Victory Storm

Touch Me

Touch Me
VICTORY STORM

Copyright ©2021 Victory Storm

Email: victorystorm83@gmail.com

Website: www.victorystorm.com

Translator (fr to en): Fanny Morvan

Publisher: Tektime

Cover: https://123rf.com | Victory Storm Graphic Project

The Code of the intellectual and artistic property authorizing, under the terms of paragraphs 2 and 3 of the article L.122-5, on the one hand, that “copies or reproductions strictly reserved for the private use of the copier and not intended for collective use” and, on the other hand, that analyses and short quotations for the purpose of example and illustration, “any representation or reproduction in whole or in part, made without the consent of the author or his successors in title or assigns, is unlawful” (paragraph 1 of article L.122-4). This representation or reproduction, by any means whatsoever, would therefore constitute an infringement punishable by articles 425 and following of the Penal Code.

1

FELICITY

I wasn't used to going to bars.

When I was in high school, I had gone from time to time with my friends, but I never had any fun and inevitably ended up being a wallflower. I had always considered myself an outsider, unable to interact easily, to enter into other people's conversations, to show up or to let myself go.

Going out in groups had always been difficult and painful, and after my sister Bethany graduated, I had closed myself off even more. I didn't have a choice because without my famous sister, prom queen and cheerleader captain, to open doors for me through her friends, I was back to being Miss Unknown in the Battalion, just like before. The girls I hung out with for three years were her friends, not mine, and I got confirmation of that after she graduated. None of them had asked for me or called to go out or study together.

I had been alone for a whole year, forgotten by everyone and determined to make myself invisible to anyone, rather than be ridiculed or humiliated for my bland and unattractive appearance, unlike my sisters Bethany and Ava.

Feeling accepted and appreciated was complicated when those who crossed my path and learned who my two older sisters, former prom queens, were could not help but compare me to them.

For years, I had endured and suffered from this difference. It had taken me a long time, but I had finally come to accept myself as I was, with my curly hair, my ordinary brown eyes, my sensitive skin, my acne scars, and my extra pounds.

The fact that I was able to look at myself in the mirror without turning my back was due to the two people I had met during my freshman year of college: Kira Yoshida and Alice Preston. The two most beautiful and amazing girls I've ever known and, crazy thing, my friends! My own, without the help of Bethany or Ava. They had welcomed me into their circle without knowing anything about me. They accepted me for who I was, and because of their friendship, I had the best school year of my life.

I had met Kira in sociology class. She sat next to me the first day and complimented me on my hair and my double bun, telling me that she loved it but could never get it right. That was enough to make me like her immediately. Then I missed a class and she immediately left me her notes. From that day on, we often went back to study together and I discovered that she was a true genius. I had met her roommate, Alice Preston, during one of those study afternoons.

Unlike Kira, who was always calm and gentle, Alice immediately struck me as a tornado that couldn't stop, even in the face of such great danger as Easton Carson, one of four boys in my high school who had ruled over all the students and teachers like despots, making life hell for anyone who dared to oppose them. Throughout my high school years, I had kept a low profile to avoid ending up in their cross-hairs, and thanks to my ability to make myself invisible to everyone, I had always succeeded.

I had discovered, however, that Kira was no slouch either. Underneath her pure and innocent exterior was a strength and determination that had won her the heart of the most reserved and surly boy in my psychology class, Lucas Scott.

I admired and envied my best friends because they were beautiful, courageous, fearless, able to fight against adversity and win over the most difficult boys to approach and tame.

They were undefeated, and now they both had wonderful boyfriends who adored them. If I thought about Easton and Lucas, I still wondered how Alice and Kira had won hearts as rebellious and dark as those two boys.

"Felicity, there you are! We're here!" called Kira, who was already waiting for me at a table in the bar.

Relieved that I hadn't arrived first, I ran over to her and noticed that Lucas was there too.

“ Hi, I greeted them.

- Okay, I'll go and leave you to it," sighed Lucas after a glance towards Kira. It was a special girls night, to celebrate my birthday.

- “Thank you my love. I'll call you when I get back to campus.

- Ok, he answered while looking around him with suspicion. The bar was full of boys and Kira's beauty did not go unnoticed. But if there's any problem...

- There won't be. Go there now and be quiet, tried to reassure him Kira who still had difficulty to control the jealousy of Lucas.

- I don't like this place," he hissed as he noticed a few young people attracted to Kira. Those guys over there are just waiting for me to leave so they can jump on you."

To jump on you?

I almost burst out laughing.

I certainly wasn't the one in danger, but my good friend.

I looked at Lucas. He was always so caring and attached to Kira. She had told me about her boyfriend's difficult past, about her abusive father, with no one to give her any love. I felt tenderness and sadness for him, and I could understand his anguish of losing Kira. She was his world, his only source of happiness, but his past always made him see the negative side of people and so he tended to be constantly suspicious, afraid that someone might hurt his girlfriend.

"I promise I'll protect her for you," I said, addressing him.

Lucas gave me one of his rare smiles and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Yes, I was in love with him, but I would never have dared to go near him. Lucas belonged to Kira and I had no intention of destroying their beautiful relationship.

Lucas finally left, but I didn't even have time to sit down when I saw Alice coming, accompanied by Easton.

“ Easton, go away, she ordered, sternly.

- I'm going, but if you mess with the other boys, I'll tear you to pieces, he threatened with a fake smile.

- That goes for you too. Try to deceive me while you have fun with your friends and I put a tarantula in your underpants she replied not intimidated.

Can these two talk to each other without threatening each other? Kira asked me in a low voice.

- I don't think so,” I replied, chuckling. Only Alice could stand up to a nut like Easton, and he seemed to be the only one who could date her without being overwhelmed by his girlfriend's volcanic nature.

They greeted us as we came to the table.

“ Hi.

- Are you leaving now? It's a ladies' night out for us, Alice chased him away.

- Okay, I'm going. I'll see you later, Easton capitulated, but not before I take out the hairpin that was holding Alice's bun.

- You bastard! It took me an hour to make this bun! Alice growled, furious at this umpteenth teasing.

- That's for ditching me tonight instead of coming to the movies with me,” he replied contentedly before walking away.

I watched Easton walk away and waved back.

I still couldn't believe that I had just greeted the famous and terrible Easton Carson.

All through high school, I'd shuddered every time he walked into class, prayed I'd never end up in his cross-hairs or a victim of a bet...

I had done everything to avoid him and had always been perfectly successful, but now... Easton had just greeted me!

His icy eyes were still popping up in my nightmares, but in the last few months I'd gotten to know him and found out he wasn't as bad as I'd always thought.

He was a boy who hid his fragility under a thick layer of arrogance, but Alice had managed to master him and make him grow.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said of his friends, whom I never saw, luckily.

The last time I had been with them was in a jewelry store, while Easton was picking out a ring for Alice.

Months had passed since that day, and Alice, knowing how uncomfortable they made me, had always avoided me being around them.

