CHAPTER 2
DREAMS COME TRUE.
AMBER
I haven't written in a while, but that's because my life isn't that encouraging. I won't talk about it; I tend to hate it. I'd rather talk about the things that make me happy.
Today is the day I'm going out with him. If you're wondering what his name is, I'll tell you: his name is Dylan. We've been friends since high school. I've always had a crush on him, but I never told him. Now he's asked me out. It's all a dream I don't want to wake up from. I'm already on my way to where we're going to meet. I'm sure it'll be a great day.
ARI
I was never able to ignore what they said about us, but it wasn't relevant in my life. Jeff knew better than anyone that I was incapable of loving someone no matter how hard I tried. Maybe it was because I was still clinging to the love I once felt.
The rumors were always there, but they were just that: rumors. Even if I denied it, people found it just another way to confirm the topic and add situations or words that never happened, just to create high school gossip.
It wasn't new anymore, but this was something that crossed the line. They shared it online, and while it wasn't relevant to everyone, it was relevant to the high school students and Jeff's parents, too.
Jeff wasn't a public figure, only his father was, but family photos began to circulate on social media, although he always kept everything private.
—I hate people having opinions about my life, they don't even know me.
He always says that when I ask him why he doesn't accept follower requests. But I understand; it's already hard for him to deal with his father's criticism. It would get even harder if more people had their say.
The storm was over, but I was on my way to my locker to pick up my new math textbooks. Jeff was with the music teacher, and I thought I'd run to avoid him because he'd been insisting I sing in the auditorium for the national singing competition.
I heard him sing during the break. To be honest, I'd like him to develop his talent, as he has a very beautiful voice.
But Jeff is Jeff. No one can beat him when it comes to contradicting him. This time it's even more complicated because he always says his destiny is to end up in an office, working for his father, and then become president of the company. He loves singing; it's what he loves most, but he's afraid.
I opened my locker and flipped through one of the books to see the contents.
"My head is probably going to explode when I try to solve these exercises," I thought, closing it with the confidence that I will learn easily.
I hope so.
I looked around the deserted hallways, which sent shivers down my spine. I heard footsteps, probably someone coming down the stairs. I went over to see.
"That must be Jeff," I thought.
The person turned to walk down the last flight of stairs, revealing his clothing and face. My eyes widened in surprise as I recognized him.
"Liam," I said without thinking when I saw him. He was preoccupied with his cell phone, not paying attention to what was in front of him despite coming down the stairs.
My voice made him react immediately. His eyes met mine, but then he looked back and, without saying anything else, prepared to leave.
"I'm sorry," he said before turning and walking away. It seemed like I was just reminding him of the bad thing that happened between us. A few moments ago, he was smiling at his phone, but as soon as he saw me, his happy expression disappeared.
I don't blame him, I tend to remember too.
"It's okay, you don't have to come back. You can come in," I said. He stood still, his back to me. "It's been a while. You've changed, and so have I."
I remembered that our relationship ended two years ago. He quickly turned to give me a look that made me remember the feelings I'd had before, and I'm not talking about the bad ones. For a moment, I went back to when I was 16, when I was even younger and everything was raw.
"I know your birthday is still a week away," he said from a distance. I was still at the top of the pegs, still staring at him, "but I hope you're happy and that you can erase that version of me."
I looked at Liam in shock. It was the first time we'd exchanged words since our failed relationship. He was my first teenage crush.
"Thanks, Liam," I thanked him with a slight smile that surprised him, but which he also reciprocated.
He continued on his way out of high school without looking back. I held onto the locker, closed my eyes, and placed a hand on my chest. My heart was sore from the few words I'd received, but the most surprising thing was experiencing emotions as if it were the first time we'd seen each other, like the day we met.
"Isn't that a bit much?" I thought. To me, it was so little, but it seemed like a lot.
I looked up and was startled to see a silhouette beside me. I immediately moved away when I noticed Jeff looking at me seriously.
"Fuck!" I cursed, startled by his unexpected presence. "Don't do that."
"I thought you were in pain. I was waiting for you to faint," he said casually.
I glared at him; his comment wasn't funny at all.
"It's not funny, idiot," I replied.
