When Mom left, Dad, Damian, and I went fishing. I love doing it with them because they are fun and it reminds me of when we were kids. The water is calm, the sun is shining, and the house in front of us makes me feel strange. That house that Dad says was once his, now no one lives in it."Dad, does anyone live in that house?" I pointed to his former home."No one. I'm thinking of selling it.""Why?""You're right. It's better if I leave it to my son Damian. When he gets married, he'll have a place to live, and the best part is that it will be close to us.""Dad, I want to have my own things, and I'm about to achieve it." Damian was always very proud and hardworking; he likes to earn things himself."Even so, I'll leave it in your name just in case; you'll be in charge.""If you say so," Damian caught more fish. I haven't caught many; I have bad luck even with this."When I was young, we used to have parties on Saturday nights in that house, and then on Sundays, we'd have a barbecue in
-What's wrong with him?-I have no idea.-Theo is very strange and lonely. Lately I've seen him more stressed than usual and sometimes I hear him crying in his room.My heart squeezed.-Crying?He nodded.-Yes, I think he has lovesickness. Poor my brother, I hate the girl who's making him suffer.I swallowed thickly.-You don't know if that's why.-Of course that's why. She's the same one who forced him not to go to college.-What?I was taken by surprise by what he had told me.-Just as you hear it. Theo didn't go to college because he didn't want to be away from that girl who has him suffering. I just wish I knew who she was.Is that girl me? Did Theo give up his whole future for me? That's impossible, according to Theo he didn't go to college because it wasn't his thing. Now it's making me a little sad, anyway, keep telling me about Liam.-What can I tell you? Liam is a very strange and mysterious person. I feel like sometimes his sarcastic words are true. -I bit my lower lip remem
I slammed the door because I can't stand Theo. And I still slept with him again! I hate myself for being like this, I hate myself for being so submissive. What kind of power does Theo have over me? I can't understand it."There you are," Maia said at the top of the stairs. "I was about to come look for you.""It's just that... the food didn't sit well with me.""Really?""Yes, but I just took a pill and it's resolved. What happened?" I took her arm, and we went back outside to the yard.Mom gave me a knowing look.Everyone was laughing and dancing; it was getting dark, and they had made a bonfire."Haven't you seen Theo? I want to introduce him to someone.""Who?""She's the new assistant at Mom's café. Her name is Monica, and she's very pretty. I hope Theo falls for her and stops suffering over that girl.""Who is she?""Over there." She pointed to a fair-skinned, red-haired girl talking to Aunt Anne. She really was very pretty, and I felt a bit insecure. I shouldn't care if Theo get
"Yes, I don't want to leave you alone here. I want you to get distracted. By the way, your father is a bit upset about last night.""I can imagine.""So, it's better if you don't stay alone with him today because he will want to ask you a lot of questions. What a day yesterday was." Mom left the room, leaving me alone and confused. I put a hand to my head and rubbed my temples.Liam.I touched my neck, but the necklace wasn't there; I had forgotten that I broke it. I wanted to see him. I got up and went to shower, knowing today would be a long day.•Mom and I went to Aunt Anne's café, and when we arrived, we found her at the reception desk doing some accounting."Good morning, how are you feeling, Cristine? You worried us all last night.""I'm better.""That's good, dear. Theo is in the storage room; if you want, you can go see him."I looked at Mom, and she gave me a doubtful look."I didn't know he would be here...""I'd rather stay here.""Go on, dear, and take this box with you.
