One Night Affair

“As the first snowflake settled, it whispered secrets of a winter tale waiting to unfold.”

December 30th.

Comfy in my pajamas and a wide smirk on my face that’s goofy, I’m staring at my laptop’s screen, as I engage my Mexican boyfriend, Gabriel, on a video call.

He isn’t as enthusiastic as I am, but as they say, love is a blind pill, one I’m overdosing on.

He’s 23 years old, like myself, and the bonus is that he’s also tall and cute. We’re both in our final year, and fun fact, we share the same goal after we graduate from Alabama College, Texas.

“How’s the holiday over there?” His concerned voice booms through the speaker of my laptop.

I pout. It isn’t fine, to be honest, and the last person I would want to pretend to is Gabriel.

“It’s not okay.” I mimic a sob. “Truly, I wished you were here with me, it would make it a whole lot better.” I bring my wrist to my nose, sniffing dryly and trying to relive the smell of his cologne.

“You could have taken my advice and traveled when I told you to.”

“What?” I scoff. “And spend a fortune because I want to be confided in the four walls of Italy? That’s a lot for a short holiday.” I shrug, not budging. “That’s not why I called though.”

“Okay?” He rolls his pretty eyes.

“How’s home? I hope you’re fine?” I demand.

“Yeah, I guess. My mum went to my grandma’s last night...”

“Why didn’t you go? I bet you’re missing out” I’m almost jumping on him.

“Nah, I don’t think so.” He smiles. “Plus, I have a few plans here in Mexico. I can’t jeopardize that.”

“Plans?” I ask curiously. I’m just hearing about that.

“Babe, can we talk later? I got to go.” He informs me. “I love you.” He chips in, not waiting for my response, denying me any chance to disagree.

“Love you too.” I reply and the call ends in between my sentences.

I puff, already used to this impatient side of Gabriel. I go through my mailbox, scouting for any important email I might have missed. The semester is a short one, and I’m excited it will be over soon, even though I’m too exhausted from the stressful roller coaster.

The door opens halfway, with someone peering through. Amelia stalls at the entrance for a moment, before getting in and slumping on my bed. Sophomore year hasn’t been quite fair to her either, given she’s a bookworm like myself.

“Phew!” she sighs.

“You must be tired.” I look away from my laptop to her, and back to my laptop.

“You can only imagine, Sofia.” She blows out air with her lips, making a ripple effect. “To think that I had the worst holiday because of this school sucks.”

“It’s not half bad, you’re traveling home tomorrow, right?” I demand.

“Right!” She yelps, and excitement is evident in her voice. “Jeez! You know, the New Year celebration is epic back home.” She begins her usual ranting.

Damn! I’ve had an ear full already. She goes on and on and on about her family tradition of marking the fresh calendar, by having a dinner on New Year’s Eve, where her older brother, Diego, the renowned chef in their quaint town tries on new recipes, and then they watch the fireworks as a family and host their family friends on the said day... Blah blah blah.

Oh, and there’s the family game and movie night after the hosting feast... Damn! It’s more like I live in her house already.

“I’m sure mum has sent out invitations to her friends, you should see her crew, they’re...”

I block out her rants, determined to find peace with the little strength I’ve got.

“What are your plans for the new year?” She ends her fairy tale with that, catching my attention.

“Me?” I look at her and she nods. “Nothing serious, just sit in my study, reply to emails, and finish off with my project.”

“That sounds so boring...”

“My sad reality.” I force a grin.

“How about you come with me? Look, I know it’s too sudden to dump a card on you, but I promise you’d love the trip.” She convinces.

“Oh, that’s so thoughtful of you, but no, thanks.” I keep my fake grin.

“It’s just for a week, plus we have enough room to accommodate you. Besides, it’s a few hours from Miami.” She continues to convince me.

“I know that, but I’d pass, still.” I decline yet again.

She sighs. “To think that you feel you have a say here is being delusional. You’d better pack your box before you go to bed, we leave first thing tomorrow morning. I would sponsor the ride.” She stands up to leave.

“Sorry, what?” I’m perplexed.

“You heard right. If it would mean me sedating you to get you to Mexico, I would gladly.”

“Amelia, you know that would be a violation...” She doesn’t wait for me to finish before banging the door in my face.

Jeez! Amelia is a handful. She moved in with me when she was a freshman, and we rocked the same boat. She’s bubbly and outgoing unlike me. For a fact, Gabriel finds her more fun. I’m not so out there, Amelia has been my buddy, and I love her company, though she can be imposing a few times.

I open my chat with Gabriel and start typing.

’...Amelia wants me to come to Mexico with her and experience life in a buzzing town. For the umpteenth time, she’s being on about her family tradition for the new year, and I wish she could keep mute for a second.

Anyway, I guess I’m dragged in her mess, and I could use it as a ticket to see you, I do miss you, babe...′

Reading it over and over again, I grimace.

“How about I make it a surprise?” A smile brightens the sides of my face. Not thinking twice, I wipe it off, close my laptop, and prepare for the busy day ahead.

*****