CHAPTER 7 – PART 2
Puppet
ARI
When I lost my parents, I was young, but I felt at home when my mother's brother—whom I now consider my father—raised me for years.
On the other hand, my relationship with my adoptive mother was always difficult.
I tried to understand her.
I miss my parents. I still keep memories, and I'm grateful that they were good to me. To this day, I still ask myself how it was that, all of a sudden, they disappeared from my life that day.
I met a boy who, in my opinion, was everything I was not.
But our story was meant to be a beautiful one.
"I hate exams, seriously, I hate them with my whole being," Camila told me, rubbing her head as we left the classroom after finishing the exam. "How did you finish so fast?"
"I told you I studied days in advance," I replied, and she elbowed me.
"I didn't think it would be that hard… I trusted myself," she said, and I laughed. "Seriously."
"So you'll come with me to the library to study?" I asked, but she quickly shook her head. I rolled my eyes, not very surprised by her answer.
"Studying isn't for me. I can't concentrate," she replied. "Besides, my mom is already here waiting for me, she's in the parking lot."
We were already walking toward the exit when she leaned in and kissed my cheek, which I returned.
I headed to the library near the school, hoping there wouldn't be too many students.
I sent a message to the family group chat letting them know I'd be there and that after a few hours of studying I'd go back home.
I walked through the park while leaves fell from the trees—it was autumn.
I shook my head to get rid of a few leaves that had landed on me.
Then I crossed the street and opened the library door, the bell announcing my arrival. The librarian greeted me with a smile.
"I'm glad to see you, Ari," she said in a slightly tired tone. She was older, and the last time she had mentioned she planned to retire soon so she could rest.
"Today I'm just taking one book," I said, pulling out my card to hand it to her. She began registering my information as usual.
"Another romance novel?" she asked. I nodded, and that earned a faint smile from her.
She handed my card back and I headed toward the shelves, until I reached the romance section. I never got tired of the silence, the smell of books, and the calm that place made me feel.
"Which one should I take?" I asked myself softly, looking at the titles that seemed newly arrived: The Theory of First Love, 200 Days by Your Side…
Both caught my attention, though I didn't recognize the author's name.
They were a bit high up, so I looked for a small stool they usually left nearby.
Even though I wasn't allowed to use it, since it was for employees.
I positioned it carefully, climbed up, and stretched my arm to grab 200 Days by Your Side.
With the book in my hands, I lost my balance and stumbled backward.
Just as I resigned myself to the fall, I felt hands holding me, wrapping around me. I opened my eyes immediately.
"How do you manage to fall from such a small height?" a male voice asked.
When I opened my eyes, I saw his face. He looked at me with curiosity, and he seemed amused by my embarrassment.
I pulled away quickly, uncomfortable with the closeness.
"Thank you for not letting me fall," I said, and hurried off, leaving him even more confused.
But who was more confused… him or me?
I was nervous because of the close contact with a boy. And not just any boy—an attractive one. I shook my head.
Well, it doesn't have to be different.
It's the same as other times when I talk to boys.
I looked back to see if he was still there and noticed he had sat at a table, surrounded by open books. So he was studying? He didn't look like the smart type… I realized how obvious I was when he turned his head and met my gaze.
I turned away immediately and left.
The next day, I searched among the shelves. But I wasn't looking for a book… I was looking for him. He didn't appear anywhere.
So I forgot about it. Still, every time I went back to the library, that same thought crossed my mind: would I ever see him again?
"Since when do they accept students halfway through the year?" Camila asked as we watched several new students arrive from other schools. "Do you think we'll get a new classmate?" she asked while I put on lipstick, closed the mirror, and looked at her.
"Maybe," I answered, not recognizing anyone. "We should go, class is about to start."
Ten minutes passed.
I was organizing my notes from the previous class, praying the teacher wouldn't ask for the homework.
