The next day, I go for a walk around the city with my mom. Summer is approaching, and the weather is perfect for strolling through the city streets. I get a call from Amelia, and she asks me to meet up when I answer, but I tell her I'm busy. After a couple of hours, my mom says she's going to visit one of her friends on the other side of the city, but she'll be at my graduation ceremony on time tomorrow. "You just got here, and you're already abandoning me?" I say dramatically. "I'll have plenty of time to be with you when you go back to Japan," she says, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I walk her to the subway station and head to Amelia's house.
— Son, it's been a long time! — Amelia's dad says — Come in, come in…
— Is Amelia here? I just need a moment with her — I say to avoid going inside.
After a few minutes, she comes out of her house and greets me with a hug — I thought you were really busy — she says with a subtle smile.
— What did you need to tell me? You said it was really important — I say, trying to stay positive. The last thing I need is a setback after we've broken up.
— I'd already planned a trip for our anniversary, — she says — If we don't go, I'll lose the money.
— Why don't you invite someone else?
— Camile's going to Italy, I don't have anyone else — she says, placing her hands on my chest and crumpling my sweater under her fingers — Besides, we could... try to reconcile? — I smile at her absurd idea. She seems a little disappointed by my reaction, but she maintains a positive expression. I can't deny that I still like her and wish we had a more intimate connection — Well, I'll come with you — I say.
She nods with an even more enthusiastic smile — I'll send you the information about the booking later — she says and goes inside.
Sunday arrives, and I receive my diploma at the graduation ceremony and take several pictures with my mom. She insists that Adrián and his father join us for dinner. Seeing that Adrián doesn't know what to say, I make up an excuse to get my mom to leave him alone. After dinner, we both accompany her to the airport until she catches her flight. We attend the graduation party at a club near the university, and I drink until I pass out. When I wake up, I'm shirtless on my bed, still wearing my suit pants and dress shoes. My head is still spinning, but I manage to get up and go to the kitchen to make some instant soup.
— Damn, my head!— I say, eating my soup on the basement floor.
— Why are you awake so early? — Adrián says, coming out of his room — I didn't expect to see you like this again. You were acting crazy.
— Don't speak so loud — I say and take a deep breath and continue to eat my soup.
— Do you remember anything from last night? — Adrián asks. Suddenly, a memory flashes into my mind: a kiss.
— No, I only remember the first time we toasted with everyone else at the party — I say.
After that day, our friendship took off a bit more. I no longer felt so awkward talking to him, and he seemed more cheerful, like before. Forgetting the kiss we shared at the party was the best decision; it would have caused more problems than I need. I've decided to go on that trip with Amelia, and I hope I'll be more open to starting over with her.
When summer arrives, Amelia and I go to a town outside the city to enjoy a couple of weeks in a rented cabin. There's a beautiful lake nearby and fields of flowers. After unpacking, she insists we take a walk around town. It becomes our little routine during our stay.
As we walk, I can't stop thinking about how happy she looks walking beside me, holding my hand. I know she loves flowers because she only wears floral dresses. I know she loves sweets because she always orders dessert when we go out to eat. I know she loves to read because she constantly tells me when she's frustrated with a book.
After a week with her in this little paradise, I know I never want to leave her.
On the way to the cabin, she's quiet and keeps checking her phone — Are you expecting a call? — I ask, and I hug her from behind.
— It's nothing — she says, and we continue walking hand in hand until we arrive. I notice an extra pair of shoes by the entrance as I take mine off to go inside. — I'll make something delicious for dinner — she says.
I hear footsteps, and suddenly Adrián appears, coming down the stairs — What's he doing here? — I ask, simmering in rage.
— It's obvious you think I still have something going on with him. I know because you're still distant with me — she utters — He'll tell you himself that's not the case.
— Is that what you think? I came here with you. You don't need to prove anything to me; I've already forgiven you — I say — Why do you think Adrián's words are going to convince me?
She looks at me sadly, as if she's about to cry. Which confuses me even more; something's happening, but I can't figure out what it is — Adrián, you have to leave — I say.
I start to go upstairs in silence, but Adrián starts to say — Tell him the truth, Amelia.
— What truth? Are you going to tell me now that you're still fucking each other? — I ask, turning back to look at both of them, and their silence is my answer.
— Farley, wait! — Amelia says, coming closer — Things aren't like that.
— Don't lie — Adrián says — We slept together several times before coming here.
— This has to be a fucking joke — I spit — Then what am I doing here? I'm probably just being a third wheel!
— I thought you already knew. I swear I didn't mean to… — she says with tears running through her cheeks.
— Stop crying. Do you think that'll change my mind about you? — I say, wiping her face with my hands — How could I have been so stupid to think you loved me when you never said it to me?
She winces, closing her eyes, and begins to sob as I still hold her face in my hands. Now I know my heart hadn't truly broken until this moment. I glance at Adrián, and he follows me to one of the rooms — Why did you agree to come? — I ask after a few seconds of hesitation.
— She convinced me you were okay with it — Adrián says.
I smile at such an absurd response — Why did you agree to come if she was the one who invited you? — I insist — I already told you that if you went out with her, we wouldn't be friends. I even thought you'd already made up your mind, but it seems I was wrong to guess what it was.
— Are you still convinced I want to steal her from you? — Adrián asks nonchalantly. That relaxed air is what saddens me the most.
— I get it now, maybe... maybe if I get another girlfriend you'll sleep with her too — I say forcing the words out of my throat — Is this some kind of competition for you?
— Are you going to keep pretending we didn't kiss? — Adrián asks, moving closer. His words catch me off guard. Adrián continues — Haven't you thought about that?
— How is that even important at all? — I say, looking him in the eyes.