Laura:

It's been a week since I arrived at the university. I was very happy to meet Erick after so long. Our meeting was so emotional that we ended up confessing our love and I sobbed in his arms. On the other hand, it is taking me a little while to adapt to the schedules, although I know that I will eventually get there. Tamara has also become very important to me here at university, because in addition to being my roommate, I think we could become friends. Like Angela, I see her a little less, but she has still been very kind to me. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting a guy named Cameron, who turned out to be a friend of Erick's. Apparently he studies music and also writes his own songs just like my best friend. He is a very nice person and, from what I could see during our meeting, he seems like a very easygoing guy.

I turned the page of the book I was reading to move on to the next, but just as I was about to start reading, I was interrupted by Erick, who sat in the empty seat in front of me at the dining room table.

-Laura Ortega reading in the dining room? "It doesn't surprise me at all," he says with a mocking smile.

-How funny- I comment without any sign of joy on my face as I close the book and put it aside on the table-Anyway, I wasn't paying much attention to reading the book.

-And what were you reading?- I noticed how Erick leaned over to see the cover of the book.

-Pride and Prejudice- I tell him the name of the book.

-Mm...okay- he pretends to understand what I'm talking about, but he really has no idea what book it is.

-Erick, I don't know why you ask me what book I'm reading when you clearly know nothing about it.

-Yes, I don't really understand why I do it either- I laugh at his reaction, as he stops to think for a moment.

I take the carbonated drink from the table and put the straw to my lips to taste a little of the delicious liquid in the container. Then, I turn my gaze to Erick, whose facial expression is serious as he stares at a point to the left of our table.

I turn my head to see what draws my friend's attention, and I frown in confusion when I realize that at the nearby table I see Angela accompanied by a boy named Samuel, as I have been informed on previous occasions. A smile appears on my lips as I notice his displeased expression, giving me the slight impression that he is jealous.

-Do you like it?- I blurt out the question abruptly, without beating around the bush, in a gossipy tone.

-Hey? What?- he says, coming out of the trance he was in and paying attention to me.

-Do you like it?- I repeat the question again.

-Who?- he pretends to have no idea, looking at me a little confused.

-How can you ask who?- I say obviously. Angela. I saw you looking at her with a mad dog face while she was with another guy a few moments ago.

-I don't like Angela- he looks down at the ground and I know what that means.

-You're lying- I keep making fun of him.

-I'm not lying, not at all- he tries to deceive me but I don't fall for his game.

-Erick, whenever you lie you look at the ground- I say, raising my eyebrows and looking at him with a triumphant expression on my face, since with that argument I have left him speechless. -So don't try to fool me.

-Laura, weren't you supposed to do a dance rehearsal now? - Try to dissuade me from what we're talking about.

-That? No, the rehearsal starts later... - I look back at the watch on my wrist and my eyes widen when I realize that Erick was right! - Oh my God! Rehearsal started ten minutes ago, this damn schedule is driving me crazy!

I quickly grab my backpack that is on one of the unoccupied seats at the table and quickly get up from mine, giving Erick one last look.

-This time you can evade me, but next time you won't be so lucky- I threaten him as if he were a world-famous gangster while he smiles.

-Tick-tock tick-tock, the clock is ticking, Laura, and you're late- he mocks me, as I look at him one last time before leaving.

Leaving the cafeteria I enter the wide hallways of the university, which are wide and considerably long. Sometimes I get lost because of the sheer number of them. Also, I'm not familiar with them yet. I climb a flight of stairs and continue walking to the left on the second floor.

My nerves are on edge. I can't believe I lost track of time. I just hope they'll let me into class even now. I pick up the pace to get to my destination faster, but suddenly, I bump into someone just as I round the corner.

-Be more careful, girl- when I hear that voice, my steps freeze. I feel my heart beating faster as I remember the last time I experienced this sensation. My hands start to sweat inexplicably and I can't help but quickly turn to see who the person I bumped into was, but when I turn around there's no one there, apparently they're already gone.

I dismiss that absurd idea from my mind, since it's completely impossible for that guy to be here. Besides, I can't afford to waste my time on pointless situations when I have more important things to think about.

Three minutes later, when I reach the entrance of the room, I notice that the door is open, so I enter cautiously to avoid any inconvenience or attracting attention. I place my backpack on one of the available benches in the room to put my personal belongings and proceed to take off my jacket and shorts, leaving me only with the black leotard I'm wearing underneath as I reach for a hair tie and put my ponytail in a bun.

As I was taking off my clothes, I observed my classmates lined up at one of the ballet bars, practicing exercises to improve posture, being supervised by our teacher Janet, who also gave me a disapproving look and I felt a knot in my throat as I thought about the reprimand that awaited me. I take my dance shoes out of my backpack and sit on the bench to put them on my feet, once I'm done I head towards the line to join my classmates, but before I get there, Mrs. Janet's voice interrupts me.

-Late again? Miss Ortega- she tells me, in her characteristic sober and authoritative tone.

-I apologize Mrs. Janet, it's just that I'm still getting used to the schedule...- I try to speak, but she interrupts me again.

