I knew, and she knew, that I understood.
The morning after our date, I woke up, and she was gone. I wasn't surprised. I knew it would happen.
A note was lying next to me. A chuckle escaped me. What a beautiful irony!
I didn't read it, I just put it aside and started tidying up after changing into clean clothes that I had prepared.
When I was done, I brought over the only chair I hadn't put away yet. I sat down near the shore and just sat there, lost in my thoughts for several minutes.
Then I finally decided to read it. I took it out of my pocket and unfolded it.
"Thank you, Hayley.
And goodbye.
Veronica X."
"Such beautiful writing, for such harsh words," I said to myself. A laugh escaped me.
Then, little by little, my laughter quickly turned into sobs. The tears began to flow, and I couldn't stop them.
Even though I knew it would be hard, it was still so difficult. It was so very hard.
I was in pain, and everything I had tried to avoid feeling—my ex's infidelity, the loss of a childhood friend, and a friend's betrayal—flooded back to me all at once, along with her departure.
It was as if everything had come crashing down on me. I was in pain. I was in so much pain.
I couldn't stop the cries of pain escaping my lips. No matter how hard I clutched my heart, the pain didn't go away.
///
Since that day, I have lost all contact with her. I graduated a year later.
///
Three years after graduation.
I'm sitting on the windowsill, and looking out at the landscape in front of me. I'm sipping my hot chocolate.
{Four years earlier, my mother returned from a business trip and decided it was time for a change of scenery. By the time, my father had sorted everything out with his company and I had finished my online studies — since I didn't want to leave my room — we had moved.
The following year, I took my classes remotely, except for exams, which I had to take in person. Fortunately, Irene was studying in the same city where we moved.
Surprisingly, Irene's parents also moved, because they missed their daughter. Irene was an only child, like me. However, since our parents considered us their children and we considered ourselves sisters, we weren't really like only children. If you can say that.
After graduating, I could finally make a fresh start, because there was no point in me going back to a city that constantly reminded me of pain.
My family noticed the changes in me. I was already antisocial, but it got even worse. I don't like people, except my family.}
It's incredible how everything can change in such a short time. I finally feel at peace.
After trying several times to forget her, I realized that the best way to stop thinking about her was to embrace the memories I have of her instead of forcing myself to forget her.
"Hmm..." I'm looking out the window. Looking at the sky always calms me down.
I have a job interview today. The company needs a translator for a week-long event.
Translating isn't my profession, but rather a hobby of mine. If I can get paid for it, it's a win-win situation.
I'm actually a writer, and I earn enough to support myself.
However, I'm currently on a break and want to find other sources of inspiration. That's where my translation hobby comes in, allowing me to discover new things.
I took the last sip of my hot chocolate and stood up.
I need to get ready. I've already packed my suitcase. I just need to take a shower and get dressed before I leave.
///
The water is warm enough for me. 'It feels so good...'
I start to turn the tap so that the water gradually became ice-cold.
My breathing stopped for a moment, then slowly and laboriously resumed. The cold water gradually took effect.
///
I'm wearing a black T-shirt with a dark pink tailor-made suit and black sneakers.
I don't want to overdo it with my outfit. We're going to be moving around a lot, so wearing uncomfortable clothes are out of the question.
I grab my suitcase and my glasses and then leave the apartment.
I realize I've forgotten my phone, so I go back to get it and finally head to the meeting place.
1 hour later
I'm lying on the bed in my hotel room, which the company is paying for.
Since I have nothing to do until this evening, I think to myself that maybe it's high time to make some progress on my new story.
The story is about a young man who, overnight, discovers a terrible secret about himself overnight. Due to the actions of one of his ancestors, who saved a life, the entire lineage is now in danger. But why ?
The Drilé are a line of hunters who will stop at nothing to hunt down and destroy the young man's entire family.
Following some rather strange events, the young man loses his parents and becomes an orphan. Strangely, the Drilé should normally be looking for him, yet this is not the case. In fact, they are decimating the other members of the family. He therefore wonders why and how the hunters choose their next target. And he would do anything to stop them.
Will he be consumed by his thirst for vengeance ? Will he accept the terrible truth surrounding his family and lineage?
I have an idea of how the story might unfold, but explaining how things work in this world seems complicated.
'I need to make a plan,' I thought, and began writing down the details I was afraid of forgetting and my plan of action.
'However, I'm not sure if I'll follow it word for word.'
I tend to set myself a plan and then add things as I write. I admit that I prefer to follow the flow of my writing, but that's what I'm trying to avoid with this story.
