The New York City Prince

“Alrighty friends! Your ticket out is the summary on todays book.” I said as I held the door open. My students beemed at me and we all said good bye. After the last student was out the door, I made my way to my desk and sat down. I groaned at the stack of administrator papers I had to do. I loved my job, and it was very fufilling. However, the paper work sucked.

“Isabella.” A man’s voice began. I almost gave myself whiplash on how fast I moved my head.

“Ja-,” I cut myself off and covered my mouth. I immediately felt nauseous. I gagged just a tiny bit. Not of disgust but seeing Jack, made me so anxious.

God I hate the chokehold he had on me.

Mr. Jack Fitz, known as The New York City Prince. He came from Old Money, and I mean OLD money, his family help establish the Railroads in the US. At least thats the U.S Fitzs, The other branches were scattered across Europe in investment banking and held aristocratic titles. The media coined him as The New York City prince because of that, that and he was just so regal. He went to Havard Law, he loved plays,loved ballets and enjoyed the cinema. The man was as graceful as Audrey Hepburn in his humaniarian work, all acomplishing this by the age of 31.

Jack Peter Fitz, also known as the love of my life. And Engaged to someone else… Heather Evans. Now she. She was someone who you could imagine him with. Not some 3rd grade teacher in California, not some working class nobody. Well… first gen latina that is. The only accomplishment I had under my belt was you guessed it being the first one of my cousins having a Masters degree, in America that is, and working towards my Doctorate degree on a scholarship. While Heather was as Blue Blood as she could get, her wealth was generational and was related to Prince in Greece I believe? Or was it Monaco? I have no idea. I know she was this generations Audrey Hepburn. Pale in comparison to an elementary school teacher.

Jack made his way over to me. It felt like if I were getting stabbed with each step he took. I felt my heartbeat overwhelm me and making me more nauseated than before.

He wasnt in his usual attire, he was wearing a fancy Tux. I knew deep in my heart already where he was needing to be heading to. I knew their wedding was nearing. I read it in line while at the grocery store on some dumb magazine.

Oh god. Why must you be so cruel.

“Isabella.” He says as he cups my face making me stare deep into his amber honey eyes. I feel myself melt into his hands. The feeling of throwing up immediately melted off. I felt safe once again. I don’t say anything and close my eyes. My mind is blank. I hear my heart rip apart once more.

“Jack please.” I pled. I felt the tears start to form up. My mouth felt dry, and the lump started to form in my throat making my chest feel heavy. The anxiety in my hands started to tingle. I knew if he didn’t leave soon, I was going to have a panic attack. Or throw up.

He brings his face towards mine and our foreheads touch. He caresses my face with this thumbs. He takes a deep breath and pulls away still cupping my face. I felt the tears started to fall from my eyes. I let out a sharp sigh. Inhaled his familiar woodsy, spicy cologne. One of the things I hated about him was that he made me feel so comfortable and safe.

I grab his face and do the same and gives me a smile as he closes his eyes and melts in my hand.

All I wanted to do was hug him to feel safe in his arms again.

“Jack. Why do you need to hurt me?” I pled once again before sobbing. “Wh-“ He cuts me off and then grabs my face towards his. I resisted at first then I placed my hands on his hands.

He’s the one who told me he hated me and didn’t to see me. He’s the one who broke up with me.

I kissed him back. His lips tasted like caramel, presumably he had his signature quad caramel iced espresso. I cupped his face and caressed his face with my thumbs. Savoring the moment betore I had to tell him to leave. I pulled back and planted a kiss on his nose. His warm amber honey eyes, started to well up with tears. The smile and his infamous dimples melted off. He swallowed hard.

“You told me not to find you. You told me I was awful. You told me I was too much for you. You told me off and reminded me of my insecurities,”I began. My lip started to quiver.

“You told me I wasn’t good enough for you.”My voice cracked. “You’re literally engaged to someone else.” I stuck my finger in his chest and clenched my jaw.

There was brief silence. His eyebrows knitted trying to find an answer.

“That’s what I thought Jack.” I added poking him once more.

“I’m just scared of how much I liked you. No,” He paused. “Of how much I love you. Isabella.” He said taking my finger off of his chest. He took my hand and places it on his chest. I can feel his heart beating out of his chest. I couldn’t help but feel his pecs.

My mouth couldn’t help to water a little.

Our eyes meet and I couldn’t decipher what that look means. His warm eyes stared deeply in mine trying to get me to answer. He takes my hand and brings it to his mouth and kisses the back of my hand. My heart skipped a beat causing me to gasp.

“Please. We need to talk. Isabella.” He says as he places my hands on his face. “Today.” He desperately nods his head and looks deep into my eyes trying to get me agree.

“Jack.” I began. I bit my lip. He looks his watch and gets up. He runs his hand through his this thick wavy hair. He lets out a little laugh as he paces back and fourth. He looks at his watch again.

