Page 12 of You + Me – Against the World

I kept going, telling them how I didn’t really exist except with them, in their home, through them, and how much I wanted to break free and become my own person. Just a little. They seemed bewildered, but strangely understanding. I told them that I loved them, that they were wonderful parents, that I didn’t want to disappoint them, but that they had to let me grow up if they wanted me to become someone.

I never would have believed I was capable of getting through to them, but in the end, they accepted what I said, with several conditions: that I prioritize my studies, that I always answer the phone when they call, and that I never betray their trust.

This last promise will be the most difficult to keep.

Nevertheless, I agreed to their terms without hesitation, and they hugged me. In tears, my mother called me by the childish pet names she has for me, either to annoy me or perhaps to mourn the baby I no longer am. My father, all smiles, told me he was proud of me and of the “someone” I already am.

I went to bed with a light heart, my head full of images and crazy thoughts.

***

This morning, I get to the university early, with three goals in mind: to make it up to Tim, who was gone after I got back; to somehow cross paths with Vadim and make sure I didn’t dream what happened between us; and to find Clémentine to tell her everything. I don’t know in what order.

The first person I come across on campus is my boyfriend, his expression guarded. He is as blond as Vadim is dark-haired, as sunny as the other is brooding, as reliable as Arcadi seems dangerous. I kiss him to try and dissolve his worried look, and he kisses me back. Reassured, he regains his zest for life along with his pride.

I’m still wrapped in his arms when Vadim walks by and lightly bumps us with his backpack.

Of course, Tim responds to the provocation. “Are you going to apologize, Arcadi?”

“For what? Oh, I didn’t even see you. Sorry, buddy.”

“Buddy? Yeah, right…”

“I just said I was sorry. Do you know that’s synonymous with apologizing?”

Vadim speaks in an exaggerated, overly precise way, and Tim is raging.

“Just leave us alone! Can’t you see we’re busy here?”

“Yeah, I can see that. Alma, maybe you can take the opportunity to explain the word ‘synonymous’ to him.”

“How many of your teeth am I going to have to break to wipe that disgusting smirk off your face?”

Tim’s voice is raised now, and I sense him starting to lose his temper. I step back, pulling away from his arms.

“Alright, alpha males, are you done?” I sigh.

“I was talking to Alma,” Vadim continues. “Unless she isn’t allowed to answer when she’s with you?”

“I told you to leave us alone. So, beat it!”

“Did you change your mind about my teeth?” Vadim provokes him again, still smirking.

“That’s enough, both of you. Stop!”

“Hey, Wallace, did you see that? She spoke without your permission!”

“Arcadi, dammit, what’s your problem?” Tim retorts, puffing out his chest.

Vadim approaches slowly, glaring at him, his hands shoved into the pockets of his black jeans. He lifts an arrogant chin toward Tim and waits it out without blinking. Tim faces him and steps forward in turn, his jaw tightening. While they’re facing off, Vadim discreetly slips a tiny piece of paper into the palm of my free hand, then backs away.

“See you around, Wallace. Alma, you can put your tongue back in his mouth—it’ll keep him from saying stupid shit.”

Something about this jerk telling me to kiss my boyfriend makes me feel kind of… yuck. It leaves a hollow feeling in my chest. But I don’t have time to worry about it.

I somehow manage to stop Tim from running after him, while slipping the secret message into my pocket. I have to wait until I go to the restroom before I unfold it with trembling hands and decipher Vadim’s chaotic chicken scratch writing.

Same time, same place, tonight. This is NOT a second date. V.