TANGLED HEARTS

LINA'S VIEW The afternoon was late. I had just made the foolish decision to kiss the brother of my best friend. My summer did not go as planned, but here I was. I was completely unconscious in the room I shared with Amelie an hour prior to it. Her family took me in after Dad passed away in that wreck a few months ago. I ended up here in Berlin, in this comfortable but noisy house that always smelt like waffles and laundry detergent, because no one else on my side cared. I had been in a rut ever since the crash—waking up sweating and gasping, having nightmares, and having panic attacks. It was the same today. Someone knocked on the door, engulfing me in yet another demented dream. "Yes?" I spoke in a raspy voice. The voice behind the door said, "Hey, it’s Jannik." "Come in." He entered, looking a little strange. He said, "Are you good?" and silently closed the door. I smiled, phony but convincing. "Yeah, just exhausted." Instead of sitting, he stood, seemingly unsure of what to do. "Are you certain? I'm listening if something is bothering you. I arched an eyebrow. "You've been the emotional support type since when?" Even when Amelie rants, you ignore her. Are you intoxicated ? He laughed, but it sounded strange, as if he was reluctant to acknowledge it. Perhaps. "Just a little." "Why are you here at all?" "My girlfriend is coming over." "And?" "Told her I was home alone; just wanted to let you know in case you hear... stuff." I let out a groan. Really? Thank you, but I don't need a mental image. He smiled as if he were pleased to make me twitch. The strange thing is that Jannik is one of those guys who are aware of his attractiveness. Jannik is tall, not excessively muscular, yet he exudes effortless power. His gray eyes were always smirking and scanning. Yes, he flirts. He flirts with me a great deal, particularly when he sees that I'm depressed. It's his perverse method of amusing me. And until today, it did work. Then there was silence. He simply stood there, watching me. He asked, "Don't you ever get jealous?" I blinked. "Of what?" "The girls I bring home." I gave a snort. "Why would I?" He moved closer. "Are you feeling anything for me? Not at all?" My throat tightened with the breath. What on earth was the source of this? "No. Why would I? That's not correct. It looked like I slapped him. "Why not? I'm not a choice." "You weren't. You won't be. He shook his head and sighed. I made my way to the door. "Lina, hold on…" He took hold of my hand. I looked over at him. He stared at me with his grey eyes. "Do you realize that you are messing with my head?" As he ran his hand through his hair, he spoke. "Why must it be you?" His voice broke. I couldn't think of anything to say. Anything that would ease this strange tension was what I wanted to say. Acquire some rest. "All right, let's talk later." However, he refused to let go of my hand. "I believe I have fallen in love with you." My heart pounded with excitement. "I'm serious. All I can think about is you. Your simple shampoo is all I can think about. You emit a foolish laugh. When you discuss your stupid books, your eyes light up. You haunt me every single day. His gaze fell into my mouth. "Don't…." He gave me a kiss. chilly. Unexpectedly damp. The taste of vodka and regret filled his mouth. I let it happen for a moment. It felt good for a moment. However, it was incorrect. I pushed him away. Hard. I wanted to slap him, but I refrained. After giving him one last look, I snatched up my phone and hurried away. I departed without a coat. Just rage. It was freezing outside. I didn't care. I took a stroll and simply went for a walk. The streets merged into one another. In an attempt to dispel the heat from that kiss, I allowed the cold to seep into me. My phone was constantly buzzing with voicemails, texts, and calls. Disregarded. About an hour later, I stopped at Kaffeehaus Lenz. I was drawn in by the comforting aroma of roasted beans. I asked for anything warm and sweet. I sat down and turned on my phone. There were thirty missed calls. Fourteen texts. Five voicemails. Amelie's name also appeared. With a sigh, I tapped on her contact information. She picked it up right away. "Where have you been?" You were upset, according to Jannik. Let's revisit that name. I tightened my jaw. "I simply needed room." "All right... I forwarded Nico's photo to you. Review it!" I smiled a little at her giddy behavior. "All right, hold on." I clicked on the picture she sent after opening the photo app. Oh no. He was all right. Okay, so I wasn't listening…. Bam. I ran into someone. Hard. The coffee split. My phone fell to the floor. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I stooped to pick up my phone. He was a tall man with a dark coat and a neat haircut. Holding a novel, a real book, indeed. His voice was calm and smooth as he asked, "Are you okay?" "Yes. But my pride isn't." He laughed. "Your coffee doesn't seem to have survived." "No". Terrible loss. He took my phone and returned it. "Thanks," I muttered. "Klutz, you're welcome." Despite rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but smile. "Do you only run into attractive people, or do you always run into strangers?" "Just those who read while strolling are dangerous pastimes". He raised the book. "It's research." "Oh? Are you perhaps a detective? "Writer." Numbers. "Well, thanks for saving my phone, Mr Writer." "Anytime, Miss Hurricane." The burden of the day suddenly disappeared, if only briefly.