In the Name of Ambition

Truth or Dare

Anton

The empty glass bottle spun again, and this time it landed on Pietra, the most beautiful girl in the entire school, whom I'd been in love with for exactly two years, ever since the first moment my eyes met the brightest, blackest eyes in the world.

"Your turn, Pietra!" Priscila said excitedly. "Truth or dare?"

Pietra smiled. She always smiles. Her eyes also smile, even when she isn't smiling.

"Truth!" Pietra chose.

I did not doubt her choice. Pietra would never risk getting a dare because she's always so straight-laced, completely the opposite of me, but that would never be a problem between us. I love her just the way she is.

"What are you going to do from now on?" Priscila asked.

Some people expressed disappointment, clearly thinking the question was boring. But that question was perfect for me. Pietra is always so reserved about her life outside of school that only this way could I hear from her what her plans are now that we're finishing high school.

"I got a scholarship to a college in England," Pietra shared excitedly. "I'm going to London in two months."

That news caught me by surprise. London? It wouldn't be a problem for me, of course. I have enough money to visit her as many times as I want. I released the breath I had held for a brief moment.

Everyone applauded and celebrated Pietra's big achievement, but we soon returned to our game, and a few rounds later, it was my turn to be asked truth or dare.

"Dare, for sure!" I said with a loud laugh.

I couldn't risk being exposed in front of the girl I love. There are aspects of my life it's better Pietra doesn't know about, I thought with a sly smile. Yes, I love her, but I also have my needs.

I was forced to take two shots of tequila, which wasn't hard for me at all. We got back to the game, a few more rounds, and the bottle once again pointed at Pietra. By that time, I had drunk quite a bit, things seemed a little blurry, and I wasn't sure if I could still hide how special that girl is to me.

"Truth!" She cheerfully chose.

"Are you still a virgin?" The question, of course, came from that idiot Tony.

"You don't have to answer that!" I said, raising my voice in annoyance.

"Calm down, Anton!" Maria Luiza urged, holding my arm. "Pietra knows it's just a game. No one's forcing her to do anything."

"Yes, Tony, I'm still a virgin," Pietra answered. "I'm only seventeen!"

Everyone laughed at Pietra's words since age has nothing to do with sexual experience, but I wasn't surprised by my girl's way of thinking. She's always so proper, I thought with a smile.

Pietra, still with a slight blush on her cheeks, spun the bottle once more, this time pointing at none other than me, Anton.

"Truth or dare, Anton?" she asked, with a curious and playful look.

I stared at Pietra for a brief moment, feeling my heart beat faster. The truth was tempting; I wanted to reveal my true feelings, but a pang of fear made me hesitate. Hiding my love for so long had created a comfort zone, and admitting it could change everything. Still, something inside me screamed, to be honest, to risk it all.

"Truth," I finally answered, deciding to be honest, at least this time.

Pietra's eyes met mine, seeming to search for something more than just an answer to the game's question.

"You always flirt with a lot of girls, but you've never really gotten involved with any of them. Why?" she asked bluntly.

"In other words, Anton," Lucas cut in before I could answer, "you hook up with everyone, but you've never dated anyone. That's what she's saying."

"Everyone understood what she said," Anneliese chimed in, rolling her eyes as if she were bored.

Anneliese is my sister, and she really must've been bored, I thought with amusement.

"Guys, let Anton answer!" Priscila tried to steer the game back on track.

Now all eyes were on me. Our senior class was waiting for my answer. Only the background music continued playing, and I realized that every face had a smile of expectation, waiting for some sarcastic response.

"Because I'm in love with you, Pietra," I confessed, forgetting about all the people around us.

The moment my words echoed in the room, the mood changed instantly. The air became heavy and tense, and the excited expression on Pietra's face vanished. Her reaction was the last thing I expected.

"I... I need to go... now," she said with a trembling voice, glancing nervously at the watch on her wrist.

The storm of emotions on her face was evident. Pietra stood up quickly, avoiding looking at me, and ran out of the room. Without thinking twice, I ignored everyone's curiosity and comments and decided to follow her. I found Pietra already on the sidewalk.

"Pietra, wait!" I called, running to catch up with her.

She stopped but still avoided looking directly at me. Her silence made me nervous, but I had to know what was going on.

"I'm sorry, Pietra, I... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... had to say what was here," I said, pointing to my heart.

Finally, Pietra raised her eyes to meet mine. The sadness in her gaze was palpable.

"Anton, I'm so sorry..." she began, her voice heavy with emotion. "I didn't know you felt this way. I have a boyfriend, Tales. And... I'm in love with him."

