Frozen in time

Chapter four

Sophie.

Okay. I'll pretend that ''normal person'' I met yesterday isn't real. This was just a dream, and I'm still sleeping. I know this sounds like an exaggeration. But really, whoever was with me at that time would feel the same way I did about that boy. It's just IMPOSSIBLE for it to be real. Hair so silky... flawless skin... looking so full of second, third, and fourth intentions... hmm.

The annoying little music of lost duck mix, with a cat having puppies from my cell phone alarm, pulls me out of my thoughts. I jump out of bed still dressed in my frilly pajamas from the last century, (which is the pajamas my mom bought when she went to France with her friends earlier this year, which I thought was a Halloween costume, I just wear it so I don't risk being motherless too soon) and I put on my pink slippers, to go to the bathroom and get my face scrubbed before going down to breakfast.

The atmosphere here in my house was not so good after the ''bapho'' on Friday. In addition to having gone without an allowance for a month, I had to put up with my dad's killer stares. I know he didn't believe I was going to run away to go to a friend's house, he's still hunting for a way to blame Rick, and have reasons to forbid me to date this ''urban brat'', like himself names Enrique, just because he lives in an apartment that is close to shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and the mall. As if we are NOT urban, and we live on a farm somewhere far away from the city. These people who were born before the twenty-first century, they really know how to confuse you.

As I sit in my abtual chair to eat my abtual breakfast, I notice six eyes glazed over at me, and when I understand that I won't be able to finish my cappuccino, I stop, put my hands on the table, look at mine. parents, and to a woman in the same uniform as Joane but who I've never seen blonder in my life.

- All right... first, good morning Mr. and Mrs. Castryne, did you guys sleep well? - I say, keeping a calm that I no longer want to have. - And second, why are everyone looking at me like I have hundreds of split ends?

- My daughter... - my mother starts, with that voice of: ''The world is having a zombie attack, but I'm calm''.

Whenever my mother starts a conversation with the phrase ''My daughter...'', I usually end up grounded, listening to millions of sermons or trying to figure out how my parents learned what I did.

- No. Let me do it. - Mr. Hurricane takes the reins, puts his morning paper aside, and lowers his cup of coffee to look at me. -Sophie, as you know, it's not the first time we've had to fire an employee because of her, and it's not the first time you've tried to run away from home to see your boyfriend...

"I don't..." I tried, but my dad held up a finger. And when he does, it means: If you keep talking, it might be your last sentence.

- And don't even try to continue with your lies Sophie, because your mother and I already know that you were going to meet that kid.

I did not say? Now how in the entire universe did he discover this?

- And... we would inform you sooner or later of our decision. - he and mine looked at each other, and MY GOD, that's not a good sign. - So we chose earlier.

- Daughter... - my mother looked at me, worried, and with that crying voice I'm terrified of. - You know that everything we do is for the good of your future, don't you?

NOW I got worried.

- Guys, can you tell what happened now?

"Yes," my father continued, his expression serious, and determined. - After what you did... we decided that the best thing for you is to leave this place.

I stopped breathing.

- Dad, what do you mean?

- I mean we're moving out of here.

- This street? From this neighborhood? Please be more exact.

- No. My daughter, we are going to change countries. We are going to live in Milan with your grandparents.

POHA! I stand up, tears threatening at any moment. This cannot be true. No, no, no.

- Mom? - I look at Mrs. Samantha, but she is looking at her little plate with chopped papaya.

- Sophie, have a seat please, I haven't finished the conversation yet.

- You can not do it with me! I say, breaking rule 74, which is not to yell at my parents. - I'm almost of age.

- You will never be responsible enough to decide to live in a country alone. What I said is what will happen, and this subject is not open to discussion.

- But I have a life here! If you really wanted to move to Italy, why didn't you stay there before I was born?! - I can't hold back the tears anymore, and they fall from my eyes. - I have friends, and a job!

- My daughter, Milan is the city of fashion, you will have more success in your career there than here in Brazil. - my mother says.

- Mom, I don't want to leave the agency. How did you let Dad make that decision? You know I don't want to move here.

- Sophie, that's enough. - My father gets up, and I already predict that, in this war I'm already failing. - We're going to Milan when I finish my last case and don't talk about it anymore in this house!

- I hate my life! - shout.

- Oh, Sophie! - my mother covers her mouth, horrified, as if I had just swore five curses.

-Sophie, go up to her room, and don't leave there before dinner. - my father says, coldly.

- But I have to go out with my friends from the agency today?! - I look at my mother, mentally asking for help.

She looks at my dad, and he takes a deep breath.

- Just... go Sophie, I'll decide about it later.

- Phew! - I stamp my feet, and run up the stairs towards my room.

***

Eliza.

- Go, my daughter. You really need a day off, you haven't been out with your friends in over a month. - my mother says.