"You look beautiful, Felicity, Kira said, catching my attention, her eyes on my dress and hair.

-You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," I murmured, blushing suddenly, as I looked down. Feeling watched always bothered me deeply. I had spent so many years making myself invisible that I felt nothing but shame and embarrassment when someone stared at me.

I dried my sweaty palms on the sumptuous dress Kira had given me the day before, for my birthday. Wearing it had been an incredible effort because, as wonderful and beautiful as it was, it left too much skin uncovered and made me feel exposed to the judgment of others.

I caressed the black silk of the V-neckline and short sleeves, then moved down to the flared, floral skirt that reached my knees. It was a wonderful feeling that made me feel free and relaxed, but every time I felt a bulge under the fabric, I wanted to run away and put on one of my beloved over sized sweatshirts.

"It was our pleasure," Alice tried to calm me down with a big smile as she played with one of my curls fresh from the hairdresser's, where my friend had taken me that morning.

I had felt reborn when I had accepted this transformation, abandoning my pink and fuchsia locks for good, and going back to my natural chestnut brown shaded with blond to the tips.

For the occasion, I had even put in my contact lenses and made myself up in warm tones, to highlight my brown eyes and my dark skin.

"This look really suits you. You should always dress like that. You look great," exclaimed Kira who always had a kind word for everyone. Not feeling like you belonged was impossible with her. She had the right word at the right time in all circumstances.

“ But the presents aren't over yet! exclaimed Alice as Kira drew the waiter's attention to order a drink and a slice of the red fruit cheesecake, we had chosen together two days earlier when we had decided to celebrate my birthday that Saturday afternoon.

- God, girls, please... I feel guilty... I didn't do any of this for your birthday, I stammered, uncomfortable.

- In fact, what we're about to tell you isn't really a gift, but rather a proposal.

- A proposal of what? I asked, curious.

- Our second year of college starts in a few days, and I wanted to ask you if you'd like to share a room with me, Alice begged me, her eyes shining with emotion.

-And Kira? I asked confused. Alice and Kira had shared room 7A in the Sherman dormitory throughout freshman year, while I was in the Maxwell dormitory, five blocks away. There I shared a room with Lea, an older girl with whom I had barely exchanged two words all school year.

- I'm leaving the dorm, Kira informed me. Last year, I was always at Lucas' house, and this year we convinced our parents to rent a small studio nearby. Lucas is already looking for a job to support us and put as little strain as possible on my family.

- So, I'm left alone, and I'd love to have you as my new roommate,” Alice added.

- And Easton?

- He tried to lobby the president, since he's his uncle, but he couldn't convince him to let us share a room. He says he can't afford to set a precedent and take the risk that other students will do the same afterwards and end up causing a scandal or other problems.

- So you thought of me.

- Of course, I did. You and Kira are my best friends!

- In that case, I accept,” I whispered, moved. She didn't know it but hearing her say I was her best friend was the greatest gift I could receive.

Alice screamed with joy and came to hug me tightly.

I had to resist not pulling away.

Being touched always bothered me, but I knew Alice loved me and accepted me as I was.

Kira hugged me affectionately as well.

I returned their embrace, hugging these small, thin girls that I could finally refer to as my friends.

As we sat back down at the table, the waiter brought us the cake with a candle in the middle.

“ Make a wish and blow out the candle,” Kira and Alice invited me.

I looked at them for a long time. They were both beautiful.

With her red hair and as blazing as her character but with a heart of gold, Alice was incredible.

Kira, with her oriental look and disarming sweetness, was simply special.

I wanted to be like them too. Beautiful and unique.

I felt a desire to change and this new look was the proof.

In time, I hoped that this evolution would lead me to accept and perhaps appreciate myself as I was.

“ So, what do you want? urged Alice, impatient.

- I want our friendship to last forever, I said.

-You must want something you don't have. Not something you already have, dummy, laughs Kira.

- Kira is right. Think of something else. I don't know... A boyfriend? tried Alice.

- I'm not pretty enough to attract the attention of boys. I'm not like you.

- Then why are the guys sitting at the table in the back staring at you? said Alice, who couldn't stand the idea that I didn't feel as beautiful as her.

- They're staring at you, not me.

- Nonsense!

- Felicity, Kira sighed sadly. She suffered from my insecurity too.

- You, you like me, but let us be serious: I am not as beautiful as you! I said nervously.

- I never thought I was beautiful. Lucas tells me so, but he loves me, so it doesn't matter.

- Then why is he jealous and goes crazy if someone comes near you?

- Because he's stupid, Kira replied with a shrug. If I had your chest, I would understand, but I'm a surfboard. So, there is very little reason to be jealous.

- You're thin, I defend.

- I am flat and shapeless. Sometimes I envy you and I don't know what I'd give to have a bit of your hips and boobs.

-And I'm short and I have short legs, Alice added. I would like to have your size and your legs.

- I have big thighs and a big ass.

- The erotic dream of many men, giggled Alice, making me blush like a tomato.

- Felicity, as you can see, you're not the only one who doesn't feel flawless or perfect. We have our doubts too, but we've decided to accept ourselves as we are, Kira whispered, placing a hand on my arm.

- I'm sure Easton and Lucas don't think like you.

- One day you too will find someone who will see you for what you are and think you're beautiful.

- Okay. I gathered my courage and approached the burning candle. So, I want a boy like Easton and Lucas, one who loves me for who I am. I wish for a love story with a capital L.

I blew out the candle, looked up and found myself facing two pairs of worried eyes staring back at me.

I was alarmed. "What's wrong with you?

- A boy like Easton and Lucas ?! Are you crazy? exploded Alice.

Would you really want a shady, hard-to-manage guy like my Lucas? I was thinking of someone more level-headed and kinder.

- The opposite of that creep Easton! interjected Alice. I hope your wish doesn't come true or you'll be in serious trouble.

- You're scaring me... This birthday looks like the prologue to a horror movie, I fidgeted.

- No, excuse us. It's just that you surprised us a bit, because Alice and I have a complicated relationship with our boyfriend, and neither of us ever thought that someone could wish for a relationship like ours,” Kira explained to me softly, while Alice nodded with conviction at every word our friend said.

I never imagined how hard it could be to be with Lucas or Easton, but I preferred not to ask questions and diverted attention to the cake.

I cut three equal pieces and together we surrendered to this nirvana for our taste buds.

“ - This cake is divine, but I'm sure you can do better,” Alice whispered as she savored the dessert.

I smiled, embarrassed, because I was not yet used to sharing my love for cooking with anyone. But when Alice found out I was in the college cooking class, I started using my friends as guinea pigs for my culinary experiments, which both girls always defined as a drug. It was an honor to have someone eat what I cooked, and lately it had pushed me to improve more and try new flavors.

“ Felicity!” That unexpected voice and stern tone had the ability to paralyze me and make me not want to eat. I turned around with a feeling of being on the verge of an abyss.

When my eyes fell on the slim, perfect figure of my sister Ava, I felt myself dying.

