Just One

Chapters 7 and 8

Chapter 7 – NICK: "Thanks, God!"

I see Anna getting off the school bus, attentive and greeting everyone who crosses her path. She's completely different from the others who move on, with their eyes downcast, avoiding contact with people, and always seeming irritated and in a bad mood. Anna is exceptional, and I never tire of watching her. Every step and every movement she makes is engraved in my memory. As soon as she saw me in the middle of the crowd, she flashed that smile that I love so much. My desire is to run up to her, wrap her in my arms with a firm hug, and give her a passionate kiss, the kind that makes my hair stand on end. But instead, I anxiously wait for her to come closer.

"Good morning, Nick! It's a beautiful day today, isn't it? Look at that sky, without a single cloud; it reflects the color of your eyes." What I also love about her is her ability to see beauty in the simple things in life. She really brightens my day.

"Good morning, Anna. Did you wake up to the sound of birdsong today?" I ask.

"With a morning like this, sunny, with this wonderful blue sky, this beautiful and always well-maintained city, it's impossible not to wake up in a good mood," Anna replies.

Taking advantage of her cheerful mood, I invite her for a special outing: "Anna, would you like to go biking this afternoon? I know a trail that leads to an incredible place. I won't give any details, because I want to see your reaction when we get there. After school, I'll take you home and we can leave right after lunch. Is that all right with you?"

"Hmm... it could be. Have you talked to Cass? She's not really into mountain biking," says Anna.

"I haven't talked to her yet, and I'm inviting you because I know she doesn't like it. If you don't want to go, that's fine, I'll go on my own anyway. I'm just asking you to keep me company."

"I can go, but you need to talk to Cass to avoid any trouble on my side."

"Don't worry; I'll handle it. We'll meet at the exit. My car will be in its usual spot." I silently celebrate, echoing "YES" in my thoughts.

My next step is the easiest one: convincing Cass not to come along. I like Cass; she's a beautiful, sexy, and sensitive girl. However, I've realized that we're very different. She's more into shopping and traveling, and I can't afford to accompany her in those activities. Despite this, we get along well and respect each other's desires. Deep down, she knows I'm not in love with her, but she still wants me around. In a way, we're similar, two needy people who come together to avoid loneliness. I'll talk to her during our last class since we'll be together.

"Cass! Cass! Wait a minute." I run up to her, kiss her on the lips, and, with exaggerated enthusiasm, moving frantically, agitated and talking without pausing for breath, I invite her to our outing: "Cass, let's go on a trail this afternoon? I met Anna earlier today, and she's already on board. It's going to be super cool. It's about 10 kilometers of trail in a more nature-oriented place. It's not paved, but it'll be worth it, no doubt about it. I just need to buy some repellent at CVS to bring along, and I'll pick you up after lunch, okay? Oh, and don't forget to grab a hat because it's a scorching day today."...I want to make it clear that I didn't lie at any point.

"Nick, a trail?"... Her facial expression, frowning and curling the corner of her lips downwards, showed total discomfort.

"Can't we do it another day? I have an appointment at the salon today and I booked to get a highlight done. Just today?" Cass replies.

I knew Cass would come up with some excuse, so I refined my strategy a little more: "Another day?" With a tone of disappointment, I reply, lowering my gaze. "Only if we leave it for early Saturday morning, like 8 am. Then we can even have a picnic."...I know she hates picnics.