“Isabella. Lets run away. I get married in,” He checks his wrist watch. “Two hours. You. Me. England. Wherever you want my love. As long, “he says as he closer to me. “It’s with you. Because, it’s always,” He grabs my face once again. “Been you.” He lowers his voice and gives me another kiss. But this kiss was different, it was desperate, needy and hungry.

“You’re insane. Jack.” I say pulling back. “You’re throwing your life away. You can’t just tell me you want me again. When you told me I wasn’t good enough for you.” I said crossing my arms.

“You said you wanted your college sweet hear girlfriend. And you know what thats what you got..” I add throwing more salt into my gaping wound.

“Jack Peter Fitz. You broke my heart and shattered me. You tore me apart, you have singlehandedly made me into a shell of a person who I once was. Will I ever forgive you? I don’t think so. And for what? You think telling me that you love me, and I’m for you is going to change all of that!?” I yell out. I clench my fist and slam it on the table.

“I am not some doll you can pick off from a shelf and play with whenever you’re unsatisfied. I’m a person with feelings.” I spat.

“Isabella Denise Villa. I know I fucked up. I didn’t realize how much I needed you in my life until after I gave Heather the ring from Tiffany’s. Even my mom told me I fucked up. I love you more than life itself. You and I are meant for eachother Isabella. You and I are written in eachothers stars. You can run away with me now. Or meet me at the alter and create a big scene. Your choice.” Jack said with his hands in his pockets.

He takes another deep breath and takes his gold pendent necklace and puts it in my hand. He gently closes my hand and brings his lips to my hand again.

“Your choice.” He says once again as he gets up.

***1 year ago***

“You came to New York to sleep?” My cousin Hugo said.

He, My brother, My other Cousin Eddie, and I all grew up together. We were known throughout school as the “Villa Siblings” because we all looked alike. Thanks to our triplet dads. My brother Joel and I are twins and were 1 month apart from Eddie and 3 years younger than Hugo.The boys were all over 6’3, had dark eyes, had a beard and dark hair. I unfortunately did not inherit the tall gene standing me at five foot three. I did share the dark wavy hair, dark eyes no beard though.

Throughout High School, it felt like I had bodyguards. Anytime a boy approached me, BAM, they’d ghost me. First kiss? WHAM, they’d get punched in the face. You look at me? BONK. Good BYE. Needless to say, when I graduated I was a virgin. Not that I cared, but I was annoyed that I was never kissed by the time I was 17. Now at 24, they were all open for me to start dating. Like true Mexican dads. Sigh.

Hugo was graduating from the police academy and as a gift, my tia and tio gifted the siblings a trip to New York.

“Hugo shut up. I’m tired.” I groaned.

“Dude there’s breakfast downstairs. I’m starving, we can get you a burger or something.” He whined.

“Fine.” I yelled. “Just get out I have to put on pants.” I said throwing a pillow at him.

“Nasty.” He shutters. He gets up and leaves.

I get dressed and put on some light makeup that consisted of bb cream, browgel and some mascara and lip gloss. We were hear for a week and I was determined to find a date. No matter what time it was.

As I wait for Joel and Eddie. I couldn’t help but notice Hugo’s smiling down on his phone. I leaned towards his phone, a girl named “Eva” sent him a bunch of hearts. It was 11am here meaning it was 8am in California.

“Eva?” I said out loud. He locks his phone and smiles.

“Yeah.” He sighs. “She’s wonderful. But don’t tell my MOM or my DAD.” He says sternly.

“Uff. I know.” I roll my eyes.

“Okay, there’s breakfast downstairs and next door is a diner. Which one?” Joel says holding his stomach as he and Eddie walked in the hallway.

“Diner.” We all said.

I hate breakfast food. I think we all did, maybe not Hugo because, he traveled around the U.S playing soccer. So he was used to the bland breakfast food. I on the other hand will literally eat lasagna leftovers for breakfast. I couldn’t do it. Egg? Bacon??? Sometimes I’ll do the occasional chorizo and egg or chilaquiles or waffles, but I really have to be in the mood.

As we get sat down I ordered Lasagna. The boys ordered burgers and fries. After breakfast we decided to explore the city. Joel and Eddie were talking about the met, and Hugo wanted to inquire about the NYPD. I didn’t wanna join Hugo at the PD station so I decided to go with Eddie and Joel to the Met.

We all went back to our rooms. It was 1pm at this point and I needed to get ready. It was just a museum but I wanted to look nice. I put on a light blue babydoll dress and threw some stockings under and paired it with some mary jane docs. I refreshed my curls and refreshed my makeup. I added little more to darken my brows and added some blush. I didn’t look breath taking but I looked alive.

I put on my headphones and walked behind the boys. They were talking about Baseball, I only liked going to the games because I loved seeing people fight. Dodgers game? I’m game but we have to stay an hour later so I can see someone get decked.

I hummed along to “Knee Socks” by Arctic Monkeys. It was a short walk to the Met anyways. Once we got in, I took my phone out and changed my playlist to classical music. I felt like ambience music really helps you focus, and with knowing how my ADHD is. I’m gonna need it. I put my phone back into my pocket.

