[EN] Unexpected Eletricity (an Apex Story)

Chapter 13

After dancing for several minutes, I can feel the effect of the adrenaline subsiding. It leaves me in an even worse state than before. I really did not miss the state that comes after euphoria.

I sit at the bar counter and reject the advances of the girls who come to see me, or rather who come to see Octane. Before, I did not refuse when a chica offered to end the evening at her place. One-night stands acted kind of like a drug to me. They allowed me to stop thinking for a while, and to put the anxiety and my other problems aside. But since I discovered that there is so much more, I cannot be satisfied with these. What I want is Natalie.

I look at Witt across the counter, busy seducing two young women, using a mirage of himself. Visibly unimpressed, they end up leaving. He turns to me, shrugging his shoulders.

''They usually don't resist. Heh, I don't understand, I'm as charming as ever! W-well, I think so. Tell me man, do you think I'm charming? Aggh, it's my hair, isn't?''

I managed to do not roll my eyes. This guy is an idiot, but that make his charm. Maybe it is the same for me.

''Hey, amigo... Did-ja ever want to settle down? Like, forming a couple with Renee and living with her every day, enjoyin' all the little moments together... I dunno.''

He looks at me for a moment, puzzled, then bursts out laughing.

''It-it's really you who are asking me that? Are you okay Octavio, did you get a concussion or somethin'?'', he continued, still laughing.

Annoyed, I do not answer.

''Wai-wai-wai-wait... Have you found your rare gem, my little Octavio? Yuh know, I'm a relationship specialist. No one's better than your buddy Elliott to help you with your sentimental problems! Huh, I mean, look at me boy, pretty obvious that I have muuuch experience! Hehe, wink.''

Am I really that desperate to ask Witt for advice? Really, Silva?

''Yeah, well... Turns out that I got quite close to a certain girl... and I have pretty good reasons to believe that it was mutual between us, but lately she wants to distance herself. And basically, she's ignoring me now.''

Better to stay vague on the situation because with him: secrets do not stay secrets for long.

''Oh yeah, ok ok...'', he said, nodding his head. ''Wait a sec', wouldn't you talk about Nat here?''

I sigh. He gives me a big smile, before saying:

''I knew there was somethin' between you two! And then, from one day to the next, she talks to you no longer and hangs out with the conspara-the conspirado-huh-the conspiratorial guy. Harsh, harsh, very harsh. Besides, this kiddo is completely paranoid!''

He starts to laugh.

''I heard him say that we might be the target of a terrorist attack by a crackpot chatting on some shady forums. Heh, if you want my opinion, this kid is high on somethin'! I-I do not imply that getting high is a bad thing dude, I'm not judging you. But still, it's kinda bad. No judgement here. A-anyway, he might even be in a hacker cult, as far as I know! Hehehe. Yeah. Aww, I understand why you always stay in your place now, it must really hurt to see her with someone else. (1)''

''Look, man... I just want a piece of advice, somethin'...''

He looks at me, a sympathetic look on his face.

''Lucky you, I have juuust the advice you need. See how crazy it drives yuh to see her with someone else? You even more want to win her back because you feel that your place is in danger, right? Just do the same, my friend!''

I look at him, bewildered.

''Is this your plan, amigo?!''

''Octavio... my little Octavio. You are just getting started, in the wonderful world of love! In front of you, you have an expert specimen. I'm telling yuh, it works every time.''

I think for a moment.

''Naaah man, I don't want to see another chica just to make her jealous...''

''See another girl? B-but, who said that? Look, you go on a date with some random girl, Nat saw you with her, and that's it. Boom, jealousy. And then your good buddy Elliott takes care of the rest. I am a master at the art of conversation. I'll make her confess how she feels about you, my boy!''

He taps me on the shoulder for support, then pulls out his phone and takes a picture of me.

''What are you doin'?''

''I'm making a profile for you on a dating app'! Duh.''

Mierda, what did I get into?

***

(1)   Omg, am I a good Mirage? I'm proud of that dialogue hahaha. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. x)