"Wow, that meeting with that guy to help cover his client's charges was so exhausting... and that's not even counting the fact that I still study and work part-time in this," said the white-haired lawyer girl as she parked her purple car and got out. "But I'm finally back at my apartment, right next to my parents' house. At this point, I have to learn to live independently instead of relying on the privileges of being 50% rich. I'll just leave my car here so I can go in comfortably."
After a while, she entered her apartment to change and take a shower. Later, as she walked toward the living room, she suddenly said:
"That hot shower heated by my own fire felt so relaxing. After this kind of day, I'm just gonna turn on the TV to watch an episode of Solo Leveling and The Office on Prime Video-"
"Wait a second, Luisa! What are you doing in my apartment watching my TV?!"
The strange lawyer girl, with her arms behind her back, turned toward her cousin, surprised to find her in the living room. Luisa replied:
"What's the big deal, Diana? Can't I visit you to keep you company? You're always cold and distant now, super busy in this apartment you bought right after turning 18 last September 22nd."
"Besides, I'm only 13, so I don't have a problem getting here on my own. I just call an Uber. Also, this news on Ecuador TV is super interesting."
Diana replied, clearly annoyed by the surprise visit:
"You can visit me, but not whenever you want. I'm super busy with law school and my job. And you came here without my permission-this is my private space. Also, I am distant for a reason, especially after my uncle stole the elections in this country five months ago."
"But how interesting could that news possibly be to make you think it's more important than me watching my favorite shows?"
Luisa insisted:
"It's very interesting. They're reporting a double homicide involving two ex-members of the Venezuelan embassy. It happened yesterday in Costa Rica and was apparently committed by Jazzgirl. It's all over the international news."
"And from the face... she kinda looks like Ávila-that Mexican girl who beat you in a beauty contest three years ago."
Upon hearing that, Diana stepped closer and responded:
"Don't remind me of that every five seconds. And yeah, she does look just like her-but her cyan eyes make her look like she's been drugged or possessed, like my ancestor Atiana Noboa."
"I saw this coming from miles away. My worthy rival turning into a criminal. Now I just wonder how she'll pay for the crimes she clearly committed on her own."
She looked at a portrait of her ancestor on the wall, her expression growing cold and mysterious as she rested her hand on her face.
Three weeks later
"I still don't get how visiting downtown Cartago is supposed to help after everything I did under the effects of that cumbia," said Jolíe, clearly distressed.
I answered, trying to reassure her:
"It's to help you calm down, Jolíe. You've been way more depressed than usual lately. And... even if it's hard for me to say it, I'm worried about you. You're not acting like yourself. Also, you haven't talked to your mom, Jía, about what happened. And I need to get something really important-something personal."
We were almost near a store called El Rey when I touched her shoulder, but she brushed my hand off and said:
"I know you care about me, Índigo, and I like that about you. But this is a serious issue, not something to take lightly."
"I'll be turning 18 next week, and it'll be hard to face everything I did while I was hypnotized. I haven't told my mom yet-I asked my grandpa to do it. I just hope we finish this quickly and don't run into any more Venezuelans insulting me like earlier."
She looked serious as she walked, gesturing with her hands. Suddenly, a Venezuelan man threw a belt button at her face.
"HEY! Why the hell did you do that, cabrón?! I've had enough of your crap!" shouted Jolíe, furious.
"You damn murderer!" yelled the skinny man. "You're supposed to save people! Why the hell did you team up with that bastard Maduro?!"
Then a more muscular Venezuelan joined in:
"My friend's right. You're a traitor. A cruel, sadistic psycho who deserves to pay for her crimes against our people."
Jolíe crouched down, covering her head with her hands, overwhelmed by the insults.
"I said STOP, you jerks! It wasn't my fault-I was forced to do it!" she screamed from the ground.
Trying to defend her, I shouted:
"She's right! Leave her alone! Stop throwing insults at her before you make this even worse!"
The first Venezuelan pointed at me:
"Oh look, it's the Autistic Technopath defending his killer girlfriend."
"So, what are you gonna do, skinny kid? Let her keep taking our insults, or run away like a coward?"
I closed my eyes and replied coldly:
"I'm choosing the second option. Let's go, Jolíe. Before they start throwing tomatoes at you like they did to Marie Antoinette during her execution."
She got up, grabbing her skirt and holding onto my arm:
"Fine, let's get away from these idiots-for my own good."
As we walked away, the muscular man shouted behind us:
"Yeah, that's right. Run away, cowards!"