"Cristine? The music is really loud," Mom said as she entered the room, covering her ears."What did you say? It's not even halfway up.""I have sensitive ears. What are you doing? Why is everything such a mess?""I'm looking for something to wear. I'm a mess.""Hmm, I understand how you feel. You have a lot of pretty clothes; I'm sure you'll find something nice. If you want, I can help. Let's see... I like this one, and I hardly ever see you wear it. Are you going out with Theo?""No, with Liam.""But Theo was supposed to be the one for the date." She looked confused."How do you know? Did he tell you?""No, I just happened to overhear a conversation.""I'm not going on the date with Theo but with Liam.""You're going to stand Theo up? Cristine, I forbid you to do that.""What do you want me to do?""At the very least, you should have called him earlier to let him know. He must be very excited about it. I know Theo, and I know how sensitive he is. Don't do this to him, Cristine."I r
"Promise me something.""What is it?""I want you to promise me that no man will ever touch or kiss you again."I frowned, not understanding. I knew he was referring to Theo, and even though I wanted to keep that promise, there was something about Theo that always made me give in to his seduction. It's something I've never understood and never will."Okay.""Swear it.""I swear."He pulled out a necklace identical to the one I had broken."This one is special." He put it on me. "I made it with my own hands, thinking of you. Never take it off, okay?""Alright. Thank you. I didn't bring anything to give you.""Don't worry." He kissed me again. "With this seal, I proclaim you mine. No other man will ever touch you again, and if that happens, he has to die.""Liam, don't be so dramatic." I wanted to laugh."It sounds bad, I know." I lay down on the grass and let Liam take off my dress, leaving me naked in front of him. Liam's eyes sparkled; he looked stronger, and I felt he was hotter tha
Theo took me to my room and sat me on the bed."I'll get the first aid kit," he went to the bathroom and came back with the kit. "Luckily, it's not a fracture, just a bruise. You won't be able to walk properly for a few days, and you certainly can't use your bike."I sighed in frustration."If you need me to take you to class, I can do that."I looked at Theo; he smelled of cologne, was well-dressed as if he were going to an important date. My heart sank, thinking that it was supposed to be our date."Did you hear my message?""Yes, just as I was about to come for you. I see you had a more important date," he said while wrapping my ankle in a bandage.I swallowed hard because I didn't want to hurt him by saying I preferred to go on a date with Liam."I'm sorry.""It's okay, I understand.""Really? You won't yell at me or anything?""No. I realized I can't force people to be with me. The right time will come when everything happens naturally.""Theo..." I stroked his hair. "...you'll a
"I'm really bad at relating to people.""Then no deal.""Greg, wait. Who is it?""Her name is Shelly."I tried to remember the girl... I think she's in my chemistry class. I hear her mentioned sometimes."Okay. I'll help you, now tell me.""No, first I want you to get her to go out with me tonight, and then I'll tell you what you want to know."I rolled my eyes at Greg's blackmail."Fine!" I walked past him and quickly made my way inside. I can't believe I'm in this situation just to find out what I already know: Theo doesn't have a girlfriend. I need to figure out if Greg knows that girl is me. First of all, I don't want to ruin my relationship with Maia; she's my best friend."Where are you rushing off to?" Liam grabbed me by the waist and kissed me on the lips."Liam, you scared me.""What's wrong, babe?""Nothing, I was just heading to class.""Are we going together?""Mhm. What happened to your ankle?"I stopped in my tracks."Well, last night..." I hesitated a bit, unsure if I s
"At what party?""On the mountain, the highest one. They always throw parties there.""Are there any witnesses who can confirm that information?"I bit my lip, remembering that neither Maia nor Junior made it to the party yesterday. I also didn't see Jeremiah; the only ones who could say they saw me are Monica and Miranda.Great."Liam.""Anyone else?""Uh, yes! T-Theo... Theo W-White.""Anyone else?""Those are the only ones I know.""Alright. One moment, please." The police officer leaves the room, and I'm left alone. From movies, I know that the huge mirror in front of me is a window to another room where they are also watching me.I can't believe Jeremiah is dead, oh my God, what happened to him? My hands are shaking, I feel very anxious. I don't like this place.The officer returns minutes later."We've called Theo White, and he's on his way. You need to give us the names of at least two more people. We need proof, not just words."Whatever."There are two girls that... I had pro
"Miss, step back, please!"The wolf growled louder and approached."We're going to shoot!""Don't shoot, please!"I looked at the wolf, who now seemed to realize what was happening. It was cornered. For a moment, I thought it would run away, but no, its demeanor returned to that of an angry wolf, and it advanced towards me.A gunshot.And another."No!"They hit the wolf, but it didn't stop. The wolf ran towards the forest, but it was injured. People applauded the police for hitting it. I ran after it, thinking I must be crazy for doing this, but I couldn't help feeling that the wolf needed me. I ran and ran, following the blood trail until I found it. I saw the wolf lying next to a tree.Tears streamed down my face seeing it in that state. I wasn't afraid at that moment; I just got on my knees next to it. The wolf looked at me, and its ears pinned back."I'm so sorry."It had several bullet wounds and was bleeding a lot. I couldn't help but sob."I'm so sorry."The wolf whined, and I