He ignored my comment and started telling me about the conversation he had with the professor.
[...]
My father warned me ahead of time that Jeff's mother would be coming for us. The rain stopped, and as I looked out the window, I began to listen to the conversation between Jeff and his mother.
He seemed unaware of the rumor. He'd have to keep it that way until Jeff managed to talk to Ian and convince him to delete the post.
still don't understand what his purpose is, but I suppose he has his reasons. Because it's not just that he has feelings for me.
"I'd better stop thinking about that," I told myself.
Jeff's mother, Lily Brown, is a close friend of my mom's. They met in college despite studying different majors. My mother studied architecture, and she studied finance, though she didn't even finish her degree because she met her husband, Henry. I remember Jeff telling me their love story.
They met before he was a public figure. However, he came from a wealthy family, and Lily was under constant pressure to make no mistakes. But she was so in love that she endured her family's opposition. Everything is beautiful at the beginning, even I experienced it with a different story.
However, their love for each other faded, or at least that's how Jeff saw it. Now they only hold hands for photos and in public, so as not to raise suspicions about how unloving their marriage really is.
Fame was a severe blow to her, or rather, to her marriage. Over the years, he spent less time at home due to work, while she took care of the children and was a "good wife."
On many occasions, his company has been my mother, Fabiola. The arguments between Mr. and Mrs. Brown are sometimes exhausting, even for their own children.
"Will they go to the same college?" Ms. Lily asked.
It took my mind a few seconds to process the question, I was distracted.
"Sure!" Jeff replied enthusiastically, although it was funny that he wasn't even studying for the test.
How did you plan to apply?
"What are you planning on studying, Ari?" Ms. Lily asked, without taking her eyes off the avenue.
—Well, I have several options, but I would like to study fashion design, —I replied.
I saw his surprised expression through the rearview mirror.
"I thought you'd choose architecture like your mother," he commented.
I wasn't surprised, everyone knows my mother in some way.
"It's also an option I'm considering," I said without much emotion, in contrast to my first answer.
"Hey, Mom! Why don't you ask me what I want to study?" Jeff chimed in.
"Are you really planning on studying?" her mother asked without hesitation.
I burst out laughing without being able to stop it.
"Mom! How can you say that? Especially when Ari's here," Jeff protested, looking at me.
—Stop laughing! Mom!
The minutes passed quickly, and before I knew it, we were in the parking lot of the building where my parents lived.
The conversation made the time fly by. I was glad to see Jeff and Miss Lily getting along, because, although they suffered in different ways, they were both dealing with their own issues.
I've even thought they're similar, not just in appearance, but in how they express themselves and act. They're both trying to cope with an overwhelming life just for the love of one person.
When we finally got home, they dropped me off in the building's parking lot. I went up to the apartment where I lived with my parents. We left the house I inherited from my grandmother after my horrible time.
"Thank you so much for the ride, Mrs. Lily," I said.
She shook her hand, not caring.
"You don't have to thank me, but you could stop calling me 'ma'am.' You make me feel old, dear," she said with a light laugh and a kind smile.
"Thanks so much for the ride," Jeff mimicked in a high-pitched voice.
His jealous son complex will definitely never go away.
"Aren't you a little old to be imitating me?" I asked, to which he rolled his eyes and gestured for me to get out of the car.
Mistress Lily's laughter echoed even though she tried to hide it.
"Do you love her more or what?" Jeff asked his mother, which made her laugh even more.
I sighed and gave Jeff's mother one last goodbye look. She caught my gesture at the last moment.
— Bye , Jeff —I said goodbye without waiting for an answer, opening the car door.
I watched him wave goodbye through the glass before turning and walking between the rows of cars in the parking lot.
I took out my cell phone without much concern. I always took the same route.
I noticed my Instagram followers suddenly increased. I didn't recognize any of them.
I simply didn't check the message requests. I knew what was coming and it was best to ignore it. I still don't understand why Jeff has so many girls smitten with him.
My footsteps echoed as I moved forward. I looked around and saw a car pulling out of the parking lot.
It was then that I noticed a shadow behind me, which surprised me, because I hadn't heard any footsteps.
I turned around immediately, thinking it was Jeff trying to scare me.
