Love contract

The next day in the hotel room, they made themselves comfortable and David approached her as she packed her luggage. She paced back and forth gathering her belongings like she was on the verge of missing a plane home. He stopped her, took her by the shoulders and kissed her forehead, leading her to the bed. They sat on the edge of the bed and he soothed her with a fierce hug. After a long time the two were lying snugly looking at each other. David resumed the conversation he wanted to have with her. He wanted a sincere and long conversation and an outcome for their situation, but this time no fights! They would not leave that room as long as every doubt and every question was answered. It was like his grandparents taught him: before getting married, talk about the bills, plans for the future, talk about everithing you have to talk about, so there will be no insecurities!

After some time in silence, David began to speak:

"Are you leaving?"

“My flight is tonight.

“Mine's been here for a few weeks. We need to talk. No fights and no beatings about it! Just the truth.

- He is well. I start. Sorry for what I said yesterday. You make me lose my mind sometimes. I'm not like that. I don't want to break up with you. Never wanted. she said as she smoothed her face.

— Nina, no more games, no more telling and not telling me, no more guessing and hiding feelings between us, okay?

- Yes.

"Are you packing your bags after everything we've said to each other?"

“I only have lodging for today.

"What else does it take for you to admit everything I want you to admit?" We were in this state when we parted, no food, no sleep, we became a zombie... Everything you so feared would happen when you fell in love with someone happened to you when you left me. Running away from it all you only managed to attract more of it. Everything you wanted to avoid, you won double. Everything gets more intense when you're fighting it. Can't you see that you can no longer continue with this pride, this stubbornness? Nina listened intently and gulped his words.

"I don't think I'm getting it right..."

“After all, it's not just you who's suffering. You are also causing me pain. How do you love me to the point of suffocation, but can you live with the fact that I'm suffocating too and you still do nothing?

A calming silence took over the room for a moment...

"Want to tell me what I did wrong this time?"

“You are leaving again, dammit! Doves! You screw it up! Look what causes us both.

“Dave…you spoke without a fight. You just say I cause all of this to both of us. Since you also never put your cards on the table. Never drop the dots on the i's. I'm in America with a plane ticket to Bergen. I have to leave this hotel today, and you're freaking out because I'm packing? What do you want me to do, what do you want me to say?

"You just promised me that you would never leave again, and that you would never ask me to leave again."

"Did you by any chance propose to me to stay?" Did you say bluntly that you won't let me go? I'm just trying to protect my sanity against a story of this magnitude. We lived together for a few months knowing that you would eventually have to leave, so I struggled not to go crazy. I struggled with the psychological weapons I had. Do not blame me. That's what I'm doing now. If I don't know what your proposal is, how will I act then? In Bergen, you vaguely proposed to me to be a friend, a lover who would find you whenever, wherever, wherever possible...

...Do you think if I had said yes I would have suffered less? Every time you left you would take a piece of me with you. In the end there would be nothing left! Do you think every time you went weeks without calling me I would settle for? Do you think if I met you once a year I would be content? Do you think I would have stayed with another man and gone about my normal life waiting for you? I would be too busy loving you to let anyone close. David denied each question, shaking his head silently. "What kind of warm love do you think I feel, to accept such a deal?" Is that what you keep proposing to me?

— Your love is lukewarm, Nina! You don't give in completely, you're always on the defensive. You sabotage yourself!

— I protect myself! Look who's talking! Your love is also lukewarm. When did you declare yourself to me? Yesterday! The pot calling the kettle black!

— I made you a proposal...

- It was not enough! It wasn't what I wanted to hear... That proposal of yours might have worked, David. We could have tried if I didn't feel anything for you. If you were a case among so many others, or if you were a ticket to the world of fame, if you were someone I was interested in taking money, perks, or even just using it sexually, like many women independents do today with men...

... Then maybe it would have worked. Eternal while it lasts! Not like that, not after everything we've been through. You know I never fell in love with anyone. I would have suffered as much as I suffered, or even more if I had agreed to be your fuck friend. Maybe I would become jealous, maybe start to get even more brooding. No. My answer was the most sensible a person in my position could have given.

