MARCAS DO DESTINO

Could it be Passion?

The weekend went by fast. Alice, as usual, picked me up at home, and we went to school. The class started and during the whole time I kept serious; at the end, when everybody was getting ready to leave, Eduardo approached me.

— Hi, lass.

Without answering anything, I stared at him and left with my notebooks in my arms.

— I need to talk to you, aren't you going to answer me? What did I do to you? I just tried to defend you, I didn't do anything against you!

I answered him quickly.

— I'm sorry, I want to avoid talking about any of it, much less remember that damned day, it's nothing against you and, in fact, I haven't even thanked you for getting that i***t off me, thank you for helping me.

Milena arrives saying:

— Edu has had enough, right? Fabrício has already won the bet, and you will continue with the game, don't you know how to lose, baby?

— Bet? What bet? — I asked with a look that cut him in half.

— That's not what you're thinking, Gaby. Milena, what are you, crazy? — Eduardo tried to defend himself, but I was feeling foolish for giving him the idea, it's logical that there was something going on, so I left giving him no chance to defend himself.

— For me, you must be just like him, it's no wonder you're like that — I said, passing by him like a hurricane, in the face of my indifference after believing Milena's lies, but I noticed that Eduardo was really upset because he spoke loud enough for me to hear.

— Oh, that's it? Besides being a peasant, are you smug too? OK, if you want to believe her, that's your problem!

I didn't even look back, which made him deeply irritated. The next day I was surprised with Eduardo at the school entrance, he seemed to be waiting for me, I saw him still far away.

— Wow, how lucky I am, God! I had to see this playboy on my face — I took a deep breath, my goal was to move on, I passed by him ignoring him completely, since he was there on purpose.

— Hi, cute smug, good morning to you too. — Eduardo gives the air of grace.

Then he came out behind me just to disturb my mind, trying to get attention with all those little jokes, he looked like a spoiled boy who had lost his toy. While I was walking up the stairs with Eduardo disturbing me, I stopped facing him and said:

— Do you want something? Seriously, are you going to follow me now? I think you're confusing me with one of those girls who come to school to play instead of studying. Do me a favor, go find your class and forget me!

The angrier I got, the more it seemed he took pleasure in upsetting me. The months went by, he and I, all we did was fight, we couldn't even talk decently for a minute. He made those silly jokes, it seemed like an implication, in fact, for Eduardo, I was a kind of novelty, because of all the people he knew, only I wasn't drooling all the time over him, which was different and messed with his mind.

EDUARDO

Actually, I can't explain what it is exactly…

But since the first moment I saw Gabriella at the school entrance, I couldn't get her out of my mind. Maybe it is her shy, unguarded way or the fact that she is so stubborn, I don't know, I only know one thing, she is different from all the girls I have ever met in my life, I think I am completely charmed by her difficult way.

GABRIELLA

Arriving at the class without looking back, I’m going straight to my seat.

I sat down, picking up my book and starting to read, it didn't take long for the bell to ring and once more he entered the room amidst a big mess, as always, and so the class began.

After a new subject passed by the teacher, I felt something falling on my head, it was a small crumpled ball of paper. I bent down to the floor picking it up to throw it in the trash, when I looked, I realized that it was a note; I was curious to know what was written, so I decided to open it to see the content. I looked to the side and noticed that it was Eduardo doing another one of his jokes, I said in my mind: 'What an i***t boy!’ Then I leaned my body forward, after thinking: 'Does he think I'm so dumb as-such to fall for his cheap teases?’ The bell rang, reaching the end of another class, I packed my things and left rushing. As I passed by the corridor, he came running and surrounded me.

— Now you won't run away from me, little smug. — He says.

— Would you please excuse me? — I answered loud and clear.

— No!

— Get out of my way!

— No!

— So, tell me, what do you want from me anyway, kid? Why are you chasing me? Come on, you don't even know me!

— That's it, cute smug, I want to get to know you better, may I? I didn't do anything bad to you, Gabriella, all I did was try to defend you that day, forget all the nonsense Milena said about me, let's forget everything that happened and give me a chance to really get to know you, let's start from scratch, as if it were the first time.

— Playful, didn't waste any time. — Before I could answer, he continued: — Let me introduce myself again. — He took my hand, which was trembling. — My name is Eduardo, what a pleasure! — I was sweating cold.

