Me, myself and I (english version) [PAUSE]

Chapter 6: An Afternoon at Eric's

"The father is a mirror in which the little girl and then the adolescent can discern the beginnings of the woman she will become. »

Genevieve Bersihand

Today we will all meet at Eric's place to spend the afternoon together. I put the last piece of strawberry on the pie I made and pack it so that it survives the ride to Eric's home. I'm sure Tam will be happier to see this pastry than to see me. I'm really happy that she found the time to come this time...

I put my jacket and my scarf on: it seems like next winter is going to be really cold. It's only early December and temperatures are already ranging from 36 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. I have a chill only by thinking about this season that I could live without: I hate winter! I put my headphones on which will also be my earmuff and play Camila Cabello's new album, Romance. Eric lives in the twelfth arrondissement of Paris which turns out to be about twenty minutes from my home by metro. That means I have enough time to listen to at least half of the album.

I'm about five minutes from Eric's house when the song First Man begins. It's a slow ballad, the kind of that I like listening to. However, the more I understand its meaning, the more sadness invades me. It is when I hear the last verse of the song that I let my tears flow.

« You're looking at me, while walking down the aisle

With tears in your eyes, maybe he deserves me

You don't even know how much it means to me now

That you were the first man that really loved me »

I will never know this happiness, I am not lucky enough to have my father by my side when I walk down the aisle, no one will be with me on my wedding day, my dad is gone and will never come back ...

Sadness overwhelms me and I sit on a bench to calm down before joining my friends. Tears flow and I can't stop them. After what seems like an eternity, someone hands me a handkerchief, I look up and find out that it is Timothy. We look at each other for about ten seconds, analyzing the situation and then I reach out and grab the piece of cloth. He sits on the bench next to me and looks in front of him as I dry my tears. I am grateful to him for giving me some privacy while helping me.

Silent tears continue to roll down my cheeks. Timothy reaches out his arm and comforts me with his hand moving up and down on my back. Then he asks me:

- Do you want to talk about it?

- I would rather not...

- All right

When I manage to calm down, we get up and head toward Eric's building. When we arrive in front of the large Haussmann building that characterises the city of Paris, Timothy gently takes me by the shoulders and makes me face him. He lifts my face up, lifting my chin with two fingers so that my gaze crosses his which I was trying to avoid. Then he says with his low voice:

- I don't know what's happening to you, but you need to know that I'm here if you need to talk to someone. I am extremely good at listening and I always have a handkerchief on me...

At that moment, I do not know what makes me act that way, it may be due to his touching words or his caring gaze, but I take him in my arms and put my head on his torso while whispering:

- Thank you for being there for me...

He tightens our embrace and says,

- That's what friends are for, isn't it?

We stay entwined for a while before we part and reach the seventh floor where Eric's apartment is located. We are greeted by a cheerful Eric who welcomes us jokingly:

- You're finally here! I was beginning to wonder whether you still remembered me or not.

- "A person as intrusive as you is not easily forgettable." Timothy jokes.

- "Ah Ah Ah, very funny at least I, contrary to someone whose name I will not mention, know how to smile" adds Eric to defend himself.

These two have a very interesting dynamic. They love each other to death however, they can't help but make fun of each other as much as possible. They are like two long-lost brothers.

I hand my pie to Eric and explain:

- I made a strawberry pie!

- Thank you pequeñita. I'll put it in the fridge. At least you are polite enough to bring something. I don't even need to check to know that Mr. grunting next to you came empty-handed.

After this last taut, he kisses me on the forehead and heads to what appears to be the kitchen.

One of the things I learned about Eric after spending a few months together is that he is very tactile. Nothing is too daring for him to express his feelings: he loves hugs and kisses. He often jokes about that saying that he is making up for the affection he did not have when he was younger because his busy parents were never able to give him any. At first, all that physical affection was too much for me, yet now these gestures warm my heart.

- "You can put your coats in the cupboard!" he yells from the kitchen.

We hang our coats and then I follow Timothy in the living room.

- Ana do you want something to drink ?

- Yes, a Schweppes if you have.

- Tim as usual?

- Yep

Eric arrives with two 1664* bottles and a bottle of Schweppes and settles next to me on the couch. Eric's apartment is well decorated. A red sofa, in a room with a white wall and black floor, faces a flat screen hanging on the wall. Continuing my inspection, my gaze arrives on a video game console placed in the furniture surrounding the TV.

- Is your console working Eric?

- Of course, it is.

- Do to want to play guys?

The two boys stare at me and exclaim:

- Do YOU want to play?

- Yep! Street fighter?

- How do you know I have this game?

- How could you not have this game? That's a classic!

The two guys stare at each other for a long time and then Eric says to me:

- Little Ana, you know I love you, don't you? But I'm not going to let you win.

- I don't think I asked you to, did I? Come on, let's play!

On one hand we have Eric looking at me with a look full of pity, surely thinking of a way to make me feel better after beating me at the game. On the other hand, we have Timothy who is also looking but not the same way as Eric: Timothy seems like he is trying to read my thoughts. I look away from those perceptive golden eyes and grab a controller.

The first game is between Eric and me. Within minutes, I defeat him.

- "So my little Eric not too disappointed? I joke.

- "I let you win" he almost grumbles

- Of course, you did... Come on Timothy, you're your turn. I will make you bite the dust.

After a fierce battle, I am defeated by Timothy. Eric stares at me speechless and exclaims:

- You're really good at this game! Never has anyone stood so long against Tim! Who taught you how to play?

- My father.

- He should do a game against Timothy to see who's going to win!

I take an inspiration to repress the tears that threaten to emerge and I answer:

- That can't happen, my father is dead.

*1664: A kind of bear