-Several of your classmates, like you, have had difficulty adapting to our schedules, but they have still managed to arrive on time, Miss Ortega.

-I understand- I mention a little embarrassed since what she said is true. Some of my colleagues are in the same situation as me and, yet, they have arrived on time.

-I hope it doesn't happen again.- she says again- You can join the line.

I join the line and take the fifth position assuming the starting posture.

As we warm up, I get distracted from time to time by observing the surroundings. The room is carefully designed to provide a suitable and safe environment where dancers can express themselves freely through movement. In addition, the room is equipped with full-length mirrors located on the walls, which allows us dancers to see ourselves as we practice. The lighting is bright and uniform to ensure good visibility. Also on the side walls are some ballet bars, like the one we are using right now, where we can do exercises to improve balance, posture and flexibility. It has a high quality sound system that allows you to play music in different formats. In terms of physical space, the room is spacious enough to allow free and complete movement.

After a long period of training, we finished the practice, experiencing the physical fatigue that, despite being used to it, is evident. I take my towel out of my backpack, pass it over my face and neck, removing some of the sweat that is flowing down my body.

-Mrs. Janet was pretty strict today- I hear Tamara's voice beside me.

-Relax, I noticed- I say obviously.

-That one needs a good overhaul- we both start laughing at what she said before.

-You bet- I mention as I grab my backpack and put one of its straps on my shoulder, watching as Tamara does the same to leave the room together.

-Rumor has it that her husband left her for the literature teacher- she speaks in a whispering and confidential tone so that only I can hear-. Then, apparently she took the house away from him and left him on the street.

I can't help the slight smile that appears on my face when I realize how gossipy Tamara can be.

-How did you find that out? - I ask as we descend the stairs to the first floor.

-I heard it in the cafeteria from some fourth-year boys- I raise my eyebrows slightly, showing myself a little surprised-. Oh no, Laura Ortega, don't look at me like that, I'm informative, I have the right to know what's going on around me!

-Sure, sure- I roll my eyes with a slight smile on my face at Tamara's antics, as we continue walking down the hallways. Then we leave the university and go to the residence that is two blocks away to take a bath and refresh our bodies.

**

My breath quickens as my left foot doesn't stop moving. I go over the exercise one more time while scratching my head, feeling my body tense up and stress running through every fiber of my being. I quickly shake the mechanical pencil I have in my hand, trying to relieve some of the great mental fatigue I'm experiencing.

-God! I'm still wondering who the idiot was who came up with such complicated math- my voice jumps as I experience the pressure of not understanding what is written in my notebook.

I can hear people at the table next to me asking me to speak lower, since we are in the library.

-They were probably created by God- Tamara and I turn to look at Erick, who is sitting next to me paying attention to his phone.

-Are you serious? Is that the best you can come up with? You could have at least invented a name or something- Tamara says questioning what Eric just said.

-Hey Linda, it wouldn't be so crazy to consider it, God created women, there's not much difference- she slightly pursed her lips, reflecting a mixture of offense and amusement at my friend's words.

-You're crazy- she affirms, turning her gaze back to what is written in her notebook.

-I don't understand why you feel the need to solve that exercise if you don't understand it, in high school I left all my homework incomplete- Erick says as he leans back in his chair-Tell Manny to leave it incomplete and that's it. Anyway, that task is hers, not yours.

-Sometimes I question how you got here- this time it's me who speaks.

-It's just that you don't see me- he points to himself with an arrogant smile-I'm charming, attractive and likeable. What else could I need?

-I don't know, maybe intelligence?- Tamara questions this time.

-My dear Tamara, intelligence is overrated when you're between the legs of the math teacher- my friend says with a sarcastic smile on his face.

-Oh my God! I can't believe it! Did you seriously sleep with Giselle, the math teacher? - my voice becomes agitated when I hear Erick and once again I hear the people from the library asking me to speak softly.
-I was sleeping with her for two months- he says casually with airs of grandeur.

-You're a jerk- I mention without further ado.

-No, he's an idiot- Tamara insults him too.

-Ouch- he puts his hand on his chest pretending to be in pain-That hurt, girls.

After a few minutes, Cameron surprises us by joining our table with Tamara to review some history exercises he had pending. When we finish, we consider going to the cafeteria for some sodas to refresh our minds after studying.

-Hey guys, don't you have plans to go to Mailon's party tonight? - Cameron speaks.

-I've heard about that party, I'm anxious to go. My body craves a shake with good music- Tamara expresses herself quite excitedly.

-Yes, Mailon invited me to his party- I turn to look at Erick when he speaks.

-Well, I don't really know if I'm going to go- I say a little undecided.

-Laura, you shouldn't miss the party. Besides, you can't let me go alone, please- Tamara begs me to go to the party.

-Hey, if you don't want to go alone, Angela and Samuel are going too, we can all go together- Cameron suggests. I can't help but turn to look at my friend Erick, who settles into his seat. I smile seeing his reaction, knowing he's nervous about going to the party with Angela. Honestly, I'm not sure if that guy is his partner or not, but I'll do everything I can to help my friend conquer her.

-If that's the case, it sounds like a good idea- I smile accepting his proposal.

