a few days ago. She was left speechless.

"You slept with Daniel from The Devil Wears Prada?"

"No, we...almost did but we stopped before anything happened."

"Oh my god, why didn't you tell me this? It makes me not like Mike anymore."

I frowned even more. I didn't want her to think Mike was the only bad person in the relationship. I cheated...well I am cheating on him with his roommate. That sounds bad. But at least I didn't sleep with Daniel. He's actually a nice guy and he makes me happy.

"To be honest, Ara I fantasized about having sex with Mike before I found out you two were a couple."

I let out a laugh and covered my mouth before I got loud. I shifted myself to get a better view of her face. She was smiling at me and it made me happy that she wasn't forcing a smile on.

"I almost had sex with him twice. But I contained my hormones. But god he's such a great kisser. I don't know how long I can wait." I stared back at the ceiling and smiled.

"What about Daniel? He's really attractive."

"His lips are so perfect. His kisses are just amazing. I get all bubbly inside and I just want be in his arms all day and night."

"So you have feelings for your boyfriend's roommate?"

I faced her again with a smile. "You make it sound so bad."

"It is bad!" She hit me with the pillow. "Stop cheating on Mike. At least break up with him then hook up with Daniel. Don't be a Ryan."

"Mike will probably kill Daniel. And ....I just can't help but kiss Daniel. I love Mike. I really do but I'm still hurt about Melissa. I do need to talk to him about it since I've been avoiding it for the past month."

"Let's make a pact. We'll always be truthful to our boyfriends from this...night forward."

I bit my lower lip as I pondered about it. I couldn't really agree with the pact because I wasn't ready yet. But sooner or later, right?

"Fine." I smiled. "Only if he asks."

We fell asleep around three just talking about personal things. We woke up around eleven to take a shower and get ready for the day. There was a knock at the front door. I knew it was Daniel so it made me smile. I swung up the door and there he was, dressed up all nice and handsome. His mouth was parted slightly but he faced me and smile.

"You look lovely."

"Not so bad yourself," I smiled and let him in. When Christina caught sight of him, she reacted the same way she did when she met Mike.

"Can...I...have...your...autograph?" She stared at him with wide eyes and a huge smile. Daniel sand I both chuckled. He granted her wish and then hugged her. I smiled and went to grab my purse. Ryan was ready and greeted Daniel. He didn't get star struck like Chrissy but he was happy to finally meet him. They ended up taking pictures with him.

We arrived at the venue and the place was filled with a lot of people. The theme was turquoise and white and stars everywhere. We sat down on an empty table and got our food taken to us. We all talked and told jokes. They really loved Daniel. It made me happy. Ryan liked Mike also but he just didn't want me dating a band guy. He didn't want to see me get hurt, which was too late for that.

We headed to the dance floor when they put on some reggaeton. I held on to Daniel’s hand as we walked through the dance floor. He positioned himself behind me and placed his hands on my hips. I started swaying my hips and dancing to the beat of the song. The teenagers around us were getting really low and freaky. I covered my mouth when one of the girl’s legs were wrapped around a guy’s waist.

I turned my head to Daniel and he was laughing quietly. He rested his chin on my shoulder and we continued to dance. I looked around the dance floor and I spotted Ryan glaring at me. He shook his head but Chrissy decided to makes his attention go towards her with a kiss. I smiled. Mike finally decided to call me but I ended up missing the call because of the loud music. I excused myself from the table and went outside to call him back.

"It's about time you called back." Someone was upset and cranky.

"It's called loud music, Mike."

"What's the direction to the venue?"

I started to panic. "W-why? I thought you had plans."

"I felt bad forgetting the quince was today. I'm heading home right now and I'm gonna get ready to go."

"You don't have to come if you don't want to—I mean, I'm perfectly fine here with Chris and Ryan. We're just talking and we're going to start dancing and the party should die down soon. Plus the security guards won't let you in without an invitation." Once again I spoke too fast. I can never contain myself when I'm nervous and that's going to be a problem.

I paced back and forth with my hand on my forehead. I was looking down until I saw Daniel walking out the two doors and heading towards me.

"Uh, okay. I'll call you when I'm outside so you can get me. Bye." He hung up. He's beginning to get skeptical about me. Dang it.

"Mike?" Daniel placed his coat over my shoulder then stepped away, placing his hands inside his dress pants. I faced him and nodded.

"He's coming and I didn't tell him you were here."

"Well, it's a good thing he doesn't know because he's getting a bit suspicious about you."

"What?"

"Yeah, he's been talking about you these past few days at home or when we go out. ‘She doesn't kiss me anymore' or 'I feel like she's pushing me away' things like that. Last thing he needs is to see his roommate at the party he was supposed to go with his girlfriend."

It was true in a way. I shouldn't be distancing myself from Mike. He doesn't really deserve it. I just needed time but the time I was giving myself was spent with Daniel. I placed both my hands on my forehead and walked around in a circle just thinking about it.

"Did he say what time he's coming?"

"He's getting ready. So he'll be here by the time they do the choreography."

He stepped more forward to me. He had a small smile on and I couldn't keep my eyes off his. STOP IT.

"I should go before he starts to assume that me and you are...yah know."