I wanted to get up and push her out of the building before she could open her mouth, but I was glued to the chair and felt my throat catch fire from the anger triggered by what would surely happen soon.

“ Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends? she became impatient with my silence.

- Ava, my sister. This is Kira and Alice. They go to college with me and…

- You are friends?” surprised Ava, giving me the first blow. For her, it was inconceivable that a pretty girl would hang out with an ugly one. And if she did, it was only to show off, to be highlighted by a less attractive friend. I noticed the look in her eyes and read her accusation: “They're just using you.”

Ava wasn't mean, but she had her own mentality and firmly believed that the world was divided into beautiful and ugly. Two absolutely distinct categories.

“ - Yes,” I tried to answer, but the words came out with difficulty and my cheeks grew hot with embarrassment.

“ - So, why didn't you invite them to the birthday party tonight? Mom and Dad wouldn't mind, you know? They'd be happy to have a few extra guests.”

I turned quickly to Kira and Alice. The disappointment in their eyes made me blush with embarrassment, because I had told them that there would be no party with my family.

The truth was that these two girls were my friends. And they had to stay that way, instead of ending up trapped by my mother's charm, Ava and Bethany.

I didn't want to share them with anyone, and most of all, I didn't want them to be able to see that side of me that was just a big black hole, a nobody who didn't even deserve the attentions of her own parents.

“ I thought Mom only wanted to invite Sandy's friends. I tried to talk myself out of it.

- The party for Sandy was over two hours ago. You made the cake. Don't you remember?

- I forgot, I lied.

- Maybe if you ate less junk food, you wouldn't have these memory lapses! Put the fork down or you'll gain weight again. And you really don't need it,” she reproached me with the same stern tone as my mother. In the past, I had tried to stop them from making such remarks to me, especially in front of other people, but I had realized over time that I couldn't do it because keeping me from gaining more weight was a source of pride for them. It was better to be humiliated than to suffer the guilt of watching me stuff myself without saying a word.

I thought differently, but that was my problem.

“ - It's only a piece of cake, not a lump of butter! Alice interjected, leaving me speechless. No one ever dared contradict my sister or mother when it came to calories or body mass index.

- There will be cake again tonight... That's why I was saying it, Ava stammered, struggling with Alice's murderous stare, before taking her leave and running off.

- Why didn't you tell us it's your birthday party tonight? asked Kira cautiously, even though I knew she was hurt.

- It's just nonsense with my family. We celebrate both my birthday and Sandy's, who turns five tomorrow. Today afternoon, my mom threw a mega party for her, with all her kindergarten friends and girlfriends. But tonight, there will be a cocktail party just for close friends.

- Do you have any other friends?

- Not mine. My family's.

- What about your birthday party?

- In theory, it's tonight, but I already know that the star is still Sandy. The real party is this one. With you.

- We would have planned something even bigger, if only you'd let us.

- No, please. I hate parties and I hate being the center of attention! I was immediately frightened.

- Why didn't you invite us tonight? suddenly asked Alice who had been silent.

- I... I... I don't want to lose you.”

I couldn't finish my sentence and before I could stop myself, I found myself hiding my face in my hands.

“ - What's wrong? asked Kira worriedly, rushing to take me in her thin arms, which would drive my parents crazy.

- I don't want to lose your friendship, I managed to say between sobs.

- Why are you afraid of that happening?

- Because I know my family and I know how good they are at making people wonder at drawing them into their glittering world, to which I have no access.

- But what are you talking about?

- Come to my parents' house tonight and you'll understand.” I capitulated, wondering if it wasn't better to find out right away how strong our friendship was.

2

FELICITY

“ I understood this was a birthday party, not a beauty pageant,” Alice whispered to me as my mother devoured Kira's exotic beauty with her eyes.

“ - My father is a fashion consultant and agent for several little girl models, including Sandy. My mom was Miss Oregon for two years and made it to the finals of the Miss America pageant twenty-seven years ago. Ava helps out my dad and is trying to make it as an advertising model. Bethany, on the other hand, is working to become the new Miss Oregon, but for now she is a beautician and has no intention of continuing her education, just like Ava. Sandy is only five years old, but she's already won four beauty pageants and her Instagram account has over a million followers, thanks to the efforts of my mom who manages my sisters' public relations. And then there's Sissi. She'll be a year old soon and my dad has already gotten her a contract in a diaper commercial," I explained, showing her the family gathered in various parts of the house, decorated and lit up for a photo shoot. “

I saw the bewildered expressions of my friends, while my sisters and mother ran from place to place looking for the perfect shot and pretending to eat a piece of chocolate cake or toast with champagne. There was even an area set aside for changing from long evening gowns to tight-fitting sheaths adorned with sparkles and sequins.

“ Everything is beautiful, but when is it your turn to blow out the candles or have your picture taken? asked Alice, noticing how focused the photographer was on Sandy in front of the most lavish cake ever.

- There is no turn for me.

- But your party...

- This is my party.

- But you're not there, Kira murmured apologetically.

- And that's how it works. Here, parties are only for shootings. The fun party with friends has already happened and that was for Sandy. This on the other hand, is not a party but a real modeling shoot, which involves all my sisters and my mother.” I said, pointing to my family sitting in front of the fireplace.

My mother had a cascade of golden brown hair that fell gracefully over one of her bare shoulders. She held Sissi in her arms, dressed like a princess in peach, like my mother's shimmering dress. Ava was a carbon copy of my mother, and they could be mistaken for sisters given the facial and skin treatments my mother underwent every day. Their only difference was their eyes: my mother's were blue and Ava's were light brown, almost golden, thanks to special lenses she always wore. Bethany stood next to my mother, strapped into a silver dress that left little to the imagination. She, too, was beautiful with her straight blonde hair and blue eyes highlighted by perfect, bright makeup. Next to them was Sandy, with her blonde curls, hazel eyes like mine, skin treated with a pearly self-tanning cream, little mermaid dress and gold heeled sandals.

Despite my beautiful dress, I was not among them. Not by chance, nobody had come to compliment me or ask me to pose with them. They couldn't risk losing followers and showing that in the middle of so much beauty was hiding an ugly duckling who, growing up, hadn't metamorphosed into a beautiful swan.

I didn't even take offense when my mother insisted on including Kira and Alice in the shots. I knew it would happen, but I had to hold back my laughter as I watched them run away. Alice looked like someone just out of a cockfight and Kira was so shocked by all the pretensions of perfection that she finally retreated.

“ I promise not to get offended if you don't invite me to your birthday party with your family next year, Kira blurted out as she cleaned her clothes of a shower of glitter thrown in the air for a photo.

- I don't want to either. I feel exhausted. In ten minutes, I was asked to do all kinds of poses and smile at the camera, but I didn't even get a piece of cake, Alice added tiredly.

- At my house, the cake is only for pictures, not for eating. No one wants to get fat or get pimples.

- They don't even eat your desserts? exclaimed a shocked Alice, who loved my cooking.

