What i never expected

Narrated by Camila Sáez.

We were at our graduation, just mentioning it makes me nervous. Only a few years ago, it seemed so distant, and while I knew that someday it would come, I didn't expect it to arrive so soon, especially with the grades I achieved. My friends and I were devastated, realizing that we might never see each other again. It was the most likely outcome; we'd all take different paths, attend different universities, and with the time it would take to adjust, maintaining the same level of contact we have now would be truly challenging.

Naturally, those who were closer made arrangements to study together, or at least in the same city. That seemed like a good idea, but I knew exactly where I wanted to pursue my specialization. Besides, I knew I had to push myself to secure the scholarship I needed to complete all my studies.

If I could do everything I wanted, I would. But I have to put in effort to achieve what I want in life, to help my parents and try to give back all they've given me with so much effort. My parents were sad, but I hoped they were also proud of what I had achieved. The responsibility of lifting my family up weighed heavily on me, and often it was overwhelming. I felt like everyone saw me as the person who could help them. My parents are ill and work as much as they can day in and day out. I've had to go with them, and it's not easy or pleasant, especially during the summer when the sun beats down on my forehead and body.

On the other hand, I could always count on the help of Adrian, my best friend. But especially today, he seemed more unusual than usual. I mean, for the past few months, he's been acting differently around me. Some days he's more distant, and others he's overly sweet, and I had no idea why.

He also wanted to vie for the same scholarship as me, but our fields of study would be entirely different. We would be at the same institution, but we wouldn't have much time together.

We were at the assembly, the typical event where we would all end up crying and saying our goodbyes, each of us going our separate ways. Some would reminisce about this stage, while others would simply focus on forgetting it and discovering better things ahead.

"Camila Sáez, please come to the front" mentioned the teacher in charge of organizing the entire ceremony that would mark the end of this beautiful stage I had experienced, a journey that I had shared with my classmates for these past years, and she had seen us grow.

I followed the path that had been previously laid out and once I was on the stage, joining my classmates who had been called up earlier, including Adrian, who was looking at me in a strange way. I tried to understand what he was thinking, but it was impossible. I couldn't read people's minds, so I just tried not to be bothered by his gaze.

My phone started vibrating. It was probably my boyfriend, Julian, who should be working at this hour. Although it might sound strange, he shouldn't be talking to me much. Over the past few months, our relationship had changed. We hardly talked about anything beyond saying good morning or good night. Our connection had faded, and it wasn't surprising. We had only met once, and no one except my friends and Adrian knew about him. I suppose this relationship, if you could call it that, would probably end soon.

I looked up and saw my parents. Though not very expressive, their eyes were filled with tears. I knew them; they were happy about my achievements and for consistently being at the top. I loved my parents, and I was sure they loved me too, in their own way most of the time.

The ceremony concluded after about an hour, and after the group photo where my friends and I appeared, it was time for our parents to join us on stage. I waited for my turn, stepped down, and rejoined my parents. We were then called to the stage again. I tried to check my phone, but I couldn't. There were supervisors on either side of me, and I didn't want my last memories here to be associated with a scolding. It would have been a terrible show of disrespect during such an important event.

When the show finally ended, I went straight to the school bathroom and changed my clothes. I hated my uniform; it just didn't feel right on me. Or at least, that's what I thought. But my friends, including Adrian, always tried to boost my confidence in front of the mirror. I temporarily said goodbye to my parents and left them to do the shopping. I let them know that I would be going with Adrian and my friends to celebrate our graduation in our own way.

We arrived at the city's main square. It wasn't a big city where I studied. We took some photos and discussed our future plans. After a few minutes, Adrian joined us. He had to quickly help his mother at home. He showed up with some of his friends, who occasionally hung out with our group. Personally, I didn't interact with them much; we didn't really click.

"Camila, can we talk?" Adrian asked, motioning me to follow him. I hesitated for a moment but eventually complied.

"Sure". I responded while smiling at the others who were watching us. I followed him to a corner of the square, far enough away that others couldn't overhear us.

"Have you talked to your... well, your boyfriend?" he asked, although there was a hint of anger in his tone towards the end of the sentence. I didn't understand why he was speaking this way.

