The weekend passed so quickly that there was no time to finish all the homework or study at least a little more for the week of exams. The night before I had gone to bed late finishing an assignment due on Tuesday, and I was late on it because I also started studying for the partials that I would have to do in the morning. But by the time the alarm began to sound I wanted the earth to swallow me. I woke up reluctantly and very lazily, something typical on the first day of the week, but this increased due to my lack of sleep.
And I was not the only one to feel that way, because on my way out to the kitchen I met a Véronique with a sleepy face and tangled hair. She hadn't gotten much sleep this weekend either.
-. Good morning - we said to each other.
-. Looks like you had a bad night, -I commented while looking for a pot to make some tea. Without a hot drink in the morning it doesn't work.
-. You go for the same ones. You have bags under your eyes.
-. Nothing that I can not hide makeup - I answered as I filled the bowl with water and put it on the fire. Véronique also set up her hoya for coffee.
Sometimes I wonder how she can compulsively use that drug, because it seems to be an addiction for my friends, but she says that it is the "elixir of the gods", and I do not want to have the long conversation about the benefits and shortcomings of using. much coffee.
We were both not tired, something that anyone could deduce just by looking at each other's faces. But today I should have been a little more animated, since at the end of the partials I will be free to start designing.
As soon as my friend's brew of evil and my infusion were ready, you could see how our face had some color again.
I noticed Véronique and her mug that says "Cofee is Life". Sometimes I wonder how she can consume so much coffee in a single day, since since I have known her she claims that she cannot continue her day without consuming at least 7 cups of coffee. I once told her that at that rate she would die from so much coffee, but she countered by saying that that way she would die happy. It was there when I understood that it is not necessary to approach Véro's favorite drug, and as long as she is happy for me she is fine ... As long as she does not dare to fill any of my cups with coffee.
-. What do you want for breakfast? I asked and her eyes immediately lit up.
-. I want pancakes!
That woman had a little obsession with pancakes. But right now I also wanted some, at least to brighten up the morning a little more.
I began to take out the implements that I would need and to take out the ingredients to use, while Véronique was getting ready to go to university since she had a class before I entered. As soon as I finished preparing the mixture, I heated the pan we have for pancakes and began to remove the plates and the juice. As soon as the first delicious omelette came out, Véronique appeared at the entrance to the kitchen.
She looked very attractive in her tight-fitting pants, the little tan blouse, and her hair tied in a ponytail along with a simple necklace. She even tried to combine her shoes so that they did not clash. She was very beautiful, and her personality made her even more attractive.
With a smile, I served her the first pancake of hers and I turned to continue with my task as I heard the clink of the silverware against the plate.
-. Violette ... Did you ever open yesterday's package? –Your question about her made me lose my concentration from the task I was doing.
All weekend I had forgotten to check the mysterious package that was sent to me the last night Laurent was here.
-. You are clueless - she accused me. I think just by looking at me I could tell what she was thinking.
I looked at what he was doing, he had barely poured the dough into the mold, so he would have a little time. I turned down the flame on the stove and ran to the room to look for the mysterious package, a task that was complicated for me for a few seconds because I had many papers and TV on the happy box ... Now everything made sense because I had forgotten about her. I took it from where she was and went back to the kitchen, where Véronique had already finished her first omelette. First I verified that the one that was heating up did not burn and once she was ready, I deposited it on my friend's plate and made the next one that would be mine.
Véro's expectant gaze told me that she was extremely curious to discover once and for all what was the content of the mystery box.
-. Your eyes are going to pop out, -she replied.
-. It won't happen if you rush. Also, who in her right mind forgets that they delivered a package days ago?
-. Someone forgetful like me….
She looked at me bad again for another few seconds.
-. She finishes opening that. I want to know who sent it to you!
-. Curiosity killed the cat, honey.
-. That is a paradox that does not apply to this case.
Certainly I was also curious to know who had sent me something, since not all the time this kind of thing happens to people. So I went to the stove first to turn it off so I could focus on the package.
The box did not have any wrapping, I just had to lift the lid. By doing so, you could see that its only content was a phone, which it recognized. When I picked it up and took it out of there, I could also notice that the rest of its implements such as the charger, the warranty, the helmets and even a lining were there.