"Jeff?" I asked with a small smile. "You know it's not funny, right? You won't scare me."
I waited for a reply, but no one responded.
I approached a row of cars to see if anyone was hiding, but there was no one.
I shook my head and sighed.
"I must be tired," I thought. "I probably just saw a shadow."
I turned to keep walking. There weren't many more lines to the elevator; I could already see it from here.
I put my phone away and took a few more steps, but stopped dead in my tracks when I heard other footsteps behind me.
I turned around immediately, but there was no one there.
How could he hide so quickly?
"Jeff, if this is a joke, you better come out, or I'll beat you up," I said, clinging to the idea that he would be my best friend. But who else could it be?
I saw a shoe hiding behind one of the parked cars. I approached slowly, but the person ran away. He was completely covered, and judging by his silhouette, he looked like a boy.
I was about to chase him when, at that very moment, I heard my name being called.
"Ari!" Jeff's voice made me spin. He seemed to have run from where we were parked; he was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath. "Who was he? Why was he running?"
I froze. Was someone following me?
—Ari, do you know him?
I shook my head. The man of my dreams came to mind, but this wasn't the time to think about that. Maybe he'd mistaken me for someone else... or maybe he wanted to talk to me.
Damn, what am I thinking? Anyway, it was suspicious that he was so covered up, as if he didn't want to be recognized.
"I don't know," I replied. It was the same answer I gave every time I was asked about the man of my dreams.
"Guess what you forgot," Jeff said, lifting his arm to show my makeup bag.
—I didn't realize I forgot her.
"It's a good thing I realized in time. We were just about to leave," he said, reaching over to take my hand and place the bag on it. "Then you'll die if you lose it."
—Yes, sorry.
I looked back in the direction the boy had fled. Something didn't add up.
"What's wrong?" Jeff asked, noticing my attitude.
—Did you get to see his face?
—No. Did you see why he was running? It looked like someone was chasing him.
I shook my head. Although, deep down, I was scared. Was it someone trying to upset me about the rumor?
—Hey, are you okay?
—I'm not sure... but I felt like he was following me.
Jeff froze. He turned to where I was looking, but there was no one there.
"Why do you say that so lightly? I hope it's not one of the reporters who keeps bothering my family," he said, running his hand through his hair. "Sometimes they follow us around for interviews, but it's rare that they bother you."
"I prefer to think so. I'm enjoying my quiet life," I replied, wanting to downplay it. "Although... why was she covering her face?"
—I need to talk to my father. I've already complained to several television stations, and they almost never change their employees. I guess he didn't want me to admit it. But if you don't feel safe, I can walk you to your apartment.
"No, don't make your mom wait any longer. I suppose you're right," I replied.
Jeff took my arm and started walking toward the elevator.
—Jeff, I'll be fine. Your mom's going to be upset if you keep her waiting.
I released his grip and smiled reassuringly. He smiled back and laughed softly.
—My mom said I could come with you if I wanted. Besides, we haven't spent that much time together. We barely saw each other on vacation.
I sighed. If Mrs. Lily agreed, I couldn't refuse.
"Then let's not delay any longer. I don't want to take advantage of your kindness," I said, offering him my arm.
He smiled and intertwined it with mine.
"I feel like when we're old we'll do the same thing, but to support ourselves while walking," he joked.
I laughed as I tried to imagine him as an old man. I didn't even have a clear picture of myself in the future.
When I got to the elevator, I pressed the button and we waited a few seconds. When the door opened, we got in. I pressed the button for the seventh floor, and just as the doors closed, a hand reached in.
The doors opened again, revealing the boy who had run out.
The only thing visible on his face were his eyes, a shocking blue.
I looked at Jeff, who was already looking him up and down, trying to intimidate him.
Something didn't feel right to me. If he was a reporter, why wasn't he asking questions? We were completely alone.
Jeff took my arm and pulled me behind him, protecting me.
"Hey!" Jeff said, getting the boy to look at him... but he completely ignored him.
"Do you live in this building?" he asked with apparent kindness, although he knew she distrusted him.
The boy didn't respond. Jeff looked at me as if to say, "That's too weird."
"Don't bother him. Maybe he just doesn't like socializing," I whispered, unsure if the boy could hear me.
