Frozen in time

Chapter nine

Sophie.

As soon as I leave the agency, after having to listen to that breathtaking photographer again, tell me to smile more in the photos, I ran across the parking lot to find Catito. I look at the time on my cell phone and see that it's already six. I have less than an hour to get ready.

I approach the white Saab, and see that careless fag hasn't arrived yet.

- Come on Catito... - I say, at the same time as I type a message for him.

- Are you late for an appointment?

I jump in my seat. When I catch my breath, I see Thiago looking at me like those vampires from horror movies, when he's about to bite the victim. He's still wearing his furry leather jacket - even though the parking lot is blazing hot - and he still has his camera. Like... he doesn't let go of her, does he?

- Look... - I start, and to be honest, I don't even know where the courage came from. - If I didn't already know that you work here, I'd think you're following me.

He laughs. Revealing a mouthful of teeth so wonderful, I just watch it for a second. Just for ONE SECOND... I swear!

- I wouldn't be able to do that. - he gets serious. - And look... my car is right here.

He steps closer to a black Miata, and opens the door. Well... I didn't know his car was this one. So I guess I shouldn't have made a fool of myself...or did I?

- Where are you going?

- What?

- I... - He hides a smile, seeing that I'm completely floating. - I asked where are you going? I can give you a ride...

- Oh, no... thanks. My friend should be arriving soon.

I check my cell phone. Nothing from Catito.

- Are you Joe's assistant?

- Yes. How do you know?

- It's just that I've seen you talking through the agency. But I saw him walking into the boss's office when I left, and by the look of him... I think it'll take a while.

Hmm... is he really telling the truth? But why would he lie? I have to find a way out of this one. I'm never getting into this car with this guy. It's almost like being stuck in an elevator with Brad Pitt shirtless. I immediately remember that during my photo-test session, Priscilla came to call Catito from the back of the room. And I know that when Joe sends for Catito, it's a sign that something isn't right.

- Hmm... okay, I can call a cab. It's just that my house is too far away and...

- Wait...

As soon as I turn to leave, he gently pulls my wrist. And I immediately turn around, to be faced with a pair of withering blue eyes, inches from mine.

- I insist. he says, releasing my wrist and letting me breathe at last. - Besides... taxis are too expensive in this region... it's not good to spend so much money.

Oh, if he knew the black money my parents spend just on the guard dog petshop in my house, he wouldn't care so much about a simple taxi.

- Look... - I say. - I appreciate your kindness... but to tell you the truth, you wouldn't want to take me home. My family is kind of... ''overprotective'' enough to search your car when we get there.

- All right... I'll drop you two blocks from your house.

I look at him and see that I won't win this game. It looks like I'm not the daughter of a very smart businesswoman, and a very persistent lawyer. I take a deep breath.

- Let's go? - He smiles, pointing to the inside of the car, with the front passenger seat door open.

- It's ok.

I get in the car.

When he closes the door, and I'm alone for the meager seconds it takes him to walk around the front of the car and get in beside me, I mentally repeat as many times as possible: ''You love Rick. You love Rick... you love Rick... you love the...''

- And then? - he looks at me, after he puts on the safety belt. - Like music?

MY GOD I'm lost!

I don't know what the difference is since it's the same traffic and the same streets. It's just that I never seem to get home in this car. The acoustic version of Ellie Goulding's song Love me Like you do that's playing isn't helping the mood any less awkward. Okay. I know I was MEGA irresponsible for hitchhiking with a complete stranger. Except I'm really late, and if I don't get there soon, my dad is going to put the entire city police behind me. And I'm not exaggerating.

At this moment, a message arrives from Catito on my cell phone:

''I'm so Sorry...Sophie, I'm sorry, but I'll have to stay late at the agency. Is it okay if you take a taxi?''

''Now that I'm arriving at my house, do you let me know?!''

''It's just that I had forgotten my cell phone in the ladies' room. Did you take the taxi?''

''No. I took a ride with the photographer.''

''WHAT?! Tell me it was a typo and you're not in the same car as that foreign Achilles?''

''It's not a typo. I'm almost nervous!''

