The day had started on the right foot, to be the most hated by the Garfield cat, but as soon as I got to college an aura of unease completely surrounded me. It was the final partial exams, and I had to take two of them today. I hadn't felt nervous until I got to college. During those partials I tried not to get carried away by despair, I did everything I could, I studied the night before and the questions did not seem difficult, so I think I passed without problems, and for my luck those would be the last I would have for the today.
I just hope that Véronique has done well in hers, although knowing her the subject was fully understood.
It was already lunchtime as soon as I had left the classroom, and my stomach began to demand something to eat, so I went to the cafeteria and bought a simple sandwich. My stomach was queasy with nerves, so I thought something light would suit me better. Once I had my food, I walked to the garden, where there were tables to eat quietly, and the day was too nice to miss that opportunity.
VERONIQUE
I just left the classroom. Where are you?
I am dying.
ME
I'm in the garden, at the usual table.
You should buy something to eat.
VERONIQUE
I'll stop by the cafeteria first. See you there in a few minutes
The day looked very nice and the aura with which I was greeted in the morning had disappeared. Now there was only the calm after the storm. Moments like this were my favorites, I felt relaxed and inspired, and once I focused on my drawings nothing else in this world existed, that is why Véro said that I am very clueless once I have my notebook in my hands.
-. Violette! I heard my friend scream when I was a few feet from the table where I was.
He had come back to reality. Véronique had come to the table and when I took a good look at my surroundings I found a pair of blue eyes. The girl in front of me, in a cute set of gray and pink colors, was my friend Rose, a girl I met a few years ago during a class and now we are very close. She is a very valuable friend, and has proven to earn my appreciation over time, just as I believe I have earned hers.
-. How long do you plan to stay asleep? Véro asked as soon as he approached us.
-. Rose… I'm sorry, –he managed to say, – I hadn't realized that you… "Her laugh got in the way of my apology.
-. You don't have to apologize Violette, as soon as I got closer I was staring at you and I figured it would take you some time to notice me.
It was moments like these that made me very embarrassed.
-. What will i do with you –Said my friend like the dramatic that she was– Sometimes I think your mind is more on the moon than necessary.
- . I'm also very sorry Rose.
- . Don't worry about that, Vio. Even better ... What was it that kept you so entertaining?
- . Are you thinking of Alphonse? - Véronique came out and I immediately felt a little heat on my cheeks. Now even Rose is going to want to know who he is.
- . Alphonse? - Rose asked and before I could answer Véro spoke before me.
- . He is a boy she met at the last party she accompanied me to - Rose's face was a poem because of how surprised she was, even she knew about my problem with Nathaniel and she was one of those who insisted that I should go out with other people, so the news of Alphonse seems to have excited her.
- . Is that why you look so pretty? Do you have a date with him today?
Véronique immediately opened her eyes and stared at me, waiting for an answer, but Rose's excitement made me more and more nervous.
- . You two should calm down - I said after a few seconds in which I could calm myself so that my voice did not come out so shaky and they believed the opposite of what I was going to say - I have not met anyone to go out today.
Rose clearly looked somewhat downcast at my news. She was just like Véro in that aspect, she wanted to see me with someone more than anything for my happiness.
- . So why is it that you are so dressed up?
- . What are you talking about?
- . Dear. You put on the dress you made recently, if I remember correctly. You kept saying you loved it, but you hadn't put it on until today, even I thought Rose was right and you had met Alphonse.
Now everything made a little more sense, and even Rose agreed with our friend, but they were wrong, I had just put this dress on because I was feeling so excited this morning, and although the morning at the university was a bit heavy now I felt calmer, and the day was fine to go outside for a while. It was normal for me to dress the way I feel, and right now I was relaxed and even a little inspired.
It was fortunate to have sent this model for the selection of the Dumont brand.
- . Changing the subject. How did it go? - I asked Véro to change the objective of the conversation.
- . Are you done with the partials? - asked Rose.
- . No. I still have 3 tomorrows, then one more on Thursday and everything will be ready. If everything goes well this Friday, I will be celebrating in a big way.
- . I thought you were going out on Saturday.
- . Yes, but Laurent thought it would be a good idea to go out on Friday for our double date.
- . Double date?
Cool! They were already making plans and I was just finding out.
- . Yes. Laurent and I are going out with a friend of his, and for her we invited Violette.
Again Rose's face looked excited, and Véronique proceeded to give her all the details about that date while I just ignored them a little. It's incredible that those two don't know how to do anything other than find me a date from time to time. I understand that they love me, but sometimes I think I have two crazy women.
