Misconstrue

"TEN it is."

I've been telling myself that this is a bad idea. 

With work and studying, the time I have seems to be much shorter than the time given to everyone else. The last outing I had was a month ago, and so the last date I had was with Christopher at Emilio's house party.

And if I want to continue on that note, that was also the last time I saw Emilio. I know I probably look like a bad friend, but since the night of his house party, I've been feeling a bit weird whenever I think about him. 

I describe whatever it is I'm feeling as weird because I can't exactly pinpoint what these feelings are, or where they're coming from. However, I don't really have the time to think about what I may or may not be feeling since I have yet another round of exams coming up.

That's the thought that brings me right back to my current predicament. Ben and I are at each other's throats again, and since I'm the bigger person between us, I've decided to leave the apartment and study elsewhere. Now, the question remains, where else would I have the space and comfort to study without interference?

Emilio's house of course. 

I take a deep breath as I force myself to get rid of the shock that overcomes me whenever I'm at Emilio's place. I grew up pretty comfortable, my family is actually quite well-off, but it's nothing compared to Emilio's wealth. Actually, footballers make a shit-ton of money - and I can believe I'm actually realizing this fact while standing outside Emilio's fortress.

The door unlocks without issue with the key that Emilio handed to me. If I must be honest with myself, it took a lot of deliberation to show up at Emilio's place. I know that we're at a place where we're trying to build a friendship, but giving up his flex room for a woman he hasn't known for too long is a bit weird to me. 

I mean, are we good friends? Best friends? Does Emilio normally lend his rooms to the people in his circle? Shit, am I in his circle now?

Emilio's home security system makes a sound as I lock the door behind me. I place both pairs of my sneakers by the door before turning quickly and head toward the stairs. Even though I was skeptical about taking up Emilio's offer, I convinced myself that everything should be fine since no one would be home.

So, why is there a woman staring back at me with a wooden spoon in her hand?

I freeze. She does the same.

What's happening? Emilio said no one would be here! "Uh..." I open my mouth to say something, to explain my presence in someone else's house, but I was unable to.

"Um..." The older woman begins to speak. I take a step backwards as I take a good look at her. Her dark hair is wrapped in a bun on top her head, her earrings glimmer underneath the lights but they're actually not that large. 

"Ah!" She pulls the glasses that are perched on top of her down to her eyes then reach into the green apron she's wearing for her phone. Is she gonna call the cops?

My palms grow sweaty as I immediately think of the many things this could go south. My mouth grows dry as I'm overcome with worry. I really should've monopolized a table in the Starbucks close to my flat. 

"My name..." She starts by saying. "...is Magdalena." I furrow my eyebrows as she points to herself. "Emilio's mother."

I'm doused in realization as Magdalena smiles back at me. I sigh in relief as it becomes obvious that the cops aren't coming, and she doesn't think I'm an axe-murderer. "Nice to meet you." 

I become light and giddy as I shake her hand. "I'm Balei. Emilio's friend." 

Magdalena claps her hand as she seems to recognize my name. "Emilio mentioned..."