Isabella's Last Request (3 page)

             
I realise in my slight eagerness to keep him near, I’ve grabbed his hand to pull him back down next to me. Isabella has clearly noticed too and is now glaring at me, her eyes darting from me to him. Her silent signal for “Get your paws off him, he’s mine”.

             
‘So Josh, are you from Florida?’

I think holding his hand has given me a bit of confidence, because usually I’m quite shy and wait for boys to talk to me. Well, either that or
Izzy takes over and does the talking for both of us.

             
‘That’s right, Florida born and bred. It’s a great place! A lot of tourists come here just for Disney and Universal Studios, and miss all the wonderful things we have to offer. What have you done so far?’

             
I can’t take the glares from Isabella any longer, so I take my hand from his, reaching for my drink so he doesn’t think I just don’t want to hold it anymore. Isabella sees this as her chance to speak.

             
‘Well we’ve been here for just over a week so far, and we’ve done all the Disney parks, we went to Blizzard Beach Water Park yesterday. This is our first day at Universal, but we’ll be back tomorrow.’

             
Josh looks from Isabella to me, and rolls his eyes as he pinches one of my chips. I think both Isabella and I have forgotten about our hunger, as both our plates remain untouched.

             
‘Is there something wrong with the food?’

             
We both shake our heads and smile at him.

             
‘So let me guess; you’re staying on International Drive, you have a trip to Sea World planned and maybe even Discovery Cove if you have enough money left. You probably have just less than a week left?’

I want to say ‘Wow, that’s amazing… How did you know that?” But the way he said it makes me think it’s a bad thing. Are we that predictable?

              ‘Actually, we have all those things planned but that’s not all, right Livs?’

They both look at me expectantly.

              ‘Umm, no we don’t have a time frame; we’ll stay here until we’ve seen what we want. We’re going to the beach one day too.’

             
‘We have more than that planned, we have a whole list of 100 things to do, and quite a few can be done in Florida.’

             
‘Can I see your list?’

             
I pull out the crumpled list from my bag. Luckily, we have a few copies of it; we made photocopies and keep a laminated copy at Isabella’s. We also have our own copy each, so we can tick things off as we go; obviously we have our own personal goals to tick off.

Josh spends a couple of minutes studying our list, looking at all the things we’ve ticked off already.

              ‘Now that’s quite a list. You can tick of 85 – Talk to a stranger. My name is Joshua Mathers and I’m pleased to meet you. Also, if you want do either 9 – Kiss a girl, or 48 – Have a threesome; I’m here to help you out. ‘

             
Josh winks at Isabella and she shakes her head in mock disgust, but I know deep down she’s lapping up the attention.

             
‘I think that’s good enough to cross off. It’s nice to meet you Joshua, my name is Isabella Webber and this is Olivia Hope. Olivia is my best friend in the whole world, and we’d never ruin our friendship by doing number 9 or 48 with each other.  If you want to help with the list, how about number…’

             
Isabella snatches the paper from his hand quickly, scanning it.

             
‘Aha, here you go number 49! Ask out a stranger. ‘She smiles sweetly and flutters her eyelashes at him. Josh instead turns his attention to me.

             
‘Olivia is a beautiful name, why do you let her call you Livs?’

             
I want to shout at him for ignoring my best friend, nobody else would ever get away with that, but part of me loves the attention and doesn’t want it to stop.

             
‘It’s only her that gets away with calling me Livs, so don’t go getting any ideas!’

I feel a sharp pain in my shin, and it takes a few seconds to register Isabella has just kicked me under the table. I look across at her, she looks mad. I wonder if Josh is doing this on purpose to annoy her.

              ‘So Miss Olivia Hope, do you think I should let your friend tick number 49? I don’t think she technically asked a stranger now, did she?’

             
I’m about to answer, when Isabella leans out of the booth grabbing a passing waiting.

‘Excuse me, would you like to go out with me?’

              The waiter looks to Josh for a clue as to why some random girl is asking him out, Josh very subtly shakes his head. Isabella has her back to Josh now, so doesn’t see this. He must like her, I was stupid for thinking he’d choose me.

             
‘Umm, thanks but… I have a girlfriend.’

             
‘Too bad, thanks anyway!’