-Okay- Erick says leaning forward in his chair-I had already agreed to go with the guys, so if you go together, better.

-Wait, what? You're not going with us? - I question when I hear what he said.

-Even if I don't go with you, that doesn't mean we won't be together. It's just that I had already told my friends that I would go with them to the party.

I'm disconcerted by Erick's absurd attitude towards the opportunity he has to be with the girl he likes and get closer to her. Instead of taking advantage of it, he simply avoids it. I honestly can't understand him.

-Erick, can we talk alone for a moment? - I ask him and he frowns, nodding his head. We both get up from our seats again and move away from the table, placing ourselves in a corner of the cafeteria so that no one can hear us.

-What the hell are you doing? - I murmur to the two of us, reproaching him-You're missing your chance to be with Angela.

-Laura, we already talked about this- he says running his hand over his face in a rather serious tone.

-Yes, and I know you like that girl. I know you Erick, what I don't understand is why you insist on staying away from her.

-That's exactly why, Laura, because I like her a lot and my blood boils every time I see...- he pauses for a moment-Angela with another guy. This shit scares me, Lau, you don't know how much, I think no one has liked me as much as her.

I notice how stressed he is about this situation, as it is reflected in his facial expression. I never thought I'd see Erick Harrison discouraged by a girl, but here I am comforting my best friend.

-Okay, okay. You should have told me that from the beginning and I wouldn't have insisted so much- I say a little embarrassed.

-Relax, flea, it's not your fault, it was me who should have talked to you before- he says hugging me tightly and giving me a slight kiss on the forehead.

**

I look at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, admiring my outfit and feeling very satisfied with the result. I'm wearing a gray blouse adorned with delicate lace on the shoulders, enhancing my breasts. I complete my look with dark-wash denim shorts, held up by a black belt that accentuates my waist. My shoes are the same color as the blouse and have small black details. To complete my appearance, my hair falls in soft waves on my shoulders, and my makeup is highlighted by subtle eye shadow and lip gloss, achieving the exact look I wanted.
As I come out of the bathroom and enter the room, I find Tamara looking stunning in an outfit that highlights her beauty exceptionally well. The colors of her clothing perfectly complement her blonde curls and tanned skin, creating a dazzling image.

-How do I look? - she takes a little turn so I can see her.

-You look perfect, I'm sure you're going to steal many hearts at the party. - I tell her laughing.

-If it's not that they steal mine before. You look great too. - she grabs my hand and spins me around to show off my look.

-A few minutes ago, Cameron texted me saying they were already downstairs waiting for us- she informs me.

-Then let's go.

We both leave the room and then close the door before descending the elevator of the building, as the student dorms are in the institution's facilities. Although unfortunately, our room is on the sixth floor, but despite being bad luck for both of us, the dorm offers us impressive views.

When we get to the first floor, my eyes meet Cameron leaning against the door of a black van next to the curb. As we approach, I notice that the back door of the vehicle opens, revealing Angela sporting a beautiful red dress, and Samuel with a blue shirt unbuttoned to the first three buttons.

-Hello. How are you? - Tamara is the first to greet them when they arrive, giving everyone a kiss on the cheek.

-How are you, beautiful?- Cameron greets me, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

-Well, I'll just tell you that with those outfits you're wearing, you're going to be responsible for the ejaculation of several guys today.- Angela speaks and we all laugh.

-Tell me about it- Cameron expresses with a flirtatious smile.

-Cameron! - Angela scolds him, giving him a playful light punch on the chest.

-Okay. Fine- he raises his hands in surrender.

-Well, girls, this is Samuel, a friend- Angela introduces the boy to us and I look at him intently, feeling a bit disconcerted by the way she presents him as a "friend", when it's clear that their relationship goes beyond that.

-Friend? - I can't help but ask.

-Well, we're not just friends- Samuel speaks for the first time and there's the answer I wanted to hear. However, I'm a little confused to hear what he mentions next- We're step-siblings.

-What? You're not a couple? - My curious and gossipy side prompted me to ask the question aloud.

-His partner? - Angela points at him- Me? Not even if I were born again.

The girl mocks him while Samuel raises his eyebrows slightly, showing surprise.

-I know you're secretly crazy about me, little sister- Samuel mentions in a cocky tone.

-You wish, Samu.

Well, even though Erick isn't known for being a calm person, I guess he might have felt jealous of the relationship between Samuel and Angela, despite knowing they were step-siblings. However, he hid his feelings very well and I'm still glad to see that he now has the freedom to conquer Angela. I don't rule out the possibility that they are lying just to keep their relationship a secret, but at least my friend will have the opportunity to try it without restrictions.

-Well, I think we can go now, can't we? - Cameron proposes and we all agree.

Cameron circles the van to unlock the driver's door and get into the car. In a kind gesture, Samuel opens the back door of the car for us to get in. I go in first, followed by Tamara and finally him, as Angela goes in the passenger seat.

-Let's party, bitches! - Angela exclaims at the top of her lungs as she sticks her head out the window of the vehicle, just as the engine roars and a vibrant English song starts to resonate inside the car.

****