- They don't eat anything I make. They say they're afraid of getting fat like me and that if I want to get people to try my food, I should set a good example by losing at least ten pounds.

- This is a crazy family! exploded Alice.

- Well said, young lady!” thundered a voice behind our back.

We turned around and saw my grandmother, with her perpetual perfect bun taming her now gray hair, her inseparable pearl necklace and a beautiful canary yellow suit. She looked like the Queen of England.

“ Grandma, at last! I greeted her with a hug. She was the only one who never made me feel alone.

- Are those geese done with their stupid shots?

- No, they have another hour or so. But come here. I want you to meet my friends: Alice and Kira.”

I saw her bright blue eyes focus on the girls, who greeted her kindly.

“ - I can feel a change in the air, she sighed in the same bewitching voice she used when she read the future to her friends.

- Grandma, don't start.

- And you, stop being afraid of change!” she replied as she walked to the old kitchen table, which was not part of the shooting set. She motioned for us to follow her.

We sat down at the table and my grandmother took out of her bag a small coconut and chocolate muffin and a red candle. She lit it with a lighter.

“ - I didn't know you were bringing friends, so I only have a muffin to celebrate your birthday, she said.

- It doesn't matter, Kira and Alice said quickly, moved by the gesture.

- Fine. In that case, my darling, happy birthday and may this year you be able to realize all those dreams you keep jealously hidden in the drawer of your heart, my grandmother said, handing me the cake and the candle. Now close your eyes, make a wish and blow out the candle.

- Careful, Felicity. A better wish than the one from a few hours ago, Alice warned me before turning to my grandmother to explain. Today she asked for a boyfriend like ours.

- If she asked, that means that's what she wants, my grandmother justified.

- I'll change then, I offered.

- It's too late. An expressed wish is a wish that has already come true,” my grandmother said in a cryptic voice.

I seriously doubted that my wish would be granted, but I remained silent.

I closed my eyes and, in my heart, vowed to remain friends with Kira and Alice forever. And if possible, to have the beauty of Kira and the boldness of Alice.

I opened my eyes and blew out the candle.

Kira and Alice clapped happily.

“ Yes... There is definitely change in the air. I hope you're prepared, because this time fate isn't going to play fast and loose with your wish, my grandmother muttered with a frown.

- Are you a clairvoyant? asked Alice amused before I could stop her.

- I'm a fortune teller, my grandmother replied haughtily, pulling out of her bag a deck of custom cards she had created herself, based on symbols like runes and Egyptian hieroglyphics, which only she understood.

- Really? challenged Alice.

- Pick three cards and I'll tell you something about yourself and your future,” my grandmother invited her, determined to be taken seriously.

Although she looked skeptical, Alice agreed.

She chose three cards with incomprehensible designs.

“ I see a difficult past, without a mother figure to refer to,” my grandmother murmured, stroking the cards as if she could grasp the meaning of the drawings by their physical contact.

Alice remained unmoved and looked at me suspiciously, silently asking if she had learned this information from me, but I shook my head. I had never talked about my friends with my grandmother.

“ Now I see a great love... A rose full of thorns, impossible to pick, but able to love only the person who knows how to care for it. And you did.

- I'm in a relationship with Easton Carson. I don't know if you know him... Can you tell me if we'll always be together?

- In the map of the future, that rose still appears, so I think you'll still be together, and I also see a lot of... animals? Is that possible?

- Yes, I want to open a shelter for stray animals and help the animal protection associations in my city, Alice explained to her, moved. This is my dream.

- A dream that will certainly come true and with beautiful results as far as I can see.”

Alice had to restrain herself from jumping for joy.

“ - Your turn, Kira.”

Hesitantly, my friend picked up three cards.

“ It's amazing how the delicate flutter of a little butterfly's wings can unleash a full-blown hurricane. If I saw a tornado with a fragile and sensitive heart in Alice, here we clearly perceive the strength that hides in the pure soul of this young woman. A purity that is not even tainted by the dark shadow that embraces you with love and possession.

- You mean her boyfriend? I tried to understand.

- Yes, a broken and dark soul, but one that Kira has managed to illuminate and repair, my grandmother explained.

- He's not broken, Kira said vehemently.

- He is and you know it too. It's just that you can't admit it, because then you wouldn't be able to live with the guilt you feel for having caused him to be the way he is. When you left him alone with his demons.

- I... she tried to justify herself, but she burst into tears.

- Grandma! I scolded her, angry at the tears she caused.

- I said she feels guilty, not that she is guilty, my grandmother explained. Kira, it's not your fault.

- It is. I left when he needed me most...

- It is not you who extinguished his light, it is you who illuminate his heart every day with your love. An eternal love, studded with many children... Really many... Too many... Maybe not all yours, my grandmother tried to understand, confused.

- I want children, but I also want to become a social worker and take care of children who are orphaned or victims of abuse and violence. Lucas also wants to work with young people who have a difficult childhood.

- A noble cause, which will bring immense joy to your family.

- Really? asked Kira with a hopeful smile.

- There are ups and downs in your future. Life is not a slide, but rather a roller coaster. You will experience some beautiful moments and some difficult and painful ones. But you know what will keep you alive and happy? Love. I'm not just talking about the man you love, but also about your friendship, all the things you will do with passion and the heart you will offer to those you will help and save during your long life.

- Thank you, Kira sighed serenely as she shook my grandmother's hand.

- Now it's Felicity's turn, Alice said excitedly.

I took three cards myself.

“ The change! I knew it!" my grandmother enthused as she stroked the first card I had drawn. Get ready, my dear, because the life you've lived until now will end very soon. You have asked fate for what you think you are not going to get. Well, this time you will be satisfied, but not by your rules.

- What do you mean by that?

- For years you have asked to be beautiful, to have a boyfriend, to have friends, to graduate... You have often been granted, but you have been self-sabotaging because you did not believe enough in your abilities. You had few but good opportunities to change, but you always turned away. Well, this time it's not going to happen, because what you want is going to come at you so hard that you won't be able to run away.

- Should I be afraid? I asked, trying to hide the rising anxiety that was twisting my stomach.

- I don't think you will die in the accident.

- What accident? Kira, Alice and I shouted in unison.

- It doesn't say it.

- Grandma, you can't scare me by telling me about an accident and then not say anything else.

- You're the one who wanted to change!

- Yes, change, not kill someone or break my neck somewhere! I exploded, already seeing myself behind bars or in a wheelchair all my life.

- I don't think anything like that will happen, but...

- But?

- Someone is going to get hurt, that's for sure. It's obvious, my grandmother explained with a shrug. I hated how tactless she was in some situations.

- Please, ma'am, the cards must say something else!

- Oh yes, they do! Felicity, keep studying like that and you'll graduate without any problems! You'll have an internship too, where you can show your talent.

- But what does it matter about my degree and my internship now? I got angry.

- It matters to me. Since I'm paying for your education! Of all the damn brains here, you're the only one who can fulfill my dream of having a granddaughter graduate. I've invested a lot in you and will continue to do so, if you promise me that you will work hard.

