"Wait, so you're saying this guy just randomly followed you to the library and told you to meet him tomorrow… And you're considering it? B, he's a complete stranger!"-Kat exclaims while she dips her sushi roll in some soy sauce.
I had just told her everything that happened today, vividly narrating the mysterious encounter with Aiden. To be honest, curiosity and intrigue were taking the best of me, and I was almost sure I was going to meet him tomorrow. Determination was ruling over safety on this one.
"I know but... You can´t deny it's all very intriguing. Aren´t you wondering what he could possibly want to show me?"-I inquire while swirling the noodles wrapped around my chopsticks.
"No, I'm not. The only thing I'm wondering is how bad of an idea this all is. I mean, do whatever you want but, if I were you, I wouldn´t go with him tomorrow."-She says with a cutting tone.
She wasn't wrong for thinking that way. Ironically, she was following my initial decision of not trusting anyone here much better than I was. However, I would still think about it and make my final decision tomorrow morning.
"Well, on another note, I've also been thinking about what job I should work on. Can you give me some advice on what to choose?"-I say with a desperation-filled intent, almost sounding like a whine, I hate being whiny. The thing bugging me was that I hadn´t been able to make a final choice, not even close to that, and I was beginning to feel very lost and frustrated.
"Objectively, I would tell you to consider your virtues. Find the areas you excel in, and focus on those, play it safe and easy. But, as a friend, I recommend you follow your heart, your gut, and your dreams. Dive into what really interests you, what makes you question yourself, and everything around you. Got it?"-She says finishing with her warm smile, I nod and smile back. I notice her looking into my eyes more intensely than usual. Strangely, I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't feel the rush to immediately look away. I don't feel ashamed around her.
"Thanks, Kat."- I respond, truly appreciative of her words of wisdom.
"Don´t mention it. Now, let's unwind and finish both this dinner and this movie. Luckily, we haven´t missed the best part!"-She says with a big smile and proceeds to stuff her mouth with three big dumplings, almost choking, making us both burst into laughter.
At this moment, I feel completely at ease. As we watch the remainder of the film, I notice a great connection with her, one closer than ever before. Whenever there's any joke or funny moment in the film, we turn to look at each other, laughing but mostly staring into the other's eyes. For the first time in my life, I felt like I could fully trust someone, with everything.
. . .
I find myself at lunch, same time as yesterday. In about three hours, I would be going to the running field, to meet him. I ended up telling Kat I wouldn´t, but I can´t resist the temptation inside me that was encouraging me to go. I know I shouldn´t have lied to her. However, the disapproving look on her face when I told her yesterday didn´t necessarily make it easy to say the truth or mask it in any way. So I went with the lie, prepared to face the consequences. I glance around the wide room: no sign of the green-eyed boy. This weirdly gave me a sense of comfort, like I could take my guard down for I little bit before this evening. Until that, I still had some business to attend to.
. . .
"Hi Bianca, what brings you here?"-Olivia asks as I enter her office, after knocking to be let in. She is immersed in the paperwork that her tablet is displaying around her, almost like a fort of holograms.
"I have decided what I want to do."-I simply state. My instructor's head suddenly turns in my direction from her previous focus on her documents.
"Really, and what is it?"-She responds, an eager undertone in her voice.
"Well, I was at the library yesterday and I came across this book…I can´t remember the exact name, but it was about the power of the brain in relation to dreams. Later that evening I asked Kat for advice and she told me to follow what really sparked my curiosity, not just what I was interested in. So, I've decided I want to study neurology, and especially focus on the brain's dream area."-I explain. I can´t quite decipher Olivia's expression, and after a few seconds, she finally replies.
"That's a very interesting but subjective field. There's still a lot of research to do. Are you sure you want to take on that massive amount of work? I thought you were more inclined towards… other areas."
"I know what you mean, and I thought so too, but…I have a feeling I should know more about that topic. Have you ever battled with something deep inside you that's beginning to peek out more and more, something you can´t explain?"-I sincerely express, trying to make her understand where I'm coming from.
"Alright, you'll start next week. Don´t forget your meeting with Mr. Atlas, it's going to be tomorrow, at 6 pm, when the sun sets."-She concludes, bringing her attention back to her work.
As I close the door behind me, already out in the corridor, I think about the words just spoken "Tomorrow, when the sun sets."
What a coincidence.
. . .
Going to the running field was proving to be harder than I thought. I was extremely nervous but excited at the same time. Why was I so nervous? Was it because I didn´t know what was going to happen? Or was it because I felt the risk, the adrenaline, and I liked that feeling?
The chill wind blows my hair and refreshes my senses. I'm walking faster now, towards the obstacle course. I didn´t know where he was exactly so my eyes were looking in all directions.
I see him. He's talking to a taller man, but since his back is facing me, I can't see who he is. After a few seconds, that man leaves, allowing me to get a full look. He's wearing a leather jacket and ripped jeans, clothes you wouldn´t really see here. He looks at me with his piercing eyes that were already so familiar, while lighting a cigarette. I had only read and seen pictures about those in books, so I was kind of shocked to see it in real life.
As I approach him, he exhales a cloud of gray smoke and greets me.
"Hey Princess, you ready?"