Lovers

Ronnie and I enter the school yard just as Alex gets out of the car. I am not decided. Shall I greet him or ignore him as he did four years in a row? Until I decided what to do, Alex shouted at Ronnie.

-Veronica! My mother told me to tell you that they are leaving town on the weekend and that you will stay in my care. So you see who you sleep with, he says and then lights a cigarette. I thought he gave up.

-Here you go? Ronnie asks puzzled.

-You heard me. I want to have a party and I can't do that if my little sister is home.

-And why, please? Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me, Looks like BT aint for me either. Looks like BT aint for me either. Or is it because you don't want to introduce me to your girlfriend this week? Is it fresh or bigger? Ronnie teases Alex.

-Funny, but not. I don't want you to be home, because who knows what goes through your mind and you want to drink with us or combine with one of my colleagues, laughs Alex, after which he takes another puff of cigarette smoke.

-You can sleep with me if you want, I interrupt the conversation until Ronnie jumps on Alex's neck.

-See? Your girlfriend understood. She's not as stubborn as you. What's your name?

-Here you go? I ask him puzzled.

-Ah, yes. I forgot to introduce myself. Alexander Freeman, your stubborn friend's brother. And you're?

-Are you serious when you say you don't know who I am? I ask him, already nervous.

How to forget who I am? How many beautiful memories did we have together some time ago?

-Should? Alex asks after throwing away his cigarette and blowing the last smoke in front of his sister.

-What an idiot you are! Ronnie intervened, seeing that I was speechless. It's Bella Covey, the one we spent 3 summers with, the one who always slept with us at home and the one who ...

I cover Ronnie's mouth with his hand until he says something stupid. Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me, Looks like Alex aint for me either. He wouldn't look at me anyway.

-Covey? Wow. You've changed a lot. How long has it been? One year, two?

-Four ... You were in high school when you decided not to talk to me anymore.

-Correct. Well, classes start and it's the first day, so I'm carrying on. I enjoyed talking to you, Covey. I hope you find a home for the weekend, enervanto. I left.

-You're a jerk! Ronnie shouted at her brother, who, no matter how tall he was, was about to reach the school door in three steps.

-Did that really happen? I ask in astonishment.

-What the? That it made me annoying or forgot who you are?

-That made you annoying. What do you think?! Of course I was talking about him forgetting who I am! You're always annoying.

-Oh, thank you. And you're very silly if you end up consuming yourself because of Alex. Give peace.

-If you say so. Let's go.

-Okay. Can I ask you something?

-Say.

-Do you still like Alex? Ronnie asked, laughing.

-What the?! Not!

-If you say so, Ronnie laughs under his breath.

-Oh, come on! And finish with this topic!

But, in my mind, the image of Alex, dressed in black, with brown hair, which, although it stands in all directions, looks so good, as I remembered, with chocolate-brown eyes and that cigarette that I would have liked to take it and break it, but I refrained. Ronnie was right. Three hours have passed since my first day in high school and I have already made some friends, put my emotions aside and everything went the way I wanted. Well, he was right about Alex, too. I haven't been able to get it out of my head since I saw him this morning. I don't realize how I was able to concentrate on classes. Anyway, lunch is coming up, and I should meet Ronnie in front of my closet. As I waited, Alex walked past me with my headphones on. I was completely distracted by him, so I ran into an open closet and hit myself. He started laughing and changed direction for me.

"Wow, Covey, you haven't changed at all," Alex says, leaning against my closet. Who are you waiting for?

-By Ronnie. And I don't understand what you mean? How was I before?

-You were always a hindrance. And it looks like you're the same now, he keeps laughing at me.

"Well, you haven't changed either," I replied.

- You mean?

"I mean, you're as stubborn and annoying as you were four years ago," I tell him, and I start giggling when I see his face.

-Pff, what about you now?

- Does the truth hurt, Freeman?

-Me? Never.