- If I don't die first at least.

- You won't. The cards say you'll have two cats later.

- Perfect... Old maid and cat lady!

- It's a prejudice without foundation.

- Is there any way to avoid this accident? Kira tried, determined not to give up.

- Of course there is!

- And which one? exclaimed my two friends in chorus, full of hope.

- Don't cross the street until you've checked it's clear, don't take candy from strangers, don't walk on rooftops...

- Yes, but apart from that? Alice became impatient with all these obvious facts.

- Start living and savoring every moment.”

3

FELICITY

“ - Please stop checking that horoscope every three seconds! said an exasperated Alice as she put on her shoes and jacket.

- Just one more minute, I replied irritably, going to read the second horoscope.

- Have you seen what time it is at least?

I looked up.

- Shit! I screamed as I realized I only had twenty minutes left before my economics class. And I was still in my pajamas!

- You're wasting your life with these shitty horoscopes,” Alice continued as she picked up her books and left the room.

I huffed nervously.

It had been two weeks since my grandmother told me I would have an accident.

From that day on, I relied on horoscopes and read at least five a day to be safe, before running to class.

But that morning, I had gotten up late and read about a Saturn-Mars squaring that alerted me and made me waste time.

I hurriedly got dressed without taking a shower.

I grabbed my laptop and headed outside.

The college was a fifteen-minute walk away, so I walked quickly, but without taking my eyes off my phone screen, to finish reading the horoscopes.

I was almost there when I read the last one: “Due to Saturn squaring, watch out for accidents”.

Accidents !

That word literally paralyzed me.

I couldn't breathe and my legs began to shake with fear.

I looked down at my feet and saw that I was standing on a patch of ice that had formed from a water leak and the icy wind that had been blowing all night.

So this would be my accident? Slipping on the ice and falling and breaking God knows what?

Determined to save myself from this prophecy, I walked slowly, when a noise suddenly caught my attention.

I turned around and realized that I had stopped in the middle of the road, right in the path of a motorcycle that was coming towards me at full speed.

I stood still, my heart pounding, unable to react to the inevitable crash, as the surprised driver slammed on the brakes, but the ice prevented the tires from sticking.

Now close to the impact, he only had to steer violently to avoid me, leaning to one side to the point of losing control of the vehicle, which ended up against a lamppost, and that the boy fell to the ground and rolled for several meters before stopping.

Oh my God! What have I done? I've... I've killed a man!

Despite the fear that had short-circuited my brain, I felt a surge of adrenaline that sent me running toward the biker lying motionless on the ground.

I was near him in a few seconds.

I touched him and tried to look at his face, but it was hidden by the helmet.

I slowly lifted the broken visor and saw two eyes as black as the leather suit he was wearing.

They were groggy but looking at me, even though it was clear that this boy was almost unconscious.

I immediately called an ambulance and tried to talk to him, but I saw blood dripping from a large tear in the sleeve of his leather jacket.

“ Are you hurt, are you okay? Can you hear me? What is your name? I repeated this several times, trying to keep him awake.

- Ryo, he murmured with difficulty after a moment.

- Ryo Jackson? I said under my breath, feeling as if I had put both feet in the grave.

- Yes, he groaned, trying to move.

- Don't move. You might have something broken, head trauma...” I tried to explain to him, scaring myself, while my mind screamed at me that I had almost killed the pesky, unscrupulous Ryo Jackson, one of the four boys who had made the lives of many students in our high school hell. And if that wasn't enough, he was one of Easton's best friends, Alice's boyfriend. I was sure that this accident could damage my friendship with Alice if I didn't do my best to repair the damage.

Provided Ryo didn't kill me first once he recovered.

The moment my ears were ringing from the pressure of the catastrophic scenarios on the horizon, I knew I had to cover myself.

I immediately called Alice but being in class, she didn't answer and I left a message on her answering machine to explain what had happened.

Then I thought about the Jackson family. I didn't know them, but I knew that Ryo's grandfather was Bradley Jackson, the founder of Eugene's largest advertising agency.

I picked up my cell phone and looked up the agency's number.

I got an answer from the exchange, but as soon as I explained the reason for my call, I was able to speak to the man's secretary, who assured me that she would notify Ryo's grandfather immediately.

As soon as I finished my call, the ambulance arrived.

Ryo was still lying motionless on the asphalt.

He was carefully loaded onto a stretcher.

In the excitement, I also got into the ambulance to explain the situation.

When we arrived at the hospital, they asked me to stay in the waiting room while Ryo was examined and tested.

A police officer from the hospital came to ask me my identity and what had happened.

It was only when I was alone that I burst into tears, releasing all my guilt for what I had done.

I cursed my grandmother for what she had predicted. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have looked at that horoscope and I wouldn't have caused that accident by stopping in the middle of the road just as Ryo was coming up.

And nothing would have happened to him if he hadn't tried to avoid me and save my life.

I didn't deserve anything! It was all my fault and if something bad like paralysis or disability was going to happen, it should have been on me.

I began to cry again, praying that my carelessness had not caused anything serious.

After about an hour and two cups of coffee, I finally heard Ryo's voice yelling something from a room down the hall.

Terrified that something serious had happened, like the amputation of a limb, I walked over and pushed the door open.

I almost cried with relief as I watched Ryo insult the nurses, rip off the gown they had put on him, and try to get up from the bed using both legs.

“ I'm fucking fine! Let me out of here, right now!

- Your grandfather said...

- I don't care what that old weasel said! If I find out who called him, I'll...”

I realized it was time to take responsibility.

I took a deep breath and walked in.

“ And who the fuck are you? He became even more enraged, pointing his murderous gaze at me, but he stopped and stared at me from head to toe. You! You're the bitch that made me slip! You fucking bastard! Because of you, I wrecked my bike.”

I swallowed the insults and moved closer, while the nurses disappeared, determined to let Ryo take it out on me.

“ I'm really sorry. I'm mortified and you don't know how much... I tried to say calmly and coolly, but my heart was beating so fast that it seemed to burst out of my chest.

- You even fucked up my python! he raged.

- I... I'm really sorry. I didn’t want to hurt your… python” I stammered, very uncomfortable, trying to keep my eyes fixed on his, but I gave in and lowered them to his black boxers. I tried to assess the damage, wondering if they had to bandage his penis, given the size of the package. I was trying to figure out what exactly I was looking at, when his voice made me flinch.

“ - You ruined that python, you idiot!” he exploded indignantly, showing me the rings of a black snake tattooed around his left arm.

From a distance, it just looked like a bruise, but up close, I noticed the design that stood out on the tanned, scarred skin mixed with the tattoo.

I took a step forward and indeed, I saw that the python's head was cut by a deep gash, to which stitches had been made. In addition, he had large dark bruises all along his arm, shoulder and side. His left leg was also injured and swollen.

He was in bad shape but luckily whole. Except for his... snake.

“ - I'm sorry about your python. I didn't mean to hurt it, I murmured embarrassingly under his fiery gaze.

