Speak To Me

(Jolie)

I let out a sigh, my eyes gliding across the crowd standing before me as I couldn't help but feel deflated..another charity ball that I was attending with my parents.. Even Rylan found a date..some girl he met through one of Mom's friends or something.

I mean..it's kind of my own fault..but after pining after Jamie for so damn long..I'm just exhausted. I have no motivation to go out there and look..and the guys my mom keeps introducing me to..oh god, they are all the same.

Some wealthy heir who claim to be ready to settle down and start a family, and yet I saw them just this past week on page six for the fourth or fifth time in the midst of a scandal.

Sadly, no one my age seems to want the same things as me..and what that is exactly, I guess I'm not sure anymore. I just know that I want something like what Jamie and Gabriella have..that instant connection where you don't doubt a single second that they are the one for you. But that seems rare..and with my luck..the person made for me is probably off somewhere in Antarctica or something..

"Sweetheart, stop slouching, You're going to make your dress wrinkled." My mother whispered into my ear, causing me to fight the urge to roll my eyes.

Don't get me wrong..I love my mother dearly, but she grew up in the South..a society where manners and image are everything. I even had to do the whole debutante ball thing..of course I wanted Jamie to escort me..

Now looking back, I can't help but feel so damn pathetic for how long I held onto that man..maybe I should just give up men altogether..

"Oh look, here come the Hernandez family." My mother informed me and I couldn't help but stiffen.

My gaze slowly rose, settling on Matteo Hernandez as I saw his stupid face smirking at me widely.

I couldn't stand Matteo..hated his guts..because even though I pined after Jamie for most of my life, Matteo was the one who took my virginity.

It happened a few years after high school. Jamie and my brother were coming back from college during winter break and I was so damn excited to see them..well, Jamie more than Rylan.

But when they got to the bar we were meeting at, Jamie came with a girl. Someone that he had been seeing just for only a week or so..I guess she kind of invited herself from what Rylan said. But I drank a lot that night and after Jamie left with the girl, I stayed behind.

That's where Matteo comes in.

I thought he might be able to help me move on from my crush..but no, if anything he pushed me closer to Jamie by being such a freaking jerk.

The morning after we had sex..which was my first time and I did tell him that..he pretty much told me to get out of his place and said his girlfriend..yes, his damn girlfriend was on her way over!!

I felt humiliated..the fact that I had to do the walk of shame after losing my virginity..I hadn't been with anyone since.

"José, Maria, it's nice to see you again." My dad suddenly stepped forward, his hand shaking Mr. Hernandez's firmly.

"You remember our daughter, Jolie, correct?" My father asked while motioning towards me.

I saw Matteo blatantly checking me out as his eyes wandered up and down my blush pink dress.

My mother picked out a floral gown with a mesh overlay that had flowers stitched into the bodice. The fabric clung to my curves, but the top was straight across, making it more modest. Then I put my blonde hair up in a neat bun, showing off the diamond earrings that my father had bought me for my eighteenth birthday.

My dress was beautiful..but I don't think that's what Matteo was admiring about it..and the mere thought made my skin crawl.

I can't believe I slept with that guy..

"Of course, such a beauty, just like her mother." Mr. Hernandez commented, making me frown slightly as I saw the old man eyeing my mom..I guess the apple didn't fall too far from the tree..

Dad seemed to pick up on the same thing I did as he wrapped his arm around Mom's waist before pulling her closer to him.

My mom just giggled and waved her hand in the air dismissively.

"Oh José, you do flatter me." My mom stated before looking up at my dad and giving him a reassuring smile.

They are another couple who seemed to be made for one another..my dad, Edward Walters was always the strong and silent type while my mother Caroline was outgoing and bubbly. Rylan has her personality to a tee.

Nolan is a lot more like our dad and I seem to be in the middle. I definitely look just like my mom though.

"This must be Matteo then, I haven't seen you in a few years..you turned into such a handsome man, hasn't he Jolie?" My mother added, making me stiffen as I tried my hardest not to look disgusted.

"Yes, nice to see you again." I stated stiffly, trying to muster any type of smile I could.

I glanced behind a smug-looking Matteo as my eyes quickly landed on Jamie..and then Gabriella..I swear my jaw almost hit the floor when I noticed her dress.

Holy shit..go Gabby!! She looks sexy as hell..and Jamie..well, he doesn't look too happy. Why does that make me want to laugh?

"Jolie..did you hear was I just said?" My mother asked when I nodded and pulled away from her slightly.

"Um yes...if you will excuse me though, I think I saw Gabriella Sinclair just walk in." I stated quickly before walking away as fast as I could and went to step towards my friend.

Man was I relieved to see her..

I was about to step around someone when I felt a large hand grip my arm from behind.

"Where are you off to so eagerly?" That deep annoying voice whispered next to my ear, making my body shudder as I turned to see Mateo now standing behind me.

"Um..can you please let me go? I am trying to say hi to my friends like I said." I muttered as politely as I could..feeling completely annoyed by this jerk.

"Not until we have a word first. I've been looking forward to seeing you all week long." He stated before tugging me towards him. I felt my brow furrow as I looked up at Matteo in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked, watching as Matteo's eyes seemed to darken before glancing down at my body longingly.

"Your mother didn't inform you?"

"About what?" I snapped, wishing he would just tell me already..jeez..

"She wanted to see if we would be a good match for a possible engagement. And if you do exactly what I say, maybe you will get lucky..from what I remember, you weren't a bad fuck..a little stiff..but that's expected for the first time." Matteo explained, causing my mouth to fall open as I quickly dug my heel into the floor, yanking my arm away from his grasp.

"Nice try, but no thanks. I'm sure you can find some other girl who would be more than willing to do whatever you want..but it won't be me." I laughed, finding this whole situation hilarious as Matteo clenched his jaw, making it tick.

"Oh yes it will be..you are coming with me Jolie, whether you like it or not." Matteo hissed, making me blink rapidly as he was about to reach out for me again when a tall brown haired stranger stepped between us, shocking me. "Yeah, I don't think she wants to go with you.."