"GET LOST! You're not welcome here, damn traitors!" yelled the skinny one.
Later, we got some ice cream at a McDonald's in downtown Cartago and sat on a bench. I said:
"That was close. They were really going overboard, Jolíe."
She replied while eating her ice cream:
"They could've done worse than just yell and throw stuff... But this ice cream helps a little. You were brave back there, standing up for me-even if you are kind of scared sometimes."
"But how the hell are we gonna get a good lawyer to cover for everything I did under that cumbia? We're just teenagers-almost young adults."
She blushed slightly while twirling her hair. I answered:
"I'm glad you liked that I stood up for you. As for the lawyer... I have someone in mind. We could talk to this Ecuadorian-Spanish attorney named Diana Cristina Noboa Yepes."
I showed her a photo on my phone. She raised an eyebrow and smirked:
"Wait a sec... I remember this chick. I beat her in a beauty contest three years ago. I even tried to be friends with her, but she was such a drama queen and rejected me."
"Looks like it messed her up, judging from her profile picture-doesn't look like she's had it easy."
A flashback of that contest played in her mind as she smirked, then I said, impressed:
"Wow, I didn't know you'd been in a beauty contest. That explains the bold red lipstick and nails."
"But there's something I've always wondered-why do you always wear that red rose? It looks like it has cybernetic features."
Embarrassed, Jolíe replied:
"First of all, I only joined that contest because my mom and grandma forced me. Second, I always dress up like this so I don't look like a mess."
"And third... like I told you, this rose once saved my life when a Russian robot sent by Putin tried to kill me in my last year of high school. But anyway, let's buy what we need quickly-we've got a lot of work to do back at your house."
She stood up and walked ahead, counting each point with her fingers, blushing. I followed and thought:
So that rose saved her from one of Putin's robots... I remember fighting one of those too. That accessory looks a lot like the one I made for Araceli the day she rejected me.
I hope Jolíe doesn't realize I'm trying to buy her a gift for her 18th birthday next week. I need to stay focused on what matters. And... maybe figure out how I'll finally confess properly to her.
After coming back home that night-still having failed to find a birthday gift for Jolíe-something strange happened while we were both sleeping. A mysterious girl suddenly burst into the room, shattering a window with a blast of energy. She snuck in quietly, stole Jolíe's rose, and escaped at high speed using a trail of fire.
The next morning, while she was getting ready for university, Jolíe noticed her rose was missing. Panicked, she ran straight to my desk and shouted:
"Índigo, I need your help right now!!" she said, visibly shaken, slamming my office door open.
"What is it exactly, Jolíe? I'm preparing for a project after my Economic Engineering class," I replied. Then I noticed something off. "Wait a minute... why don't you have your signature rose?!"
I turned off my laptop and looked at her, surprised. Jolíe lowered her head slightly and said:
"Unfortunately... I think some girl stole it from me. I think I heard her while I was sleeping... and now it's gone."
She held her pinkies together, clearly sad about the situation. I responded:
"That's a huge problem-especially since tonight we're supposed to talk with Diana about helping cover the crimes you committed while under the control of Maputo's cursed cumbia."
"But do you have any clue about her chi abilities? We need something to go on," I asked, trying to sound like a detective.
"I think I do," Jolíe replied. "I remember hearing a sound like fire... So maybe her chi is pyrokinetic."
She sat beside me, a projection forming in her mind of what the girl's powers might be.
"But... asking for help from that girl who probably still hates my guts for being more beautiful than her? I don't think that'll work, Índigo."
I tried to keep her calm and said:
"Pyrokinetic chi, huh? The last time I saw that was during my fight with Daniel Ortega four months ago. Also, your ancestor Teresa Ávila once told me that Atiana Noboa had that exact ability too."
"And don't worry, this will work. I'll help you get your rose back. It's the least I can do after saving you from turning into a psychopath worse than me during one of my anxiety breakdowns."
I held her hand gently, and Jolíe relaxed a bit.
"Thanks, Índigo... that was sweet of you. After all the times I've helped you out, flacucho atlético..." she smiled, eyes closed, then nudged me with her elbow and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"Uh... I-I don't even know what to say," I stuttered, blushing hard. "But I'll drop you off on my anti-gravity bike before you're late for class."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's go, Índigo. I... don't even know why I kissed you like that," Jolíe said nervously as she stood up.
