WHO ARE YOU?

Prologue

Juliette Odilie

I could never understand how people can suddenly decide to start a new life and just like that move from one place to another day by day, meanwhile I'm standing here, at the airport in San Diego with a huge suitcase. I'm looking around. People are less than ten minutes ago, and it's means I can move comfortably. Finally. After passing through automatic doors, the first thing I can see is the huge palm trees. I'm smiling about their view. A previously ordered silver cab is coming up. The driver is nice and friendly. He tells me all the way through about how he loves this town. Forty minutes later, I'm walking into my room at Heritage Inn La Messa. I won't hide, the hotel is not modern but neat. I'm not going to stay in it for long because I have a few meetings tomorrow about renting an apartment. I'm laying down on the bed and take out my phone. I'm turning on Netflix, and I'm falling asleep. I'm waking up by the scream of one of the actresses.

— Are you crazy? God... – I'm rubbing my face with my hands, and I'm turning off application.

I'm going to the bathroom where I'm washing my face to wake up. It doesn't help a lot, because after while I'm yawning. When I'm leaving the room, I'm hearing how my stomach rumbles. I'm fixing a bun on my head. I'm taking my phone and my room keys then I'm going out. I'm deciding to go to La Torta Cafe, because I fancy a walk and this place is climatic in the own way. Half an hour later, I'm entering into the cafe. The walls are brown, and on the one of them is hanging a big sun, which is producing slight anxiety in me. I'm sitting down at one of the free tables and taking the menu. After a while of thinking, I'm ordering a House Salad with grilled chicken. The food here is very good. I'm leaving the premises giving him a positive opinion, when someone bumps into me. It's a girl. She's shaking up, and tears is flowing from her eyes.

— What's happening? – I'm asking, and the girl seems to be surprised by my presence.

— Nothing. Don't you have own life?

— You are the one who bumped into me.

— Seriously?

— Yes.

— Sorry. – She's saying fast and passing me.

I'm not sure what I'm doing, but after a while, I'm next to her again.

— Are you sure you don't want to talk?

— Piss off.

— I just want to help.

— You're not from here, are you? – She's watching me closely.

— Why are you asking?

— I will tell you something. It's a good advice. You shouldn't talk with me.

— I'm seeing you have a problem, and I want to help you. I don't care who you are.

— Bullshit.

— In earnest. – I'm seeing she's unsure what she should to do. – You can trust me.

— It's a long story. – She's trying to blow me off.

— I have time. – I'm shrugging my shoulders and the girl sighing.

— It's all about a boy. I told him a moment ago that I think I might be in pregnant. He didn't react well. I've never seen him like this. Literally. Because our relationship is fucked up, I didn't expect him to be happy, but I was hoping that he would react like a human being. – She's saying when we are going in down the street. – Because of that asshole I'm afraid to go for a pregnancy test. – She's confessing quietly.

— I can go with you. – Words are leaving my mouth before I can think of them.

— Would you be able to do that for me? – She's raising her eyebrows.

— Why not? It's not a big deal for me.

— All right, come with me, before I will change my mind. – She's saying and pulling my elbow.

We're going in silence, but it is not awkward. I have a chance to take a closer look at the girl. She's a dark blonde. She's wearing an oversize leather jacket, and underneath it, jagged black shorts and a T-shirt with the band's logo tied over her navel. I'm intrigued. Why is she so distrustful? Someone hurt her in the past? Does she just hate people? Suddenly she's stopping, and I'm repeating her move and I'm seeing we are next to the pharmacy.

— Can you go to buy it for me? – She's asking me by pressing the money in my hand.

— Well, I guess I have no choice. – I'm answering slightly amused, and she's giving me the death stare.

There's no one in the pharmacy, except the pharmacist. I'm coming up to the counter and saying hello to her.

— How can I help you?

— I need a pregnancy test.

— Just one? If you suspect a pregnancy, you should take at least three.

— Okay then.

After a while, I'm going back to the girl who's nervously walking back and forth in front of the building.

— It's done. – I'm giving her the rest of her money and the tests. – How are you feeling? – I'm asking her when she's putting everything in her pocket.

— Terribly. – She's answering and kicking the little stone lying nearby.

Her sneakers are all signed with many names and crazy faces. My smartwatch vibrates letting me know that I've broken my steps record. I'm noticing it's getting dark. I'm looking at the girl who's writing on the phone right now.

— Are we going? – She's asking and hiding the device.

— Yes. Where?

— Where did you check in?

— At Heritage Inn La Mesa. – I'm answering.

I have no reason to keep it a secret. Tomorrow there'll be no trace of me there.

— Okay. – She's shrugging her shoulders, and we're start walking.

— What's your name?

— You said you didn't care who I am. – She's reproaching me.

— Whatever. – I'm rolling my eyes.

— I'm Isla.

— Juliette.

— I didn't ask.

— I know. – I'm laughing and Isla is smiling.

— Would you like some coffee?

Coffee at 8:30 p.m.? This is definitely not a good idea.

— Sure.

Half an hour later, I'm holding a paper cup with a Starbucks logo in my hand. I'm taking a sip of the latte when the girl's phone starts ringing. A grimace appearing on her face when she's seeing the name of the contact, but still receiving a call.

— I'm in front of Starbucks on Jackson Dr. – She's saying and when she's waiting for the answer, taking a sip of the coffee. – Good. – She's sighing.

— All alright?

— Yes. I can't walk you to the hotel. I've got a case to run.

— I understand. Despite the circumstances, it was good to meet you. You're strong and can handle anything. Take care of yourself. – I'm smiling to her and start to moving away slowly when I'm hearing:

— Don't get lost and don't talk to strangers!

— I guess that is a good advice, doesn't it?!

We're laughing, and after a while, the car showing up and she's getting into it and driving away.

~~~

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