CHAPTER 5
BROKEN HEARTS
ARI
"What do you mean when you say you're doing this for me?" I asked, confused. "Did I hurt you? Is this revenge? Against me?"
"End the call," Liam said. I looked at him and noticed how nervous he was. I glanced at my phone, waiting for a response, but the screen showed that the person who had called had ended the conversation. "I don't like this. We need to talk to Officer García."
"Can you tell him?" I asked while trying to organize my thoughts. "I need to talk to someone."
"Does it have anything to do with the call?" he asked, unsure if he really knew who was behind it.
"I don't know. That's what I want to find out."
He nodded at my answer, and we left the infirmary into the hallway. I looked ahead and saw someone approaching from the courtyard, where the football field was. He stopped when he saw me with Liam.
Dylan seemed to sigh before forcing a smile and stepping closer to kiss my cheek. Liam watched us closely, then made an expression of disbelief, as if Dylan's attitude seemed absurd to him. Then Liam offered me a faint smile when he noticed my attention was more focused on him.
"Are you okay?" Dylan asked, his expression filled with distrust toward Liam. He knew what had happened. Somehow, when we started talking, he noticed one of my bruises and began questioning me, since my lies weren't very convincing.
"Yes, it's nothing, we were just talking," I answered.
Dylan looked Liam up and down, but Liam didn't let himself be intimidated; on the contrary, he stared back at him as if it were impossible to make him feel inferior.
"I helped him, he got hurt," I explained.
"That's what nurses are for," Dylan replied immediately. Just then, I turned when I heard Liam laugh.
"What's so funny?" Dylan asked, clearly annoyed.
"Listening to you. Jealousy doesn't suit you," Liam replied in a challenging tone.
"Look who's talking," Dylan shot back.
I grew serious when I saw how Liam was staring at me. In his gaze, I understood the question: Did you tell him?
"Dylan, it's none of your business, and even less so now that we're exes," I replied.
Dylan took a step back, surprised by my words.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to go to class," I added before leaving them there.
I didn't want to be on bad terms with Dylan, but the fact that he was trying to win me back again didn't make me happy.
Still, I was the one who was wrong, because I was only with him to feel loved. I also wanted to love, but it was difficult for me because of him…
Because of the boy who, at that moment, walked back up beside me to climb the stairs with me.
We both lowered our heads in embarrassment while our classmates stared at us in surprise upon seeing us together.
After two years, it was strange for both of us, yet comforting to know that neither of us wanted to walk away. And I know that, if it were up to us, we would change history so it wouldn't have ended.
Liam looked at me when we reached the third floor, where our classrooms were, and where we also had opposite directions.
"Do you have the same number?" Liam asked. "So you can let me know about your suspicions about that person," he explained, trying to make his intention clear. It made me smile a little, but I held it back.
"No, I changed my number," I replied.
I unlocked my phone to show him my new number while he added it to his contacts.
"If you need to tell me something, you can also text me," I added, making sure to choose my words carefully.
Liam nodded, and when he finished adding me, I lowered my phone.
"Ari, you know the only thing I can offer you is my friendship," he said.
His words hit me with reality. It took me a moment to nod.
"I know, don't worry," I replied, even though inside I wondered why I felt so disappointed.
After so much time, it was clear that I couldn't still be in love…
Of course not. That's impossible.
"Well, we have to go to class," he said before saying goodbye and walking away.
Without looking back, I headed to my classroom. Luckily, the teacher hadn't arrived yet.
Immediately, I looked at Camila and Ámbar, who were talking. Camila was sitting in front of Ámbar, but she had turned her chair to talk more comfortably.
I walked over to them, and as soon as they saw me, they stood up to hug me tightly.
"We heard about your attack. Are you okay?" Camila asked, barely pulling away.
I thought I'd have to explain everything, but someone had already done it: Jeff.
"Nothing happened. Luckily, we made it to my parents' apartment in time," I answered.
At that moment, I noticed my notebook on Camila's desk.
"Thanks for bringing my notebook. I wouldn't have had time to go to the lockers."
"At least knowing each other's locker combinations is useful, though I have to admit Ámbar reminded me of the code," Camila replied, shaking her head. "I'm terrible with memory."
"Remember? I set the code. She was stubborn, insisting it was another one, and the light always turned red," Ámbar said.
"Oh! But the important thing is that we brought the notebook. Stop reminding me I have the memory of an eighty-year-old woman," Camila said, making me laugh.
"But anyway, you have to tell us something."
"We saw you with Liam. Well, some people from school did too. They're assuming things, but I guess you have something to tell us," Ámbar said, interested. Like Camila, she was paying close attention.