I know she just wants to see me happy, but I think I'll be happier if I bring up my Monday job, which is to make a list with a hundred recipes for a hundred dishes of typical foods from different countries for the history class.

- OK. I will, but it won't be long because I'm still doing my job today.

- Okay, you too responsible girl. - She kisses my forehead, and walks away with a huge smile on her face. - Try to have fun.

She's always like that when I say I'm going out with Edu. Seems like she loves the fact that I went straight to date one of the richest and hottest boys in town. Sometimes I forget that mothers always want the best for their daughters, and I even think that my mother is a very greedy mum. Only she's not, and I know this because she just turned down my dad's wedding anniversary gift, which was a gold ring with a very tiny diamond pebble, saying he needed to pay the bills and that it was a luxury she could not have. Although with so many times my father had to share the ring on the card, I think he would pay for it until the fourth generation of the family.

- It's ok. - I say. - I am going to try.

'Look,' she points towards the street, where a silver Prius awaits me. - He already arrived.

- He came early this time. - I say to myself. - Bye mother.

- Tchal daughter, and take care! - my mother is still waving at me, when I go down the stairs of my mother's sewing studio and approach the car.

Eduardo gets out of the car and comes towards me, he's dressed like one of those very nerdy college students again, with a white sweater, jeans, and a pair of shoes in the same color as the sweater, to complement his hair it should be more combed and silkier than mine. But I confess he is a cat just like he is.

- Hi. - He smiles, beaming. - You are gorgeous.

What?! No. He's just being polite. Heck, I put on the first red lace dress I saw in my closet, put on the beige sandal my mom got me for my birthday, and not to mention I'm anti-feminine, put on red lipstick. And that's it. I think he even saw me wearing that dress.

- Thanks. - I smile.

He looks behind me, and nods. And I know that Miss Angelina is still at the entrance waving like a Miss Joy.

- So let's go. Or my mom will want to invite you to tea.

- I like tea. he says playfully, and then opens the passenger door for me to get in. As always, an ''example of a boy''.

After putting on the safety belt, I immediately feel like opening the window because of the cloying smell of flowers and soap in his car, but I can't because the air conditioning is on, and he likes this car that way, more dark. During the time we've both been dating, I've come to the conclusion that he's got some cleaning mania or something, and it's not like that's a flaw, because sometimes it's good. It's just scary. Mainly because you can feel insecure around such a clean and scented person.

- And then? - he says, when we are already following the deserted avenue. - What made you change your mind and finally go out with me?

- Hmm, I needed to go out a bit and... also, I invited Alice. It's been a while since I went out with her.

I look at him, and see a hint of disappointment in his expression. But as usual, he's smart enough not to show it.

- Nice. - he says. And it's the last thing we talk about all the way.

We don't even have anything else to talk about. And this is hell. I take my cell phone out of my small bag and type it into the Google search box: Typical Syrian food. I can still do two things at the same time.

We found Alice and Gabriel playing thumb fights in the entrance. Gabriel, as always, is wearing her ''internalta'' style, and she's wearing a pair of jeans and the black sweatshirt she loves, accompanied by her black All star converse. What I admire about Alice is that she is always herself, no matter where, or with whom, she is always at ease with herself. It's not like I'm not myself either, it's just that she doesn't seem to mind at all, and she's always doing her own thing. That's what I think.

After everyone greeted each other, and I gave Alice a BEAUTIFUL hug, we went in and went to buy movie tickets.

You know that thing about: ''I pay'' and ''But I insist on paying''? On the first two outings together, I started arguing about paying the tickets, but he's always saying ''it's the men who always pay'', he's even a little too ''square''. And it's not because I'm proud or anything. I think I'm more than fair. But we come to an agreement, he pays all the cinema expenses, and I pay for our lunch on the way out. Anyway, we came to a common sense and chose to watch a movie called Dracula, which is something between Action, Horror, and Romance.

As Edu is one of those ''everything in its place'' guys, he doesn't like to talk a lot during the movie, I was the one who was whispering VERY softly to Alice how hot the main actor in the movie was. But when Gabriel decided to keep screaming: ''Look what he did!'', ''Wow! That's awesome!'', and ''This guy is a beast!'', he stole Alice's attention. So I went back to diving into the buttery popcorn and killing spree of the movie.

- Did you like the movie? - Edu asked me, while I ate my medium size Subway with lots of salad and little cheese.

Another really weird thing about not having time for each other: when we're at the mall, he doesn't like conversation in the movie theater, and I don't like talking while I munch on a sandwich. This is an illusion, but it is not. It's super weird!

- Hmm... - I finish eating, and look at Alice beside me. She knows exactly what I'm thinking. - Yea.

I'm limiting my answers to ''yes'', ''no'' and ''maybe'', to see if he catches on, and lets me eat in peace. I just listen to him tell me the news about his work, and boring finances and investments from his father.