-. Isn't that the phone number the man who brought you home gave you last week? My friend asked immediately.
Alphonse….
It had to have been him. I can't believe how heavy he is with these things.
-. That guy is incredibly annoying! -I said annoyed at what I finished showing him the contents of the box- It's ... It's ... It's ...
-. He just gave you a gift back, -she said simply.
-. I know, but I didn't have to do it in the first place. He owes me nothing and that's why I paid it back to him. It's completely annoying how pushy you can be with such a ridiculous thing as the phone.
-. But you need it and you know it, -she countered.
-. Don't defend it.
-. Girl, I'm not defending him. But you must accept that you needed your own phone. Just this week you borrowed it from me several times to get the information about the latest evaluations sent to you and to talk to your parents. It may not be your favorite electronic device, but you must accept that it is essential.
I had to bite my tongue not to come up with some voracious but stupid comment. It was true that during the days that I did not have the damn device I was "bothering" my friend with that kind of important thing, and the truth is that I would have to wait for the next fortnight (the end of this week) to be paid for the jobs I've been doing as a freelancer. But even so I would need a little more to complete and be able to buy one myself without having to turn to someone else.
-. The man is giving it to you on a silver platter and you don't accept it. Also, it is bad to deny gifts. See the positive side of the whole thing, you will not have to make that "big expense" and you can continue with your savings for what you wanted.
I hated every time she was right and I was still stubborn.
-. Look… –she said pointing to something in the contents of the box– It seems that she also left you a small note.
-. Let me see –she handed me the paper directly… although she knew that she wanted to know what was written there, almost as much as I did.
Dear Violette.
If your gift seemed very simple, she here she gave it to you with a better presentation. I just hope that this time you don't reject it or send it to me with some other courier. I already told you that wasn't necessary, REALLY. You don't have to give me anything back, now this cell phone is yours, and I also took care of erasing my data so you wouldn't feel weird.
Now it can officially be all yours. Stop being stubborn and accept it.
Enjoy it, My Lady.
P.D .: I hope to see you soon.
Reading that little card left me speechless, merely because I had no more to say. Even Véronique took the note and read it, even she could bet more times than I could.
-. Oh, my God! Violette! My friend shouted excitedly. "Are you completely sure you didn't give her any of your mystical concoctions?" –She asks jokingly to annoy me too.
-. Of course not! I already told you, he just took me to the building, nothing more.
-. You're right… "She said without further ado and I looked at her curiously." If you had really given him something he would know what our department is, and the poor delivery man from yesterday had no idea.
-. Still, this is more than I can bear.
-. Stop making war on her over something silly, girl. He may really feel sorry for the bad time he put you through. I think at the very least you should accept his peace offering without complaining, "she chided me." I think what you need to do is stop thinking like a fool and move on. If he told you that he had no problem with you having it, all is well.
He could not deny that Véronique was right in many respects, and even if he wanted to deny it, it was impossible. I needed a stupid phone to communicate and attend my thousand and one activities. Now, he would have no choice, he would see that gift as a good faith offering that should not be returned. Although in part I felt a little bad for accepting something expensive from a man whose first name I only know.
-. Think about it friend –speaked my friend calling my attention– You are not owing anything to anyone and your life continues its course. A simple telephone is not going to link you eternally with a man you only saw once, and of whom you are not sure you will see again.
Another point in her favor.
-. Although ... He himself said he hoped to see you soon -I immediately frowned at her comment, which she noticed and immediately began to laugh- Okay, take it as you want girl, but remember that life constantly turns weird.
-. Aren't you running late? I asked, already annoyed at having to give him the reason several times, mentally, in a single morning.
Véronique looked at the time in alarm and immediately took her wallet and ran out of the apartment. Those moods that she had to be almost always right annoy me sometimes, but I had to accept everything she told me willingly. I shouldn't give myself a bad life for something, which after all they will give me back in some way or another.
I finished preparing my breakfast and consuming it completely relaxed while I checked what was good on television. My first class started at 9 in the morning, and even though I had to be at the university by 8, I still had some time to relax a bit before getting ready. So I took a few minutes to look at the phone a bit more.
When I turned it on I could tell that this one no longer had the same background wallpaper, but a photo of the same Alphonse. Smug.