I had completely forgotten about it, and I hadn't even seen Camila's messages the night before reminding me.
"Look at the guy who just came in," Camila told me. I was caught off guard and looked where she was looking. I opened my eyes immediately and tried to hide it: I recognized him.
"They say he's a really good athlete," Camila said.
I noticed she seemed interested in him.
"I see…" I replied, lowering my gaze to my notes, trying to downplay it.
"Alright everyone, take your seats, we're going to start class," the teacher said. I made a point not to look at him. I felt a fixed gaze, but I didn't want to confirm if it was his.
I was too nervous.
The class went by, and I focused on not looking at him, though sometimes I glanced his way when I saw him concentrated, taking notes.
It was just curiosity… or at least that's what I kept telling myself from the first day.
Class ended, and during the next two classes I didn't see him anywhere.
Without thinking too much, I raised my hand, and the teacher looked at me immediately.
"Yes, Ari?" he asked in his usual tone.
"May I go to the bathroom?" I asked. He nodded, letting out a small sigh as he wrote something on his list.
I stood up and left the classroom. I was walking down the stairs calmly when I started hearing voices.
At first, I didn't pay attention, until I recognized one—it was his. He was talking to a girl.
Before they noticed my presence, I stopped and hid behind one of the hallway walls to discreetly spy.
"Why do you have to be so rude?" the girl complained, her tone hurt and annoyed.
She looked about our age and had her arms crossed, as if trying to keep her composure.
"I told you no," he replied firmly and bluntly. "I'm not interested in you, and I won't be in the future."
The girl looked at him in disbelief, as if expecting a different answer. She took a step toward him, frowning.
"Is that it? Are you going to keep pretending you don't care about anything?" she said, her voice rising at times.
"I'm not pretending," he said, unbothered.
She pressed her lips together in anger, frustrated. She shoved him, though he barely moved.
"Idiot!" she snapped before turning angrily and storming down the hallway, her steps hurried and loud.
He just stood there, still, letting out a light sigh as if he were tired of those kinds of situations.
I, still hidden, felt my heart pounding. I didn't know if it was because of the scene or because I had seen him again so closely.
"Come out," he said suddenly, his voice firm.
I froze. He had his back to me—how did he know I was there?
"Didn't you hear me?" he insisted, without even turning around.
This can't be… was he talking to me?
"Besides clumsy, you're also nosy," he added dryly.
I quickly stepped out of my hiding place, feeling completely exposed.
"I'm neither of those," I shot back, crossing my arms, annoyed.
He turned then, with an expression somewhere between irritation and mockery.
"I didn't think you'd be here," I added with a shrug. "And I didn't walk down the hallway because I didn't want to interrupt."
"How considerate…" he said sarcastically, as if he didn't believe a word.
"Whatever," I replied dismissively, trying to brush it off, and walked toward him to pass by. "I need to go to the bathroom."
"Wasn't it just an excuse to look for me?" he asked suddenly, stopping me in my tracks.
I turned around, surprised, eyes wide.
"What…?" I murmured, confused. "Why would you think that?"
He raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his face.
"I don't know… I sensed it," he replied, watching me closely.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said immediately, crossing my arms tighter, trying to hide my nervousness.
He didn't respond. He just looked at me with an expression hard to read: curious, amused… and maybe a little intrigued.
"I'm leaving," I said sharply, turning away.
Then I heard him laugh.
At first it was soft, almost contained, but then he let it out. I stopped, confused.
It was strange seeing him like that… his teeth showed naturally and his usually serious face completely transformed.
Nothing like the expressionless boy from before.
"What's your name?" he asked suddenly, still smiling.
"Ari," I replied, still intrigued. "And what are you laughing so much about?"
He brought a hand to his face, as if trying to calm himself.
"You look funny when you're confused," he said, still laughing.
"Excuse me…" I replied, somewhere between annoyed and embarrassed, frowning.
"My name's Liam," he added, without me asking.
