CHAPTER 001
1045 Words
Chapter 001
Selena’s point of view
"Selene!" For the hundredth time, Camila yelled from the living room.
I sank farther into the warm water and rolled my eyes. This was not going to be a relaxing bubble bath. Camila was free to scream all she wanted, but I refused to leave.
Our first week of school was when we first met. She wasn't looking for a roommate, but she offered when I needed one. Mamá immediately agreed, presumably because she found something appealing in Camila. When it comes to her children, Mamá can act as a sort of watchdog. What mother isn'y?
Camila has a lot. Camila possesses many qualities. She can exhibit a gentle demeanor when she chooses to, but when her protective big-sister instincts emerge, she can become quite spirited. However, I would refrain from expressing that openly. However, I wouldn't say that aloud. She would tear my head off.
"What?" I returned the call in my most naive voice. Her rolling her eyes was already in my mind.
"You're asking me what after spending the entire morning in there? I promise to drag you out by your hair if you don't leave within a minute."
I tried not to laugh and covered my mouth. Grab me by the hair. Camila Was in her classic form. She was more extravagant than normal, though, because she had a big test today. I was going to relish every moment of this payback. This was for all the times she forced me to take a shower in less than two minutes.
A warm, soapy bath is revenge.
Twenty minutes later, I emerged from the restroom wearing my peach sundress, a small black belt around my waist, tiny silver studs in my ears, and black sandals adorned with tiny pearls. I walked out slowly, my damp hair sliding off my shoulder.
Camila glared at me as if she wanted to set me on fire when she looked up.
She pushed past me and hissed, "You're the worst."
I called sweetly, "But you love me."
She gritted her teeth and paused. "You ought to feel grateful. I would have strangled you by now if I didn't love you."
Slam. The bathroom door slammed firmly behind her.
She ought to have gotten up earlier if she truly wanted to be on time. Just letting you know.
Fifteen minutes later, she had finished her washing and left. She couldn't have washed properly. We got into her vehicle and drove away. She drove like she was in a race, of course.
After dropping me off at my department block, she sped off in the direction of the Facultad de Derecho. I hope she didn't hit anyone.
I saw Alejandro, or Álex as we all called him, on my way to my first class, Economía. He drew me into one of his well-known bear hugs.
"You appear to be a ghost, Selene! This time, what did that demon Camila do to you?
I chuckled. "Avoid letting her hear you say that. She will truly kill you.
"Pfft. Like she could.
"Really?" I furrowed my forehead.
He raised both of his hands. "All right, all right. Thank you very much; I love my parts where they are.
As soon as Señor Rivas entered, we took our seats. The lesson started.
A few hours later, I was staring at my phone with my finger hovering over the green call button. It had been a long time since I had spoken to Mamá. Back home, things hadn't exactly been quiet.
Her voice enveloped me like a blanket as soon as she picked me up.
"Hola, mi niña."
"Má," I grinned.
"How are you? Do you eat healthily? Are you in need of anything for school?
"I swear, I'm all right."
She let out a sigh that sounded like she had been holding her breath.
"And how is everyone?"
"Cariño, we're okay."
Even though I already knew, I said, "Papá?"
She paused. "Just concentrate on your studies and don't worry about him."
That indicated that something wasn't right. I wasn't stupid, but I wanted to believe her.
Papá was different once. Funny, intelligent, and always there, he was the type of father that every child aspired to have. However, when his business failed, everything changed. Stress overcame him despite his best efforts to remain composed. He began drinking and continued to do so. It changed him into a different person—one who was aloof and furious.
"Okay," I muttered.
"Hear me out, Selene. Watch who you talk to. Bad people are always watching."
I sat up straight. That wasn't your typical mother's warning. She called me by my complete name. There was a problem.
"All right, Ma'am. Okay, let's talk later.
"Obviously, my love. Be careful.
The call ended.
My stomach turned over. There was a problem. I sensed it. Did Papá make matters worse? Did he make a mistake again?
This weekend, I was returning home. I was not going to wait any longer.
"You good? You look like someone slapped your puppy," Camila said as she came out of the changing room at the cafeteria.
Still struggling to understand, I said, "I spoke to Mamá." I explained the phone call to her.
Camila folded her arms and gave it some serious thought. "She's just exercising caution. That's all.
However, I heard it. Her voice had that slight edge.
"No. There's more to it," I muttered.
She didn't dispute it. He simply nodded after a moment of staring at me.
Then you're spending this weekend at home. The conversation is over.
I didn't argue with her about it. Not now.
We made our way to the counter. The man behind the register, Mateo, appeared pale. Hands shaking. His face was dripping with sweat.
Without glancing at me, he said, "Selene, please go check on Mesa Seis."
Strange. Mateo never behaved in this manner. He appeared to have just seen a ghost.
I gave Camila a quick look. She knitted her brows.
"What's going on with him?"
Her eyes narrowed as she shrugged. "I'm not sure. However, I dislike it.
Tension was high as I turned to face Mesa Seis. There was no doubt that something had occurred. And it wasn't little, whatever it was.
- Writer
