My Sister's Boyfriend

Igor looked menacing and that scared me. The boy stepped forward and I clung to his arm, pulling him back. Igor's expression faltered.

-Go away, Igor. You don't exist for me anymore. Leave me alone. I said, my voice firm. I pulled the boy by the arm, who was still staring at Igor with determination. When I turned my back I started to cry even more, he put his arms around my shoulder and pulled me to the opposite side of the entrance to the hotel. We ended up stopping at a table, with a large umbrella, which was part of the hotel property. I wiped away tears, wanting not to feel so pathetic. He was the third person who had seen me cry desperately like that, for a guy on top of that. The old one I would be laughing at or maybe crying with shame at this present self of mine.

"Don't leave here, I'll be right back." He warned. I looked at him, blinking, and he disappeared inside the hotel. I looked up, looking at the parasol and trying to keep the tears from flowing. Concentrating fully on it, taking a deep breath and calming down. The water in my eyes slowly disappearing. -Got.

He came back, sitting down on the bench, I looked at him curiously as he deposited a huge tub of chocolate ice cream and two small spoons on the table. Plus a huge candy bar next to it. "What's that?"

-Antidepressants. They are very efficient, trust me. He smiled, an open and welcoming smile and I tried to smile back. He opened the jar and took out a spoon, looking comfortable even in this awkward situation, and brought the spoonful to his mouth, motioning for me to imitate him. I picked up the spoon, feeling my hand trembling. I took it to my mouth, even the chocolate seemed to taste bitter. "I could ask what happened, but that's none of my business.

- Thank you, really. I took the spoon to my mouth again, not knowing what to say. Grateful for the ice cream and the help, that he seemed to care a little. "I can't even tell you, I still don't understand everything very well. And the story is very big.

- The ice cream jar is very big and I have the afternoon free. Take your time if this will help you.

"Are you usually that kind?" he smiled, shrugging. "What's your name?"

-Alexander.

"I'm the...

- Malu. I know, he said. I lowered my head, embarrassed.

He kept waiting for me to say something. "I'm sorry Alexander, but I don't know if I want to explain what happened. I don't think it's going to help.

-OK. He pushed the tub of ice cream and I realized he was going to be there for quite a while. I didn't say anything, I didn't have a head to talk. Just gorging myself on ice cream, I realized now that it didn't taste so bitter. It was fine, although my tongue was starting to numb from the ice cream. He started talking about light subjects to distract me and we were surprised to learn that he lived in the same town as my mother. We kept talking, he seemed willing to distract me. But it was difficult, I would say impossible. I felt worn out and exhausted, emotionally and physically speaking.

- Alexander, I'm sorry... But I need to lie down.

- Okay. Anything... I'm out there.

-Sure. Thanks. I whispered, standing up.

-You're welcome. I smiled, getting up. He nodded slightly. As I walked away, feeling the sadness returning. I tried to hold on to the anger, but the pain of betrayal was worse. Knowing that I had no right to feel betrayed made me feel even more diminished and stupid. I took the elevator and, surprised, found Cristina near my door. His eyes scanned my expression carefully.

"What's wrong with you?" Why are your eyes so red?- Crap! It was just what I needed, Cristina to disturb me because of it. I lowered my head and walked to the door, but Cristina blocked the way. An ironic, acidic smile filling his face. "Is it because of that new surfer boyfriend of yours?" Oh, poor thing. Is he tired of you?

- Say da frente!