"Do you know that what irritates me most about you is seeing you shrinking?" As if you didn't deserve the love of a rich and famous man for not being rich and famous. You've told me enough how much I get along with beautiful models and actresses, with women from renowned families at the top of society, and it always points out that I could have any woman in the world, right?

- Truth.

'Because if I've been around these kind of women for years, princesses with their gifts, who don't need my fame or my money, and I haven't married any of them, it must be because in reality I wasn't the kind of woman who I was looking for. Have you ever thought about it...?

...Maybe I wanted a stubborn, bold and naughty Nina, but who spends eight hours a day taking care of sick people, studying and specializing more every year, and who in December will work with Covid-19 vaccines . Very proud of you. You should be a scientist! “And he gave her a kiss on her forehead after insulting her. “Maybe I wanted an anonymous one, to break all these society-imposed patterns in people's heads, who live like everyone's been brainwashed.

“Just like a video game nerd doesn't have to be a fat, lazy guy who doesn't do anything for a living and just eat junk food?

“Yes. Like in this case. I am a hardcore gamer. I'm a nerd who prefers to stay at home assembling and disassembling things. And that's not why I'm fat, antisocial or lazy. I like both worlds. I like bustling and super-produced parties as well as being left alone at home. I like to dress up elegantly and take a girlfriend to see behind the scenes of everything that is only seen in famous magazines. Yes. I like simplicity and glamour! Nobody is just one.

"I'm more of a project then?" Do you want to be with me to prove that a man like you can be with a woman like me? So how do you defend women, children, animals and everyone who has ever been bullied? Do you want to be an example, slap high society in the face? Want to cause a stir?

David was silent as he watched her. Measuring the words so that it didn't make things even worse, because she had the gift of making him want to scream, even though he didn't, she annoyed him when she questioned him that way. No woman had ever challenged him before, but she often did.

“No, Nina. I want to be with you because I enjoyed being with you. Why didn't I choose you from a ready-made catalogue. You are not a profile that meets all the requirements in a list of the perfect person I am looking for. I just found you, fate brought you to me, and unlike you I'm not afraid to face people's opinions. I just wish we would try. I know you want to be with me, but there's all this female fighting inside you, Aryan in her bronze armor, fighting so you won't accept being below a man of power, I know...

...I support your cause. There were years of sexism against women, years of suffering, generation after generation that reflect until today. I know that there was and still is a lot of machismo in Brazil and in the world, and that Norway is an example of a country that is engaged in the fight against inequality between women and men. I know you've been molded that way over the years, but it won't be that way with us. There will be no fight!

"And how will it be?" I can't live by your side and pay for the luxurious life you lead.

“I lead a simple life. And when I show up at lavish events I'm getting paid for it. In fact, I only spend money on travel, with friends, my house, my car and my family. The basic. Even my clothes I prefer the older ones and the ones that make me more comfortable. Do you know. As for the fact that you don't want me to support you, that only makes me even more proud.

— Yeah, I don't have the 'syndrome' of the princess who thinks there has to be a man who will fix my life, who will give me everything I want and make me happy. I think a woman can achieve whatever she wants, she can study, work, be self-sufficient and stop saying that the things that men do wrong are acceptable because they are men, and that they have always been that way, and that women cannot do the same for being women. So I started to pack my bags, knowing that I don't have any more lodging or extra planes. I'm not a millionaire, have you forgotten?

"But of course you'll be staying with me!" And of course I will buy another ticket, I just don't guarantee it's for Norway, but I will.

"In short, you're going to pay for me, aren't you?"

“Yes. Listen… I agree with you. I think like that too. The only differences between men and women are: the physical and many emotional parts. But let me court you, flirt, be a gentleman, be kind, protect you, take you to dinners, movies, because I'm such an old-fashioned person. I think women have to be treated very well, not because I think a woman belongs to the weaker gender. Women are the pillars of the world. You who educate men until they become adults. You have the power to change generations regarding machismo, implanting in the minds of sons and daughters from the first year of life, that there is no gender difference.