Still distrustful of everything and everyone, too afraid to believe Eduardo, I tried to disguise the satisfaction at having him in front of me practically declaring himself.

— Was that all? So, you've already introduced yourself, now let me go — I said, trying to leave, but he impulsively grabbed my arm.

— Calm down, cute smug girl, I introduced myself, now it’s your time! — he said.

— Okay, thereafter, you promise you'll leave me alone? — I stared at him seriously.

— Ok.

— My name is Gabriella, nice to meet you, okay?

— It's great! — he answered, looking at my mouth. He smiled and let me go. When I was near the stairs, he called me. — Gabriella… — I looked back, listening to his charming voice. — See you tomorrow, pretty.

Just sketching a half smile I started to go down the stairs, I met Alice at the gate, and we went home, unfortunately what I didn't want, happened; I left with that boy in my head, arriving at my house I said goodbye to Alice, going straight to my room.

— How could that boy be so ridiculous? — I asked myself in my mind. — Why can't I get that i***t out of my mind, why does he move me so much?

I remembered the crumpled note inside my pocket, I took it to read and gave a brief smile thinking about that beautiful i***t, I sighed smelling the crumpled paper, the afternoon passed and so did the night, coming another morning rush. Waking up late, I took a quick shower and put on my clothes, grabbed some fruit and hurriedly left, with Alice shouting at the gate.

— What happened, girlfriend, did you sleep more than the bed today? Run, we're more than late! — she said, laughing at my crumpled face.

EDUARDO

That night I slept planning a new date.

I couldn't wait for the morning to dawn just to go to school to see her, I woke up early, jumped out of bed running, putting on my clothes, got to the coffee table, grabbed some toast and left, when Mrs. Maristela, my lovely mother, seeing me in that rush, said:

— Whoa, whoa, easy there, son, good morning, first.

— Good morning, Mother!

— May I know what all the hurry is about? — he asked.

— It's nothing, my queen, I just want to arrive early today.

— Uhum, I know… that's fine, but school's not going anywhere! Come on, Edu, sit at the table and make your breakfast as you always did, have your coffee straight, boy.

— I can't, mum, I really have to go! — I explained. I returned smiling and gave him a brief kiss on his forehead.

I ran towards the school and couldn't wait to see that cute smug girl again, I couldn't wait! Likewise, I waited… I waited and she didn't come. Likewise, I knew she always arrived earlier. The bell was getting closer and the class was about to start. With the delay of Gaby, I was even more anxious imagining that she would not come, I constantly looked at the clock. The bell rang, but she had not arrived, with a low voice, I entered the room, but this time very different from the others, I entered seriously, with a half-expressive look, going to my seat. Everyone found my attitude strange, logical, I never arrive like this, but I ignored what the others were thinking about me.

In fact, I only wanted one thing: to see Gabriella, I just wanted to be able to look at the other side of the room, and see that cute smug girl sitting there, reading her book before class starts as she always does. Anyway, another day of class started, everyone concentrated in the subject that the teacher was passing on the board, suddenly something happened to my happiness, someone knocked on the door, asking to watch the class, it was her! So, I opened that smile when I saw her and heard her beautiful shy voice saying:

— Sorry I'm late, teacher, may I come in?

— Yes, Gabriella, come right in, we've already started class.

— Hum… the cute smug girl slept more than the bed today, huh? — she said, with the most beautiful smile on her lips, that she had finally arrived

Gabriella just looked at her and went to her seat.

GABRIELLA

— After a few minutes, once again I felt something falling on me, I looked and saw that it was Eduardo again, with one more of his notes. Just like I did the first time, I bent down and picked up the paper:

Morning, my pretty smuggle, look at me, I want to see your perfect face, today I will give you three options to improve our day:

First, you stay with me; Second, I stay with you; Third, we stay together.

I read that note without believing what my eyes were seeing, I raised one of my eyebrows and got serious, I observed that he was crazy to call my attention, because not satisfied, he threw another one with more funny writing, this time I just looked at the little ball of paper, ignoring it so that he would notice. After a while, disguising myself, of course, I put one of my feet on the small crumpled piece of paper and pulled it towards me slowly, then I looked at Edu, without understanding why he had that little smile between his lips. I kept analyzing him, without letting him notice. I wondered why he still had that look on his face, if he saw that I ignored him completely. In the short break between classes, I took the note quickly, leaving to the cafeteria. Still in the corridor, I decided to open it and read what was written:

I bet you a kiss, yummy, on your perfect mouth, that you'll send me off!