Until I tell her a couple more, Ronnie shows up and pauses for a second to see if she's dreaming or not. Alex and I having a conversation and laughing at each other.

-Did I hit my head or are you two really sitting together? Ronnie asks puzzled.

-This is true. Bella and I had a very interesting conversation until you came. And anyway, you lost your mind when you were little, so you're supposed to be hit in the head all the time, Alex makes fun of his little sister and I don't know what to do: take my girlfriend's defense or laugh at her. Alex's joke? I prefer to giggle secretly so as not to upset anyone.

-Are we going to the canteen or do you want to spend more time with this idiot? "You know, stupidity is contagious, and he's kicking out," Ronnie warns me.

-I have a better idea. Why don't the three of us go to the canteen? I propose and, to my surprise, they both approve of me. Can you still promise me you won't kill yourself for ten minutes? Please?

-I can be good, but the oxygen bomb next to me I don't know if it can be stopped.

-Ha ha, very funny. I promise I won't kill my sister at noon. Now let's go because I'm starving, Alex complains.

-Come on.

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The rest of the day passes pretty quickly and it's time to leave school. I'm waiting for Ronnie in front of the school, and to make time go by faster, I'm thinking about today, especially the moments with Alex. Just then, I see two people holding each other in their arms and kissing, and it only takes me a few seconds to figure out who Alex is kissing. With Chloe! A beautiful brunette, 1.70 who hates me with all her heart. Everything I did she tried to do better. I can't believe Alex got so down that he's with her! By the time I reached the two lovers, Ronnie had arrived and she was able to witness this disgusting scene. For me...

-So this is the new babe my brother was walking with. Chloe Mortez. Incredible! No, Bella?

-Mda...

-Oh, honey, do you still like him?

-Is that so obvious? Yes, a thousand times yes! But unfortunately, I'm not good enough for him. Let's go home until we've vomited everything we've eaten.

-Come on.

All the way there was a total silence and, when I arrived in front of my house, Alex's Mercedes stopped and only he got out of it, fortunately.

-Ronnie! Get on! You're coming home with me.

-Why? I can walk very well.

-Because my mother called me and told me to come after you. Come on!

"Donkey," Ronnie murmured so that only I could hear her. I am leaving. I don't want him to come here and drag me to the car.

-Good. Success. It's five minutes to your house. Try not to kill yourself, okay?

-I don't promise anything, Ronnie chuckles and gets in the car of the boy of my dreams.

Before he leaves, Alex winks at me, puts his sunglasses back on his eyes, and leaves.

Maybe there's more hope for us. But not now, when he's hanging out with Chloe in the corner of the school. I erase the image from my mind and enter the house. It's been two hours since I got home and I've already finished my homework. I decided to do it because I couldn't think of Alex and Chloe.

Until I imagined the scene in front of the school again, Liam called me. He's my best friend and Ronnie's boyfriend too. We were together for a few months, but we realized that we were behaving like two friends instead of two boyfriends, so we stayed friends and he combined with Ronnie with my help, obviously!

- Hey, kid !

-Hey.

- What happened to you? Didn't your first day in high school go the way you wanted it to? Did you get a 9 or what ? Liam laughs at me and I can't hide my smile.

-Not! It's the first day, they didn't give us tests! And, anyway, you're exaggerating. I don't hate when I get a 9!

- Sure, sure. Now, what happened to you? You know you can tell me anything.

-Know. Are you ready to hear why I'm depressed? I assure you, you'll need towels, I say, and I try to sound silly what I'm going to tell him.

" I'm not crying over your stories, so let him go."

I can do it, it's Liam. Tell him what's on your mind. He will surely understand and help you. Come on.

- Okay, so today I saw Alex and he looks so good, but he didn't recognize me and then he came to my closet and we talked and ate at the canteen with him and Ronnie and it was a wonderful day , but when I had to go home I saw him kissing Chloe Mortez and then my whole world collapsed and the thought of being able to get close to Alex shattered. Poof! And I know I'm a sucker for wasting my time, that's what Ronnie told me, but I just can't help but think about him, especially now that he looks so good! Liam? Are you still Say something!

