8 comments/ 32795 views/ 48 favorites Cultural Diffusion Ch. 01 By: CoCoNiy101 This story took a lot longer than I thought it would to revise and polish up lol. Beware, the beginning is verrrrry slow. Just hold out and I'm sure by the time you begin to get truly bored; it'll pick up. But when reading keep in mind I tried to incorporate the Spanish by italicizing lines that I would expect to be said in complete Spanish so I didn't have to write it out and confused all you non bi- lingual people out there. Let me know how it works out for you *Shrug*. Plus all of the big main landmarks are real so if you ever go, make sure you visit them! Lol. :* Kat sat on her plane to the famous and beautiful Argentina in South America. The flight was almost over and she felt like a new woman as she entered the invisible gates of foreign land. She peered outside the small thick window saw vibrant colored homes and could already feel the spirit radiating off of the ground. The weather was as clear as day and the sun kept a beating ray of heat consistent. She fidgeted in her seat a little as she finally came to the realization that she'd be living here for 3 months completely rent free. She was thankful for the opportunity her career gave her to travel and teach young elementary grade kids the hard diction of English and other subjects too. Being skilled in over 5 different languages, she thought it'd be difficult to find a decent paying job but she was dead wrong. Not only was this job beneficial to her bank account, it fueled her curiosity of the world. The plane descended just the slightest amount and her seat neighbor woke up from his light dozing immediately. Kat noticed he was somewhat afraid of being up in the air and she was glad it was almost over; for his sake. He looked to be in his upper 40's and was extremely petit, which only made him more adorable in her eyes. "The plane will be landing in approximately 5 minutes, please buckle your seatbelts." The pilot announced from the ceiling. Kat reached her fingers for her seatbelt under her and buckled it delicately as the seatbelt sign and bell rang above her. Her partner was having a little bit of trouble finding the other end of his and as the seconds passed on, he seemed to get more angsty. Kat saw a small piece hanging from behind him and she decided she'd help him out. "Excuse me." She said. She didn't want to seem rude by reaching out so closely without any explanation. She pulled the buckle end out to his view and he smiled appreciatively. Kat returned it and he suddenly calmed down a little. "Thank you." He said quietly; embarrassed at his behavior. He didn't have anything to be embarrassed about though; people were more afraid of planes than anything else on this Earth. "No problem." She said back to him. She gathered her carry on from underneath her and made sure it was ready for a quick grab and go scenario when the plane finally touched the ground. As she reached for the handle a piece of her long breast length hair fell into her eyes. She was having a hard time dealing with it so straight, but she figured her ponytail routine wouldn't work for such an exotic vacation so she decided to visit her local hair parlor in her hometown New York. She wondered how the people would take to her odd accent, but realized every accent other than their own would be strange to them. She also doubted she'd ever speak English here; doing so would only make her that much more of a tourist. The plane did a big bump and everyone groaned in surprise. Kat sat back and enjoyed the classic feel of a plane descending at such a sharp angle. It was one of the best things about being on a plane in her opinion. As it thudded on the ground and her angle of vision leveled out to the point where she wasn't seeing the front of the plane where first class people sat, she took a big breath. The plane ran down the runner for a few minutes before it came to a subtle stop and everyone began rising from the dead and out of their seats. The cute little man beside her was up and grabbing his bag off the shelf within an instant and she couldn't help but pick up the rushing spirit of everyone else. She grabbed her bag and waited to be let off the plane. Once she was out she allowed the busy people to speed by her as she casually strolled down to the baggage claim. But she couldn't help but visit the women's room on the way for a quick moment to freshen herself up. The 13 hour flight couldn't have done anything good for her looks. She stared at her deep mahogany colored skin and used a napkin dipped slightly in some water to gently wipe it down. Then she ran her fingers through her jet black with a light tint of blue hair parted down the side. Her choice of clothes had been something comfortable yet also something she wouldn't mind walking around in. The tan, lightweight linen shorts let her breathe and the grey v-neck was simple. She had brought many clothes to teach in that were somewhat dressy but all the others were as casually cute as she could be. She smiled at herself in the mirror; not able to hold back her excitement with herself and then grabbed her bags to continue her journey back to baggage claim. The terminal was so packed full of people speaking fluent Spanish. Her bag was one of the very few left and she was glad she didn't have to wait or search. She struggled with getting it off of the high revolver but succeeded eventually. Then she followed the terminal down to the exit where she saw many taxi's awaiting their next customer. She picked up her pace now; finally having some purpose and strolled to the exit. The air outside was something outstanding and she could've sworn she was in a different world. It held a light scent of sea water and pure, clean and blissful oxygen. She took a minute to enjoy this and the perfect weather before getting the attention of a driver. The woman was leaning against her red taxi but rose up when she noticed Kat approaching her. "Hola senorita." Kat spoke in a perfect Spanish accent that seemed to surprise the woman. Her eyebrow was somewhat raised and her wavy hair swayed as the wind blew gently. "Hola, hable español?" She asked. "Yes I do." Kat said proudly, while putting her luggage into the trunk of the car that the driver had opened for her. She moved to the back seat door and carefully sat inside. "So where are we going sweetheart?" She asked politely in spanish. "Um, Empire Hotel." Kat replied, gazing at the scenery outside her window. She wondered how the busy people failed to notice the wonder of the city. But then she remembered they had practically seen it every day, maybe even everyday of their lives and simply became immune. The houses were town styled and painted colorfully, none of them seeming modern in anyway. Everyone was focused on their destinations or having fun on the streets, enjoying conversation, music or delicious looking food. Kat could barely wait to get to the hotel just to come back out again and explore her new surroundings. Although she had been on a plane for well past a sleep night, she wasn't tired at all. The sun was out and that meant she needed to be too. The fast paced music played over the radio and it fit perfectly with what she was seeing. The rapid beat and fun rhythm was a definition of this town and she was suddenly very content with where her life would be heading. Once she reached the hall where her hotel room was located she used the key to open the big door. Inside was a small bed, kitchen and TV but it was perfect for her. The walls were bright green and the bed comforter was a matching shade. The kitchen was basic but looked pretty up to date and the bathroom was clean, which was all she was focused on. As she walked to the bed she noticed a window she couldn't see from the entrance way. It was floor to ceiling length and showed a great view of the city. The curtains on either side were black and thick but she knew they'd never be used. The scene her eyes were taking in was something unreal and seemed like a moving photo in a travel book. Soon after, she began to place her clothes in their permanent spot for the next few months inside the armoire then decided she wanted to completely freshen up before she endeavored out to see the sights of the city. The water was hot and the steam relaxed her neck which had gotten a little stiff from leaning on the window of the plane when she took brief naps. Once she was out she went into the kitchen to see it was empty of food except for a coffee machine and packages of ground beans. Kat opened the package and placed it in its proper place to begin the coffee. As it buzzed quietly she went to find an outfit to wear that would suit the evening tour she was going to give herself. She settled on a pair of fitted dark jeans and a black and grey v-neck. Of course she had to wear her therapeutic sandals that she had purchased specifically for the Argentinean cobble stone sidewalks she may have to endure that cost a pretty penny. But it was a good investment and she agreed to spoil herself just this once, completely forgetting her sparing mentality. She brushed out her hair and it spilled over her shoulders but she pushed it back delicately. After this was done, she noticed her ears were so naked and it didn't seem right not to wear any earrings. She rummaged through her bag for her plain gold dots and put them on carefully, being sure not to drop them. She figured she needed to buy a few back up pair because it would only be a matter of time before those disappeared. Her coffee beeped completion and she strolled to it slowly. She poured herself some in a Styrofoam cup and added the perfect amount of creamer and sugar. She sat on the edge of her bed and enjoyed the view of cars passing by, people talking and the view of them too. Her sips were slow and she was already getting pleasure from her stay. She'd get even more that Monday after the weekend, when she taught at the school a few blocks away. She loved working with kids and knew it would be something she'd love to do for the rest of her life. Plus she took joy in decoding languages and using them regularly. So why not do both at the same time and hit the double whammy of fulfillment? Kat's coffee was nearing its last drop and she figured it was time to get going. She threw away her cup and packed her brown crossover. She filled it with her I.D, international phone, compact brush, peso card and key to the hotel room. She took the elevator down 5 levels to the ground floor and strolled out onto the streets. Her amble was slow and controlled as she took some moments to admire shops and people. The sun had lost some of its power and it got a little cooler, but it still had to be in the upper 70's. The shops were lighting up the streets and it was just as lively as it had been this late afternoon when she first arrived. She came across a small store that sold gorgeous jewelry and she couldn't help but wander inside. The store played slow, gentle Spanish music that was just as intriguing as the upbeat ones. She figured nothing in the store was extremely expensive because it all sat out on racks instead of in glass cases. But Kat was grateful that she could see all the merchandise up close. She scanned over some simple studs that displayed a 'K' for each ear. Usually she didn't go for jewelry that would be classified as childish and immature but these didn't give off that vibe. The intricate vines and flowers carved inside the gold gave them a sophisticate feel and she couldn't help but pick them up with intentions to purchase them. She walked up to the register where a young girl stood. She had to be in her early teens but her features could convince you otherwise. Her hair was long and straight with perfect facial accents. She rang up Kat's purchases and announced her charge in fluent Spanish. Kat got out exact change and thanked her. Kat continued to walk down the strip of shops and noted the big grocery store. It was filled with aisles and she knew she would need to visit it sometime. She was so grateful her hotel was so close to civilization. She would never have to wander too far if it wasn't for her own enjoyment. As she neared the ending of a block, she couldn't help but make a note of the change in atmosphere. There were strings of lights hanging in the sky, draped from nearby poles that illuminated the streets. Along with that was the darkness from the lack of shops around, plus the pulsating sound of a guitar filled the air. She looked down the street to the right to see a few people crowded in that area, which she couldn't help but guess was where the sounds were coming from. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she sauntered over towards the crowd. The soprano lullaby amplified and Kat was mesmerized by the prettiness. She stood behind a small old woman who she silently thanked for being the perfect size. The man playing the wooden guitar was in his upper 50's and let his silver hair curtain his face from the audience as he focused on his form of art. His dress shoe tapped lightly on the ground to his own personal beat and Kat was feeling the music thump through her core. She let her eyes drift closed as the light wind blew her hair in its proper place behind her shoulder. Then she found herself subconsciously swaying to the harmony. "Absolutamente hermosa." An unknown man whispered in her ear. The light wisp on her skin frightened Kat as she quickly turned around to face her anonymous admirer. His pitch black hair was tamed in perfect ringlets stopping at his shoulder, and had a light gloss to it as it stood on a head scraping at least 6'2. His jaw bone was strong and masculine, reminding her of a jagged 'U' shape. The eyebrows on this man were thick and perfectly arched as his eyelashes reached for infinity while framing almond colored irises. His skin was yellow with a light tint of bronze that she had seen a lot in Argentina so far, but his rosy cheeks were still visible. Kat felt shy under his close watch and somewhat uncomfortable at their foreignness with one another contradicting their body closeness. "Absolutely beautiful?" He asked with a light smile, showing his perfect pearly whites. He switched to English figuring it had something to do with her inability to show reaction, but it didn't. It was his good looks. "Oh, I understood you, but uh, gracias." She said, trying to squeeze through him and someone else standing beside him, but they were much too focused on the entertainment to notice her. "I'm Alejandro." He said, trying to offer her his dense hand. Once he had followed her out of the crowd she turned to face him and held out her own with a smile filled with ache. His arm flexed as they shook hands and she could see the defined muscles in his forearm and bicep peaking from under the skin. "Kat." She said quietly. "Nice to meet you señorita." He said. "You like Argentina so far?" "Yes, it's great." Kat said, staring down the street at a shop selling genuine Hispanic foods. It was filled with people and wished to be waiting in line to order. Alejandro followed her big dark brown eyes and raised an eyebrow with a half smile while he turned his attention back towards her. Felt he was being a little too familiar with her so soon. She barely knew him and he was acting as if they had been friends for weeks. But then she considered that it came too naturally to be forced, and being friendly was probably a piece of his character. "Hambre?" He asked her. "Would you mind if I joined you?" He asked laughing and Kat could just barely make out his words. His strong accent was already difficult to decipher but the muscular, manly laugh made things even more arduous. Kat thought it over for a moment. He was pretty cute, and knowing someone couldn't hurt. But she felt pleasure in solitude and she may have just wanted it then. "Por favor?" He asked with a bottom lip protruding lightly. He sensed her apprehension and knew that if he could make her laugh or smile, they'd be eating together. Kat chuckled slightly at his childish behavior and nodded in compliance. They walked side by side towards the restaurant called "Mariana's Cocina" or Mariana's Kitchen in translation. Once inside they found a booth and sat across from each other. The idea was very Hispanically home styled and comfortable. When they first entered there were people lined up at the counter trying to order to go but Alejandro led her to the more restaurant themed area. Peaceful Spanish music played in the background as an overhanging light lit up the table. Alejandro held a goofy closed lip smile as he gawked into Kat. Kat stared up from her menu to give him a weird look. He laughed in response. "I didn't think you would agree to let me come." He said lazily leaning back in his seat. "Why not?" She asked, not looking up from the menu. There was a Spanish side and an English one as well. Kat decided to read both, just to test her Spanish skills. There were so many dishes she'd love to try, and she knew she'd be returning here again during her 3 month stay. "You didn't look like you wanted me to." "Well, we're kind of strangers. But, I wouldn't mind having someone to eat with." She said, still reading intently. "Mhm. What are you ordering?" Alejandro asked, tapping his thick finger pads on the wooden table. Kat was coming to the decision that she'd probably be eating a crawfish and shrimp quesadilla. But she still wasn't sure. "I'm not too sure, what do you think I should get?" She asked, closing her menu completely to give him her full attention. He smiled at the sudden focus on himself and began speaking with the body language of a famous, well known philosopher. "Wonderful that you ask. I'll suggest the... what's the word for uh, ennegrecido?" He asked thoughtfully. Kat was happy to assist him. "Blackened." She said quietly. "Ah, the blackened salmon with jambalaya or the crawfish quesadilla." "I was actually considering the quesadilla. Crazy that you mentioned that." Kat said, pondering the coincidence levels of that moment. He seemed amused from across the table. "So it seems you have to get the quesadillas." He said shrugging. "Hola. What can I get you?" A woman asked, approaching them from the back of the restaurant. "Polo con arroz y craw fish quesadilla." Alejandro said to the woman. Kat didn't mind that he ordered for her, considering he did know what she wanted. "Beber?" The woman asked while still scribbling on her pad. "Uh, Limonada." Kat said quietly. "Dos por favor." Alejandro told her, and she picked up their menu's and turned around without saying a word. "When did you get in Argentina?" He asked. "A few hours before I met you." Kat said, laughing at how much she had already gone through in her short amount of time on this new soil. Alejandro joined in, raising an eyebrow. "So how long is your visit?" He asked. "3 months." Kat said. "Oh wow, a long vacation." He said with an eyebrow raised. "I'm teaching so it isn't all a vacation." "Okay, so school doesn't start until when?" He asked. Kat didn't need to be in his mind to know he was thinking up some kind of plan in his head. She replied cautiously. "Tomorrow." "So I'll be showing you around next weekend." He said casually as their drinks arrived to the table. The waitress sat them down and he thanked her silently. He didn't even bother to ask her politely but assumed she'd be willing to do it. "Are you offering?" She asked, bringing her drink up to her lips. The lemonade was perfect; not too sweet but just the right amount of tartness. "Si." He said, watching Kat intently. "Well I'm accepting. I'm staying at the hotel up the street." She said pointing in the direction it would be if they weren't inside. He nodded, already knowing what she was talking about. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 01 "I'll be there Saturday afternoon." He said toying with the straw in his glass. "I want to start earlier. If you don't want to wake-" She began. "Okay, alright." He said frantically. He wanted to stop her from going on a rant. "I'll be outside at 9, on Saturday." He said, rolling his eyes playfully. Kat smiled at him. "You'd really do that? You're willing to give up sleeping in on a Saturday, just to tour me around?" She asked incredulously. The teasing was light in her voice when she acknowledged his evident crush on her. He shrugged, smiling as his cheeks turned a little pinker than they had been earlier. "Thank you." She said thoughtfully. "You're welcome." "So what do you do for a living?" She asked him while stirring up her lemonade, keeping her eyes down into her cup. He didn't answer for a few seconds and she looked up at him to see his face in pure confusion. "What? I'm sorry, sometimes I think I'm doing well with my English and then someone says a new phrase that doesn't make sense to me." He said, somewhat embarrassed. Kat felt a lot of sympathy for him and hated to see the fun, upbeat man so shy and bashful. Plus that sentence wouldn't have made sense to her either if she were in his shoes. "Oh, it's perfectly fine. I'm asking what you do as a job." She said "Ay, I'm a paramedic. But I do handy work too." Kat wasn't surprised. She knew he did something with his hands and body, remembering the coarse hands and muscles she had seen earlier. She decided to glaze his body over once again and took in his strong collar bone with perfect toned breast muscles. "Do you like kids?" He asked "Yeah, I love them." "I have 2 of my own." He stated, watching her expression carefully. Kat wasn't too bothered with it, and her reaction told him just that. She understood sometimes people had kids with people they weren't meant to be with, but it doesn't mean the kids weren't meant to exist. "Wow, that's great. How old?" She asked. "Both 3, twins." "What're they're names?" Kat asked. She didn't want to ask what happened with him and their mother because they were nowhere near a relationship where that question would be appropriate in her opinion. If she were to ask now, it would seem as nothing more than snooping. "Maribel and Diego." "Very cute." Kat said with a smile. The food appeared behind Alejandro and the plates were steaming. The woman gracefully placed them in front of their rightful consumer and Kat studied her serving dish. The quesadillas were crisp but the cheese was oozing from the sides. She used her knife and fork to cut a piece off delicately and dip it into the sour cream and salsa on the side of her plate. As she looked up, Alejandro was staring at her in disgust. Kat felt suddenly self-conscious. "Mira, that's not how we eat quesadillas. You need to pick it up- yes, use your hands. And bring it to your mouth. Like pizza." He said with a lot of false attitude. Kat laughed and slowly picked it up and took a bite. She had to admit; it was better than wasting time slicing. Plus she was able to eat a great deal more at a time. "What did you want to see on the tour?" Alejandro asked. Kat sat thoughtful for a moment, and then realized she didn't know. "Anything really. Just the city." She said. The rest of dinner went smoothly and Alejandro had insisted on walking Kat back to her hotel since it was well past 11:00. Kat was glad she had 2 quesadillas left over to eat, so it wasn't mandatory that she visit the grocery. She turned to face him as they approached the hotel lobby doors and he looked exhausted but his eyes still held a sparkle as they gazed at one another. "Well, I'll meet you here on Saturday at 9." Kat said, wanting to ease up the tension between them. He shoved his hands in his dark jeans and looked down on her with a languid smile on his features. One of his perfect curls fell in his face but he barely acknowledged it. "Yep... I think our first date went nicely. Don't you?" He asked, flashing his teeth. Kat spoke robotically and scarcely processed his words. "Oh yeah, I had a gre- What? This was not a date." She said, half laughing and more serious. He boomed a hefty laugh as she showed an emotion he had never seen on her. "It was to me. But alright Kat, if you say so." He said shrugging and beginning to walk back down the street. "Buenos noche Hermosa!" He called behind him. Kat couldn't help but stand with her arms crossed and smiling at the stylish figure as he sexily wandered into the darkness. She relished her day and suddenly her own fatigue crept up on her and she eagerly walked back into the hotel to sleep and dream about the outgoing Alejandro with the magnificent curls. *********** Kat awoke at 7 when her phone's alarm rang. She huffed and slowly rose from the bed. The curtains were open and the rising sun peaked over the houses. As she remembered the reason for her early awakening, her excitement grew within her. Today was her first day of teaching. She padded to the bathroom and began a steamy shower that quickly had the room foggy. Kat washed and shaved every part of herself thoroughly. She knew she wanted to wear her navy chiffon boat neck dress with the draw string around the waist. It reached her knees and was perfect for a day like this. As she stepped out of the shower, she applied lotion quickly and sprayed a few sprits of perfume. When she came out of the shower, it was nearly 7:30. She made herself coffee and decided to style her hair and pick out her earrings while she waited. Kat arrived at the Argentinean school and found the main office right beside the entrance. The heat inside was probably even hotter than the temperature outside. The school was very professionally decorated and it hardly seemed like a school at all. The front office was cooled with an air conditioner that was working hard. The woman at the front desk laid eyes on Kat and knew who she was immediately. She let her cool hand elongate out for Kat's and she took it politely. "Hello Ms. Reynolds. I'm Marlennys Rodriguez. I'll be showing you around really fast before class starts." The woman said as she stood from behind her desk and walked toward her. She was a young beautiful woman with light brown hair that framed her face in a pixie cut. Her Monroe mole beside her lips worked in her favor. "Thank you. I'm Kat." Kat said, and the woman held the door open for them to step out into the blazing hallways. They strolled leisurely down the foyer and she pointed toward a door close by the entrance Kat had just came through. "This is your classroom here." Marlennys said as they passed the tall door with a big glass window in the upper half of the door. Kat gave a quick glance inside to see it was painted a bright blue. The desk was nestled into the front left corner and all the desks faced hers. She couldn't wait to meet her students and start teaching. "This is the faculty bathroom. You have a bathroom in your class for the kids but teachers usually use this one during the day because it's generally cleaner." The two walked down the hall a little further and Marlennys opened a door labeled Teacher's Only. It was at the very end of the hall and a window sat against the wall adjacent to the door. The interior of this room was somewhat lazy. It was styled in the settings of a typical living room. There was a small kitchen on the right beside the door, a TV and couch ahead and a vending machine blinking to the left. Kat saw the bulky copy machine in the back corner too. "The teacher's room is open all day." Kat knew she wouldn't be visiting this often. Her personality didn't allow her to be comfortable relaxing when she knew she was in a work environment. *********** "Thank you so much for the tour." Kat told Marlenny's as they arrived back to her classroom. Marlennys smiled. "No problem. Let me know if you need anything and make sure you come by after the day is over." She said before she gave Kat a reassuring rub on her shoulder and walked off down the hall. Kat opened the door to her room and propped it open in preparation to go inside. She walked into her sweltering room and pondered the thought to open the windows. If she did, the only thing it would result in is the temperature outside and the temperature outside to mixing into a lethal combination of pure heat. Both climates were beyond 85 degrees, and it was only 8 in the morning. She rested her bag onto her desk and set up her pencils and pens. "Ms. Reynolds?" A voice called in a Spanish accent at the door. The hard knock on the entry startled her. A man a little taller than her in height with piercing green eyes and short buzz cut hair called at her door. His small earring stud shined lightly as he walked en route for her. "Yes. Um, call me Kat." She replied before she stepped around her desk to offer her hand. He was dressed in a black polo that hugged his 6 pack and slacks. His lips were full and pink. His features were feminine, but something about him screamed he was a strong, healthy and handsome man. "Nice to meet you. I'm Luis Montez." He smiled at her as he took her hand and his dimples flexed deeply. "I teach across the hall." He used his head to gesture out the door and back in the direction of where she had just been. "Oh okay. Is --" Kat started, but the school bell signaled school was starting. She could immediately hear the kids running through the halls and into their classrooms. She felt a pang of nervousness in her core as the possibilities of the day ran through her mind. What if the kids didn't like her? "I'll be back later." He said as he eyed the kids entering behind him. Kat nodded in approval. He pivoted around and the 5 kids in the room went crazy when they saw him. They screamed his name and jumped while clawing at his legs in excitement. He smiled contently and kneeled down to talk to them. "What's up? Look—you guys better make sure you're on your best behavior for Ms. Kat. Alright?" Luis said to the kids, and when he said her name he turned and offered her a subtle wink back toward the front of the room. The kids agreed and they were on the verge of tears when he stood up to exit back in the direction of his own room. The first graders took their seats and chatted with one another quietly. As the bell rang to signal the kids who were supposed to be in class should have been, Kat walked to the front of her desk carefully. She almost laughed at how nervous she was while she stood in front of the young kids. Her palms got sweaty and their talking grew into silence. "Good morning. I'm Ms. Reynolds." Kat said fretfully as the kids