"No, well... we said good morning like we always do. You know that". I said, forcing a smile. I guess deep down I still cared about Julian, even if just a little. But in the eyes of society, he and I were nobody. We couldn't be anything more than acquaintances, considering we had only met once.

"You should definitively break up with him". Adrian said, straightforwardly. I raised an eyebrow at his comment, hoping he'd take it back or explain why he said it, but he didn't. He knew perfectly well what he was saying. "I'm sure there are many others who would die to be with you". he added, smiling and looking down as if hesitating to say what came next. "Especially me". he finished saying. I took a step back, surprised. I couldn't process all this information.

"Adrian, you and I are just friends..." I said nervously. I didn't expect this revelation at all, especially not like this. I would've expected anything but this. I couldn't wrap my head around how this happened or when he started feeling this way. "You never told me anything about this". I added, still nervous.

"I didn't know how, I thought you didn't even see me as anything beyond a friend". he said. And indeed, that was how I saw him-as my friend. I couldn't consider him as anything more than that, right? "And I think that's still how you see me, as the man who could make you happy, Camila. I know all your fears, your favorite foods... My god, I know you can't stand the smell of beer, thrugh you're dying to taste a sip of alcohol". he said. I didn't know how to react to his words.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. I would dare to say that the bell saved me from this awkward situation. I had no idea who it was; usually, Julian was quite busy at this hour. I decided to check my phone anyway, even if it meant making Adrian wait. I was feeling extremely uncomfortable.

It was a message from someone named Leonardo. I had no idea who this person was. I had never heard of them or talked to them before. There were no mutual friends either. Still, I decided to reply out of curiosity.

Leonardo's Message: Hi - his message read, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I just hoped it wasn't a cold.

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.

Narrated by Leonardo Álvares.

"Don't worry, Leonardo, my friend. How have you been?" asked that guy. I never thought I'd end up being friends with the nerdy guy, the brother of the cute girl. But my relationship with her had ended; Ana had found another guy who treated her the way she deserved.

"Fine, I don't have much to say. And how's your sister doing?" I asked, smiling.

"She still hates you, if that's what you wanted to hear. But I'm not one to hold grudges, and what you two had doesn't interest me at all". he said, smiling. I guess this guy won't leave me alone. He probably thinks that by being by my side, he'll become as popular as I am. But that won't be his strength.

"I understand. I have to get to class". I responded, trying to avoid him. In the distance, I spotted my friends, the guys I usually hung out with during breaks.

"I was heading there too. Do you mind if we keep walking together to the corner?" he asked. I had no choice but to accept. I knew the guys would tease him, but I wasn't going to say no to him. I guess I felt sorry for Agustín, which is why I hadn't told him that I can't stand him at all.

"No problem". I said, smiling half-heartedly. Though I doubt he'd notice.

"Can I ask you something?" he asked. I nodded. "Where have you been these past few weeks?" he mentioned, obviously trying to avoid the topic. But that wouldn't be my response.

"I've been busy with some projects". I mentioned. "Sometimes my father asks for my opinion and my brother's". I mentioned again.

"Wow, buddy... if I hadn't known you for over a year, I'd think you were hiding from me". he replied. I shook my head, and we kept walking until we had to part ways. It was really uncomfortable for others to see me with one of the nerdiest guys in the university, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Arriving in class, I sat next to my friends, and we started talking about the girls they had spent the weekend with. We loved discussing this stuff, the more details, the better.

"I was with a blonde... oh man, she had some curves". Esteban said. He was the son of one of my father's business partners, so we'd known each other our whole lives.

Comments like these were what we heard every morning from the guys. I guess it was true that we were promiscuous, living day by day without caring about the potential consequences. But it didn't matter. Each of us was cautious in our own way.

We left class; it was more exhausting than usual. We headed to my house; we had to finish a project we had almost completed, but we still needed to meet up.

We often did the same thing. After that, we would discuss our new conquests again. I guess it was a hobby or a way to prove who among us was the best at winning hearts, only to break them later. It meant nothing more or less to me.

Message from Camila: Hi. -It was a message from that girl, Camila. I smiled; she'd surely fall into my hands too.

Message from Leonardo: Hi, what are you up to? -I responded while trying to pay attention to what Esteban was saying.

Message from Camila: Nothing interesting. -she replied.

