Frozen in time

Chapter eleven

Alice.

My mom knocks on my bedroom door desperately for the eighth time today.

- My daughter, let's go... your friends are waiting for you downstairs! Put on this dress at once, and let's go to your prom.

- I already said I don't want to! I don't want to go to a party!

- Alice, I know you're going through a bad time. But I've said so many times that if that kid didn't know how to give you the value you deserved, then it means he's not for you!

But I'm not like that because of that i***t Gabriel.

In fact, after a week of questioning me, ignoring his calls, and at times secretly crying, I decided he didn't deserve my tears. I couldn't be whining while he could be at the prom with that bleached blonde! The truth is, I felt really bad. I never imagined I would get like this. After all, I wasn't his girlfriend and I was the one who didn't want it that way, so what harm was there if he stuck his tongue in any girl's mouth at a party he took me to?

He and I were just friends! But I got so bad after what happened that I'm questioning my own feelings. What happened with me?! Why does it seem that my soul left my body, went for a walk through the universe, and only just returned?! It even felt like I got frozen or something... where I saw my whole life flash before my eyes, and I didn't even have the right to know what my true feelings were.

Was it the books? Have I sunk so deeply into the books, able to forget everything around me? I do not know. The only thing I know is that I'm freaking out because I haven't written anything for THREE WEEKS, nor speak to a reader, nor read any books. Even though I got a brand new notebook from my mom as a graduation present. That's right. Not even with a new computer, I felt like going back to writing my books.

And what annoys me the most is that the one who caused all this was the i***t of that boy that I don't dare think about the name anymore. I've been deleting all his messages before I even read them. I refuse to see any messages apologizing for forgetting me at the party, and making out with a p*****t Goth while making out with his friend's sister!

- I'm not like that because of that i***t! - I say. - I just don't want to wear that lilac dress with pink flowers that you bought for me!

- Well, it's not my fault that you didn't want to get out of bed earlier today to go with me to the store to choose the dress!

'Excuse me Aunt Matilde,' I hear Sophie's voice behind the door. - Could I talk to her for a minute?

- Of course you can dear. - my mother walks away, and I hear the noise of her shoe coming down the stairs.

- Alice? It's me... Sophie. - she says softly. - I brought the package you asked for.

I jump off my bed immediately and run to open the door.

I look at the girl standing at my door. She's wearing a tiny, strapless shocking pink dress, so bright and blinding my eyes hurt just looking at it. But I have to admit that her hair did well in her braid, with curls escaping, in the Aphrodite style that she did in her hair.

I watch as she walks into my room, the very high heels of her black pump hitching the floor and placing the bag she's holding in her hand on top of my bed.

- You brought? - I close the door, and look at her expectantly.

- Of course I did. Imagine if I would let you down...

- What are you waiting for? Open soon!

- It's ok. - She laughs. - I'm going.

I watch as Sophie pulls a very large rectangular box out of the bag and then opens the lid.

I can't believe what I'm seeing: an all-black dress, with long sleeves, long skirt, hand-embroidered details, and lace. It's the dress I saw in the pictures Sophie showed me last month when she did a photo shoot at the agency, themed The Incredible Wizard of Oz for a children's magazine! where she photographed in the black dress, because she was the Wicked Witch of the West. Since I laid my eyes on the dress, I've already fallen in love with it.

And look, I'm not one to fall in love with clothes.

- Thank you, thank you, thank you Sophie! - I hugged her, and then took the dress. - I promise to return it to you as soon as the party ends. And intact!

- Oh, don't worry about it. He's all yours.

- Serious?

I almost jumped for joy.

- IT'S. Joe said they don't take pictures with repeated clothes. And since they were going to give the dress to someone anyway, I thought: why not, for Alice?

- I do not believe that! You're the best! - I run to hug her again.

- Hey. Okay... - she laughs. - I know I'm awesome, but you don't need to ruin my makeup that took me hours to do! Now, please... go put on that dress and fix this hair that looks like a rat's nest!

I would curse her right now for saying that. I'm just too nervous for that.

- Will I really go? You know, he will be there...

- Alice, you know what happened to me and Rick. And I think it was a lot worse than what happened to you because I was actually dating him. And look at me here... I'm beautiful and rocking with this hair, even though I know he's going to be at the party. You can't let him keep you locked in your room for the rest of your life!

- You're right...

- Hey, wait... I brought the shoes to match. - she shows me a pair of shiny pumps.

