Coping
1111 Words
Maya had gotten used to the school routine, and found a certain comfort in the friendships she had made. Emma had become a true friend, someone she could trust and share her thoughts with. Together, they laughed, studied, and supported each other. Besides Emma, Maya met Anastácia, another valuable presence in her life. It was just the three of them, but Maya was satisfied with that. They formed a united trio, facing the challenges of school together, and Maya stopped being afraid of the cheerleaders so much. The other boys didn't approach her because they realized she wouldn't give in, but not all boys were the same. Anésio was different.
He surrounded her in the hallways, always finding a way to make his presence known. He sent summaries of the content through Emma and, surprisingly, even sent her assignments. Maya didn't know how, but Anésio was able to perfectly mimic her handwriting. Even when the work was manual, he did it with a precision that left her perplexed. Every letter, every stroke, everything seemed to have come from her own hand. This situation left her intrigued and a little uneasy. Anésio was an enigma, a whirlwind that disrupted her school routine. He seemed to know too much about her, anticipating her needs in a way that left her disconcerted. Despite his seemingly well-intentioned help, there was something that made her question his motivations. She dreaded ending up like her mother, getting carried away, and ending up with a child in her arms and abandoned.
Days passed, and Maya tried to focus on her studies and the friendships she valued so much. Even with Anésio's shadow looming over her, she strove to keep her focus on her goals and the support of her friends.
But he made his presence felt, even when she didn't see him, he was still present on her assignments, in the jacket she wore. Maya had even lied to her mother, saying that Emma had given her the jacket, and Emma confirmed it. It was wrong, she knew, but she wanted to wear the jacket Anésio gave her.
***
Meeting...
Maya Yuni left the house to get some sun in the square in front. It was her mother's order and a medical recommendation, because she had an episode of anemia and dizziness after the attack, and the sun helped with the condition. She put on a spaghetti strap dress, so her arms could get some color, but as she stepped out the door, the first person she saw was Anésio. She suspected he had been watching her, but she wasn't sure, only now there was no way to hide it.
"Are you one of those guys who are a bit obsessed, chasing after several girls?"
"No, not at all, because I don't chase girls, I chase you, because you won't give me a chance, and I'm worried about waiting too long and another guy getting there first, and I want to be your first in everything." he replied.
He was standing there as if he had been waiting for her.
Maya hesitated for a moment, surprised to find him there. She tried to disguise her discomfort upon hearing his words.
"How many have you succeeded with? How many have you taken to the locker room?" Maya asked.
"None. I haven't even dated. I'll be your first boyfriend, and you'll be my first girlfriend, and when I finish high school, we'll get married."
"Doesn't that sound a bit strange to you? We've known each other for a few months, you follow me, buy me clothes, and say you're going to marry me."
"It may sound strange, but I'm just being honest, Maya. You weren't at school yesterday, and I got worried."
"I had a medical appointment," she told him.
"Are you sick?"
"I'm fine, thank you. I just went out to get some sun, as the doctor recommended, because of anemia." she replied, trying to keep the conversation brief.
Anésio nodded, respecting the distance she kept between them, but still interested.
"That's good. The sun will do you good. If you need anything, I'll be around." he said, pointing to a bench in the square where he seemed to have settled.
Maya gave a slight nod and walked towards a sunnier area of the square. She felt the warm rays of the sun on her skin and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to relax. But she was still aware of Anésio's presence.
She appreciated his kindness and help, but the intensity of his attention puzzled her. Why did he care so much? And how did he know so much about her life, about her needs?
He let her sunbathe alone, but when she got up, he approached:
"Just for an ice cream, Yuni.."
"I don't know."
"Bring your friend Emma along if it makes you feel safer."
"Really?"
"Of course. Bring her along, we'll have ice cream, and I'll even help with the homework."
" We have to study for the exams, so we can't stay out for long," Maya said.
"I'll take you to the ice cream shop in the mall; there's a library inside where we can sit and study."
"It's expensive there."
"I can pay, Yuni. I get an allowance for doing various jobs. So it's not that expensive. Will you let me take you for ice cream?"
"I will; tomorrow after class. Has anyone ever told you that you're persistent?"
"Never, I've never been this persistent, only with you."
"You need to go, my mom will be here soon, and I can't stay here with you."
"I've already said I'll talk to her, Maya. I will. I'm not just looking for a fling," he said.
"Don't you think you're too young to want to date and talk about marriage?
"I want security, a routine, and to know that I am the only one in your life, and you'll be the only one in mine too. No ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, or ex-flings, that's all."
He spoke and got closer to her.
"You're even smaller when you get closer, shorty." he said to her.
She should have felt bad about being called shorty, but there was so much affection in his voice that she hesitated. Her mom would be disappointed with her, but soon she would be sixteen, and girls her age were already dating. Some even slept over at their boyfriends' houses.
"Go, Anésio.. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow. When can I ask you to be my girlfriend?
"It's just ice cream," she responded.
Maya went inside the house, and realized there was a smile on her face when she looked in the mirror.
- Writer