They knew about my past relationships, both with Liam and Dylan, but I always left out the bad parts, especially anything related to Liam.
I supposed it was time to tell them and explain our renewed closeness.
"We're not getting back together," I said, crushing the idea they probably had in their heads.
"But why?" Camila asked, confusing me, because I thought my answer was clear.
"What do you mean why?"
"It's obvious you still love each other, so why do you have that silly look on your face?" Camila said, making me blink in confusion.
I didn't expect those words, least of all from one of my best friends.
I looked at Ámbar, who nodded, confirming Camila's words, as if everyone knew it except us.
"We don't love each other anymore. Maybe there's still affection, but that's all," I replied, and they exchanged looks, not believing me.
"I'm serious. It's impossible to still be in love after two years."
"Who said it wasn't possible?" Ámbar asked, contradicting me.
"Because it's absurd," I replied, sighing with a small laugh.
"Absurd? Ari, I've never seen you smile like that. From far away, it was obvious you were happy talking to him. Not even with Dylan."
Not even with Dylan.
"It just makes me happy that things are okay between us again, that's all," I said, making Camila roll her eyes.
"When are you going to admit it?" Camila asked. "You're still in love, but we won't pressure you. In time, you'll realize it."
"In time, you'll realize you were wrong," I said, making them laugh.
"Seriously, I'm not in love with anyone."
"Whatever you say," Ámbar replied, and I lightly nudged her, making her smile.
"Don't forget you deserve to be happy."
"I am happy, being with you and single," I said, and she smiled understandingly.
"I don't deny that, but I mean romantically. I'd love to see you as happy as you were back then."
"That was a long time ago," I said, reminding her that in six days I'd turn eighteen.
"So what? Sometimes we have to pay attention to the signs life gives us. Maybe it wasn't the right moment then, but maybe now it is."
It wasn't our moment.
The attacks, the photo, the security cameras, the phone harassment… it was all too dangerous for both of us right now.
If history repeated itself, I would never forgive myself. If Liam got hurt again, it would be too much for him. Especially knowing it would be my fault.
"I really don't think getting back together is the best idea," I said.
"Don't tell me, was the rumor about you and Jeff true?" Camila asked, as if the news might give her a heart attack.
"Of course not! I don't like Jeff, we've been friends since we were kids," I replied immediately, rejecting even the idea of being Jeff's girlfriend.
"I thought the theory was true," Ámbar said.
Camila looked at her, confused, just like I did.
"You don't know it? People who've been friends since childhood always end up married or together."
"Where did you hear that?" Camila asked, crossing her arms.
"On social media."
"And you think it's true? Stop believing everything you see in videos," Camila snapped, making Ámbar sigh.
"But it sounded realistic. You know, if I had a best friend, it would be hard not to fall in love. Plus, they've known each other forever."
"Do you think I was ever in love with Jeff?" I asked Ámbar.
"Honestly, no."
Her quick answer, without hesitation, made me burst out laughing, and I heard Camila laugh too.
"And him in love with me?"
"I don't know about that," Ámbar said thoughtfully. My laughter faded at her hesitation. I had expected a quick no.
"Honestly, Jeff makes me wonder, though I guess he hasn't been in love with you either."
"It's obvious he was, but he wouldn't say it," Camila said casually, making me frown.
"What? It makes sense. You've had official boyfriends. He hasn't had girlfriends, just flings and party kisses. But something serious? Never."
"And what does that have to do with anything? Just because he doesn't want relationships doesn't mean he's secretly in love with me."
"Don't you notice how men act?" Camila asked. "It's absurd. You don't understand their hints."
"What hints? If Jeff were in love with me, I'd notice."
"As an observer, you see more things," Camila replied, placing her hand on her forehead as if invoking some magical power.
"Now you're observant," I said sarcastically.
The teacher's voice interrupted us as she greeted us and sat at her desk.
I looked at the girls before sitting in the empty seat next to Ámbar. And before class began, I remembered what truly worried me.
I had to tell them everything about Liam and how it connected to the attack.
"I also have something important to tell you, but it has to be after school," I said, and both of them looked at me.
"Gossip?" Camila asked.
"Something about what happened to me, but it's serious. I couldn't tell you before."
From their expressions, I could see how shocked they were by my seriousness, concern appearing on their faces.
"Well, we're going to my house to get ready for Daniel's party, so we'll take advantage of that," Camila said, and I nodded while looking at the board, watching the teacher's notes.
"Are you okay?" Ámbar asked.
"Yes, don't worry," I replied with a slight smile, and she nodded, satisfied.
[...]
We were in Camila's room. I took out the clothes I had packed in the bag the day before.