- Hmm... no thanks. I think I know exactly what I'm going to wear.

I run to my closet, grab my pair of white, long-barreled all-star Converses, and run to the bathroom to change.

***

Eliza.

I get up from the couch in Alice's living room, and watch her - finally - walk down the stairs with Sophie.

And my jaw drops when I see she's wearing the black dress Sophie wore at an agency photo shoot. She said that she had loved the dress, and that she would love to wear it to graduation. But I didn't know she was serious. Like...my mom had to insist that I put on a long, shiny, very tight blue dress and high-heeled shoes. I thought I would surprise, but now this...

Everyone in the room is as surprised as I am: Aunt Matilde, - who is so elegant in a long red dress with long sleeves and a big neckline - Alice's new stepfather, João and even her little brothers - who are dressed equally with striped shirts, little dress pants, and cute bow ties! - They are really beautiful with their hair combed back like English students... they remind me of Edu. There! Why did I remember him? I was almost forgetting that he doesn't want to talk to me anymore!

Focus on Eliza... focus on Alice.

- And then? - She says, while twirling her huge skirt. - How I am?

-My daughter... are you sure she wants to go in black? can be bad luck. - Aunt Matilde says, with a worried tone.

- Mom... going in black is what I most want. - She says, smiling. - And thanks for fixing my hair, Sophie.

- Oh, it was nothing. -Sophie says as she goes down the stairs and joins Alice's brothers.

- Well, who wants to go to a party? - she says.

- Me! - we all say in chorus, very excited.

The water club where our school always holds graduation parties is very big and beautiful. And this year, they did really well in decorating with leather balloons in the shape of stars, and hearts in gold and red; tables lined with fine linen tablecloths, with crystal goblets and silver cutlery; arrangements of red roses and sunflowers; an unrecognized pop band, and a DJ.

I almost jumped with joy when I saw my family sitting at the table that was set aside for me: my dad rented a very smart new suit, and it's a hottie; my mother made her own long dress; and Pedrinho is cute without that weird karate kimono, and he seems to be very excited.

I join them after greeting some colleagues and teachers.

- So my daughter, will she come?

- Of course mom. She said she would come.

I look at the two empty seats in front of me. These are the ones I kept for Carol and her boyfriend. Dr. Roberto was discharged for the night, just for her to come to my graduation, but with recommendations that she cannot drink alcohol, nor exert much effort.

Of course I'm not so sure Carol won't want to dance.

After the waiters served two rounds of white wine for my parents, and soft drinks for me and Pedrinho, I was already getting worried about Carol, looking at the time on my cell phone and looking at the entrance to the party, - who was full of chic people dressed up in the prettiest party outfits - while the tie-dyed bouncers took the invitations.

I almost jumped with glee when I saw a red-haired girl sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed by one of those guys you can say straight out of Disney movies: he's tall, his hair light and perfectly combed, his eyes blue and he he's wearing a dark blue suit so elegant he really looks like a prince. He must be Chad. And Carol looks amazing too, even though she's sitting in a wheelchair, she's wearing a long, skinny black dress with spaghetti straps, a black choker around her neck and lipstick so red it stands out against her pale skin.

- They arrived... - I say excitedly, and run towards them. - Carol! You came...

- Of course I came... - She smiles, but not with such excitement. - I wouldn't miss this party even if I died!

I looked at Chad and saw him purse his lips, annoyed by this.

"By the way..." She looked me up and down. - You had a good look... I don't think I've ever seen you wearing a dress... and you look wonderful.

-She Thanks. My mom had to make me wear it. And you two look wonderful too.

- Oh, this is Chad, my boyfriend. - Carol says. - Chad, this is Eliza... the doctor who takes care of me. And my only friend in that hell.

- Oh, I'm not a doctor yet. - I correct, and Chad extends his hand to me.

- It's a pleasure to meet you... Carol has told me a lot about you in recent weeks...

- Did you really speak? - I laugh as I shake his hand.

- Yes. I said wonderful things about you Eliza...

- Well, hmm... it's a pleasure to finally meet you too Chad.

- Uhh... - Carol looks around. - There are only beautiful people in this place... where is your family?

- Come, I'll introduce you to everyone.

I walked to my table and introduced Carol to everyone, including Alice and Sophie. My mother loved her as soon as she said '' hi '', and my little brother loved talking about Karate with Chad, who, coincidentally, also fought. Sophie and Alice, on the other hand, didn't leave my table because they loved talking about the store where Carol bought that wonderful dress. They only left after a photographer called them to take pictures with their respective families.