Her words hit me like a knife to the heart. I had never felt such deep pain before. Everything I feared had just become reality.

"I didn't know..." I murmured, struggling to hold back the sadness threatening to overwhelm me.

Pietra looked at me with compassion, but her words were firm.

"Anton, you're a nice guy, but we both know we're very different. I like you as a friend, but... I can't see myself being involved with someone like you. You're a playboy, always surrounded by girls, and I... I want someone responsible and treats me with care."

Her words felt like successive blows to my heart. She was right.

"I understand," I murmured. "Sorry for messing everything up."

Pietra put a hand on my shoulder, showing understanding.

"It's not your fault, Anton. We're just different. And I never imagined I could hurt you."

I knew she was being sincere, but it didn't lessen the pain I felt. Pietra gave me a comforting hug before pulling away.

At that moment, a car pulled up in front of Priscila's house, where we had been having our farewell party.

"I have to go now," she said, looking at the parked car.

I nodded, unable to say anything else as I realized that was probably her boyfriend. Pietra walked away and left me with a broken heart, feeling like I could never be the man she wanted, and without the slightest desire to fight to change that.

Seven years later

Anton

I got out of the pool and looked around for a towel, which soon appeared in my hands. I scanned the area, searching for someone interesting among the many girls lounging around the deck of the massive, luxurious yacht, but none of them caught my attention. Always the same girls. Or maybe they just all looked alike.

"What do you think about a boat ride to one of the islands?"

"Not in the mood to get all sandy," I declined.

The invitation came from Tony, my best friend and regular partner in my wild escapades.

"Oh, stop being so uptight!" Tony complained, rolling his eyes. "You're gonna miss out on a great trip."

"Wow, I don't think I'll ever get over that..." I said sarcastically, taking the opportunity to call out to the nearest person. "Hey, girl! Bring me a beer!"

The girl obeyed my request, and I sat back down on one of the sun loungers, enjoying the sea breeze. Tony probably went ahead with his plans, and soon enough, I had two girls trying to get my attention.

But I wasn't interested and just brushed them off. Yet luck wasn't on my side that afternoon, because soon my sister was by my side.

"I still don't get why we didn't go to Monaco this weekend," Anneliese brought up the same question for the tenth time that day.

"Because Grandpa wants a meeting tomorrow, and we can't miss it," I repeated the same answer as before, even though I knew that wasn't what she wanted to hear.

Anneliese is my younger sister, the baby of the Baumann family. Tall, slim, with light brown eyes and hair, she was the perfect picture of stunning beauty. But like me, Anneliese had never gotten seriously involved with anyone. We're very close and share the same love for fun. Plus, of course, we avoid any situation that demands responsibility at all costs.

"I'm sure whatever it is won't interest us, Anton," Anneliese complained, sitting in the chair next to me. "If we call the pilot now, we'll be in Monaco by tomorrow."

"You don't want to upset Leonel Baumann, Anneliese. I'm sure of that," I said, pushing my sports sunglasses up to check out the girl walking toward us.

She was a redhead with long, straight hair, wearing a tiny bikini and sunglasses that covered nearly her whole face. But her face didn't interest me, I thought mischievously.

"Tony asked me to bring this to you, Anton," she said, handing me a drink.

That was Tony's way of letting me know there were new people around, and I accepted the drink but didn't take a sip. I'd never trust strangers. That was one of my grandfather's lessons that I absorbed.

"And you are?" I asked, just out of courtesy.

I won't remember her name in the morning.

"Pamela. But you can call me Pam," she said in a sweet voice.

Anneliese, who had been quietly watching the scene, seemed to get exasperated at that moment and stood up, saying irritably:

"I've had enough! I'm in no mood to stay here today."

I watched as Anneliese stormed off toward the yacht's interior, wondering why she was so upset. Meanwhile, the girl placed herself in front of me, determined to get my attention one way or another.

" Why don't you sit down and have a drink with me?" I said to the girl, who eagerly accepted my invitation. "Are you here alone, Paula?"

" It's Pam," she corrected me with a seductive smile, and added, "I'm with a friend..."

" Hmm... Why don't you invite your friend to join us?"

Hours later, they were keeping me company in my private cabin, sharing the hot tub with me.

*****

The next morning arrived as part of a routine that had repeated itself for years. The girls I'd spent the night with were already gone, and I found myself alone in my cabin. As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my tired eyes reflected an image that seemed distant from who I was.

