Just One

Chapters 11A and 11B

Chapter – 11 A NICK: "I'm dying of longing."

I look at my bedside clock, and it still reads 7:30 am. It's been a while since my sleep has gone, and my anxiety won't allow me to stay in bed. Today, I'm full of energy, enthusiasm, and an uncontrollable desire to see my angel again. I'm dying of longing.

Will she say anything about the letter? Will she be crying about Zack leaving and won't even want to see me today? I'll go to her house without calling her. I'll arrive unexpectedly to avoid the risk of her suggesBng that I only visit her tomorrow." Even if she asks, I won't do it; she'll have to see me anyway. Damn, time isn't passing, it's still 8:20 am.

My sister shows up in the kitchen, sleepy, with tangled hair, wearing Minnie Mouse-printed pajamas, calling for my mother. I say quietly: "Pri, keep it down. Mom's still sleeping."

"Oh, Nick, keep it down? You're the one making all the noise. I woke up because of you. Now make me some cereal, please?"

Since I'm in a good mood, I decide to be kind and prepare a super cereal for my dear little sister, complete with sliced bananas and chocolate Nesquik for extra flavor. After all, I must wait for time to pass anyway, and doing nothing is even worse.

During our morning sibling breakfast, my sister starts asking me about some events in New York. "Nick, from the look on your face, you're looking forward to going to Anna's house, aren't you? Are you going to tell her about Sarah?"

"Priscilla, I have no problem telling Anna about everything that happened on this trip, including Sarah, and to be honest, I didn't even remember meeting her. She doesn't mean anything to me anymore. What we had is behind us, and she knows there's no going back. The fact that she kissed me doesn't matter. I was caught off guard and didn't want to cut her off immediately, but I made it clear that from now on we'll just be friends. Anna and I are honest with each other, we speak our minds without embarrassment, at least most of the time."

Priscilla understands but can't help giving her opinion: "Nick, we need to come up with an efficient strategy for you to win Anna over once and for all. You're going too slowly. The first thing that needs to happen is for her to break up with her boyfriend. Once she's single, there'll be no reason for her not to be with you. I'll think of something, leave it to me."

How can I not laugh at someone like that? I think proudly.

It's already 10 am. and now is a good time. Do I call or not? What if she doesn't want to see me today? What if I get there and she's still sleeping? You know what? I'll send a message and see if at least she's awake.

"Good morning." Beep. I wait anxiously for a reply on my cell phone screen, but nothing appears.

" Anna, wake up. It's 10 o'clock. Wake up, girl." Beep. And again, nothing. I send five more GIFs, hoping she'll wake up with all these beeps. Already feeling discouraged, I hear a beep, and my heart races.

"Good morning, Nick. Did you fall out of bed? I'm still sleeping." Beep.

In all my excitement, I don't hesitate to insist that she gets up: "You were sleeping, my dear friend. Not anymore. Get up, your time is up. I'll swing by so we can have a full breakfast at Café Paris." Beep.

"Nick, let me sleep, I'm tired. I went to bed late last night. We'll talk later." Beep.

Damn, it! That's exactly what I didn't want to hear. "Ah, Anna, it's such a beautiful day. I wanted so much to see you and hear about your week. You're not depressed about Zack again, are you? Let's have a coffee, and then we can go biking or do anything else you want. You're already awake; you won't be able to go back to sleep." Beep. I'm desperately waiting for a 'yes.'