He gave me a suspicious look, his green eyes shining like emeralds under the sunlight streaming through the window.
—Why do you think that?
—Well...—I began, choosing my words carefully. —She doesn't look like someone who'd wait until marriage to sleep with her boyfriend.
Evander huffed, annoyed.
—Why does today's youth only think about that?
—Maybe because we're teenagers and full of hormones— I replied, trying to keep calm and ease the tension.
—This really is the end of times—he muttered, looking out the window, where a couple of classmates were kissing near the trees in the courtyard. —Look at that. The exam is coming up, and instead of studying, they're fooling around.
—True, but you know not everyone is a devout Christian like you, waiting to get married before losing their virginity— I said, giving him an amused look.
—I know—he said with a sigh— but they could at least have a little decency.
Before I could respond, the teacher entered the room, and everyone quickly settled into their seats. The test wasn't too hard, but it wasn't easy either. When the final bell rang, I felt immediate relief.
—So, Zeph, should we hit the arcade or a cybercafé?—Evander asked, packing his things with his usual energy.
—I can't. I have to go to my part-time job— I replied, stuffing my notebooks into my backpack.
—Oh, come on! I'll pay you double what they're paying you—he said, pulling out his wallet and showing off a wad of cash. —Tell me how much they pay you, and I'll double it so you can play with me.
—Are you crazy? You can't just flash that around— I exclaimed, pushing his hand down. —It's not safe.
—What? Everyone already knows I'm loaded—he replied nonchalantly, grabbing my wrist to stop me from lowering his hand.
—And do you know how offensive it is to offer money to your poor friend?—I retorted, pulling my wrist free and crossing my arms, trying to stay calm.
He scratched his head, clearly remorseful.
—My bad. I just wanted to hang out.
I sighed, already used to these situations.
—It's fine— I said, adjusting the strap on my backpack.
He started following me.
—Then why don't you work at a cybercafé?
—No, thanks— I replied without turning around.
—Then I'll bring my laptop to your job and play there—he said with a cheeky grin.
—Fine,—I muttered, but suddenly I felt a wave of heat accompanied by dizziness that made me stop.
—Hey, are you okay?—he asked, grabbing my arm.
—I'm fine, just a little dizzy— I replied, pressing my fingers to my forehead as I tried to regain my balance.
—You've been overworking yourself—he said, his tone filled with concern.
—I'm fine,—I lied, brushing his hand away and forcing myself to stand steady.
We said our goodbyes, and while he went to meet other friends, I headed straight to the restaurant where I worked.
On the way, I couldn't help but think about how different Evander and I were. He loved playing RPGs, while I preferred watching. He liked music; I liked movies. He was extroverted, with countless friends, while he was my only one.
The restaurant was calm, as usual. I felt comfortable there, with the smell of food in the air and the sound of clanging pots in the background. It was an ordinary day until Evander showed up, as promised, carrying his laptop and wearing that carefree smile of his.
—Hey, Zeph, can't you close the restaurant early?—he asked, fiddling with his laptop and settling into a table.
I sighed, already anticipating a long night.
—Close the restaurant early?—Evander repeated, still focused on his laptop. He was so at ease it was like he'd forgotten I was working.
—And lose my job? Of course not— I replied, grabbing a rag to wipe down the counter. —Besides, you know it doesn't work like that.
—You work too much, Zeph. Ever thought about taking a day off? Just one day to relax?—He looked at me over his laptop with that carefree air that always irritated me a little.
—Relaxing doesn't pay the bills— I replied, slinging the rag over my shoulder. —Not everyone can live like you, without worries.
Evander closed his laptop with an audible click and crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair.
—You talk like I don't do anything. I study, I work hard...
—Evander, you've got a wad of cash in your wallet and parents who support you. It's a bit different— I shot back, but without malice. He knew I wasn't trying to offend him.
He smiled, raising his hands in surrender.
—Okay, okay. You win this one. But seriously, you should think about taking a break.
I just shook my head and continued cleaning. Working was my way of keeping my mind busy, of pushing away the memories that always tried to creep back during moments of peace.
The restaurant was nearly empty when the doorbell chimed, signaling a customer's arrival. I looked up to see a strange man walk in. He wore a heavy coat, despite the weather not being that cold, and his gaze seemed to scan the room. His eyes stopped on me for a moment, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
—What's wrong?—Evander asked, noticing my expression.
—Nothing— I muttered, trying to ignore the discomfort. I grabbed my notepad and approached the man.
—Good evening. What can I get you?— I asked, trying to sound professional.
The man looked at me for a few seconds before answering. His voice was low, almost a whisper.
—Just a coffee.
I nodded and walked away, feeling his eyes on me the entire time. Something about him didn't feel right, but I tried to brush it off. Maybe I was just tired and imagining things.
While I prepared the coffee, Evander approached the counter, leaning on his elbows.
—You're acting weird. Did that guy scare you?
—It's nothing. I'm just tired— I replied, handing the coffee to the man. He thanked me with a brief nod but didn't take his eyes off me as he took a sip.