- . But before I think about the end-of-year party, I have to spend tomorrow's and Wednesday's midterms. Then I can think about the party.
- . Party? What party? - I asked once I had landed on earth and paid attention to my friends again.
- . Were you on the moon again? - It was not necessary for him to answer her, she already knew the answer, so she continued with what she was going to say - There is a group that is in charge of making an end-of-year party for all those who graduate. It will be a lot of fun, all the people from the other faculties will attend.
- . On Friday I have to come to pick up the grades, after that I am free. - Rose commented.
These girls and their festivities. On the one hand, it was good that they will think about relaxing, after this stressful week it was usual to go to celebrate as soon as the course ends, but our graduation would be the following week and that same day they wanted to have the party. One that I'm sure not going to. All I wanted was for this week to end so I could relax a bit, and I wouldn't go to that party, unless Véro dragged me along again. Although if my parents return to the city I will be able to get out of it easily.
Sometimes I wonder if they are tired of being in a place with loud music, the smell of alcohol in the air, and the heat of people on the dance floor. It was something that I disliked.
- . The guys and I were thinking of going to a bar this Friday to celebrate a little. After this week I just want to drink a little to get through the stress - Rose commented.
- . Will Juliette go with you? - Our friend nodded. It was nice that he looked for any space to go out with his girlfriend. The two of them had been dating for more than a year and although their schedules did not match, it was nice to see that they did everything they could to see each other or even spend some time together.
- . We are going to celebrate graduation.
- . We did not graduate until the following week - I said jokingly.
- . Those are just details. She also wants to celebrate because she ends with the ends on Friday. So we'll both be free to celebrate on Friday, and she said she'd accompany me to the end-of-term party.
Sometimes I wondered how the relationship between the two of them could have lasted so long. During the time I was with Nathaniel we had trouble seeing each other or hanging out because we didn't coordinate well, and he was always busy with some art projects. But knowing that Juliette and Rose are better than ever leaves me feeling warm, I was very happy for my friend and Juliette is also someone very precious.
For a time, I thought that the distance would be difficult for Rose, since Juliette was studying at another university very far from ours, but it did not prevent them from moving forward with their relationship.
- . When will Juliette return?
- . She said that on Friday night she will be here, her brother offered to bring her since he also has some business to attend to in Paris.
- . I'm glad you guys are going to see each other soon.
- . So… Is it true that you have nothing with that Alphonse guy?
- . No. We only met once, but nothing more.
- . They are not written or anything? - I was about to answer with a negative when I remembered the entertaining conversation that morning, I couldn't help but smile at it. That gave me away because immediately Rose smiled - It's good that they are writing. You may like it a little more. Also, you have a date with Véronique and Laurent, so you also have the opportunity to meet another boy.
- . Even if that's true, I'm fine ...
- . You always say the same thing darling, but don't get me wrong. I know you are fine, maybe even better than I think, I just worry that you will be bored at home all the time, or worse, that you will end up being the cat's tenant.
- . Rose, I don't feel bad that I haven't found love yet. I am young and will be able to meet a thousand people in the process.
- . Nor is it that you dare to discover new horizons.
I had already walked away from love a long time ago, but those words left me thinking for a while. "Know new horizons", maybe it would be something interesting but a little later.
- . I feel like after what happened with Nathaniel you didn't want to move on. Many people get stuck at a point in their lives or personal relationships because they don't want to keep moving forward. I don't want you to stop moving forward because of someone else.
I was aware that it had been some time since he and I had finished, the wound was still open, but I preferred to ignore it and go on with my life ignoring it. Even meeting Nath didn't affect me much about that injury, I had already learned to live with it.
… I didn't want to think about it, but Rose and her analysis techniques made me think of things that I preferred to ignore.
Ultimately, she was left with psychology, and soon she would be able to attend to her own patients, I only hope to stop being one of her targets to test new theories.
- . Don't be afraid of getting hurt again. This is what prevents you from continuing with your life darling - she said simply as she took her bag and got up from the bench. Not without first giving me a look full of tenderness.
According to Rose, a hug could cure almost all ills, since in them you transmit all the affection you have for another person, and it is even a good tactic for when you have nothing to say. But sometimes a simple smile also helped. She was a wonderful person, and she wanted to help others.
It was funny, but it really helped, and I appreciated her very much for it and many other reasons.
- . I think you should pay a little more attention to our friend - said Véronique, who surprisingly had been quiet until now.
