I glance at Ares. He’s sitting next to Natalie on the other side of the table. It’s my turn to sit next to Samy, who was the last one to sit down; next to her is Oscar, and they seem to be talking about a music concert. Like a fool, I stare at Ares, who’s still talking to Natalie intently.
Is that why you brought me here, Greek God? To push me aside and amuse yourself with past conquests?
Lowering my gaze, I struggle with the bitterness in my chest and the tightness in my stomach. I had so many expectations for my first date with him. I painted so many different scenarios in my head, from romantic dinners to a simple movie outing, or maybe just sitting and talking in his car as he drove around town. But here I am, sitting across the table from him, feeling the same distance between us that was there at the beginning. It’s like getting closer to him makes the distance grow.
Everyone around me is talking, laughing, sharing stories, and I’m alone. It’s like I’m watching the scene, but I’m not part of it. This is his world, his comfort zone, not mine. And he left me alone in it, without a care in the world. Ares doesn’t look at me, not even once. And that’s enough for tears to form in my eyes. I stand up quickly, and Samy turns to me. I whisper to her that I’m going to the bathroom.
Passing through a mass of dancing bodies, I let the tears fall down my cheeks. Everyone is too busy having a good time to notice me. The music vibrates throughout the place, but it’s quieter in the bathroom. I allow myself to cry quietly in the cubicle. I need to calm down, I don’t want to be the dramatic one putting on a show, but this date meant a lot to me, and it’s turned out to be a disappointment.
I should go, but this place is way out of town. A taxi would cost a lot, and I don’t want to bother Dani again. I know she would come, but I don’t want to interrupt her night, and I’ve already bothered her enough. Maybe I should just hold off until everyone gets tired, and we leave.
Taking a deep breath, I leave the cubicle. To my surprise, Natalie is standing in front of the mirror, arms crossed over her chest, as if waiting for me.
“Are you all right?”
“Yeah.”
“I’d like to say that you’re the first girl I’ve ever seen cry because of Ares,” she sighs sadly, “but that wouldn’t be true.”
“I’m fine,” I say, washing my face in the sink.
“Whatever you say, little stalker.”
My chest tightens. “What did you just call me?”
“Little stalker,” she repeats. I freeze. “Oh yes, we all know about your stalker past. Ares used to tell us how his poor neighbor had an impossible obsession with him.”
I turn and run away from the bathroom, struggling to control my tears. I want to get out of here. I need fresh, clean air, and something to calm me down. I know Natalie was just looking for a way to get me out of her way, but that doesn’t mean her words didn’t hurt me. Ares hasn’t acknowledged me tonight, and the fact that he told his friends about my crush on him is cruel.
I exit the bar, and the autumn chill hits me. There are some people outside smoking and chatting. With shaking hands, I take out my phone and dial Dani’s number. My heart drops to the floor when I realize her phone is off. Hugging myself, I move down the street, still trying to call Dani and hoping she’ll answer soon.
- Ares -
Natalie keeps telling me about one of her trips, but my mind is distracted. Raquel has taken a long time in the bathroom, and I wonder if she’s okay. Maybe there’s a line to get in or something. Although Natalie went a little while ago, and she’s back.
I interrupt her story. “Didn’t you see Raquel in the bathroom?”
Natalie nods. “She was washing her face, but then I lost sight of her.”
I smile at her, looking at the seat where Raquel should be. Something’s not right. Maybe I’m paranoid, but I have a strange feeling in my chest. I stand up and walk over to Samy.
“Can you come with me and check on Raquel? She’s been in the bathroom for a while now.”
“Yeah, let’s go. I was thinking the same thing.” We go together, and she goes in while I wait outside. Samy emerges with a confused expression on her face. “It’s empty.”
Something tightens in my chest, and I recognize it as worry. Where is she?
She’s gone . . .
The thought crosses my mind, but I reject it. She has no reason to leave. Plus, she had no one to leave with. Samy seems to notice the confusion on my face.
“Maybe she’s outside or on the balcony getting some fresh air,” she suggests.