             
Isabella smiles broadly at the waiter before turning back towards Josh and I, ticking 49 with her initial next to it.

             
‘Your turn next Livs, you grab the next one. Josh doesn’t count now we know his name.’

             
‘I think I’ll wait thanks Iz. They’ll think we’re complete sluts, especially when we already have a waiter sitting with us!’

             
‘I think Olivia has a point. Also, asking out one of my colleagues in front of me is bad enough, don’t make it two or I’ll never hear the end of it. I have a reputation to keep up with you know!’

             
Izzy and I both tut and shake our heads at him, I can’t work out if he’s for real or not. He’s gorgeous and I’m sure he’s not short of female attention. But I can’t help but hope this is an act because he seems like a nice guy, and funny, if it’s not for real. If he’s being serious, then he’s gorgeous but arrogant, and that’s not a good combination.

             
‘So have you got your tickets for The Blue Man Group yet? Are you seeing them today or tomorrow?’

             
Isabella and I exchange confused glances, and Josh slaps his forehead in mock despair.

             
‘Oh come on girls! This is one of the things we’re famous for! It’s not just all theme parks you know.’

             
‘Ooh wait, I have heard of them! They mime and stuff with colourful paint in a blue studio and they’re dressed in blue, right?’

             
‘That’s the basics I suppose. It’s good to see one of you has done your homework. What about you Isabella, have you heard of them?’

             
Izzy looks slightly put out now; I want to reach my hand out to her for support. I suddenly feel so protective of her, she really is looking poorly today but she hides it well. Anyone that doesn't know her would just think she had a late night last night, but I know the awful truth.

             
‘Actually Joshua, I didn’t have a chance to do much research before we started our journey. I was rather busy, so Livs kindly organised the trip. But if you are that bothered, feel free to write us a list of “must do’s” for Florida. We’re quite good at following lists now.’

             
Josh grabs our list from the table and scans it, getting out a pen and a notepad from his apron pocket.

             
‘Okay, well number 33 – Touch an iceberg. I would advise you to go to the Titanic Experience on International Drive; it’s only about an hour for the tour. You may not get to touch a real iceberg but it’s the closest you’re going to get in Florida. For number 37 – Take a hot air balloon ride, there’s an amazing sunrise hot air balloon ride; I’ve done it a few times because the sights are just stunning. It’s about 3 hours, but you have to be there for 5.30am, if you can cope with that.’

             
Josh is frantically writing down his ideas as he talks, it takes him longer to write than it does for him to talk so he’s quiet for a moment as he finishes writing; his tongue poking out, clearly concentrating.

             
‘Huh, I guess that could work for number 40 as well, because they give a glass of champagne, and maybe even 38 – get drunk on champagne, depending on how much you girls can handle. Actually, are you even old enough to drink?’

             
‘Of course we are! We’re almost twenty-one!’

Isabella answers his question indignantly, before thinking about where we are.

              ‘When do you turn 21? You know that’s the legal drinking age here, right?’

             
‘Yeah, Izzy meant in England we’ve been drinking for years. We both turn 21 next Thursday, that’s the reason we’re here. So we can turn 21 but feel 18 again by celebrating legally drinking again.’

             
Josh looks from me to Isabella, a slight look of confusion on his face.

             
‘Are you twins? I thought you were just friends, not sisters!’

             
‘We’re unrelated sisters; born on the same day, in the same hospital but to different mothers.’

             
‘Do you have the same Dad?’

             
‘Josh!!’ Isabella and I shout this in unison, causing Josh to laugh at the outrage he’s caused.

             
‘Calm down, I was only asking. What do you have planned for your birthdays?’

             
‘We’re going to Sea World during the day and then we’re going out drinking in the evening’

             
‘Okay, how about you let my mate and I take you out and show you the best clubs and bars in town?’

Isabella and I look to each other for confirmation, both of us clearly finding it hard to hide our excitement.

              ‘That would be kind of you. So, what we should we do this afternoon?’

             
‘Oh yeah sorry Olivia, I forgot about your list. Well, as you’re already in Universal, I’d suggest going to see the Blue Man Group. If it’s too late to get tickets, then watch a couple of shows, or maybe go and enjoy the reclining chairs at the cinema. It’s the hottest part o the day and I don’t want either of you to burn.’

