Flashback

I'm looking for some flowers for her, but I get distracted by some appetizing hazelnut chocolates. Besides they're Lindt, the best brand of chocolates in the world! -"These are perfect, her favorite chocolates!"- without thinking twice, I make the line and do the transaction as fast as possible.

She is the second most important woman in my life (the first place goes for my mother), her happiness, beauty, and friendliness were like a Cupid's arrow to my heart. It was love at first sight.

I'll never let our differences separate us, like the stupid fight we had yesterday. I hope these chocolates are enough to receive her forgiveness and invite her to the Cinema to see Captain America.

I'd been waiting for her for more than five minutes in the schoolyard. What's taking her so long? She has always been the most punctual between us. Is she all right? I call her but she doesn't respond, so I leave her a message.

Break is about to finish and I haven't found her!

Suddenly, I hear someone call my name. -"Jordan, I have terrible news"

 "What's wrong Luke? Have you seen Alison?"

 "Yes, I think she's cheating on you"

 "You think? Explain yourself!"

My friend grabs my arm and takes me to the 12th-grade classroom, we see Alison making out with Francisco.

I can't believe it! The love of my life is betraying me with a dickhead.

I feel tension in my jaw and I clench my fists. -"What's going on here!"

 "Are you blind or what? Idiot"

 "She's my girlfriend. Stay away from her!"

 "Or what?"

I'm about to give this bastard a lesson, but Alison quickly gets between us. -"Stop it!"- she shouts and looks at me. -"Jordan, this is all my fault. He never forced me, I wanted to"

I feel tears forming in my eyes. -"Are you telling me the truth?"- she nods.

My heart is completely broken, and I rush outside. -"Run away jackass"- he shouts.

Francisco is the worst person I've ever met. He forces good students (including myself) to do his homework and help him cheat on exams, he steals food, money, books, and school supplies, he illegally sells alcoholic beverages and drugs at school, he enjoys mocking others...

He doesn't care if he has to hurt others to keep their mouths shut or get what he wants. All the scars I have are the result of his aggressiveness.

But what hurts the most is that he took Alison away from me.

I run back to the classroom to make sure he wasn't forcing her to lie. I hide behind the door.

"You're one of the smartest and sexiest girls I've ever met"

 "Thanks, Frank. Wanna come over to my house tonight?"- the bell rings.

Why did she cheat on me with that piece of shit?! There's nothing good in him!

End of the flashback

After being dressed by Lina and Matthew, I realize my whole body is more stiff than yesterday.

"Jordan, are you alright? You seem tense"

 "I feel my muscles more tense, the range of motion has decreased!"- I say as I try to move my arm as much as I can.

"I mean emotional tension. Yesterday you were calm, now you're upset"- she's right, I don't feel well. -"What's the matter? Remember what Laila said: the Lord is working even when you can't see it"

 "I know, but..."

 "But what? Don't doubt, God loves you!"- she kisses my forehead and gives me a wide grin.

"Lina, I-I know who caused the accident"

"What?"- her eyes are wide open. 

"It was Francisco López"

 "Jordan"- she says softly.

"He tried to ruin my high school years, and now he's trying to ruin my life!"

 "Don't say that, it was an accident"

 "No it wasn't, he exceeded the speed limit!"

 "Maybe he was in a hurry"

 "Stop excusing him!"- I say in a loud voice.

"Jordan, I know he treated you badly when you were in high school, but that's in the past"

 "I know, I forgave him and everything. It's just that I thought I would never see him again"- my eyes meet a scar, it's a deformed red line.

"Forgive and forget"- she says as she covers my scar with her hand.

"I wish someday he receives what he deserves"- she removes her hand from my arm and looks directly at me. 

"Our lives would be different if we received what we deserve. We have eternal salvation and we have access to God's blessings because of his grace, not our actions"

Lina P.O.V

His face turned white, so I peck his cheek. -"I know it's hard to understand. We are used to achieving good things through our effort, but not everything works like that"

 "You're right. I just need some time to forgive him"

 "You can do it Jordan. Ask God for strength"

 "I will. Thanks, Lina"- he gives me a sincere smile, I stroke his messy hair and leave.

°°°

"Hold your breath for five more seconds"

 "Dinner is ready!"

 "In a moment"- replies Mrs Brown. -"One, two, three, four, five"- her voice is so soft and peaceful it relaxes my muscles.

She swiftly gets out of the yoga pose, while I take my time. She's a great yoga teacher!

Everyone, except Matthew, is eating. Therefore I look for him. -"Matthew, dinner is served"- he turns around. His face is red and his hands are trembling.

"What's going on?"

 "N-nothing"- I come closer and whisper to his ear. -"I won't tell anyone"

 "I-I like someone"- I sit down. 

"Need some tips?"- he nods.