- . Don't you have to go to class? - I saw his tray and there was no trace of food on it, while my light lunch was little eaten. I looked away from my friend and started eating again.
- . I have a class at three (3) in the afternoon, but I will go to study a little more in the library. Are you already free for today?
- . For now, yes.
- . How about we hang out for a bit?
- . Didn't you want to go study for a while?
- . Yes, but I would like to go for a coffee first - roll your eyes - Don't look at me like that, you know that I don't work without coffee in the afternoon and the one in the cafeteria here is not so good.
- . I think it's a good idea.
- . I'll let Rose know, so I can join us too, while you can finish eating.
He immediately looked at me reproachfully. It bothered her a lot that I skipped meals or forgot to eat because I was thinking about something else. I didn't want to upset her right now, so I finished gobbling up my lunch as she finished texting on whatsapp.
- . Rose said she's waiting for us in the parking lot. Go.
We both got up from our seats and walked the short stretch to the parking lot together. There next to my friend's car I could see the figure of Rose.
- . How about Rosa? I thought you had already left - said Véro.
- . I went to withdraw the grade of a subject. - His smile showed his happiness, which meant that he had passed the subject with good marks.
- . It was better than you expected - Véro translated as he opened the pilot's door.
Rose sat up front and I took the back seat of her little car. Véronique drove just a couple of streets to one of her favorite coffee shops. Where, according to her, they made the best coffee in town.
- . Don't you think it's a bit annoying to move the car just a couple of streets? - he asked Rose to my roommate.
- . No. I really like going out in heels, and I don't want to burn out just walking a few streets.
As soon as we saw the place, it was packed with students. Véro and I shared the hatred of having to wait a long time, and standing up was even worse. Even Rose could see our discontent because there wasn't even a table where we could sit and wait for our order.
- . How about we go somewhere else? - He offered.
Véro was about to refuse, he really liked the local drink, but even I insisted that it would be a better idea to go to another place, as long as we didn't have to wait so long.
- . The one I am telling you is a little out of the way, and there is not much traffic, we may arrive at the university in the afternoon. You have another class right?
His idea sounded good. Anything would be better than waiting for a good time on your feet or being bored on the college campus. Véro resigned himself to the fact that this was the best option of all so he started his car again and drove according to Rose's directions.
- . And your car Violette? - Rose asked - Will you ever use it to go to college?
- . No, I do not like it very much.
The walk from the dorm to the university was not very long, so I could afford to walk every day. Some were tedious, but he preferred it that way. Véronique once said that it was a waste to have bought a car just to visit my parents, but I preferred it that way.
The car was right now in the residence parking lot. I did not like to waste fuel on very close routes. Also, if I went all the time by car, I would not see the beautiful landscape that I sometimes walked through, and without those little walks that I took, there would be very few times that I would be inspired. If I wanted to get to college quickly, I could always go with Véro, the only person in this world who sets up classes early.
Rose led us to a cyber cafe that was not that far, only about 15 minutes from the cafeteria. So Véro wouldn't worry too much about the time or being late.
Upon entering the place a pleasant sweet smell invaded me. The place looked nice and was not as crowded as the previous place, even the people who were at the computers had a cup of coffee next to them, and the space was wide enough to have other tables for people who were not going to use technological devices.
Rose immediately selected a table for us and we occupied it. The menu was on the table at once and in a matter of seconds a waitress approached us to ask for our order, and since I had already eaten something at the university I asked for just a shake like Rose, and Véronique ordered her cup of legal drug.
- . By the way, Violette - began Véronique - When do you get the results?
- . Thursday
- . What results? - Rose asked, and for a moment I saw her somewhat scared by what our friend was asking, but when she saw that it was not something very serious she relaxed a bit.
- . Violette is aspiring to be an intern for her favorite designer's company. She explained briefly, and Rose's face drastically changed from concern to happiness.
She, like all the girls we hang out with from time to time, knows about my love of fashion and supports me to move forward with it. In addition, Rose is one of the few beneficiaries of my talent when I want to try new things with other people, and whenever she needed it she would turn to me for a fashion emergency.
- . I'm very happy for you Violette. We have to celebrate this!
- . I don't think we should celebrate; after all they haven't produced the results yet.
- . But it's very likely - commented my roommate.
- . That is true, you must have confidence that they will choose you. You are a very talented person and I am happy that you are already looking for a job that is linked to your profession.
- . Still not very lucky? - Véro asked suddenly.
