Amori

Chapter 8: Pierre Meets Roman

I heard, Pierre, that… You had a problem with Roman from the start?

Well… no… not really. I don't think so.

Or was it more like, he had a problem with you?

…

Pierre?

Yeah… no.. No it's not like that. I totally... get him.

Let me ask you something. Are you scared of Roman?

…

Pierre… it's okay.

… I-I just… want no trouble.

We're here to fix things, okay? You guys swore to me, you would tell me everything. I can't help you if you can't help me with the truth here. It's a two way street. You have to trust…

He can get very aggressive… at times.

Okay? Go on. I'm listening.

…But..but you see, he's a really good guy. He's been really good to me after a while. But it took some time. Even when we were… "together", us three, I kind of felt like he wasn't okay with me.

Why do you think so?

I've heard him say it himself… but you see, that was when I first came into the picture. I get that. I was a stranger barging into his home. I wasn't… even presentable. (chuckles) I'm sorry.

It's okay. You're doing great. What was your first impression of him?

…

Pierre?

I… I don't… think I can answer that.

It's just first impressions, Pierre. It's fine. You might think differently of him now. And that's what matters. First impressions aren't what define the person, right?

Yeah…

So, how was he? How did he come off to…

He's beautiful. (scratches head)

Oh.

Isn't that what you want?

Well no… yeah I get it. He's a really good looking man, I'd give him that. He's got that piercing look going on… and he has this strong, defined, jawline. I can…admit that. You get what I mean right?

…

But how was he, as a person? How did he accept you? At that…time.

Well… I got there. My head was spinning and I was dropped on the floor. Made kind of a mess on it. So everything's not… as clear as I wish it had been. He was standing there… in shock probably. Confused at what's happening? Who I was… and what's Violet doing, bringing me home.

Mmh-mm.

They got me on the couch and I was lying there, I feel like…I could see… lights spinning around. But I can hear everything. Louder than usual. I heard them go to the other room. And there was… shouting. Voices raised.

What can you remember?

Roman… he was arguing with Violet about me. I mean… it's pretty understandable. For all they know, I could be some… gang member or something. I heard something like… "This isn't an orphanage, Violet. It doesn't mean that I took you in, you can just move people into my house!"

And she was like, "Can't you see how he is?"

"It's not your obligation"

"So you would rather have me leave him on the road?"

"I didn't say that. What I'm saying is, you could've used your brain and took him somewhere else… like a fucking hospital! You moron! My house is not some fucking charity or some shit. I do something good for you and you abuse the hell out of me! You steal my car and then you come back here with a crime scene and you expect me to be all-understanding?! The fuck is wrong with you!? My god Violet, what were you thinking?"

"I wasn't. Okay, why are you so mad at me?"

Then, I kind of heard her cry. And I saw her coming back to me carrying some towels. It was cold and it hurt my nose. I could taste rust from my own blood as she wiped it all away.

Was Roman… did he really say those things?

That's not everything I heard. I… I could be wrong but… he, he apologized… afterwards. I think.

Really?

Yeah but when… Violet was taking care of me, he just went there all cocky. And said, "I want him out tomorrow." Which infuriated Violet, as she stood up and grabbed Roman by the arm to the kitchen. I heard her say, "What's your problem? Huh?"

"You."

"You want him out of here? Then, I'm leaving with him tomorrow"

"And that scares me because…?"

"You're a cold-hearted human being."

And they went on and on, screaming at each other. I thought at first… they were together or something. Turns out, she was just living with him. I was… so embarrassed to be there so I stood up with all the strength left inside me. And I walked towards them and I excused myself, "I'm not staying." And suddenly I get a "Shut the fuck up and get back on the couch!"

How… Really? How did you feel then?

I'm kind of used to it. My.. dad. When I was a kid, I always saw him arguing with my mom just like that. But… I always thought… that my dad could change. When they got divorced and my mom had a restraining order against him… He kind of broke it one time. I was 13 and he visited me at school. I think he's good now and he aged really bad. But it was a really short visit. I kind of wish… I've had more time with him. They got separated…when I was 8.

So you thought… maybe, Roman can change.

I don't know. Maybe. But he did, right? I think he's better… now. Despite everything. He's not always… a dick, you know. He's got a short temper… but you see, you have to have patience when it comes to these people. Right?

I understand. So how, how is your relationship with each of them now?

We're… okay.

Pierre. You're not gonna come here to me just to say you guys are okay. You have problems. Maybe not you to them. I want to know where you are in this relationship. How did you get into this? When did you guys start believing… that you guys are actually in some… complicated relationship.

…

(I raise both my eyebrows)

When did you start thinking you can talk to couples about their problems.

(I clear my throat) When I got my degree and licensure.

Wrong.

Excuse me?

You started thinking you can even way before you earned those papers.

What are you trying to tell me?

I felt it. I just knew when I saw them.

You mean, love at first sight? For… both.

I refuse… to believe… I'm that shallow.

Okay then.

I think… love is a connection. It's not because… I find them… attractive. But something tells me, I was at the right moment. That by some miracle… things aligned.

And that I knew… I'm gonna be spending a lot of time with these people.