by Mary Norton
Boys receive me with palms. I'm sure Leo told them my small victory. No wonder they are happy with it. They all stood by our side throughout the recovery process. As I'm the only one that I am alone here, they all took turns taking care of me.
- Our girl is back! - Leo pushes me to sit in his chair. - Now you can use the gasoline it.
Show language to him and began to eat. The corned beef that he asked is a delight. It would be delightful if you had a wine to help down, but unfortunately we can not. And it's still Monday.
- I'm even going on Thursday. - Leo says with his mouth full. - Katya could not postpone the training, so I could not see Joaquim nor my beautiful niece.
It makes me sad, really. Leo is so my friend and my brother. He's my best friend, and of course we all know and love my family. Whenever my brother is in town, do a walk along the beach, enjoying the best we can. And this year, Leo will lose.
- I keep the special head for you.
- Of course you will save, I'm counting on it. But say what? Now that is powered again, rolling ride to the airport?
- Puff! Of course, silly. Just tell me what time has to be there, I'll take you.
We eat the most joy. I like boys. I think I should have been born a man. The brat girl in me, get along with them. And besides, I'm always at the same level of madness. Leo gives me the only dessert that came, strawberry mousse. The boys do not complain about it. That's one of the cool things about being the only girl in the middle of both male.
After making digestion. Unfortunately, I have to go back to my room. Nor is it surprising that two stacks of documents to organize. It is a huge crime against nature that amount of paper. I did my part and got a company that recycles paper and send us back. But these people insist on spoiling things. I separate everything to draft and going for recycling.
I leave it aside when the inventory of financial arrives in my email. Quickly I give my signature and I'll get the other managers. And that is when I realize that I will have a meeting that was postponed.
Once Augusto see me standing at your door, it asks me to enter. He stares at me as if I were at any time draw a gun and shoot his head. But I give him a sympathetic smile. As my sister I would say: I want peace! As he is too busy to talk, leave the documents with the entry and go back to my room.
I see that everything is right for the trip my friend. Leo's smart, but he's not the smartest person I know.
Once caught the time of your flight and send it to his email, I'm ready to start the month's agenda next program and the internal audit which will in two weeks.
- Here are the documents. - I knew he was coming. So I do not scare me. - Thank you for getting it so quickly.
- No problem, boss! - Working my chair and smile at him. - I'm the best in the business, so work for you.
I did not mean it, but she left. My language does not know the time to contain the poison. He received it and did not reply.
- Good trip back? - I ask. - I was tired, he would order a taxi for you, but left before I offered you.
I feel the tension radiating from his body take the room.
- Driving back was good, so I could concentrate better on things.
I agree with him. Since he did not want to talk about it. Can we pretend that nothing happened.
At least I managed to spill a little pheromone that accumulated within me.
- Anything else sir?
- Juliane, I think after Saturday, you are no longer needed.
- I dont understand! I think that...
- Jules, because it has a car like yours in your place? - My boss appears abruptly in the room.
I look at him confused.
- Perhaps because it is mine?
My answer simply did he open his mouth some four times in a row. His Duarte scrub confused neck.
- How does your car get here?
- Your Duarte, disconnected from company's me, not you. Do not try to steal my place. I came driving, it's obvious!
It seems more confused by my answer.
- But you drive no more than a year.
I shrug.
- It was time to return. Nor will I always have a ride home. And after what happened, I do not want to risk having to wait for a taxi on a deserted street.
Both men look surprised at this.
- It was time to leave fear behind. I am a responsible girl, I can not help that the consequences of a drunken fool disturb my life. I'm fine, Leo is good too, so I'm in my car around.
My boss gives a huge smile.
- I'm so proud of you, Jules. I'm really happy to have overcome it.
- Thank you, and since you're here. Can I ask something?
My boss laughs and nods.
- My brother is coming on Friday, I'm thinking of leaving early, if that's okay, of course. And I will give a lift to Leo before it, that is, I'll be here until noon.
His Duarte nods.
- Of course, girl. I'll be out after lunch, and others may use the subordinates. Unless Augusto need you.
I did not want him to say it. I did not want to.
- Actually, I'm going to need you until three in the afternoon, I assume that Leonardo need another ride to the airport.
Breathe, Juliane. Breathe!
- Sure, fine. I'll talk to Leo and see if he can go early to the airport. - I smile at them. - You need something now?
- No, I just wanted to know about your car. Again, Jules, I'm proud of you.
It turns me so hard, I smile of truth to it. After we had our conversation, your Duarte returned to that boss that I could tell. He was always a good person. Always companion, friend, counselor and a second father to me. Even if he had walked away, he did not fail to be by my side. And after what happened, I think back to being as before.
I know he's telling the truth, because when it happened, he was the one who encouraged me to take up a steering wheel again. And your surprise is also understandable, since a sudden resolve to take my car and drive back to like it was no big deal. And seeing now, is not it.
- Thanks, boss!