I half-smiled and got out of the car. Liam drove off into the forest. What is he doing? I went inside, thinking Mom or Dad would be waiting for me, super worried, but I guess Dad is keeping his word to let me fly. I went upstairs and locked the door once I was in my room.I was surprised to see Liam there."You're fast.""I wanted to spend the night with you, Cristine. I'm not going to leave you alone again."Liam hugged me, and I was grateful for it. We both got into bed and cuddled. I felt loved, cherished, and protected. Little by little, the fear started to fade."I'll take care of your dreams."His head massages made me sleepier and sleepier until I finally fell asleep.•The next morning, I opened my eyes slowly. I heard the birds chirping by the window. I looked for Liam beside me, but he was already gone. I knew it, I knew he would leave at dawn. I got up, my head aching a little. There was a note next to me that read:Good morning, sweetheart. I'll pick you up to take you to
"Sounds like a good idea." I took off his shirt, kissed his neck, and licked his ear. I looked at the half-moon in the sky, illuminating us a bit. I thought about how Liam would pay for deceiving me and how the moon would help me with my revenge. I sensually removed all my clothes in front of Liam, my naked body exposed to him. There was grass on the ground, so we lay down there. This reminded me of the night we became a couple."You're so beautiful."More than Miranda? I wanted to ask but kept quiet."So gorgeous... everything about you drives me crazy." Liam sucked on my breasts, and I felt so much pleasure that I moaned. I sat on top of him, starting to move back and forth. "Oh yes... Cristine, you're incredible." He scratched my back."Do you like it?""A lot."I smiled bitterly as I made love to him.When we were about to climax, I felt Liam getting extremely hot, just like what happened with Theo the other time. I was a bit puzzled by the similarity but decided to ignore it. May
I went downstairs."Are you going out?" Dad was at the table reading some papers."Yes, we're going to a party with Maia and the guys. Can I go?" I approached him. I didn't like being distant with my father; I've always been a daddy's girl, which is why Greg and his friends teased me. And now, with Liam's presence, he's not happy, so he's been very distant from me."Alright, have fun, honey.""I don't like being mad at you." I sat on his lap. "You're my daddy, and I love you.""I love you too, honey, it's just that... there are things you still don't understand. You're very young, and I just want to protect you. That's all."I smiled and kissed his cheek."Let me make my own decisions, let me make mistakes because that's the only way I'll gain experience and learn life's lessons. You can't keep me in a glass box forever, Dad.""That's what hurts the most: not being able to do that.""Dad...""I'll try not to be so distrustful and give you more freedom, but don't hesitate to come to me
-What are you doing here?Theo's look was dark, he didn't seem to see me.-My mom brought Maia so I couldn't get away, don't worry we're leaving," I crossed my arms.-Christine, you shouldn't come to this house anymore.Her words hurt me but I also swallowed the feeling.-If that's what you want, it's okay, you won't see me again.Theo closed his eyes for a few seconds and then let his guard down.-It's not that I don't want you to come but that it hurts me to see you and know you're not mine.A lunge.-It hurts me to see you and know I can't touch you, kiss you, or make you mine.Another thrust.His words would make any woman fall in love.I bit my bottom lip and lowered my gaze to his lips. What the hell am I doing? Am I hurting because of the way Liam is cheating on me? Maybe Liam right now is kissing Miranda or making love to her, I don't want to think about that! It's torturous.-I already told you that you won't see me again now please jump.Theo moved closer, I could tell he wa
"That's just the town entrance; there are still a few kilometers to go before we reach the houses.""Sorry, ladies, but this is as far as I can go.""We'll have to walk."I rolled my eyes, paid the taxi driver, and we got out. The man's behavior was strange; he didn't want to enter the town."What now?""We walk."Maia and I started walking. The afternoon was fading, and the sun was setting. Maia knew to respect my need for silence and reflection."I'll get over it. We were only together for a day."Maia laughed."It's funny, but you were together before Liam made it official.""Yes. I suppose it was just attraction," I swallowed hard."You're angry, but I know it hurt to see him with someone else.""Of course. I feel betrayed and hurt, but believe me, if I could get over Kaleb, I can get over anything.""I never thought Liam would lead a double life."I sighed."Neither did I. He seemed so sincere when he was with me, but I guess he's a perfect liar.""Are we not going to the party t
"There are a lot of handsome guys."I laughed."I see that.""And to think Theo would be here.""Calm down, Maia. Theo still has time to come to the university.""I know, I hope he comes around. You know, I'm starting to think that if the girl is at the university and Theo didn't want to come... it might be because she's not here.""And you're just telling me this now.""We're already here."We climbed the stairs until we reached the administration office."Hello, good afternoon. I'm looking for my friend CB."The secretary looked at us strangely. She was just a very young girl."CB?""Yes, she's my friend's cousin. She came from out of town, and we want to surprise her. We call her that out of affection; those are her initials: CB. I don't know if you can find her by her last name.""Let me try. There's a long list of girls with the initials CB.""Layla! There are two boys arguing in the yard. Come quickly, please," a blonde girl approached the secretary."What? Girls, wait here." Th
"Where did you go?" Maia was sipping her juice. I sat down next to her with my untouched lunch."I stayed in the bathroom.""How's your foot? When I looked for you, you were gone, so I came here alone.""It's fine, don't worry." I took a sip of my juice."Are we going to the university today?""Today? I don't think we'll have time.""Where are you planning to go?" Liam appeared behind me and sat down next to me."Umm... am I intruding?""Not at all, Maia.""We hardly talk, Maia, but now that Cristine and I are dating, I hope that changes."Maia smiled."You're dating? Cristine hadn't told me anything! Congratulations.""I hadn't had the time to tell you.""Do you mind if some friends join us?""Who?""Them.""Oh, the ones you had trouble with Kaleb the first time.""Yes.""No problem."Liam signaled to his friends to come to our table. They sat with us. The guys were serious like Liam and wore black jackets."This is Junior and his brother Jeremías.""Nice to meet you.""Hi, I'm Maia.