I don't blame them, Carol is a person everyone wants to talk to and hear the things she says. Even though she's only seventeen, she seems to know more about life. And not to mention that she transmits peace and tranquility when we are around her.

Still, I was grateful for taking the time to talk to her after a cat photographer came to take pictures of us.

-So he said his feet were too big for those shoes... the saleswoman felt embarrassed and ran to see if she can find a bigger number. -Carol continues to tell a funny story about Chad at the shoe store, while she eats a mini chicken drumstick with basil from the buffet.

We were all laughing so hard at everything she said. And Chad didn't seem to mind the fact that she was telling everyone that his feet were too big, in fact, he had one arm over her shoulder, and he didn't seem to want to let go of her anymore.

This couple in love made me ache in my heart, remembering who I shouldn't. I know I should forget about everything and have fun at my graduation party... but... it seems that the more the days go by, the more I miss Edu. And look, I would NEVER imagine I would feel that way, since I never had time to think about it, with him around.

I'm starting to believe that old phrase, which everyone says in soap operas and movies: ''You only realize the value of something when you lose it.''

"Eliza," Carol interrupts my thoughts. - I really enjoyed meeting your family, and your friends... and I also loved your party. Only I have to tell you that I have to get back to the hospital early.

- Serious? But I haven't even had my diploma delivered yet... you'll want to see me in that gown...

- I know. - She laughs, without enthusiasm. - Only that Miss. Silveria said that if I didn't arrive at the agreed time... she would come pick me up in person.

- Hmm... how bad. But what is it? I'm finding you a little sad today.

- No... it's no big deal. I'm happy for you.

I look at her, looking for some trace that she's lying, but I can't find any. Because I never saw Carol lying. But Chad overhears our conversation and for a moment the conversation with my little brother and looks at Carol.

- She didn't tell you?

- What didn't she tell me?

Carol rolls her eyes and glares at Chad to be quiet, but he shakes his head, like he needs to.

- She had a relapse minutes before coming to the party. Nurse Silveria said it wasn't good for her to come, but she ended up leaving. But she said that any symptoms that she is not well, I was to quickly take her back to the hospital.

- Why didn't you tell me that? - I look at her, shocked.

- Oh, because... man, it's your day! I couldn't screw it up.

- But you know it's risky... I should have known it wasn't a good idea...

- Have invited me? - She says, annoyed.

- No of course not! I don't regret inviting you... I just want you to be okay.

- Eliza... - she takes my hand on the table, and looks right into my eyes - I'll be fine. And we're going to have fun... because what matters is to make the most of everything we have now...

- Before it's all over. - I complete, in a tone of voice not very convincing.

- That's it! - She says, smiling, and takes a sip of water from her glass. - Now... how about we go dancing a little, eh?

I look at the dance floor across the huge pool, which reflects the red, green, blue and white lights of the party, and is covered with a layer of smoke, like a blanket. It's almost breathtaking, this view - where some seniors dance to some very electrifying remixed music that I've never heard.

- Why not? - I say, and help Carol out of the wheelchair, which didn't please Chad, but he agreed, as long as he followed closely.

***

Sophie.

I JUST DON'T believe it!

I can't believe what's happening...okay, Sophie...breathe...let's not lose your cool...this is your day. Let's pretend it's okay. That I'm having fun with my friends, and my parents are sitting here at this wonderful table... at this WONDERFUL party! In the greatest wonder.

I'm very sorry. But still I can't pretend that nothing is happening. Why just do ALL bad things happen to me?!

Everything was great, when my mom and dad arrived at the party and greeted everyone, like normal parents, - apart from the exaggeration of super expensive clothes and imported shoes. - Smiling at my teachers and my friends, and saying, ''Hello, how are you?''. And it was still great, when we were talking as a family, about how the party was beautiful and full of classy people this year, as we ate the party snacks, (of course my dad looked at me askance every time I put on a mini- ham snack in the mouth) and drank freely.

But everything went from ''good'' to extremely ''bad'' when, after Rick walked by our table, with a face like: ''Look, everyone's here smiling... it's a quiet night without problems, so no one is holding anyone's grievances'', the party photographer appeared with the camera and said: smile for the family photo! And he took the picture, in which, Ric posed right next to me! And this isn't even the worst part. Because, right after the photographer took the camera away from his face, I was able to recognize who it was... and guess who was smiling DIRECTLY AT ME, with a beautiful, charming and seductive smile?

