Shades of deep navy blue combined with a dark orange gradient by the horizon, along with mesmerizing pink clouds, make up the golden-hour sky. The sun has gone down and the only illumination nearby is the annoying spotlights of the institution I view so differently now. Everything has changed; I have changed, Aiden has changed, Atlas has changed…And I knew nothing would ever be the same again.
"You cold?"-Aiden softly mutters, he takes off his leather jacket and puts it over my shoulders before letting me answer his question. I smile at him sweetly and go back to looking at the nocturnal ocean. It feels like the perfect combination of beauty. We have been just staring at the sight before us for a while now, barely any words spoken. It wasn´t awkward though, it was comforting, peaceful.
My hands are restlessly trying to go up to my lips, although I am pressing them down on my lap to prevent it from happening. They were subconsciously trying to stop the tingling sensation that had been making my whole body flutter since the boy next to me separated his lips from mine. I could still feel them on me, that connection started a thousand fireworks inside my guts.
It was my first kiss, and how heavenly it was, it felt. Just like the movies I had watched when I was younger, imagining myself as the protagonist who finally kissed their beloved. Was Aiden my beloved? At this moment, I couldn´t deny or admit that idea. I guess destiny will be in charge of revealing it.
"I think I should go back, Kat must be really worried."-I say, realizing how late it is. I'm already envisioning how distressed my flatmate must be, seeing I'm not home this late at night.
"Right, well…See you tomorrow then? At the rusty door?"-He looks at me with a tint of sadness in his eyes, probably because I have to leave him.
"Sure, at the rusty door. Goodnight, Aiden."-I respond.
"Goodnight Princess."
I instantly flush at his more than familiar nickname for me, because now it has a different meaning, much more profound, much more special. We stare at each other for a few seconds before I turn away and leave.
Everything has changed.
. . .
Entering Atlas again after being away for what felt like a lifetime was strange. It was even stranger being outside in the field at this late hour. Everything was quiet, only a few crickets could be heard singing in the background. I walk at a fast pace around the running field until I reach one of the entrances to the apartment building. Hesitantly, I open the door and a sigh of relief leaves my mouth as I find myself alone in the main lobby.
I go up the stairs that lead to the different rooms, and after a few turns, I make my way up to the front door with the silver number "134" hanging at the top. I wait a couple of seconds to catch my breath and prepare myself for a more than possible interrogation. I didn´t have any way of checking the time, so I don´t really know how worried and furious Kat could be behind this door. Not wanting to make the situation worse, I go inside.
"What the hell, Bianca?! Where were you? Do you have any idea what time it is? I was so fucking worried…"-As soon as I step into the open-concept living room, I'm bombarded by a stressed and visibly angry blonde girl asking me all kinds of questions and expressing all kinds of feelings. It was the first time I had seen Kat so exasperated, but I was kind of expecting it when I noticed the dark blue sky and lonely halls.
"I'm really sorry Kat. I completely lost track of time but I'm fine..."-I try to respond in a genuine way but Kat quickly cuts me off to continue asking questions. The interrogation I was anticipating had already started.
"You lost track of time doing what exactly? And what happened with Mr. Atlas, I thought you had a meeting with him?"-She signals me to sit on the couch. She's standing next to the kitchen counter with her arms crossed and a very serious and relentless expression.
I sit down and look at her for a moment before talking, thinking about how I should approach this situation. Should I tell her the truth?
"I did have the meeting with Victor, but I left early because I'm sure of the job I want to do and he only wanted to persuade me to do something else. Also, he told me the boy I have met was his son and I had to stay away from him and I was really confused because he didn´t tell me so I went looking for him to confront him about it. I found him on the cliffs and he told me the whole story."-I'm speaking fast, telling her everything because I felt like she deserved the truth and I was done keeping secrets from her. She is listening closely, her expression changing into utter shock.
"The guy you met is Aiden Atlas? THE AIDEN ATLAS?!- She exclaims. I nod, unsure of what she meant by that reaction.
"Omg, Bianca! Should've told me from the beginning, Aiden and I grew up together! I thought you were hanging out with a really stupid "badass wannabe". He's a sweetheart inside, he just puts up walls to protect himself. Hopefully, he trusts you by now."-She said happily. I was so relieved and surprised to hear what my friend was saying.
"He does trust me. Actually, he explained everything and showed me his vulnerable side, which I really appreciated. And well…we kissed…"-I shyly whisper. Kat's jaw drops as soon as she hears the last words. She holds an undecipherable expression for a few seconds. I notice the switch from this state as her usual enthusiastic tone flows through in her next words.
"Oh my fricking god, B! I'm so happy for you both, and to think that my two best friends were doing it behind my back..."-She jokingly comments, making me laugh and hit her in the arm as I roll my eyes.
Sometimes, honesty IS the best policy. Note the word sometimes.