The money, the luxury, and the endless parties had become my only refuge, but this empty, carefree life no longer brought me the same satisfaction as before. Once again, I confirmed that Pietra had always been right about me. I was the playboy she described that night seven years ago-always surrounded by girls, without real commitments, living a superficial life.

I often wondered what had happened to Pietra over all these years. Maybe she'd built a full, happy life while I remained stuck in my self-destructive cycle. But, as I had done for years, I reflected on the same questions and went back to doing the same thing: drinking and enjoying my life of luxury, parties, and women.

I put on some swim trunks, and a pair of sunglasses, and walked up to the deck, where a few people were scattered around the benches. Everyone looked visibly tired from the previous day's party, which had gone on until dawn.

" I'm exhausted," Tony said, flopping down in the chair next to me. "Thinking about having a meeting this afternoon stresses me out."

I said nothing in response. Unlike Tony, who had taken over the family business after his father's untimely death, I was still free to enjoy a carefree life, as my grandfather remained in charge of his companies, keeping me content in every way.

" What are you doing today?" Tony asked, giving me a tired look.

" Lunch with my grandparents and then I'm going to the club. Hangover?"

" Definitely," Tony confirmed. "See you tomorrow night at Erica's birthday?"

Erica is Tony's sister, and we've been friends for far too long for me to just skip the event, even when I don't feel like going. Erica has become more insistent about us getting closer, which is something I don't want.

" Yeah, of course."

We talked for a few more minutes as the yacht headed back to the dock. Other friends joined us, and we made plans for the next weekend. A few hours later, I was already in my car, driving to my grandparents' mansion, but as I drove, my thoughts were far away from that car.

My thoughts were always on Pietra. Her sincere smile, her caring way of treating people, her determination to follow her dreams... all of it remained vivid in my memory, despite the time that had passed.

Life had separated us since that night at Priscila's house, and we hadn't had any contact since. I knew she had a boyfriend, and I didn't even try to reach out again. At the time, her rejection devastated me, and I chose to shut myself off even more, fully embracing the empty playboy life, surrounded by people who meant nothing to me.

But now, seven years later, I was exhausted from this superficial life, and Pietra's name echoed as the answer to the emptiness in my chest. Maybe, deep down in my heart, I still held onto the hope that there could be a second chance for us.

Lost in thought, I took a while to realize that I had gone the wrong way, and now I had no idea where I was. I didn't try to correct my route and just drove through random streets in São Paulo. Judging by the increasingly worn-down appearance of some buildings and houses, I assumed it was a less financially privileged neighborhood.

Then, the car stalled and came to a stop in the middle of the street. I looked at the dashboard, perplexed, and saw that the fuel gauge was empty. I sighed, realizing that my lack of attention to detail was costing me. My phone had also died, making it impossible to call for help.

I decided to get out of the car and push it to the sidewalk. As I did, I noticed a few people curiously watching, probably surprised to see a luxury car stopped in a humble neighborhood. In a way, I felt out of place, like I was in a distant world.

I chose to take a walk through the neighborhood to find a gas station. As I walked, I observed the reality of the people living there. Children playing in simple parks, people chatting happily on the doorsteps of their modest homes, and small, bustling local shops.

At a corner, I spotted a small snack bar called "Vó Maria's Snack Bar." I decided to go in and ask for directions, and when I did, I was greeted by a kind, smiling elderly woman, likely "Vó Maria" herself. She asked if I needed anything, and I explained my situation.

With great kindness, she pointed me to a nearby gas station. I thanked her, and before leaving, I decided to order a coffee. I realized it was already past 2 PM, and I hadn't eaten anything yet.

" You look tired, young man," the lady pointed out, something that was hard not to notice. "I could bring you a full meal. How about that?"

" I'll take it," I agreed readily. "I just realized I'm starving."

The lady left the place empty, as I was the only customer at the moment, and went through a discreet door behind the counter. I only noticed the waitress approaching when a pair of female hands placed a plate of food in front of me.

"Anything else, sir?" a familiar voice asked.

That voice triggered a whirlwind of emotions inside me. A suffocating anxiety swept through my whole body, and a strange palpitation hit my heart.

"Pietra?" I asked with difficulty.

Pietra

I never imagined that one day I could run into Anton again. I'm lying. Maybe I did dream about this moment a few times. Maybe I even fantasized about this meeting during a few sleepless nights, imagining all the details and what we would say to each other. But everything has changed. I'm not the same naive girl, full of dreams about Prince Charming anymore.

" Hi, Anton," I replied with as much coldness as I could muster in my voice. "I never would've imagined you frequenting snack bars on the outskirts of the city."