Yeah, he himself... Thiago!

It's no longer enough that I want to keep my distance from my ex-boyfriend, even the guy who called me EVERY DAY, during my ''hell days'', even though I ignored all calls, chat messages and any kind of connection with the outside world appears at the wrong time. I almost didn't recognize him without those leather jackets, coats and boots. He is wearing a very elegant dark blue suit and a gray tie, which really brings out his blue eyes. The hair that used to hang loose, was slicked back, and even though he's not in his ''intimidating'' outfit, he's still taking my breath away.

But I won't let these two spoil my day. Never.

'Look... what a coincidence,' I switch on, my charismatic and artificial tone of voice. - Thiago, were you hired to photograph here too?

- Yeah. Yeah... I went.

I pretend not to think he's following me and look at my parents with a smile.

- Father, mother, this is Thiago, the agency's new photographer. Thiago, these are my parents.

My parents greeted him, and the smile on my mom's face didn't fade while he was still there.

- I think I've heard of you. - my father says, in his usual ''know-it-all'' tone of voice. - You're the one hired from New York, aren't you? I hear your work is excellent.

- Yes. - Thiago says, casually. - It's me. And... thanks.

- Calm down... it still wasn't a compliment.

Hmm... it was taking a while for my dad to let go of his claws. But I'm surprised when I look back at Thiago, and he's still giving me that lost ''don't know where'' look, and trying to hide his brilliant smile. He was NOT intimidated by my father.

- Albert. - my mother scolds him.

- I just want to say that I would love to see your work... - my dad says. - View your photographs.

- Oh, of course. - he blinks. - You can see after the party.

- I'd like to. - my father finishes.

- Well... I already know you. - Rick says, extending his hand to Thiago.

- And I've also heard a lot... about you. - He shakes Rick's hand, not at all embarrassed under his accusing gaze. - Enrique, isn't it?

- Yea.

- Well, I'd like to stick around, - Thiago says calmly, exuding charm and charisma in just a few words. - But I have to go... shoot around. Excuse.

He gives a wave to my parents and I head off towards the other table.

"So..." a dialed voice says from behind me. - Are you enjoying the party Sophie?

I look at Rick, and the anger I felt three weeks ago comes back to me like a rocket. I huff, say a ''I'm going to the bathroom'' to my parents, and wander aimlessly among the people.

I can't believe this dumb guy has the guts to talk to me, after everything he's done to me! For starters, he was the one who broke up with me, with that crazy story about wanting to ask me to marry him, and when I refused, he kicked me out of his apartment, and said he never wanted to see me again. But look at him there, talking to me as if NOTHING had happened!

With my blood still boiling, I walk across the club lawn, past the kiddie pools, where there are few people and the music is quieter. But when I think I'm alone, someone taps my shoulder twice. I turn and find two fully produced and elegantly dressed figures.

- Hey, what are you doing here when it's happening to the biggest party back there?

- Catito! I ignore the question and throw myself into his arms, then watch him unwrinkle his burgundy red jacket and colored bow tie.

- Calm down... no hugs, or you'll end up crushing my fancy suit!

I laugh and hug Priscilla, who is wearing a beautiful, bright orange dress. We both jump together, laughing, and when I release her, I feel a small tear leak from my eyes.

- Hey, what's up? - she asks me, tenderly. - You are crying?

- No! It's just tears of joy because you two did come. - I lie, but I think more relief that they came before I collapsed.

- What are you talking about dear? - Catito throws the straight fringe to the side, making a pout. - We would never miss this bapho!

Pri and I laughed together.

'And speaking of bapho...' He twirls around me, making an expression of admiration. - You're a killer babe!

- Hmm... it's true Sophie! Let's take a selfie... - Pri says, taking her cell phone from her handbag and holding it for us to take a picture.

The three of us pose and she takes the picture, after making a quick caption and posting, she puts her cell back away.

- So... let's have a drink, or will you stay here?

- Of course we will! - Catito shouts, and drags me towards the party. - Sophie, you need to introduce me to some of your friends...

I get carried away by my two dear friends, and I almost forget that I just went through an embarrassing and boring MEGA situation. Although that's exactly what I have to do: Forget about all my problems, and dance my way through that dance floor with my friends.