There were only three more floors to go before I reached my apartment. I watched as the boy leaned against the wall and stood next to me.
Jeff held me more firmly, but I quickly moved away. Our eyes met for a moment. His gaze was unsettling to me.
The sound of the elevator announced our arrival. We left immediately.
I turned around to see if the boy was still there. He was standing still, staring at us. A shiver ran through me.
"That was weird," Jeff muttered, frowning.
We were about to turn right when we heard footsteps.
We turned around at the same time... and what I saw left me frozen.
The boy came running toward us. He was holding a knife in his hand.
The good thing about having Jeff by my side was that he pulled me and we started running.
We turned down the hall and to the right. I heard the footsteps getting closer and closer.
"Leave us alone!" Jeff shouted. "We'll call 911!" He pulled out his cell phone and tapped the screen several times to dial.
But that didn't stop the boy. He didn't react. As if he didn't understand... or as if he didn't care.
I was trying to keep up with Jeff, but I knew I was slowing him down.
Then I heard it.
—Ari, don't forget about me.
His voice... his voice wasn't normal. It sounded distorted.
And, the scariest thing... it was the same voice of the boy from my dreams.
My body trembled.
"Don't listen to him, Ari! Don't be scared! Just look at me," Jeff said firmly.
I nodded, still shocked. We slowed down when we saw we were almost at the apartment.
"Open the door quickly, or I'll have to fight him," Jeff said, preparing himself.
My hands were shaking as I searched for the keys.
I repeated this in my head as I entered the password on the door. Instantly, the indicator lit up green, allowing us in. The boy was so close that, as soon as we crossed the threshold, he almost reached us. Jeff, reacting quickly, pushed the door hard to prevent him from entering.
We heard him try the code several times, but the red light flashed with each failed attempt. Then the banging on the door began, making me back away in fear. I felt Jeff's arm around my shoulders, pulling me toward him in an attempt to calm me down.
"We're okay, you're okay. Don't worry," Jeff whispered to me.
Seconds later, the noises stopped. I breathed a sigh of relief. What we had just experienced seemed like something out of a horror movie.
Suddenly, something on the floor caught our attention. A photo slipped under the door. Jeff stepped forward and picked it up. I saw his expression change drastically, going from confusion to concern.
"Why are you making that face?" I asked, my heart racing.
He tried to hide it, but I insisted.
—Don't be scared... It's a picture of you, —he replied cautiously.
I froze.
-Mine?
—Yes... You and your parents in a restaurant.
He showed me the image, and I brought my hands to my mouth, horrified. I looked at it more closely and noticed it was stained with a dark liquid. A metallic, unpleasant smell reached me.
"Is it blood?" I whispered.
Without thinking, I tore the photo into several pieces and threw it in the trash.
"Ari, what's going on?" Jeff asked seriously. "I don't want to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't made it inside in time."
I put my hand to my head, trying to process everything. Although I'd had disagreements with some people in the past, I never thought anyone would go this far.
"I don't know... Maybe it has to do with the rumor. I have no idea why he knew me or why he wanted to hurt us," I murmured, feeling overwhelmed.
Jeff frowned.
"I didn't think the rumor would reach this level. As soon as the police and your parents arrive, I'll talk to my father."
I didn't respond. My eyes remained fixed on the trash can where I'd thrown the photo.
"Nothing will happen," he added firmly. "I'm with you."
I looked up and saw his reassuring smile. But I was still terrified. I felt like the police wouldn't be enough.
I'm afraid that my dreams will come true.
Jeff came over and gently stroked my hair before taking my face in his hands, forcing me to look directly into his eyes.
"Did you hear me?" he asked softly.
I nodded, trying to control my emotions.
"I'm scared... I don't want to suffer again," I murmured.
He leaned his forehead against mine, offering silent support.
—I promised you, remember? I won't let you go through that alone again.
Yes... I'd experienced something similar before. An event that left me scarred for life. Since then, I didn't know what to do with my feelings. Should I get rid of them, like that love that once meant everything to me, but changed overnight?
I felt confused, hurt... The person I truly loved was the first, and perhaps the last. He had left me with such a void that, no matter how hard I tried, my heart simply couldn't love again.