Chapter 45: Chapter 45
I try to hide, hiding my bewildered face that did not fully understand the situation through which it passes. As much as it costs me, I simulate the drawing of a small grimace on my lips, which could be called a smile only if the person who said it had never seen a real one.
May: Sorry, do we… know each other?
Mine: No, but now yes.
He responds ignoring the girl sitting next to him who opens her mouth wanting to speak, but cannot. I raise my eyebrows, confused.
May: I don't understand ...
Mine: I'll explain.
May: But ...
Mine: Eva is ...
May (I interrupt her): I think Eva wants to say something.
I exclaim looking at the brown-haired girl, who upon hearing my words smiles and finally speaks after pointing her gaze on my friend.
Eva: No ... I just wanted to say hi. It is a pleasure.
He says extending the open palm of his hand whose fingers are full of silver rings and bracelets woven from threads of different colors in the narrowest part of the arm. A little further up, black curved lines form asymmetrical figures that together create a somewhat strange tattoo similar to the peace symbol. I take out my right hand, which until then was hiding in a fist on the fabric of the seat and one in his, encircling my fingers above his.
May: Likewise.
I answer and then withdraw my hand, releasing it from his grip and finally ending that discomfort.
Mine: Well, as I was saying ... Eva was a neighbor and a friend of mine when I was young.
I squint my eyes. I notice the shy smile of the unknown girl behind Mia's shoulder, who is so excited to speak that it is already becoming unbearable.
Mia: After it was ... (turns around) how long ago was it? (Eva frowns). Oh yeah. 10 years ago they went to live in the south and ...
He continues to tell in an unstoppable way that story that does not interest me in the least and I only limit myself to nod from time to time, although I do not even listen to the argument of his words. I look at the driver who is still in his place with his eyes fixed on the half-empty street and I wonder how fed up he is with me and my crazy things.
Mine: ... well, well ... shall we?
I shake my head, going back to the real time where I seem to have missed much of the conversation.
May: Huh? That? Where?
Mine: Weren't you listening to me?
May: Well yes, but ...
Mia (snorts): To your house, silly.
Eva: Bah, the house is not mine either (she comments receiving my gaze and Mine's at the same time).
May: I ... I don't think I can, you better go.
Mine: Oh shut up if you already missed college.
The fact that my friend of so many years does not take my hints begins to frustrate me. Do you really not understand it or do you just pretend that you don't? If being around this girl already makes me irritating, stepping on the floor of the house where she lives, which coincidentally is the same one where Samuel lives, will be the most unpleasant thing in the world. Just waving at her, hiding indifference, as if I liked her, made me feel stupid.
May: It's not like Dad called me a while ago and I have to go home.
Mine: Can't you change it for another day?
Ready, I hate her.
May: I don't know, but ...
Mía: There, you come. I will talk to Tomás later if necessary.
I shoot him a murderous look, but he doesn't notice it and turns to say something to Eva. Seconds later, the girl leans forward and communicates something to the driver, who nods and starts the engine. "It must be the address," I think.
I let out a sigh loaded with anger and helplessness and settle into the seat, hugging myself as I wrap my arms around my shoulders. They occasionally exchange a couple of words that I don't even pay attention to, as my eyes only focus on the images that pass through the window as quick transitions. It's not that I'm jealous or afraid of losing Mia as a friend, I know that would never happen. This strange sensation is due to another person that at no time I managed to get out of my mind nor do I now, while I am just heading home. I don't even know why.