/A romantic novel with some features of a dystopia close to reality/
Vivian lives in a world where everything must go according to the plan.
Order and security are the foundation of this world, as well as total control and painful punishment for th...
"I knew I'd find you here," I say to Leo, walking up to the bar counter. "Have you been drinking yet?"
"I've been here for a couple of hours, what do you think?» my friend replies sarcastically. "Why did you come?"
"Do I have to explain myself?" I snarl in response. "I came, because I wanted to - no other reason. How will we get home when I have a drink too?"
"Hey, bro, let's not complicate things. We agreed to alternate. It's my turn now," Leo starts to protest.
"Don't care," I say, ordering a double whiskey right away.
I bring the glass to my lips when someone puts hands on my shoulders. It can only be...
"Hello, boys. Are we gonna have fun tonight?" asks Carine, leaning on me with her whole body.
I try to shake her off.
"Someone's moody today," she quips, leaning back against the bar counter between Leo and me.
"What do you want?" I ask impatiently.
"As always, you," she shamelessly replies, looking me in the eyes and putting her hand on my knee.
I forgot I hadn't informed her of my decision to terminate our 'partner' relationship. Everything happens much faster in my head.
I immediately remove Carine's hand from me, to show displeasure with her touch.
The woman is staring at me contemptuously.
"Tell me what's on your mind," she presses.
"I think we've both grown out of the relationship we've been in for so many years," I state confidently.
She is not really surprised.
"To tell the truth, I realized something was wrong when I first saw her," Carine says tartly. "And now that I know she's a Martyr, I think you're simply fucking sick."
Easy, Aiden, easy. She's deliberately opening old wounds.
"I've said everything I intended to, I'm not interested in your opinion, thank you for your time spent on me," I fire off in hopes to finish this conversation.
I'm really trying my best not to be too rude.
"You can come back when this toy of yours breaks too," she blatantly replies, gulping down the whiskey I haven't touched.
The girl smiles smugly and goes back to where she came from, swishing her hips provocatively.
I squeeze my eyes shut with all my might, trying to think of something good, something pleasant.
"What a bitch!" I shout loudly and kick the barstand in anger, after failing to calm my nerves.
"Do you want to go out for some air?" suggests Leo, who has not uttered a word all this time.
"Tell me, will I be reminded of Olivia for the rest of my life?" I ask, putting my elbows on the counter and clutching my head.
"These bastards are putting pressure on you on purpose. Don't let them break you, influence you with their words. Their opinion doesn't define you, Aiden," my friend says and pats me on the shoulder.
"You always have the right words to say. Thank you," I reply, sincerely grateful.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," Leo reminds me.
Nosy ass.
"Vivian doesn't want to see me," I share and chuckle bitterly at the absurdity of the situation.
"Why is that?" my friend wonders.
"She wants to be independent," I try to explain.
"And the real reason?" he keeps pushing.
"Call to find out," I can't hold back, but quickly cool down, "I'm sorry. How can I know what's in her head? All I care about is that she's all alone right now. She'll be haunted by the past again."
"No matter how harsh it sounds, but she knew what she was doing," Leo throws up his hands. "Honestly, this is a great opportunity for her to realize how much she needs you. Try not to make contact with her, wait a bit."
"I can't stand all these manipulations, intrigues and conspiracies," I complain.
"I'm afraid there's no other way," my friend replies, "But what do you suggest?"
"To go to her and to do everything as we usually do," I simply say.
Leo shakes his head, grinning, "You have to learn to put up with other people's desires. Even if these desires defy logic."
My gaze rests on an empty glass.
I don't feel like drinking anymore, and being around people is not the best option either - seems like everyone is participating in a trigger-the-fuck-out-of-Aiden challenge.
"Let's go to the sports ground?" I suggest spontaneously.
"Where to? Are you nuts? I probably won't be able to walk normally right now," Leo exclaims.
"Then I'll play and you'll just watch," I coax.
"Damn you, Carter. I swear by all the gluttons, I will come to your place and eat all the food we bought yesterday," my friend threatens.
"Cool. I'll even buy you more," I laugh, already knowing I won.
***
It's not just us on the sports ground in my neighborhood - turns out there are just as strange guys who get out to play basketball at night.
"Hey! Can we join you?" I ask, confidently approaching the crowd.
"Sure, no problem. We just don't have enough players," the tallest guy replies.
I hope Vivian is having a good time too.
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