It still didn't have any pattern or security code, so I was able to access it again with ease. I thought the best thing would be to make a quick call to my parents via WhatsApp, since they had not yet returned from their trip to China, where my mother's family currently lives. I rummaged through the things in the box to see if I could get a card with the phone number, since I could not use mine again. This was noted on the back of the note Alphonse had left.
Once I was done with the entire WhatsApp startup procedure, I had access to send messages, make calls, or make video calls. I just needed to add the number of my parents, which I knew by heart, but when I entered contacts I found that there was already a contact added.
"Alphonse Elric"
That was all he said. That made me laugh, since not just anyone would add themselves by naming a character from the anime "FullMetal Alchemist." But I liked it, but instead of leaving it like that I gave the option to edit and changed the nickname to "Idiot".
That was also a stupid action, but I liked it. Putting that aside, I finished doing what I had to do and immediately called my mother's number. It had taken several seconds, but then she answered.
-. Violette!
-. Hi Mom.
-. Honey, I didn't know this was your number. It's rare that you call me from a strange number. Did something happen to you? Everything is alright?
I should add that my mother used to be a bit overprotective sometimes.
-. Everything is fine. Do not worry. I only changed my number because the other phone got lost.
-. Don't be giving me those scares, honey.
-. How is dad?
-. As happy as can be expected. He is in the kitchen preparing a sweet that your fly used to make years ago.
-. I'm glad you're having a good time.
-. It would be much better if you were here with us.
Every year my parents traveled to China. It was my mother's only request after her wedding to my dad. She is of French origin, but her parents liked China very much, so they moved almost 30 years ago. According to my grandmother, her culture had caught her attention, but the only thing that would change would be the climate, because in summer it was very hot.
-. How did she do in the exams?
-. I still have a few in the week.
-. You will see that everything will be great for you!
-. Are you sure they won't be able to make it to my graduation? It will be the Saturday of the following week.
-. Your father and I wouldn't miss your graduation for the world, honey. Tickets are already purchased for Wednesday of the following week. We will celebrate it with you and Véronique. What's more…
-. What's more…?
My mother was very bad at keeping secrets, it was easy to discover her just by looking at her, a quality that I inherited.
-. Your father thought that it would be a good idea to move permanently to China ... Although it is something that we have not decided at all yet ...
-. Wow…
That was the only thing I could say. My parents in China, that would be new, mostly because I had no plans to leave France for a long time since I was here all my life, my friends were there, and I even wanted to work in Paris shortly. Although I liked the idea of my parents being happy, even if it took them away from me.
-. What do you think, darling?
-. I think it's a good idea. If they like it a lot then they should give it a try.
-. Your father wanted to surprise you with the surprise of a possible branch here in China.
-. So they would leave the bakery here open?
-. I suggested that we could leave it under the command of someone you trust.
That news also surprised me. My father was a very careful man with his things, and his bakery was one of the things he loved the most in life, and leaving it in charge of someone is amazing, since he never seemed to trust anyone other than my mother to make your recipes.
-. Of course, if we have a branch, we would have a great excuse to visit you from time to time.
-. Sounds like a great idea to me, Mom! It's amazing that you and dad want to expand.
-. I knew you would also like the news, although ...
-. I'll be fine. I can always go visit them, and you said yourself that they could come once in a while.
-. You could also come with us ...
I can't help but be amazed for a few seconds, which could be seen very well in my eyes, but immediately my gaze softened. My parents were amazing people, always active and loving. It was normal that they wanted to have me by their side, but I was determined to continue in France, at least for the moment, and in my mother's eyes I could also notice the desire that I accept her proposal. But she must already leave the nest.
-. You know what my answer will be
-. Lose darling –that little glimpse of sadness that showed on her face disarmed me for a moment. I didn't want to be mean or unfair to my parents, I loved them very much, but I wasn't going to go with them this time– So I hope to see you in a few days.
-. Yes mom. I hope they do well. Greetings to family.
-. Take care, dear.
Although there was a big time difference between France and China, my mother always answered my calls, even at dawn. Both she and my father were amazing people.
I checked the time on the watch and started dressing for college. I had already finished with the last activities of three subjects, so I had to go sign my grades, and I would also have to present two partial today. I should be like crazy looking to study a little more, but it would only despair me. My technique of studying hard the night before before going to sleep has worked well so far, so I'm not going to be unhinged by reading the notebook again.
