Isabella's Last Request (4 page)

             
‘Well yeah of course. I mean we don’t know each other, there’s a big age gap and I’m just on holiday… well sort of. Anyway, shall we catch up with Isabella and Josh now?’

             
‘Sure, why not.’

Ollie breaks eye contact and marches off, causing me to have to jog slightly to keep up with him.

             
‘Are you both excited about having your first legal drinks?’

             
Josh is humouring us with our re-living our 18
th
plan. In honour of turning 18 again, Isabella and I are both wearing the same outfits we wore originally. This worked well for Izzy, who’s always had impeccable taste. Me on the other hand, not so good. I hate wearing skirts and dresses, living in my jeans and shorts. So when I was bullied into wearing a dress for the occasion, I let Isabella pick, promising I’d wear whatever she chose for me. So I’m now sitting on the bus to Down Town Disney wearing a candyfloss pink corset puff dress. The top of the dress is fitted and actually shows off what little chest I have, but it’s at the waist where it all goes wrong. The layers upon layers of pink frills building up a nice round ball which blows up at mere sight of wind. I’m hoping I’ll be safe from that here, but it didn’t work so well in Cornwall.

             
I have a white shrug and white plastic “statement” jewellery, although I still don’t quite know what their statement is. To top it off, I have a pair of white stilettos that make me the same height as Ollie, still shorter than Josh. But believe me when I say they won’t last long, I’ll soon be putting them in my bag and swapping them for my white flip flops. That’s right; I have a good theme going.

             
On the other hand, Isabella has the shortest black mini dress on that hugs her in all the right places. She has black stilettos but can walk in them as if she were barefoot. She has gold accessories and looks even more stunning than usual, the black colour of her dress just accentuates her tan.

             
‘We can’t wait, can we Livs?’

             
Three sets of eyes fall on me and I feel my eyes well up.

             
‘See! Look how excited she is!’

             
The boys don’t look convinced but turn to face forward again. No doubt unsure of what to do when a woman cries. Isabella elbows me in the ribs, before whispering ‘Don’t you dare, I don’t want any bad memories for today.’

              ‘Okay. We’re here now, follow me. I’m taking us to Portobello; it’s one of my favourite places and looks out onto Lake Buena Lagoon. It’s a renowned Italian, most people have to book at least 180 days in advance, but luckily for you I have  friends in high places.' Ollie announces.

             
‘Yeah well, if you want to eat for 50% off, I could take you to the Hard Rock Café because I have friends in high places there!’

             
Josh sounds like a jealous child, and when we get there I see why. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. When we get inside, we decide to order some drinks and I see why it’s so exclusive. They charge $9.95 for a cocktail and $25 for a bowl of pasta; for these prices I’d be able to redecorate a few times. Ollie tells us it’s his treat; apparently he can claim it on his expenses as long as he writes an article about it with a couple of nice photos. I still feel a little guilty about it, but it would appear not guilty enough to turn down an Acqua Di Mare, and one turned into a few. By the time we had to leave to go watch The Cirque Du Soliel, I was surprised to no longer feel the pain of my towering heels.

             
Cirque Du Soleil was the most amazing experience, I thought I’d much prefer Sea World and was just doing this bit for Isabella; but wow. I wish I hadn’t had so many cocktails so I’d have been able to appreciate it a bit more. When the guys had turned up at our hotel in suits, I’d thought they were a bit overdressed.  But after tonight, with the stunning meal, follow the awesome show, I feel its Izzy and I who in fact were underdressed.

             
We’d been lucky with our seats, being about halfway up the centre; meaning we could see both the high and low wire. The performers came out and into the isles so everybody could see as much as they possibly could. They had acrobats, jugglers, dancers, bicyclist and the wires… so there was definitely something for everyone, even clowns! There was a live orchestra, singers the lot. I mean I’ve been to the circus loads of times, but this doesn’t compare in the slightest.

             
By the time the show had finished, the alcohol had worn off slightly so as it was only 10.30pm, we went in search of some nightclubs. Unfortunately for us, we hadn’t realised that Thursday nights are Cast Nights, where all Disney employees get in for free, so it was super crowded. We started in Motion, which is a club that just plays top 40 hits, it’s got a great atmosphere but we got tired of just hearing the same songs. So we headed to a place called Jellyrolls, it was quite quiet to start with, but after about half an hour it was full of people out for a good time. It’s actually nice to go to an over 21’s bar. We felt really sophisticated. They have piano duels and you can request any song you like! It was amazing and a great atmosphere, I even got up and danced on stage.

             
The only slight down point of the evening was Isabella and Josh getting together. I could see it was going to happen and I’m sure he’ll make her happy, and let’s face it, he was out of my league anyway.

             
‘Night Livs. Love you.’

Isabella has just returned from brushing her teeth and climbed into bed with me, instead of crawling all the way to the other end of the room to her own bed.

              ‘Sweet dreams Iz, love you too.’

Even as I say it, I know she’s already asleep.

