Welcome to L.A.

Before it gets complicated

I thought it'd be easier. Jake left Dan with a big hug as if he was leaving for a business trip. He even shook my hand and said he was pleased to have got to know me. Before turning the corner of the hallway of death, he looked behind his shoulder and smiled at us still in front of his cell. We almost forgot why he left us here.

Almost... that's the best word to use. Back in the car, Dan is crying again. He's staring at me. All I hear from him is his breath troubled by familiar emotions. We stay silent for long minutes already. I still can't believe that he's gone when Dan is... so young. At least, my family's big enough to welcome friends and lovers. We are so many people gathered together in family reunions that it doesn't bother if we add someone at the last minute. When he, finally, starts the car, I know he's ready to talk.

"I don't know if I feel bad for you or upset because of him." He quickly looks at me, already staring at him.

"You must be in so much pain right now with what happens in your family... why did you have to come? I'm glad you did... glad I didn't have to come alone, I had to go, but isn't that selfishly cruel?"

"Why would it be? It was my idea."

"I know, but still..."

"I just knew you needed help and I always feel good when I pay attention to people's life and let go mine. It's my way..."

"And it's why people like being around you so much."

"I wouldn't say that, but thanks." He laughs for the first time since we left.

"Of course you wouldn't. You're too modest even for this complement. Why don't you get the fact that what we tell you is said to help you gain confidence and feel better?" He doesn't know that's why he has to say stuff like this.

"I learnt. Sometimes it's only said to seduce and attract people for its own benefits. It's called narcissism. I've been through fake friendships, so I know what I'm talking about."

"So that's why you don't trust everything you're being said? Makes sense. I've been through fake friendships too. I don't know why, but in the end, it's always Ash and me..."

"They don't give you enough for you to treat them like you treat Ash. They get... annoyed by this unbreakable bound that is hard to share and go away knowing that you'll survive since you already had only each other before. I still don't get why..."

"We are popular, but never had serious girlfriends? I know. It's a long story." I have my own too... I know it's hard to tell sometimes. "We'll have a lot of time on the plane. I'll tell you... if you wanna hear about all of it of course." He's staring at me absent minded. I'm lost somewhere between past and present.

"Oh! Of course I want to!" He looks back in front of him and smiles. Thank God, we were about to have an accident...

The rest of the ride was a constant conversation between music and my soul. When he turned on the radio, I couldn't remain silence any longer. I was so happy to hear music again that I forgot I wasn't alone. When I stopped, he told me to keep on singing, but I preferred to listen and analyse the lyrics of the newest hits instead. It wasn't Maddy's car. I'm not comfortable yet. He would think I'm crazy or worse; he could judge me, who knows.

Maddy was waiting for us on the balcony. When she sees me, she locks her phone and runs to me.

"I can't believe it! Mili went to jail!" She says with laughter.

"I don't want to desapoint you, but my crime wasn't worth staying a night." I reply with laughter as well. We're heading to the house and a message tone breaks the silence.