The met was pretty empty despite being Monday. I would assume that is. I stood infront of Monets, Water Lilies.

A guy turns to me and smiles revealing his dimples, I catch from the corner of my eye. He says something that I can’t make out due to my headphones. I turn to him and smile to politely excuse myself.

The man was towering over me. I immediately gawk at him and my mouth even waters a bit. He had these honey amber brown eyes, and dimples you can drown in. His dark full wavy hair was a messy perfection. I feel my chest buzzing as we stare into eachothers eyes. I bite my lip. It feels like it is just us two in the room.

Oh fuck. I’m staring. SAY SOMETHING YOU DUMB BITCH.

“Sorry, I had my headphones in. It’s ambience music so I can focus.” I nervously paused my music.

“It’s okay.”He said with a chuckle. “I was telling you my opinion on the Monet.” He adds.

“I think Water Lilypond is my favorite. I haven’t seen it, just yet. But what I’ve seen online, it has to be breath taking.” I say

“I’ve seen it in person. It’s nice. This is my favorite piece of his.” He says as he looks at the painting and lets out a deep sigh. “My grandfatheand I would come here when he got a chance. Sometimes when I miss him, I visit the Monets.” He adds.

My mother instinct goes completely off.

“That’s so sweet! The best way to grieve is by honoring their memory and retelling their stories. It keeps their spirit alive.” I smile, thats something my therapist told me after my mother passing.

“Psych major?” He asks raising up an eyebrow.

“No, worse. Childhood development and minor in education. I teach third grade, thats just some whooha my therapist told me.” I say. I sit down on the bench and he joins me. “I’m Isabella.” I nervously stick my hand out. He grabs my hand and his big strong looking hands gives mine a firm grip. My mouth waters again.

Jesus Christ Isabella. Pull yourself together.

His hands swallowed mine as he shook it. He gives me another smile and I feel myself getting nauseous from anxiety.

“Jack.” He says still holding my hand. I add my free hand to his hand. I turn my body towards him and smile.

“Is your grandfather’s passing recent? We can talk about it if you like? Sometimes a stranger you’ll never see again can help you.” I say eagerly.

“If not thats okay. I can just silently just see more Monets with you. If you want the company.” I suggest. My eyes widen as I realize what I’m doing. I take my hands off of his causing him to laugh. “Sorry.” I said turning red.

God damn cancers. Why must I try to mother everything that’s hurt??

“Isabella, you’re probably the first person to ask me that actually. We can talk over some coffee? I know you teachers love their caffeine.” He says. “There’s a starbucks around the corner.” He says getting up once again towering over me. I smile and follow the giant man like a lost puppy.

“Are you from here?” I ask as I hold my hands.

“Yeah. I love it here! What about you?” He asks.

“California. Its beautiful but theres no seasons. Here I saw my first brown tree!” I said excitedly. He laughs at my excitement.

“That is true.” He smiles exposing his deep dimples again.

Pleaseeeeeeee stop

He opens the door for me. I blushed, and I felt his gaze on my body. I suddenly felt confident in what I was wearing. It was short but a classy short. It really made my boobs pop and made me look like I had longer legs than I did.

“Iced quad espresso with caramel drizzle.” He says to the cashier. He then looks at me with his kind smile.

“Venti Iced Latte, almond milk, honey, cinnamon on top. Can we also please use blonde shots?” I asked. His eyes widened. “Sorry I was a barista.” I appologized to him and the barista. She gives a kind smile. I took my phone out and paid before he did.

“Hey! I was going to pay. I invited you.” He says pretending to be upset with me. A blush came across my face and I give him a shy smile. “It’s fine I get dinner though.” He points at me as we walk to a table.

“I’d like that.” I say.

“Perfect. Tomorrow! I’ll pick you up at 7?” Jack asks confidently. “I’ll pick.” He says as he pulls out a seat for me and motions for me to sit.

I blush again and I scream internally and sit down. He rests his hands on my shoulders sending a shiver down my spine.

The balls of this man.

“Only if you don’t murder me.” I say cocking an eyebrow as he sits down.

“I won’t kill you!” He laughs.

“If you do so, I’ll be glad to be murdered by someone as attractive as you.” I say as I fold my hands under my chin.

“I like you Izzy. Can I call you that?” He asks tongue in cheek.

“That’s fine.” I say.

“What brings you here?”He says.

I explain to him that we’re here for a week to celebrate Hugo’s graduation.

“As a New Yorker, I feel that I have to give you the week of your life. If you don’t mind.” He says.

We talked for two whole hours. Now he’s someone who can capture my whole attention. I quickly learned he was funny smart and charming. He told me more about his grandfather, he had just passed away a month ago. His mother burried herself in work so she wouldn’t have to talk about it. He told me stories about his grandfather and how he would take him to the MET when he had a free chance. We exchanged stories about childhood.

Once we realized it was nearing five, we said our goodbyes and I wrote down the address where I was staying at along with my number. And of course when I did he smiled and I swear I almost died at the sight of his dimples. Talking to him seemed so easy. And I needed to see him again.