Rose is a very positive woman, and she is sure to find a job in the field. She was good at her career, but some people have misunderstood her enthusiasm. In recent weeks she has been looking for work as a psychologist's assistant, but it has not worked, and Juliette has even commented that it would be a good idea to set up a private practice, an idea that even Véronique and I accepted was a very good one.
- . You should keep thinking about the proposal that Juliette made you, to set up your own practice - my friend told her.
- . Or you could look for work in schools - I commented suddenly, so they saw me without understanding - You are a very sweet girl, you would do well in an environment with children. You could look for a job as a child psychologist, and if you get to set up a practice, an idea that I really insist you should think about, it would help you a lot.
- . That is also a good idea.
- . I hadn't thought about it ... I'll get to work next week.
The waitress reappeared with our order and everyone immediately focused for a moment on their drink.
- . Have you been lucky, Véro?
- . Not yet. My part-time job is good, but as soon as we move I'm thinking of going straight to the television networks.
- . Have you already thought of some places?
- . They contacted me from a television station a few days ago, they want me to go next week for an interview - even I was surprised by the news - Mrs. Miller was the one who helped me. After my internship she believed that I would be better off in that place, so she made a call and now they are waiting for me.
- . Wow! That is incredible.
- . Yes. I'm so excited. I'll start at the bottom for now, but I promise to work my way up to being a presenter.
- . Then we can't delay our plans to move this weekend.
- . Are they leaving so soon? - asked Rose.
- . That is why we will have the double date on Friday, because on Saturday we will be packing our things early on, and by Sunday everything should be ready. There are not many things, so on Saturday night we will be in our new apartment.
- . But we must start early. I told him that it would be a good idea to advance the luggage from the rooms.
- . I am very happy for you. So next week they won't be here anymore.
Rose looked a bit sad about it, and in a way I get it. Graduating from university is not the same as high school, since once you leave high school you continue to see your friends and they even try to study at the same university as you, but as soon as you graduate as a professional, you just have to continue go ahead. The outings between friends will be something not very frequent. I would miss her so much.
- . We can always square one or another exit and see each other, don't you think? - I said to cheer her up a bit.
- . That's true. In addition, we will always be in contact, it is not like we will disappear in the blink of an eye. - Véro said to encourage our little friend even more.
For about an hour they talked about the party the following Saturday, as Véro assured our friend to be present. They talked from the details of the clothes, to the decoration and the music. They were both very excited and Rose knew a little more about the details since she was one of the people organizing the event. That is why she will be somewhat busy the following week at the university, finishing coordinating the last details with the other organizers.
- . I know a good DJ, I could talk to him and tell him to go to the party. What do you think?
- . It would be a good idea and you would be helping me a lot, because the boy I had talked to a few weeks ago canceled me, and Juliette asked her brother if their band could play worse they have a concert that same day in another place.
- . No regrets precious - her eyes sparkled as she said that. That DJ she knew must have been Laurent.
- . I think it's time to go - Rose said as she checked the time on her little watch - It's two thirty, if we don't go out now you'll be late.
- . You're right, we'd better get going.
At the checkout, everyone paid for their drink and we went back to my friend's car that was parked in front of the store. A small wind blew our way and I couldn't feel even more relaxed. It was a good day, and I didn't want to keep wasting it, I had my sketchbook in my wallet and if I was lucky the inspiration would come shortly.
Before getting into the car I realized that in front of the cafeteria there was a nice park, which I hadn't noticed when we arrived. The afternoon was beautiful and since I didn't have much to do I could spend the afternoon in the park, and then I could return by train.
- . Is something wrong Violette? - Véronique asked from the car window. She also looked towards the park and then smiled - You're going to stay right?
-. Creo que estaré solo por un tiempo. Pueden ir si quieren - les aseguré con una sonrisa.
No tenía planes para esta tarde, así que podía relajarme. Las otras asignaturas que solía tener por la tarde ya se habían completado y ahora estaba libre para hacer lo que quisiera, y no hay nada mejor que escuchar música y dibujar un poco en un lugar hermoso.
-. ¿Está seguro?
-. Si no tienes que preocuparte
Véro dudó sólo un momento, como cualquier madre sobreprotectora, pero a los pocos segundos puso en marcha el coche y se despidió de mí con las sencillas palabras "no llegues tarde a casa". Rose también se despidió y en menos de un minuto el auto se puso en camino.
Saqué los auriculares de mi bolso y puse algo de música antes de dirigirme al parque. Sería relajante pasar el rato incluso leyendo, y afortunadamente había traído un libro en mi bolso.