Special Chapter 2

With sad eyes, I looked at the boy who had been my first love. It was with him that I associated memories both happy and sad. It was hard for me to look at him, seeing someone different—different from the man I had secretly crushed on and dreamed about every night before bed.

Before we had fallen in love with each other, I had seen him very differently. In my eyes, he was a popular, amazing athlete that all the girls at school wanted. At the time, I thought he was a trouble-free kid who enjoyed every day, but the reality turned out to be entirely different.

I had become his problem. If I had never appeared in his life, he would not have ended up like this.

Certainly not.

The sight of Felix, staring at one point outside the window, made my heart break. He was lifeless, on drugs for a long time, locked up in a mental hospital.

That was the only rescue for him after he had confessed that he had thoughtlessly killed his parents. He had a serious health issue and was a danger to others as well as himself.

It hurt my heart to watch him for an hour, but he completely paid no attention to me. He didn't recognize me, didn't know who I was.

I came to see him once a week because I missed him. However, I didn't know if I was any lighter seeing him like this. I wondered if it might not be better to give up visiting him. I thought that might be the best way to save us both.

I got up from the chair and approached him with slow steps. In order not to frighten him, I gently put my hand on his head and stroked his hair. He continued to pay no attention to me, looking at one point.

"I'm sorry, Felix. I destroyed your life. This is my fault. I should never have appeared before you," I whispered, feeling tears come to my eyes. I pressed my lips together, trying not to cry. "I hope that one day you will be healthy again and get a chance for a happy life. I love you," I added, then kissed the top of his head.

At that point, tears flowed from the corners of my eyes and I hastily turned my back on him, heading for the door. I knew that if I didn't leave then, I would never make this decision.

We had to live separately so we could be happy again.

*

Five years later

I walked holding the hand of a three-year-old girl. Mia, with her two ponytails and big brown eyes, looked like a doll. She gave the impression of being sweet and innocent, but she was a little devil incarnate who showed her pinks at the least opportune moment.

She was just like her parents.

"Mom!" she shouted, pulling away from my grasp. She ran over to the blonde girl who was waiting for us at the café. She hugged Eve's leg, which looked adorable.

"Did she give you a hard time?"

"I've been worse," I replied to my friend, smiling broadly. "Did you manage to get all your business done?"

"Yes, again, thank you very much for your help with Mia."

"You can always count on me. That's what friends are for," I said as we entered the café. We sat down at a vacant table and ordered coffee, as well as ice cream for the little urchin.

Eve glanced at her phone.

"Mike finishes work at four, so he'll pick us up on the way." I nodded.

"So, brag about how your romance with the sexy department manager who gave you a hard time during your internship is going?"

I smiled at those words and glanced at Mia, who was fascinated by her strawberry ice cream.

"He's very caring. He's the opposite of the man I imagined in my head. He admitted that by teasing me, he was actually showing special affection. I think he wanted to be someone he wasn't. In reality, he's kind, resourceful, and caring — someone I feel safe around. I think this is heading in the right direction."

Eve looked happy.

"I'm glad life is finally working out for you. You've picked up quite a hunk — plus he's ten years older than you. Mature guys are mega sexy."

"I just hope I can finally be happy."

"This is your time, Selena. You have to leave the past behind. We're adults now, and we need to move on."

I bit my lip and nodded in agreement.

The rest of our conversation passed with amusing chatter as Eve began to complain about her husband, though she pointed out that despite his flaws, she loved him very much and that thanks to him, she had a wonderful daughter.

When Mike showed up, he insisted on giving me a ride home, but I could see Mia was tired, and I lived on the opposite side of town.

"Come back, I can handle it," I said as they both looked at me with reproach in their eyes.

"You'll have to come by on the weekend. When Mia is asleep, bring that department manager with you. I want to meet him and see if he's honest with you," Mike declared.

"Sure, I'll ask him if he has any plans. Have a safe trip — see you then."

They left, and I headed toward the bus stop. I immediately texted Jack, asking if he would like to meet my friends.

Suddenly, I jumped and looked over my shoulder when a noise sounded not far from me. With frightened eyes, I looked at the metal ladder that had been leaning against the wall but was now lying on the sidewalk. There was no one by it, and a strange uneasiness settled in.

"It could have been the wind," I told myself, although I didn't feel any breeze. "Or a cat. Probably a cat."

I wasn't sure if I was getting paranoid, but I had the impression that someone was following me. Afraid to turn around, I quickened my pace and took a shortcut where there weren't many people.

"Selena—" I heard a voice that chilled me from head to toe. I whipped around energetically, but saw no one.

Leave the past behind, I whispered, just like Eve said, or you'll go crazy.

Almost running, I reached the main street. I arrived at the bus stop and sat down on a bench. I still felt chills all over my body, and the worst part was that I felt like I was being watched the whole time.

This is just a figment of your imagination, I whispered.