I nodded slowly, not quite sure what to say. His sudden change in attitude had thrown me off, and he seemed to be enjoying it.
[PRESENT DAY]
"So that's all you're going to tell me?" Jeff asked as he drove toward my parents' apartment. "You seriously won't tell me?"
"I'd like to, but then the plan wouldn't turn out the way I want," I replied. I'd thought about it many times—whether I should tell him, whether he'd believe the story I'd put together.
But I held back.
"Is it someone close? Have I talked to that person? Just tell me and I won't ask anything else," Jeff insisted, his tone worried, anticipating possible disappointment.
"Yes. We've both talked to that person."
"A woman or a man?"
"Jeff, you said those would be the only questions."
"It's just that I'm worried. I don't understand when everything went to hell," he said.
"I told you there's no reason for you to get involved. It's better if your family doesn't get dragged into this."
"That only confirms how dangerous it is. I don't want you to end up drugged like Liam was, and even less for them to hurt you."
"Nothing will happen to me," I replied firmly.
"You don't know that for sure. Your father should know how serious this is. Even your mother is going to worry about how all of this is turning out."
"Officer García knows, so don't worry."
"I just hope you stop saying stupid things about distancing yourself. You know I'd give my life for you," Jeff said. Those last words caught me off guard. I hadn't expected them.
"And I would for you," I replied.
Then I got out of the car as soon as it stopped.
I knew he feared losing me again, but that wasn't it. I was more aware than ever.
I knew exactly what I had to do.
I'd known for a long time.
Camila and Ámbar asked how I was doing.
I lied to Jeff. I lied to my parents when I said I hadn't run into the stalker before. But that was precisely my purpose.
To put myself in the wolf's mouth.
I looked around. I remembered the other day, when I pretended to think it was all just a joke by Jeff.
And that gave me a certain advantage. It gave me hope that everything would turn out fine.
I watched Jeff's car drive away, the sound of the engine fading little by little.
I feel his presence. As if he were always lurking.
"Are you going to stay there?" I asked.
No response.
"Are you going to stay in the shadows, like always?" I insisted, turning around, searching for where he was hiding.
"I guess you don't want to talk because you think that if you do, I'll realize I found you. Is that what you think? Maybe I already know who you are."
As soon as I said the last words, I heard footsteps. I turned to the left and there he was, standing.
His chest rose and fell sharply with his breathing. I didn't take a single step back.
"Are you going to hurt me?" I asked, looking him in the eyes. They were a different color. Red. He'd been wearing contact lenses this whole time.
I waited for him to speak, but he only shook his head.
"Why?" I asked, and to my own surprise, I stepped closer. I was exposing myself, but my confusion was greater.
I felt like he answered my questions with gestures, but I needed to know more.
He raised his hand and offered it to me. I stared at it.
He gently pulled me closer and tilted his head toward me, lowering it to my ear.
"Because I love you, Ari." I knew that voice… yes, I knew it. I looked him in the eyes and saw that absorbed gaze. He loved me, but in the most perverse way.
"You said you wouldn't hurt me," I said, feeling the weight of my decision to approach him.
"Not you… but I'll enjoy watching you suffer, losing the things you love most," he answered.
I didn't understand how he could speak so clearly when he was hooded and his eyes were the only visible thing.
"You forgot one thing," I interrupted. "I will hurt you."
And before he could react, my right hand—the one that was free—quickly went down to the knife I had hidden in my jacket. I raised my arm and drove it straight into his abdomen. I didn't hesitate. I made him stagger. I pulled it out and watched the blood spill.
Then I jolted awake.
I opened my eyes wide, breathing hard. I looked to my side and understood where I was: in Jeff's car.
He was staring at me, completely worried about my state. I looked at my hand… there was no knife, nor the jacket I'd seen in the dream.
"What's wrong?" Jeff asked.
