The next morning she woke up after a deep sleep, motivated to start a new day, a new life—without Bogdan. Once she arrived at college, she was approached by an angry, furious Simona.
— Hey, Barbie. What's the deal with Bogdan? Is it true he had to give up college because he knocked you up and now has to work to support you?
— What did you say?
— I think you heard me well enough the first time.
— I'm not the source of his problems.
— What do you mean? I found out he's going to have a child and that he has to work to support both the baby and the mother. Everyone in our group knows the two of you are together.
— We're not anymore. Bogdan will indeed have a child, but not with me.
An expression of astonishment appeared on Simona's face. It was obvious to everyone that Simona had a crush on their classmate, and although he didn't return her feelings, she had taken it upon herself to act like a bulldog.
— Are you serious?
— No, Simo, I'm joking. I'm joking when I say that my ex-boyfriend and I broke up because he got another girl pregnant, when I say that I answered the phone when she called to tell him, and when I say that I have nothing left to discuss with him.
— You really fell in love with him.
It was a statement, not a question. And it was the truth. She couldn't deny it, because she knew what she felt, just as it hurt to hear herself admit it. So she simply lowered her head in silence, while tears threatened to spill over her cheeks. She would never have expected Simona to hug her—let alone with so much affection—but it was clear that, although she cared about Bogdan and thanked Heaven it hadn't been her in Maya's place, her classmate felt sorry for what had happened.
Loosening the embrace, Simona said:
— I'm truly sorry, Maya. I really didn't know it was another girl. Bogdan's mother and my mom were high school classmates and stayed very close over the years. Basically, Bogdan, his brother Cristi, and I grew up together. This morning Cristi called me to tell me Bogdan got someone pregnant and dropped out of college. I was angry enough to prepare a huge speech for you, without even knowing the details. Please forgive me.
— Don't worry, it's not your fault. I think everyone here assumes it's about me, since we were together. They'll be just as surprised as I was.
— Let them be, Maya, don't worry. It'll pass and be forgotten. If I can help you with anything, let me know.
— I will.
The discussion ended as soon as their Anatomy professor entered the room. They had a lab session, which required working in pairs, and she was alone at the workbench.
— Leonov! Where's Sami?
She hadn't even managed to open her mouth when Simona answered first.
— Professor, today he submitted his withdrawal request and quit attending classes.
— And what am I supposed to do now? The project requires two people. Stay quiet until I come back!
What on earth was that madman planning to do? There wasn't that much work, and Maya was convinced she could finish the project on her own. The room was silent, each team focused on its own work.
After a few minutes, the professor returned, accompanied by a young man.
— Leonov, I'd like to introduce you to Tudor Alexandru, a third-year student. Starting today, he'll be your partner. Same assignment—you can use what you've already found. Understood?
— Uh… yes.
The boy was tall, brown-haired, with dark brown eyes almost black, and a dimple in his right cheek. He wasn't strikingly handsome, but he clearly had a certain charm. He was impeccably dressed, complemented by the pride and arrogance visible in his eyes. And for Maya, those were signs of only one thing: danger.
He sat down at the worktable, never taking his eyes off her. She really was beautiful.
— You can call me Alex. Nice to meet you.
— I'm Maya. Nice to meet you too. Thank you for helping me. I've gathered almost all the necessary materials, and in at most two weeks we should finish the project.
— Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not in a hurry. I have a retake in Anatomy—that's why he called me. If I help you, the project grade will count for me and I'll get rid of the retake. It's a good deal. By the way, didn't you have a partner?
— I did. Today he withdrew from college and left me to manage on my own. That's why you got lucky.
— Well then, tough luck for him and good luck for me. Let's see what else we need to do.