Just One

Chapters 35 and 36

Chapter – 35 ANNA "...I don't owe anyone anything, and whoever liked it, liked it.

Before we checked out, Nick and I once again admired the beauty of the sea, enjoying the last few minutes we had left before heading back home. We are embraced and leaning on the balcony ledge. The ocean breeze gently blows across our faces, and the feeling of peace and coziness is so intense that it prevents us from moving. This spectacle of nature invites us to contemplate and reflect, filling my heart with gratitude. Nick is so much more than I imagined. I feel like I'm making the right choice.

"Nick, thank you for this wonderful weekend. I love you so much. I'm sorry for not..."

Nick interrupts me, gently placing his index finger on my lips, and says: "Shhh! Apology for what? Don't even say that. There are no words to describe these days. It couldn't have been better. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. I do not doubt that we'll be together for the rest of our lives, and you'll find out very soon, too."

Nick kisses me so hotly that I don't want to release him ever again.

The return is inevitable, both to home and to school tomorrow. Some realities are hard to face, but they only exist because they are the consequences of our actions.

On the way, I asked Nick his opinion on how we should act at school tomorrow, and he replied: "Anna, I don't mind keeping our relationship a secret for a while until things settle down. Let's see how the week goes. Don't stress yourself out in advance."

"Nick, my biggest concern will be people speculating about the video, about Leeo. I can already picture them playing the video in the middle of class, in the cafeteria. You will also need patience to deal with this. You know that."

"Anna, let's just let it happen. I don't want to think about it right now."

Nick is right. It's better to remember the incredible time we had than to worry about what hasn't even happened yet.



Early in the morning, I received a message from Nick saying that he was picking me up so that we could go to school together, which reassured me. Even before having my breakfast, I logged into my Facebook page to get an idea of what to expect today. I noticed that the video is still going viral, and I came across more than 10 million views, which shows that the video is still in the spotlight and going strong.

I look out of the living room window and see Nick parking his black Nissan at the front door. Before he even gets out of the car, I appear with my backpack in hand, ready to face whatever comes my way. Nick kisses my lips and asks: "Morning, babe, did you sleep well?"

"Yes, until 5 o'clock, then I couldn't fall back asleep. I tossed and turned in bed until I couldn't take it anymore and got up," I replied.

Nick, in a worried tone, comments: "Anna, I honestly don't know what awaits us, because I checked the numbers of views today and it's already passed 10 million. You must have seen it too, right?"

"Yes, I saw it," I say with disappointment.

Nick continues: "No matter what they say, don't be intimidated by anyone, but don't get into arguments either. Ignore everything you can. If anything happens, let me know."

As we step out of the car, still in the parking lot, I can already see the crowd moving around. Some whisper, others turn the video up loud to embarrass me, while some simply look at me disapprovingly.

The walk to the classroom has never seemed so long. But it was enough to make me reflect that what happened between Leeo and me was nothing out of the ordinary, and reasoning, who knows if this whole story won't open new doors and opportunities in my life.