[EN] Unexpected Eletricity (an Apex Story)

Chapter 4

After saying a few words to the camera, we all meet at the arena extraction area, waiting for our transportation to return to the complex. I turn to Natalie.

''It was def' an incredible match, chica, I still feel the adrenaline rush! Do you feel it too? No? Just me?''

She laughs and put her hands in front of her mouth. I smile, softened by her cuteness. Che approaches us and exclaims:

''Hey! We're gonna have a drink in town tonight. D'yuh want to come, Nat?''

I see her immediately hesitating. Even if I met her recently, it is quite obvious that she is a reserved girl who does not like noisy environments that are teeming with people. Maybe I can convince her.

''Come on, come on, come on, señorita, it would be awesome if you come with us!''

With three "come on" she can't refuse, can she? I see a hint of a smile appears on her face.

''Okay, I will be there.''

I smile stupidly, under my mask.

''Perfect! We meet at 22:00 in the hall, and then we all leave togetha for the bar. Yuh're gonna see, we're gonna have fun!'', said Che.

The bus arrives, and then Natalie happily run until embark in it. She was capering about like a conejo. I always liked rabbits. They are harmless and cute. Like Natalie. I watch her go away, dreamy, and feel a hand on my arm.

''Silva, I swear, if yuh hurt this girl, yuh will have to deal with me'', Che said to me in a tone that wanted to be threatening.

''Waaa, relax, Che. ¿Qué pasa, hermana?''

''I know how yuh are with girls'', she continued, pointing an accusing finger at me. ''Yuh use them for self-interest, and when they develop an emotional attachment, yuh simply get rid of them. Yuh should distance yah'self, I don't want to have to pick up the pieces.''

I remain silent. She softens and adds:

''Yuh're not a bad guy, but yuh're not serious enough for her, Silva.''

She gives me a slight sorry smile and heads for the bus. Her remark emotionally affects me because I know she's right. I follow her, while being lost in my thoughts.

***

I am getting ready for tonight evening at Elliott's bar. I do not want to overdo it because it is not in my habits, but I want to wear something special that could catch Octavio's attention. I put on my prettiest floral dress and a jeans jacket. I fasten my hair on the side of my face and apply a little bit of make-up. I watch some TV on my sofa, while swinging my little legs, which do not touch the floor, in all directions. I am not used to going out to bars. In fact, it will be the first time. I hate noisy places; it makes me feel anxious and dizzy... A few minutes before 22:00, I head to the hall, where Renee, Path, Ajay and Octavio are waiting. He wears ripped jeans shorts, a black t-shirt and a leather jacket. He looks really good, too bad he still wears his mask, glasses and helmet... As I chat with Renee and Path, I watch him out of the corner of my eye. Elliott joins us, a little late, and we head towards the nearest tram station. During the ride, I have been admiring the stars in the sky. I wonder if you are one of them, papa. The tram stops and we go out, almost directly at the front door of Elliott's bar.

Inside, there are multicolored neon lights that sizzle and a really loud music that echoes in my ears. How can people feel comfortable in that kind of atmosphere? I am not feeling very well already, and a feeling of oppression is flowing inside of me.

''Wanna dance, señorita?'', said Octavio very close to my ear, so that I could understand what he was saying to me through all this chaos.

My heart stops. I would love to, but I never have dance with anybody. I am going to look ridiculous.

''I ... I'm sorry. I don't really know how'', I yelled at him.

''D'you want me to teach you?''

I hesitate, but I answer him:

''Non merci, maybe another time.''

I reluctantly walk away and sit next to Ajay, who was chatting with Elliott. He is making a cocktail in a strange object which he strongly shakes. I turn around and see that Renee is doing a funny robot dance, accompanied by Path. Octavio dances in all directions, to the rhythm of the music. I smile. I notice that several girls turn around him, with seductive behavior. My smile fades.

''So, mademoiselle'', said Elliott, imitating my accent. ''What poison d'you want?''