After a while in silence, reflecting...

"So, David... Back to the 'syndrome' of the princess lying in her castle waiting for the prince on his white horse... What am I going to live on?" Today you pay for me here, and then there... I'm moving into your house and what am I going to do next? Our story will be told as if I hit the jackpot for meeting a man of power. Like the Cinderella story... Once again.

“Our story will be told as we want it to be told. What others will think or say is not our concern. At the moment we are public people, there is no way to control what people will think or say. But we can control what we say and think by setting good examples. We can shape people who are interested in our history, and you can always influence people who feel diminished, with low self-esteem, who look up to you. You will be able to continue to support women around the world.

"Are you saying you think I don't have self-esteem?"

"You hardly accept a compliment!"

- Neither you!

“I only compliment you because that's what I really think. A beautiful, intelligent, good and very special woman. You have a very special character, but you won't let me say it.

— You're like that too, haven't you noticed? I say you're a God on a pedestal and you get mad. But that's what you are to many, that's how I see it! And you don't accept it either. Like I said: the dirty talking about the poorly washed…” And they both laughed as they collected all of Nina's belongings, taking them to David's room.

'Another thing, David. I don't have low esteem, or didn't used to. I was never insecure with the guys, I just didn't have the patience to deal with them. I was single by choice. I thought I was very strict with men, it's always been that way since I was a teenager. And it wasn't because I thought I was incompatible or anything like that, I just didn't feel the least bit of wanting to waste time with trifles, trying to convince most men that it's the year 2020 and that women don't need a wedding or a pregnancy to survive...

... We don't need to accept humiliation, we don't need to live in an abusive relationship, we don't need to fit into any pattern. If we're not okay where we are, just go. Nowadays a woman who has her house, her car, her job, a woman who travels, drinks, enjoys, has friends, this woman will not accept anyone in her life without love, just to maintain a status. More is needed.

“I'm your plus.

- Yes you are. Dave, you are my everything. And what am I to you?

— My plus! My everything!

And the two kissed many times between conversations...

“You still didn't say you loved me today, Nina. " charged David."

- Neither you. she snapped.

"You made agreements and pacts so that we wouldn't be hurt by false promises, you made me promise we wouldn't swear eternal love, you made me condone this world of nonsense... and now, I want you to tell me you love me every day!"

"You never told me: Drop everything and come with me, Nina!" Never.

"As if that would do any good after everything you made me promise!" You had already decided for both of us! Be fair! Don't blame me.

David held her, moved closer to her face, looked her steadily in the eyes:

“Do you love me, Nina? he asked, suddenly surprising her.

“But I already said I love you. I love a lot, more than anything I've ever loved. I love more than anything in this world. I loved you too quickly. I loved you in Rome... I loved every time I felt you in me. I loved every day I slept beside you in my house. I loved you all the time. It has always been you.

David kept waiting for her to ask him the same. He looked at her smiling, studying the movement of her shrugging shoulders, scanning the expression in her eyes, then when he saw her ready, she asked,

— And now calmer, without that atmosphere of yesterday... Do you love me? Nina asked, her heart nearly leaping out of her mouth.

- Master! Woman, of course I love you! Or I would never have had so much patience with you! Look at all it took for you to admit your feelings for me! Jesus!

“I'm like that, David, I'll never change…I'm not playing a game, believe me when I speak!

David hugged her tightly. He kissed her hair, held her tightly in his arms as he spoke:

“It's what makes me want you even more, knowing you'll never have to change anything to please me…I love you just the way you are…and knowing you'll always be your old you, comfort me. I believe in you Nina, I know nothing will corrupt you, nothing will dazzle you. I feel it in you... You won't change! There's only one in the world just like you, and I know there's no way they could have made two. So tell me once and for all that you're going to stop pretending you don't care, and that we're never going to be apart again! Say you're not leaving! Say it! I need to hear...

'It was you who left, not me.