They'd stayed in my locker all day, so when classes ended, I just grabbed them to avoid going home unnecessarily. It was a pleated skirt that fell above my knees and a white long-sleeved blouse that hugged my body, accentuating my waist, which I liked.
I hadn't put on makeup today, but I brought my bag with my products to do it here.
Camila asked us about countless outfits, trying on several combinations. Even though we gave our opinions, she never seemed convinced.
"Camila, if you keep this up, we'll be late to the party," Ámbar said, already dressed and standing in front of the mirror, curling her hair. Then she looked at me, sitting on Camila's bed.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I remembered the thoughts I used to have about my appearance when I was younger.
I opened my bag and changed clothes. When I finished, I put the clothes I'd worn all day into the bag and opened the door to leave it beside Camila's bed.
"That outfit looks amazing on you," Ámbar said, nodding as she looked at me. "If you don't like anyone, you'll end up making several people fall for you tonight."
Camila came out of her closet and looked at me.
"Oh friend, you know how to dress," Camila said, then, as if remembering something, added, "Didn't you have something important to tell us?"
"Can you step out of there for a moment?" I asked Camila. She walked over to me, while Ámbar, finishing her hair, also came closer to listen.
"What happened? You're scaring me with your silence," Camila said when she saw how serious I suddenly was. "You can trust us."
"Do you remember how I never wanted to talk about why I broke up with Liam?"
"Of course. You even got mad when we insisted," Ámbar said.
"Well, the reason I broke up with him was because during the last month he started hitting me, but…" I said, only to be interrupted.
"He did what? What the hell? What the hell are you saying?" Camila fired off, and I opened my mouth to speak. "How is that possible?"
Ámbar noticed how nervous and sad I was.
"Let her finish, Camila," Ámbar said, stopping her.
I explained everything in detail, without leaving anything out, how it all began and how it ended. They were the ones who truly knew what was going on.
"He wasn't in his right mind. He was drugged," I added at the end so they would understand, so they wouldn't get the wrong idea. "He was drugged without his consent, given a very dangerous substance. It could've been in his drinks or food, but he never realized it, and it caused memory loss. So after hitting me and returning to normal…"
"He didn't remember anything," Ámbar said, understanding, while Camila stayed silent.
"But did you know what drug it was?" Camila asked, trying to understand how I reached that conclusion.
"When Jeff and I were attacked, I later spoke with the officer. He told me about it and said they had proof. They showed me the file, and just like me, Liam only learned the reason for that behavior yesterday."
"And only now the police found evidence?" Camila said angrily, letting out a deep sigh.
"That's the biggest problem."
"We have to understand that the evidence didn't reach the police because someone wanted to get rid of it. And it's probably the same person who drugged Liam without his consent," I added.
"But then it's the same person. If they gave him the drug, they had to know Liam or you," Ámbar said, as if the thought gave her chills.
"There's no other option. That person has to be close to at least one of us. There has to be something in common between Liam and me," I said, accepting that someone was targeting me.
"Doesn't the police have any idea who it could be?" Ámbar asked, and I remembered the tattoo and the attacker's eyes in the elevator.
"They only know his physical appearance and a tattoo that appeared on one of the security cameras."
"What tattoo?"
I took out my phone and opened the video Officer García had sent me privately, showing a close-up photo of the man's tattoo. Ámbar and Camila leaned in, studying the video and the photo. I also showed them the attack timeline.
"Okay, let's recap the clues," Camila said. "First, he's almost Jeff's height, around 1.85 meters. Ari said he had dark brown eyes. The tattoo is key. We need to find someone with the numbers 181222 on their wrist. It reminds me of someone, but I don't know who. I've seen something similar."
"The guy from Prep School 9. Billy, or something like that. He's almost identical and has a wrist tattoo, but I don't remember the numbers."
"I don't know anyone by that name," I said, unsure, suspecting it might not be him.
"We have to go to the party. He'll probably be there. He's from the music group that always plays."
"Shitty music," Camila said, making her opinion about indie bands clear.
"Do you agree?" Ámbar asked me after making her proposal.
"I guess we should see if he looks like the guy," I said, admitting I shouldn't dismiss it just because I didn't know him.
"We'll protect you. I'll be your bodyguard," Camila said. "Besides, we have to help you. Whoever it is, they need to leave you alone."
I nodded, and they opened their arms to hug me, making me smile.
"We're sorry you went through so much alone, but we won't judge you. That never would've crossed my mind," Ámbar admitted. "But I hope you know we'll be here for you."
I nodded during the hug, feeling comforted knowing they understood me and were helping me look for answers. I had definitely taken too long to go to my friends.
"We'll help you, so tonight we need to stay alert."
"So you understood the plan?" I asked, and they nodded.
"Yes. Definitely, no one will understand it better than us."