IZZY POV.: If 2022 couldn't be more crazy, in late November got an unexpected invitation to "Christmas party" hosted by friend from University, Annabell. But what shocked me the most was, who was the co-host... Marco Fucking Fernández of all people!?!
Anna insisted that I really need to attend this gathering, because of my position of a "president" for my class at Uni...
Since the second I found out, I knew that I won't be able to survive the party alone..
-What I'm supposed to do Mia?- I asked my friend, who was also going to be there.
-I don't know mija... Maybe take a friend?- she suggested and added, seeing my unsure expression -As your date obviously!
-And who would that be in your opinion?!- I joked, seeing that idea as ridiculous.
-I don't know! Someone Marco might think of as your partner, so he'll leave you alone..?!
-I don't know Mia...?! Isn't it a bit too much?
-Do what you want, I'm just trying to help- she replied with small smile.
-I know- I agreed with her, nodding to myself.
After that we changed the topic and talked about everything else than that. We still had couple of weeks until the party...

.....
Weeks have passed, and before I knew it, I had 1.5 weeks to that day. And still no solution how to solve my "Marco problem"...
-What's the matter?
-Hm?- I looked at Carlos, confused.
-You're spacing out again. What's wrong?- he asked again, looking at me with fond expression.
-Remember the Christmas party I told you about?
-That one from your uni?
-The same one...
-What's wrong with it?
-Marco is gonna be there...
-THE Marco?!
-Exactly..- I sighed, feeling lost -I don't wanna go there, because he's gonna be there, but at the other hand I know I should be there to show them all that the past is the past and its not affecting me anymore, as I moved on...- I explained, seeing only understanding and patience in his gorgeous eyes -I don't know what I should do..?
-You should have someone there for you. To help you when Marco will try to talk to you..!
-I know. But I also don't want to bother anybody...
-You won't bother me.
-What do you mean?
-I'm saying that I will go there with you if you let me. For support, you know?
-You really would do that?!
-Si. Todo para mi cara amiga- he replied, making me smile.
-Gracias Carlito..
-De nada Mariposita..- he gave me a strong hug, using the playfull nickname he came up with a few years ago, making my heart flip in my chest. After that I thought, that maybe, the party won't be so bad after all?!

21TH DECEMBER 2022
THE DAY OF THE PARTY
When the "day 0" came, me and Carlos agreed that he'll pick me up and drive us there. After all, we're going there together, as a "couple".
At first we thought that going there as friends would work just fine, but then I realised that for Marco it wouldn't. He'd still hit on me until I tell him I have somebody. Besides, he would almost die in envy when I tell him I'm with somebody like Carlos. After all, when he broke up with me he said that I'd never find a man who loves me because I'm not good enough. I cannot wait to prove him wrong... To some extent, but still prove him wrong...
-Hi- I greeted my friend when I opened the door and our gazes locked.
-Hi. You look... Hermoso..- I easily saw the starstruck expression on his face.
-Gracias- I don't know why, but his comment made me blush. I think I'm still a bit self-conscious about how I look after my ex...?! -You look not bad yourself..- the suit made him even more handsome than usual -Give me a second, I'm just gonna grab my jacket and purse and we can go..- I excused myself and let Carlos enter my home. The long ferrari red dress I wore had deep neckline and opened back, but also high slit reaching up to 3/4 of my thing. Silver heels and jewellery was a hit, along with my curls brushed down and loose. I thought I look good, but after Carlos said that, I knew we're gonna be fine...
I did as I said, and Carlos, like a forever gentleman he is, helped me put on my jacket and then we left, after I locked the door.
-Don't be nervous. I'm here and everything is gonna be fine- he assured me when we got to his car and squeezed my hand.
-Yo lo sé. Gracias- I replied, showing him a hessistant smile.