stared at her in silence. "Hi Ms. Reynolds." A small girl sitting right within Kat's reach whispered. The delicate voice and wide eyes startled her. She looked down onto the tan girl with a sharp angled bob cut neatly in her hair. "What's your name?" Kat asked her with an admiring smile. The girl twirled her fingers on the table before she answered in the same low voice. "Delora." "Nice name. Thank you for being so kind. But I just thought of an idea—Let's play a game." As soon as Kat spoke of the word 'game', the kids erupted in mummers and cheers of excitement. Kat smiled at their innocence and ability to be so easily roused up. The game was based on getting to know them as individuals, and she had hopes on warming up to them, and vice versa in the process. ********* It was lunch time and the kids got to play outside in the school's playground. Kat was very concerned about them playing in the blazing heat but was reassured by Luis that they were used to it, and almost never got too overheated. He sat before Kat at her desk and they enjoyed their lunch in her classroom. "How is it so far?" He asked her, while picking up a spoonful of something authentically Hispanic from a bowl he had gotten from home. Kat had brought along her leftover quesadillas from the night prior, and seeing the food before her only made her think of Alejandro. "It's going okay. They haven't welcomed me yet, but that should come with time so I'm not too worked up over it." She murmured honestly. Luis nodded in agreement with her truthful words. "Exactly. But you seem like a genuinely nice person and I'm sure it won't take too long." He said, looking up at her from across the table at the same time he gave her a small smile. Kat smiled back at him. His tone held a lot of certainty behind it and was reassuring. "When did you go to Mariana's cocina?" He asked. Kat looked down on her food. "Oh, last night." "I love the crawfish and shrimp quesadilla." He said smiling. "Yeah, it's really good. But the sauce thing it came with was a little too spicy." Kat laughed. "What? They gave you the regular!" He said and then began to laugh at her purity. "That couldn't have been the regular." Kat said in a stern voice. She remembered when she snuck a small taste with her fork at the table and it burned her tongue as soon as the contact was made. A few kids ran through her door and signaled their break was over. Luis recapped his container quickly. He stood at a snail's pace and Kat followed his lead. "Thanks for spending lunch with me. I know you could've just sat in the nice conditioned Teacher's room." She said in a joking manner. Luis chuckled whole heartedly and began walking toward the door before he replied. "My pleasure." He said as he reached the door. Kat smiled even as he walked out of view and she silently wondered how these Argentinean men were so smooth with the women. Their presence and voice alone could get a woman ready to drop her panties at their call. *************** "Marlennys?" Kat called as she entered the office and she wasn't behind her desk. But as soon as she spoke, her short brown head appeared from under the desk and she fully sat up. She smiled warmly at Kat and she returned it. "Oh, hello. I was getting my bag. What are you doing tomorrow afterschool?" She said in English. Kat predicted the use of her name without the Spanish pronunciation triggered her to talk in Kat's tongue. "Um, nowhere actually." Kat said shrugging her shoulders. Marlenny's sat in her seat considerately and Kat waited patiently for her to speak. "How about we do something? Coffee or shopping. Just something fun." Her proposal caught Kat off guard and as she thought through the offer, she agreed with herself that it sounded wonderful. "I'd love to." Kat said with a smile. She already knew she had 3 people she could turn to with her questions about the city and its people. To know she had natives she could depend on in the point of her life where she expected to be the most vulnerable and naïve was gratifying. "Great. Just come by my office tomorrow and we can head out." She said while brushing a piece of her hair out of her eyes. "Nice. But Marlennys, I need a computer to use. Do you know where I could get to one?" Kat said. She needed to shoot an email to people back home who were expecting some word from her within her first few days of arriving. "Of course. There's a coffee spot with some computers you can pay a few pesos to use up the next street. Go out the way you came in and follow the street—it'll be on the left hand side." She said, using her hands to motion in the store's location. "Thanks so much. See you tomorrow." She called as she walked back down the heated halls and out toward the setting sun outside. Once she was outside, she followed the street aimlessly and focused her attention on the left side. A light breeze had originated in the air and blew Kat's hair around her face, she brushed it away from her eyes and refocused her vision. As she did, her eyes landed directly on the Cyber Café. She was the type of person who was terrible with directions and finding locations. So that finding was a definite accomplishment. The café part of the store was the first thing she saw as she walked inside, and hushed Spanish music hummed over her head. Kat smiled pleasantly at the woman working the counter. There were computers lined up around the back of the room and she took the available one in the corner of the room that still faced the entrance of the store. Kat smoothed her dress under her bottom as she sat and reached into her cross over bag for her money. The small box beside the computer told her she would need 25 pesos for 5 minutes; that was all she needed. She brought up her email after the computer loaded and processed her money. She had an email from Patricia. Patricia was the one and only person she had intentions of emailing that evening. Katty Pooh? Did you get there yet? It took me an hour to figure out how to use this computer thing. Now it's taking 10 minutes to write this email! Write me back hun. Miss ya, Pat. Patricia was the closest thing Kat had to family. She was a foster child who went in and out of homes regularly as a kid. But Patricia was a short blonde woman who was the last foster mother she ever had before she graduated high school as a distinguished honors student. Kat's biological mother was a mystery to her and everyone else in this world. She just knew her youth was such a struggle. Luckily she was blessed with families who never hurt her or took advantage of her tainted upbringing but it still hurt to never be stable. Hey Pat. I got here yesterday and I can honestly say I love it. The people are so welcoming and the men are gorgeous haha. I'll send you some jewelry soon and I know you'll like it. Today was my first day of work as well and it went better than I thought it would. My nerves were taking over before class began, but with time I got past them. I'm sure I'll be 20 pounds heavier when I get back too, this food is irresistible. But it's 5 o'clock here and I'm heading back to the hotel after this email gets sent. I miss you and I'll check my email every Monday and Wednesday so email back before then! Love, Kat. Kat logged out of her email with 1 minute and 30 seconds to spare on the timer. She stood up and pushed her chair in behind her as she walked back toward the entrance. She considered getting a cup of coffee to enjoy on the way back to the hotel. As the line came into view, she laid eyes on the faintly familiar structure standing in line. His tall and lean body was slightly angled backward due to his arm crossing posture. His long curls reached a little further down his back than she remembered yesterday because his jaw tilted upward to observe the menu ahead of him. Kat regretted her choice to stop walking and gawk at him awkwardly until she realized it was never a choice she herself had made. It was a natural reaction to seeing him. Her still body drew his peripheral vision in her direction and when he made contact with her eyes a tricky smile formed on his lips. "Ah, Kat. You couldn't get enough huh? Saturday will come faster than you think. I promise" He said as she approached him. She rolled her eyes playfully and waved off his conceited comments. "Whatever. I was clearly in here first so if anyone couldn't get enough, it was you." Kat said back at him. She subtlety moved a piece of her hair behind her shoulder. Alejandro's tone of voice startled her as he spoke. "I guess you're right." He said sexily and he looked down on her. Kat shuffled her feet in discomfort modestly and he moved up in line. Kat was ready to exit the café and her eyes locked with the door. "Wait for me? I'll walk you back to your hotel." He said right before he turned toward the counter to order his drink. Kat slowly walked toward the door to wait for him and she watched as he ordered from afar. He wore a pale blue paramedics uniform and she guessed he had just gotten off of work. He sauntered over with 2 drinks in his hand and a smile on his face. He handed her the plastic cup filled with lemonade and held the door open so she could exit. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 01 "You didn't have to buy me anything. But thank you." She said brightly while they walked slowly down the street. "No big deal ." He said while keeping his eyes ahead. Kat sipped quietly on her straw as they walked in silence. The temperature had dropped significantly within the last hour or two and she was grateful Alejandro didn't have to see her sweating bullets in the sun. "You look nice. Very... what's the word?" He truly asked her. Kat raised an eyebrow up at him and also wondered about the word was he was looking for. "I'm not sure. You tell me." She said smiling up at him skeptically. He ran a hand through the crown of his head to push back a few ringlets. A rush of stimulation coursed through her nether regions and Kat averted her eyes. Alejandro had the tendency to look like a model even when doing casual everyday things. "Conservative! That's the word. You look very conservative." He said. A touch of accomplishment was in his voice but he toned it down toward the completion of his sentence. Kat looked down on her dress and realized she did look like somewhat of a grandma. "I'm a teacher though. I can't be too casual." She said, waving toward her navy boat neck dress that held small pleats in the skirt. "I guess that is true... How was work today? Did the kids like you?" He asked, seeming beyond doubt concerned. Kat took another sip of her tasty drink before she answered with a shrug. "They were shy. But I wasn't expecting us to be best friends on the first day." Kat said. "It's nice you think that way. But it's also the right way to think. You're a very sweet woman, I think even the kids will see it with time." Kat couldn't help but chuckle at his words, even though they were flattering. "What's funny?" Alejandro asked. "Nothing, and thank you for the compliment. But it's just that a guy -- teacher at the school said something along those lines today too." Kat said looking up at him briefly. "Oh. Well it's nice someone else is seeing what I see in you." He said rigidly. Kat took note of the nature of his words and she had a hunch he was a jealous type. And Alejandro was indeed very territorial. They walked in silence for a minute or two; Kat too unsure of what to reply. But when the right amount of time passed, she was able to comfortably bring up a new subject. "Where are the kids?" She asked curiously. "Maribel is at ballet and Diego is with his grandpa. I'm picking them both up after this." He said, taking a peek at his wrist watch. Kat nodded slowly. "What do they do during the day? It's surprising to see how many people send their kids to school during the summer; parents in America don't do it too much, unless they need it." Kat said, relishing in her own words. Her students were very intelligent and knew more than she expected, but her class was almost 30 kids dense in the beginning of June. Although she knew she'd be teaching alternative Summer classes, she didn't think she'd have so many kids. "They go to school but it's for younger kids—I'm not sure what you'd call that. But it's common. People want their kids to be ahead here." Alejandro said offhandedly. The pair arrived at the hotel's front doors a lot faster than Kat remembered when she took the walk that morning. Just as she did the previous night, she stood before him. "Thanks again." Kat said before she turned back in the direction of her hotel. "Kat." He whispered behind her. When she turned to face him, assuming he'd be in the same spot he once was, he was two feet closer. Kat's view was only of his blue uniform and the button placed on the breast pocket. She took in a short breath and in return got to smell the sweet scent of his locks. She felt something small hit her head and looked up to find a tress of his hair dangling right above her eyes. He moved it slowly and Kat experience that same withering in her panties. Before she had a chance to admire his face, it was coming toward her. His calloused hand cupped her silky jaw and his pink lips were meeting hers. Every hair on his head was falling toward Kat's face along with shielding their lips in a dark curtain no curious spectators eyes could penetrate. He only allowed their lips to come together for no longer than 2 seconds before he pecked her cheek and removed his head. "Buenos noche Hermosa. Maybe you can follow me somewhere tomorrow too?" He said as he walked away and threw her a fully toothed smile before he rounded the corner and was no longer in sight. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 02 "I've been to America a few times." Marlennys said from the opposite side of the shelf. She and Kat were in a large vintage shop that sold everything you could think of. A medium height shelf filled with small pieces of jewelry separated the two women as they shopped and chatted simultaneously. "What'd you think about it?" Kat asked while inspecting a bracelet she thought Patricia might have liked. "It's nice. The people are very foreign and cold to one another, even though they are strangers." Marlennys said with a thoughtful look. Kat nodded in agreement. Wherever she went, someone always said good morning, good evening, goodnight or just gave her a warm smile. "Yeah, I've noticed that." "I'm sure Argentina is a big change for you... do you like it?" She said. "I really do. It's almost as busy as the city, but in its own way its better." "Very true. Although 3 months is a long time. Hopefully you won't get home sick." Marlennys said with a devious grin. Every emotion or expression she made still left her looking beautiful. "I don't think I will." Kat said truthfully. She had a lot to work with in this new country and her business and excitement should stop her from reflecting on America. Her job was something she loved, she had great people to depend on and Alejandro had his own positive effect. "Good. So Luis has sort of a thing for you hm?" Marlennys asked Kat. Kat looked up at her immediately with intentions on reading her face for any type of joking expression. "No, I don't think it's like that with him—or for me." She said. "Ay mama, I'm not sure. He definitely seems like he likes you. But maybe not. I don't know everything." She said with a chuckled. "... Did he say something to you?" Kat asked. She really didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings especially someone who was so sweet and warm to her. The only person she could really consider as anything more than a friend, wasn't Luis. "No. But he doesn't need to. Again, I don't know everything." Marlennys said. But Kat knew she wouldn't be able to get over the possibility of giving someone the wrong idea. ************** KAT'S TOUR. Kat could barely sleep the night before her date. She repeatedly let her mind wander toward the kiss she and Alejandro shared and it kept her on edge. She anticipated the next time their lips would be able to connect and it sent tingles down her spine. She had her outfit of jean shorts and a red strapless baby doll top that set her skin nicely, planned out on the dresser. Kat enjoyed her coffee while watching the civilians outside and spotted Alejandro approaching the hotel. To clarify the time with herself she found it was 8:24. She smiled with her arms crossed while she watched him walk leisurely towards the hotel entrance below her. His curls were drenched and much longer than they were earlier that week; he must have just taken a shower. Kat waited just a few more minutes before heading down to meet him He was sitting in the lobby chair reading a Spanish magazine as Kat approached him. He looked up at her and gave her a half smile. Kat smiled back in response as he got out of his seat. "Where to first?" He asked her. He began laughing as they walked out onto the sidewalk when Kat gave him a disbelieving look. She couldn't believe her tour guide was asking her where she wanted to go. "I'm joking." He laughed. They walked out towards the street and Alejandro approached a black Camry. He began to unlock the doors and but noticed Kat's expression. "What?" He asked. "Do you mind if we take public transportation? I really don't know you too well..." She said bashfully. Alejandro laughed and nodded thoughtfully. He really couldn't blame her for wanting to be safe. He waved his hands to signal a cab and it stopped for him immediately. He held the door open for her and she thanked him quietly in sweet Spanish. "Argentina museum." He told the driver. He nodded and pulled off back into traffic. Kat gave into the need to fully take in the scent of his hair; they smelled like the ripest mango to have ever existed. The scent swarmed in the enclosed space and she wished she could get a little closer to smell it. His hair dried quickly and it was now perfectly curled and giving him ultimate sex appeal. "Where are your kids?" Kat asked. "With their mama. They'll be home tonight. She has them on the weekends but she's doing something tomorrow and needed to bring them home early." "Oh okay." Kat said nodding. "You like museums don't you?" He asked sincerely. "Yes." "Okay great." Alejandro said in relief. He leaned back into his seat a little further and Kat silently admired his dark jeans and navy blue crew neck tee. *************** "You really like this stuff?" Alejandro asked. Kat noticed his blatant boredom with this museum. Kat quietly read off all the podiums and every time she had a question to ask him about some background history on the monument he was either looking around carelessly or watching her with dreamy eyes. She wondered what made him choose this place to begin with if he knew he wouldn't like it. "Yes, it's interesting." Kat said, defending a museum on an area that wasn't even hers. She would expect him to hold a little more enthusiasm than he did. He rolled his eyes playfully and Kat had no other option then to laugh and smirk. She was really enjoying being around Alejandro and she didn't want to imagine their day together ending. "You ever been to America?" Kat asked as they walked down a tribal wing of the museum. The white floors tuned into wood and the lights went dim to add emphasis to the jungle theme of the area. "Yes, a few times to see some family in New York." He said casually. Kat was uplifted at the discovery and Alejandro watched her distractedly as her energy level grew. "I'm from New York." She said with a bright smile on her face. Alejandro nodded as if he already knew and had some previous evidence to explain how he assumed it. "I heard your accent, it sounded familiar." He said, focusing his attention away from her and into the adjacent glass case. Kat stopped in front of a podium to read but this time she read in her head silently. He stepped beside her, the closest he had been since their kiss. Kat could feel the electricity of his feather light breathing on the top of her head. She blinked a little longer than normal and his quiet voice startled her. "Why aren't you reading out loud?" He asked in a bass voice. "I just thought you wouldn't want to hear me talk about—" "No." He started quickly. "Let me hear your voice." He whispered into her ear. Kat could've sworn she heard a smile in his accent, but she couldn't force herself to open her eyes and stop dwelling on his effect on her. She felt a little weak in her knees and she could tell Alejandro was still within touching space. She opened her eyes to see his own eyes on her powerfully. He looked so intrigued by her response as they continued to watch one another. He took another 3 seconds to gaze at her before he proceeded towards her lips. Kat closed her eyes in preparation to be pecked and felt the soft lips graze over hers just the most minimal amount ever possible to not be considered a kiss. She opened her lids and could only see Alejandro's bright teeth because his lips were curled into a laughing smile. His shoulders bounced as he snickered silently and when he pulled away was when his booming sounds began to surface. Kat narrowed her eyes on him before she began walking back down the museum's trail while Alejandro continued to laugh behind her. ***** "Mira, I'm sorry." Alejandro said while the two stood outside and waited on a bus. The sun was at its peak and Kat wished the bus would hurry. "For what?" Kat asked with fake curiosity. She knew exactly why he was apologizing. "For the false kiss." He said while laughing. Kat faced the street and dramatically flipped her hair over her bare shoulder as she spoke. "Oh, well... I really didn't want it that badly to begin with." She said jokingly. Alejandro turned to face her with a deceitful smile on his lips. Kat didn't pay him any attention and she continued to look further down the street, hoping to see the bus. "Is that so?" He growled in her ear. Just as he spoke the last word in his sentence and his hands reached to grip her hips, the bus pulled onto the curb. It halted with a loud creek on its breaks and Alejandro led her up the steps. When he paid the fare for them both, he looked down the aisle to discover it was filled to its capacity. Alejandro ventured as far into the bus as he could and was able to get within reach of an overhead railing. Kat watched his arm classically flex before her eyes and his veins stretched through the skin. The bus lurched forward the slightest amount and she frantically looked for something to latch onto. The overhead railing was too far away for her to comfortably hold onto. Alejandro watched her for another 3 seconds and when the bus came to a somewhat hard stop, he decided to take the matters into his own hands. He let his free hand stretch outward and coil around her waist. His hand was spread wide and firmly on Kat's midsection. She stood with her back pressed hardly against his abdomen and Kat inaudibly sighed in contentment. They moved in synchronization and when the bus came to a fairly fast stop or turned too sharp, his grip tightened around her. Kat had no idea where they were going, but when his arms wrapped around her, she had forgotten to ask. ******************************* "Eva Peron was the wife of Argentina's president Juan Domingo Peron. She got the women the vote, won benefits for workers, founded schools, orphanages and hospitals. Unfortunately, she developed uterine cancer. She was the first Argentinean to receive chemotherapy." Their tour guide, Martin said. Kat and Alejandro were at the Recoleta cemetery. It wasn't a typical cemetery. There were tombs lined up side by side as if they were town houses on a mainstreet. When you came to the end of the 'road' there was a new corner you could turn to—like a maze. Kat was somewhat freaked out since the 10 cats sat lazily around, but she was still fascinated by the information the tour guide gave her. He pointed towards Eva's tomb that was still covered in flowers even though she passed more than 50 years ago. "Okay, there are some open tombs you can walk through. Meet back in 10—stay close and be careful!" Martin said from the front of the group of 15. The slowly walked around and silently read the words of love on the crypts. Alejandro had taken Kat's hand and led her through the streets of tombs. It was evident he knew where he was going and Kat allowed him to lead her until he stopped ahead of a tall grave. It was open but had stairs leading it deep into the ground right at the door. Alejandro began descending the stairs but stopped when he didn't feel Kat following. Kat was stuck at the top of the stairs with unnerving fear flowing through her that was preventing her feet from following him. The stair case was pitched black. "Nothing's going to happen." He told her. The certainty in his words shook Kat to life. When the stairs ended, there was a small room at its stop. The room was small but beautiful. As soon as she entered, the only thing she noticed was the stained glass covering the whole surface of the ceiling. It pierced the floor with stunning colors and a pattern of a cross, surrounded by vibrant butterflies. Alejandro however, was already across the room and focusing his attention onto the large cement block. Kat cautiously stood beside him and read the gold plate placed in the center of the block. "Here lies Miriam Diaz, a wonderful mother, daughter, wife and grandmother. She will be eternally loved and forever an angel." Kat sat in silence beside him for a moment while he spoke to her silently. He rested his hand on the inscription and shut his eyes in concentration. When he finally did open his eyes, he opened them in her direction. The force and emotion behind them was something that didn't give her the usual sensation of arousal. She wanted to comfort him. "This is my grandmother. She passed 4 months ago." He said quietly. "You have my condolences." She said. Kat reached a hand up toward his face to push a strand of hair away from his eyes, in a simple friendly action. The grief he was still trying to overcome sat boldly in his pupils and Kat knew he came to the small room often. ********************** Alejandro had taken Kat to get some classic Hispanic food and they walked around embracing the bright Argentinean sun. Now it was nearing 8 o'clock and their cab ride was filled with obvious exhaustion. The cab stopped in front of her hotel and she opened the door to exit. Alejandro got out smoothly and walked to his car he had left early that morning. "I'll see you later." Kat told him when they stood outside the passenger door. He smiled down on her in admiration. "Alright chica." He said back. He quickly drove off down the street into the darkness and she took note of the urgency in his driving and figured it must have had something to do with his kids. Kat turned around and walked up to the front door of her hotel. "Hola senorita! You dropped!" He said in a husky voice. Kat turned around and reached for the flap of her messenger bag. The flap was closed and the buckle on snugly. The man was large and bulky, with black hair gelled back to his nape. He moved towards her rapidly and she met him halfway. He gave her the bill and she received it warily. "Gracias." She distrustfully said at the same time she began to turn back in the direction of her hotel. But to her surprise the man quickly took place in her line of vision. "You tour tomorrow?" He asked in broken English. Kat knew this man had no connection with a tour facility at all. He was standing outside completely alone at 8 o'clock at night and he barely knew any English at all. Kat sensed the danger radiating off of him like body heat as he blocked her way and looked down on her with narrowed eyes. He swiftly looked behind her into the street and then back on her as if he were communicating something unknowingly. "I give you deal." He said. Something about the way he phrased his words hinted something sexual and she was eager to get around him. Her fear was kicking in and she knew he couldn't be alone. "In exchange for what?" A voice growled behind Kat in fluent, angry Spanish. Kat was too frightened to tear her eyes off of the man in front of her, in fear of what he might do. But her better judgment had a good idea on who it was defending her and she was truly grateful. "Mind your business man." The man in front of her barked back. "Kat, get in the car." She was certain it was Alejandro by the way he said her name. Without hesitation she quickly moved away from the man to get into Alejandro's car. Kat anxiously sat in the passenger seat as Alejandro took more time to make his way back to the car. "Bye chocolate baby!" The man called, waving at her and Alejandro as he promptly drove down the street. Kat had never felt so sheltered yet so exposed in her life. She had left everything in her hotel room yet she didn't think she'd ever go near that place again. "What was that?" Kat asked. His already manly jawbone was clenched tightly in anger and his joking demeanor was nowhere to be found. His hands tightened on the wheel and his face was flushed red. "I'm so sorry Kat. I should've made sure you got in safely. I just wanted to get the kids—" Kat cut him off with a hand in the air. "Understandable. Things happen and I know—" Kat was cut off by Alejandro, and his anger had shown through in his words. "Things happen? Kat. Do you know what they wanted from you?" He asked seriously. "Probably just some money." Kat said, but in all sincerity; she really didn't know. He didn't seem interested in money; he seemed more interested in her. But for Alejandro to say 'they', plural, it put a chill down her spine. "No. They wanted sex. They wanted to keep you, and sell you. That's something you need to watch out for here. You barely know anyone and your disappearance could probably go months unknown, especially since you're visiting so long. You can't go back to that hotel. They'll be looking for you, especially since I defended you like that..." Alejandro said, trailing off towards the end of his sentence. Kat kept her eyes outside her window and she was overcome with horror. She had been so eager to visit this new territory but not even in her second week here she was already a wanted woman and a wanted participant in sex trafficking. She couldn't help the tear that fell down her eyes and the sudden gratitude she felt towards Alejandro. Who knows where she could've ended up without him? "Ay, don't cry." He said much more delicately. He reached a hand out for hers gently. His thumb stoked the soft spot on the back of her hands."I'll go get your things tomorrow and you can stay at my house if you want. Or we could find you a new hotel close to me. But I don't want you too far away." Kat couldn't tell if it was for his own purposes that he wanted her closely or to protect her. But she was fine with either option he decided to choose. They pulled up to an apartment complex. It was long and only had about 3 stories to it. Kat got out of the car and walked up towards the door that Alejandro unlocked with a key and held open for her. There were mailboxes along the walls and the smell was a mixture of deliciously tasting food and cigarettes. On the back wall was an elevator but on both sides of the elevator were two doors. Alejandro walked towards the one on the left and Kat realized it was the first row of apartments. He was fortunate enough to live on the first floor. He headed for the end of the hall and knocked on one of the doors. Kat could hear the faint chattering of children on the other side right before it opened. A small Hispanic woman released the door and wore a long night gown that show cased red hearts. Her skin was vibrant and her big glasses were too big for her face. 2 kids came running out to greet their daddy cheerfully. But Alejandro tried his best to quiet them down as he bent to their level to hug them. Maribel had Alejandro's hair completely; it was wild and curly but only hers reached her hips. Her eyes were golden brown and her cheeks were flushed permanent pink. Diego had the same cheeks as Maribel and Alejandro but his eyes were dark brown. His hair was cut in an adorable bowl cut right above his eyelids. His hair texture allowed him to contain the haircut because it was thick and bone straight. He had a jawbone just like his dad but this feature made him more cute than sexy. "I missed you guys." Alejandro said as he kissed each child on the cheek delicately. They hardly noticed Kat's existence and Alejandro made eye contact with her briefly. "This is my friend Kat." Alejandro said. The kids suddenly faced her and she smiled lightly. She felt so edgy in front of the kids and she prayed silently that they liked her. "This is your friend?" Maribel asked Alejandro and he smiled at her reassuringly. To Kat's surprise Maribel approached her and took her hand in hers and silently admired her small gold ring with her ruby birthstone in it. Alejandro smiled at her as he rose from kneeling with Diego in his hands. Maribel kept her hand in hers and Kat knew they'd become good friends with time. Alejandro turned to the door right in front of the babysitter's and used his key to open it. The inside of his apartment was warm and homely. It was scattered with toys and pictures of his family and kids. The couch was a big sectional and the walls were a deep grey. Kat could tell he attempted to style the living room but was overcome by the action to leave it the way it was. Maribel and Diego ran to their bedrooms and Kat stood admiring all the pictures. Alejandro watched her at the door's entrance with his hands in his pockets. Kat didn't notice him at first as she continued to look over the photos. She smiled at the picture of his two kids as infants in the hospital. Alejandro's footsteps on the hardwood floor walked passed her in a slow stride. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 02 "You want something to drink?" He asked as he walked passed. Kat caught notice of him checking her out as he walked around her towards the kitchen. She smiled at him seductively and he returned it just as he rounded the corner, out of sight. She followed him slowly. She joined him over by the fridge and he took out a big pitcher of lemonade. He carefully poured her a glass and Kat leaned against the counter to watch him. As he focused his view onto the cup his hair fell into his face and Kat almost reached to push it back behind his ear. He handed her the drink and she put it to her lips to take a sip. The lemonade was exceedingly appetizing and Kat could tell he made it himself. If not by the taste but by the way he watched her drink it. He looked as if he were reading her for information. "It's great, you did a good job. Thank you." She said smiling. Alejandro seemed surprised at her assessment that he had prepared it himself as he smiled on her. But something else settled in his eyes when he continued to gaze, and within a few seconds he was taking the cup out of her hands and setting it on the counter top behind him. He looked into her eyes deeply and took subtle steps closer towards her. He gradually moved his big hands around her lower waist and guided her body so he could better reach her lips. Kat parted her mouth and let them meet for the first time of the day. His soft flesh moved delicately against hers and Kat found herself reaching around the nape of his neck. He let his lips manipulate hers carefully and he tilted his head to one side. He tightened his grip around her waist and before Kat knew it he was roughly lifting her frame up onto the counter behind her. He made sure to keep the kiss consistent and flowing during the migration. He spread her legs and took his place between them. He marveled when he felt her breasts press firmly against his chest. He let his rough hands rest on her bare thighs while her fingers massaged his soft curly locks. Alejandro reached around towards the small of her back and pulled her against his groin. Kat quit the kiss to look down at where their clad sexes met. "Oh..." Was all she could manage to say when she reviewed the size of his manhood through his jeans. He found her lips again and took them much more eagerly than he had before. Alejandro took his hands off of her thighs to work her breasts through the red tube top. The large manly hands massaged them in a rhythmic motion that increasingly got rougher. Kat was surprised when he pulled the tube top down entirely. He growled in her mouth when he discovered she wasn't wearing a bra. Alejandro took both hands and gave each breast their own individual love. Kat's nipples grew rock hard in his palms. He left their kiss and bent down slightly to allow his lips to wrap around the dark brown nubs. His tongue flicked at her nipple and Kat lifted her neck to the ceiling fan spinning slowly above them when he blew on it afterward. The sensational feeling made her breathing turn ragged and he subdued a breathy moan. The sound of hard feet running across the hardwood floor in the kitchens direction sent them both into panic. Kat gasped and quickly hopped off the counter. Alejandro put some distance between them and braced himself for his kids. Kat casually leaned against the counter and quickly pulled her tube top over her breasts. "Daddy let's play that game we played yesterday?" Maribel asked at the same time she entered the kitchen. She looked so excited while she pushed her hair out of her eyes. "Well it's time to get ready for bed but we can play tomorrow. Who's taking a bath first?" Alejandro asked. He pushed his hair over the top of his head, still trying to recover from his recent acts with Kat. He tried to hide the bulge in his pants by standing on a certain angle which made him look remarkably ridiculous and Kat just about chuckled. "I will! Kat can do the water." Maribel said, while sashaying into the kitchen and forcefully taking Kat's hand to lead her to the bathroom. As Kat passed Alejandro he flipped the back of her hair, making it fly over her head messily. Kat gave him a chastising look as she rounded the corner of the kitchen. **************** Kat had started Maribel's bath, and sat on the toilet to talk to her while Alejandro did the bathing. She noticed something about this child's behavior that hurt her. She was in desperate need of a real woman figure in her life to share feminine tendencies with her. She wanted someone to play Tea Party with and do her hair when she asked. Alejandro was trying his best but there were some things only a woman could handle in a little girls life. For some reason her own mother wasn't doing this for her, and it was the only explanation for why she had taken so well to Kat. Kat and Maribel were picking out her clothes for school in the morning. Maribel's room was filled with everything princess and pink and she could tell Alejandro really spoiled her. Maribel was rummaging through her dresser drawers and pulling out pieces of clothing one after another. "You like the sparkly one Kat?" Maribel asked, holding up a tank top that was covered in sequins. Kat nodded at the shirt and Maribel smiled at her. "It would be cute with the purple shorts." Kat said, pointing to the pair that lay right beside her on the bed. Maribel sat thoughtfully for a moment and then nodded in approval of Kat's choices. She picked up all the clothes and carefully put them back in their places. When she turned back around to grab the last shirt that she had taken out, she turned her attention to her door. "Daddy get out!" She laughed sweetly. You could tell Alejandro had partially scared her and she fidgeted minimally. Kat unconsciously smiled at her adorableness and then she turned to face Alejandro. "Not until I see you sleeping in bed." He said, walking over towards her. She squealed in delight while Alejandro scooped her up and kissed her cheeks in the air above his head. Then he delicately laid her in bed and put her covers up over her. He kissed her forehead goodnight and Kat got up off of the bed carefully. "Goodnight Kat." Maribel said quietly in the dark once the lights were off and Kat had reached the door. "Night Maribel." And she closed the door behind herself only to find Alejandro in her path and watching her intently. "Where do you want to sleep? You can sleep in my bed with me, or in my bed without me." He said with his eyes glued on hers. Kat knew the real translation of his question. Alejandro wanted to know if he'd be sleeping with her or not. Kat thought it over. "With you, but no sex." She said quietly. Alejandro nodded slowly and didn't seem bothered by her choice. "Alright. So I guess you want that hotel too?" He said, not even bothering to hide his sadness. He glanced around his living room, avoiding eye contact with Kat. "What other option do I have?" She asked skeptically. "Well... my home is open to you. If you want to stay here, I know I have kids so—" "I'd love to stay here. But I don't want to put the kids in a tight spot. You know? And a hotel close by would mean I'd be visiting pretty frequently." Kat said with a sly smile. Alejandro kissed her passionately once her sentence came to a close. Kat knew her visit would be better than she had ever expected. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 03 Okay, so here is the next chapter and let me say, I put in a good amount of background info. Let me know how accurate I am if you can. The Unexpected Interest epilogue is still in the works and seems to be going on track as far as my time crunch goes. But that could all change if I get too caught up one day and don't have much time to work on it. But enjoy and I'm grateful for my readers. :* "Kat?" A sweet voice whispered in her ear. Kat opened her eyes to look into the very manly bedroom fit for a king. A tall canopy bed sat high in the air and the color scheme was suited on behalf of royalty. She looked toward the sound that had awoken her toward the edge of the bed. Maribel craned her neck to make eye contact. "Hey Maribel." Kat said sleepily. She sat up in bed and looked on the floor to see all of her bags nestled in the corner. Alejandro wasn't beside her as he had been the night prior. Kat got up from bed and lightly patted Maribel on her head when she walked past to reach her clothes. Everything was there and she desperately wanted to shower. "Did she wake you up?" Alejandro asked sternly from the door. Kat turned around to see him in the doorway with a raised eyebrow. Kat could tell he had told Maribel not to wake her and when she looked into the little girls scared eyes; she knew she wanted to stand up for her. It was only a plus that she didn't know Kat was lying for her. "No she didn't actually. When I woke up she came in." Kat said, trying to be persuasive. He stood for another minute in silence and then his features softened. "Mari, breakfast is done if you're ready to eat." Alejandro said to her. Maribel knew she wasn't in trouble and quickly pranced out of the room. Kat finally took in the sweet scent of food lingering in the atmosphere and she hoped Alejandro made some for her too. "How'd you sleep?" He asked. Alejandro gradually made his way toward the bed and casually sat on the edge. "Great. Your bed is really comfortable. How'd you sleep?" Kat asked, beginning to rummage through her bag again. "Alright. Although when I woke up I was quite confused. Your fingers were my mouth, I was trapped in your legs which was much more enjoyable than I make it sound and we switched sides of the bed... Are you aware you sleep like a wild animal?" He asked laughing. Kat chuckled too. She worried that she'd sleep too wildly for him, but she didn't want to sleep in the huge room alone. "I'm sorry. At least it was only 1 night." She said, standing up completely and sitting her clothes across from him on the bed. He fell back and their eyes were meeting. His curls spilled out under his head and Kat fought the impulse to kiss on his jaw bone. "Stay." He whispered. Kat averted her eyes and knew she couldn't do it. "The kids. I don't want to make them uncomfortable in their own home." Kat said just as quietly. "Maribel hadn't stopped talking about you since she woke up. And Diego couldn't care less. I want you to stay. I'll take you to work every day, I'll pick you up, just stay." He begged. Kat still kept coming back to the kids. "Alright." She mumbled. He smiled at her goofily and she laughed in reply. He rose up off the bed and locked eyes with Kat instantaneously. He stalked his way over in her direction and she silently waited for what he'd do. But she suddenly wanted one more request. "Ask the kids." Kat sighed. He was standing right before her now and his perfectly arched eyebrow was elevated in curiosity. Before anyone said another word he was walking fiercely out the bedroom door. Kat silently awaited the response with her clothes in her hands. She rang them tensely. She could hear Alejandro walking back toward the bedroom and he closed the door behind him. His eyes were low and voracious. Kat put the clothes back on the bed and he gathered her waist to lead him into his lower abdomen. "The kids want you just as much as I do Kat." He whispered into her neck. He kissed on the skin lightly and Kat went limp in his arms. She let her upper limbs lie weakly beside her and her eyes fluttered closed when he tenderly flicked her lobe with his tongue. She droned quietly in his ear and let her nose nestle into his black tresses. Kat's stomach whined angrily below her and successfully ruined any sexual arousal the two were trying to achieve. He untwined his arms from around her and kissed her tenderly on the lips before he put some distance between their frames. "I made you breakfast, go eat." He said, letting his hands graze the top of his head. Kat could see the frustration in his face. But she was sporting the same emotion. They hardly had anytime to fully mess around with each other in peace. There was always something to prevent them from going too far. When Kat exited the room, she was greeted with a small voice. "Kat can you take me to the park every day?" Diego asked. And Kat laughed as she imagined all the positive things Diego might have thought would come out of her stay. But she probably wouldn't have the heart to deny him any request. *********************** 2 DAYS LATER "Thank you so much Marlennys." Kat said. She walked onto the sidewalk adjacent to Marlennys' small house that was conveniently close to the school. Kat expressed her need to find someone who could handle her thick mane of hair and she almost scoffed when the soft, silky haired Marlennys said she'd be the perfect one to do it. But to her surprise, she did an amazing job. And against Marlennys' will, Kat slipped her a good tip. "No problem. I'll see you tomorrow." She said from the front door. It was darkening outside and it was almost time for Alejandro to pick her up from the Cyber Café. Kat hurried her pace and made her way there. She took the same computer she had when she sent her first email and was eager to see what Pat had written. When she saw Pat's name in her unread mailbox, a small smile formed on her lips. Katty Pooh I'm so happy you're enjoying yourself! I can only imagine the men out there. Just remember what you're trying to accomplish in you're 3 months and push the nerves aside. The kids will benefit from you and you're genuine personality. I miss you, I pray that you stay safe every night, I love you and I'm proud of you. Love, Pat. Pat The nerves are slowly subsiding and the kids are opening up too. The men; you have no idea. Although I think the accent has a lot to do with the sex appeal. I miss you too! And I'm saving up some money to send you out next month. I just got my paycheck yesterday and I have so much to spend since I don't have any major expenses. Can't wait to see you. Love, Kat. When Kat concluded her email and sent it off to its recipient. She spared a glace to the front of the Café. There were a few people in line but she could still make out the black Camry sitting outside. The sun had gone down almost completely but it was still hot. She opened the car door and sat inside. She looked behind her to see both Diego and Maribel were vastly asleep. Before she had the chance to turn around, Alejandro absorbed her head with his palm and led it in the course of his lips. He held some urgency in his kiss but it still didn't subtract the amount of moisture Kat secreted between her legs. The light smacking sound wasn't sufficient enough to startle the kids and she was glad. When she was sure he was finished, he leaned in for one light peck on her swollen mouth and looked at her with so much need. He licked his lips right before her and she saw his hand itching to reach over her side of the car. Kat held so much newly found admiration for couples with children. Trying not to let them see too much was difficult and would ultimately leave a gigantic block of sexual tension between a pair after awhile. "Your hair looks nice." He whispered before pulling out back onto the road. "Thanks." Kat said sighing. She shifted in her seat and tried to control her heart rate. 6 DAYS LATER. "Ms. Kat!" Delora called from the front of the room. Her tiny hand was up tall in the air. "One minute Delora. So Carlos, when you get two digits in the first column, you add the first number to the other side." Kat told him. She could see he was still frustrated and confused so she politely held out her hand for his pencil. He hastily handed it to her. "Thank you, so I'll do this one for you. Do you see how I got 10 in this first column? I'll take the 1, the first number in 10, and put it here." She said. She spared another look at the boy and he seemed more filled in then he had been 30 seconds prior to her explanation. He held his hand flat, ready for his pencil and Kat gave it back without delay. "Let me know if you need anything else." Kat told Carlos before she ambled toward the front of the room to help Delora. As soon as she reached the little girl's desk, the bell rang to signal their lunch was beginning. Without another word the kids were up and running. Kat's excitement grew when she remembered Alejandro would be picking her up for a quick lunch. Promptly she walked over toward her desk and gathered her purse over her shoulder. "Goodness Kat, It's like 90 degrees in here." Alejandro said from the door. He wore his pale blue paramedic uniform and his hair was pulled into a tight ponytail at the nape of his neck. Smooth baby hairs lay where they chose and his strong face looked even more handsome. "I think I'm getting used to it." Kat said with a little smile while she swiftly walked up to the door. Alejandro stood in the same spot until she exited first. "Mm girl, you're really thickening up for me huh?" Alejandro whispered once she exited the room. Kat turned back toward him and rolled her eyes playfully. She had to admit; she had gained more than a few pounds while she'd been in Argentina. But she was glad he didn't make it sound like a bad thing. "I'm glad you're enjoying your view." She mumbled when she walked down the hall with him following her closely. When she reached the end of the hall Luis rounded the corner right before her. Having been too worked up to spend lunch with Alejandro, Kat had forgotten who it was she usually ate with. "Hey Kat." He said casually, eyeing Alejandro behind her. He had his bowl in his hands and Kat figured he was probably on his way to her room to eat lunch with her. She felt a pang of guilt in her pit and felt so rude for not telling him before hand. "Hey, I forgot to tell you; I'm going to spend lunch with Alejandro today. I'm sorry." Kat said gently with a sympathetic smile. Luis was disappointed but forced himself to seem impassive. His dimples flexed when he gave a strained smile. "Okay that's fine." He said quietly while nodding in approval. "Oh great. Thanks. Alejandro this is Luis." The two shook hands briefly. "See you later, or tomorrow." Luis said before Kat walked toward the door with Alejandro still following after her. She waved back at him. "Okay see you." She said. Alejandro and Kat walked toward his Camry and he held her door open for her. "Is he in love with you or is he in love with you? Which one is it?" He said with a lot of attitude that could've been passed off as joking behavior but then again maybe not. Kat thought his journey to his side of the car took forever. She wanted to question him about that comment. When he sat down he kept his eyes focused on the spot where he needed to put in the key. "What does that mean?" She asked softly. Alejandro kept his eyes on the road and took a minute to answer her. He drove very languidly and his ponytail sat on his shoulders. Kat had never seen his entire profile so exposed before. But she was able to notice his temples flex tightly in frustration. "It means he's infatuated with you. You need to let him know how things will be before he gets hurt, if he isn't already." He said harshly before he rounded a big corner. Kat sat face forward to think over his words. That was the second person to claim Luis wanted more than a friendship. But Kat failed to see his intentions with her. Luis was a sweet and courteous man who helped perfect her teaching. Nothing was harmful in that? Maybe she would have to talk to him about it one day. The last thing she wanted to do was damage a relationship with one of her friends by giving mixed signals. But she didn't have anything to say. How would Kat go about questioning a man on something he never confessed? She felt it in her core; that plan would only end in making her look like a stuck up fool. "So where do you want to eat?" He asked at a stoplight. "Whatever you want." Within a few minutes they were pulling into a parking space in front of a café. It had seating outside, protected by a low gate that was shielded by a big umbrella. Once they were seated, she took a look at the menu. The types of food were different from the other restaurant and she carefully read each description. Alejandro ordered Milanesa which was a thin cut slice of steak dipped in bread crumbs and fried evenly on each side. Kat decided on Sorrentinos, round raviolis, filled with ham, mozzarella cheese and ricotta. "The kids will be gone this weekend." Alejandro reminded her. Kat was surprised that when he mentioned their departure, she was almost sad. For the past week she had been interacting with them and learning their individual personalities. Diego had taken well to touching her hair constantly while she and Maribel were best girlfriends. "Oh. I'm going to miss them." She murmured to herself. "Well they'll be back on Sunday. I was thinking next week on Friday, we could go to the beach. Mar del Playa is a few hours away." A few thoughts rushed Kat's mind at once. She had forgotten to pack a swimsuit for some odd reason. But she was silently chastising herself for the slip up. Another thought was that she'd need to set up a hair appointment with Marlennys if she was willing to take Kat as a regular. "That would be fun." She said smiling. Their food came quickly and they ate in almost silence. But when they came close to finishing, Alejandro started off another conversation. "Tell me about your family. I'm sure they miss you." Alejandro said. He hadn't really pried too much into her life outside of Argentina and Kat knew he'd be asking about it sooner or later. But she hadn't contemplated the right words to correctly explain her past living situations. She thought for a moment and decided a basic definition would probably make things less complicated. Okay, so in America— there's a system with the government. When people are in circumstances where they can't take care of their children, they take the kids to foster care. So in foster care, the kids go to different homes with different people until their real parents come get them. That's what I was; a foster child. My last foster mother before I was old enough to live on my own was Patricia—the woman I email." Kat told him nonchalantly. Alejandro watched her with an arm propping up his head and his bedroom eyes fixed on her. "You're parents never came to get you?" He whispered. Kat couldn't explain the emotions that emerged in her spirit. It was a feeling she hadn't felt since her adolescent years. As a child she often pondered why no one ever came to get her from the constant pattern of switching homes, schools, parents and siblings. To sit and think of it made her feel hollow and so alone in the world. She often felt like she had just occurred out of thin air while everyone else was liked to a long line of people who they could depend on forever. The feeling made her stomach churn and the same reaction was triggered by Alejandro's words. "No. No one ever came to get me." She mumbled robotically. Alejandro was beating himself up for the sentence he let slip through his lips that unmistakably changed Kat's character. She seemed distant and just the slightest bit pained. Alejandro reached for her brown hands and held them snugly over the table. "Well, it's their loss." He said strictly. Kat smiled slightly and he stroked her hands for a few minutes in silence. Alejandro looked at his wrist in the middle of the table and let Kat's hands go free. "It's time to head back." He said while standing. Kat was disappointed their little date had ended so soon, but hopefully they had more time this weekend to finish talking ********************* "So, what were you going to ask me?" Kat asked Maribel. She looked up at Kat and then back down on her worksheet. Kat waited patiently for her to gather her thoughts. But after a few more seconds she turned her beautiful face back up to Kat with a bashful smile plastered on her features. "I forgot." She giggled. Kat smiled back at her before she spoke. "That's okay. If you remember, tell me." She headed toward her comfy chair behind her desk and looked for the bottle of water she left in the drawer. She took a quick sip and leaned back in her chair. The kids were working hard and the silence in the room was almost relaxing. After 10 minutes of the peace, Kat checked the round clock on the wall. It was about time for them to move on from the mathematics portion of the day. "You almost finished?" She asked the kids. "No!" They replied in unison. Kat thought for a moment. "Okay, how about this; I give you 10 more minutes. But you don't get to color the last 15 minutes of class." The immediate response from the class made Kat chuckle. The groans and complaints were things she expected. It was the exact reason she made the proposition. "So can I go over this now so you still have time to color?" She asked with a palm facing the ceiling and a confused expression. Sometimes she felt like she was acting in a play with the kids as her audience, but she'd be damned if she didn't love it. It gave her a chance to operate somewhat like a kid and make corny jokes that no adult would ever laugh at. "Yes." They replied again. Kat turned en route for the chalk board but speedily turned around to shoot the kids a curious look. "Can you answer my question in English please?" She asked, inquisitive as to if they could remember the word she taught them just a day before. "Yes." They all said in unison. A glimpse of happiness coursed through Kat's veins and accomplishment set deep within her core. To hear them say that one word in English, even though it was probably the easiest word in the English language, made her feel so complete. She was serving her purpose in only her second week of arriving. Kat tried to control her excitement. "Very nice." She smiled before she turned toward the board to go over the math problems. ************** Alejandro and Kat were entering his apartment and Kat sighed audibly. She kicked off her shoes and her aching feet thanked her. She took a seat on the sectional and embraced the air conditioners magic. Alejandro slowly took a seat beside her and eyed her red feet. "Here." He said while patting his thighs and keeping hard eye contact with her feet. Kat obliged to his command and put her sore feet in his lap. She could feel the magnetism searing off of his groin and Alejandro could feel it too. But he ignored it and focused his attention on massaging her feet. His abrasive hands pressed the balls of her feet and Kat let her head hang on the end of the couch. The feeling of being so released for the first time was exhilarating and she was somewhat falling asleep. Alejandro couldn't keep his eyes off of her though. The soft skin of her chest teased him behind the few undone buttons of her sleeveless shirt. With her head being bent back so far, her neck was fully exposed and her protruding lips were exceedingly kissable. After a few more minutes of care to the opposite foot, Alejandro couldn't control himself any longer. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 03 He slowly crept up the length of her slouched body and laid supple kisses on the open skin of her chest. Kat was awoken from her lethargic ways and leaned her head up to look into the long lashes that were slowly making their way to her breasts. Alejandro undid a few more buttons to expose her navy blue bra and groaned at the sight. He didn't even bother to undo the hinge behind her, but simply pulled the cups down. Kat's breasts were available for his eyes to see and the AC was the source for her swiftly toughening nipples. Alejandro cupped his hands below her left tit and guided it toward his awaiting mouth. He made sure to leave his eyes on hers while he suckled and nibbled on her flesh. He gave the right breast just as much care before his hands went tugging at the draw string of her linen pants. Once they were on the floor and sitting beside her panties, Alejandro looked so alert. He kneeled on the ground at the same time his eyes met with her sex and his facial expression went serious. He gently stroked her soft locks of curls. To start, he seemed as if he was just toying with her; his hands were wandering aimlessly and he seemed to be enjoying himself. But after 30 seconds of that, his lips pressed firmly onto her petals. Alejandro tugged and slurped on her clit and the sounds had Kat cringing in her seat. His lips moved passionately between her thighs and she knew he enjoyed giving oral intercourse. When Kat felt herself reaching the heights of her arousal, she instinctively grasped his hair. But it was still in the ponytail he had worn all day, so Kat hurriedly slipped the band out of his tresses and fiercely gripped them while she came. Once she got done Alejandro almost sprinted to the bedroom. Kat waited the mere few seconds patiently and when Alejandro returned, he was already unzipping his pants. When his briefs were down, Kat could hardly believe her eyes. She groaned out in anticipation when his thick manhood was in view. Alejandro's dick was long and bulky in girth. But the best characteristic it held was the slight curve to the left. She wondered what kinds of spots he'd be hitting with that, and she could scarcely wait to find out. He patted her thigh gently and Kat took the hint to turn over. Alejandro stroked himself a few times before he placed his rod at her opening. Kat was leaning over the back of the couch and her fingers scratched at the fabric below her. Alejandro's deep grunt filled the room and his hands had a deadly hold on her hips. "Shit Kat." Alejandro mumbled. His hands moved to the open shirt on her back. So as he pounded her deep and her body went lunging forward, he'd control the movement by tugging on the button down and bringing her right back onto him. Kat stopped her vocal encouragement when she came close to her orgasm but Alejandro didn't let up. He still kept an even force in his strokes and bit his lip when her walls clenched around him. He soon followed her in release and stopped his act of love making. Kat slumped down into the chair and the room was filled with nothing more than their jagged breathing. ****************** Kat awoke in bed alone. She knew it was the start of a new day because the sun was almost completely raised from the window. She sat up groggily and moved her feet to the side of the bed. Kat wasn't adjusting to the bed being so far away from the floor and she stumbled while she descended. She padded out of the room in her t-shirt and underwear. The living room was complimented by hushed Spanish music that grew louder when she got closer to the kitchen. Kat was entertained to see Alejandro's chiseled back flexing lightly while he cooked at the stove. His broad arms were flattered by the decreasing waist line and a firm butt through the baggy sweat pants. Kat silently leaned against the entry frame and watched him with a smirk. Alejandro sang the words to the music almost completely in tune and Kat was astounded by his vocal talents. But he really impressed her with his rhythm and fluid two step type of movements. When he pivoted in the direction of the stove, he eyed Kat behind him. They smiled at one another, but he still didn't stop singing and dancing. He put down the skillet and headed toward her with open palms. "Oh... I can't dance." She mumbled to him. He looked at her in a way that stated he really didn't believe her. Kat rolled her eyes and nodded her head in an attempt to agree with his skeptical face. "Well I can dance. But just, not like that." She said bashfully. She had rhythm and could move to a beat but the way Alejandro danced seemed to require much more than that. "Ay, I'm not asking you to tango or anything. Although I will have teach you a few things about that soon." He said laughing. He grabbed for her hands and forcefully put them around his bare shoulders. Kat internally rejoiced when his soft skin was so near her own and she delicately laid her head on his chest while they spun in a average paced circle. Alejandro nevertheless continued to let his sweet voice join the radio and in tandem gently stroking her hips. The two spent that entire Saturday in the house and at ease with one another's company. They watched movies and told stories about their lives before their meeting. But Kat couldn't hold back questioning a certain topic any longer. They sat in bed, almost ready to go to sleep before she spoke. "What happened with the kids' mother? Why did you two, break up?" Kat was nervous about bringing up her existence in a way that didn't relate to the kids. But she felt like she was in the right place to ask. Although she didn't know what kind of emotions it would bring up for him. Alejandro sighed audibly. "Well, it hurts me to say it but... I think it was the kids. Carmen, my ex, was always materialistic. But on top of that she was selfish. She thought of herself constantly—clubbing, friends, drinking, clothes, shopping, all that. I would've been fine with that; if she had any intentions of paying for it on her own. But she didn't. She constantly had a hand out and hardly ever kept a job so of course money got tight. We started arguing and fighting and she'd leave for days at a time. But then she came home one day claiming she was pregnant. Then, I swear, the next words after was about abortion. I practically had to bed her to—" He cut short. Kat looked over toward him and she could see his rage and pain igniting from the thoughts of that day. She knew he loved his kids and figured that even then, as embryos in their mother's womb, he loved them then too. "You don't have to finish." She whispered, while stroking his chest in a spherical pattern. "I had to beg her to keep them. I told her I'd give her money frequently and she would almost never have to pick up any of their expenses. She agreed and in with time moved out. I'm guessing because she had my word she'd always get money from me, so it made no sense to continue to be committed." He chuckled stiffly. "I don't think she'll ever have that mother bond with them because she holds so much resentment. I honestly believe that she thinks they ruined her life. I just hope it doesn't affect them." He mumbled. Kat could almost barely understand him and he seemed to be in a daze. Kat could hardly believe it, the entire situation seemed like the actions of someone without a heart. Those kids were too special and beautiful not to feel pride in. ************* "Kat?" Alejandro whispered from the foot of the bed. Kat needed a few seconds to let her eyes adjust to the light. "Hm?" She asked woozily. Alejandro's hair was drenched in water around his face. And a red towel threatened to drop down from his hips and flash his member. Kat licked her lips at the sight and the unusual possibility of a quick flash. "I usually go to church today and I wanted to know if you were interested in coming." He said quietly. Kat noticed the hint that he was going even if she wasn't but she did want to join him and her plans of absolutely nothing weren't stopping her. "Yeah I'm coming." She said, and slowly rose out of bed to go get dressed. ******************* Alejandro and Kat walked up the steps and toward the beautiful Catholic cathedral. Kat decided to wear a floor length deep purple dress with a rope belt around the waist. Alejandro looked casual in a fitted button down and dark black jeans. As soon as they entered the big double doors, a high pitched voiced was calling his name. A tall woman approached with a wide smile already on her face. She hardly recognized Kat's existence but kept her stare fixed on Alejandro. He smiled back faintly and she excessively flipped her hair over her shoulder. Kat didn't think that women of all ages coming to church and hitting on men was an international thing, but apparently it was. "Hey how are you?" She said casually. Alejandro shoved his hands into his back pockets. "I'm great thanks. This is my... Kat. This is Kat." He introduced while gesturing toward her. The woman's smile deflated and sadly, Kat's did too. She robotically shook her hand. Kat was disappointed to not have a title on her name, although she didn't see a reason why she ever thought she should. She was only in Argentina temporarily and this thing she and Alejandro shared was probably just as short-term as her visit. From that point on, she would live with that motive in mind and make sure her feelings never got too attached. But maybe it was too late? "Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Bianca." She said, snapping Kat out of her ramble of thought. "Likewise." Kat replied. "Well we're going in now." Alejandro replied while gently leading Kat with a hand on the small of her back. The church was large and brilliantly built. The ceiling was tall and echoed the music playing from a nearby room. Once they entered the space where the actual service was held, she took in the large amount of people seated. 1/3 of the spectators were obviously tourists and eagerly snapped pictures of the ceiling's art. Alejandro moved down a row of benches and Kat sat beside him. "Hello, I'm Hector." A man said a little further down the row. Kat averted her gaze from the large pipe organ at the start of the room to the dimpled man smiling at her. "You couldn't wait for me to introduce you?" Alejandro asked him with some attitude. Kat reckoned they were related because Hector didn't seem bothered by his somewhat ill-tempered tone. Kat shook his hand over Alejandro's lap. "I'm Kat, nice to meet you." She said politely. Kat could see the resemblance between the two men and both were equally handsome. But Hector's hair was cut short and his dimples were something that Alejandro hadn't inherited. And his bright pink polo and cuticle free nails hinted their sexualities weren't entirely the same either. "This is my brother Hector and my dad Eduardo." When Alejandro introduced the third man, his head suddenly appeared beside Hectors. He had a big salt and peppered beard that seemed unusually attractive on him and his wavy hair was brushed toward the back of his head. "Nice to meet you. The kids talk about you all the time, although Alejandro has been doing it quite a bit too." He said with an arm outstretched. Kat sent her arm forward with a laughing smile and managed to give it a shake. "You too. And that's so sweet. I hear some funny things about you too." Kat said and he boomed a laugh. Kat had heard a few humorous details about the kids' grandfather and they often brought on a good laugh. Although the kids probably didn't understand the real joke of the situation. ******************* The service was over and the couple was on their way back to the house. Kat kept stealing glances at the 3 men while they sang their tuned sounds and she knew they were celebrities around the church. Alejandro surprised Kat when he forcefully closed the door and backed her into a nearby corner. His broad arms held up like barriers on both sides of her head. His eyes were avid and full of yearning for the woman before him. Kat's chest heaved and Alejandro roughly captured her lips. Kat could barely keep up with his lips and she soon found her head against the wall behind her. "This dress. It's clinging to every curve..." He said sternly. His light panting was felt against her lips and one arm wrapped around her hip. He followed her curve horizontally and stopped on the opposite hip. Alejandro dipped below her stomach to place an arm behind her knees and scooped her up like a bride over the threshold. Kat didn't let her eyes leave his and the urge to play in his hair was impossible to ignore. He strolled leisurely to the bedroom and sat Kat on the edge of the bed. A hard knock on the door had them both looking at one another confused. He groaned when they knocked again and Kat could see he was contemplating on whether or not to answer. He left the room to respond to the interrupter and Kat waited patiently on the bed for his return. "Can you ever keep them as long as you're supposed to?!" Alejandro boomed from the living room. Kat knew he was fuming from the bass in his voice. "I have—"A woman started, but Alejandro cut her off cold. "English." "I have something to do." The female voice replied. Soon after, Kat heard the classic sound of small feet running towards her. Shortly came the view of little Maribel and her sweet wonder. She wore a pink cotton halter top and cute blue shorts. She straight away ran for Kat and she picked her up fluidly. "Hey Kat!" She said excitedly in an raspy voice. She tried to catch her breath noticeably in Kat's ear. Maribel gave her a big hug and she just about choked on her fluffy hair. She gently pushed it to the side so she could speak. "Hi Maribel. How you doing girl? Kat replied, gently stroking her back. "Who is Kat? They wouldn't stop talking about her." The female voice replied stiffly after a few more seconds. Kat felt the need to introduce herself so she sat Maribel on the ground and proceeded to face the people in the living room. "None of your business." Alejandro mumbled. "Well of course it's my business to know who my kids are around!" She screamed. Alejandro scoffed loudly. "I never questioned you about all the men you—" "Hi, I'm Kat." She said, emerging beside Alejandro. She held out a hand with an informal smile but Carmen took it less willingly. The woman was stunning. She looked like a super model more than she did a mother. Diego sat on her hip and she shifted him so she could stick out her hand coldly. "Carmen." She replied. "Well I'm going. Bye Diego." She mumbled to the toddler. "Bye mommy." Diego said. He lunged in to hug her around the neck but she backed out of his reach on impulse. A disgusted look filled her face and Kat almost couldn't believe her eyes. "Don't mess up my makeup." She said before she put him on the ground and sauntered down the hall in her 5 inch heels. Diego stood at the door and watched her leave until she was no longer in view. Kat's heart ached at the scenario she had just witnessed and racked her brain of anything she could do to make him feel better. She bent to his level and they held eye contact. "Hey, you want some Alfajores and a can of Guaraná?" Kat asked, knowing those were his favorite snacks. The idea of cashew-nut creme filled chocolate balls with a crispy wafer center and soda from a delicious guaraná extract made him smile and Kat had to return it. She took his hand and stood up completely. She met eyes with an Alejandro. "You're spoiling them." Kat rolled her eyes playfully. "No I'm not." She reasoned. She really wasn't in her opinion; she was just taking them out for a little treat. The convenient store was a block or two away and the snacks wouldn't cost too much. Alejandro strolled back to the bedroom and waved her off. "Bel, you coming to the store with me and Diego?" Kat called from the front door. She walked over to the couch to get her messenger bag and she turned around to see them both waiting at the door. She smiled at her punctuality."We'll be back." Kat called on the way out. She had taken the kids out plenty of times before and found she enjoyed their company. They kept each second interesting and Kat wondered what aspect of their character their mother didn't enjoy? The kids were beyond loveable. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 04 "Kat, it's just a mosquito bite." Luis laughed. He was sitting across from her desk during lunch. Kat looked down onto her forearm once again. The deep purple bruise like bump on her arm couldn't have been just a mosquito bite. She had plenty of them before and they never looked like that. She gave him a serious glance and it seemed to stir up his laughing frenzy all over again. "This is a spider bite. I don't care what you say." She mumbled with a bit of attitude. She picked up a spoonful of her fruit salad and frozen yogurt Alejandro had made for her and brought it to her mouth. Luis wiped a small tear from his eye and the two sat in silence for a minute. "What made you want to be a teacher?" Kat asked Luis. "I really liked kids. I didn't have any brothers or sisters so I always depended on other kids to make me happy. I just got used to working with them." "Were you like, the super popular pretty boy all boys wanted to be like and all the girls wanted?" Kat asked dramatically fluttering her eyelashes at him. He did a humble chuckle and Kat already knew he was. "I guess I was something like that..." He started. Luis aimlessly poked his fork around his bowl before he continued. "But there were always a few I couldn't have." The octave change in his voice had Kat looking up into his face. But she was startled when his pretty colored eyes were piercing into her own. She knew, for a fact, his comment was directed toward her. "Was that for me?" Kat asked quietly with a small smile. She had said the words before she could figure out she thought them in the first place. Luis seemed taken aback at her assertiveness. "Perhaps it was." He said in a flirting tone. Kat's stomach was churning when she could feel the presence of an unwanted situation on her hands. Here was her opportunity to address his feelings toward her. "Luis look, you know I'm with Alejandro—" "Are you?" He asked sharply. She could see the hint of something in his eyes and they were changing color before her eyes. Kat didn't know what to say to that question. The obviousness of the answer didn't seem like something she'd have to explain. "Excuse me?" She asked honestly. "You're only here for a few months. I'm curious as to how that would work." He said jealously. He leaned back in his chair across from her and folder his arms over his chest. He awaited her explanation as if she owed him one. Kat really didn't like how Luis was acting and she felt like he was stepping out of line. "I'm curious as to how any of that is your business." She said. Luis raised his eyebrows at her unknown backbone and he put his hands in the air in surrender. "As I was saying, I'm committed to what I have with him and I'm going to be faithful." "Okay Kat. I fully respect that and I'd love for us to continue our friendship. I'm sorry." Kat nodded curtly and he smiled a dimpled smile that gave her no other option than to return it. He seemed genuine about his apology and Kat wondered if he was as cautious about ruining their friendship as she was. "So, are you staying here?" He asked. Kat pondered his question and found she once again, didn't know what he meant. Luis had a way of speaking and asking questions what had an underlying meaning. That was an aspect of him Kat was familiar with dealing with. "What?" She asked. "Are you staying in Argentina?" "Of course not. " She said with her eyebrows pushed into a tight line. Her facial expression was asking how he ever thought she was. He shrugged casually. "You have your boyfriend and everything, I just thought..." He trailed off. His small earring twinkled in the light and Kat shook her head delicately. "He already knows that I'm leaving." Kat explained. He looked at her through slim lids and he looked questioning. "I don't see how that can stop you two from—" The sound of the bell stopped him from completing his sentence. He packed up his things quickly and kids started pouring into the room. "From what?" Kat asked, a little annoyed. "I have to go." He smiled. He enjoyed seeing her so flustered and worried over something he was saying. That was one of Kat's pet peeves; if you're about to say something of some significance, you need to finish the phrase entirely. Luis was strolling out of the room and Kat groaned as he reached the door. *** A FEW DAYS LATER Kat sat at her regular desktop computer and paid the correct amount to read her emails. She would be flying Patricia out within the next month and she couldn't wait to see her. Of course she'd have to tell her she had been living the life of a married mother since the first day she arrived, but she had some time to reveal that secret later. Katty Pooh Well how is work now? Do you have any reliable friends or anything? Hey! Make sure you stay safe out there. Condoms are international. I can pay my own fare thank you very much. Just save your money for when I finally get down there; we'll be shopping all day long. If you need anything you can always call me, I'll accept whatever charges the phone company bills me. Love you. Pat Pat Work is going great! There are some people at the school who I am pretty close with and are very nice people. Really Pat? Way to make an email beyond awkward, haha. I'm paying for you! It won't be too much trouble, I swear. And I'll keep that in mind. Miss you too, as always. Love you, Kat. She sent her email and came to the conclusion she really missed Pat. Every time she came to email her, her stomach ached when she finished. Homesickness was definitely approaching. She needed to fly her out as soon as she could. *** Kat and Maribel were shopping the Thursday before the beach trip. Kat was holding her small hand snugly in hers as she listened to the young girl rant about ballet and school. "Maria is my best friend. I really like her because she has long hair like me too." Maribel told Kat. "Is her hair longer than yours?" Kat asked, entertaining Maribel's conversation. But she was searching for the swimsuit shop Marlennys gave her directions to earlier that day. Her direction skills were failing her although they had been keen throughout her visit so far. The sun was setting and Kat wanted to hurry up so she could get Maribel in bed around the time her father desired. It was the one requirement he had if he would allow her to walk the streets with Kat. "Just a little bit. But mine is curly so it's longer when it's wet." She said. Kat found the bathing suit shop at the corner of the street and was grateful for the timing because she was just about to head back home. They crossed the street carefully and entered the swim suit store. The walls were racked in two pieces and Kat surpassed them all. She didn't want all of ever business hanging out, especially at a family friendly beach. She wandered through the store and found the little girl's section. Maribel promptly found herself rummaging through the suits and Kat smiled at how a little girl did such adult feminine actions. "Stay close Maribel, okay?" Kat told her. She answered pleasantly and Kat still didn't trust leaving her back turned towards her. So she shuffled through a rack that let her see Maribel's small body right in front of her. She found a few cute strapless one pieces, but she didn't know if she wanted to commit. "Kat look." Maribel said while holding up a cute yellow two piece. There were ruffles along the top and the bottom had a simple yellow ruffle around the waist. "It's so cute! You want that one?" Kat asked her. She nodded cheerfully and Kat put her swimsuit in the crook of her arm. She decided on a basic black strapless swimsuit that had an attachable halter strap. She didn't bother to try it on and just led the way to the line to ring up her purchases. On the back wall, behind the register, were hats hanging. Kat saw a large floppy hat in a smoky grey. It would be ideal for preventing the sun from smoldering the brow skin off her face. When it was their turn to ring up, Maribel was calling for her attention. "Can I get these Kat?" Maribel asked with a pair of cute cheetah print cat sunglasses on. Kat couldn't say no; they'd look so cute with her yellow swimsuit. "Yeah baby, put them up on the thing—Can I get that grey hat behind you too?" Kat asked the clerk. Kat fumbled through her cross over bag for her money and pulled out a rough estimate on how much she thought it would be. She figured it couldn't have been more than 70 American dollars, but was surprised when the woman announced it would be 93. Fortunately Kat had more money on her than that but that was about it for her pocket money. She tried not to carry too much on her at one time and she wondered if the cab driver would accept her card. It was almost entirely dark outside and Kat quickly scooped Maribel onto her hip. She found herself very protective of the kids when she took them out, especially being just a few blocks away from that hotel she was almost abducted in front of. Kat walked further down the street, trying to cope with Maribel, the bags and keeping her eyes open for a passing cab. When she did see one racing down the street, she quickly tried to flagged it down. It mercifully stopped for her and she bent inside before she started loading the back seat. "Do you take cards?" She asked the driver. He replied yes and Kat put her bags in first, then she sat Maribel in, followed by herself. She told the driver Alejandro's address and the driver sped down the dark streets. When the two arrived at the apartment, Maribel was asleep against Kat's side. She gently awoke her and she awkwardly stepped out of the car. Kat handed the man her card and gathered her bags while he swiped it. He handed it through the front window and she thanked him. She punched in Alejandro's code to call his apartment and the door was speedily buzzed open. Maribel wandered ahead and Alejandro already had the door cracked. Maribel went inside and Kat tiredly followed behind her. She closed and locked the door behind her and kicked off her shoes. "Your bath is ready." Alejandro told Maribel. She disappeared into the bathroom and Kat threw the bags to the ground. She remembered she wanted to finish the dishes in the sink and she sauntered toward the kitchen. Kat wasn't allowed to pay any form of rent so she repaid Alejandro by making sure his kids were taken care of, his sexual needs were met and that the house was spotless. So she wanted to finish the dishes before they left for the beach. Tomorrow all the schools were closed due to an in service type of day and they'd be leaving for the beach early that morning. Kat was just about finished the dishes when Alejandro leaned against the counter beside her. He faced the other direction yet kept his eyes fixed on her. He gently moved a hand up to brush her hair behind her ear and get a better look at her side profile. Kat turned off the water and curved to face him. His jagged hand fit behind her neck and under the curtain of her hair. The tender tug pushing her forward and closer to him was an indication he wanted a kiss. Kat leaned in and Alejandro tilted his head so he could suitably suckle her full lips. Alejandro stood up to his full length and Kat reached her hands up around his neck. Alejandro's hands carefully roamed over her dressed ass. He hollowed into the curve right below her cheeks and followed its silhouette up until he reached the start of her backside just to continue the pattern again. He needed to get her to the bedroom. He gripped her hand and led her into the direction of the empty bed. He turned off all the lights on his way there and shut his bedroom door. It was pitched black and Kat was startled when his body seemed to press firmly against her back. She could feel his hardened prick through his thin sweats and she reached behind herself to grab it. When she had her hand sandwiched between his dick and her ass he seemed to tense up. Kat turned her body to face him and hurriedly lifted his shirt above his head. She couldn't see his chest but she ran her hand over its entirety and was satisfied with what she felt. Doing sexual acts in the dark heightened her other senses. She could suddenly see with her hands and it left a huge open passage for her imagination. The smooth chest had ridges where his strong breasts were and deep canyons where his abs laid. She furthered her travel down toward the deep cuts in his hips that led her straight to the waistline of his pants. She slipped her warm hand down them and gasped when she felt his well-built dick standing straight out. She carefully shifted the pants to the ground and followed them to the floor. Her knees were cushioned by his clothing and she let her fingers dwindle over his member. Alejandro desperately wanted to turn on a light so he could see Kat suck him off but he didn't want to stop her. But Kat felt bolder when the lights were off. She felt anonymous and it gave her the option to be as much of a slut as she desired, without feeling embarrassed. Kat soaked him up with her spit and went straight to work at sucking him off. Alejandro groaned when he felt her dive right in and greedily work her lips on him. Kat was slurping and bobbing as if she hadn't eaten in days and Alejandro reached an arm out to one of the canopy bars close by so he could support his weight. "Yes, just like that." Kat groaned when she heard him talking in his sexy, raspy Spanish. The quality of his voice was enough to make her pussy water and her sudden goal was to get him to say something else. So she placed her hand at the base of his long cock and her 3 fingers bobbed with her head. "Ah shit, wait, wait, wait." Alejandro said at the same time he snatched himself away from her lips. He chuckled and gently ran his fingers over her clad chest. "I don't want to cum on your clothes." He whispered. Kat straight away went to taking off her blouse and unzipping her linen shorts. Once she was down to nothing, her hands desperately reached out for him again. Alejandro hissed when he felt her nails clawing clumsily over his lower half, in search for his dick in