Chapter 2 My intrigue.

Message from Camila: Hi, how are you? -I asked, curious. His profile picture showed a quite attractive guy, but I had no way of knowing if it was even real. I thought he might not reply... I mean, sometimes that happens.

Message from Leonardo: I'm good, thanks. How about you? -he responded after a few seconds. Adrian was looking at me with a slightly concerned expression. I suppose it was because both he and I knew that my supposed boyfriend hardly ever talked to me, just a brief exchange in the morning and then late in the afternoon or evening with a "good night."

Message from Camila: I'm good too. What are you up to? -I asked again, filled with curiosity. After all, I didn't know who he was in the first place, and secondly, I couldn't understand why he had messaged me.

"Who are you talking to?" Adrian asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. "You were smiling at your screen". he commented again.

I didn't know what to say; I hadn't even realized I was smiling. But that wasn't the point; I had no reason to be smiling at a complete stranger... or did I?

I looked ahead, thinking about anything but the conversation. I didn't understand why it was so hard for me to reply. Maybe it was due to his confession. I didn't know what it could be, but I also didn't care that much.

"Talking to a friend". I responded without waiting for him to believe me. It didn't matter much either way.

"Ah". he commented, smiling as if something bad had happened.

I looked at him but didn't say anything about it. Suddenly, my phone started vibrating again. It was probably that guy, Leonardo. I checked, and indeed, it was him.

I didn't reply to his message, but I was curious about what he wanted. On the other hand, my friends approached so we could say our goodbyes. We probably wouldn't see each other as often as we had until now. Our lives were about to change, and Adrian would still be close to me. I didn't know how comfortable that would be now that he had confessed that he saw me as more than just a friend. I couldn't stop thinking about it; it was the last thing I had expected.

My parents came over, their eyes still filled with tears. I didn't have much faith in their genuineness, but I hugged them anyway. Our lives were taking a one-hundred-eighty-degree turn, but I didn't care. I think. I suppose when children grow up, these things happen, and sometimes it hurts, while other times, like now, it doesn't matter.

I've always had to pretend to be the good girl, the one who doesn't do anything wrong, setting aside what I truly enjoy. My mind was wandering, but I didn't want anyone to notice. I stepped away a bit to try not to dwell on the fact that I'd be losing my friends and everything else, to be precise.

Message from Camila: What are you up to? -I decided to check the message from that guy, Leonardo. I guess I would keep talking to him. He seemed interested in conversing with me or something like that.

Message from Leonardo: I'm at the university. How about you? -he replied almost instantly. I supposed that was a good sign.

Message from Camila: At my graduation celebration. -I replied. I was still wondering if it was a good idea to keep responding to his messages, considering he was a complete stranger to me.

Message from Leonardo: That's great. -he responded. I looked ahead, not knowing what to do or say. I put my phone back in my pocket and tried to rejoin my group of friends, smiling with them as if nothing had happened. Adrian had left a while ago; I hoped he wouldn't be angry with me forever. But I had told him the truth: I would always see him and love him as a friend. I hoped he understood that.

After having lunch with my friends and discussing our possible vacations, I made my way to where my parents were waiting. I smiled to myself for no apparent reason when I checked my phone again. There was another message from Leonardo, and I couldn't quite understand why I was smiling.

Message from Leonardo: What are you going to do now? -was the question he had asked. I decided to respond; it wouldn't hurt, and it wouldn't affect me either way.

Message from Camila: I suppose so. Now I'm heading to where my parents are. I have to go home soon. -I replied to his messages. I didn't know if he would respond quickly or not, so I put my phone back in my pocket.

I walked and ran into a few classmates on the street. We said goodbye; after all, I never really had any problems with anyone. I just preferred to be with my friends, the people I felt more comfortable with, the ones who were part of my "bubble," so to speak.

My life has always been complicated. What do I want? I don't know. What do I desire? No idea. But I can't fall asleep. Life has taught me one way or another that if it catches you off guard, it hits you where it hurts the most. And I don't want to keep suffering because of that. I like to think I'm not weak, even though deep down, I'm still that little girl.

I arrived where my parents were. I assumed they were near the car, so I went into the nearest restaurant and asked for them. We always ate there, so they would recognize us easily. As I suspected, they were there. I entered and sat down with them. I didn't eat, but I had a juice; I was thirsty.

I checked my phone again to see if Leonardo had responded. I don't know why I was so intrigued by him. I don't know him, I haven't even seen him in person, but he triggers this strange feeling in me that I can't quite describe.

Message from Leonardo: I understand, but it must still be hard leaving your friends behind. But now you should think about university, right? -he asked.

Message from Camila: Yes, I already have that in mind. I'm just waiting for the enrollment date, I guess. -I replied.

Message from Camila: And you? What year are you in? -I asked again.

Message from Leonardo: I have three semesters left to finish my university degree. I'm studying digital marketing. -he replied. It sounded interesting, although not really my style-or so I thought. I wasn't even sure what I'm good at or what I'd like to study. After all, careers are never quite what we expect.

Message from Camila: Interesting. -I responded.

Message from Camila: Is it very complicated? -I asked, skeptical.

Message from Leonardo: Not too much, just like in any field of study, there are some tricks to it. Besides, I enjoy it, so I learn out of passion, I suppose. -he mentioned. What a guy, I thought. I didn't know what to say. He left me speechless, I guess.

Message from Camila: You're right, but sometimes it happens that we think we're good at something or that we like a certain field, but when we actually work in it or study it, it turns out to be the opposite of what we expected. -I countered, hoping he got what I was trying to convey.

Message from Leonardo: Well, yes, but there are career talks and vocational tests for that. So, those who don't choose well just didn't research enough. -he replied. Wow, he surprised me.

Message from Camila: You win. -I said, implying that I was giving up on this discussion.

Message from Leonardo: I didn't know we were arguing. -he mentioned, adding smiley faces and the typical "Haha." I smiled at his response. I didn't know what to do with all of this. I think I enjoyed talking to him, but I wasn't entirely sure why.

Message from Camila: Well, yes, now what are you up to? -I replied with a smile. My parents were looking at me, who knows what they were thinking, but if they didn't ask, I wouldn't tell them.

They got up from the table, and I did the same, leaving my phone, again, in my pocket. We walked toward the car to go home, where my little sister was waiting and, of course, my annoying older sister. She had been through all this before, but unlike me, she chose to pursue a technical degree, which for some reason she considered less than what I was doing. She blamed me for her decision.

Narrated by Leonardo Álvares

As soon as I saw that profile picture, I couldn't resist sending a message. I wasn't sure if she would respond, but I decided to take the risk, I wanted to know more about her, get to know her and make her feel good with me. I guess she would be the next victim of this charm. Yes, I have a pretty high self-esteem, and I know that no matter how difficult the goal I set may be, I'll achieve it in the end.

I was at the university; I would soon be entering class again. I wasn't sure if I'd keep my phone on or leave it in my bag to avoid distractions. I walked towards the classroom where my class would start, not wanting to be late. I had to maintain my image as a model student. That way, neither the professors nor my father would care what I did in my free time. Someone crossed my path, and I hadn't even noticed.

"Sorry". I said as I helped the person get up. Soon, I realized who it was: Agustín, the guy I avoided at all costs, as he would ruin my player image.