After dropping her off at the university, later that night I told my mom we were going to Ecuador to consult Diana about covering Jolíe's criminal record. When we arrived at her office, she greeted us with:
"I'm not surprised you two came at this hour. I figured you'd show up earlier," Diana said, calmly filing her nails at her desk.
Jolíe responded right away:
"Yeah, but we were busy. I need your help covering the crimes I committed while being controlled by that idiot Maburro and his dumb hypnotic cumbia."
She sat down, but Diana's attitude was icy:
"You want my help? Please. I'm still pissed you beat me in that beauty contest three years ago. Plus, I calculated there was a 20% chance something like this would happen to you, Ávila."
"And now you expect me to help you clean up after breaking the law like that? You filthy little Mexican..."
Diana's insult hit hard. Jolíe clenched her fist in anger, but stopped herself-probably realizing the consequences of her past actions. She lowered her gaze and said:
"I'll let my friend Índigo handle this. I'll just sit here..."
I took a deep breath and said:
"Good. Because if you had hit her, they would've called security on us immediately."
"My friend's right. Can you please drop the ice queen act for once and at least try to make peace with her? Just for the sake of helping her clean this mess up."
I rubbed my forehead, trying to stay calm and diplomatic. Diana rolled her eyes, then said sarcastically:
"Fine, whatever you say, skinny boy. I'll make peace with her-just to cover her charges."
"At your service. I'm Diana Cristina Noboa Yépez. It'll be an honor to help you... even if I still low-key hate your friend."
She held out her hand. I shook it and replied:
"Alright... I guess we're good then. Wow, even though she's cold and kind of intimidating, she actually agreed to help," I said, glancing back at Jolíe.
"Don't look at me, Índigo," Jolíe said sharply. "Just focus. This is serious. And I don't trust her."
She sat there with a bitter expression, applying some lipstick. I turned back and said:
"Okay, but don't give me that look... I don't know what changed so suddenly. She was happy I was going to help... but now she's all cold again. I shouldn't overthink it. I have to take this seriously-for her safety."
We then started going over all the crimes Jolíe had committed and how we might be able to cover them. I'll skip the full list so this doesn't get too long, but let's just say it was intense.
As we reviewed each one, Jolíe and Diana constantly argued. And every time I tried to step in, Jolíe would launch mini lightning and wind attacks... while Diana shot bursts of white fire straight from her mouth.
By the time we finished covering everything, Diana finally said...
"I hope this helps your friend prove her innocence. Come back soon-I absolutely adored your visit," Diana said as she saw us off, closing her eyes with a sly smile.
"Yeah... this will definitely help. Thanks a lot, Diana," I said, brushing away a puff of smoke from my face as I left her office.
"Likewise. Bye, Diana. It was... entertaining, having you help me out with this," said Jolíe, also leaving, though her brows were furrowed in quiet frustration as she shut the door behind her.
As we walked outside, I looked at her and said:
"You two were supposed to make peace, not fight over a three-year-old grudge. I even ended up getting hit in the middle of your arguments like I was some mix between Trumpete and Zelensky bickering in the White House!"
I touched the bruises on my face.
Jolíe placed a hand on my shoulder and said:
"I didn't mean to hit you... I was just so mad at her that I lost control. Still, it wasn't your fault-I should deal with the consequences of my crimes.
But now that I think about it, I noticed something weird... In her office, there was a rose that looked exactly like the one that strange girl stole from me last night."
She put a hand under her chin, deep in thought.
I nodded and replied:
"Yeah, but next time, try not to hit anyone-especially me. You know as someone with autism, I really don't deal well with that."
"That rose might be a lead... maybe tomorrow night we could investigate if Diana was the one who stole it."
"And come to think of it... with that white hair of hers, she could be a descendant of Atiana Noboa Yépez-the same psycho who helped kill my ancestor Blue... and Steven's ancestor too."
Jolíe, shocked, replied:
"Wait, I didn't know they were killed by two people. In the version you told me, my ancestor Teresa said the 'cradle-snatcher' died at the hands of criminals."
Then she added with a mischievous grin:
"And that first thing you said? Sounds totally illegal... Just kidding! Let's investigate tomorrow and see if this narcissistic Spaniard actually swiped my rose."
She elbowed me playfully as we descended the stairs.
Meanwhile, back in her office, Diana was watching us from the window.
"So... breaking the rules again, María Ávila? Trying to steal my precious rose? Well, I won't let you get away with it so easily," she thought to herself, her eyes gleaming with two hot blue flames.