- Who the fuck castrated my friend?” burst out a voice behind my back that startled me.

I turned around and found myself facing Ant and Easton, Ryo's two friends.

It was Ant who spoke and as soon as his eyes fell on me, I felt myself blushing.

A year had passed, but I hadn't stopped dreaming about him and fantasizing about us together.

Too bad he didn't even know I existed.

“ Anyway, it's not a python. It looks more like an earthworm. No need to overestimate my friend's gear. If you want a python, you have to come to my house” Ant tried to reassure me by putting a hand on my shoulder.

These words and this contact made me blush like a tomato.

I wanted to answer, to say something, but I was completely out of order and Ant's grey eyes were too bewitching not to lose my mind.

“ Do you really have to start flirting now, in front of me? Fuck, I'm out here suffering like a dog because of this crazy woman and you're trying to get her into your bed!” cut in Ryo as Easton grabbed his clothes and tried to figure out if he could be let out.

“ - You hit your head, didn't you? said Ant. Oh no, I forgot you're a pig. I put my hand on her shoulder, not on her breasts!

- Maybe it's better I wait outside,” I let out in a breath, now unable to bear another word, or the thought of Ant's hand on other parts of my body.

Outside, I happily found Kira and Alice waiting for me.

“ Are you okay? How is Ryo?”

I could only nod, still too upset. Ryo's voice was loud enough to shake the walls, although the doctors said he had a cracked rib and many bruises, but luckily nothing serious.

4

RYO

“ You can't stay alone in this shitty fraternity,” Ant asserted, staring at me with his gray eyes highlighted by the glasses he insisted on wearing constantly, to make himself look even smarter than he already was.

“ - Do you want me to move into yours? I provoked him.

- Not at all. You'd be a burden since you don't subscribe to Twitch or our Fortnite group and you're a sucker for games. Besides, I don't think you have a high enough IQ to get in,” my friend replied pedantically. I would have punched him if I didn't feel so bad.

“ - I forgot that your fraternity only admits nerds who can hold a joystick.

- I'm not just beating you up because you just had an accident, but as soon as you recover, I'm going to tear you apart... and not on Fortnite or Call of Duty, Ant threatened me immediately, proud of his brotherhood.

-I could let you have my room until you get back on your feet, Easton offered, determined to find a solution. I'm sure your group wouldn't mind if I went to live with your fraternity for a short time. It's never seemed as close-knit as Ant's.

- Would you really go to my house and leave your girlfriend here alone?” I reminded him.

I knew how attached my friend was to Alice and I would never interfere with their relationship. Easton needed her and needed to have her around.

“ - I'll go in for you, Logan interjected, arranging his fallen blonde hair in front of his face.

- No, I replied vigorously. No one knew it, but Logan had already asked me to switch, and after I found out why, I was mad as hell at him.

- Why not? It's an idea,” Easton tried to understand.

I looked at Logan, ready to dare him to contradict me. If Easton or Ant found out the truth, he knew he could lose their friendship.

“ - I... I need to be alone, Logan muttered, looking away.

- If it's because of Alice or because you played spy for my dad last year, I've forgiven you,” Easton reassured him.

“ - It's not about that. I'd like to have a room to myself, he replied carefully.

- So you can get laid without getting in my face?

- That's right.

- OK... sorry. I can ask Alice to stay at her place from time to time.

- No, Easton, it's not that. I want to be more independent and...

- And not teach her what you do with girls, right? I cut him off, making him stop.

- Why? What do you do with girls? tried to understand Ant.

- I get them into bed and then I obviously do them.

- And you get paid for it! I added angrily.

- What the hell are you saying?” Easton snapped, stunned.

I fell silent. The bomb had gone off because of me and now, like a coward, I was letting Logan pay the consequences alone.

“ - You're doing... the gigolo? whispered Ant, unable to believe his own words.

Logan nodded.

- And you knew? Easton asked, his eyes blazing.

- Yes, I found out about it a month ago, I admitted. I told him not to do it, that if he needed money I'd give it to him, that if his mother found out, she'd kill him, that... “

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to finish because Easton threw himself at Logan and started hitting him.

“ Have you gone crazy? What the hell are you thinking? he yelled at him as Ant tried to pull them apart. I tried to intervene as well, but my left leg and shoulder hurt like hell.

- It wasn't planned. Two months ago I slept with a girl who wouldn't let me go, who started telling me she loved me. I told her I was sleeping for money and she stopped stalking me. And suddenly, a few weeks later, girls came up to me to fuck and asked me how much it cost. I came out with a high amount thinking I'd get rid of it and instead... It started like this. I swear.”

They all stared at Logan. He had an athletic, powerful, groomed physique. Impossible to go unnoticed. If one added to it his eyes of seducer which captured thousand nuances going of the turquoise to the green, it was folded. No woman could ever resist him.

“ Stop it now!

- I earn a lot of money and for once girls don't ask me to love them or become their boyfriend.

- Another one allergic to relationships, muttered Ant cynically.

- That's the pot calling the kettle black, I replied with a sarcastic laugh.

- I'm speechless, muttered Easton, stunned by the news. Now that the anger had subsided, only sadness and disappointment remained. You were always the most mature and responsible of the group. You were the one I turned to when I had a problem and now, you're telling me you're going to throw away your future to be a gigolo?

- I don't have the resources you do and I don't have a professional career ahead of me. Whereas you, Easton, will be a great lawyer. You, Ant, will be a programmer or game designer and you, Ryo... Your grandfather will leave you the most sought-after advertising agency in the state.

- Except that I'm not interested, I reminded him.

- You can't go on racing motorcycles illegally and living off your family's money.

- As soon as I get up, I'll make you bite the dust. My bike...

- By the way, about your Kawasaki, the fork broke during the accident, Ant told me, moving away slowly to avoid ending up in the whirlwind of anger that took hold of me as soon as I realized the extent of the damage.

- I'll buy a new one. I tried to think of a solution, taking a deep breath before the anger took over.

- You said your grandfather would cut you off if you screwed up again.

- He doesn't need to know what happened.

- Too late, Easton tells me.

- Who the fuck told him? I was losing it.

- That girl who was there at the time of the accident. Felicity Roadfield. She called Jackson Company because she knew you were Bradley Jackson's grandson. Your grandfather is in London but he's on his way back. He called my dad to see how you were doing and to ask me to keep an eye on you until he gets here,” Easton told me uncomfortably.

I was at a loss for words.

“ - Hey, is everything okay? asked Ant, who wasn't used to seeing me so calm.

- Where is this Felicity Roadfield? I simply said.

5

FELICITY

“ He'll never forgive me, will he? I sobbed desperately, letting Kira and Alice console me.

- I don't know. You've known him longer than we have. What kind of guy is Ryo?” Alice tried to understand.

- Cruel? Spiteful? Unable to forgive? Vindictive? Enigmatic? Sneaky? I let out a sarcastic sigh, distressed as can be, because I knew that every adjective I had used described him perfectly.