''Calm down, friend. Think about unicorns and rainbows... and try to breathe!''

''I promise not to have a fit.''

- Is it your friend?

I get another fright. I almost forgot that I was next to Thiago, when I immediately put my cell phone in my bag.

- Hmm... it is. He said he's staying late.

- I did not say?

I look at him, and to my surprise, he also looks at me smiling, taking his eyes off the road. Even with the fact that we're on a super dangerous road, and he's driving like a rocket.

- Don't you think you're going too fast?

- Oh sorry. - He frowns. - I thought you were late.

- And I am. But I'd rather be told off by my father and my boyfriend than to die.

- Hmm... so you have a boyfriend?

- Yeah. I mean... I'm not sure anymore.

- Oh, I get it. You're having relationship problems.

- If it was only in the relationship, I would consider myself a lucky person. - I mutter to myself.

- Want to know a secret to solve all your problems?

I frown, and look at him curiously.

- I would like it very much.

- Just run away.

- To run away?

- Yes. - He looks at me again, and seriously. - To run away.

- I can't just run away from my problems...

- I think you did not understand me. I meant to run away, literally.

I can't control myself, and I start to laugh. To run away? As if that were possible. He laughs with me, but still, he doesn't confess that it was just a joke.

- So... how long have you been a model?

- I think it's been a year since I've worked at the agency. But I've been doing it since I was ten years old.

- Ten years? - he raises a subbrow. - Whoa. I'm impressed.

- Is that you? How long have you been a photographer?

- I graduated early from college in New York, and at eighteen I had already been hired by Way. But just now I got an exclusive contract with Joe's agency.

- So... how long are you going to stay in Brazil?

- Actually, if I pass the tests... I'll be able to choose between working in New York, or here.

- Hmm... cool.

- I heard about the Christmas issue. Congratulations. I wasn't so surprised, but still... congratulations.

- Thanks.

- You don't seem excited about the idea.

- It's because one of my biggest problems included, maybe not being able to participate in this edition.

- Hmm... maybe you have to...

- We're here. - I interrupt him.

At this same moment, Thiago stops the car right in front of my house. And I almost have a thing and I hide in the car again, when I see Rick's red SUV, parked right next to it.

- Some problem?

- There is? - I look at Thiago, still half lost. - Oh no... no problem. And hmm... thanks for the ride. I don't even know how to thank...

- Have lunch with me.

I stop.

- What did you say?

- You said you don't know how to say thanks, so... have lunch with me.

WHAT THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE'S DOING?

- Hmm... look, I don't think it's a good idea...

- Ah... - he laughs. - I think you got it wrong. It's just that I'm new and... I wanted someone to help me with the city, and I thought you could help me, since you're well known to everyone. It's nothing serious.

- That's it? - I stutter, a little embarrassed. How could I have thought he was hitting on me? Dumb! I have several reasons to know that this is impossible. - Oh, can I think? It's just... I don't know when I'll have time.

- Okay. Can you give me your number?

- All right... it's this one.

I hand my cell to him, but still looking out the window at Rick's car. It looks like it's empty. Is he inside my house? My God! I'm in trouble.

- Ready. I will send a message.

- Okay. Thanks for the... ride again.

- Available. - he smiled.

I open the door and get out of the car in a hurry.

I can't believe what I'm seeing: my mom is sitting on the couch, along with Enrique, and they're both laughing sterically.

- Oh! - mine screams, while he finishes laughing. - So... you mean you chose the wrong card, but ended up winning the game?

- Yes. - Rick says, laughing like never before. And they don't even notice my presence. - I did not know the scheme that my cousins ​​had invented, and even so I hit the jackpot.

- IT'S. You are very lucky!

'In some things yes,' he finally sees me, and immediately stops laughing. - In others... no.

- My daughter! - Mom runs towards me, and pulls me to sit on the couch with them. - You took so long, where were you?

- I... was at the agency. It's just that there was an unforeseen event. - I look at Enrique. - Rick? What are you doing here?

- I arrived less than an hour ago. At the appointed time. But your mother said you weren't there yet... so I decided to wait.

- Where is Daddy? - I ask my mother, still not believing this scene of peace and tranquility, in the midst of the real war.