- My father wants me to start college early so I can take his place taking care of the hospital. I even think it's cool, and such. But what I really wanted was to be a plastic surgeon.

I almost choke on my sandwich at this point, but take some Coke to control myself. This is new to me. I never thought he wanted to keep putting silicone on women's breasts, or reshaping a face that's already formed. I thought his purpose was the same as mine: ''to help people live well and healthy''. And no: ''helping people live forever with their face stretched out.''

- Hmm, really? - I say, frowning. - How interesting.

- I know. But even so, my father makes the decisions for me. So... I can't do anything.

Oh! Finally I agree with that presiding surgeon in chief!

'Eliza, I know this is not a good time for us to talk about this,' he says suddenly, and I've barely finished my lunch. - But I also know that you want to get home in half an hour, so... I wanted you to know that I was serious about getting back together.

What?! Seriously? I thank God I'm done eating by now, or else I was going to be taken to the hospital right now for choking on a sandwich.

- I... hmm, I really thought you were kidding. I say, in a controlled, low tone of voice. - But you know very well the reason for the end of our relationship. And you yourself had agreed.

"I know..." He closes his eyes, then opens it again. My God, I really hope Alice and Gabriel aren't paying attention to this conversation. - But I still like you a lot.

I look to my side just to confirm, and I see Alice typing something on her cell phone, Gabriel is doing the same thing. I think they are better than me and Edu. They are like that whenever they go out together: each in their own world. Maybe it would be better if Edu and I were like that too.

- I like you too Edu. - I see him give a shy smile. How cute. - But we don't even have time for each other.

- I know that. - he blinks, and looks a little impatient. - But I would like to know if at least you want to think about the idea. I'll be traveling next month, for a test at a college in another state, and if you want to be my girlfriend again, I'll travel more relaxed. - he smiled.

- See? You're proposing to get back together, but you're planning on traveling. That's not bad, but it's an example of how we don't have time for each other.

- But if you really like me, and I like you, we can find a way.

'I don't know...' I look away from his brown eyes. - Even more so now that you've been working all day.

- Look... - he took my hand on the table and looked me right in the eye, and I know I mean to say to him:

''No! No! No! Not again! I don't want to have to make an appointment to invite my boyfriend for a measly ice cream!'' but I control myself.

- Just... think about it. It only gives me a period of days so I can keep counting.

I laugh. I can't help but laugh. How cute he is.

- Hmm... how about two months?

- Two months?! - He widens his eyes, but then laughs. - All right. If that's the most I'm gonna get.

- And even.

I can't explain why, but this is sounding more like a business deal than just dating. And that makes me so uncomfortable, that deep inside my craziest interior, I feel like running away and screaming: I'm NOT a purchase contract, or eviction order to have expiration date and no delivery! I'm just an almost-grown-up girl who wants a normal date with the guy she likes.

***

Alice.

Gabriel and I came by taxi because his motorcycle is at the concert. But we hitchhiked back with Eduardo's ''Almost-Graduated Doctor''. During the ride back, I noticed that my friend was so paler than usual, that I almost asked her if she was sick, but soon I also found out that maybe it was because of that horrible flower smell from Edu's car. Speaks seriously?! Is this guy really a boy? I think so, because I live with three boys, and I know none of them like the smell of flowers.

Anyway, after we said goodbye to them, Gabriel and I decided to go into my house a little to make small talk. My mom was in the studio painting something, and I didn't even bother to let her know Gabriel was home. We both got ice-cream jars from the fridge, and went to sit in the living room, while we watched the animation: She went crazy on Little Hood.

- I want to watch that movie again. - he says, while filling his ice cream with chocolate icing. - We couldn't pay attention to that part where he talks to his wife at the end because those girls who were in front of us were screaming too much because they found out that Dracula revived.

I laugh. Because I remember the girls, they screamed the whole movie anyway.

- It is true. - I say, and go back to digging in my ice cream.

- What was it Alice? Are you that down about your computer?

- Yeah. I feel kind of bad when I'm not writing.

- Just yourself to climb on the roof of a house with a notebook! - he laughs. - How long will it take for the memory to arrive from the concert?

- I do not know. Maybe arrive on Tuesday.

- Want to borrow my computer in the meantime?

- Really? Will you sacrifice your online games?

- What don't I do for my favorite Asian? he chuckles as he pinches one of my cheeks. - Also, you can play online on Xbox.

- I'm not Asian! - I kick him, just for fun. - But you can go get your computer now, because I'm almost having a freak.

- Hmm... no. First, I want to watch a movie with my old friend, before she devotes herself entirely and exclusively to her book.

- Ah, Biel, you really don't think I forget everyone when I'm writing, do you?

He raises an eyebrow, as if the answer is obvious.