She caused something strange in me, something I couldn't quite figure out. But that wouldn't stop me; I wanted to see her. If she looked that exciting in her pictures, I could only imagine how she must be in person. To see her up close, to undress her, and to feel her skin against mine. Just thinking about it made my skin tingle.

We watched soccer on TV, and after that, everyone went home. Finally, tomorrow was the weekend, which meant I'd get a break from the university's show. But I'd be diving into the world where my father wanted to see me working-his businesses. Since I was a child, he'd told me that my brother and I would work there and take the family business even higher than he had.

Narrated by Camila Sáez

I was in my room, resting, thinking, trying to understand everything that had happened today, trying to understand why Leonardo had contacted me. And even more importantly, what had happened with Adrián. I must have done something to confuse him, but I can't remember what it might have been.

I checked my phone; there were messages from him and also from Leonardo. But I wouldn't reply today, not today. I don't want to fall asleep with that feeling if things go wrong with my friendship with Julián. As for Julián, he hasn't even bothered to talk to me. I guess, in that sense, Adrián was right. There's no reason for me to continue a relationship that doesn't lead anywhere.

I didn't want to text him now either, as Adrián would probably notice it. So, I decided to face those three men who were driving me somewhat hysterical and paranoid tomorrow...

The next day, I woke up as usual, prepared my breakfast, and then sat down to read a bit. I loved reading, especially those novels where love is always stronger and more enduring than any obstacles those couples face. I suppose one day I'll find a love like that, or at least, that's what I hoped for. I had the illusion that we were all born with the possibility of finding a love like that.

I grabbed my phone and started responding to the messages I had left unanswered the previous night. I started with Julián.

Message from Julián: Good morning, I'm off to work. -he said. I knew I had to end this.

Message from Camila: We need to talk. You know this isn't working; this relationship won't get us anywhere. -I mentioned.

Message from Julián: Why do you say that? -he asked.

Message from Camila: Look at us, Julián. We haven't seen each other for more than two months, and you barely respond to my messages. At best, you say good morning or good night. We can't call this a relationship, not even a friendship. -I said. I couldn't help a tear from falling from my eyes. Though my words sounded as cold as ice, the truth was that it was still hard for me to say them. I guess, in the end, I did care about him.

Message from Julián: As you wish. -he responded.

Message from Julián: Goodbye. -he added.

Not even ten seconds passed before he blocked me on that social network. After that, I tried responding to Adrián. He had sent about ten messages, but I focused on the latest one.

Message from Adrián: I understand if you're upset or don't understand what I revealed to you yesterday. But if you wish and if you want to, we can forget it and pretend that our relationship continues as it was, as friends. I hope you see this message soon. -he had said. I hoped everything he was saying was true.

Message from Camila: Then, as a friend, I'll tell you that I've just ended my relationship with Julián. But I don't want things between us to become confused in the same way. I care about you as a friend or a brother, and that won't change. -I replied, hoping he'd take it as well as possible.

Message from Adrián: Alright. Camila, I'm glad to hear that you've broken up with that idiot who never appreciated you as the great woman you are. -he quickly replied, he was probably happy about the news I'd just given him.

Message from Camila: Well, thanks for the heartfelt words. -I responded.

Message from Adrián: It's the truth. Any man would be lucky to come across a woman half as good as you. -he mentioned again.

Message from Camila: Alright, I need to run some errands. -I finished, I couldn't let this conversation get out of hand.

I left my phone on the table for a while as I went to get something to eat. I woke up with terrible anxiety, and I didn't like feeling this way. The phone vibrated, and I checked what it was. It was Leonardo, so I replied almost immediately.

Message from Leonardo: Hi, you've been a little busy, it seems. -he wrote. I knew I should've replied sooner, but I'd postponed it for some reason. I didn't quite understand why, but well, now I'd write to him.

Message from Camila: Hi, yes, a bit busy, but I'm solving some things. I just hope everything goes the way I want it to. -I wrote.

Message from Leonardo: And what do you want? -he asked. What should I respond? Would he get confused?

Message from Camila: I just don't want things to spiral out of my control. -I replied, smiling at the screen.

Message from Leonardo: What does that mean? -he mentioned again. I wasn't sure if I should explain why or just leave him wondering. I didn't want to vent my problems to someone else I didn't know.

Message from Camila: Don't worry; I understand myself. -I replied.