I smiled. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," he whispered and pulled me into a warm embrace. When he pulled away he kissed my forehead gently and started walking away. "Good night."

I pressed my lips together and watched him leave. I walked back inside and sat down on the table. Chris and Ryan came a few minutes later when they saw me alone.

"Where's Dan?" Ryan asked.

"Um, he left. Mike's coming. Can you two do me a favor?"

"Yeah, what's going on?" Chris answered.

"When Mike comes, can you not mention Daniel was here?"

Christina understood me right away but Ryan questioned me like he always did. He assumed I was cheating on Mike with him, which technically was true but only twice...he didn't need to know that. It'll make him a hypocrite.

They all agreed to not say anything. The DJ started to announce that the waltz was going to start soon and he was telling all the men that were part of the dance to meet at the dressing room. I stayed quiet as I waited for Mike to arrive. Christina noticed I was sad so she put her arm around me and hugged me, telling me it was going to be alright.

My phone vibrated and I answered it. “I’m heading outside right now.” I hung up quickly and walked to the entrance. The security guards let him enter when I told them he was with me.

“Whose coat is that?” He asked, staring at it. crap.

“Christina’s brother.” I lied. She doesn’t even have a brother.

Mike held my hand and pulled me into a hug. He smelled good as well. We walked to the table and he greeted Chris and Ryan. The music ended and they started to do the traditional godparent introduction and dance.

Mike got closer to me. “You look very beautiful baby.” He planted a soft kiss on my cheek and gave my hand a squeeze. Chris and I got our items ready before we were called.

“You know what’s funny, Mike?” Chris asked him. “My sister is also a big fan of you and when you go dance with her, I’m pretty sure she’s going to cry or possibly faint.”

Mike laughed at her statement. The DJ announced Christina’s and Ryan’s name and they walked over to them and danced. They came back in a few minutes. I watched all the other godparents dance with Christina’s little sister and her main escort.

“Araceli y Michael Fuentes.” The DJ announced. We got off our seats and walked over to them with a smile and hand in hand. I placed the necklace on her and gave her a hug. Mike walked over to her and Esmeralda, the quinceañera, covered her both in total shock and attacked Mike with a big hug. The audience awed. I walked over to her main escort and started dancing with him for a bit until they called out other people’s names.

The rest of the night we watched the waltz and surprise dance. We all danced again then left after they made a toast. I had work tomorrow morning so I didn’t want to stay out late. Mike wanted me to sleep over again. I told him I had work but he offered to wake up early and take me home. I thought it’d be a nice thing to do since I’ve been pushing him away, so I agreed.

We drove to his house and climbed out of the car. He opened the door for me as I carried my heels and cake. Everyone was still awake in his house. They were either playing pool with other people, eating or playing the new Black Ops II. I greeted them all with a smile and a wave. I placed the cake on the table and Casey and Kevin attacked it.

We walked up stairs and headed to his room. He handed me some of his clothes for me to sleep in. He helped me out of my dress, but he kissed my shoulder while he unzipped my dress. I faced the floor. Maybe I should just kiss him already.

He moved my hair to the other side and went back to kissing my bare skin. I couldn’t help but picture Melissa in my head. I shut my eyes tightly so I wouldn’t have her in my mind. Mike’s hand snaked around my waist and pulled me closer.

“Mike, I’m tired.”

He didn’t say anything but continued kissing my shoulder and neck. He aimed for my ear and I tensed up and turned around. I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned my forehead on his.

“I love you.” He whispered. I bit my lower lip and looked down. He leaned forehead to kiss me, but I moved slightly and the kiss was very light. He moved his head back and let loose of his grip on my waist. “Seriously?”

I stepped away from him and continued looking down.

“When are you gonna get over the fact that I cheated on you, Araceli? I already told you I was sorry.” His voiced was loud and frustrated. I should have just gone home. I didn’t want to end the night like this. “Are you gonna talk to me or stay quiet like you always do?”

“Don’t yell at me Mike.”

“Well you’re acting like you don’t understand what I’m saying.”

“I just don’t want to talk about it right now. Can’t you understand that I’m tired?” I raised my eyebrows and finally looked up at him. “I need time to get over it. It’s not easy for me, Michael.”

“I waited one fucking month for you to get over it. How much more time do you need? Are you gonna wait a year to kiss me again?” My eyes started to well up with tears and they were gathering up real quick. I crossed my arms under my chest and looked away from him. “I know what I did was horrible but you seriously need to fucking over it because you’re not acting like my girlfriend right now.”

I started to walk away from him and opened the door to his room. I saw Daniel walking up the stairs and stared at me. My tears dropped and his eyes grew wide.

“We’re not done talking!” He shouted and I was positive that everyone downstairs was listening to our argument. “You’re not walking away until we finish talking about this.” He grabbed my wrist and turned me around.

“Mike, you need to calm down.”

“You think by walking away from this makes me want to calm down? Are you cheating on me? Is that the message you’re trying to send to me.” My eyes grew wide. I jerked away from his grip and stepped away from him. I could sense Daniel staring at us both. I shook my head and stormed down the stairs passing Daniel. Everyone pretended they didn’t listen but I know they did.

“Vic, can you take me home?” I asked, wiping my tears away. He nodded his head and got up from the couch.