Chapter Twenty Two: Narrated by Jurandir

After I finished kissing Marina, we walked away from each other with a big smile. When we kissed I felt that she still loves me and that I can still win her back, but I'm afraid that something will happen and we will be separated.

We walk in silence for the rest of the clay road that leads to the track from where we came.

I take her with me to the other side of the waterfall which has more rocks around and is not as busy as where we were.

I was really scared of Thiago, her brother, when he saw me next to Marina. I know that this is a brother's concern, although I don't know very well how it is.

I live with my parents in the house where she lived and knowing this makes me a little sad, because she had a happy life, but I know that God willing she will return to live in Sete Lagoas with us. My past is not the best. I had a relationship, but it all went downhill when the girl got pregnant. I never told anyone about it. Only my parents know, but I help with the girl's expenses. I'm so afraid that this will make me separate from her.

She realizes that I am silent, comes closer to me, stopping me and says:

-Are you all right?- she asks looking worried.

-Yes beautiful, I was just thinking about life.

She remained silent, but then asked:

-You told me you wanted to talk to me, but until today you didn't say what it was.

I just remembered what it was to tell you, but I didn't know what your reaction would be.

Not that this was bad news, on the contrary it was a great opportunity for me, but I don't know, I'm afraid she won't like the idea.

I take a deep breath, trying to build up courage and I say it looking into her eyes and holding her hand and placing it on the side of my heart:

I got a job offer in Olaria-She absorbs everything attentively and before she says anything I proceed-I accepted. From the address it's not far from where you're living, so we'll be able to see each other, but I don't know if you'd like the idea of seeing me.

I say and lower my head mentally hoping that she will say she loved the idea.

However, she surprises me by giving me a really tight hug and giving me a little kiss saying:

-This is the best news in the world. I'm so happy. I will be able to be closer to you.

-I'm glad you like it. I'm going to start work next week, so I won't be able to spend my vacation here with you.

-That's sad, but at least you'll be close to me-Marina says smiling. Her dark eyes sparkling in the sunlight-so let's enjoy this time together.

I smile and we continue until we reach the top of the waterfall. And I hold her hand and she lets me.

I don't know what's going on in her mind, but mine is saying that I love this girl very much and no one will stop me from having her by my side.

We spent a long time talking about trivial things, she told me how her school was and told me about her friend Diego.

She said that this was her only friend, but that now they hardly kept in touch with each other.

I called her to jump in the waterfall, but she said it was better not to, because she was feeling cold.

Mari watched me as I jumped from the rock to the water. About twenty meters high.

When I realized that the sun was very hot, I got out of the water and forced her to get in at least a little. We had a bet, like the other time, on who would stay underwater the longest and she beat me. Marina laughed when she realized that I couldn't stand to stay underwater for a minute. In revenge I poured water on her and we started a little water war.

Our day was perfect, everything went well and then we got out of the water, dried off and I took her to a snack bar and we ate a natural chicken sandwich with pineapple juice with mint.

We had chocolate ice cream, we passed ice cream on each other's faces like two children and when it was half past five I called her to watch the sunset.

-Where are we going?- she asked like a child, full of curiosity.

-Let's go to my favorite part of Sete Lagoas. Since there is no beach here, I will take you to the lagoon. Now let's go because otherwise the sun will set and you won't see it.

-Ta bom.

After about fifteen minutes of walking we arrived at the lagoon of the City. It is huge and the water is clear.

She was amazed when she saw and tears coming out of her eyes, until she was already sobbing.

I don't understand for a moment and what I can do is just hug her tightly, stroking her hair.

After a few minutes, she wipes her tears and says:

-My father always brought me here during vacations or when the sun was really hot. This has become my special place.

-It really is very beautiful here.

-But now it has become another special time because you are with me and I am feeling so good. Dad always told me that I couldn't be sad for the things that were lost but rather be happy for what we have and the moments that have passed.

-Your father must have been a very wise man.

-Yes, he was. Now let's go, it's getting late.

-That's fine, but first -I pull her close and kiss her. She smiles and I say-now, let's go.

She smiled so big that I wanted to put her in a little box and take her with me wherever I went.

I took her to her brother's house at the agreed time and until her brother was calmer.

I said goodbye to her, saying that we would see each other soon and she whispered: "I will miss you". I said I would too and left before changing my mind and spending the whole evening talking to her.

I got home after a few minutes, packed my bags and put everything I could fit in them and went to bed after having a nice shower.

I spent the night thinking about her, about everything that happened to us today and how lucky I am to have her in my life and the main thing: That I will protect her so that no one harms her.