Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Chapter 31 - Abel's Apple

If anything, Abel's restless leg was an unmistakable clue that he was nervous. Future telling sessions were over and the seats in the stands almost full. About a quarter of hour before, the tables at the center stage had been carried away as the final show was about to start. Yellow lights shone a little brighter, aiding people make their way up the bleachers.  

Abel glanced around again. Across the arena, enjoying front row views, he distinguished Nicholas and his wife, Nick and his friend. There was no sign of Mica, Theo or Alan. It was becoming harder to send people off as they approached him and asked to take the seat next to him. Embarrassment started gnawing at him as Abel became the only one sitting all alone. He could feel people's eyes upon him, pictured their lips sneering at his desertion.  

Then, she arrived, also solo. She sat beside him with a natural confidence that he found to be rare and impressive. Since her arrival seemed to put a stop at the glances and snickers, Abel allowed Bianca to stay. 

"Quite a friend you have," she teased.  

Her dress was brazenly short and when Bianca crossed her long legs, it was grueling not to stare at them.  

"I saw you from downstairs. You look like someone in need of a friend. You don't have many of those around, do you?" 

Abel rested his elbows in his thighs and his chin in his hand.  

"Guess not." 

"Well, you have me now." She touched a soft hand to his thigh, shook her head. "What kind of girl hangs you out to dry?"  

"She didn't. Mica would never do that. You don't know her at all."  

Bianca took her hand off him to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.  

"That might be right, but I'm guessing you don't either. You're still waiting for her to show up."  

"What's wrong with that?"  

"God!" Bianca gave him a pitiful look. "You really don't know."  

Except for the lines that furrowed his forehead, Abel did not move. 

"Well, I hate to say this, but your dear friend took French leave."  

"What? When?" Abel started to rise. 

"Stick with me for a minute." Bianca told him and Abel remained seated. "It's no use going after her. She doesn't want you around." 

"How would you know that?"  

Bianca stifled back a giggle as she watched confusion grow on Abel's face. "She didn't leave by herself. Theo was with her." Lowering her eyes, Bianca feigned to be sorry. "They are together."  

"That can't be right." Although Abel snorted, his expression went blank, his breathing quickened. 

"Is that so? Because I think, you are not that blind. I believe you saw it too. Something's been going on all night between them."  

Bianca waited for a reply and received none. 

"Didn't you notice how they look at each other? The intimacy when they whispered in each other's ears?"  

Abel raked his hair with both hands.  

"Why are you saying these things?" he snapped. 

"Because I know that you care for Mica. You are a good friend. And I'm tired of seeing people get hurt." Bianca sighed. "I don't know for how long you've known Mica, but I've known Theo for ages. For the last couple of years, I've been really close to him. Well, to his ex-girlfriend, Lilian. She was in Buriti with him a couple of times. Maybe you remember her. Blonde, skinny, super elegant."