- He's still at work.

- Lucky for me! - Rick says, and laughs.

- Enrique... Albert is only tough on the outside... deep down, he likes you dear.

I wouldn't believe it so much after he knew Rick went back to drinking. - I just think.

- I doubt that a little... - Rick says, and looks at me. - Are you ready to go?

- What? - I look at myself, and I see that I'm still wearing my denim shorts, and the big blouse I borrowed from the agency, because I had spilled some paint at the time of the photo shoot with Thiago. - No. I... I'm going up, and down in fifteen minutes.

- Ok I'll wait.

I look once more at Rick. He's normal, happier even... except he's pretty normal. I don't know if he still wants to break up with me... I think that calms me down a little.

I guess.

***

Alice.

Okay. I don't even know how to do this. I mean... it's been about two years since I've been to a party. And to tell you the truth... I've never been to a party the kids throw at home when the parents are away... is it like the movies on Fox? Like... there are a lot of drunk teenagers... beer kegs... blondes with a lot of lip gloss... and a bad hangover the next day? I do not think so.

I found out this morning at school that Cascavel is Gabriel's chubby friend. I didn't remember him because he just walks around with a hooded sweatshirt on his head. It's weird going to someone's birthday you didn't even remember existed until the last day, except I told Biel I was going, and I have to comply. But I don't know what to wear at this type of party! I know I'm overreacting... and that I should dress however I feel comfortable. But in a way I still don't know what it is, I really want to get ready for this party.

As I take a look at my wardrobe full of black sweaters, gray sweats, and pants of all kinds...--only black ones or jeans,--I immediately think about calling Sophie. I know she's going to laugh at me when I say I'm wearing a dress...but there's no other way.

- Hi Aly, what's up? -she says, as soon as she answers the phone, and I realize her voice is very strange. She looks like she's upset, but I don't ask.

- Do you know the birthday party of Biel's friend, that I mentioned?

- Yea.

- So... hmm... what do you think I should... wear?

- Well... - she says, without laughing. - Do you have any short black dresses?

- Neither black... nor short.

- OK. Okay. Put on some tight jeans... a sleeveless tank top, and a cardigan.

- Could it be a sweatshirt?

- No. Never wear a sweatshirt at a party!

- OK thanks.

- All right.

- Until later.

What is going on with Sophie? She did NOT laugh at me for asking her fashion tips! She might be planning on posting on f*******: or tweeting this... I don't know... and if that happens, thousands of people will see it! But it's nothing they've ever seen.

- And then mother, like me... - I swallow dry. - I am?

- Alice, you look hot! - my mother pulls me into a bear hug, which holds my breath. - It's been so long since I've seen you with such a small blouse!

- Oh mother... let me go!

- Oh, I'm sorry dear, it's just that you're really beautiful! What did you do to your hair?

'I just did...a few curls...' I mutter.

- What? - She opens a huge smile. - You finally used the curler I bought for your birthday?! Hmm... I'm starting to think there's something going on with this Gabriel guy.

- Mom! - I scream. - Gabriel is my best friend! What a weird thing to say... look, I'll be right there.

- All right... I'll let you go. But promise me you'll get something to eat, dinner is almost ready... are you sure you don't want to stay and have dinner with us?

Dinner with my mom's new ''boyfriend'', and my dear brothers? No, thank you! I invented that we are going to eat pizza at Cascavel's birthday party, just so we don't have to eat at home. But actually, there will only be a few snacks there, and snacks... the rest are just unauthorized drinks for my age. In fact, I thought it was kind of weird that the math teacher and my mom started dating so quickly...unless they'd met before, and my mom hadn't told me. I don't care about it, as long as my mom is happy with it...

- I have a mother. And I promise I'll get something to eat there.

- Okay... - She kisses me on the forehead, and I get uncomfortable. It looks like I've never dated a boy before! - Take care. And call me if you need to.

- OK.

As soon as I go downstairs, Leo and Leandro run past me singing:

- Alice has a boyfriend! Alice has a boyfriend!