" It wasn't something I planned, I admit," Anton said with a broad smile. "I had no idea you worked here. I thought you were still living in London!"

It was painful to hear that. It touched an old wound that still hadn't healed. The dream of studying in London was just that-a dream that never came true. And I don't talk about that subject.

" I need to get back to work," I had no desire to be friendly. "Enjoy your meal."

" But there aren't any customers here!" he protested.

Typical of Anton to think he's the center of the universe and that people should drop everything to give him attention.

" I'm at work, Anton. I have things to do."

" But, Pietra!"

I gave him a cold smile and went back behind the counter, not caring about his indignation. I didn't intend to prolong that conversation and was grateful when a group of people walked into the snack bar at that very moment. I don't want to go back to the past. I don't want to relive all the losses or think about all the "what ifs" in my life.

The minutes dragged by as I served the customers with a fake smile on my face, but I couldn't help feeling Anton's persistent gaze on me. It was as if he was trying to decipher all the thoughts I was trying to hide.

While I kept my actions discreet, he didn't seem to care about showing his curiosity and interest. That irritated me deeply. Why couldn't he just give up? Didn't he understand that the past was in the past?

A few moments later, Anton approached again, ignoring my clear lack of interest.

" Pietra, you're so different. What happened?" he tried once more, seeking to find a crack in my armor.

I sighed, fighting the urge to yell at him. I didn't want to pour out my life story, especially not to someone who had once meant something to me but was now just a painful memory.

" It's none of your business, Anton. People change, life happens," I responded, keeping my voice low and controlled.

Anton seemed determined not to give up, but I was stubborn too. I wasn't willing to open up to him, not after everything that had happened to me.

" We were friends, Pietra! Why can't we rebuild our friendship now that we've crossed paths again?"

" Believe me, I'm not interested in going back to old friendships," I said coldly, hoping he'd finally understand.

He seemed surprised by my response, and his smile faded a little. Maybe he finally realized I wasn't the same Pietra from before, the girl who believed in dreams and other nonsense.

" Alright, Pietra. If that's what you want, I'll respect your space," he said, looking a bit sad.

For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt for treating him that way, but I quickly pushed that feeling aside. He had no idea how much that conversation was stirring things up inside me, unearthing painful memories and frustrated desires.

Looking disheartened by my attitude, Anton finally decided to leave.

" See you later, Pietra," he said, his blue eyes locked on mine.

" See you later, Anton!" I replied, this time with a bit more softness.

As he walked out of the snack bar, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. On one hand, I was glad I didn't have to relive the past and confront all the unmet expectations. On the other, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for the person I used to be before life's disappointments shaped me.

As I served a coffee to a customer, Vó Maria, the snack bar's owner, approached me with a gentle smile.

" Did something happen while I was in the kitchen?"

" Nothing out of the ordinary. Why?"

" You seem sad."

" The same old problems," I wasn't exactly lying.

She nodded in understanding, always respecting my privacy. I appreciated that, as I had no desire to open up about my disappointments.

Maria is a very kind woman who took me in during a time of extreme difficulty, and I have great affection for her. However, Maria has been thinking more and more about the idea of closing the snack bar and moving to live with her daughter in the countryside, which would put me in a very difficult situation. This is just one more drama in my life, but I decided to focus on work and not think about it right now.

As I continued serving customers, I noticed it was getting late, and time to pick up Isaque from school. I informed Maria, who smiled and said she would take care of the snack bar until I returned. I quickly thanked her and waved goodbye before hurrying out.

As I walked through the streets, I recalled every moment when Isaque smiled, laughed, played, and filled me with love. He was the light of my life and the reason I kept fighting, even on the hardest days. I thought about Anton, and once again, I was certain I didn't belong in the world of my old-school friends.

As I neared the school, I spotted Isaque among the crowd of children. His face lit up when he saw me, and his eyes sparkled with genuine joy. He ran toward me, hugging me tightly.

" Pietra, you came to pick me up!" he said, his sweet little voice filling my heart with tenderness.

" Of course, my love. I'll always come to pick you up," I responded, feeling a surge of emotion in my chest.

Isaque held my hand as we walked home. He excitedly began telling me about his day at school, and I listened attentively, feeling a mix of gratitude and love overflowing in my heart. Watching him there, so full of life and innocence, made me feel deeply grateful to have him in my life.

With this certainty in my heart, I returned to work after leaving Isaque in the small back room of the snack bar with his drawing supplies, his little private world, until I finished my shift and we could head to our home, just two blocks away.