CHAPTER III (part 2)

Narration by Her

That day, upon waking up, I went to the shower and cried for a few minutes; I felt empty, I don't even know why. My thoughts were already so yearning for everything I dreamed of seeing, that when I saw it wasn't coming true, it disconcerted me. I looked at myself in the mirror and was annoyed because I had been so compliant and never could say everything I wanted.

It wasn't about exploding in anger to hurt others, but it was about making the decision, for once, to do something that would make me happy. It was at that very moment that I thought:

Why wait? What am I waiting for to do what I want?

I gathered my courage, dressed nicely, very beautifully, without having a reason...

I wanted to put on those high heels and there was no reason, just a Celeste who wanted to look good just because; my wedding song was playing and that's when I knew something was wrong.

This song isn't played when they want to surprise me, but when he wants to be the one surprised, and good heavens! I love oregano and cheese bread, but that wasn't what I wanted to eat that day. This day was to do everything I wanted, and among those things was eating anything I had never eaten at home, but this is very strange; the smell of my favorite breakfast with our wedding song only means "I want something from you" (at least this happens in this marriage).

—Sorry. I know... let's enjoy it together.

Seriously, Zac? Do you think just one gesture will make everything change?

—I wasn't apologizing for that... I have to go,— I said seriously.

As I got into the car, inside I wanted him to come and stop me and ask me if something was wrong or if I wanted something different, but it wasn't like that; I saw him looking at me through the window with this incredulous smile and I could only start the car to leave.

I no longer knew if this day would turn out well. I was dressed well, I was going to this new restaurant, but I didn't feel happy. Did I want him to be with me in something new? Or am I just used to it? What am I feeling?... I stopped at the restaurant and didn't get out of the car, I just said to myself "It's a mistake, I should go back home" and there was Dylan...

—Celeste?— Dylan said, seeing me in the car in front of the new restaurant I had always wanted to visit.

—Hi, Dylan...

—What are you doing here? And Zac?

—He's at home...

—And what are you doing around here?

—I just wanted to eat something that some friends from work recommended here... actually it was a challenge... And I have to take a picture when I finish... saying that I did eat the food they suggested...

—Really? And what were you challenged to eat?

—The... the... the special of the day...

—How spectacular! I love their challenges... I'll treat you... Will Zac come? Just to know if I should invite both of you.

—No... He's at home... I'm just going to eat and leave again.

—Okay, then I'll treat you alone.

Dylan is one of those men full of chivalry; he opened my door and when we went in to eat we had a very beautiful morning, full of laughter and anecdotes that I had forgotten. Dylan was continually complimenting me, filling me with words of approval, and although I loved hearing all this, I didn't want him to think that what I was thinking was okay, although I did want something to happen; it's complicated, I know.

Dylan invited me for a tour in his car so we could see places I had never visited and I said yes. We spent hours chatting and what was breakfast had already passed hours ago; I felt like time was passing so fast... And at the same time so slow. Then he invited me to lunch, and we had eaten a lot, but if it was to share, I wanted to say yes again... and he took me to a different restaurant:

This restaurant will become one of my favorites, it's the BLUE Restaurant with the terrace.

The restaurant has some blue columns and walls, it has blue chairs, a wooden table, and a lot of glass.

I was very happy to be in this restaurant. It was lunchtime, and almost always when I went out with Zac it was at dinnertime; I was already tired of always going out at the same time.

From the terrace I observe the horizon, the sea, the waves; you can feel the beautiful breeze and the warm sun, the highway without so many cars... and suddenly Zac's car passes by.

I can't believe it, the car parks on the corner.

And although this can't get any worse, now it's not only possible that Zac will see me with Dylan; I could escape that, but does Damián have to eat here today?

I am trying as much as possible to make it clear that I am not nervous, but Dylan's eyes are on me; maybe he sees that I am sweating a little. No, calm down, he's not seeing it.

It can't be, it's Zac, what is he doing here? How does he know I was eating here? Calm down, Celeste, you're not doing anything wrong, it's just lunch. Besides, he's also his friend, but why did he stop? Is he coming here? My God! I'm so nervous.

Dylan is asking the waiter to bring the bill, and now, why isn't the card going through? Do cards usually take so long to process?

—Haa... the card finally went through.

—Is something wrong, Celeste?— Dylan said curiously.

—No, it's just that I want to leave quickly.

—Do you have something to do?

—I'll tell you in the car, okay?

Zac's car is making a U-turn, and the waiter is still holding the card. He tells us:

—Thank you very much for your generous tip. We are here to serve you, and I can tell you that on another special occasion we could make you a reservation for a special table.

As if that weren't enough, now the waiter is saying these things, and if there's one thing that characterizes Damián, it's his bionic hearing.

—We are nothing,— Dylan says, —although I would be very fortunate.

—Let's go to the car, okay?

I don't care if he knows, I'm not doing anything wrong; at least it will just be another fight between us.

If Damián knows, everyone will know...

Zac's car is getting closer.

The waiter wants to bring us a card with the reservation number.

Damián is saying goodbye to some friends and I feel like he's watching us from afar.

And finally, we can leave.

Then I'll tell you what happened in those hours. I arrived home exhausted, full of hope again; for a moment I forgot that I had this big commitment, do you know what it is? It was him... His hopeful smile full of illusion and sitting there like a tycoon, something told me that the unexpected was going to happen, and that's when he told me:

—I have a surprise; it's in your room,— Zac said, sitting in that armchair facing the door, while looking at me with his mysterious eyes.

—I'm going right there,— I said calmly, but my heart was beating fast and very hard.

—Okay, I'll go in a little while,—Zac said very calmly.

My heart raced, not with excitement; I was terrified.

I had enjoyed this whole day, but without him, and I can't lie: it was always Zac who made mistakes, who disappointed me, but this time it was me. Had he found out? Maybe the surprise was a divorce letter? Telling me that his lawyer had managed to get everything for him. Or were they photos of Dylan and me? Had Dylan secretly taken photos and sent them to him? My heart was beating faster and faster...

I arrived at the room and there it was: flowers and chocolates, a camera and a note.

I pick up the camera and there's a note that says:

“Remember this?”

I press the button, all these photos, which can't leave my mind, and what's wrong with Zac? Is he the perfect one now? I throw the camera to a corner of my bed.

—Zac, all my life I've wanted you to do something good for me... All my life, and you choose just today?"

I go into the bathroom and look at myself in the mirror.

—It's not your fault.

Zac opens the bedroom door and I pretend to be asleep.

ZAC whispers...

—Celeste... Celeste

Zac goes over to where the camera is, picks it up, and sees the honeymoon photos. Then he sits on the bed.