- Aren't you a little too prejudiced against him? I don't think he's that bad,” Kira tried to calm me down.

I didn't have time to answer her when we heard a loud knock on the door.

Alice opened the door and Ryo and Easton burst into the room.

“ I will kill you! Do you understand me? You're dead!” attacked Ryo coming towards me and risking to fall despite the crutch that helped him to walk. Luckily, Easton had a firm grip on him. I'm going to slash you!

“ - I'm sorry. Really, I whispered, overwhelmed with guilt and intimidated by those dark eyes that looked like they could kill with a glance.

- Sorry for what? You fucking made me crash like a moron! But most of all you ruined my beloved bike! I demand you buy it back from me!

- I'm sorry, I don't have any money... If I get a job, I could give you...

- I want it now!

- Sorry, Ryo, but you're not poor. I don't see why you can't buy another motorcycle on your own, Alice interjected cheekily.

- I can't because that bitch called my grandfather and cut me off!

- I beg your pardon. I thought I was doing something good, I said.

- I don't give a shit about your fucking apology! You... You...” he growled angrily. But I burst into tears. It seemed I hadn't done the right thing and I didn't know how to make it up to him.

“ And don't try to cry!

- You'll never forgive me, will you? I whispered in a broken voice.

- Never... Unless you really show me that you want to be forgiven.

- How?

- Surprise me,” he said curtly before turning and walking away.

6

RYO

“ Damn, that girl is choking on guilt and you slaughtered her. You're such an asshole, Logan said when we were done taking my stuff to Easton's room instead of his. Even though I wasn't convinced, I finally gave in and moved into this little room I would be sharing with one of my best friends for the next few months.

- Shut up, gigolo, I insulted him, made nervous by the pain in my shoulder and the fact that he was defending the one who was the source of all my misfortunes.

- Double asshole, he sighed bitterly as he threw himself on Easton's bed.

- Instead of wasting time with this bullshit, we could think about how to help you for the courses, since the doctors told you to remain with rest for at least one week worried Ant while seizing the tablet where he preserved all types of information. And the ones he didn't have, he was hacking on the university's website. From what I've seen, if we put together my notes, Easton's notes, and the one whose name must not be spoken, we should be able to cover every course.

- If I were Felicity, I wouldn't help you after the way you treated her, Logan muttered before I could shut him up by throwing a pillow in his face.

- I'll take care of her. She's a friend of Alice's and I'll get her to help us, Easton interjected, immediately sending a message to his girlfriend based on the plan Ant had already prepared and sent to everyone.

- I don't give a shit about school, I exploded as the pain became more and more unbearable.

- If your grandfather hears you...

- My grandfather can go burn in hell!

The door to the room opened wide at the same moment.

"And I will go my dear grandson. But not before I set you straight, my grandfather said as he entered the room and took in every particle of air there was. I always felt this way with him: apneic, ready to die from his sharp eyes and despotic tone.

“ - Hello, Mr. Jackson, my friends exclaimed in unison, intimidated. They too had never managed to impose themselves in front of this powerful man who emanated power and destruction from every pore.

- Get out of here, he replied, and the room emptied in a second.

Cowards !

Dear Ryo, we're down to three with this latest bullshit, he began to torment me with his deep, threatening voice.

- You don't even ask me how I am?

- I've already spoken to your doctors and the hatred in your eyes tells me that you're not in enough pain to accept what I'm about to tell you without discussion.

- You can't command me.

- Are you sure?”

No, I wasn't. Even my father depended on him and would never do anything to upset him. He was too fragile and alone to fight such a stepfather. The only chance of survival was to distance himself.

I avoided him too. I hadn't told him about my accident because I didn't want to worry him, and I knew my grandfather wouldn't say anything because he took too much pleasure in being the one pulling the strings of his puppets.

“ You dropped field hockey and I didn't say anything. You got pulled over in a clandestine motorcycle race and I warned you that if I caught you again on any form of transportation, I would punish you. And now you've had an accident on that damn motorcycle, which I promptly wrecked before you could even think of getting it fixed.

- How dare you? I exploded, but he ignored me.

-I'm not done yet. I just told the bank to cancel your credit cards. From now on, you're poor, boy.

- How do I live?

- I already got you a job. You're going to work for the Jackson Company , just as soon as you get well.

- I'm not going to work for you!

- You will, or you can kiss this whole thing goodbye. Not to mention your klutz of a father...

- He's got nothing to do with this!

- I'll tell him about all the stupid things his son does.”

It was hard to swallow because even though I didn't have much of a relationship with my father, I didn't want to hurt him. He had already had enough problems with my mother, who had caused him to have a nervous breakdown.

“ You're a bastard, I snarled fiercely, but he laughed.

- Yes, I am, and remember that my blood runs through your veins too. There's a reason why a lot of people say we're so much alike.”

It was true. We had the same build and ebony eyes. My skin was more amber than his, which was dark, while his jet black hair was sprinkled with gray.

“ I want you to become a model student and stop being evil like your...mother was,” he added, stumbling over the last word. Talking about his daughter was like opening a bloody wound that would never heal.

He didn't wait for me to answer. He turned and walked away.

I threw myself onto the bed, causing a twinge in my cracked rib.

I tried to breathe normally again, inhaling the last of the oxygen left in the room.

I was trying to get the tension down when I heard another knock at the door.

“ Come in,” I shouted, angry at the constant coming and going, which only brought bad news.

The door opened slowly and the woman who would soon populate my nightmares entered.

I looked at her for a long time, wondering how this anonymous and insignificant girl had managed to make such a mess of my life.

Her knotted hair left her round, pale face free, in which two large dark circles highlighted her red, swollen eyes under a pair of dark glasses.

It was obvious that what had happened had shaken her deeply and I knew in my heart that it was also my fault, because I was speeding on my motorcycle, but the idea of unloading all the responsibility on her was easier to bear.

“ Hi... Am I... bothering you? she whispered shyly as she approached with a box in her hand.

- What do you want?

- I wanted to give you this... she said, handing me the container. It's blueberry muffins. I hope you like them. It's a peace offering, and I also wanted to tell you that I've already agreed with your friends about the notes. We have a lot of classes together, so I'll be able to bring you all the course work seen each day. And if you need to go to the doctor or anywhere, I have a car. I can drive you around and run errands for you.”

She was practically offering to be my personal slave.

I held back a smile and opened the box from which emanated an incredible scent of blueberries, butter, sugar, vanilla...

I bit into a cake.

It was delicious and very tender. Exactly like the girl who was facing me, with her unctuous forms hidden under black flared pants and a long white tee-shirt that covered her generous buttocks.

“ It's not bad, I declared as I began to eat the second muffin.

- It's my pleasure. You know, I made them in the kitchen lab of the club I belong to,” she explained with embarrassment.

I settled more comfortably on the bed and was again pierced by a painful twinge in my shoulder.

“ - Do you want a painkiller? she said immediately.

- I don't know where I put them. I've been looking for them for hours.