the darkness. When she had it back in reach she finished where she left off. The slurping, sucking and popping sounds emitted from her lips had Alejandro throwing his head back behind his shoulders. "Fuck!" He said, a little too loudly. But soon he was spurting his warm white cum all over Kat's face and chest. Before Kat could enjoy the feeling of his seed, he was lifting her by the arms and firmly pressing her stomach against the bed. Kat could feel the cum on her face rubbing off onto the sheets and she spared a small taste. It was salty and bitter, but it tasted wonderful paired with her arousal. Alejandro ripped the thin underwear from around her hips and kneaded the closed cheeks below him. His eyes were shut tight and he let his fingers wander deep into the cut of her thick ass. He massaged each globe individually and Kat couldn't contain the murmurs of enjoyment that fled her lips. He stroked his length a few times before he pushed himself toward the opening of her pussy. Kat was still laying on the bed with her legs shut but he seemed to skillfully find her hole. Kat groaned into the mattress when he slid himself further into her awaiting cunt. Alejandro was in bliss as his dick felt the soft, plush skin of her ass right before it dipped into the slippery insides of her pussy. His blows were passionate and careful to start. But as minutes grew by, he quickened. Kat could feel the curved dick putting pressure on the left side of her pussy and the tip gliding over her spots. The feeling had her purring over into the bed to muffle the sounds while Alejandro tried to control his deep, bass grunts. When she couldn't manage her levels of excitement, her moans turned to somewhat of a scream and her pussy spasmed around his member. Soon, a slurping sound accompanied the feeling of emptiness for Kat and Alejandro's cock was pushed deep into the meat of her left cheek. His hot cum dribbled down her ass, into her deep split and down her pussy lips. **** "What are you doing?" Diego asked Kat from the back seat of the Camry. Kat had a binder full of papers on her lap and a pen was scribbling on each page fiercely. "I'm grading papers for school. What are you doing?" She asked him, without looking up from her work. They were on their way to the beach and Kat was wearing a pair of jean shorts over her bathing suit. Alejandro looked like a beach goddess with his hair in a loose ponytail, a fitting white v-neck and his navy blue trunks on beside her. He was loudly singing his favorite Spanish song with the radio and his daughter accompanied him. "I'm eating some yogurt." Diego replied. "Sounds tasty." Kat said. She was just about finished and she wondered when they'd be arriving at the beach. Alejandro had been driving for well over an hour or two, but it didn't look like the beach atmosphere was approaching anytime soon. "Are we almost there daddy?" Diego asked, reading Kat's mind. She folded up her work binder and finally leaned back in her chair. She focused on the trees and cars outside her window and found herself at ease. "Yep, we're here." He said. Kat looked ahead and saw the outlining of the beach. Kat closed the trunk behind Alejandro and he capably held the umbrella, two chairs, large bag and cooler in both hands. The beach was wonderful. There was a good amount of people around but it wasn't overly crowded. The sand was almost white and the water was the brightest of blues. The 4 strolled up to the beach and Alejandro sat the umbrella just a few feet from the water. He opened the chairs and sat them significantly close to one another. Diego went darting toward the water, but his father's stern voice stopped him in his tracks. "Sun block."Alejandro said with a raised eyebrow and his pink lips pressed into a firm line. Alejandro unzipped the backpack and pulled out the toys inside to place them in the sand. Then he took out a large bottle of sun block lotion. He nodded his head toward Diego and he strolled toward his father. He sat at the edge of the lawn chair and Alejandro covered his body in a generous amount of lotion. Maribel got the same treatment and then his eyes darted toward Kat. The kids ran toward the shallow end of the beach and used their toys to play in the wet sand. Kat looked down at her brown skin and then back up at Alejandro with a raised eyebrow. When he still gazed at her expectantly Kat chuckled lightly. "I think I'm okay." She said lightheartedly. "You still need to protect your skin, no matter how much melanin you may have." He joked with a heart stopping half smile. Kat returned it but still didn't see why he had to lotion her down. "Okay... but I think I can do it myself." She said teasingly. "No." He started with a devious smile that warmed Kat's insides. "I'm doing it." He snarled. Kat carefully made her way to the edge of his chair and his legs sat on either side of her body. He scooted up close behind her and Kat could feel his warmth. He pushed her hair off her back and laid supple kisses down the side of her neck and following the shape into her collar bone. "Stop before they see you." Kat said strictly. They didn't seem to pay them any attention, but she wanted to be sure that if the kids did decide to look back, they weren't being inappropriate. He kissed her neck one more time before his slippery hands went to work on her back. He was much more delicate with her than he was with the kids, gently massaging the lotion in and making Kat's eyes flutter closed in the process. He worked it down her arms and back up again. His hands wrapped gracefully around her neck and down the tops of her chest. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 05 Kat sat in the chair behind her desk and looked at her students. They were working hard but the heat was distracting. It was probably slightly over 100 degrees and it was only 11 in the morning. The weather would be sure to escalate a little more before school was over. Kat's water bottle that typically held its place in her drawer was bone dry and she barely ate anything for breakfast. But class still needed to continue so Kat stood unsteadily and cautiously walked around to the front of her desk. The kids' eyes gravitated toward her when she began to speak. But their ears strained to hear her. "Who can tell me the answer to number one?" Kat asked faintly. She gripped the side of her desk to help secure herself while she was on her feet. At the back of the room Luis quickly came into view but only for a second. He dropped a big cardboard box by the door and there was a note on the side that read it was cold water. Kat sighed heavily and then spoke again. "Everyone get a bottle of water from that box, just 1." Kat said. She felt so drained and exhausted. Every action she did felt like it took so much out of her; even her eyelids felt lazy. The kids scrambled to the back of the room as if there were gold hidden around the area. But it was probably the equivalent to them. Kat took her time getting to the box. She wanted to make sure everyone got one first. Just holding the bottle snug enough for it not to hit the ground was difficult. But the condensation felt wonderful against her skin. She took her place at the head of the room. As soon as she turned herself to face the class, Delora came back from the bathroom. Kat knew she had taken the last water bottle from the box. She unselfishly put the bottle on Delora's desk. Delora took her seat in front of Kat and opened her water. Kat watched her class sip on the cold, partially frozen drink and felt like she had been in the canyon for 2 days and was a few feet away from civilization. She fought to keep her mind focused on teaching but it kept shooting blanks. Her brain was drifting toward darkness and within a few seconds, she could feel gravity pulling her toward the floor. "Mr. Luis!" Delora called. And the last thing Kat could make out was small feet running on the way to the back of the room and out the door in search for help. *** Alejandro was sitting in his paramedic truck eating his lunch with his partner. The truck was running and the air conditioner was making his job enjoyable. His partner was fast asleep in the passenger seat with his feet on the dashboard. His intercom rang loudly in the space. Alejandro's heart sped up when he finally pieced together that there was a pass out at the school. He wondered if it was Kat. More than likely it was; she was probably the only one in the school not accustomed to the heat. Alejandro woke up his partner Fernando when he threw the truck in reverse and revved out onto the street. He drove quickly toward the nearby school and his partner barely had any time to ask questions. Alejandro walked fiercely to the back of the truck and grabbed his bag. "We're doing it inside. No gurney." Alejandro told his partner. He didn't need to rush her to the emergency room or anything. Worse come to worse, he take her home and finish treating her there. Alejandro found himself jogging up the steps of the entrance and immediately checked her classroom. When he looked inside to see a woman with short, brown hair at the start of the room instead of Kat, he grew a little panicked. "The office is up here." Fernando said, pointing down the hall. Alejandro followed his lead and entered the cool office. Alejandro's face tensed and his jaw went jagged. Luis was knelt beside fainted Kat and he gently brushed her hair away from her face. The movement was so sensual and tender, it made Alejandro furious. Fernando took his place beside Kat and without delay hooked her up to an I.V from his bag. Although Alejandro couldn't take his eyes off of Luis. Luis stood to give Fernando more space to work on Kat and took a deep sigh of relief. When he turned around, he was startled to see Alejandro's intimidating stare before him. Luis changed his expression just as fast as it had come. "Shouldn't you be doing something?" Alejandro asked him coldly. Luis chuckled stiffly and crossed his arms over his chest. Luis fed off of Alejandro's jealousy and territory demeanor. "I was. In fact I was taking care of Kat here." He replied, taking a glance back at the sleeping woman. "Well I hope you enjoyed the little contact you had with her while she was unconscious, because it won't be happening again. I promise." Alejandro said while walking around him and kneeling over Kat to help with getting her healthy again. Alejandro was almost a little upset with Kat. He recalled their conversation in the car about setting him straight and figured it must not have happened. Now he was dealing with the green monster within himself that could've easily been avoided. *** When Kat woke up, she felt like she was dreaming. 3 gorgeous men sat around her face. Everywhere she looked, there was beauty even though one of them was a complete stranger. But the most beautiful of them all was the man above her. His soft curls nowhere in sight but his concerned eyes were shooting into hers. However he flashed a momentary look to Luis who was positioned near her hips. "Let go of her hand. I'm asking nicely." Alejandro said through grinded teeth. Kat hadn't noticed the stroking inside her palm that Luis was providing. "You didn't ask at all. Is it bothering you?" Luis taunted. Kat's brow furrowed at the unwelcomed tension. It was nerve racking to see the two men most active in her life obviously not getting along. They looked like they would start brawling on the ground at any minute. "Where are the kids?" Kat asked, attempting to sit up and slyly moving her hand out of Luis'. "Take it easy Kat." Luis urged, guiding with a hand behind her back. "Marlennys is with them. They're okay. You don't have to go back to teaching, school is almost over." Alejandro hated the sight before his eyes. He should be comforting her and making sure she was okay. But Luis was her friend and he held his tongue—his real rage, with fears of upsetting her. "Take me home Alejandro?" Kat murmured, standing to her feet. Alejandro stepped in and coiled an arm around her hip. "Yes baby, we can go home." Alejandro garbled back to her. Kat let him support her weight into his side. Luis stuffed his hands in his pants pocket and stepped to the side. Alejandro on the other hand was basking in his discomfort. Luis could continue to stay in the friend zone all he wanted, but Alejandro was the one making love to her at night and they both knew it pretty well. *** A FEW DAYS LATER "Maribel, if you want me to do your hair you need to come on." Kat stated from the living room. Her recital was tonight and she needed a bun of some sort in her hair. Kat was extremely excited to see her dance on stage and was probably more nervous than she was. Maribel emerged from her room and she looked adorable in her outfit. Her leotard clung to her little round belly and the tutu fanned around her hips. Her ballet slippers were untied and Kat knew she'd have to tie them before they left. "10 minutes and we have to go." Alejandro said from the bedroom. Kat sat Maribel on the edge of the couch and brought over the hair tools she had with her. She gelled her curly edges into a ponytail, braided it to the end and wrapped the braid around as many times as she could. Kat didn't even have time to admire her work before she bent down to tie the straps of her ballet slippers. "Ready?" Alejandro asked with Diego in his arms. Maribel jumped off the couch and twirled happily, an indication she was complete. Kat chuckled, grabbed her purse and followed Maribel to the door. * When the 4 walked into the theatre, a woman at the door directly spoke to them. She was lean and young, and dressed in dance clothes. "Maribel, go ahead to the green room." The woman started. She turned around and pointed toward a small door around the corner with a pink balloon around the handle to indicate its purpose. Maribel turned to Kat and she knelt down to her level. "Good luck Bel, you look so pretty." Kat said with a big hug. Alejandro gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. "Proud of you baby." He said right before she pranced toward the room she needed to be in. Alejandro led Kat to the theatre's entrance and picked out their seats. The theatre was remarkably designed and had a high dome ceiling with downhill seats. The lights were still on and everyone talked loudly. * Diego sat in Kat's arms, twirling her hair in his fingers while she rubbed his clad back, coaxing him to sleep. The lights in the auditorium were still on and the show hadn't started yet. They were two rows away from the stage and almost every seat was filled. "Do you think C-a-r-m-e-n will come?" Kat asked wearily. There were some things, such as names, that still sounded the same in every language. Carmen was of course invited to her daughter's performance, but she was 20 minutes passed the time Alejandro had given her to arrive. "Probably not." Alejandro said dully. He honestly had given up with Carmen, and had no intentions of concerning himself with her any longer. It was Kat's urging that had forced him to invite her in the first place. But they both agreed not to tell Maribel or Diego that their mother was invited, so when she didn't show up, no one would be upset. But Kat would have loved for her to come. Just for the sake of the kids. "That's really a shame." She mumbled to herself. "We're going out this weekend." Alejandro said with a smile. His khaki covered legs were spread wide in his seat and she wondered how he was comfortable. Even though he was on the end, his knees still pressed firmly into the seat ahead on him. Kat wondered why this information would be something special; considering they go out almost every weekend. "Without the kids. A date basically." He continued. Kat was thrilled. She loved hanging out with the kids, but sometimes it was nice to be with just Alejandro. Especially if it was a romantic type of thing. The only time they really spent together was Saturday nights, and Sunday mornings because Carmen always took the kids late and dropped them off early. So most of their time was spent having well needed sex, where they both could be as loud as they desired. "Oh." She said with a toothy smile. "Where are we going?" She asked. "You'll find out." He laughed. He glanced at her face and her expression must have been comical because he threw his head back and continued his hefty chuckle. Kat was paralyzed by his sex appeal. His long hair reached a couple inches past his shoulders now and she questioned how anyone would give him up. Let it be an ex girlfriend or a mother. He was an overall amazing person. "What?" He whispered. Kat gleamed in response and he pecked her quickly on the lips before the lights dimmed to silence the audience. Alejandro slipped his huge hand into Kat's and held on tightly while they waited for Maribel to appear. When the show ended, all of the dancers came out one by one and took a bow in front of the audience. Kat awaited the moment that Maribel walked across the stage. When she finally did, Kat and Alejandro stood from their seats and cheered loudly for the little girl. Alejandro pressed his fingers to his lips and did the loudest whistle Kat had ever heard. But she forgot about the ringing in her ears. Maribel found them in the crowd and waved like the perfect angel she was. Kat returned her smile with her own. And when Maribel took her place beside the dancers who had already bowed, Kat realized just how much attention she and Alejandro drew. But for once in her life she didn't care about being low key, and keeping notice off of herself. * FRIDAY Alejandro was called in to work for a couple of hours that morning. Kat was home with the kids, getting them ready for their weekend with their mother. Kat had redone the bun Maribel seemed to love so much and was now helping her pick out clothes for her stay. She had flashbacks on the first night she spent with Maribel and smiled to herself, the déjà vu seeming too unreal. She sat on the edge of her bed and watched her pick out her clothing. When they all had their bags packed, and were just about ready to go a hard knock sounded in the room. Kat casually strolled to the door and didn't even think to check the peep hole. But when she opened the door, she wished she had. A tall, buff man stood on the other side and a chill went down Kat's spine. "I'm Javier—Carmen's boyfriend." He explained in a deep bass voice, that was very unwelcoming. He obviously wasn't expecting to see Kat at the door. Kat on the other hand was wary about handing the kids over to him. "Mari, baby." Kat called for her. She wandered toward the door and Kat didn't let her eyes leave the man. "Do you know him?" She asked. She didn't even try to hide her suspicion. "Yes." She replied. That was all the clarification Kat needed. If Maribel knew him, than she honestly did. She wouldn't lie. "Okay, well get your stuff." Kat told her. Diego and Maribel both came back to the door with their things and Kat gave them a quick kiss on the cheek before they headed down the hall. Kat watched them leave until they were no longer in view. *** The front door opened around 7 o'clock that night and Kat was glad she wasn't alone anymore. She had done everything there was to do, and she had even gone grocery shopping. She sat in the bed, reading a book she had found on Alejandro's dresser. It was moderately interesting and had done its job of passing time. "Kat?" Alejandro called. She nearly sprang from the bed and ran out the room to meet him. His back was turned but when the bedroom door opened, he faced her. He smiled lightly and Kat's insides fluttered. "Come here." He grumbled. Kat shyly padded over to him and as soon as she was in reach, his hands extended for her hips. His rough hands pressed her body against his securely. Alejandro placed sweet kisses along her cheek and on her earlobe. "I missed you. I thought about you all day." When he spoke those words, his hands reached into her lounging shorts and into her panties. Kat whined into his chest when his fingers sat between her moistening pussy lips. "To the bed." He growled. Kat's eyes unwillingly opened when his hands were no longer in her underwear. She moved her feet toward the bedroom and could feel Alejandro following her. Alejandro left the bedroom door open and began ripping his uniform off his body to let them fall to the floor. Kat sat on the bed and enjoyed her free show. She smiled at his naked form and felt empowered. But it was ruined when Alejandro gave her an expectant look. Kat raised an eyebrow. "You are not finished... hair please." Kat said. Alejandro tore the band from his hair and let his tresses fall freely. Only then did Kat begin to take off the few clothes that she wore. They stood before one another, completely nude and confident. Alejandro traveled his few steps of distance and slipped his finger right back in between her lips. Kat let one hand sit behind his neck while he let one finger enter and reenter her core. "Spread your legs." Alejandro said with a big smile. Kat rolled her eyes playfully while she recalled him using the same phrase when lotioning her at the beach. But nevertheless she did as he asked. Alejandro sat in front of Kat and came level with her folds. Kat purred sweetly when he nursed on her juices. He let his tongue trail her slit back to front countless amounts of times before the feeling of his tongue probing at her entrance set Kat reaching for his scalp. "Say something dirty Kat." Alejandro asked. His brown pupils looked up at her over the mound of her pussy. "What?" She asked irritated. His decision to stop his ministrations and ask questions was one that had Kat a little angry. "Talk dirty to me." He grumbled. The wispy air on her wet lips made her legs buckle. Kat didn't have time for his games. She was ready to release her orgasm that was just around the corner. Kat bucked her hips toward his lips but Alejandro wasn't agreeing. "Not until you say something dirty." Alejandro just wanted to hear something truly out of the ordinary exit her mouth. Kat wasn't uptight... exactly, she was just really secluded. She kept her feelings and thoughts bottled up inside but Alejandro didn't want that for their bedroom life. "Eat my fucking pussy. Now." Kat said quietly. Her sweet voice saying such dirty words had Alejandro rock hard. He pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows in an attempt to look impressed but found himself buried deep within her folds. Kat came almost at once and harshly pulled on Alejandro's hair. Alejandro stood and laid on the bed. His dick reached for the ceiling and his eyes stayed on Kat. "Sit." He grumbled. Kat climbed onto the bed and sat both legs beside him. She put his tip inside and took her time taking his entire length. With each inch she descended, her moaning grew in intensity. Alejandro found his hands cupping her breasts and Kat let out a quick sigh when she was finally sitting entirely. She bounced at a pace that drove Alejandro crazy; it was much too slow. He placed his hands on her hips and forcefully found the rate he liked. It was rapid and resulted in the clapping sound that filled their ears. Kat was practically screaming as his dick rammed her pussy. Her tits were jumping wildly and hurt when they fell back onto her chest from the velocity of their pace. But Kat was definitely on the brink of cuming although she couldn't keep up with him. His hammering was bringing a sharp pain of stimulation that had her streaming cum down his rod. When she did orgasm, he continued his torturous poundings on her poor cunt. And when his own balls began to clench was when he let go of her hips, came on his stomach and groaned out her name. *** "So can you tell me where we're going now?" Kat asked. It was Saturday night and they were on their way to this special date destination. Kat decided to wear something casual; shorts, sandals and a blue tank. Alejandro told her what she had on was fine, and ushered her out the door. "Nope. Baby we're almost there, just wait." He said, trying to reason with her questions. Kat decided to relax in her seat and hopefully learn how to enjoy obliviousness. Alejandro pulled into a packed drive way full of cars. The small house was busy and the sound of music was heard from the car. Alejandro opened the door and Kat followed his lead. The pulsating resonance of reggaeton had Kat remembering her life in New York. She had spent most of her years around the urban boroughs of New York where cultures varied tremendously. She had friends from the West Indies who could gyrate in ways she took note of. But she also had Spanish friends that could move to music such as reggaeton and do the Brazilian Samba as if it were nothing. Alejandro captured her hand and led her to an open gate behind the cars. The noticeable difference between the lighting from the driveway in comparison to the backyard was blinding. Kat took in the scene of middle aged people dancing freely to their own beat. It resembled the scene in Dirty Dancing where everyone was so focused on their partner while they danced, but the speed was much quicker and the explicitness not so graphic. Alejandro led Kat through the busy people and led her past a couple who she noticed. Eduardo looked handsome while he twirled and danced against some long haired woman, who was clearly enjoying herself. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 05 Alejandro opened the back door and walked into the dining room of the house. The table was filled with aluminum pans of many different sizes. But the smell of food wafting around her nose had her eyes searching for a plate. Reading her mind, Alejandro found two and handed one to her. Kat started at the beginning, like she was on a conveyer belt. But by the end, her plate was challenging Alejandro's. It contained at least 2 servings of barbequed steak with chimichurri sauce, a potato salad that was vibrant due to the mixed vegetables inside, a salad with citrus dressing and a sausage type of thing called Chorizo. Kat was about to take a seat at the nearby dining room table that was empty, but Alejandro's voice spoke before she could advance for the chair. "Come upstairs." He said with a nod of his head. He reached into a nearby cooler and got out a few drinks. Alejandro gracefully balanced everything as he ascended the stairs. The upstairs hallway was small, and broadcasted 2 doors on each wall, perfectly aligned. Alejandro led her toward the door furthest back but didn't attempt to open it. "Can you get that please?" He asked her. "Oh, yeah." Kat mumbled when she used her free hand to swiftly open the bedroom door. The inside was a deep, ocean blue and the bedding was a shade darker. It stilled looked as if a young boy occupied the space, but he was now a grown man. Kat put her plate on the bed and used her time to inspect the dresser. There were pictures of Alejandro, his brother and father in tiny frames, beside a large collection of action figures. Kat picked up a small black frame and took note of the beautiful woman gripping the strong jawed boy by the shoulders. The scene behind them was of the lit Times Square. Kat had fully inspected every photo and was content enough to eat. Alejandro was more than 1/3 finished his plate on the bed, and Kat sat across from him. "I feel like a teenage girl." She chuckled softly. Alejandro laughed lightly too. She was sitting on a twin size bed, a quilted comforter of baseballs with her legs crossed. "I'm sorry. I just didn't want to be bothered with all the people while I ate." He said. Kat nodded in understanding. "Okay. But what is this—a party or something?" She was almost certain this was Eduardo's house but the occasion wasn't exactly clear. "No." He laughed. "He throws this old people club type of thing every Saturday. It's just a way for single people to flirt and dance." He said while opening his can of soda. "That's really nice. Eduardo did strike me as the celebrity type so I can't say I'm too surprised." She said lightheartedly. Alejandro chuckled. "I guess he is." "Javier came to pick up the kids. Have you met him?" Kat asked. "Yeah I have." He started with a shrug. "Why? What happened?" Alejandro asked a little more urgently. "Nothing, nothing. I was just asking." She said reassuringly. "So... I thought we spoke about Luis?" Alejandro said, somewhat agitated. Kat gulped at the memory of the two men sharing hard glances between one another. "I spoke to him." She said honestly. "It wasn't too effective then." He grumbled. Kat smiled at her jealous man. Although his annoyance with her was plastered on his features, she was flattered he felt that way. Kat shrugged her shoulders and took a spoonful of her food. "Is that all you have to say about it?" He pressed. Alejandro didn't want to be mad at Kat, but he needed to be angry with someone. He felt threatened. "Alejandro, what do you want me to do?" Kat asked. They both knew what he wanted her to do. But the obvious, untouched area of their relationship's actual stance would be sure to come up. Which was something neither of them wanted to dwell on. So Alejandro brushed the topic off. "Do you think I should try teaching Diego some English? He's been really interested in learning it lately." Kat asked. Alejandro sighed loudly. "We aren't talking about the kids tonight. This is about you and I." "Okay baby, I'm sorry." Kat said with a little smile. She pushed herself onto 4 legs and maneuvered in the direction of his lips. Alejandro smiled slyly, content with her face just a few centimeters away from his own. He pressed his red lips forward and Kat met him halfway. The kiss was short yet still full of passion. Kat sat back down on the bed and looked onto her practically empty plate. "You want more?" He asked her. Kat looked at her stomach and patted it gently. "Food...no. But I could use a few more kisses." She laughed. She held her lips out for him and closed her eyes shut tight. The bed moved under her and she figured he was going for her lips. But the light sound of the door behind her forced her to open her eyes. No one was in the room, her empty plate was gone and the deep rumble of laughter was heard out the door. Kat groaned. She had officially been fooled twice by Alejandro with false kisses. Kat used her time alone to further look through Alejandro's room. Right beside the bed was a short night stand that was piled with books. Kat bent down to peer inside and saw they consisted of book about the human body, biology and anatomy. The feeling of big hands trailing along her backside made her stand up straight and gasp lightly. She took another second to feel out the hands and realized she was familiar with them. "Did I scare you?" He laughed into her neck. Kat leaned further into him, feeling her spot into his chest. She placed her hands over his that held tightly around her abdomen. He kissed her tenderly over her temple and down her cheek until he came dangerously close to her lips. But Kat, remembering his shenanigans earlier, turned her head slightly. Alejandro knew she was trying to get back at him, but he wasn't in the mood for her game related revenge. Kat gasped when his large hand framed her jaw and quickly pulled her lips in his direction. Alejandro looked deeply into her eyes and Kat returned his stare directly. The amount of emotion in his gaze startled Kat more than his possessive grip on her face. Slowly, he removed his hand from his jaw and led it toward her neck. Kat advanced for his soft lips and Alejandro received them delicately. She gripped a handful of his hair and tried to force his lips closer to hers somehow. Alejandro gripped Kat's hips during their kiss and led her toward his bed. His strong biceps allowed him to cradle Kat's back until she gracefully landed on the bed. Alejandro supported his weight above her and used one hand to start unbuttoning her shorts. Kat caught his hand. "Not here." She said, glancing at the baseball on the sheet beside her. "Kat, I lov—" He took a hard gulp."