- Which Alex ? says Liam after a minute's silence.

-You're joking right? Alex, Ronnie's brother, your best friend, with whom you are on the same basketball team, the one who once took your clothes and ...

- Okay, okay! " I knew you were talking about Alex ," Liam says, laughing at me. And don't remind me of the incident with the school flag and my clothes, please!

-Good. Now tell me, what should I do?

- Okay, I'll be nice to you. You have to ... IGNORE him! Liam shouted into the speaker. Yes, he is my friend, but in general he is very insensitive and, because I care about you, I don't want you to suffer. I can help you find a nice boy to be your boyfriend.

-But I don't want another boy! Why don't you or Ronnie understand that I want him ! I say and emphasize the pronoun "he" for a more dramatic effect.

" You're still stubborn!" Okay, then try to befriend him, you know, to be like you were four years ago. I can't help you anymore. I can't yell at Alex when we play basketball and I see you say, Wow, Alex, how sexy Bella is!

-Okay, I'm not making you do this because 1, Alex would kill you, because you're with his sister and you look after me, and 2, it would be a very embarrassing moment. Anyway, let's change the subject. How's your leg?

Liam went with me, Ronnie and our families on a hike and fell. At first we thought it wasn't that bad, but the doctor told us he needed surgery and he didn't leave the house for a month. Poor thing!

- Better. I took the cast off and talked to the doctor. Guess what!

-What the? Its bad? Alas, God, you need a wheelchair, do you need an amputation ?! Say!!

"Well , madman!" I can come to school tomorrow, but I have to walk or have someone drive me. I can't drive yet.

-Liam Hunter, aren't you sane ?! How would you like to drive less than two days after removing your cast ?! You can come with me and Ronnie on foot if you want. Did you tell them?

" No, I was thinking of surprising him." What do you think?

-It's a good idea. Do you want me to ask Dad to bring you in sooner than when Ronnie comes to open the door for you?

- Yes, thank you. Okay, honey, I have to go eat. Talk to you soon and keep up the good content.

-Good. And stop calling him that!

- Good night, stubborn!

-Good night, madman!

The conversation with Liam really caught my eye. Yes, I agree with him. Alex is a bad boy, but that makes him even more attractive. This boy turned my world upside down with his appearance! I ate, talked to Ronnie about Alex and Liam, and then went to bed. But even in a dream, Alex is there and enchants me with his beautiful eyes and his charming smile. I'm going crazy like this! -Father?

I knocked on my father's office door, waiting for an answer.

-Get in.

-What are you doing? You're busy?

-I wanted to start translating a book, but maybe she'll wait if my little girl has something to do with me.

-I wanted to ask you if you can take Liam home and bring him here. He wants to surprise Ronnie.

- Did he recover from the accident?

-Theoretically, yes. He removed his cast, but he can't drive. And it goes pretty slow, that's why I asked you to bring it. Of course, if you're not busy.

-Sure. I go now.

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-Liam! I shouted and threw myself into his arms. I missed you!

-And you to me. Can you please stop hugging me? I can't breathe anymore ...

-Sorry! Hey, does it look like me or have you ever been raised?

-I don't think so, I'm still 1.86. Maybe you went deeper into the water than you already were.

-Not true! I grew up! I face him.

-Yes? By how much, 2 millimeters? A month and a half ago you were 1.57. How much do you have now?

-1.58 ...

-How? Say it out loud. The sound doesn't make it up here.

-1.58! Are you satisfied?

-Sincere? Yes, very satisfied.

-Bella, Ronnie is in the alley, my mother tells me.

-Okay. Liam, it's your turn. Open the door for the love of your life.

