Broken - A pretty face doesn't cover an ugly heart

42

- So... What do you want to talk about?

- Haven't you seen my message?

- Huh... Not really, when I got home my mom said I needed to call you.

He was a little confused, but he ignored.

- So you still don't know...

- What?

She said impatient. She was nervous for being there and all she wanted to do was run away.

- Vanessa and I broke up.

She looked right into his eyes for the first time today. The question was very clear: What does this mean to them?

The answer didn't take longer to appear. Right after he said those words, Evan had kissed her. She didn't hesitate to kiss him back. The moment was finally there.

It wasn't passion, they both realized.

If was it, they would've given up after the first deception. It would be gone, like a flame that burned out. No, that wasn't what it was. That... That was love.

***

- Don't be like this; I'm sure things will get better!

Kim had said. She had stopped by to make Barbra a visit, and she was sad to see her friend so down.

- I know, I just hate how people ignore how rude and awful she is.

- Well, I don't. I didn't forget that time that she said I had cricket legs with that green pants. It was my favorite one.

- Yeah, that was awful.

- Yes. Those colorful pants were totally in, and she had never spoken to me before! How do you say that kind of thing to a stranger?

- Tell me about it...

- Look, we both know that your sister is not a delicate flower. She's always making ironic commentaries about people and talking as if she was superior. But you don't need to feel like this. There's people who see her for who she is. Ryan is always by your side when Anna attacks you in front of him. I'm here. That cousin of yours used to be too...

Barbra smiled to her. It was so good to have a friend like Kim. Things would get better, she thought.

- You're right!

- Why don't you go somewhere different this weekend? That house of your grandma? It's far enough from Anna, and you could use that big pool!

They laughed. But it was a great idea; in fact, she would call her grandmother as soon as Kim leaves. Things would get better, she knew now for sure.

***

- I'll be back by Monday.

She said, kissing his lips.

- Ok. Enjoy it.

- I'll miss you.

- Call me whenever you want.

He smiled.

- So... Goodbye.

They hug and the girl was almost getting inside the bus, when she said:

- Tomorrow is Anna's birthday, will you stop by?

- She didn't invite me. And I'll be working anyway.

He said casually.

- Ok. Bye, bye. I love you.

- Love you too.

She got inside the bus and Ryan prepared himself to get back to the office.

He knew tomorrow was Anna's birthday. September 2, her favorite day of the year. She loved the date.

He wasn't lying when he said he wasn't invited, but he knew that there was a chance.

Now that Anna and Evan were together, it was kind of awkward to him. Evan was still a close friend, and once he got over the awkwardness of talking about his relationship with Anna to Ryan, it was like if Ryan was on a relationship with her again. He had never heard so much about Anna in his life. And they were together for less than a week.

He and Anna were kind of friends again, since that entire situation with his father, but he wasn't sure that he could let that friendship grow. Barbra wouldn't like it.

Ryan wasn't looking for trouble, so he abandoned those thoughts and focused on his work. He had a long day ahead him.

***

- I've missed you so much!

- Me too, honey! Please, sit down so we can talk, stop washing the dish!

- Sorry.

She smiled kindly. Barbra loved her grandmother Jane. She was very close to her family on father's side. When she was a little kid she used to spend all her weekends in there.
Jane was also very connected with Barbra. They got along well. She lived alone, but she never could tell that she feel lonely, because Barbra was always calling her and visiting.

- So, isn't tomorrow yours sister's birthday? What are you doing here?

- Well, it's her birthday, not mine. I don't need to be there.

She smiled politely. Her grandma knew her too well to know that there was something else, but she didn't pressure Barbra.

- Would you help me with the garden, sweetie? I've been having troubles to get down, and I need to take care of the plants, otherwise it will be ugly.

- Sure! Let's do it.

They went to the yard, and they spend the afternoon taking care of the roses and the things that Jane cultivated. Barbra always felt home there.

At the end of the day she was sweated, dirty and tired, but in peace. Just like Rosie, the old dog, that was her childhood loyal friend, laid on the yard enjoying the last moments of sun before the day was gone.

____

The song I thought it would fit well here is "Is This Love" by Whitesnake. However, from the cellphone Wattpad wouldn't let me put it. But you can mentally hear it on #EvAnna part. See you on Friday. I updated earlier because I just finished two new chapters. Also: it's only 3 chapters left from the first phase to end! Awesome! Hope you enjoy the second part as well.