... I'll be right back." He said, flustered with himself. His face was flushed the deepest of reds but he didn't look embarrassed. He stalked out of the room without another word. Kat said up on her forearms, completely confused with his behavior. When he returned, he seemed fine. His face held evidence of water and he ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. "You okay?" Kat asked, standing to be more level with his face. He nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, let's go downstairs." He suggested. Kat nodded and he turned to lead the way. The wandered down the hall and back down the stairs where the party was still at its strong point. Alejandro found his way toward Kat's hand and was proceeding to walk out onto the deck where the dancing was taking place. But Kat didn't budge. Alejandro turned around to face her. "I'm not dancing." She said simply. Alejandro smiled at her. "Why not? I know you know how to." He urged. "So what, I'm not dancing." She said a little firmer. She wanted to get her point across as clearly as possible. Gyrating at home, to your own music and by yourself was totally different from dancing between 60 people, who are all very good. "Just one song?" He asked, stepping closer. His breathing was felt over her head. "I'll make sure your glad you did it when we get home." He whispered. Kat closed her eyes for a minute and his sexy words washed over her while goose bumps rose on her arms. Alejandro could tell she wasn't entirely convinced so he decided to press some more. "I'll rip that pussy apart Kat. I swear, it'll be the best fuck I ever gave you." He growled in deep, baritone Spanish. "One song." She grumbled. Alejandro laughed for a good minute before he took her hand and continued their journey to the backyard. Once outside, Alejandro turned Kat around so her back and bottom were pressed firmly against his. With a smile, he waited for her to begin dancing but she didn't. Alejandro chuckled and reached a hand down her stomach and into the split between her legs. Although no one looked to be paying attention to him, Kat still tried to remove his hand. "Dance." He grumbled. The hand on her pussy reminded her of his promise, and she did want him to follow up on. So she closed her eyes, tilted her head, and twisted her hips in gentle figure eights. Alejandro watched her for a few seconds, admiring her gracefulness and her curves from behind. "You need to dance with—" Kat started. "Alright baby." He said, cutting her off and gripping her hips. He matched her movements and quietly sang in her ear. After a minute of dancing, Kat was starting to enjoy herself. The people around her were invisible behind her lids and became invisible in her mind as well. ***** Kat and Alejandro went home with an urgency. She couldn't wait to get some and receive whatever plans Alejandro had for her. He opened the door and stepped aside to let Kat in. She took her shoes off carefully at the door. Alejandro picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and she let out a loud gasp followed by a series of laughs. He practically ran to the bedroom with Kat's face buried into his back. He slapped her hard on the bottom before he plopped her onto the bed. Kat watched him while he stripped. "You've been teasing me all night Kat; I couldn't fuck you when I wanted and then you had the nerve to dance on me like that? I think you lost your mind." He continued, only half joking. When he was free from his clothes, he stroked his curved dick a few times while Kat took off her clothes. Kat sat leaned on her arms and waited for what would happen. Alejandro cupped her legs and brought her closer to the edge of the bed, ruining the placements of the sheets. He used his dick to toy with Kat's pussy; jabbing at her folds with his smooth tip. Kat whined when his precum moistened her clit. Alejandro slapped his dick against her womanhood and Kat practically screamed from the feeling. Happy with her positive feedback, he kept up his work and put more force behind his hits. Kat's orgasm was intense due to the fact that Alejandro continued to punish her clit while it passed. But once it was close to subsiding, he slowed down. Although every time he did bring his rod down onto her pearl, she shuttered roughly below him. When he was ready to feel Kat's plush walls, he pushed himself inside deep inside her. Kat cried out, accompanied by Alejandro's deep grunt. He immediately started pounding her. He gripped her thighs firmly, probably even leaving a bruise. Kat's tits bounced hysterically and her moans turned into cries of horror. Alejandro couldn't even hold out for 10 minutes; his sticky nut burst right inside Kat followed by loud Spanish swears. "Did you cum inside me?" Kat asked seriously in a breathless voice. Alejandro's hung head slowly lifted and Kat fought to see him through his curls. "I'm sorry baby." He said. Kat rolled her eyes and put a hand over her eyes. "You need to get me morning after pills tomorrow." Kat whispered. She walked to the bathroom to clean Alejandro's seed. "Kat? I'm sorry." Alejandro said again on the opposite side of the bathroom door. Kat sighed. "It's alright. I just really need those pills." Kat said, the anxiety really taking a toll on her. She didn't feel in control of her life at that moment. Everything seemed like it was in the hands of fate and that didn't work well with Kat's character. "I'll get them for you tomorrow." He said. Kat could hear him walking away and back toward the bedroom. When Kat was finished in the bathroom, she strolled to the bedroom. She crawled up the length of the bed and slipped under the covers behind Alejandro. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep knowing the process of making a baby was happening overnight. She faced the window and stared out of it in a daze. What if she were to get pregnant? That would make things complicated. Alejandro shifted behind her and was soon pressed tightly along her length. Kat could tell he felt guilty, and in reality he was. He could see how stressed Kat was getting over it but he knew the first thing he'd do tomorrow was go get her those pills. So he trailed kisses against her back and hoped she'd fall asleep. *** When Kat awoke, the first thing her mind could race to were the pills. But as she sat up in bed, she saw two blue pills positioned next to a glass of water on the nightstand beside the bed. Kat smiled at the thoughtfulness that came with Alejandro, but didn't think twice about downing the pills and the water. "Good morning." Alejandro said behind her. Kat turned around to lie and face him once the water was back on the table. She snuggled up into his chest and glided a hand over his collar bone aimlessly. "Morning." She said back. Alejandro sat a hand on her back and caressed it's lower half. "You were kind of restless last night." Alejandro said, kissing the top of her head. She had switched positions in bed every half-hour to 15 minutes, waking Alejandro every once in awhile. "I'm sorry." She said back. "It's alright baby, I just went and got you the pills as soon as I woke up." He said. Kat remembered something, and then sat up. "What time is it? You didn't go to church today." Kat said looking into his eyes. His hair was sprawled all over his pillow. He smirked at her before replying nonchalantly. "I'll go next week." He pulled on her hip, telling her to return to her spot and she did. They rested in that position for a half hour, and Alejandro was drifting back to sleep. His venture to work on a Sunday to find those pills had him up at daybreak. But Kat remained awake, just thinking. She thought about how much she was enjoying this new life she seemed to be living. Her life as a substitute teacher in New York, meeting different kids and praying she got work seemed to be nothing in comparison. But it was stability. And stability was something Kat loved to know she had. All her life she had to move and adjust, move and adjust, but a shit of a life, doing the same things consistently was better than anything she ever had. The doorbell rang and Alejandro's eyes slowly opened. He untwined himself from Kat and bent over to find his sweats, giving Kat a nice view of his dangling dick and firm butt. Kat arose from bed a little slower. But when the piercing sounds of children wailing filled the house and echoed out the hallway, she hurried her pace. She threw on a bra, shorts and a tee and opened the bedroom door. She covered her mouth when she saw the kids and her heart ached at their tears. "Carmen why the hell would you do this?" Alejandro boomed over the kids' crying. Maribel was stuck to her father's calf, but when she faced Kat in the doorway, she ran toward her. Her face was deep red and wet with tears. Kat premeditatedly leaned and positioned her arms to hold her. Her hair was just barely touching her shoulders. Her curls were cut into a cute, short bob around her neck while Diego's was buzz cut short. "It was too long." Carmen said just as loudly, handing Alejandro their bags. Kat stroked Maribel's back and tried to shush her sobbing. "It's alright Bel, it's just hair." Kat cooed to her. Maribel tried to speak but her words came out chopped. Kat listened closely. "I won't have ponytails anymore." She sobbed. "I'll work something out for you, I promise." Kat told her. "Do you allow her to spoil them like this?" Carmen asked in disbelief. Kat hadn't even realized that they were watching her exchange with Maribel. Alejandro didn't waste another minute of his time and closed the door on her while she awaited an answer she would never get. Alejandro however, did seem effected by her words. He locked eyes with Kat while she bounced crying Maribel in her arms. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Alejandro asked, stalking past her and toward the bedroom door. Kat put Maribel on the ground and smoothed out her shirt. "I'll be right back." Kat told them both. Kat opened the bedroom door and Alejandro sat with his back turned toward her. His long hair sat idle on his strong, muscled back. "Kat, you're spoiling them too much." Alejandro told said. "How?" Kat asked through gritted teeth. "What the hell do you mean 'how?' You give them everything they want. And then some." Alejandro said, getting up from across the room to face her. Kat wasn't backing down. She felt too innocent in this situation to feel intimidated. "I give them luxuries but I don't think I give them excess." Kat said, explaining herself. Kat was not confrontational so having to explain her reasoning to someone who was going against her was not easy. "It's hair. It'll grow back, you don't have to baby them like you did." He said sternly. "You know how much they value their hair. This wasn't just a typical haircut Alejandro." Kat said, defending them. "Look. I'm their father and I am asking—No. I'm telling you that you need to stop treating them like this. That's the end of it." He said, striding toward her. By the completion of his sentence, he was standing directly over Kat. "I care about them too. I love them. I want what's best for—" Kat started delicately. But Alejandro cut her off. "Do you love me?" Kat couldn't. She had 2 more months and she would never see this man, his kids, her job, her friends or this land again. Confessing any feelings to herself for any of those options would make things so much more problematical for her. She needed to be strong and commit to her plan of remaining unattached. Which was something she had mastered in her lifetime. "...No. I don't love you." She lied. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 06 Hi guys! I was just too hurt about you comments regarding Alejandro's hair :( Lol, but I love it so nevertheless, it shall stay long and beautiful. So this is just a jump in continuation, if you forgot what happened by any chance, I suggest you read the ending of the last chapter. ENJOY :* "Alright." He said with a shrug. He backed away from her and began walking toward the door, keeping his eyes straight on it. "Why—Do you love me?" She whispered just before he could girp the knob. Kat held her breath. "Nope. We're just... fucking." He lied as well. Kat had no idea why she felt so broken, considering she had said basically the same thing to him a few seconds prior. But Alejandro was being hurtful, and felt like she deserved to be damaged a little. "Okay." She managed to say. He opened the door and closed it back behind him. Kat sat on the edge of the bed wearily, and placed her hands in her palms. The room seemed crowded and her head was spinning from confusion. She expected him to say he didn't love her, didn't she? Or maybe it was the fact that she knew she was deeply in love with him that had her questioning her sanity. Before Kat knew what she was doing, she was up and out of the front door. She stood in the hallway for a moment, just pondering what had just transpired between Alejandro and herself. Kat closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. "You okay sweetie?" Abella, Alejandro's neighbor and elderly babysitter asked. Kat didn't realize she was walking in from checking her mail down the hall. She waddled toward her door across from Alejandro's and opened it carefully. "Uh yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Kat replied exasperatedly. The woman pushed her big glasses up on her nose before she gave Kat a hard stare. "Come on in here girl. You look like you need somewhere to escape." She said perkily. Abella turned to open her front door and Kat spared a glance back at Alejandro's apartment door. She needed a moment away. Abella's house was modest and very tidy. A large white cat pranced off the couch and onto the floor, racing for the nearby bedroom. "Sit baby. You want some tea?" She asked, gesturing toward the dining room table and heading to the kitchen. Kat sighed before she answered. "Yes, that would be great." She said. Abella was soon joining Kat at the table. Her hands clasped together snugly in front of her. "I don't want to know what's going on, because it isn't my business. I'm just offering you a moment to jump away from whatever it is, physically, and hopefully mentally as well." Abella said, waving her hands around to fit her words. Kat propped her head up with one hand and smirked. "Thanks, I appreciate it." Kat said quietly. "No problem." She started. "You still teaching at the school?" She asked Kat with a warm smile. "Yep, I'm still there." Kat said, remembering her students. "That's good. I'm sure they love you. I know my granddaughter Delora can't stop talking about you." She laughed. Kat's eyes widened and then she returned her smile. The tea kettle started whistling from the kitchen and Abella went to tend to it. "She is one of my best students. Plus she's so sweet." Kat said to her. Abella chuckled. "Yes, she is a very innocent girl." For another 45 minutes, the two drank lemon tea and talked about everything it seemed. Kat had almost forgotten the reason why she decided to visit in the first place. ******* Kat entered the apartment an hour later and there was silence throughout the walls. Which could only mean the kids were taking a nap. Kat didn't really feel in the mood to talk to Alejandro so she waited for any hints on where he was. There was a small noise coming from the kitchen and Kat hastily and silently strolled to the bedroom. But before Kat was even halfway there, he spoke. "Where you been? I was getting a little worried." He said. Kat turned around and saw him in the doorway of the kitchen, staring back at her. "Oh, sorry. I just stepped out." She mumbled. Alejandro sighed deeply. "Kat, don't let what happened earlier make things different for us." He said in a pleading way. Alejandro hated how distant she seemed and wondered how much longer it would last. "What? If you didn't want things to change than you shouldn't have asked me that question." Kat said, turning to face him head on. "So what did you plan on doing—avoiding the subject?" Alejandro asked in disbelief. "No. I told you my situation when I first got here. It's selfish of you to think I'd change all my plans after one month." Kat said. "Do you really expect me to believe you have absolutely no feelings for me, yet you love my kids?" He laughed. Kat didn't realize how unbelievable it was until it was said aloud. Alejandro knew she loved him—he wasn't convinced by her words at all. If she wasn't entirely sold on the idea of staying in Argentina, she would be soon. "Okay Kat. Whatever you say." Alejandro whispered, closing the distance between their bodies. Alejandro wrapped his arms around Kat's shoulders and kissed her tenderly. Kat relaxed her muscles once she was back in his arms and all her worries seemed unimportant. There was some hope that things could still be the same for them and that discovery was uplifting. Alejandro slipped his tongue through Kat's lips and caressed everything inside, she tasted like the lemon tea she had just drank. Kat ventured into his as well and stroked his lips. Alejandro parted their kiss loudly to clasp hands with Kat and walk her toward the bedroom. Soon Kat was once again suppressed by his lips and arms. He backed her into the nearby wall and she rested her weight against it. Alejandro's fingers lingered over the hem of her bottoms while Kat was trying to slide his down. Alejandro followed Kat's bottoms to the ground and gently lifted her pussy lips. He spread them away from each other to uncover the tiny treasure buried inside and drowning in her juices. Alejandro kept his eyes on Kat while he slipped his thick finger deep inside. Kat purred out quietly. "Soaked." He said almost entirely unheard. Kat raised her shirt over her head; needing her tits to grab on. Alejandro looked up over mound and at the large globes above him and his already stiff rod twitched. He licked his lips in preparation and latched onto her pink clit. His finger movements turned into something jagged and Kat was weakening from the climax she felt building. Kat's juices ran down his forearm and dripped from his elbow, the sight stole his breath. When Alejandro figured she was close to an orgasm, he stood and released his fingers from her death grip. He used his wet index and middle finger to swipe against her clit roughly. He kissed her hard to muffle her cries of pleasure. Her legs shook when she finally came down from her high. Alejandro stroked himself a few times and lifted Kat's legs around his hips. "You need a condom." Kat said breathlessly, still trying to recover from her orgasm. She was trying to be stern but it wasn't working out well. "No I don't." He said, trying to guide himself at her opening. But Kat stopped him with a hand between her legs. "You do. You can't pull out." She argued. Alejandro swore, seeing there was no way to convince her that his slip up was a onetime thing. He threw her arms around his neck and carried her to the dresser. Alejandro sat her on the surface while he rummaged through a nearby drawer. They hadn't used a condom in awhile, and Alejandro wasn't sure if he even had any let alone where they were. Watching his long, curved dick sit idle before Kat was torturous. It bobbed and swayed with each moving action he made. Kat couldn't take it anymore. "Just fuck me." She said, spreading her legs and essentially inviting him in. Alejandro didn't waste another minute and slid her toward the edge. He guided himself deep inside and groaned at her tightness. Alejandro closed his eyes momentarily and basked in Kat's soft moans of approval. Her hands were tightly embedded into his shoulder blades while he bruised her hips with his fingers. Alejandro's grunts became more severe and Kat was nearing her next orgasm. He released one hand from her thigh to place his thumb over her clit. He pressed on it with hard circular motions. Kat's toes were curling in a matter of seconds and her release accompanied. Following her lead, he slipped out of her and instantly spurred his milk all over her legs. **** 2 WEEKS LATER "Alejandro, can I use the car to pick up Patricia?" Kat asked, stepping out the bedroom dressed in an emerald strapless sun dress with her hair curled loosely. Alejandro was surprised to see her looking so done up and beautiful. He sat the kid's breakfast on the table in front of them, without removing his eyes from Kat. "Yeah... Are you sure that's the only place your going?" He asked playfully. Kat looked down on herself. "Is it too much? I wanted to look somewhat—" She started. But Alejandro cut her off. "You look beautiful Kat, keys are on the table." He said, nodding at the stand nestled in the corner. Kat grabbed them and headed for the front door. "Kat! Where are you going?" Maribel asked from the dining room table. Kat was about to respond, but Alejandro answered first. "She's going to get her mommy. Remember, I told you she was visiting?" He explained, for the second time. Maribel didn't say anything else about it, so Kat took her opportunity to leave the apartment. * Kat stood outside Pat's terminal exit and anxiously awaited her arrival. The plane should've landed over 10 minutes ago, but she probably needed time to get her bags. She leaned against the car and twiddled her fingers nervously in front of her. She still hadn't explained her living circumstances yet, and would have to do it almost immediately. Alejandro wanted to meet Pat and take them all out to dinner later that day. Patricia would be staying in Kat's free, unused hotel room close to the house. So Patricia's entire fare cost Kat a little over 800 dollars, which was better than she expected. But of course Kat would treat her to meals and shopping. She was just excited to see her. And when she stepped out the airport door, Kat knew she was happy to see her as well. Just like in the movies, they hastily met each other halfway. The journey was followed by a long, heartfelt bear hug. Kat took in her long blonde hair, ginger smell and small, plump frame. She had missed her too much. "Kat! Aw sweetheart you look so beautiful! Your skin is so rich—a nice tan." Patricia said, eyeing Kat over. Kat hadn't listened to a word she said. She was just too caught up in the thought of having her best friend here with her. "I missed you so much." Kat said, gathering her up in a hug one more time. Pat gave her a smile and stroked a hair out of her eyes delicately. "I missed you too Katty Pooh." She said. Kat took her bags out of her hands to load them into the trunk of the car. Kat sat in the driver's seat and started the car up. "So Pat, I have something to tell you." Kat said carefully, giving her a quick glance. Patricia was skeptical and her expression said so. They got caught at a light and Kat used that moment to center her thoughts. "When I got here, I met a guy. He was really cute, we started hanging out—" "Oy vey! You're pregnant! I told you to be careful out here, not run around like a... cockamamie kurva."She said fiercely. Kat rolled her eyes; she had almost forgotten how she was. "No I'm not pregnant. And stop using the Yiddish, I hate that." Kat said seriously. "Anyway, something happened where I needed to stay the night over at his a few days and couldn't go back to the hotel. So I ended up just staying at his apartment permanently. I spend time with him and his two kids, go out sometimes and I go to work." Kat finished, waiting for her response. They were almost at the hotel. "Well, is that what you want to do? You don't have to play wife if you don't want to." Patricia said. "I do. I love his kids, they're great." Kat said, defending them. "Your only 25 Kat, you didn't come here to fill any roles. Make sure you enjoy yourself—alright?" Pat said as they pulled up to the hotel entrance. "Alright." She replied and opened her door. She popped the trunk and gathered Pat's bags in her hands. * Her hotel room was pretty nice. It consisted of a full kitchenette, living room area and bedroom. It was completely different from the room Kat had when she first arrived. Kat sat her bags by the door and took a seat on the couch. "Alejandro is taking us out for dinner tonight, so we can do something until then." Kat said, reclining in the chair. "I actually want to take a nap honey." Patricia said, taking off her shoes and peeling back the covers on the bed. Kat stood up, sensing her welcome no longer needed. "Alright... well I'll be back later. Around 7." Kat told her. She stood and walked to the door to let herself out. She sighed in relief as she realized the damage that would've be done, had already passed. Pat had taken the information well, and there were no more secrets to hide. * "Kat where's your mommy?" Maribel asked, her pixie cut bob swaying around freely. Kat gave her a quizzical look before she turned to close the door. "She's taking a nap at the hotel—Look baby," Kat started, scooping Maribel off the ground and into her hip. She carried her to the couch and sat. They were face to face and Kat gently stroked her brow bone. "Pat isn't my real mommy. We have different skin colors and everything. She just took care of me when I was younger, so I think of her as my mommy." Kat explained cautiously. She furrowed her brow, waiting for her to show some understanding in her features. But Kat was beginning to think that was a little too complex for her adolescent mind. "Like what you do?" Maribel asked, running a hand across Kat's face aimlessly. Kat's heart accelerated and pumped blood over her body feverishly. She gulped hard and tried to think of something to reply. "I just hang out with you guys, I don't take care of you." She replied. Alejandro stepped out of Diego's room and looked surprised to see Kat back. "Where is she?" Alejandro asked, scanning the room quickly. "She was tired, but I have to get her later for dinner." Kat replied. Alejandro joined Kat on the couch and slouched down into the chair, his legs spread sexily. "Well, do you want to do something now? It's only 10." He said in a hushed voice. Maribel climbed down from Kat's lap and strolled into her room. "Yeah, sure." She said, shrugging her shoulders. She wasn't going to waste her dress, hair and makeup on just one dinner. "Can we have sex?" Alejandro grumbled. Kat turned her head down on him fiercely and his dark brown eyes hinted a little humor but much more passion. "Absolutely not. I like my hair today." She said back. Alejandro's rough hands trailed circles around her knee, and Kat could feel goose bumps developing over her body. His fingers dangled over the sensitive patch on her inner thighs and disappeared under her dress. "Do you want it here, or in the bedroom?" He growled. Kat pondered how her 'no' turned into a certain 'yes'. But as he prodded around the nub of her clit through her panties, she suddenly understood. Kat answered his question when she stood up and led the way to the bedroom. Alejandro closed and locked the door behind them, and ravenously headed for Kat. But she held her hand out to stop him in his tracks. "Quick." Was all she said. Alejandro ignored her hand and lifted the hem of her dress. His calloused palms rubbed her down while he pulled off her panties. Alejandro placed tender wet, open lipped kisses over her neck and Kat gasped inaudibly. The couple eventually found their way against a wall, and Kat reached for the button on his jeans. Once the zipper was down, she slid them down just enough to let his cock pop out. The blue and purple veins were especially visible then, more than she had ever seen them. Alejandro was feeling a little impatient, and he gently stole himself from her grip. He placed Kat's right leg over his hip, lifting her off the ground a little. This position had her pussy, and his dick level with one another. Kat put one hand on his muscled back, and let the other grip his soft curls firmly. Alejandro was content with sucking and nipping at Kat's neck while her pant-like moans filled his ear. In one stroking movement, he was sliding right into Kat's awaiting cunt. Her eyes shut tight at the feeling of being so filled, and she buried herself in his neck to muffle her cry. Alejandro tighten his grip on her leg and hip, supporting her. Alejandro began pounding her deep, making sure his entire shaft was consumed by her plush walls. "Fuck, you're so tight." Alejandro snarled in disbelief. He was hammering into Kat by then, and her curls were bouncing wildly around her face. His shoulder was repeatedly brushing her lips and she shut her eyes tight in preparation for her orgasm. Alejandro was definitely holding out for her, but it was getting difficult. He was fucking her hard with hopes she'd cum before him, but he was only bringing himself closer to the edge. "How do I feel baby? Am I fucking you good?" He panted, trying to coax her to orgasm. His speech was jagged because