I look Augusto who is staring at me in the same proportion. But he is too serious, and I do not want to start the week as well.
- Need something?
He nods no and walk away. Just as well, we will take things the easy way. Pretend that nothing happened that I do the same. My emotions are like mirrors. They reflect his. Be anger, indifference or joy. My soul depends on her.
- I thought you were more mature than that! - Augusto comes into my room and shut the door.
Okay, now who does not understand me. Normal, Juli!
- As?
- Why did not answer my messages and did not answer me?
Okay, now we're talking about it.
- Well, after I got home, I just slept, as I always do on weekends. So I did not take my phone up this morning and deleted all messages. Even my mother. So I'm sorry.
Augusto sees me as if he had two heads.
- Any idea how I was worried? Only I sosseguei when I called his house and told me that you had arrived.
He is not putting the blame on me!
- If you had done what I had asked, I would not spend their precious concern. And I told you, I know turn around. It was not because you left me alone to more than one hundred kilometers away from home I would despair. I appreciate your concern, but also to refuse. - Arrange the papers in front of me. - Anything else?
Augusto deep breath and seems to want to control. I'm just staring at him. The most he can do is turn around and go to your room with the remains of his dignity.
- We're not done.
His pale eyes narrow for me and I do not portrayal about it. If anyone has the right to be angry here. It's me.
And I'm not.
- It's okay, there's no reason to worry. Everything worked. We are well and what we need to do now is work.
Augusto out of my room one bit happy about it. And I go back to work.
I'm ready to call it a day. Bu
t the two witches do not think so. They are gossiping in the boardroom. I have to close the room, I am the only one who can get the key. So I have to wait. Look at my iPhone and see the name of my brother.
quiqui: I still have some clothes in your home?
I:It has two sweaters and a disgusting underwear. Because?
quiqui: I do not want to take too much, Ly will have a lot to carry. Splits a dresser drawer just for the clothes of her niece.
I:For her I'll do anything. For you, be glad you do not have to stay in a hotel.
quiqui: I love you, sister.
I: Sends me a list of what I have to buy, will the market today.
He sends a shitload of things. Goodbye credit card. But that's good. When my brother is here, I eat healthily, since I buy many things that will please you. I can not go against the family obstetrician. He was the one who followed in the footsteps of my father. I Casse and we do not have the stomach for it.
And come the time of year that my refrigerator is fitness. My brother will be proud of me.
Katya appears in my room with his sly face.
- Finished, Juliane. I'm sorry I made you wait.
I'll pretend I believe.
- It's all right! I only ask you let me know before, okay? I have things to do and if your Duarte discover that let you use the room without having booked, he will not be happy. And it will not be me he will reprender.
She makes a disgusted face. Or need, it is already chagrined by birth.
- I'll ask to have a copy. So you need not be.
- It's all right. I'm going, have a good night.
She did not even bother to respond. Honestly, I do not know how she got here. It's like they say, the more you study, but is ignorant. And that there is a good example. Normal life. I leave the documents in Henry table and turn off the coffee maker that left connected near the water cooler. There are only five cars in the parking lot, and one of them is the BMW of Augusto. I passed his room and did not see him. You must be stuck somewhere else. I find it very well done it.
I get in my car and there is a paper stuck in it. I look around and can not find anyone.
"Have you noticed her eyes? They are so oblique and disguised Gypsy. For although they could go if it was not vanity and flattery. Oh! Adulation! This is a very special creature, more woman than I was man. "
Dom Casmurro.
I look around and see no one.
Human like to complicate things, it's just a breeze, maybe it mess up your hair, maybe you fondle his face, who knows, who knows ...
Who in this century knows the best quotes of Don Casmurro?
I look again at the paper in my hand. A letter designed and charming. I put the paper protected inside my purse. I turn on the car and go to the supermarket. I need to make things ready for my brother and his family.
Know that they are coming makes me very happy. And I know when you're leaving them at the airport, will go with them will come with force. As will be when coming back from my vacation from my parents' house. I never can say goodbye without crying and aching with longing. And the worst part is not being able to look back and see that the two people I love most in the world are steadying me with his loving looks and protectors.
And the idea of being close to my family yells louder.
I park my right next to the exit of the supermarket car. I grab my bag and I will do the shopping for the next two months. One of my favorite music is playing. I start to get the things that my little brother asked, the brands that I know he likes. But at a certain point, I come to quote in my mind.
Who is the madman who could have done it? I refuse to think that it was Augustus. Not after all. Although he is the only one who could understand perfectly the magnitude of the masterpiece of Machado de Assis.
It is likely the only one who knows who is Jorge Amado.
Putting that aside caught the last things missing. Vegetables.
My brother should have been born a rabbit. Oh creature like sheet. Pego broccoli my baby calls the little tree. She eats this thing with ease.
This just makes me ashamed of my eating habits. A baby three years, which still uses diapers, gives a show me in a matter of food.
- The only vegetables that descends me is potato and look there. If fried better. - I mean putting the last things missing, in the cart.