When I look up, the sun is already setting. 'Without realizing it, I've spent several hours on my plan of action.'
'It's almost time for the party, I need to get ready.'
I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. I need a shower to calm my nerves.
///
Since it's a formal event, you have to dress formally.
I'm wearing a long dress that falls mid-shin, striking a balance between modesty and exhibitionism. It's an elegant, dark blue dress with a slight opening on the side.
I'm also wear a silver pendant with a diamond in the middle.
A bracelet on each wrist to match the pendant. And in addition, a silver watch that doesn't break the matching set vibe but reinforces it.
I have a small silver handbag, I can put my phone and lipstick, a handkerchief, and a pocket mirror—nothing bulky.
Looking at myself in the mirror, the dress seems simple yet elegant, and a little closer up, the patterns on it look fabulous.
'Well, all that's left is to put on my shiny dark blue heels and my fake glasses... hm... my makeup looks good.'
I'm quite proud of myself for improving my makeup skills; my smoky eyes are flawless. I went with a nude lipstick. This combination suits my face perfectly.
After checking my outfit and makeup several times, I finally head out.
'It kind of looks like I'm trying to impress someone, doesn't it?'
Of course, that's not the case. I just like to treat myself sometimes by creating a new look.
I take the elevator and press the button for the second floor, where receptions like today's are held.
Ping.
The elevator stops and the doors opens.
I step out and start walking down the long corridor until I find myself in front of the reception entrance. A lady stands with two bodyguards on either side.
The lady checks each person's invitation card or whether their name is on the private list.
I step forward and stand to one side, waiting for everyone to pass. I take out the ID card I was given earlier and wait.
Suddenly, I see the lady stop and look at me. She nods for me to come closer.
Not really understanding, I approach her anyway.
She looks at my card, then gestures for me to go through after taking it in her hand to check something on the tablet, probably my identity with my photo.
I walk forward and find myself in front of another entrance where two bodyguards who open the curtain for me.
From the beginning, I didn't pay much attention to the decor. It didn't really appeal to me. I don't mean to say that it wasn't well done.
In fact, the gold, silver, and diamond theme is evident. However, I'm just not in the mood for it.
I see the leader of our group motioning for me to join the others.
So I reach him, he tells us who we should be with and how we should behave.
I don't listen to the rest because it doesn't seem important. As long as I do my job and mind my own business, I'll be fine.
I find myself standing next to a tall, dark-haired man with blue eyes. He is well-dressed and well-groomed. He seems imposing—at least, that's the impression he wants to give off. I think.
I quickly introduce myself to him, but he ignores me. I don't care either way.
He moves to join another man, and since I've been assigned to him, and I follow. I keep my distance, of course, since I'm not needed until he signals me.
Seeing that his conversation with the gentleman is flowing smoothly, I look around a little bit, but I never take my eyes or ears off the man in my peripheral vision.
I then see another man approaching them.
My signal is finally here.
He motions for me to introduce myself, and so I put on the best business smile I can muster.
The man who had just arrived said something, 'Oh, Italian... '
I introduce myself to him and then start to bridge the gap between the two, and the man, whose name is Ruggiero Nicolas.
He seems nice, so I remember his name.
They finally conclude their agreement while walking and agree to sign a contract together.
///
'In the end, the evening was boring... but at least I met someone nice.' I take off my heels and sit on the bed to remember what Mr. Nicolas told me.
He wants to see me again after the contract is signed as a translator. I thanked him and then told the other two that he was happy to finalize the deal.
I don't plan on being a translator for very long, so I want to avoid problems as much as possible. I really liked the old man, though.
"Okay, I need to call my parents."
I make my call, ask my parents how they are doing, and they ask me the same thing, to which I give the same answer: "I'm fine."
We continue our conversation, talking about how the reception went, how their company is doing, and Irene's parents. Our conversation flows smoothly and ends without any problems.
I slowly start to undress and head to the bathroom to take a well-deserved shower.
///
And as usual in the shower, my brain starts to reminisce about the past. I used to fight it, but not anymore.
I finally accept my feelings. I've decided to move forward and not give up on myself. She is a poison to my conscious and unconscious mind. I just hope that one day, when I find the right person, she won't be on my mind so much.
///
The next day
I wake up, check my phone to make sure I don't have any plans. And then, I lie there staring into space.
It's to give my mind time to wake up.
I finally get out of bed and set up my yoga mat. It's time to wake up my body.