of his brutal thrusting. He leaned away a little and her expression had his balls yearning to burst its contents all inside her pretty pussy. Her eyes crinkled from being shut so tightly, and her full lips hung lifelessly yet quivered a little. "Mhm." She squeaked out. Alejandro put himself back into the crook of her neck and continued his assault. "Are you going to cum for me beautiful?" He asked. He took a moment to acknowledge her signs of orgasm; no more breathing in his ear, her nails scraping his skin aimlessly and her tunnel convulsing around his member. Feeling like it was his turn, he pounded her just a few more times before he was pulling out and cumming in her hands. ** Alejandro, Kat, Diego and Maribel were walking through trails in a nearby park. A thin amount of trees lined the path on both sides, and it sort of felt like they were walking through the jungle. Birds chirped above them and the sun shined through the leaves. Carmen didn't take the kids this weekend for some reason, and Kat was kind of glad. "What are you thinking about?" Alejandro asked, strolling with his hands in his pockets. Kat looked over at him and he was staring straight ahead at the kids. "Nothing in particular." Kat replied, watching the ground for any rocks or big branches. "You really look nice today." He said, stealing one more glance at her ensemble. Her collar bone poked lightly through the deep brown skin and her hair was full. Kat laughed aloud, holding a hand to her chest lightly. Alejandro watched her in amusement. "Did I really look that bad before? You complimented me like 5 times already—and it's not even 2 o'clock." She said, beginning to laugh again. Alejandro smirked. "Of course not. You just look nice, with the dress and all..." He said with a shrug, feeling a little embarrassed for seeming like such a nerd. He hadn't even realized he was praising her appearance excessively. "Well I'm flattered; thank you." Kat said with a seductive smile that wasn't meant to be that way at all. Alejandro couldn't resist the urge to kiss her. He put an arm in front of her path and she walked right into it. He gripped her hip and turned her body. Kat tilted her head to see him, but the glare from the sun was stopping her vision. So it was a pleasant surprise when his lips met hers passionately. Cultural Diffusion Ch. 07 Hi guys! So my story is coming close to an end, probably 1 or 2 more chapters left. Just wanted to let you know. Enjoy :* "Luis, my test scores are the worst yet. I have no idea what to do." Kat said while she ate her fruit salad bit by bit. Luis looked at her roster and his eyebrows raised in surprise. "It looks like some of them did exceptionally well, while others failed horribly." He said. Kat nodded in agreement. "Yes but still." She complained. The English agenda was definitely starting to get a little tougher, considering it was nearing the completion of the summer course. But the scores were varying by so much, Kat didn't knew whether it was because of her teaching, or their personal laziness. "A good portion of the kids got A's. So obviously you taught something right." Luis said, trying to make her feel better. Kat nodded and came to the conclusion that he was right. But she'd try harder, just in case. She had 3 more weeks left until she was due to get on her plane back to New York, but she tried not to dwell on that. It was easy for her to tune out her thoughts when she wanted, so her anxiety was kept at minimum. "I guess." She replied. ********** "Hey." Kat cooed to Alejandro. He was chopping some peppers in the kitchen and she walked up behind him to wrap her hands around his waist affectionately. She pressed her cheek deep into the crease of his back and sighed at his warmth. Whenever he got home, he made sure to put on his sweatpants and nothing else. He hated wearing a shirt at home. "Hey, how was work?" He asked glancing over his shoulder at her. "It was alright." She said, sighing. Alejandro knew her too well. "What happened?" He wondered if it had anything to do with Luis. His hands clenched a little tighter around the knife in his hands. "So many kids failed my English test today, but some of them did particularly well too." She said, going back into a stage of deep thought. Alejandro relaxed his hands. "As long as you're trying your best, you shouldn't worry." He said so philosophically in his hushed Spanish. Kat only moaned into his back and pressed herself further into him. Their disagreeing was getting even more severe, so moments like these, Kat took advantage of. *** It was dinner time and they were all sitting around the dining room table enjoying Alejandro's meal. Kat stabbed at the food on her plate and brought it up to her lips. "You guys are staying here again this weekend." Alejandro announced. The kids murmured some smiling rejoices, but Kat wasn't happy. "Alejandro, this'll be the 3rd week in a row the kids haven't seen their mother..." She stated. Kat kept her eyes on her plate. Alejandro's jaw tensed up. Kat of course, didn't like Carmen but she had rights as a mother. Even if she didn't want to be bothered with her children, she should still have the option to see them. Kat didn't agree with his choice to take her decisions upon himself. They needed their mom in their lives. "I know." He said bitterly. Kat looked at him and saw the mean glare in his eyes. She shrunk in her seat and took a sip of her water; her throat becoming dry. "So... I think it isn't fair fo—" Kat was cut off. "Don't start this. I do what I want with my kids." He said coldly but it was clear he was holding back. Kat couldn't take his tone with her, plus she didn't want to argue in front of the kids. She winced at his words and stood up to clear her plate. Her appetite had vanished and she no longer wanted to be in his presence. She headed toward the bedroom and closed the door behind herself. He didn't seem to respect her anymore when it came to the kids. Maybe he had his own reasons for it—she didn't know. But she did know it hurt to be reminded that she had no say in their lives. She sat on the edge of the bed and took out some papers she could grade, to busy herself. It did the job for almost another 20 minutes, until the bedroom door opened. She didn't have to look to know it was Alejandro, and he moved around like a silent ghost in the room. "I have bad feelings about them going over there." Alejandro announced. Kat didn't reply for the first few minutes and never let her hands stop scribbling over the papers. "Why didn't you just say that? Instead of getting rude with me..." She muttered quietly. He sighed deeply and stood in front of her. Her head was opposite the bed where her binder lay, so he just placed a supple kiss on her crown. "I'm sorry." He said back to her. She waited a minute or two so his kiss could have its effect on her mood. "Why do you feel like they shouldn't be over there?" Kat inquired, his words triggering her curiosity. Alejandro looked away, and seemed deep in thought. His brow furrowed and he shook his head lightly. "I just get a bad feeling. You saw how they reacted—they honestly don't like being there. They've started to damn near cry when I pack their bags." He said to himself. Kat noticed that as well, but wasn't getting any bad vibes from their behavior. They'd just rather be with their father. "Well, when they start telling you things is when you should really be worrying. But until then, it's not fair to Carmen. She could take you to court if she felt like you were restricting her visitation. " Alejandro basked in her words and came to the conclusion, Kat was right. ******* "I changed my mind guys, you're going to you Mama's house." Alejandro said the next morning. Maribel groaned while Diego jumped up and down in frustration. His arms flopped around and he achieved his signature chuckling cry perfectly. Kat was just then getting out of bed, and tried to avoid the scene on the way to the bathroom. But beautiful Maribel saw her too soon. "Kat I don't wanna go." Maribel pleaded, secretly asking for Kat to reason with her daddy. But Kat shrugged at her in a hopeless way. Maybe if she explained things... "Diego baby, come here and let me talk to you." Kat called, her teacher senses coming to the rescue. Alejandro would get fed up with the whining and droning soon. Kat might as well try and save them from a stern talk. "You guys like being with your daddy huh?" Kat asked, kneeling to their levels and running a hand over both of their shoulders. They nodded in agreement. "Well what would happen if you couldn't see him because someone told you that they wanted you for themselves? I'm sure it would make you sad because you love him." She pressed. They seemed to be following along. "Your mommy loves you guys just like you love your daddy. So it would make her sad if she didn't get the chance to see you. It's been 3 weeks! Imagine not seeing your daddy for 3 weeks? So just be good sports and stay at your Mama's this weekend. For me." She concluded her child appropriate speech and kissed them each on the forehead, glad it looked like she had gotten through. Kat stood and headed to take her shower with Alejandro smirking at her from the living room. *** The kids had silently left with Javier and Kat waved goodbye. When she closed the door, Alejandro leaned against the wall beside her. "I'm going to take a shower." He said, not moving a muscle. Kat pushed her eyebrows into a tight line and nodded slowly. "Okay..." She said, wondering why he was explaining this to her. "I could use some help." He said simply. Kat chuckled in response but Alejandro didn't seem amused. "Since when?" She asked, feigning a bit of an attitude. Alejandro's façade finally cracked when he let a small smile surface on his face. He took a step toward her and attentively placed his hands along her jaw bone. After stroking it a few times, his head bent to match his lips with hers. The kiss was so quick and tender; it had her wanting more. So when he pulled away to head for the bathroom, of course her feet were already close behind him. *** Alejandro had stripped himself of his clothes before Kat did and was running the water in the bathroom. Kat padded toward the bathroom and caught a glance of herself in the mirror. Her hair was tied up on her head, medium sized breasts place on her chest followed by deep brown nipples, her somewhat flat stomach came before a tamed trail of curls between her legs. But her entire, unseen aura was one of pure arousal. She opened the door to see a layer of steam already forming in the space. Carefully, she peeled back the curtain and unveiled a nicely muscled back. His back flexed and relaxed as he washed himself away from her. Kat quickly stepped inside and ran a cold hands over his shoulders and followed the trail down his arm. "I'll wash your back." She murmured. He handed her the lathered cloth and she went to work with rubbing him down. Once she had been scrubbing for a few minutes that seemed to pass quickly, Alejandro turned around. He took the cloth out of her hands to begin washing her gracefully. He cleaned her upper half without a problem. But when his hands caved between her thighs, the cloth fell to the ground with a loud thud. Soon after, his own fingers were massaging her folds. Kat put her hands on each bicep, to steady herself for the sensations she was beginning to feel. He held her eyes while he gently twirled her clit around his finger. He circled the nub countless times before he finally let a finger slip inside. Kat threw her head back and let out a sigh of appreciation while he gently fingered her. Alejandro bit his lip and looked down on her glistening breasts. They sat perfectly on her chest and the urge to touch them became overwhelming. One hand cupped the left tit firmly. He gently squeezed them and then bent his neck to let his lips meet her nipple. The water fell down on his face streamed down his chin. Kat looked into his eyes and he looked as if he could be in a cologne commercial. His sweet lips pursed around her nipple and the sensations she experienced were enough to send her into an orgasm. She shrieked while she came, no longer having to muffle her sounds of enjoyment. Alejandro kissed her lips one good time then twisted on her hips, signaling her to turn around. "Bend over baby." He whispered. Kat did as he said and stretched to placed her hands against the wall in front of her. "All the way." He said again. Kat put her hands on the ground as she felt her legs being stretched while staring at her knees. Alejandro blinked a few times. The small of her back rounded over her bottom, causing her cheeks to spread for him. He positioned his thick member at her entrance and pushed in slowly. She felt heavenly in this position. Her walls were curving in the direction that her body was situated and it touched every surface of his dick. When he had himself all the way inside, Kat was whining noisily below him. She was receiving the most amount of penetration she could, and it was a feeling she wasn't expecting. Alejandro braced himself by gripping her tightly on her hips and pulling her body toward him. Slowly but surely, his pace got quicker and the slapping sounds being made were overpowering their pleasure sounds. The water was turning cold and Natasha's nipples began to harden. Kat's orgasm was one of a horror cry, but sounded choppy due to how Alejandro was pounding her. He didn't slow down, and Kat almost lost her balance. "Ahh, shit—suck my dick." He groaned. Hurriedly, Kat maneuvered herself on her knees before him. She popped him into her mouth and went to work at sucking him off. His wet hair dropped water on her face and chest. Soon, his warm white cum spurted onto her tongue and she swallowed him without even taking another second to think about it. He leaned back to turn off the water and reached a hand out to help her on her feet. She took his assistance and he peeled back the curtain for her to step out. A towel was suddenly wrapped around her shoulders and she was being hugged from behind. The steam in the shower fogged up the mirror, but the contrast of their skin was still visible. Alejandro's supple lips landed on her cheek. "What do you want for dinner chica?" He asked, opening the bathroom door. He stepped out completely naked and she smiled to herself, feeling the effects of her orgasm still flowing in her blood. *** "Carmen's going to be late with the kids." Alejandro told Kat. She was nestled up into the couch, enjoying some TV. He shuffled out the bedroom and strolled to the kitchen. She had hardly slept last night, and she felt like catching up right there on the couch. So eventually she drifted to sleep and woke up in bed. She was placed sweetly on her side of the bed and buried beneath soft covers. She stretched and yawned while she sat up and checked to see if the kids were home. Sure enough they were playing a game on the living room floor. A pot sounded in the kitchen and she figured Alejandro was making dinner. But when the kids saw Kat, they gave her a big smile. "Hey Kat!" Diego said, looking up at her. Kat sat between the two and looked down on the board game with heavy lids. She smiled at them. "Hey guys, what are you playing?" She asked, stroking Maribel's hair while trying to recognize the game. "I'm not sure. But I know it's almost time for bed and I hope the game can be migrated to the bathtub." Alejandro said from the kitchen entryway. He always seemed to ruin the fun, in the most fatherly way. "Diego first!" Maribel exclaimed, not ready to take a bath yet. Diego was obviously upset he didn't call it sooner, but he knew he had to play fair. "Kat, start the water for me? Dinner is almost done." Alejandro asked. Kat nodded, and stood to lead the way to the bathroom. Diego followed her closely and she bent down to turn on the faucet. When she turned it off Diego began to take off his clothes and Kat stood up, ready to leave him by himself. But when he took off his top, something caught her attention. There was a large bruise on his lower back. Silently, she waited for him to take off his pants and she gasped. There was a large hand print on the borderline between his back and his butt. Clearly, it wasn't a woman's hand. It was much too big to be created by any woman. It was bruising terribly and made his skin a deep, purpleish brown. Kat could feel tears welling up in her eyes and quickly left the bathroom so he wouldn't see. Diego probably had no idea the bruises were there. She tried to compose herself and think of something to do. Should she tell Alejandro, or wait for him to find out on his own? When she turned around, Alejandro was standing right in front of her. "What is it?" He asked, placing a hand up to her jaw. She swallowed deeply and left his gaze, taking it to the hardwood floor. "Someone is beating him." She whispered so inaudibly that Alejandro almost didn't hear her. Kat didn't even have a moment to blink before he was darting to the bedroom. Kat followed him closely and found him scrambling for some clothes to put on. Everything seemed to be moving in fast motion. It felt like one of those moments where you're just spectating a life that you can't feel yourself actually living. The reality of everything didn't seem like it should be matching up. "Where are you going?" Kat asked him. Alejandro didn't even bother to answer. He just continued to change his clothes. Kat rung her hands out nervously, uncomfortable with her situation. She had no idea on what she should do. "I'm going to fucking kill him. Watch the kids." He said, still putting on pants. Kat sprinted for his keys and when she had them in her possession, she had power. She walked fiercely back toward the bedroom door. Alejandro heard the jingling of his keys against his key chains. He snapped his head at Kat and almost couldn't believe saw was about to play games. His anger and rage should not be tested. But little did he know, Kat was matching his emotions to almost the same extent. "Listen. If you're going, I'm going. Wait for me to get dressed." She said in the most menacing voice she could muster up. Alejandro wasn't affected by it and his eyes resembled a madman. "Give me my God damn keys." He barked, stepping closer towards her. Kat however, made a sharp turn for the dresser. She slipped on her sweatpants in one fluid motion; it took less than 2 seconds. She fiercely walked toward the living room and scooped Maribel onto her hip. Diego was finished his bath and was luckily dressed in his pajamas. After capturing his hand, she hurriedly knocked on Abella's door. She answered with heavy lids and a yawn. "Hey Abella, I'm sorry to wake you. Can you watch the kids for tonight? We'll come get them later." Kat said, giving her a look that signaled it was an emergency. She seemed to catch on and ushered the kids into her home. They began to protest and ask questions when she attempted to close the door, leaving Kat and Alejandro on the other side. She raced back in the house to look for him. He wasn't in the living room so she strolled to the bedroom. Cautiously, she opened the door. His head was resting in his hands. And he sat on the edge of the bed, directly in front of a solid hole in the wall that wasn't there when she left. Before Kat could question him about it, he stood up and snatched the keys out of her hands. She gasped when she looked into his eyes and saw a completely different man. He glided past her and she fought to keep up. When they reached the car, he didn't even bother to put on his seatbelt. Kat was pivoting to reach hers but she found herself plastered against the back of the chair. She shot a glance at the speedometer and her eyes grew wide when she saw he was doing 84 in just 10 seconds of being in the car. Kat clenched the seat under her, frightened they were moving so fast. She looked at Alejandro and saw the pain etched in his features. It was hard as stone and his hair fell in his eyes mysteriously. Kat's stomach weakened when she thought of what he might do if he actually had the opportunity to see Javier. He probably would kill him or something quite close to it. When Kat saw him pull up to a nearby house, she figured they had arrived. He threw the car into park and opened the door. "Wait! Maybe I should go with you?" Kat tried, leaning over his seat to look at him outside the car. He barely spared her a glance. "Stay here." Was all he said. Kat rang out her fingers in her lap. His tall, muscled body approached the door and he put 2, huge blows on it before waiting for an answer. Kat had seen Javier's build; he was big. Much bigger than Alejandro. He was more big in terms of fat and bones rather than muscle and Alejandro had a good amount of power in his arms. But his drive and fury would probably allow him to fight with more force. Kat held her breath when Javier opened the door. The house behind him was lit from the lights, and Kat could make out his annoyed face. She gasped, with a hand over her mouth when she watched Alejandro immediately give him a huge pound to the chin. Javier stumbled back into the house a few feet and Alejandro made eyes with Kat for just a second. He closed the door behind him and left everything else to her imagination. Kat climbed over toward the driver seat; ready to screech off with him when he sprinted back to the car. But after a near 5 minutes, the door opened again. Alejandro stepped out and made a sharp turn en route to the street, passing the car completely. Kat was confused, and scared. She jumped out and looked at him over the roof of the car. "Alejandro!" She called. He didn't answer her. Kat got a little panicked and took the keys out the ignition to jog after him. She finally caught up, out of breath. "Where are you going?" She panted, her brow pushed into a tight line. "Go home Kat." Cultural Diffusion Ch. 08 Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry for the extended wait! Theres really nothing I can say to justify it so I won't make any excuses. And no, II can't write sex scenes to save my life. I'm extremely bad at it but I'm working hard to change that lol. *shrug* But I tried my hardesssst in this final chapter so hopefully it satisfies. And to tens, I am so so so sorry you felt offended due to the prior chapter. I never meant to downplay the Jewish culture in any way. I'm so so sorry. Kat? I haven't heard from you in a bit honey, let me know how things are going. I miss you. Love, Pat. Hey Pat. I know. Things have gotten busy lately. I'm doing well over here. I miss you too. I love you. Kat. She sighed deeply at the computer screen and ran a soft hand over her face. Kat didn't have much else to say other to say to her. * "Come to the lounge with me." Luis called from the front door of Kat's classroom. Kat furrowed her brow at the man and stood to push her chair back under her desk. With a smoothing motion on her flowing skirt, she headed toward him. Luis was already back in the hall by the time she made her way to the classroom door. She looked down the hall to see a glimpse of his body entering the Teacher's Only room Kat had seen on her tour her very first day. She hadn't had a reason to go back there since. When she cautiously took a step inside, she was met with a loud booming sound. Her eyes and ears tried to work at the same time while her emotions went soaring. "Surprise!" The room seemed to scream to her. Luis and Marlennys stood ahead of 10 other co-workers Kat had grown to be close with. A bright pink cake sat on the dining room like table and had "We'll miss you!" engraved in its frosting. A banner on the back wall mimicked the same words. Kat felt a tear quickly roll down her brown cheeks before she had time to realize she was crying. Today was indeed, their last day of the summer program and while she sat at her nearly empty and cleaned desk, she could feel the overcast of gloom hanging over her crown. She figured it must have come from the realization that she'd never return to the kids, people or building again. Marlennys engulfed her into a tight, breathtaking hug. Kat let a hand gently wander over her back and she temporarily shut her eyes. As she pulled away, Kat allowed her eyes slowly open to meet her damp ones. They smiled at each other knowingly before letting a chuckle pass their lips. Marlennys brought a hand up to stroke away Kat's tear and brush a loose hair away from her eyes. "This is supposed to be a happy party." Luis said, eliciting a small laugh from everyone in the room. Kat took a deep breath that did the trick for pushing aside the feelings she was beginning to let control her actions so she could enjoy her party. **** "Hey guys. Before we go, I just want to talk to you all for the last 5 minutes of class." Kat purposed. She sat on the edge of her desk—former desk was how it seemed, and crossed her arms over her chest with a sympathetic smile on her lips. "I want to let you all know, how proud I am of you. You've worked so hard these past 3 months and I can't believe how much progress you've made. I'll never forget any of you—ever." "Where are you going?" Carlos asked from the back desk. Kat raised an eyebrow at him expectantly. "Come on, you can say that in English can't you?" She pressed with a devious smile, trying to test his knowledge and memory. Carlos sat thoughtful, for only 3 seconds before he proceeded to re-ask his question. "Where are you going?" He asked in a thick, dense Spanish accent. Kat smiled broadly and clapped her hands unconsciously before herself. "Nice work Carlos." She replied, giving him a wink and a smile. "But I'm going back home, to America. I only came to teach you." She said. The bell rang loudly in the room and for some reason things seemed different. The bell didn't sound the same, and for once, Kat wasn't glad to hear it. The kids moved slower, and with less enthusiasm. But it seemed like Kat was feeling the same way. "Give me a hug before you go." She said almost inaudibly, but her voice still cracked as she spoke. She took a hard swallow while she eyed her students slowly making their way up to her. One by one, she bent down to give them warm hugs and an uplifting personal messages about themselves in their ear. **** "Can you help me get my stuff?" Kat asked Alejandro quietly. He was sitting in the driver's seat, patiently waiting for her to come out. He nodded curtly and opened the door to follow her back inside the school. He watched her from behind and took note of her mood just off of her body language and how she walked. She seemed like a zombie, just going along with the motions of living. Kat handed him a large box filled with some of her books, jackets, water bottles and papers she wanted to keep from her students. While she held the remainder of the cake from lunch, a bouquet of flowers and some balloons. "You okay baby?" Alejandro whispered beside her while they walked down the familiar hall. She nodded as reassuringly as she could but she knew it wouldn't be enough to shake him. "Kat!" A voice called behind them. She turned to see Luis jogging toward her with an envelope in his hands. He held it out for her to take. "What's this?" She asked in a hushed voice. "Some pictures from today, and the school's address; so you can keep in touch." Kat managed to take the envelope out of his hands carefully. She nodded offhandedly and swallowed hard. Luis pulled her into a deep hug, that had his biceps around her head. Kat closed her eyes and tried to memorize his smell, the way his body felt and the beating of his heart with intentions of never forgetting them. Maybe if she could always think about those aspects of him, she'd always remember how good of a friend he had been to her. **** "Bel, time to wash up mama." Alejandro said, stepping out of the bedroom with his hands in his pockets. Kat gave her a sympathetic look from across the board game. "We can play again when you get back from your grandpa's house tomorrow." Kat purposed. She nodded quietly, clearly disappointed, and sauntered to the bathroom. Kat stood up and faced Alejandro. "Can I wash her up?" Kat asked. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply. "Yeah. She can't play around in the tub tonight, it's already 10." He stated simply, then disappeared into the bedroom once again. Kat took her time getting to the door and opened it carefully. Maribel sat on the toilet, waiting for her water to be started. Kat cracked it a little and peered inside. "Hey honey, can I wash you tonight or would you rather your daddy do it?" She asked seriously. She always asked if it was okay even though she knew the answer would always be yes. "No, you can do it." She said angelically. Kat bent over the tub and started her water. Maribel sat inside while it filled up around her and Kat sat on the edge. She reached down into the basket that held all the bathtub toys, but Kat's voice stopped her. "We gotta hurry up and get out of here, daddy said it's time for bed." She said with a shrug. Maribel took the hint that she wouldn't be able to play around in the tub, and put the toys in their proper place. Kat began bathing her and when she was close to finishing, she decided to chat. "So how's ballet? You still like dancing?" Kat asked her. "Yeah, I still like it. But I hate practices." Kat chuckled, she was too mature. "Understandable... But that's the only way you get better, and how would you know what to do at recitals if you didn't practice?" Kat asked. "I guess I wouldn't. I could make up my own dances though." She sounded so self assured. "That's very true." A stillness fell upon them and it lasted for a few minutes. "I'm going home in a few days." She told her. Maribel's expression was a mixture of confusion and carelessness which led Kat to believe she didn't understand. "I'm leaving, back to America." The reaction was immediate. Maribel's face wound up into a tight, wrinkled frown and Kat prepared herself for the shrieking cry that should have followed. She grabbed her towel and swiftly wrapped her up in her arms. She sobbed deeply into Kat's shoulder while she carried her back to her bedroom. Kat sat down on Maribel's pink sheets and cradled the girl in her arms, trying to soothe and console her to sleep. She hoped Alejandro hadn't heard her. After about a half hour, her sobbing dwindled down into hiccups and the hiccups led to silence. Carefully, Kat clothed her and laid her into her bed. She gazed down onto the sleeping girl, and kissed her delicately on her forehead. She walked down the hall and cracked open Diego's door to see him still sleeping calmly. Kat decided she'd clean up and get ready for bed. She cleaned up the board game, drained the tub's water and was in the middle of cutting off all the lights when Alejandro reappeared from the bedroom in his boxers. "You coming to bed?" He grumbled. She turned around to fully face him, and something washed over her. A wave of emotions she had been trying to hide all day just seemed to pour out into the space between her and Alejandro. She put her hands over her eyes and wept heavily into her palms. Her crying was tortured, having contained so many feelings and bottled thoughts. Alejandro was now holding her in his arms and his chest seemed to support her. But his presence and the feel of his body only seemed to add to how she was feeling. He kissed her crown and cooed sweet things into her ears. His large hands rubbed all along the surface of her back in a comforting way. Kat eventually controlled her crying and pulled away from his chest with a staggered sigh. Alejandro's broad brows were pushed into a tight line while he gazed down on her. Out of all the days, hours and minutes he had spent with Kat, he never witnessed her so vulnerable and distressed. Her lips were parted wide so she could breathe, she sniffled roughly and her cheeks were soaked in water. Kat wiped her tears off his chest in embarrassment and made sure to never make eye contact with him. "I'm alright, I'll meet you in a minute." She mumbled in a nasally, hushed voice. Alejandro got the hint she wanted to be left alone, but he didn't know if he wanted to grant her that wish. When she delicately padded into the kitchen, and the water began running, he figured it'd be best to let her have a moment with her thoughts. ***** "You feel like going out for dinner tonight?" Alejandro asked. Kat stirred awake at the deep rumbling of his chest that reverberated against her ear. They were lying in the bed at 6:00 in the evening, just enjoying one another's company. "Yeah, sure." She said quietly. Alejandro's hands began stroking the side of her upper thigh. "We should get ready to go now then hm?" He asked her, feeling her fall back asleep as if he hadn't spoken. Kat leaned off of his chest to head for the bedroom. She was leaving in 2 days, so a nice dinner with him while the kids were away would be meaningful for them both. When she had began taking her clothes off to put on different ones that would better suit going out to eat, rough hands found themselves around her waist. She fell back into Alejandro's chest and let out a deep sigh of satisfaction while his lips skimmed the sensitive skin of her collar bone. His hands wandered further upwards toward her clad breasts. With an urgency in his hands, he gripped them firmly and began to knead her flesh. Kat's nipples were pressing against the bra and she shifted her thighs to help soothe the aching that was growing in her pussy. Alejandro took notice and growled low in her ear. In an instant, his entire attitude changed. His delicate and sensual movements became jagged and ravenous. In the midst of him unzipping his pants, Kat had turned to face him. She grabbed a hold of his hands and looked into his eyes. "Let's take our time, okay?" She pleaded. For some reason she didn't want sex to be rough and rushed yet still satisfying. She wanted him to take his time with her body, and vice versa. Alejandro nodded briskly, knowing the reason for her request. He kissed her one time on the lips delicately, then let a few more flow down her neck and chest until he reached the tops of her breasts. Kat sat her hands on his shoulders and rubbed them down his back that was curved due to him bending to reach her chest. He gently pulled down the cups and revealed her deep brown nipples on an island of large areolas. With some guidance of his hand, he suckled on her nipples. The sensation had Kat throwing her head over one shoulder while sighing in pleasure. He reached behind her back and expertly undid the clasp of her bra to let it fall on the ground. In a fluid motion, he lifted Kat off her feet by her waist to gently lay her down on the bed. She watched him remove his shirt in front of her, all the while keeping his gaze fixed. Once his shirt was off, he moved onto Kat's panties. His eyes drank in the thin material that perfectly outlined where her pussy lips were and he didn't even realize he trailed a finger right over the obvious slit. Kat shuddered when his pad ran over her moistened cunt. He pulled down the barrier and licked his lips minimally. The starving look on his features made Kat's loins tingle and she reached a hand over herself to tug on her eraser sized nipples. Alejandro tucked a few strands of his hair behind his ear, and Kat knew he was about to dive into her. He spread her legs wide and immediately latched onto her clit. Kat groaned and let her eyes shut. Alejandro had to be one of the best pussy eater's in the Americas. He twirled her clit around his tongue countless times, switching up the rotation frequently. Both of Kat's hands ended up on her tits and she was pulling at them roughly. Alejandro looked up from over her mound to see her body arching and her mouth open wide. He concluded it was about time to get her off and stop teasing her. He nipped at her clit lightly a few times; he knew that always drove her off the edge. "Oh fuck baby." As planned, Kat came hard and when Alejandro pulled away from her sex; he could see the trail of juice leading onto the sheets mixed with his own saliva. Kat sat up on her forearms with a wicked smile on her lips. Her hair was laid messily on her head and her tits looked a little red. "Sit here." She commanded, pointing on the edge of the bed. Before he did, he pulled off his pants and let his curved dick spring from its confines. Kat rapidly kneeled between him and bit the inside of her lip. His shaft sat right beside her mouth. She let her tongue slither up the underside of his dick and it wrapped around his tip. Then she placed him inside her mouth to begin sucking him off. As Kat bobbed her head, she could feel the skin around his dick moving with her lips. "Ah, just like that." He praised. His grunts and heaving body signaled that he was getting close. So Kat continued to suck him, keeping an air tight seal around his dick. "Come here." Alejandro told her, patting himself on his thighs with a dazed look on his face. He was fighting to preserve his orgasm for when he was actually inside her, so telling her to stop sucking him off was extremely hard. Kat straddled his lap while his broad hands positioned themselves under her. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his craning neck. She looked down into his brown eyes and watched them blink slowly as his cock entered her womanhood. He hissed out something unintelligible and Kat kissed his lips feverishly. Without any help from her, he began moving her body up and down with the pure strength of his arms. The languid bouncing was making her weak. She felt as if she couldn't support her own body weight and somehow her head wouldn't stay upright. It fell backwards, facing the ceiling. "You feel so good baby." He grumbled into her chest. His biceps wrapped snugly around her waist and his lips pressed against the valley between her breasts. Kat droned quietly while he suckled on her nipple and buried himself between her tits. His moaning tickled her sensitive skin, heightening her pleasure. A calloused hand gently massaged her ass below her. All Kat's needs were being met, and she felt her orgasm just round the corner soon; Alejandro was pulling out all his tricks. "Who's pussy am I fucking?" Alejandro growled in a deep voice, full of lustful bass. Kat was almost unresponsive, his lovemaking was just so effective. "Mhm." Was all she could muster up and still, it sounded like a satisfactory moan more than it did a response to his question. Alejandro looked up to make eye contact over her mountains. Her eyes were almost closed and her head kept alternating between her shoulder and her back. "Who's?" He asked a little more sternly. "Mine baby—you're fucking my pussy." She said breathlessly. Her entire dazed demeanor seemed to jump out her body when Alejandro gripped her ass cheek in one hand. It was the most enjoyable pain she had ever felt, and Alejandro knew she loved it. "Wrong answer Kat." He almost seemed upset. "This is mine. Tell me, I need to hear you say it." He pleaded. "It's yours." She said wearily. He stole a kiss from her lips and nestled his cheek against her breast in the most loving of ways. He stopped pumping her and she raised a hand to stroke his hair while he tried to mold himself into her heart. **** Alejandro and Kat had just finished their meals and were now waiting on the check. Alejandro picked out a very classy bistro type of restaurant that had peaceful music playing in the background. Kat looked at his beautiful face in pure admiration. Every crease, wrinkle and pore on his appearance was permanently etched in her mind, that she knew for sure. She'd never worry about forgetting that man just because of how much she'd learned from him. Alejandro stared at her as if he was committing her face to memory as well. But he looked down into his lap momentarily and when he met her gaze again something was different. Nervousness, sadness? Kat tried to read it but she couldn't. So when his mouth parted to speak, she listened intently. "Kat, I don't want you to go." He whispered with pleading eyes so concentrated Kat couldn't hold his stare. She took a rigid gulp. "I know—" "Can you look at me?" He grumbled a little harshly, clearly a result from built up frustration. Kat gave him a look through eyes close to being slits. "I know. But I can't." She told him head on. Alejandro shifted in his seat. "I love you. And every day that you live and walk those streets of New York, days away from me I'll be thinking of you Kat. I'll think of your eyes, the way you speak Spanish so beautifully to me while I make love to you, and the way you make me feel when you're around." Kat's breathing began to pick up speed and her silence gave Alejandro more freedom to speak. "Why can't you stay here? You have everything. Look—" Kat shifted her eyes toward his hand and the small red box that he held. He opened it to reveal a gorgeous diamond ring sitting inside a pool of silk fabric in all its glory. Kat shut her eyes tight, creating wrinkles on her lids. She tried to control her breathing but that only seemed to make her more panicked. "Marry me Kat. We can have more kids—I'm open to one or two. I'm getting a promotion soon and I'll be making a lot more money so I'll get you a house. I'll pay for your mom to visit, you can work at the school. Anything you need me to do Kat, I'll do it if that means you'll stay with me." Cultural Diffusion Ch. 09 Hey ya'll! So this is the epilogue, not a lot of sex and an update. Sandy had me trapped in the house for a couple days so I had the chance to work on this. I didn't edit this but I know there aren't that many mistakes in there. But if there are I apologize in advance. Some of you are wondering if I'll be writing anything else and the answer to that is......... hell yeah! I got a lil somethin in the works right now. But of course I will be writing. *************OMG! ******************* Someone help me; there was a story I was reading awhile back and it was an interracial story about a woman dating a blind man. She was running on the bus and he was sitting on there and he got turned on by her breathing or something like that. I was reading it on my phone, didn't finish it and said I'd come back to it. But then I had to reset my phone and I forgot all about it! I don't remember the name at allllllllllllllllllll and my history was wiped out. Can someone help me by leaving the title in the comments. I'd really appreciate it. Enjoy! The shrieking sound of Kat's baby woke her up from her hour long rest. She sighed and pulled the covers away from her body. A cold hand gripped her wrist before she could propel herself off the bed. "I'll get him." Alejandro said. "No, baby—no. You have to work tomorrow." She whispered. As much as she would've loved to have gone back to bed, Alejandro was the only one working as of now. So he needed to be as focused as possible. Kat's newborn baby Andres was only 2 months old, and hadn't slept an entire night yet. But she enjoyed staying home with her son although he was exhausting her. She walked to the corner of the bedroom and cradled him in her arms, wrapping his blanket around him. She cooed things to him while she quickly took him out the area. She closed the bedroom door behind herself and bounced him around the living room. When he quieted down a little bit, she sat on the couch and tried to nurse him back to sleep. He hungrily latched onto her breast and his little hands clawed at the skin aimlessly. After 10 minutes of bonding with her baby, her mind began to drift off into another world. She thought about how crowded the 3 bedroom apartment seemed, and she couldn't wait to move out. Alejandro was promoted to be in charge of all paramedics working for the hospital, and brought home more than enough money. Kat's job had simply become a hobby more than it was a primary source of income. But it was the reason she was able to buy herself a new car. He promised her they'd start house shopping soon, but she wasn't stressing it too much. She could tell he just wanted to keep her happy, but she was completely satisfied already. "Is he okay?" Alejandro asked from the doorway. Kat jumped in her seat and took a sigh of relief. "I didn't mean to scare you." He whispered, sitting beside her. "It's alright. And he's fine, just a little hungry." Kat whispered back. Alejandro looked at his 2nd born son and smiled down on him. His wedding band grazed over the top of his curly head. Soon after, his gaze settled onto Kat. "You're a great mother." He told her. Kat smiled. It definitely meant a lot to hear him say that because she was trying her hardest. Everything was so fast paced and she felt as if she'd never learn how to properly care for him. But Pat's month long stay helped her a lot, and Kat cried hard when she had to go home. "Thanks." She said, looking at him. He pecked her on the lips quickly, then Kat refocused her attention on Andres. He had taken his mother's nipple out his mouth, and Kat put him over her shoulder. She patted his back until he burped and then she rubbed him back to bed. Alejandro fell asleep on the couch so Kat went back to the bedroom to lay her baby in bed. Then returned to the living room to wake up her 2nd baby. "Alejandro. Come to bed honey." Kat cooed. He stirred awake eventually and then followed Kat back to the bedroom. *** Kat only slept another 2 hours before it was time to wake up. "Maribel and Diego, come on!" Alejandro called, walking into the kitchen. Kat used one hand to support Andres on her chest, then used the other to spread Nuttella on a piece of bread. She had bananas sliced already and just sprinkled them over the toast. Alejandro came up behind her and kissed her cheek a few times. Kat laughed lazily then spun around to hand him his breakfast. Alejandro didn't take it though. He looked into Kat's eyes with a great amount of concern. Andres began to whine on her shoulder and she started bouncing him a little bit. "What's wrong?" Kat asked him, taking a step closer. Her reached out for Andres and took him out of her hands. "You're exhausted baby." He whispered, trying to shush Andres. Kat shrugged her shoulders. "Hi Mari. You look very pretty today." Kat said, stepping around Alejandro to pick up the 3 year old girl. Kat gave her a kiss on her cheek, and Maribel made sure to give her one too. "Thank you. Can I hold the baby today?" Maribel asked. "Do I get Nuttella Kat?" Diego asked, jogging into the kitchen. "Yes and yes." She told them both. Kat put Maribel back onto the ground to go get them their breakfast. The Nuttella sandwiches were bagged up and ready to be eaten in the car on the way to school. "Go ahead, you're going to be late." Kat told Alejandro. He was cradling Andres in his arms and seemed to be oblivious to life around him. He handed him back to Kat. His big hand framed her jaw and pushed her cheeks together. It was a delicate yet dominating gesture that Kat loved. "Make sure you get some rest." He told her, looking her right in the eyes. He kissed her on her lips and then kissed Andres on his crown before turning around and walking out the front door. "I love you!" Kat called right after the door was shut. She sighed then turned around to start cleaning up the kitchen. Shortly after, the front door re-opened and Alejandro came rushing back into the kitchen. He kissed her on the lips one more time and then smiled. "I love you too." Then he was back out the door. * Andres was finally taking his nap, so Kat wasted no time with trying to rest too. She put a barrier of pillows around him while he laid on his father's side of the bed. Then Kat laid right beside him. She had some plans to show up at the school later that day and she didn't need bags under her eyes. When Kat woke up, she was astounded to see she had slept of 5 hours. Her happy baby was quietly kicking his feet and gazing at the ceiling. She stood up and made her way to his side of the bed. "You're such a good boy. You let mommy sleep huh? So sweet of you to think about your mama." She sang to him in Spanish while walking to the kitchen to heat up a bottle she pumped for him earlier. After she took a fast shower, she wrapped her towel around herself and started getting Andres dressed to go out. She put him in a pair of dark jeans, a blue tee and his Nike socks. His bag was already packed with bottles, sneakers, diapers and everything else. After he was dressed, Kat tried to find some clothes for herself. She decided to wear a green wrap dress with a pair of sandals. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but it felt great to have somewhere to go. She was eager to get dressed and finally leave the house. But she sighed when she looked in the full length mirror. She had over 20 pounds of post-baby fat still on her. Her hips were still kind of wide, her thighs had thickened up and she had a small pooch under her belly. She moved her line of vision away from herself; it was bringing her down. Once she and her baby were ready to go, she slung his bag over her shoulder and placed him inside his carrier. When he was securely inside the car, she started the engine and slowly made her way to the school. She couldn't wait to see her co-workers and friends. She pulled into a parking space and went to get Andres. She strolled up the steps with the carrier in one hand. Andres cooed loudly in his seat. "I know, I know." She said back to him. Kat walked into the office to see her best friend typing away behind the desk. Marlennys jumped out her seat when Kat walked through the door, but barely acknowledged her. She went straight for the carrier. She put it in a chair and undid the buckles. "Hello handsome." Marlennys said enthusiastically to Andres. Kat sat in a plush chair and reclined. Marlennys bounced the baby around the room. "He is such a beautiful baby Kat! I really think you should look into baby acting." Kat chuckled. It was crazy to think about her 2 month old baby having casting calls and studying his lines. "No way." She giggled, picking up a magazine nearby and flipping it open. "How are things going? You look a little beat." Marlennys asked. Kat shrugged reassuringly. She felt pretty energized. "I'm actually fine. Alejandro tries to help out when he can, and when I allow him too." "When you allow him to?" Marlennys asked incredulously with a curious smile. Kat sighed and rolled her eyes. "No—I don't want him doing too much. He's the only one working and it takes a lot out of him. Especially with Diego and Maribel too." Marlennys seemed to understand a little better now. "Okay but don't be afraid to say you need help Kat, you understand? I'm here for you." She said sternly. Kat smiled at her and was glad she had her for a friend. "Thanks girl, I know you are. I just really want to be able to do it on my own, it's just that I don't have things 100% down packed right now. It's hard to find a balance." Kat told her. "Yeah, I can only imagine... you don't look like you're having any sex though." Kat gave her a knowing look. "Because I'm not." She mumbled exasperatedly. Marlennys laughed out loud and then Kat joined in. Kat hadn't had sex with her husband since Andres was born. She first had to wait about 6 weeks before the doctor gave her the okay, but they were now finding out that there just isn't any time. The baby sleeps in their room, so neither of them feel comfortable having sex beside the crib, the kids are always home and Andres needs too much attention. "How does Alejandro feel about that?" Marlennys asked. Kat shrugged. "It's starting to get to him now. He's getting really dominating; that's always been an indicator that he needs... me. I guess it's his hormones or something." Kat laughed at herself. "When was the last time you left the house?" Kat sighed deeply then shook her head, trying to recall the last time. "I have no idea." She said quietly—ashamed to share that information. "Well, I'm getting my nails done tomorrow. I'll come pick you and little Mari up and we can just spend the day together." "Alright, sounds fun." Kat said, getting a little more thrilled each second she thought about it. "How are the kids doing?—No jealousy?" Marlennys asked. "Nope. They really love to help me with him. I try to balance my time with all 3 of them when I can." Kat really did. She'd never want Diego or Maribel to feel like Andres was more important than they were. She loved them all equally. "Where is my boy?" Luis asked right before the bell rang. He closed the office door behind himself and reached his arms out for Andres. Marlennys reluctantly handed him over. "Hey Luis..." Kat said jokingly. He barely acknowledged her. "Oh hey Kat. You look nice." He said, then returned his attention back to Andres. One by one, more teachers started coming into the office with requests to hold her baby. Andres was a good baby, and never had a problem with the attention. *** "Alejandro?" Kat asked, putting the carrier on the couch and leaving the front door wide open. Her hands were full and she couldn't close the door behind herself. Alejandro appeared from Diego's bedroom. "Can you close the door for me baby?" Kat asked. Alejandro maneuvered to close it and then came to stand beside Kat. "You look nice." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. Kat was facing the chair, but he was facing her body. He looked her up and down while she bent to pick Andres up out of his carrier. He took in her much rounder bottom, her dress draping over the curve, her fuller tits peeking out over her deep scoop neck and her toned legs flexing while she shifted on her feet. "Thanks." She said, eyeing him skeptically. He was evaluating her, and she felt uncomfortable under his close gaze. Her baby weight felt as if it were under a spotlight while he watched her. "What's the occasion?" Alejandro inquired. "I went to work and I didn't want to look as if I'd been taking naps, watching soap operas and wiping shit from a baby's ass all day." Kat retorted. Being locked away in that apartment will have you excited to go check the mail, maybe you'd even get to speak to the mailman. "Watch him for a little?" Kat said, handing Andres to his father. Kat went to Maribel's room to see her and her brother working on a huge puzzle. Kat took a seat beside them and picked up a piece. In silence, they worked as a team to finish the big puzzle. "Kat?" Diego asked. "Hm?" Kat asked, focused on the puzzle. "Can you be my mommy too?" Kat took a sharp inhalation. She racked her brain of any way she could properly respond to the question but she had no idea. "You already have a mommy." Kat whispered, trying to stay normal and finish the puzzle. But her hands were shaking and it was hard to place the pieces. "I know but... I just want you to be mine instead." "Mine too." Maribel chimed in. "Well, I'll always be your mom if you want me to be. You can just have 2 moms." Kat said. "So I can call you my mommy?" Maribel asked, facing Kat head on with her stare. "I have to potty." Kat said, getting up immediately and exiting the room. She searched for her husband but he wasn't it the living room. She rushed to the bedroom to see him feeding Andres a bottle. "Alejandro, the kids want to call me mommy." He didn't seem fazed my that statement at all. He pursed his lips and continued to feed Andres. "So what?" He said calmly. Kat walked further into the room and closed the door behind herself. Why did she feel so uncomfortable with that? "You think it'd be okay?" She whispered, ringing out her fingers. "You're the closest thing they've ever known to a real mother. You love them and they love you." He stood up to put sleeping Andres in his crib in the corner and then faced Kat again. He put a large hand behind her head then guided her forehead to his lips. "There's something else I want to ask you about." He said. Kat pulled away to look into his eyes and she was suddenly a little curious. "What is it?" Alejandro took her hand and guided her to the bed. She took the hint to sit down. She and Alejandro faced each other in the center of the bed. "Kat don't tease me." He said, shutting his eyes momentarily. Kat looked at her lap and saw the tent her open legs created in her dress. He could see her panties right between her legs. She pulled the hem over her knees. "My dad suggested we move into his house and he get a small apartment nearby. I told him I'd talk to you about it first..." "That sounds great." Kat told him, feeling a rush of exhilaration course through her. He grinned a tiny bit and then leaned in to peck her lips. Kat stole another peck right when he was about to pull away, but Alejandro held her head a little longer. She groaned inside his mouth when his slick tongue pressed against her lips. He traced the shape right before he forced his way inside. Kat could feel his hands slithering up her folded calf and making their way up her dress. Their son did a heavy sigh in his crib and Kat went completely rigid. Her eyes darted toward that corner of the room. Alejandro groaned and then let his hands surface from under her dress. He ran a hand through his curly hair and Kat watched him closely. "I'm sorry baby but I can't knowing he's right there." She whispered. Alejandro nodded. He seemed a little angry, but Kat knew he was just horny and frustrated. Without a word he stood up and adjusted his dick in his pants. He checked on Andres before he walked into the living room and closed the door behind himself. **** "Mari and I are going to get our nails done today." Kat told Alejandro. He was laying in bed with Diego enjoying her side and Andres lying on his father's chest. Kat wore a simple tee-shirt and jeans with a pair of flip-flops. Her hair was held back by a tight headband and studs sat on her ears. Maribel wore a pink plaid dress and matching flip flops for when she got her pedicure. "Alright, I'll see you later." He grumbled. "Make sure you put his mittens on. Or you could cut his nails, but be careful." Kat said, running a hand over Andres' deep black hair. It was so shiny and soft. He was definitely a healthy baby. "Give him some water too, and make sure it's not too cold. I have 4 bottles in the fridge but if you need more call me and I'll come home and pump some—" "Ay Dios Mio Kat, just go. I'll be fine." Alejandro whispered. Kat kissed them all before she left. *** "I think Luis is finally getting over you." Marlennys sighed. Kat sighed too. For some reason that information relieved her, because she never thought the day would come. She honestly believed he was in love with her. When he found out she was staying in Argentina, the joy plastered on his face was visible for miles. Even after she told him she was pregnant and getting married, he still just seemed glad to be able to see her. But now Luis was genuinely happy for her and that was a sign of improvement. "What makes you say that?" Kat asked, eyeing Marlennys from a few feet away. She was receiving a nice, semi-long French manicure. Her feet were already done. "He was mentioning something about a date he went on a few days ago. That was the first time I'd ever heard him speak about another woman like that." Kat smirked. Luis deserved a woman who loved him in more than a way Kat did. He needed to find a soul mate. "Well what about you and the husband? Any kids in the near future?" Marlennys chuckled then rolled her eyes. "Not even. He's focused on his career right now, and I just want to wait for things to die down first." She said. Kat nodded. A part of her wished she had more control over when she wanted to have Andres. But her circumstances were just fine now, so she wasn't regretting anything. She had a beautiful family that loved her and the finances were good. "That sounds nice... Mari, you alright?" Kat asked Maribel. She moved her head to face Kat and gave her a smile. "Yes." She replied. The little girl was in complete diva mode as she sat in the salon chair. Styrofoam separated her light blue toes with a glitter design while her nails were being painted to match. The silence allowed Kat's mind to drift toward her baby. She'd call Alejandro as soon as her nails dried. * The phone rang 4 or 5 times before a small click signaled someone had answered. The breathing on the line proved to her it was Diego. Kat waited a moment for the rustling to stop. "Hello!" He said, a little out of breath. "Hi baby, where's daddy?" Kat asked, paying for her and Maribel's mani-pedi. Diego took a few seconds to answer her. Then more noise sounded on the other line. "Hello beautiful." Alejandro's smooth voice replied. Kat's lips curled into a small smile. "How is everything? You doing alright?" Kat asked. She glanced at a clock on the wall and it said nearly 2 hours had passed since she left the house. It was 5:00 on the dot now, and the 3 were on their way to dinner.