"I might just call that same Maduro clone that fought them in Peru... I've only heard rumors, but if they break the law, they'll regret it."
She grabbed her phone and began to dial, clearly preparing a plan to stop us from digging further.
The Next Night...
We geared up for the mission to recover Jolíe's stolen rose. I even called Liam and asked him to join us. As the sun set, Jolíe had already made custom spy suits for the operation.
As we walked toward Diana's office, Liam said:
"Man, I'm hyped you invited me to this, mis causas. So what exactly are we doing?"
"We're here to retrieve Jolíe's rose. We believe Diana-descendant of a maniac who murdered my ancestor-stole it," I explained, one hand behind my back as I pointed discreetly toward Jolíe.
"Oh wow... that's a brutal story, bro," Liam said. "As for Génesis, she's still recovering from her injuries after we fought the Sons of Donald Trompetas at the White House."
"Our relationship's slowly improving, though. Why do you ask, my Tico bro? Wait... don't tell me... are you thinking of confessing to Jolíe?"
He gave me a sly look and patted my shoulder with a grin.
"If so, just ask her out somewhere special. Don't be scared."
"H-How did you even know?!" I stammered, nervously biting my fingernail. "But... yeah, I'll take that advice. I just don't want to mess it up."
Suddenly, Jolíe spun around, clearly annoyed.
"Hey! Quit the chitchat, you two! I've already unlocked the office door using the wind from my Aztec necklace. Let's get in there and find my rose!"
"Yes, ma'am! We're going, Jolíe!" Liam and I shouted at the same time, startled. We ran after her into the building.
Once inside, we searched the entire office from top to bottom... but we came up empty.
"Dang it! We couldn't find the rose! That pyro-maniac Diana must've hidden it too well..." Jolíe grumbled, slamming her fist on Diana's desk. She slumped into a chair, exhausted.
"You're right... Maybe we should give it another shot later," I said, equally tired as I sat beside her.
Liam raised an eyebrow at us and said:
"Y'all tired already? Man, in missions like this you can't give up so easily."
"To speed this up-I'll just blow up the desk!" he declared.
He summoned a small rock explosion from his hand and blasted the desk apart, setting off all the security alarms in the building.
"What the heck, Liam?!" Jolíe cried out, jumping up in shock.
"You totally ignored the plan-we were just warming up, genius!"
"She's right, man! Not following the plan could land us in serious trouble!" I groaned, burying my face in my palm.
Liam lowered his head apologetically.
"My bad, mis causas... it won't happen again. But hey-a clone of Nicolás Maduro is right behind you, about to punch us all in the face!"
He pointed, just as the clone launched a massive punch straight at us.
We barely managed to dodge it, but the sheer force sent all three of us flying through a window.
Thankfully, we landed on our feet-with style.
Still catching our breath, Jolíe glared at Liam and muttered...
(It looks like an ambush! But who the heck set this up?!) Jolíe shouted, wiping some blood from her nose.
A strange voice echoed:
(I did, Ávila. I knew about your plan to sneak into my office since yesterday to steal my rose. That's why I called that Maduro clone you faced in Peru-his boss fired him for being incompetent.)
(I set an invisible alarm so that once my desk got blown up, the clone would catch you off guard. Oh, and by the way... I'm the descendant of Atiana Noboa Yépez.)
Diana descended gracefully through her own flames as she explained her plan.
Jolíe clenched her fists and fired back:
(So you knew about our infiltration to recover my rose from your office, you stupid witch!)
(And you're the descendant who killed my friend's ancestor, along with Steven's ancestor,) Jolíe added, glaring with disgust.
Flying over to my friend, I said:
(Damn, what a revelation... though I kind of already guessed she was a descendant of Atiana.)
(But it's your fight to recover your rose. Liam and I will take care of the Maputo clone,) I said, getting into a capoeira combat stance.
(Thanks, Índigo. But one more thing... I really like you, and I've been trying to tell you for a long time, but I never had the chance. Take care of yourself,) Jolíe confessed, blushing as she looked at me.
(It's been a while since I transformed since the fight at the White House... so now I will! By the power of Quetzalcóatl-Transformation!) Jolíe declared, blushing heavily before transforming in that strange Aztec-themed area, striking a pose reminiscent of Sailor Moon.
Diana, noticing the declaration, said sarcastically:
(So, Ávila, you declare your feelings quickly and at the worst moment? How unorganized. I declared to my ex Brendan properly.)