Eduardo was so terrible that he could really make me mad, so much that the moment I saw him I decided to take satisfaction.

— Listen here… — Before he could finish his sentence, he kissed me on the mouth, which took my breath away. I was completely unresponsive, and when I realized it I pushed him away, totally disconcerted.

— Are you crazy? You're such a ridiculous playboy, aren't you? What do you think? Do you think all girls are the same? You think because I'm simple and come from the countryside, I'm a fool? And that you can do whatever you want, you crazy bastard? — I fought and ran out of the classroom. I picked up my things and went to Alice's room, begging her to take me away! Alice was doing some test questions, and for this reason, she refused my request.

— What happened this time, friend? Sorry, but I can't leave here now, I have to finish my revision. Go to the terminal and take the 264, and you will arrive home safe and sound.

So, I did, I was not in the mood to stay in that school anymore! Arriving home, still nervous, I ran in, passed my father in the living room and went to my room, lay down on my bed, still not believing what had happened. Meanwhile, as I was going home, the break was over and everyone went back to the classroom.

EDUARDO

After the stolen kiss, I stayed in the courtyard, traveling in the taste of that cute stubborn girl's mouth. A while later I realized that everyone had entered, I went running to the room and came the surprise with the absence of Gabriella, that's when I realized my mistake.

— What have I done? I think that this time I overdid it, now she won't even want to look at my face, I felt it would be better not to hurt her with that.

Summing up I got upset and saw that going to my house was the best thing I could do currently. On the way I even thought of looking for Gabriella and try to explain myself, I just wanted her to know that it wasn't just a joke, she is exceptional to me. In fact, I realized that I don't want to be away from her anymore, and with that, I faced the fear of losing once and for all the only person who really touched me. The kiss stolen from Gabriella was quick, but enough for me to realize that, of all the mouths I had ever kissed, this was the best of my life.

GABRIELLA

A bit calmer now, I sighed deeply every time I remembered the warmth of that mouth. It was hard to admit, but I was completely in love with that playboy!

And that's precisely why I couldn't surrender to his charms, it was love at first sight, I have no doubt of that, since the first moment I saw him I saw myself moved. The problem was to admit this passion and then watch him play with my feelings, because I'm afraid of suffering with this love, since there's his reputation as a womanizer.

Eduardo didn't know it, but I had never kissed any other boy before, that stolen kiss was my first kiss. The night passed and at dawn, I woke up even earlier than usual, got ready rushing, barely had breakfast and left for school, I walked all the way with my thoughts still on that unexpected kiss, I felt that my life would not be the same from that day on. During the arrival, when I saw him, I was practically without action, my hands froze immediately, and I was a little embarrassed, and even shyer than I already am.

EDUARDO

When I saw Gabriella, I felt something I had never felt before, I stayed for some time admiring her. Your shyness makes you even more charming with your delicate and serene way. We were face to face.

GABRIELLA

Eduardo seemed completely hypnotized looking at me, I was totally disconcerted to see him right in front of me. Although I was completely surrendered to his charms, I turned quickly and continued towards the stairs, my heart seemed to want to jump out of my chest. I noticed that, he quickened his steps and came up behind me, calling my name, but I kept walking.

— Gaby, Gabriella, wait, please, I need to talk to you! — he said. Ignoring him, I quickened my steps, pretending not to hear him. — Hey, Gabriella, sorry about yesterday, I didn't mean to hurt you! Gabriella, please stop and listen to me, just give me a chance to explain myself, I just want to talk to you.

EDUARDO

Since she wanted to avoid stopping and listen to me, I saw no other alternative but to hold her arm and force her to stop.

GABRIELLA

As I felt his hand holding me tightly, I lost my ground. I stopped and looked at him seriously.

— Would you please let go of me? As far as I know, I have nothing to say to you. Let me go now, or I'll scream — I shouted.

He surprised me with his gaze directed at me, his way of looking at me was the most beautiful I had ever seen.

— Calm down, I just want to talk to you.

Even though he asked me to calm down, it was useless! Taking a deep breath, I let out a tremendous scream, interrupted by another kiss, in an attempt to make me shut up, and this time I didn't have the strength to push him away. When I realized what I was doing, I said without the slightest desire to get out of there:

— Let me go, please.