“Just say…stop stalling! Stop being reluctant!

— It's not just like that! I say whatever you want me to say, when you're clear and crisp. I want details. Enough of texts without contexts. If we're going to be together, then let's do it right! If you're going to ask me for something, specify.

David turned to her again, the two of them curled up on the bed facing each other, lying on their sides holding their heads.

“Nina, now let's get serious. - She confirmed shaking her head.

“I already told you I love you, I don't want to be away from you again.

"I already told you I love you too." I also don't want to be away from you, ever again...

"So, I ask you: Are you going to stay this time?"

- I'm going.

- Are we together?

- We are.

"Are we a committed couple?"

- Are.

“No games, no hidden feelings, no frustrations, okay?

"Okay," Nina replied monosyllabically.

"Are you going to drop everything and stay with me?"

- Yes.

“We're moving in together from now on.

Nina spent some time in silence thinking... they were already lying down looking at the ceiling...

"Can I at least know where we're going to live?" How long are we going to stay here? Where is your fixed address, if that's where I'm moving, if I'm going to be alone there while you're traveling and shoting, how will I support myself? We have to talk about all these things first. Everything in the open. Everything that has to be said will have to be said now. A marriage contract.

'Of course you will have your address in my London address. No, you will not stay home alone, you will stay with me wherever I am. Let's see how we'll make sure you have your work and your money. I spend months, even years in a place depending on how many seasons a series will have etc. So it won't be too difficult to find temporary jobs for you wherever I am. I help you with this. You rent your house in Norway and we'll see later. You use your money for your expenses, and the time you spend with me without being able to work because you have to accompany me, it's only fair that I pay our expenses. There's no need to be offended. That's what's right. Besides, I want you to let me court you. Not to show off male power, but to please the woman I love. We'll have all the time in the world to see this. What matters is that we will be together. Do you agree?

- I agree. Will you at least sleep every night with me? she asked, unpacking her bags in his room, hanging some dresses in the hotel suite's wardrobe.

“Every night I can't promise 100%, but when I have to record at dawn, or have to travel, or for whatever reason I have to go away, you'll be with me if you want. As long as we can stay together. I never got along with anyone before because there was no way I could have a steady relationship with a woman I hardly saw, I barely kept in touch because of my work rhythm, my routine, my day to day. It was very difficult to maintain a long-distance relationship with me. I won't let the same happen to you this time.

"Are you sure about that, David?" Are you sure this is what you want?

"I only go one step further in a matter like this if I'm absolutely sure." We were together for months. I really want it to work, Nina. I want to take care of you forever!

“I also want to take care of you forever.

Nina hugged him and kissed him gently. He quickly attacked her laying her down on the bed and the two began to tickle each other. Suddenly the two stopped in time looking at each other, caressing, kissing each other hard, with desire, with tenderness and with a hint of despair. It was the longing manifesting itself after months away from each other. David felt his skin burn as he touched hers, how much he wanted to have her again in his arms, and in his bed, after three long months of waiting…no day would be enough. The two made love for the rest of that night. No amount of time would be enough to make up for the time they spent away from each other suffering from homesickness.

The next day the phone rings and Elena sets up a meeting with them at the hotel. She, Kara, Lyon and Marcus meet them for a drink and to discuss the parts of the show that will on air the next day. Elena wanted confirmation on which parts of the interview she was going to show. Nina wanted a lot of scenes canceled, but was convinced that it would be great if they aired. She didn't want the world to see her get sick when she saw David on stage for the show, but Marcus had a persuasive power that even Nina couldn't resist:

“That was the best part of all! You can cut all the parts but this one! This scene was the outcome, it was the symbol of all the suffering caused by digital violence, everyone could feel in their own skin how much you were suffering because of the pressure of the media. There will be a thousand rumbles, but none of them will be able to beat that scene. A true fairy tale of modern life! - Babbled Marcus euphoric!

Nina and David looked at each other and laughed. They were remembering that it was just what Nina feared most. To be compared to the real-time Cinderella...