And while I wonder where they got that from, I see the cause, sitting right on the couch in my living room, wearing really cool black pants, and a leather jacket that fits him really well. Gabriel. I don't know whether to smile because he's here, or yell at my mom for not telling me.

"Wow... are you..." he gets up from the couch, smiling when he sees me. - Beautiful.

- Do you really think so?

- IT'S. I guess.

- Oh, shut up your surfer-smug-to-biker mouth! - I compose myself as I walk towards him.

- Hmm... - he laughs. - New nickname?

- Yes. But it's just until you take off that ridiculous jacket!

- She's not ridiculous! - he complains, but then laughs. - And you don't think so.

- As you know?

I look right into your bright eyes.

- I just know. - he says seriously. And then he holds out his hand. - Let's go?

- Please don't tell me we're walking!

- No... this time, I brought the love of my life.

- The love of your life? - I get scared.

- My motorcycle. - He laughs, seeing my reaction.

- You clown! - I hit him on the arm, but he just laughs.

Lucky for me, the rattlesnake's house is in the neighborhood next door. I don't know what got into me, but I don't like being attached to Biel while we ride my motorcycle to the party, mainly because I've always enjoyed riding my motorcycle with him. Only this time... I'm feeling something strange, which is pulling me away from him as a friend, and taking me to an unknown area. Also, I'm scared I'll MISS my damn hair, which took me almost half an hour to curl!

Cascavel's house isn't big, and it's poorly lit. It looks like those haunted houses from thrillers. And I confess I'd be a little scared if Biel hadn't been holding my hand as we both walked into the house - which by the way, was already open when we arrived.

I thought a party had to have loud music and lots of people, but for now, I'm not seeing anyone. And I think this boy's parents have already been away for a few days, because the living room - which Biel and I are going through right now - is in chaos. There are some coats on the rug, pizza scraps on the couch, some empty beer bottles on the coffee table, and it smells like cigarettes and mold. Not that I care too much about the mess, but... it's disgusting!

- Huh? Where is everyone? - I ask Biel, whispering, not quite knowing why I'm whispering.

- The party is in the back. - he answers.

We continued walking around the house, - I noticed as we did this, that the living room was the cleanest room in the house. - and finally, we arrived at the ''party''.

In the back area, about fifty people were gathered, some I knew and some I didn't. And all, more or less, of the same age. The music that was playing was very heavy rock, coming out of speakers in the back, and there were several people holding a red glass in their hand, and nodding their heads in time to the music. Other people were just sitting on an old couch, and some plush armchairs, fiddling with their cell phones and eating snacks.

I don't think this party can be on my list of liveliest parties. Really no.

After I followed Biel, as he greeted his friends, and the birthday boy, with hearty laughs, - and I still don't understand where he found happiness, in this place - he went to the nearest freezer and pulled out a bottle of beer for him. , and a can of coke for me. Afterwards, the two of us helped ourselves to the snacks that were served on a small table, which were cubes of ham and mozzarella cheese, and salami cut into slices with olives and lemon.

- Who prepared the snacks? - I ask, curious. While Gabriel and I tried to blend in with the people who ''dancing''.

- I don't know... I think it was Rattlesnake.

At this very moment, I look towards the birthday boy. An eighteen year old boy, chubby, and with curly hair - which I have never seen in my life - who is currently holding a beer bottle in one hand while chatting with friends in a circle, and in the other hand it goes straight to between the legs, where it squeezes the ''lower part'' of it, and stays like that for long seconds. Argh.

I think I'm going to vomit...

- Or his sister Steffany. - Biel says, while pointing to a girl with long blonde hair, who is wearing a denim miniskirt, a blouse with an extremely large neckline, and high-heeled sandals.

I didn't like the figure very much, but I still prefer it to be her.

- Why?

- No for nothing.

Coincidentally, the girl looks at Gabriel right now, and comes over to us, with a huge smile on her face, as she sips some Ice. Well, I think I've already met the blonde girl with too much lip gloss... now missing the beer kegs.

- Biel! I thought you weren't coming! - She throws herself in Gabriel's arms, and grabs his neck with great excitement.

- I wouldn't. But I decided to come. This is Alice... - He looks at me, a little red. - She is my best friend.