(Whatever. I've waited three long years for this moment, so get ready to be burned to ashes after this fight, girl,) Diana said crossing her arms, looking bitter. She then warmed her hands, producing a glowing white fire.
The two started fighting fiercely while I prepared to battle the Maduro clone. I muttered:
(I can't believe this is the first time a girl has confessed to me like that,) blushing and nervous over Jolíe's words earlier.
Liam looked at me and said:
(Yeah, Índigo, it's weird, but don't think about that now. Let's defeat this jerk who stole the thread of South American love.) He grabbed my shoulder, inspiring me.
(All right. I said I'd find a way to stop him, and this is the moment-time to give this mustached fan of Freddie Mercury a serious beatdown.)
I transformed, mimicking Optimus Prime's pose from the first Transformers movie.
Two battles began: Liam and I versus the Maduro clone, and Jolíe versus Diana. I'll summarize Jolíe's fight since it was similar to the one in chapter 12:
Diana started with a massive white fire attack from her hands, but Jolíe dug a hole and countered with a wind strike, catching Diana off guard and slamming her against a building. Diana recovered quickly, jumping and firing three white thunder strikes while her hair glowed. Jolíe used her acrobatics to dodge most of them, then propelled herself forward with the wind, launching a fiery blade that tore Diana's white shirt, revealing a bit of her bra.
This angered Diana, who saw Jolíe was learning new techniques, so she transformed her body into white flames and launched a fiery drill attack at Jolíe's stomach, leaving her badly hurt.
Jolíe got up, bleeding from the mouth but determined not to let a thief keep her precious rose. She delivered an electric taekwondo kick to Diana's nose, making her bleed.
Enraged, Diana performed a flamenco dance with her fan, elegantly moving and launching four long-range fire blasts, burning Jolíe slightly. Diana then chased Jolíe, attacking like a complete psycho with lightning bolts, punches, and kicks, cornering her on the ground.
Diana sneered, her voice dripping with malice:
("Filthy Mexican, you're completely cornered. I'll finish you now for beating me in that beauty contest three years ago.")
She smirked cruelly, eyes sharp and fierce, like Azula fighting Katara:
("You're nothing but a worthless pest. Trying to fight me is like trying to snuff out a flame with your bare hands-pathetic and doomed to fail.")
She stomped Jolíe's stomach with her heels, looking bitter.
Exhausted and bleeding, Jolíe replied:
(You're wrong, Diana. You never admitted defeat. I only joined this adventure by obligation, but it's helped me get through hard times alongside my beloved Índigo. Even with our differences, we've shared great moments.)
(I've nearly perfected this technique to beat you.)
(Say hello to my little friend, the Tamaulipas Makaire!)
Jolíe stood and unleashed a powerful wind attack, blasting Diana into a wall-like Piccolo's Makankosappo from Dragon Ball.
After defeating her, Jolíe called me over:
(Finally, I beat her! She was strong, even though I'm more powerful.)
(Hey Índigo, you and Liam beat that Nicolás Maburro clone? I hope you're okay after that fight on the beach,) she said, getting up, worried.
I quickly replied:
(Yeah, Jolíe. Honestly, it wasn't that hard since he was weaker than us, though he hit like Omniman against the Guardians of the Globe. We just combined our attacks and took him down.)
(Let me help you up. You're really hurt after your fight with Diana,) I said, holding out my hand with concern.
(Thanks, Índigo. Ouch! That girl hit me hard in the stomach. I think that'll stop you from getting me pregnant with your one little seed if we ever have a kid,) Jolíe joked, grimacing from pain.
(That Nicolás Maburro clone is such a fraud,) she added, uncomfortable with the thought.
Surprised, I said:
(Wait... a kid with you?! That's a lot to process after your confession, but hey, it's still possible someday.)
(But hey, how's Diana doing?) I asked, anxious.
Jolíe glanced at Diana, who was lying on the floor, and said bitterly:
(I'm watching her, but I have no idea how that bitch is.)
Diana, struggling to stand, said:
(This fight gave me a serious headache. Feels like my ancestor was controlling my mind. You've learned well to be just an adventure companion, but I'll be watching you to make sure you don't break the rules.)
(But I'm not giving back your rose, since I'm still resentful you beat me in that beauty contest. I don't hate you anymore, just consider you a worthy rival. Trying to get revenge just creates an emptiness inside that's hard to escape.)
"There are more important things on my mind than wasting time on these cliché teenage arguments. Good luck with your little thread-chasing mission... you're a colorful bunch."