I had let the phone sit quietly on the bed, and after dressing I thought it would be a good idea to add my frequent contacts all at once. Fortunately, a task that was not so complicated thanks to Google and its contacts tool. There could be nothing better than that. At the same time, I took the opportunity to download some music. Later I would have time to modify the appearance of the device, and as for the blocking background image ... Well, it did not seem entirely bad, but later I would try to replace it with another.
Once I was done with all those chores, I had taken out my makeup bag to fix myself a bit. I didn't use to put on that much makeup, but every now and then it was nice to go out differently. But as I began to perform this task, the sound of the phone alerted me to an incoming notification, and upon unlocking it I was surprised that Alphonse had written to me.
IDIOT
Good morning My Lady, how was your weekend?
ME
Fine, thanks.
You didn't have to send me the cell phone back, it was extremely rare to accidentally bump into the messenger. But, anyway, thank you.
IDIOT
For nothing cute.
Good thing you finally accepted it without complaint. I thought I would have to come up with another tactic so you wouldn't reject me.
ME
Do not misunderstand. I only accepted it because I needed the phone, and because if I returned it to you again, I was afraid you would do something crazy.
By keeping it, I feel like I am abusing the kindness of a stranger.
IDIOT
Am I a stranger now?
He had always been a complete stranger. Our meeting was not very normal to say, and now we were texting each other for the first time since we met. Do you think that because of our strange meeting we are now friends?
I put my cell phone aside while I finished my makeup and played with the color palette to match my outfit today: a loose navy blue dress. A dress that I made a couple of weeks ago and I liked it because of the comfort of the fabric. It was nice to go out from time to time in the odd dress. Véronique told me that it was a bit strange for preferring skirts and dresses over jeans, but in terms of clothing taste, she and I differ too much.
What I liked the most about this dress was that it made her feel beautiful and light. The front neckline did not reveal too much, it fitted perfectly to my waist and then went down to a princess cut skirt. I felt like floating.
Once I was happy with the result, I started looking for everything I would need today and I put it in my white wallet, the pair of the small bolus that I lost a few days ago. In this I look at the phone again, and I decided that the best thing would be to answer it, so I unlock it and I encourage myself to finally answer.
ME
The only thing I know about you is that your name is Alphonse, you had many photos of girls on your phone (and many of them in underwear), apparently you like the FullMetal Alchemist series for placing your contact with the name of one of the Elric brothers, and from what little I saw I might think you're a womanizer.
Your reply comes quickly.
IDIOT
Acuh, my lady!
You say all that like he's really some kind of weird guy.
ME
You are for me.
IDIOT
Okay, okay. I think you got a very bad impression of me, and not just because of our first meeting.
Could it be that one day you will really want to know me?
ME
Perhaps. You can't judge a book by its cover ... or by what appears in the first chapter.
IDIOT
I like the analogy in the book.
Maybe one day we could go out.
ME
For now I am somewhat busy. But at another time they may gladly accept your invitation.
Also, I already promised that I would go out on a double date, and it's something I can't cancel.
IDIOT
Double date?
ME
That's how it is.
I had to admit that the conversation was getting interesting, but if I kept entertaining myself any longer, I would be late for college. I really liked that little conversation with Alphonse. In the first stay he had not given me any impression of being a womanizer, and although the content I saw afterwards said something different, I did not want to create a movie about his personality when I did not even know him.
Take my wallet and at the same time grab the headphones of the phone so that I can listen to music during the trip.
Without music it didn't work.
This morning it just made me a little more entertaining, and it was something they need, as the next few hours were a bit difficult. Being a student is sometimes the worst, but I am in the final stretch and I must not waver.
I got carried away by the song J'ai Cherché from one of my favorite songs: Amir. The day promised to be better than I expected, and with that feeling inside me I left home.
If I thought about it, it was not a bad idea to meet Alphonse again, although at first that seemed like a bad idea, and I had him crossed out as a person that I would never see again in my life. But something about him really pleased me during our first meeting, and I wouldn't get carried away by a bad impression. He may even have his explanation for so many things found, but it did not have to matter to me, it was his life, his belongings and I could not care less what he did, as long as he did not have bad intentions in store for me.