He hoped he wouldn't waste too much time. As soon as he found out the period in which he could returne to college, he politely said goodbye and left the office, heading decisively toward the university's exit, when he was stopped by Simona.
-Bogdan, I thought you weren't coming anymore. What are you doing here?
Then she noticed the file in his hand, realizing the reason why he was at the school. He smiled at her, asking if she had heard the news.
-That you're going to have a child? Everyone's heard, you can be sure of that. Honestly, I'm disappointed in you.
He raised an eyebrow in confusion but said nothing, letting her continue. He knew that once Simona started talking, she would say everything on her mind. And it didn't bother him.
-You know, I always liked you. And I was ready to fight for you, but I can't compete with a child.
-And why are you disappointed? he asked.
-Because of the way you handled things. You know how Maya feels, and it's obvious that you love her too. I mean, let's be serious. Ever since you started being together, you didn't have eyes for anyone or anything else but her.
Cristi was stunned. He hadn't thought things could be more complicated than that, and yet the situation escalated quickly. He needed to find out more, and now was the moment. Thinking carefully about a reply, he adopted a slightly tense posture and answered:
-Is that so?
-Yes, that's right.
-And… where is Maya now?
-I think she's in the classroom.
-Please bring her here, without telling her the reason. I want to talk to her for a bit.
-Alright, but you'll owe me.
-Forever.
When Simona returned, Cristi could hardly believe his eyes. The girl was like a doll. She stopped when she saw him and examined him from head to toe. When she finished, she addressed him directly, without any introduction:
-Who are you?
The girl looked confused, glancing from Simona to him, as if she didn't know what to think. Simona burst out laughing.
-Well, this is a good one. You forgot him that fast?
-Who? she asked Simona, not Cristi, although she was watching him closely.
-Bogdan, you silly girl.
-That's not Bogdan. Who are you?
Both Simona and Cristi were left speechless. Silence fell, until Simona was the first to speak.
-Cristi? Why didn't you say it was you?
-You assumed I was Bogdan. I couldn't disappoint you. Thank you for bringing her. Please, leave us alone. I'll call you later.
After Simona left, Cristi led Maya in silence to the school café, speaking only after they sat down at a table.
-How did you know?
-Know what?
-That I'm not Bogdan.
-I just knew. So you're his brother, Cristi?
-Twin brother. Identical. Nice to meet you, Maya.
-Nice to meet you too. Why did you want to talk to me?
-My brother… is going through a difficult time. It's my duty to be there for him. Simona told me about you—I had no idea you were together.
-We were together until I found out about the baby. I suppose you already know.
-I'm sorry. I imagine it was hard for you.
-Yeah…
-Allow me to make it up to you for all the trouble my brother caused you.
-What?
-Maya, you should know that he's the good guy in all this, but that's just how things turned out. He's just as upset as you are, and I've never seen him more affected. Please believe me. He's suffering too, just like you.
-Why are you telling me all this?
-Because he loves you. He's my brother, which means you're like a sister to me.
-Be serious. You already have a future sister-in-law and a nephew on the way.
-You don't understand now, but you will.
He took a business card out of his wallet and wrote something on the back, then handed it to her.
-Please call me if you need anything, alright? I promise I'll take care of you, no matter what.
-Thank you, but it won't be necessary.
Cristi stood up, picked up the file, said goodbye, and then left the café, lost in thought about all the complications he was facing. Why did everything have to happen at the same time?
He was heading toward the parking lot when the idea hit like a light bulb. He was about to do one of the hardest things of his life: to go to college in Bogdan's place. The idea lodged itself in his mind like an arrow. Maya was the person Bogdan loved; it was his duty to keep her safe until everything came to light. She couldn't know anything more.
In his mind, the decision was already made. He turned on his heel and walked briskly toward the registrar's office. It didn't take long before he handed in the file and got the student ID back. After speaking with the Anatomy professor about the project—and having his request refused, of course—there was only one person left to talk to, the only one who could expose him.
He found her in the library, reading a book with fascination. Besides being extremely beautiful, she radiated intelligence and tenacity. And for God's sake, apart from his family and her, no one could tell the two brothers apart. It was certain that she would end up with Bogdan. They were perfect for each other. And he was the one who would bring them together. He had to test his theory and make the two of them reconcile. It was his duty.
He decided that a simple approach would bring him luck.
-Are you just as focused when you're in love?
Caught off guard, Maya frowned at him.
-You again?
-It seems I'll be around here for a while. I have a favor to ask you, Maya.
-That doesn't sound good. You're asking me to help you half an hour after we met?
-I guarantee I'm not asking you to help me hide a murder or a kidnapping, he said, laughing.
-So what do you want?
-I'll be filling in for Bogdan for a while. I need you to behave with me the way you behaved with him.
-No chance.
-Maya, please. Be reasonable. Everyone knows you two broke up. I'm not asking you to kiss me or anything like that. I wouldn't do that to Bogdan, or to you. Just talk to me as if you were talking to him. You're the only person who can tell us apart, and I hope you won't blow my cover.
-What are you planning, Cristi?
-You'll see. Will you help me or not?
-Fine, I'll help you. But if you cross the line, there will be problems.
Trust me. It will be fine. Do you still have work to do today?
-Yes, I want to finish two more chapters.
-Then allow me to treat you to a coffee. It would do you good.
He left her there, satisfied with her positive attitude. He was sure he had won another battle. Now he had to win the war.