- Maybe they're here," she said, pointing to a bag with the pharmacy symbol on it. She opened it and took out the damn medicine.”

She handed me a pill and a glass of water.

I swallowed it all and lay back on the bed, exhausted.

I was dead and the day never seemed to end.

I fell asleep without realizing it.

I didn't even feel Felicity put a blanket over me and quietly leave the room.

When I woke up, I was shaken by Easton, my cellmate.

“ Are you coming to dinner? he asked me as he ate a muffin from Felicity.

- I'm not hungry, I replied, exhausted and in pain.

- These muffins are good. Where did you get them?

- Felicity made them.

- What the hell? He jerked and spit out the cake, waking me up immediately.

- What's wrong with you?

- Felicity is friends with Alice.

- What's wrong with that?

- Don't you remember what Alice did to me when I ate her cake after treating her badly?

- Oh, fuck! I recalled, startled. Are you saying Felicity put a laxative in the muffins too?

- I don't know, but her friendship with Alice may not have done her any good.

- I still don't understand how you can date this public menace! Find Alice and have her tell you if I need to run to the hospital to get my stomach pumped, dammit!”

In an instant, Easton called his girlfriend, who immediately reassured him that Felicity was too nice to do something like that, even though she had suggested it to her given the way she had been treated.

I lay back down with a sigh of relief, four pillows in my back to ease the pain in my rib.

I prayed that the day would come to an end as soon as possible and finally fell asleep on the medication.

7

FELICITY

I returned to Ryo's place the next day.

Seeing him so tired and unwell had hurt me a lot, but the way he had thrown himself on my muffins had made me feel better.

Kira was right to advise me to make him a dessert.

Driven by the hope of being forgiven, I went to Ryo's that afternoon with the marketing and business notes, along with my latest culinary experiment: a vegan pistachio tiramisu.

Easton had told Alice that Ryo loved pistachios, so I'd been looking for a way to cook them with more flavor.

Alice and Kira had been my assistants and had said that it was sublime. So I was feeling confident.

***

RYO

I had to wait until late afternoon to see my personal slave again.

“ Finally! I greeted her with a note of reproach that made her tense.

- I'm sorry for the delay, but I've prepared a pistachio tiramisu for you” she said, handing me a tray.

I opened it. Inside, I also found a small spoon.

Having eaten only one sandwich all day, I was starving.

I immediately plunged the spoon into the creamy, fragrant dessert.

The consistency was extremely appetizing.

Since I have a weakness for pistachios, I put a big spoonful in my mouth.

I savored this dessert dedicated to pleasure and sensuality under the watchful eye of Felicity sitting on the bed next to me, ready to show me the notes she had taken.

Damn, this dessert was delicious!

Too good to be just a peace offering.

I stared into her bright, glowing eyes, attentive to my mouth, waiting for...

“ I'm not going to fuck you,” I broke it off immediately.

Her cheeks turned bright red in an instant and her wide, shame-filled eyes met mine suspiciously.

In a fit of nervousness, she leapt to her feet and dropped all the notes to the floor.

“ But no! But I... What are you talking about? I don't want to... she stammered.

I had to restrain myself not to burst out laughing.

- You prepare me this incredible tiramisu. It is normal that I think that you made it so that I sleep with you, isn't it?

-Well, you're wrong. I don't cook to do... that thing, she stammered, even more embarrassed than before.

- God, I knew you were stupid, but not that stupid! I giggled, feeling sorry for her. How could anyone have such a weapon at their disposal and not use it to bend men to their will?”

She remained silent and stared at me.

I could read the hesitation on her face between taking this sentence as a compliment or an offense.

“ There's laundry to do, I said sternly, brushing away that crumb of hope that she might like me enough to say something nice. And tomorrow I expect something nutty.”

Like a brave little slave, she took the basket of dirty laundry and headed for the laundry room, leaving me alone with this heavenly tiramisu.

***

FELICITY

He liked my tiramisu!

“ There's laundry to do, I said sternly, brushing away that crumb of hope that she might like me enough to say something nice. And tomorrow I expect something nutty.”

The emotion that this thought unleashed almost made me tremble. The idea of cooking for someone and seeing them eat with pleasure was priceless.

And Ryo had almost purred like a cat when he tasted my pistachio tiramisu.

And not only that! He even asked me to cook something else for him!

I was in seventh heaven, although my cheeks were still burning at the memory of what he had told me about wanting to sleep with him.

I was too smart and rational to imagine sleeping with a boy I would never have and who would never want me.

I wasn't that stupid.

Ryo had this dark, tormented, mysterious, dangerously sensual beauty that made it impossible not to notice him, but he also gave off a neon-like light that proclaimed “Untouchable.” He had closed his heart, if he ever had one, to all feeling. And falling in love with him meant getting seriously burned and losing part of his own heart.

I thought for a long time while his clothes spun in the window of the washing machine.

It was the first time I had ever touched a man's underwear. It was embarrassing, but I eventually closed my eyes and stuffed everything into the machine.

When the washing and drying was done, I took the clothes out.

"Oh my God!" I shouted as I picked up Ryo's socks. I was sure they were white, but they were now red.

I took out the rest.

Luckily, the sweaters and jeans were all dark and had escaped, but the white T-shirts, boxers and socks had turned red.

I sorted through the clothes and finally found a huge bright red bra. It was the one that had rubbed off.

How could I not have seen it when I loaded the machine?

I had closed my eyes.

“ Well, it's not my fault he leaves the underwear of the girls he sleeps with in the middle of the dirty laundry!”

I folded everything with a sigh and took it back to the bedroom, where I also found Logan.

“ I washed it all, but the bra rubbed off and stained the rest,” I said hastily, trying not to be in awe of Logan's beauty.

- What the fuck are you talking about? said Ryo, bending over the basket and seeing his red socks. What the hell did you do?”

- It's not my fault, I justified myself under his murderous gaze while Logan burst out laughing.

- You got caught, buddy! Felicity, you should know that Ryo has a second identity that only frequents drag queens, Logan told me, and Ryo punched him in the face.

- This bra is not mine!

- It's probably your girlfriend's, I said, knowing that Ryo was single. He was having fun and that was that.

- And what a girlfriend! With tits like that, you can only fuck her if she's not on top of you or you'll choke to death, laughed Logan even louder as he took the bra which was so big that even my already large breasts would have floated inside.

- What the hell are you talking about! I don't fuck with women with big tits! Ryo explained angrily. This is your fault! You're a walking disaster, you're just able to ruin my life! But this time I didn't listen.

- I'm sorry, but that was your business. It's not my fault,” I said quickly before walking away.

I was heading towards my room when a girl with a more than generous chest and probably the fruit of the scalpel of a plastic surgeon stopped me.

“ Excuse me, I just saw you coming back from the laundry room. You did not find a red bra somewhere? she asked me by making a moue of duck.

- No,” I lied before locking myself in my room. If Ryo found out that bra was already in the washing machine, he would kill me.

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