I take my time to enjoy every moment, and when I'm done, I head to the bathroom to get ready.
After finishing my hygiene routine, I get ready to go have breakfast.
I opt for a simple look, pairing a white pencil skirt with buttons down the side, and a beige balloon-sleeved sweater. Then, I put on my sunglasses and white sneakers, and style my shoulder-length, slightly curly hair. I grab my black handbag and put my phone and wallet inside.
///
I find a café that seems like a good place to have breakfast. I could have eaten at the hotel, but I thought it would be nice to change things up and explore the city.
When I entered the café and the bell rang. I went to the counter and ordered pancakes with chicken bacon, hot tea, and a strawberry milkshake, and then took a seat.
After paying, I am told to take a seat. The seat I'm given is perfect. I am out of sight, and what's more, I can read in peace because the café is quiet.
I'm glad I brought my book. I love reading and the idea of discovering new worlds and stories and escaping for a few hours. Reading also helps me find inspiration.
Before continuing with my book, I put on my headphones so I can get more into my reading with a playlist I created and made for this purpose.
A few minutes later, my order arrives at my table. I close my book, take off my headphones, and start enjoying my food. My gaze begins to take in the place.
I hear the bell ring to signal a new customer's arrival and look up. A woman carrying a child enters. I lower my gaze, take a bite of my pancake, take a sip of my milkshake, then look up again.
My gaze meets the child's.
I smile at him. He smiles back at me — he's cute.
I continue eating, focusing completely on my food. When I finish eating, I enjoy my red fruit tea while continuing to read. I'm having a good time, and when it's time to leave, I notice someone has come to collect my plate and cups.
I put my phone and book in my purse and got up to leave. I say goodbye to the lady at the counter and go outside. I walk a little toward the crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn green.
I lift my head slightly and look around, and then I see the lady and her child. A car pulls up in front of them.
I hear the signal indicating that the light is green for me. I look ahead, but then I suddenly want to look at the child and his mother.
I turn my head and don't see the child with the woman. I don't think anything of it, but suddenly I see a small figure on the road. My body acts faster than my mind. I feel my dress tear, but that's not what matters to me.
I push the child with me, making sure to protect him. I hear a woman scream, but I don't pay any attention to it. I'm too stunned by the situation. Had I been even a few seconds later, the child would have been run over.
'The light is red, yet the damn driver didn't brake or stop.'
I feel something moving in my arms and quickly realize it is the child. I look down to check that he is okay, breathing a sigh of relief when I see that he is. I start to calm him down, holding him and gently patting his back. 'The poor thing is probably in shock.'
"Eren!" I hear a woman shout. I look up and see the child's mother and a man in a chauffeur's uniform approaching us. 'I hadn't noticed that she was so well-dressed, probably in designer clothes, but that's not the most important thing.'
The woman gently takes the child from my arms. The child starts crying. The woman checks that Eren is okay, then breathes a sigh of relief. Then, she began to calm the child down.
I get up and grimace—apparently, I'm in pain. I decide to go home and assess the damage.
When other people approach us, I take the opportunity to leave discreetly, pretending that everything is fine.
I hear a woman shout, but I don't pay any attention to that. I'm in pain, and I've had enough of playing the hero for the day.
I'm glad the child is okay. For once, I feel strangely alive. It's as if my life has meaning, which is quite ridiculous.
The receptionists seem shocked to see me. They ask if I'm okay. I tell them I am before heading into the elevator. Luckily, there is no one else there. I suddenly close my eyes because I feel dizzy, but the feeling passes quickly.
The elevator opens and I exit, heading for my door. I unlock the door, go inside, throw my bag on the floor, grab my first aid kit from my suitcase, and head to the bathroom.
I take off my clothes to assess the damage. "Ouch!"
I have bruises and scratches, but the side of my thigh is more affected because I have a fairly large wound that won't stop bleeding.
"I think I'm going to need stitches." I apply a compress to stop the bleeding, wrap a towel around my waist, put on a T-shirt and jogging pants, and ask the receptionist to call me a taxi.
I grab my bag and leave, towel still around my waist. One of the receptionists helped me to the taxi. After thanking her, I told the driver to take me to the hospital.
///
The taxi driver help me into the hospital and leave.
The doctors stitch me up and put a bandage on.
The hospital decides to keep me overnight.
I'm lying on a hospital bed. I told my family that I may not be able to call them until tomorrow.
"Well, I need to get some sleep..." It's not nighttime yet, but I'm sleepy. I close my eyes and quickly fall into the arms of Morpheus.