I looked at him with my eyes wide open, trying to stay calm and convince myself none of it had happened.
A dream? This time it felt like something more.
"I dreamed about him," was all I managed to say. Jeff placed his hand on my forehead.
"You're burning up with fever. We need to get to your place as soon as possible."
Minutes passed. Jeff parked immediately, got out of the car, and urgently opened the door to carry me.
The whole way, I felt my strength slipping away. Something was consuming me… and it was him.
As he carried me in his arms, I couldn't help turning my gaze toward the same place where, in my dream, the encounter had happened.
Jeff entered the elevator and pressed the button. I watched the doors close.
"Put me down," I asked, but he didn't respond. "Put me down, I'll try to walk."
"You don't have the strength… I can barely feel you holding on," Jeff said. I tried to get down, but felt his hands tighten to keep me from falling.
"I can't show myself weak… much less like this, with you," I said, making an effort to break free.
I leaned against the elevator wall, trying to stay on my feet.
"What do you mean by 'much less with me'? Is that weird now? We've always treated each other like this, since we were kids."
"We're not kids anymore," I replied, avoiding his gaze. "Besides… the stalker might think we're a couple."
"I don't give a damn what he thinks. He's ruining your life, Ari, and you're letting him!" Jeff snapped, his voice full of helplessness.
I brought a hand to my head. Cold sweat ran down my back. I pulled out my phone and showed him the screen. His face changed.
"It's not that he thinks it, Jeff… he really believes it," I said softly. "He's waiting for us on my parents' floor."
"What? How do you know?" he asked, stepping closer.
I handed him the phone so he could see the security cameras. The figure, motionless, waiting for us. As if he knew exactly when we'd arrive.
"My parents gave me access to the building cameras 24/7. They've done everything possible to keep me safe… but there he is. Standing. Waiting."
Jeff swallowed. His jaw tightened.
"How many floors left?"
I looked at the small screen above the elevator doors. The number climbed slowly.
"Five…" I murmured, taking a deep breath. "You said you'd do anything to help me."
"I did… and I will. Do you have a plan?"
I nodded. He stepped closer and listened silently to every detail. Just before we arrived, he hugged me tightly, one that said more than any words.
The doors opened with a metallic sound. I didn't hide. I stood upright, fixing my gaze on him.
The figure was there, just as I'd seen on the camera: hooded, still… waiting.
"Were you expecting someone else?" I asked, my voice tense. His eyes moved, as if searching for Jeff. "Did you really think I'd let you hurt him?"
He slightly tilted his head, as if trying to figure something out. His hands weren't empty. In his right hand, a gun.
My heart pounded. I couldn't show fear… even though I felt everything. Inside, I was tearing apart.
"Leave my friends alone. Do you understand?" I demanded.
I looked behind him.
"Now."
He raised an eyebrow, confused. But I anticipated the move.
Jeff came out of the shadows, silent. He grabbed him from behind, wrapping his arm tightly around his neck and kicking him so he dropped to his knees. The gun slipped from his hand. I ran toward it.
"Don't pick it up!" my father shouted, appearing from the hallway with my mother.
My father's voice made me shudder. My mother's face was pale, her eyes full of fear.
"Just… throw it far away," he added urgently.
I did. The gun slid across the floor and hit the wall.
Jeff kept restraining the boy, but he was losing control.
He was so close… so close to them realizing.
That idiot.
Jeff shoved him hard to the ground. The hooded body went completely still. Unconscious.
My mother ran to me and wrapped me in an embrace. I felt her trembling, her fear… and for the first time in a long while, I felt protected.
"It's time to see who this idiot is," Jeff said, panting, as he crouched down and pulled off the hood with shaking hands.
When the fabric fell, Jeff stepped back as if he'd been struck.
He stumbled over himself. His face fell apart.
"Ian…" he whispered.
My legs gave out. I covered my mouth with both hands. And Jeff turned his gaze to me—he was shattered.