             
‘Gee, thanks dad. It’s not like we can’t look after ourselves in the sun.’

Josh looks momentarily wounded by Isabella’s comment, before smiling and continuing with his list.

              ‘You have to go to Downtown Disney and see “La Nouba” show, which is the Cirque Du Soleil. Umm, okay, number 86 – visit the space centre. I guess you mean the Kennedy Space Centre? Either way, you must do that. Obviously you have to go on the Everglades Airboat Safari. Oh, and you should go on a helicopter tour of Orlando, that would work for 88. You get to go over Disney, Universal Studios, Sea Word and many others. They do some trips where you can plan your route yourself.’

             
Josh pauses to stare at us, clearly wondering why we’re laughing at him.

             
‘Sorry Josh, it’s just the way you say “route”, it sounds so foreign and funny with your accent.’

             
I feel I should apologise for both of us, as I know Isabella won’t.

             
‘Oh yeah, laugh at the guy that’s helping! Nice one, remember you’re the foreigners here. Anyway, as I was saying, you should go to one of our beaches, my favourite is Miami Beach. For number 84 – Do the touristy things for each place. If the options I’ve already given don’t work, then you should go for an Orlando City Sightseeing Tour. It’s a full day exploring the city and our lakes. The last thing I can think of is my favourite, go for a meal at Medieval Times; it’s amazing to eat whilst watching horse tricks and jousting. ‘

             
Josh hands me his list, clearly not trusting Isabella with it; at the bottom, is his phone number.

             
‘Right, my break is well and truly over so I’ll leave you to it. Hopefully you’ll pop in and see me tomorrow when you’re back here, but just in case, here’s my cell number. Give me a call to arrange your birthday.’

             
‘Thanks Josh.’ Izzy and I say this in unison again.

             
Josh stands up, smiling at us before giving us each a quick peck on the cheek and leaving without turning back.

             
‘He’s mine!’

             
Izzy and I laugh, look at us both claiming him like he’s a prize.

             
‘Livs, wake up! We’re twenty one! Happy Birthday’

             
I force my eyes open. Isabella is practically sat on top of me, as soon as she sees my eyes open she starts bouncing around like a small, excited child.

             
‘Okay, I’m awake.’ I groan, barely recognising the grunting noise escaping my mouth.

             
I rub my eyes and drag my body into a sitting position, knocking Isabella off me and onto the bed.

             
‘Happy Birthday Izzy! What time is it?’

             
Izzy rolls onto her hands and knees and bounces around on the bed, her skimpy nightdress leaving very little to the imagination.

             
I’ve always been jealous of Isabella’s body; she has the perfect hourglass figure. Her large breasts balance her beautiful curves and sexy hips perfectly. Her brown hair looks amazing, even though she’s only just woken up and hasn’t brushed it yet, it’s naturally wavy but also looks good straightened. Isabella’s hair is longer than mine, going halfway down her back; whereas mine only just flows past my shoulders. I’d always kept my golden blonde locks in a choppy bob, around my jaw line, until Isabella suggested I grow it. She was right of course, with a few layers and the occasional set of low lights to add dimensions. It’s made me look much closer to my age than I did before, with my athletic build making me look young.

             
Isabella’s looks have given her confidence, without a doubt. She knows she’s beautiful and she knows how to use it to her advantage but never in a bad way. She thrives on the attention she gets, but unlike some of the pretty popular girls at school who turn into bitches and put down other girls; Isabella never would. But soon she'll lose her amazing body and her good looks, she'll become weathered and old looking. Isabella is the most amazing person I’ve ever met, when I think about what she’s been cursed with – It breaks my heart.

             
‘Please don’t cry. This is a happy day Livs’

             
Oh God, I hadn’t realised I was crying. Isabella is so brave; I have to be strong for her. She deserves the best birthday ever.

             
‘I’m sorry Iz. Right, I’m finished now. What time’s the bus?’

             
‘Don’t be mad, but I got excited and woke you a little early. The bus isn’t for another couple of hours but I thought we could go for a nice little walk, and maybe get breakfast somewhere other than the hotel?’

             
Isabella flutters her eyelashes at me, the way she did the first time we met Josh.

             
‘Breakfast and a walk sound good, but what do you mean it’s a couple of hours until the bus? The bus goes at 8am, which means it must be 6am!’