Diana then flew away, tears in her eyes, looking cold and intimidating.
Liam said, watching her go:
(She's really cold, mis causas-almost Azula vibes if she existed in our world. But at least she has some moral sense.)
(It's getting late, so I'm heading back to Peru,) Liam said, looking at us and pointing.
We nodded in agreement:
(Yeah, it's been intense. Let's go home and heal up from this exhausting fight.)
We left, a bit awkward and blushing at the same time.
Two hours later...
"After fighting a lot, I finally got back to my apartment to relax and recover from my wounds," Diana said, exhausted. Suddenly, a mysterious boy appeared next to her apartment, surprising her.
"Damn, who are you and what are you doing invading my property, stranger?" Diana asked, threatening him.
The boy put his hands out to the sides and replied, "Calm down, honey. I'm not going to hurt you. Gotta say, you do look scary when you're intimidating, but whatever."
"I didn't mean to invade your property. I heard that tsundere-type Mexican has been giving you trouble, so I want you to consider a little proposal." The strange boy smiled maliciously in the shadows, trying to convince Diana.
"Yes, a lot. And even though I hate her, it'd be a waste of time to get revenge on her," Diana said bitterly.
"Well, what's your proposal? Say it quick, I'm tired and almost bleeding out," Diana added, eyeing him suspiciously.
The boy looked at her and said, "We work for a Russian who'll help you with all your problems-including personal things you can't solve on your own by being cold and intimidating."
"Allow me to introduce myself, beautiful lady. I'm Steven Robert Finegan Vargas. It's an honor to work by your side."
Diana shook his hand, impressed: "Interesting. I'm in. But if you get inappropriate with me, I'll burn the side of your face off, American sports dude."
"Much pleasure, I'm Diana Cristina Noboa Yépez," she said, now trusting him, shaking hands.
Steven looked a bit intimidated but said, "Alright. I promise with all my soul to keep my word. We'll make a great team." He put his hands behind his back and closed his eyes.
This sets up a new plotline, but who knows what Steven is thinking?
Back to after the fight-Jolíe spent three days recovering. When Wednesday, July 30, afternoon arrived, I saw her sitting down, looking a little down again. I approached and said:
"What's wrong, Jolíe? Why are you feeling down again? Is it about your rose and how your recovery is going after fighting Diana?"
"You're much better now, but you never told me why that rose was so important to you," I added, sitting beside her holding something in my hand.
Jolíe looked sad and said: "Yeah, I'm much better, Índigo, but the reason I'm like this is because of the rose, like you mentioned."
"That rose meant a lot to me. Seeing your technopathy chi, I could tell you made that rose to give it to someone who rejected you, causing you to fail at love again. Have you found any leads on Maburro's whereabouts?"
Jolíe, knowing I built that rose, looked at me and sat next to me:
"Yes, I built it to give it to my bisexual friend Araceli, but after seeing you carry it all this time, you deserved it more-you are the ideal girl I've been searching for so long."
"And unfortunately, I haven't found any signs of Maputo's whereabouts yet."
I held her hands and told her the bad news. She blushed a bit and said:
"Oh, I'm glad you appreciate me, Índigo. What are you hiding behind your back?"
She blushed with a curious tone, pointing behind me.
Nervous, I said: "This is something I've been working on these three days while you were recovering."
"Happy belated birthday, Jolíe. It's a new flower I designed as a gift. It has new functions that will help you from now on."
I opened the box to show her the new flower.
Jolíe, surprised and excited, said:
"Thank you so much! It's a wonderful gift for a girl like me who's turning 18 next week. But I have two questions for you: first, are all my crimes covered? And second, judging by your expression, you want to tell me something, you lanky athletic guy."
She put on her flower in her hair and playfully gave me a light punch on the shoulder, asking the second question.
Blushing badly, I said:
"Yes, everything's covered, Jolíe. And what I want to tell you is..."
"Please calm down, Índigo. Of course I'd love to! I thought you'd never ask!"
Muac
Jolíe hugged me and gave me a sweet kiss on the lips.
I blushed and nervously replied:
"I could accept that kiss from you, Jolíe. Well, we'll celebrate this special day properly, like we always do."
"I hope at the Alley of the Kiss I can find the other fragment of the Aztec thread to take advantage and declare my feelings, just like Mailen, Teresa, and Liam told me to do."
I put my hands behind my back, ready to confess after Jolíe kissed me, determined to declare myself that weekend...