- Alice, you're not eating because of that book! You didn't even touch your ice cream, and you love ice cream.

Really? But I'm doing what I like, what's the harm in that?

- I think you're right. - I stop to think. - Let's make a deal then.

- Which is? - he looks at me with those big dark and bright eyes.

He's so high-spirited, and funny that he's the only one able to make me laugh when I'm sad. We've been friends for so long that we know all of each other's quirks, tastes, and hobbies. One day we played ping and pong questions, and he won. It even looked like he was reading my diary (which I don't have). The two of us are the same, two ten-year-olds, we play at various things, and we do super silly things like betting blindfolded races or seeing who can keep their mouths open longer.

- In order for me to get a new notebook, my mother said that I have to go to her art classes. When I was little I liked it, but now having to try to make a work of art with two brushes and three paints is getting really boring. So... can you come with me to art classes on Tuesdays? I think if I have someone my age to talk to, it might be less depressing.

He laughs, and then looks at me with a freeloader's face.

- And what do I get in return?

- Hmm, let me think... how about, I go with you to the Game of War championship?

- But you said you hate the smell of dirty socks and earwax in Otávio's room on championship days.

- And belching, and sweating. - I complete, laughing. - But what don't I do for my little surfer?

I drop my ice cream container, and tickle his stomach and neck, because I know exactly where he hates to be touched. He chuckles a little, but quickly rises to his feet, and holds out his hand.

- First, I'm not a surfer. And second, deal done.

I smile, ignore his hand, and jump into his lap, kissing his cheek. Which I know he hates me to do. That's why... I always do.

- Okay, okay, I already know you love me, but don't exaggerate!

By some unknown miracle, none of Uncle Donald's three nephews showed up to pester me this afternoon. So, I'm going to take advantage of the fact that I'm using Biel's computer, and I'm going to write... oops... changing my mind, I decide to call my best ones through Chat. Sophie answers on the second call, but I have to wait a few minutes for Eliza to finally answer.

- Hi girls. - I wave to them, and realize that they both have a worse face than mine when I screwed up my computer. - What are these faces?

- I'm grounded. - Sophie says, but I know there's something else.

- Tell me something new! - I roll my eyes at her. - And you Eliza? Didn't like today's movie?

- Of course I liked it...

- Wait a second! - Sophie screams, almost leaving me deaf. - You two went to the movies today, and didn't call me?

- Yes. - Eliza replies, in a despondent tone. - It's just that Edu asked me out, and I called Alice and Gabriel. I didn't call you because in your status it was written: Don't call me for anything this weekend!

- Hmm, but you know you are exceptions. I'm so disappointed in you guys! - she pouts.

- Stop girl drama! - I say. - You couldn't even go. Not grounded?

- I am! But that's beside the point, right Alice?! And then... any news?

- Well, Gabriel lent me his computer.

- Lucky for me, you were almost killing me with so many messages at midnight! - Eliza says. - Someone in this group works, and has to sleep early.

I show her tongue. And Sophie doesn't laugh, which I expected her to do, as she likes to laugh at everything.

- But you two are so weird! - I say. - Eliza, what did Edu say to you during the snack that left you with that pale and thoughtful face? I even thought it was because of the smell of his car.

- Ah, his car smells like disinfectant! - Sophie says.

And I know Sophie already got in Edu's car when they had a double date at the time Eliza and he were dating, which I was NOT invited to because I DON'T have a boyfriend.

- You will not believe what he proposed to me. - she says.

- Well say SOON! Want to kill me with curiosity girl!? - I scream.

- He said he wants to come back with me.

- Serious? - I almost fall backwards. - Is that you?

- I said it would not work, but he gave me a period of two months to think. The thing is, I...I don't know if I like him...enough to go through the hell of having a boyfriend and only see him once a month.

- Friend, I understand a little what you mean... - Sophie says. - But my case is different, because I see Enrique every day at school.

- Eliza, after that bomb, I don't think anything shakes me anymore. - I say. - But you have to think a lot. I saw you dating him up close, and I know what a pain it was. Sorry for the expression...

- I know. But he seems to really like me. - She frowns.

I feel sorry for my friend. Like... really.

- Think more about what you feel. Enough of putting people's feelings first.

- Thanks for Alice council. - she says.

- You're welcome.

- Alice, Eliza... - Sophie says, taking turns looking at the computer screen, and typing on her cell phone. - I have something to tell you two... I'm moving, and that will be soon.

- Move where?

- To Milan. My parents said that I am very... ''impossible'' living here, and that together with my grandparents in a totally distant place, I will improve my personality.

- I do not BELIEVE in that!

- You can believe. - she says, coldly. - Because it's true. Girls... it's my end.

I really thought my life was bad. Now, listening to the things my friends have said to me, I'm thinking I'm very lucky to have Gabriel to go to art classes with me.