              ‘I still can’t believe you kissed a girl!’

             
‘Okay, thanks for reminding me, now leave it okay. I don’t really want those particular memories to come back to me.’

             
‘Oh come on Livs, it’s exciting. When we put that on our list I never thought you’d do it, let alone be the first to do it!’

             
So apparently, last night after a few too many cocktails I managed to fall off the stage and when a very kind woman about my age stepped in to help Ollie pick me up, I felt the need to thank her by kissing her. This is why I don't drink.

             
‘I think Ollie was upset you kissed her rather than him.’

             
‘Izzy, my head is still banging, can we not talk about this?’

             
We’ve decided to work through our list today, crossing off some of the smaller, easier things. So far I’ve managed to cross off “Ask out a stranger” Isabella decided Ollie didn’t count as we’d already seen him before. So first thing this morning, when I was disgusting and possibly smelling of vomit, Izzy pointed to a sexy man in the animal shop and forced me to ask him out. To give him his due, he was very kind in his decline.

             
We also both successfully completed number 7 – hug a stranger. We were slightly inventive with this one, making signs that said “Free Hugs” we’d seen people do this the previous year at Glastonbury Music Festival. It worked a treat and progressed nicely to number 85 – talk to a stranger. We decided not to count Josh for this one as technically, he spoke to us.

             
My stranger was very nice, stopping for a quick chat before making his excuses to leave and carrying on with his daily tasks. Unfortunately, Isabella’s had felt she’d lead him on, he thought he was onto a sure thing. So when he tried to kiss her, he was very confused when she shoved him away and this made him quite angry.

             
‘I can’t believe we had to call the Mall Cops to get that guy to leave you alone!’

             
Isabella looks slightly embarrassed before giggling.

             
‘I can’t help being this beautiful!’

             
‘Yeah but you could try covering some of it up though’

             
I know this is harsh and I don’t mean it in a nasty way. But seeing Isabella looking down at her low cut top, and voluptuous chest, I realise I may have gone too far.

             
‘It’s hard to keep them hidden! You’re just jealous anyway!’

             
Isabella snaps, and I worry she’s serious until I see her smirk.

             
‘You’re right of course my love. So what shall we do now because we’ve definitely completed number 70 – Shop until we drop, I don’t know how we’re going to get all these bags on a bus, let alone on a plane. ‘

             
‘I think you have a point there, it might be time to airmail some stuff home; especially if we want to go to Vegas soon. Maybe you could phone Ollie and see if he’ll pick us up? He did say to let him know if we needed anything today.’

             
I think Isabella feels guilty that Josh chose her because she keeps bringing up Ollie, and seems desperate to get us together. When we drunkenly told Ollie and Josh our plans for today, he’d given me his business card and said anything at all and we should call him.

             
‘I don’t know Izzy, we’re meant to be meeting them in an hour, would it really be fair to get him to pick us up, drop us to the hotel to change and then pick us up again?’

             
‘Just phone him, he can always say no.’

             
‘Okay fine, I’ll phone him. Now stop putting it off and go chat to that beggar over there so we can cross off number 57. I’ll be over in a sec.’

              ‘Thank you so much for picking us up Ollie. You actually saved us from a crazy beggar! We went to chat to him and decided to each give him our last dollar so we could cross off number 43 as well as 57, and get all our homeless ones out of the way. But he was so excited people were speaking to him that he wouldn’t let us leave and we’ve already called the Mall Cops once today!’

             
Ollie looks slightly amused as he helps us pack our many shopping bags into the boot, or trunk as he calls it.

             
‘You’re more than welcome Olivia, it means I get out of the office on time for once. I was thinking about it on the drive over, and wonder how you feel about getting ready at my house, rather than me taking you to the hotel just to come back again? I have a guest shower room, and judging by your bags, I’d say you’ve something to change into if needs be.’

             
I look to the back seat where Isabella is frantically searching through her handbag, she pulls out her make up bag and nods her agreement, she needs more make up now to bring her face back to the natural beauty it was before. Before Ollie arrived, she told me I was to sit in the front seat and get to know him better. I definitely think she’s feeling guilty about getting with Josh, knowing I liked him too.

             
‘Yeah that sounds like a great idea. We were feeling guilty about you having to make a couple of journeys anyway. Shall I text Josh and ask him to meet us there?’

             
Isabella looks hopeful as she asks this, bless her, any excuse to talk to or about Josh and she’s happy.

             
‘Nah that’s okay, I’ll talk to him while you get ready, unless you want to specifically talk to him?’

             
Ollie catches her eye in the rear-view mirror, and I notice her solemnly shake her head.

             
‘Okay, we’re here. Do you need all your bags or do you want to leave them in the car?’

             
Luckily, Isabella and I had already decided on our new outfits for tonight, so we only needed one bag each; we’d cleverly already put our accessories in the bags.

             
As Ollie leads us up his concrete pathway, I’m taken aback by the size of his house. He must notice both mine and Isabella’s reaction because he quickly chuckles and explains.

