We have been together for four months now. He knows my parents, it happened by chance when my mother met us in a shopping center. Since then it happens that I invite him to dinner, although my father isn't entirely favorable. Yet Marco didn't even mention introducing me to his parents.
«What are you thinking about?» he asks, looking away from the television. Like every Saturday afternoon for a month now, we watch a movie at my house.
«Nothing in particular» I say, not wanting to address the subject.
«Don't you like the movie?»
I watch the TV to remind me what we are watching.
«Honestly, this genre doesn't drive me crazy.»
If nothing else, it's better to tell him that I don't understand if he is ashamed of me or if there is more than he tells.
«Come on, "The Expendables" is my favorite movie. Trust me, if you keep watching it then you like it, it's not just gunfire.»
My lips curl into a smile. Who knows what Luisa would have said about a similar statement.
Every now and then I think of them, wondering what happened to them. The thought of all of them gives me a sweet melancholy, except that of Serena. If I think back to that night, anxiety continues to reach me even after two years.
I made my last weekly visit a year ago, and after saying goodbye to Maria, I turned my gaze to the corridor leading to the rooms. I thought I saw the paramedics running again, and I tried to imagine what I would see if I left my room.
I approach Marco in search of protection.
His phone rings.
«Antonio asks if we are going to dance tonight. Do I tell him yes?»
I'm still shaken by yesterday's pizza, I don't want to feel bad again. Tonight I was hoping to stay at home, warm and in the company of a movie of my choice.
«I don't really like it, I prefer to stay home for today.»
«Fine.»
He types something on the keyboard, then comes back to hug me. I'm glad he didn't insist, I was afraid he would try to convince me.
---------------
The movie lasted longer than I thought. It's half-past five, and my parents should be back soon. Certainly, my mother will invite him for dinner, so I decide to anticipate her.
«Do you want to stay for dinner?»
«For dinner?» he asks surprised.
«Yup. What's so strange?»
«You know I have to go dancing.»
And I thought he hadn't insisted because he wanted to be alone with me. Maybe he doesn't like having me around.
«My fault, I thought you weren't going either» I say dryly.
«Why shouldn't I? You know I like to go.»
«Yes, but we go almost every Saturday. I was hoping you would like to be alone with me.»
«And I like it, aren't we alone now? If we're apart for one evening, nothing happens.»
I don't add anything, I get up from the sofa and go to the door.
«Marco maybe it's better for you to go. I wouldn't want to take too much time from you.»
«But why do you have to do this? Come here and stop acting like a child.»
My blood is boiling.
«Marco, I keep telling you, get out.»
We look at each other for a minute. When he sees that my expression remains unchanged, he finally stands up.
«I can't believe it. It's better that I go.»
He leaves slamming the door behind him.
I head for the fridge, pouncing on whatever comes my way.
YOU ARE READING
Aurora's Shadow
RomantizmAurora, forced into an eating disorder clinic at 17 years old, decides to find a compromise not to remain under observation. Her choices will lead her along a path full of lies, pain, unspoken anger, and false joys until, at the age of twenty, Tyler...