The doorbell rang and Liam opened the door. A scream escapes Ronnie when he sees that the one who opened the door is none other than her boyfriend.

-Liam Hunter! How could you not tell me that you put your plaster down and that you can come to school? Ronnie asks nervously, but at the same time glad to see Liam.

-I wanted to surprise you. Bella helped me get here and ...

-Did you know ?! I can not believe it! My best friend plotted on my back with ... my boyfriend!

-I found out last night when he called me. I thought it would be nice of him to come here and surprise you. Aren't you surprised?

-Yes, she's shocked. Okay, I calmed down. Now, let's leave until we're late for school.

I say goodbye to my mom and dad and we all go to school. On the way, while Ronnie and I were telling Liam what was missing, a car honks. What the hell is honking someone on the sidewalk? Is his street empty or what? Before I open my mouth to shout at the driver, a red Mercedes stops next to us and I already know who's in the car: Alex.

-Hunter! What are you doing on the street with my weird sister? Alex asks Liam and he laughs.

-I'm going to school. And anyway, if she's weird, it means you're weird too, being a relative, Liam returns, and Ronnie and I can't help but laugh.

-Ha ha, very funny, Hunter. You want me to take you to school, because I happen to go there too.

-Really please. I feel my foot give way.

- POFTIM !? Ronnie and I say at the same time. Does it hurt? Do you want to sit down?

-No no. Just kidding!

"It was a very bad joke," Ronnie says, punching him in the shoulder. That was because you scared us.

-Come or ..., Alex intervenes, seeing that we are not paying attention to him.

-Sure. Bella, do you want to stand in front? Liam suggests and I accept, because that means I'm sitting next to Alex.

-Let's go.

The road was quite noisy, because Ronnie and Alex kept telling Liam what they had done.

-Yes, I forgot to tell you. Mom and Dad are out of town, and I'm having a party. You're coming, aren't you?

"Yeah, definitely," Liam replies to Alex, then turns to Ronnie. "You're not invited, are you?"

"No, he's an idiot to him, and he thinks I'm going to leave him," Ronnie says softly, but not slowly enough, so Alex hears her and says,

-Because that's exactly what you're going to do.

-Brother, come, on one condition.

-I'm listening to you.

-I'll come if Ronnie comes too.

-What the?! No, not at all!

-Oh, how nice of you, boule! Ronnie replied to her brother.

-Then I'm not coming.

-Okay, okay, you won. I need you at this party just as I need you at any party. So, oddly enough, you can stay home on Friday with one condition.

-Which consists of...

-You help me gather all the mess after the party.

-It's done.

-Then see you on Friday.

I can't believe I'm going to Alex's party! Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me, Looks like BT aint for me either.

After we get out of the car, Liam is greeted with applause and shouts at school, and then Alex pulls my backpack.

-Can we talk a little?

-Sure.

What does he want from me? What if he tells me he saw me staring at him and Chloe yesterday? What am I going to tell him I was doing ?!

-So what did you want to talk about? I'll start the discussion.

-About the party.

-Okay. What?

-I know you're going to the party, because wherever Ronnie goes, you go too, but at this party you stay home.

I think you are joking!

- Here ?!

-Yes, I don't want people to see you staring at them when they kiss someone. You know, I don't want people to say I invited a weirdo.

-Wow, I say and I feel like I'm getting nervous, so I put everything I'm thinking about right now. When I thought Alex Freeman couldn't beat himself, he did. How can you be so insensitive to someone you haven't talked to in four years, obviously because of you, instead of trying to be friends again? Know something? I'm not even interested anymore! I'm not coming to your party. And no, not because I want to give you satisfaction, but because I don't want to see your face! Neither yours nor Chloe's! I shout the last words and walk away from him until I slap him.

God, how insensitive it can be! You're going to tell Ronnie in the canteen I'm not coming, and I'm not going to hide the fact that her brother doesn't want me there.

This day could not have started worse!