- I can buy some for you.
- By Odin, Loki and Thor! - Practically scream when being appears to me. The bag falls into the basket, but still makes a mess. - Please do not do it. I have a strong heart.
Augusto is down and tidying things in the bag.
- Sorry, I just thought I could get something to eat with me.
- No, I have things to do. And if I remember right, I had a your meal.
Turn the cart and go to the box. Augusto reaches me, of course. He wants an answer that pleases him.
- I'm sure I deserve it, but I think I deserve a chance to explain, is not it?
-. No, because there's nothing to be explained. But I say yes, I'm more woman than you are male. - I stop to look at him. - I do not blame you, but I blame myself for having waited more. I fell in your game. But I expect sincerity, would not mind if it was just once. - Sigh, so very direct look into your eyes. - If there's one thing I appreciate in my life, Augusto, is sincerity. It hurts, but it makes you better see the world. You will never see me being false to the people who want me bad, because that's my weapon. And even she sometimes failing, she will always be with me.
8
Augusto Belmonte
I can not argue with that. I can not even explain what I did with her that day. Nothing in the world will make her understand what happened. Even though the truth. And as always, a little nerdy and weird girl has something to teach me.
She threw the truth for me. And it hurt. It hurt because I knew it was the truth, but sought the easiest way for me. Juli does not mind being hurt with sincerity. She is moved by it and I should have told the truth.
And miss the chance to stay with her only once? You know I could not.
Great, I'm talking like her.
I smile at the thought that she is somehow already seeping into my life. But she's more than infiltrated. She stood and took a place without even meaning to. And after Saturday, I do not know if I can get rid of it. And I think I do not.
In all the years I have had lasting cases and even a few days, I did not feel as good as I felt on Saturday night. I'm not attentive, even affectionate lover. Always I went straight when I need some kind of distraction in this situation, funny that I could have said that the beautiful brunette, but I was a coward.
And now seeing her go mad at me and before I can do anything, it makes my chest feel something strange.
- Juliane! - I call high enough for her to hear. She does not hurry the pace, unlike, I knew that was going to her. - You can at least try to listen to me?
She stops in Checkout waiting a woman finished pack the bags in your cart. She starts to pack up on the mat.
- You can say, has at least ten minutes. - Said pushing his glasses.
This is the most beautiful tic I have ever seen. I know she does this when he is nervous or upset. I much prefer that this time is the first option.
- I had to solve a problem, please do not want you to think I thought the case was not what I wanted. - I help her put things on the mat. - I've been a fool to have let you back, Juli.
For when she picks up the broccoli with me. Our fingers almost intertwined. I use my thumb to caress his hand and tremble with pleasure to realize she sighs audibly.
- I can agree with that. - She pulls the vegetable from my hand and give it to the cashier. - I understand, Augusto, and I know you're telling the truth. But it does not change the fact that you made me feel put and used.
- Wow, Juli!
- Well, sorry for all the drama, but I think it would be easier if you had been honest. - She shakes her head. - Go home, Augusto. Forget it, let's go back from scratch and pretend that no
thing happened, it is best to be done by us.
She turns and continues to expect that their purchases are recorded.
- Two hundred and three reais and seventy-seven cents. - The cashier says calling our attention.
I do not know whether to be honest would do something to change all that. On second thought, I do not see anything changing that. Juliane is not a girl with a simple apology will smile and say it's okay. She's too stubborn to just forget things so easily.
And it delights me. Too.
- My idea of you being a serial killer is beginning to be true. - She says following for your car with me at his side.
- I'm not a serial killer. - I mean taking three bags of his hands.
- I thought the same thing Peter in the first season. - It opens the trunk and look inside the car. - Just him being psychotic Alfa who wanted to kill everybody.
- As?
She laughs and picks up the bags of my hand.
- You do not watch series, is not it? - Question taking things out of my hand and putting it in your car. - Peter Hale was a guy in a coma, but it seems he was a sadistic madman who wanted revenge.
- And where I fit into this?
- You tell me. - It closes the trunk. - You have this straight-laced young guy, but you may be planning my death and will eat my remains. - She goes around the car. - Never know.
She gets in the car. Stop in front of his window. I put my hands in the pockets of my pants, not knowing what to say to her. If there is something to be said. Juli lowers the car window and stares at me.
- The best we can do is let it go ... We can not change things. What happened can not do otherwise. - Juli looks at the wheel of his car. - You wanted?
- Of course I wanted, Juliane!
- Me too, but it did not go as planned. In the left just move on. - She calls your car and closes the window.
She does not go out immediately, it is per second stop and I do the same, when I hit the window, she steps back and walks away.
Leaving me with a horrible sense of guilt. I rub my face and go to my car. Willing to go to his apartment to explain everything, but I can not do that when I can not explain even to me what's going on.
My phone rings and I see a message which I do not want to hear today. On second thought, I do not want to hear about it anymore. But the case is still unfinished. My biggest mistake was left without resolving everything was back there.