             
I’m met with more eyelash fluttering, and this time I swear she actually pulls down her nightgown slightly to expose just a little extra breast. I wonder when she’ll remember this won’t work on me.

             
‘It’s almost six Livs. Now come on, get up! Maybe I could see if the guys want to meet us for breakfast’

             
The mention of the guys works as a good distraction, there’s no point in being mad at her. It’s happened now, I’m awake; it just means a few extra hours of birthday!

              Since meeting Josh at The Hard Rock Hotel Café six days ago, our holiday has definitely improved. We took his advice and went to watch The Blue Man Group, and he was right, it was so worth it. I thought it was a lot of money to watch a bunch of Smurfs, but how wrong I was!

             
The next day Isabella and I both found ourselves dressing up to go back to Universal Studios in the hopes of seeing Josh again. We wanted to go to the Hard Rock or breakfast but decided it might make us look desperate. We held out until 12, spending the morning arguing about which of us should get to ask him out.  Eventually, we decided we’d just be ourselves and let him choose; if of course, he likes either of us. He may have just been trying to earn a good tip yesterday.

             
Personally, I think his reaction when we arrived proves he genuinely likes at least one of us. He had such a sincere smile as he asked us if we were playing it cool. We giggled and told him about The Blue Man Group, and that we’d watched the shows he’d told us too, like The Twister and The Indiana Jones Stunt Show.  Isabella told him we weren’t sure what to do next, so Josh said he and his friend would take us for a tour on Sunday when they were off work. We accepted as nonchalantly as we could possibly manage, but we spent the next couple of days buzzing.

             
When Sunday finally arrived and we got to see Josh again, we were pleasantly surprised to find his friend Ollie was the complete polar opposite of him. Josh is funny, cheeky, gorgeous but also a bit arrogant; it suits him, but it’s not usually a good trait. Ollie has a serious job at a newspaper company, he’s their lead journalist, compared to Josh who works as a waiter and has no plans to change.  Ollie appears to be very smart and worldly wise but doesn’t preach. He’s sensible but still has a sense of humour.

             
Whilst we were exploring and sightseeing, we discovered Josh is twenty four and Ollie is twenty six. They met when Josh briefly dated Ollie’s younger sister; who then became a bit obsessed and slightly stalked Josh. Josh was forced to go to her house and tell her parents what was happening, just to get her to leave him alone. Her parents were out but her big brother was happy to help, after laughing at Josh for being a pussy about the whole thing. Josh was very embarrassed to hear the entire story recounted to a couple of near strangers. He quickly pointed out this happened about eight years ago, and he could now handle any woman; and Claire, the girl, was now a very successful school councillor – Helping prevent girls from getting in the same situation.

             
‘Josh is refusing to get out of bed yet. He wants to stick to the original plan of meeting us at Sea World at 9am.’

              Isabella seems to have a homing device for Josh. The second we get there she’s spotted him, and is dragging us over to him and Ollie.

             
‘So, what’s the deal phoning me at 6am girls?

             
‘Please excuse my friends appalling manners. What he means to say is, good morning ladies and a very happy birthday to you both. According to our law, you’re now adults capable of drinking.’

             
Josh has the decency to look embarrassed.

             
‘Erm yeah, happy birthday, come here.’

First he beckons to me, and gives me a kiss on each cheek before practically pushing me into Ollie to do the same. I can’t help but notice Josh gives
Izzy a kiss on each cheek and a quick peck on the mouth. He also doesn’t push her away, instead keeping her close.

             
It wasn’t like this the last time we all went out. Last time we were just a group of friends hanging out, however this time it looks like the guys have claimed their girls, and Josh has picked my gorgeous friend over me. Who could blame him really? I just feel sorry for Ollie who’s clearly been dragged along to keep me out of their way.

             
‘So Livs, what do you want to see first? This is your part of the birthday celebrations.’

             
We’ve come to Sea World because I love animals, I’d quite like to be a vet but don’t have the qualifications. I was going to work in a rescue centre but mum was worried I’d want to bring everything home, and to be honest, she was probably right. Eventually I’ll do something with animals, I just have to decide exactly what and get some qualifications.

             
‘Umm, can we start with the penguins?’

Isabella smiles at me before searching on the map, the boys both gawp at me.

