Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Numb, I watch Joshua, Jack, and the "real Madelyn" talk.

"And what do you intend to do?" Joshua asks.

"I'm not sure yet. But I'll do everything possible to get Emeraude to a rehab clinic," Madelyn responds, standing up next to Jack and Joshua.

"I think that's a good idea. Because enough is enough. It's been years of that girl interfering in my life. And now, since I know she's not you..." Joshua moistened his lips and quickly looked at me. "I just want her to pay for everything she's done."

Strange that he interrupted what he was saying to look at me. His behavior actually made my heart beat faster. Had Joshua endured all these years of the girl's intrusions in his life because he still loved Madelyn? If he had said he wanted Emeraude to pay for everything she did only after discovering the truth, then perhaps Madelyn still meant something to him. Otherwise, he would have stopped her from tormenting his life from the beginning.

"She'll get what she deserves," the girl affirmed. "I have to go now. I'll see you later. Bye, Alice." She squeezes her lips into a little smile and walks out of the apartment with Jack.

Joshua closes the door and walks back to the couch.

"I think it's time to go too," I comment as soon as I see him sit next to me.

"I can take you to college."

"No. It's okay. I need to go home. I need a shower." I justify and get up from the couch.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. I'll see you later." I gave him a weak smile and walked towards the exit of the apartment.

I didn't want to think that Joshua might still feel something for Madelyn, especially after finding out that she wasn't to blame for anything, and that if it weren't for Emeraude, they would probably still be together.

***

I return to my apartment before going to college to fulfill what I planned. I needed a good relaxing shower now.

Agatha and Alex were sitting on the couch, watching something on the YouTube app on TV. Nathan was in the kitchen, doing something. I headed to my room and got ready to take a shower.

I traced my way to the bathroom and undressed, getting under the shower. The hot water intensely flowed over my body, wetting every part of it, and relaxing my muscles. I leaned my forehead against the wall and closed my eyes as the water soaked my hair. Madelyn's conversation wouldn't leave my head. I was shaken to know that someone's life had been ruined by a loved one, and at the same time, I worried about Joshua's true feelings. Even though he said he liked and was in love with me, the return of a past love could change many things. And I didn't want to feel deceived.

***

Upon arriving at college, I headed to the Art room. Hannah and Sarah were already in their seats. I sat behind them.

"Hi, Alice," the girls greeted me.

"Hello, girls." I smiled.

"How are you?" Hannah asks.

"I'm good. And you?"

"Good too. How's it been with your sisters in town?"

"Well, it's pretty hectic, but... Everything is going well," and before we could continue talking, our attention automatically shifted towards a student who entered the room.

"Who is he?" I ask, observing the unknown guy.

"I don't know. But he's hot," Hannah observes, or rather drools over him.

The unknown guy's gaze is directed towards the empty easel next to me.

"He's coming over here!" Hannah whispers excitedly and turns around quickly as he approaches, stopping next to me.

"Is the easel next to you taken?" the stranger asks.

The intensity of his voice makes my body shiver completely. What the hell was that? I shake my head, answering his question. He walks behind me, sitting on the bench next to me.

"I want you to share ideas with the person next to you about what happiness would be for you. And... I want you to express that through a painting," the teacher informed.

I slide my gaze to the screen in front of me, thinking about what happiness would be for me, but my thoughts are interrupted by the same voice from minutes ago, and I realize that this time I wouldn't be working alone, like the other times.

"So...?" the guy narrows his eyes, as if trying to guess my name.

"Alice," I glance at him and answer, forming a friendly smile on my face.

"Alice! That's it! So, Alice, what would be happiness for you?" he asked.

As I knew I would have to exchange ideas with someone, I move my body to the side, facing him, being able to clearly see his face. And for a moment, I felt in Hannah's shoes. She was right about him being hot. His blue eyes matched perfectly with his wavy hair and his strong jawline.

"I think that..." while I looked into his eyes and he returned the gaze, the words seemed to disappear from my mind. But damn it, Alice! Pull yourself together! "Sorry, it's just that..." I squeeze my eyes, trying to concentrate on something to say.

"I didn't introduce myself, did I?" his response surprises me. "What a foolishness on my part. I should have introduced myself before, sorry. My name is Benjamin."

"N-No, it's okay. It's just that..." I divert my gaze from his. "I consider happiness to be something relative."

"Like... What makes you happy may not make someone else happy too?"

"Yes, exactly!" I look at him surprised.

"I see it as an achievement."

"An achievement? Like... For example... Seeking it during the path you trace and not just after reaching the end?"

"Yes! Many people think that they will only be happy when they get where they want to be. When in fact, happiness can be found in small things. You just have to allow yourself to see it."

"So, it's a point of view."

"Yes, like... If you only look at the bad side of your life, you will convince yourself that it is bad. But if you see the good side, you will see that there is always a solution. And I think... Happiness is equal. There is no exact thing that makes you feel it, but rather you allow yourself to feel it."

"I always thought that leaving Brazil would make me the happiest person in the world. But... I'm still the same as always."

"Wait, did you say Brazil?" an excited smile spreads across his face. "I'm Brazilian too!"

"Are you kidding me?!" I smile back at him.

"Of course not! My parents are Brazilian. And... they forced me to come study in London. They thought my old friends were a bad influence," he grimaces as he speaks in Portuguese, which excites me. It could be exhausting to almost abandon my mother tongue. Although I'm used to English, being able to speak comfortably with people without fear of making mistakes was something I missed. "Sometimes English wears me out."

"I know how you feel! God, I miss being able to use slang that only we would understand," I laugh with enthusiasm. "Although I'm British, I have to admit I've spent more time in Brazil than in England. So I've gotten used to the slang too."

"Yes! I understand perfectly!" he agrees, laughing along with me.

"What's so funny?" Hannah turns to us, curious.

"Nothing, we're just getting to know each other," I reply.

"In art class?" she furrows her brow and I do the same, looking at her dazed. Hannah looks at Benjamin. "Hi, I'm Hannah," she extends her hand to greet him.

"Benjamin," he shakes hands with Hannah.

"Pleasure to meet you, Benjamin," she flashes a smile whose meaning I couldn't quite grasp, but I'd say she was easily hitting on him. "So, have you guys thought about what you're going to paint?"

"A little bit. We're still exchanging ideas," I reply, trying to contain my joyful smile at having met a Brazilian in London.

"Seriously? That's cool!" Hannah keeps smiling.

"But, anyway... shall we start?"

"Sure. Oh, and... there's an eyelash on your cheek," Benjamin says and I brush my hand over it. "It hasn't come off yet. Let me take it off for you," he leans in, getting closer to me. His hand touches my face, taking the eyelash off my right cheek.

With our faces just inches apart, I couldn't help but stare into his beautiful light eyes. And the scent of his perfume was almost intoxicating. For a moment, I felt like I was out of my body. The last time I felt this way was when I met Joshua.