"Hi Alice," she looks at me with big blue eyes, and kisses my cheek. - Are you enjoying the party?

Yuck! I can swear there is lip gloss on my cheek! Only I'm embarrassed to clean, and she thinks I don't like her. What is truth. But I can't pick on the party owner's sister.

- Hmm... yes I am. I thought it was nice, the... decoration.

What am I talking about? They just put some tapes on the ceiling, and they bought those cheap light fixtures from corner stores!

- Thank you, I did everything, since my brother only knows how to drink. - she laughs sterically.

Biel laughs with her too, and I smile a little just so I don't embarrass her. Isn't she drinking too?

- Well... I hope you enjoy the party. - She looks at him, with a slightly insinuating look. - Biel, can you help me with the ice bottles in the kitchen?

- Hmm... mind? - he looks at me.

- Oh no. Of course not.

- All right.

Then, the oxygenated blonde takes Gabriel by the hands, and the two enter the house again.

I take a deep breath. Who the hell does that fake copy of Britney Spears think she is to hit on Gabriel? ''Get Ice Bottles?'' But there are dozens of kids at this party!

I look like a complete i***t! It's been ten minutes since Biel went to the kitchen to ''help get bottles of Ice'' with that girl, and he still hasn't come back. I've already eaten too much cheese for a party, and I'm just dying!

- Hey.

I look back and see a tall boy with very black hair, wearing a mouth, eyebrow, and nose piercing, looking sleepy, holding a can of beer in his hand. He seems to be one of those goths who do drugs I saw in an MTV report, because of the groggy voice, the black clothes, and the eyeliner.

- I noticed you were alone... don't you want to dance?

- Hmm... no thanks. I'm not alone.

- But I'm not seeing anyone with you. - he insists, and approaches me.

- It's because he took a quick date with Steffany.

- With Steffany? - the boy opens a yellow smile. - Trust me, it will take another ten minutes. Are we going to do what they do?

What?! I can't believe this p*****t maniac!

- I'm not in the mood, thanks. - I walk away, but the boy pulls me and puts his face in my neck.

- Don't play hard, let's go to a more reserved place, kitten...

- Get away from me you disgusting! - I elbow him in the stomach, and when he lets go, I run into the house.

- You b***h b***h! - I hear the boy scream, but I ignore it.

The kitchen, where Gabriel and Steffany should be... is completely empty. I walk down the hall, behind a possible second kitchen, and find no one.

As I turn to head back to the party, to wait for them outside, I hear a little heel-dropping noise coming from a room with the door half open. So, I walk slowly into the bedroom, and I hear some muffled whispers and moans from a girl. I turn once more to leave, and let some happy couple enjoy their moment, but I stop when I hear Gabriel's voice, coming from the bedroom. It came out a little muffled, but I would recognize that voice from afar.

I open the door, and I can't see anything, so I fumble for the switch, and turn on the light.

What I see makes me feel like vomiting. Gabriel lying on a double bed, with Steffany on top of him, with her legs wrapped around his hips, as she desperately kisses his neck. He turns red when he sees me, grabs her legs to yank her off him, and approaches me.

- Alice, that's not what you're thinking.

I can't move or say anything. The rage building inside me could make me explode at any moment.

- I am sorry for bothering you. - I say, my voice comes out almost hoarse.

And the last thing I see is Steffany jumping again on his neck to pick up where he left off, because I run as fast as I can toward the exit of the house, and grab my cell phone to call my mom to come get me.

She doesn't answer her cell when I call, so I run down the dark, empty street, knowing Gabriel might follow me to try to explain something that will make me angrier at him.

It's already ten o'clock at night, and everyone is already inside their houses watching the ten o'clock soap opera, so the street is deserted as I run as fast as I can, thanking for coming from all star and not with the sandals that the my mother insisted that I put it on.

As soon as I round the first corner, I hear a motorcycle noise, which I recognize as Gabriel's, so I duck quickly behind a pile of black house garbage bags. I swear I never want to see that i***t's face again in my life!

I hold my breath, and as the bike flies past me, I hold my knees to the ground and allow the silent tears to fall down my face.