              ‘Penguins?! Really?’ Josh sounds genuinely shocked.

             
‘You don’t want to start with something better? You know they’re quite famous for having a killer whale here, you may have heard of him? His name is Shamu. Or we could go feed dolphins?’ Ollie obviously also doesn’t understand the penguin appeal either.

             
‘Listen boys, my best friend would like to see the penguins first. We’ll see everything else later; we’ll see the shows won’t we Livs? Olivia is going to work with animals when she grows up.’

             
The boys seem to accept this, and lead the way. It's only when I hear someone else say "when she grows up" that I cringe. It makes me sound so young and immature, I must start planning my own life rather than just tagging on to Isabella's.

‘Why aren’t you working with animals now then Olivia? You’re not like Josh are you? You know, just waiting for a decent job to fall into your lap, watching life fly by?’

              ‘Hey!’

             
Ollie turns his attention away from me, and onto his now grumpy friend.

             
‘Sorry mate, no offence intended.’

             
Josh shrugs his shoulders; clearly this comment is like water off a ducks back to him. Then he puts his arm around Isabella and leads her off slightly so they’re out of earshot. I want to scream at him, don’t do that! Choose me! But I don’t for two reasons: one, I love Izzy and two, how much of a weirdo would I look then, how embarrassing.

             
I wonder if Ollie knows he’s just here to help keep me away so Josh can make a move on Isabella.

             
‘Olivia?’

             
‘Sorry Ollie, what did you say?’

Ollie gives me a wry smile, and shakes his head slightly.

              ‘No… nothing important; here are the penguins, although you may want to take your sunglasses off, it’s quite dark inside. ‘

             
Instead of a door, the entrance has large, heavy, plastic flaps that you push your way through. Ollie held them open for me to squeeze through, and as I pass him he puts his hand on the small of my back; only for a split second, but enough to stop me in my tracks. I don’t want to sound bigheaded but I really hope he doesn’t fancy me. I really like him and he’s a really nice guy, but he’s far too old or me, and not my type. I usually go for the surfer type, Josh would be my ideal man, but obviously he’s way out of my league.

             
Looks wise, I’d say Josh is a 10/10 for me, although he’d have to shave the ridiculous stubble he insists on having. A lot of the guys in my old job used to have it and when I asked why, they’d tell me its designer stubble for men who are too lazy to shave. I just think it’s vile. On the other hand, Ollie is clean shaven, or at least he has been on the two occasions we’ve met. He has his hair quite short and spiky, I think if he let it grow slightly and wore it in a messy surer style like Josh, he’d look much better. Ollie does have stunning eyes though; they’re quite a vibrant green with the tiniest specks of brown. I’ve noticed when he’s excited about something, they kind of sparkle, like they’re the key to his soul.

             
‘Are you okay Livs? You keep drifting off.’

             
‘I’m fine thanks. Just, you know, it feels a bit weird being away from my mum on my birthday. Oh and Ollie, please don’t call me Livs. Isabella is the only one who’s allowed to call me it and that’s only because she couldn’t pronounce Olivia when we were little.’

             
‘I guess it’s a bit early to call your mum. Don’t worry, Josh and I will make this the best birthday for our favourite girls. Oh, and understood about the Livs thing. Believe it or not, I used to hate being called Ollie, it was always Oliver or Clarkey but I grew out of that!’

             
My look of intrigue makes him smile broadly, causing his beautiful eyes to twinkle slightly.

             
‘My surname is Clark. At college all my mates used to call each other by our last names. Don’t ask! We actually thought we were the cool guys.’

             
‘Wait, you call university college right? So that would have made you like nineteen or twenty yeah?’ Also, as I’ve only just learnt your full name, that means you could still be classed as a stranger. So can I cross of number 49 of my list if I say I asked you out?’

             
Ollie stops walking and turns to face me, his eyes staring intensely at mine. In the background I can see a conveyer belt that takes you past a massive tank of penguins and I want to push past him and run to it. But I don’t think that’d be very appropriate, given the sudden seriousness of the situation.

             
‘Are you asking?’

             
‘Umm, well obviously you’ll say no but I really want to tick it off. And I dread to think what kind of strange person Izzy will have me asking if it’s left up to her.’

             
‘Would I say no?’