— Calm down, I'll let you go, but I'll only let you go if you promise to listen to me. — he whispered. Still holding me, he says with his eyes fixed on mine: — Give me a chance, I just want a few minutes.

I was extremely nervous, but it wasn't because I was holding myself back, it was because I knew that his presence so close to me was making me helpless, I couldn't even behave in front of him, much less speak, so I let my guard down and decided to give him those famous minutes for which he insisted so much.

— Okay, kid, then tell me what you want, why do you insist so much on talking to me?

— Let's go to the courtyard, so we can sit down and talk properly.

— Um, I don't know, you can talk right here! I don't want to go anywhere with you.

— Relax, you smuggie girl, I'm not going to do anything you don't want, just talk — she smiled.

— Um, I don't know if this is a good idea, but considering ending this persecution of yours, I'll accept, but there's still one condition. — I looked into his eyes.

— You can say whatever it is, I've already accepted.

— No more surprise kisses this time, OK? Either that, or nothing! — For the first time, I had to express a look of laughter before I spoke.

— Okay, I'll try — he replied. He returned my smile with another.

And so, we left searching for a reserved place to finally talk more freely, while we walked around the schoolyard, although I was still very apprehensive with Eduardo's presence beside me, we broke the ice a little and began to talk about a little of everything.

EDUARDO

After beating her by the tiredness, Gaby lowered her guard a little, and so I could talk more openly with her, I was very interested in knowing everything about the life of my first passion, I was completely enchanted with that little brat, totally hypnotized watching every gesture she made while we were together. I could hardly disguise the overwhelming passion that took my heart so completely that I could stay there beside her for all the time in the world, just listening to her talk… Now more than ever, I am convinced that I want this girl in my life! Her voice sounded like music to my ears, every word that came out of her mouth increased the certainty that she was precisely the person I wanted to be my girlfriend.

GABRIELLA

I stopped briefly when I noticed Eduardo's gaze fixed on me, I lowered my head for a few seconds, then lifted it again, sketching a slight smile.

— What is it? Why are you looking at me so intensely, did I say something wrong?

Eduardo continued to stare at me, seemingly not knowing what to say for sure at that moment.

EDUARDO

When she asked me what it was, I even wanted to talk, in fact, I had many things I wanted to say, but because of pride, I ended up getting completely blocked to declare myself and say everything I was feeling. However, I left my pride aside, took a deep breath and said:

— No, on the contrary, you are perfect, I would spend hours here, listening to you, without thinking of anything else.

GABRIELLA

— Why me? Why did you choose me for your pranks? — I asked, surprised at what I had just heard. — Here at this school there are so many girls interested in you, in your jokes; so many girls that would do anything just to get your attention, and you want to play with me… Why?

He laughs a little in his smuggie and cheeky way.

— Not that many, of all of them, you can't stay with any of them, it's difficult, it's very difficult, because there's a big problem with them — he said.

— What is the issue? I don't understand why there is a problem? I don't see this problem as you say, I don't know where the difficulty lies, as far as I can see, they are precisely the way you like them, besides being each once more beautiful than the other, it's obvious that they have the profile that attracts you, you just have to choose, I don't see any difficulty in that! — I questioned, not understanding anything.

EDUARDO

— Do you really want to know what the problem is? — I couldn't hold back. I got very close to her, face to face, getting closer to her ear, I whispered: — None of them are you! None of them have your look, your sweet, gentle and at the same time moody way of looking, that is to say, stubborn, mistress of reason, do you understand now, smuggie girl?

GABRIELLA

Feeling a chill from head to toe with that delicious voice saying exactly what, deep down, I wanted to hear, I quickly looked away, pretending not to understand what he meant and, although pretending not to understand, I simply loved everything I heard. I liked it so much that I was curious to know more, now with a careful look at his every gesture, I continued with the questions with an air of laughter questioning ‘why me’? At that moment the bell rang, interrupting Eduardo's answer, the class was about to begin and Eduardo told me:

— I swear to answer all your questions on the way out, what do you think about us scheduling to continue this subject?

Still walking together to the classroom, I was already dying to say yes, I'll just have a brief look around.

— I don't think so! But I'll think about it until the end of class and tell you, okay? — I answer.