.....
I felt like the whole ride to the location was endless, even though Carlos tried to distract me with conversation.
When we finally got there, he parked and we locked the car, slowly walking to the entrance, hand in hand. Right before the door, Carlos subtly held my hand in his, to gave it assuring squeeze but didn't let go after that.
We entered together and instantly were swammed my lots of my old classmates. Polite words and introductions were made, and I surprised myself how easy it was to call Carlos my boyfriend. It shouldn't be, but it was..
-I see you went with my plan?
-Hi Mia! Nice to see you!- Carlos chuckled, as I glared at her -I said the idea first if you need to know- he added, proudly, which made me smile at him fondly.
-Good to know- she winked and added -Gosh, you look amazing together!
-Well, gracias- I said and we looked into each other's eyes for a breef second. I saw something in them, along the usual playfulness, but couldn't name it.
But I couldn't dwell on it for long, as we're invited to the tables to seat and eat a bit. Luckily I had Carlos with me, along with Mia... Otherwise I would fleet the second I saw Marco, when he did his welcoming speech, remembering University times. I was tense at first, but the second I felt warmth of Carlos's hand on my knee and met his ever so playful but calm gaze I let myself rest. While he's here, nothing can go wrong.... I think...?
After the speech everyone started eating, talking with their "table mates" and I actually felt like i can enjoy this.
-See? Told you it won't be that bad..- Carlos whispered, bowing his head in my direction. To the outside world we looked like a loving couple and I can't help myself but think, if it really would be like that, while being truth... No surprise is that any girl he'd love would be lucky to have him for herself...
His whole persona and the way he supports me without blink of an eye is like treasured gold and I hold on to that. The way he's by my side, playing the part made me realise that I wish it wasn't a lie.. That we're really a couple, happy, and in love, not just there to subtly tell my ex to fuck off...
After a while everyone stood up and started "socialising" meeting up with all the people for a chat. I knew that this is the moment Marco will come to us, sooner or later...
Carlos stuck by my side, smiling and laughing with my colleagues and holding my hand steadily in his, as if telling me that he's there for me. I would be dammed without him really...
Before I knew it, Marco came and stood in front of us with fake smile on his face.
-Well well well... Look who decided to show up...?!
-Not a pleasure to see you too Marco- I replied in the same tone, feeling how Carlos let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around my waist protectivly, to let his palm rest on my hip.
-Isabelle, always so sweet- he remarked, smiling sweetly. But I know him better than that.
-Well normally I would be polite, but considering our "history" and your behaviour, I had to change my attitude!
-Relax. He's just widing you up- Carlos whispered into my ear and placed a kiss on my temple, almost loving.
-I know you better than that. And excuse me, who the fuck are you?!- Marco asked Carlos, looking surprised, as if he just saw him.
-I think if you used that little brain of yours once in a while, you'd know yourself, but that's not the case, so I need to introduce myself. Carlos Sainz..
-Jr. That formula one driver- my ex finished for him in shock and added -No shit you've pulled him! You're trying to fuck with me again!- his gaze shifted from my companion to myself.
-Believe me for once Fernández, the world doesn't revolve around you!- my comment made Carlos stiff a laugh and him scoff, as usual, but even I didn't know what was coming...
-How much you paid him to come here with you? Or maybe he just fucks you and thats a favour?! Be honest with me for once Izzy..
-That fucker..- I could see that Carlos' attitude changed in mere second and now he was ready to punch my ex, but I couldn't care less. I just turned around and ran...
-Yeah, run away from the problems like you always do!
-You fucker I told you to stay away from her!- I heard him and then Mia yell, but I didn't turn back. I needed to breath...
Without thinking I ran through the front door and stopped at the entrance, placing my back to the nearest wall, breathing heavily. And soon after that I heard familiar footsteps.
-Iz!- Carlos looked relived to see me still in one piece -Don't listen what he said, ok? You're never like that! You're smart, and honest and kind and beautiful and we'd have to stay here at least until tomorrow for me to tell you everything I think about you..! Just forget about him. He's not worth any once of you or your thoughts!
-Gracias Carlito. I needed that- I replied pulling him into a hug as I actually felt myself relax.
-De nada hermosa- he said back and kissed my cheek, making me blush.
-If you were mine I would never let anybody talk to you like that..- Carlos whispered next, more to himself than to me, but I still heard him.
-I wish that too...- I said, before I could stop myself. That made him pull back a little and look me deeply in the eye, as if in search of something. And when he found "it" he just smiled and leaned in, kissing my lips softly and sweet, making my heart jump, before I reciprocated. It was almost like a fairytale, and if not for his lips on mine I'd think I'm dreaming.
We kissed for a while and I thought almost like the time stopped. But soon enough, our bodies reminded us that we actually need some oxigen to breath, so we pulled back, with our chests heaving.
-Te quiero...- I mumbled without thinking, placing my forehead on his with closed eyes. Or once, my brain agreed with heart.
-Te quiero tambien... Mucho..- Carlos replied, tightening his hold on my waist.
-Can we get out of here and you'll let me take you on a date, or you prefer to stay and talk with more people?- he added next, making the dreaming state even more perminant.
-You idea is way better than this mess.. And besides, I've talked with those people enough for a good while...?!
-I'm glad Princessa- Carlos smiled and kissed my forehead, before steping back and took my hand in his, to lift it to his lips -Mia...
-Tuya- I agreed with wide smile, and then led us back to the party to take our stuff and leave.
Soon after that, we've made it to nice and romantic restaurant, where we spent the rest of the evening, talking and laughing and being happy to have each other. A way better idea of the evening in my opinion...! And I have to say that I've never thought that one Uni reunion will grant me a boyfriend..?!
THE END

Firstly I'd like to wish every single one of you, my readers, Happy New Year!
May your all wishes come true, have even more friends, find love and cherish the precious time with your families...!

Looks like the dissasterous party actually had a good outcome...?!
And Marco got dumped once again...!
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.