Chapter 2 - History

Clara stared at her friend. "What?"

"You weren't listening, were you? Have you even heard a word of anything I've said?"

"Yes, of course I have." Clara tried to sound convincing.

Jane frowned. "You're thinking about that stupid fool Victor, aren't you?"

Clara was taken aback by the question. For once, her ex-boyfriend had been the last thing on her mind. "No."

"Clara, don't lie to me," Jane countered. "His neighbor, Gracia told me she saw everything. From the very beginning. She saw when she arrived and when you arrived afterwards. She gave me the full details and believe me, it didn't feel like I missed a thing. She captured the whole scene very well, she's a good storyteller my dear."

"It was the case of a friend, visiting another friend." Clara answered, feeling a warm flush come to her cheeks.

Jane gave her a disbelieving look. "Don't tell me you believed that nonsense. Anyway, I know you don't. If you did, you wouldn't have broken up with him. Do you believe this lame excuse of yours Clara?"

Clara did not answer. She could still remember the day she attempted surprising Victor on his birthday. She had visited without telling him and she met another lady, who introduced herself as the girlfriend.

Her mother and Jane were both amazed and irritated that she forgave Victor after that incident and they started dating again, while Clara for the most part shared their sentiments, she felt incapable of making a clean break. Logic eluded her where Victor was concerned, until the last cheating episode that broke her heart completely and left her feeling used.

"You'd better not go back to that fool because my vile attitude towards him will never ever change." Jane warned.

"I'm not an idiot, Janet."

"Sometimes you are."

"Well, you are an idiot too," Clara shot back, feeling foolish even before the words came out of her mouth. But for the sound from the air-conditioning, the car was quiet for a few seconds.