             
‘I’ve turned it into two flats. I rent the bottom one out to holiday makers for possibly a little bit too much money, which means I don’t have to pay mortgage myself for most of the year. I’m currently living alone upstairs, but one of my work friends is moving in with me on Monday as it’s a two bedroom flat. So that will help me save for a new house, then I can rent both flats and not have to pay either mortgage; I almost have enough saved now.’

             
‘Wow, that’s a brilliant idea. I bet you could earn quite a good living from that, especially living so close to International Drive. If we win any money on our scratch cards, you should spend it on property here Livs.’

             
‘You could buy a place together, especially if it’s a joint win.’

Ollie is completely unaware of this slightly flippant comment
but it hits me deep down in my stomach. When we were younger Isabella and I had talked about getting a house together, but now we know that probably won't ever happen. Isabella is seriously ill and will need lots of care once we've finished travelling. But of course we aren't allowed to talk about it, no matter how bad she gets she just shrugs it off.

B
lissfully unaware to my upset, Olllie leads us up a specially built outdoor staircase. He’s made the entrance to his flat very secure, with a lock on the door at the bottom, and a lock on the door at the top. I guess you can’t be too careful when you’re renting to different people every week or so.

             
‘Okay, you’ll have to excuse the mess; I wasn’t expecting guests and was planning on cleaning this weekend, ready for Pete’s arrival on Monday.’

Isabella and I have both had our experiences of messy boy rooms, so it’s safe to say she was as surprised as I was when we entered the cosy little lounge.

              ‘Really, you call this messy? You should see our hotel room, or Olivia’s bedroom at home for that matter!’

I cringe as my face heats, blushing crimson. I can always rely on Isabella to embarrass me.

              ‘Ooh, I may have to witness this for myself.’

Hearing this, I force myself to look up. As soon as I do, I notice Ollie’s intent stare on me. My stomach does a small flip, I know what this means. I may not want to admit it, but clearly I’m attracted to him. I don’t get these butterflies over just anybody.

              ‘So Ollie, where is your bathroom? It takes me a while to look this beautiful you know!’

I love Isabella for breaking whatever tension there just was between me and Ollie. I think she sensed my distress and did it on purpose, but with her I’ll never know.

              ‘Of course, sorry, where are my manners. I have a guest shower room next to my kitchen and a small en-suite in my bedroom, so it’s up to you. You can use a shower each, Izzy you can use the spare room to change in, Olivia you can use my room. Or you can take turns in the shower and both get changed in the spare you. I need to shower and a quick change of clothes too, but I only need five minutes.’

For some reason, Ollie seems to be rambling slightly; I think he may be a little nervous.

              ‘Great, thanks Ollie. I’ll use the shower in the guest shower room; Olivia can use yours and then join me in the spare room so you can get ready.’

             
‘Okay, sounds like a good plan. I’ll get you some orange juice and lemonade and a plate of cookies and put them in the spare room for when you’re ready.’

Ollie leads us both into our respective bathrooms, before heading into the kitchen.

As soon as I’m left alone in Ollie’s bedroom, I can’t help but take a look around. I turn the shower on so it’ll sound like I’m in it, and then quietly open his wardrobe doors. Oh dear, this man colour co-ordinates his clothes, he also has almost as many shoes as I do! I start to undress and wander over to the bed, the urge to smell his pillow overwhelms me… mmm, and it smells so nice. I’m about to open the draw beside his bed when I hear the door rattle. I freeze, not even managing to shout out.

             
‘Oh Olivia!’

Ollie covers his eyes in a flash but I know he’s seen too much. I’m standing on the opposite side of the room to the bathroom, wearing nothing but my very small, black thong which leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. My clothes, including my bra, are scattered around his bedroom floor. Both of us appear to be frozen to the spot; I’m standing with my hands covering my pert little breasts, staring at Ollie. Ollie is halfway in the room, one hand on the door handle, one hand over his eyes. He could easily take one step back and close the door, but he doesn’t.

              ‘I heard the water; I thought you were in the shower? I was going to choose what to wear quickly while you were showering.’

Ollie is stuttering and dancing from one foot to the other, he looks mortified.

              ‘I was just about to… Just let me grab my clothes and run to the bathroom and I’ll be out of your way.’

             
‘No, no I’ll leave you too it. I’ll just grab my phone charger to call Josh; I can grab some clothes once you’re ready.’

Ollie takes another step into his bedroom, dropping his hand from his eyes and once again seeing my naked body.

              ‘Ollie!’

He rushes out of the bedroom, slamming the door in the process.

              ‘I’m so sorry, I completely forgot! I was just going to grab my phone charger to leave you in peace, that’s all I swear!’

Ollie calls out his apology through the safety of the closed door.

              ‘It’s fine, I’m going to the shower now, and as long as you promise not to open the bathroom door you can have access to your bedroom’

             
‘Okay, sounds like a deal.’