Crossed Desires

GIRLS' DAY

Gabriela

I just got out of the gym with Mónica. I already arranged to have my schedule changed—my other friends had already done it, only Mónica and I were left. I used to go at night, but Miguel doesn't like that schedule; he says it interferes with our relationship.



I switched to the morning schedule—six-thirty in the morning. It's way too early, but it's the only time I can manage, since I have to go to the university, and once I start my internship it'll be even harder.

My friends are the best in the world, truly amazing. They changed their schedules just for me. We planned to go shopping and grab a drink, and today we met up with everyone at our usual café.

Rebeca tells us all about her adventures in bed with some guy named Fernando—she's the wildest one in the group. Mónica is the most responsible, Lucía the most affectionate, Malú is the youngest and sweetest, and I'm the moody one.

We talked about everything—guys, classes, and also about what we're going to do after graduation. Speaking of which, I still haven't done my internship, and graduation is getting close. I don't know where I'll do it yet—I've been going around in circles with the idea, but at the end of the day, I'll have to make a decision.

I might end up doing it at my dad's company, though I'm not too sure about that, since I can't stand his secretary. But for now, I'd rather set that topic aside—tomorrow I'll think about it. We finish shopping, and I head home in Mónica's car. When I get home, my mom is making dinner.

"Hi, Mom..." I say as I walk over and give her a kiss.

She smiles and kisses me back. My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world—I love her so much. She turns her attention to me and asks:



How was it with the girls...?" she asks me.

Honestly, it was a lot of fun—it helped me get out of the stress of studying and think about something other than my overbearing boyfriend.

"It was good, fun. But I had to come back quickly because Miguel is coming to pick me up."

She makes a face of displeasure, because she doesn't like my boyfriend—and I understand. Miguel is very intense, and most of the time we fight over silly things, usually out of jealousy.

"Daughter, you shouldn't let him boss you around in everything. You're just dating, he's not your husband..." she says.

I know she's right. Miguel is extremely possessive. He even wants me to stay at his apartment tonight, knowing he won't even be there because he's going out partying with his friends. He wants to control everything.

He says he wants me to stay at his place because, according to him, he doesn't want me going out with my friends. He's way too controlling, and I don't say anything because I don't want to argue with him.

"Why do you say that?" I ask her.

Though deep down I know why. She knows exactly how he is. I don't tell her everything so she won't end up hating Miguel, but a mother is never wrong.

"You haven't told me anything, but I know you changed your gym schedule because of Miguel..." she says.

Well, that's true too. Miguel is very possessive, and to be honest, he even tries to make decisions for me that aren't his to make. And I let him, just to avoid problems with him. But I know that's wrong.

"You know me too well, don't you..." I tell her.

I hadn't said it, but she guessed it. A mother is never wrong.

"That's why I'm your mother..." she replies.

I sigh and move closer. I wish she weren't right, so I could defend him, but I can't do anything other than stay silent because she's right. I give her a kiss and say:

"But exercising in the morning really is better..." I add.

I make up an excuse so she won't judge my boyfriend too harshly. I don't like that she doesn't like him. I know Miguel has his flaws, but he's not a bad person. He's possessive, but he's not bad.

"Yeah, sure. Just don't feed his possessiveness..." she tells me.

I lower my head because I know she's right. I always justify him when people criticize him, but it's only because I don't want to fight with him. What's so wrong with that?

"You're right. I promise I'll be firmer next time..." I say.

She looks at me and shakes her head in disapproval, but I can't say anything, because she's right.

"You always say the same thing..." she tells me.

And it's true. I always say I'll change, but I let things slide to avoid fighting with him. The truth is, I'm weak when it comes to that. So I tell her:

"But this time, I really will keep my word..." I insist.

I know it's hypocritical of me, because I always say the same thing. To ease the tension, I lean over and kiss her cheek. She smiles, serves me dinner, and I sit at the counter, eating quietly.

Dear readers, don't forget to vote and leave your comments—it motivates me to keep writing for you, with much love, Francia. I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Gaby, the one who will make the hearts of my two handsome boys race and drive them crazy.

Don't miss the upcoming chapters—they're going to be on fire!