Until summer

— I like you, let’s go out.

— Let’s go out.

— Really? A-are you serious... Do you feel the same way?

— I’m serious, Pamela... we’ve been friends for so long, I can’t even remember clearly anymore. I know more about you than I do about my own mother. — I hugged her tightly when I heard:

— But...

— But... what? — I looked at her anxiously as we separated.

— Let’s officially start dating when we get back from vacation. I want to enjoy these last ones without any worries. — he explained, scratching his head with a smile. — You know... these are the last ones before we start college... nothing will be the same after.

— What do you mean without any worries?

♥

— He said what!?

— Don’t yell! I don’t want them to hear us. — I indicated, lifting my head a bit to look out the window.

— Oh, please... look at them! They don’t notice anything; they’ve been staring at that damn sports car for like two hours. Now, tell me everything from the beginning.

— I already told you! He likes me, but he wants us to be free this summer.

— Free? Like... open love and all that nonsense?

— I guess... I don’t even know anymore. — I ended, scratching my already messed-up bun.

— And what the hell did you respond?

— Well... I said yes, what did you want me to say?

— That you say no!

— How could I! You, more than anyone, know how hard it was for me to tell him this! He’s almost like my brother, since we were like... three? I’ve seen him pee in my damn bathroom! God, I was so scared he would reject me, and I’d lose his friendship forever, I couldn’t say no...

— Well, yes, but...

— But nothing! We’re... almost dating! Look at it that way.

— In a weird and silly way, I’ve never heard such stupid conditions.

— And what’s so weird about it? I understand that he wants to spend his vacation with his friends, I guess accepting our relationship this week would mean including me in all his boys’ plans... You know, without... — I tried to find the words when she explained.

— Without fear of being able to flirt with any woman who crosses his path, is that what you were going to say? — I gave her a dirty look, and she shrugged innocently.

— You know I wasn’t going to say that...

— Fine! Fine... I won’t say anything else, my mouth is a tomb, but I... I couldn’t let my boyfriend walk around with a big sign that says “FREE,” but that’s just me. What will you do all week...? — I stayed silent, not knowing how to respond to her. I wanted to seem confident in front of her, but I was far from it.

— Ready, girls! — Aron and Juanpi got into the car with bags of groceries and the gas receipt.

— Yesss! — Sarita shouted, giving Aron a quick kiss on the mouth in response.

— Did you bring my sparkling water, honey melon?

— Yes, baby. — They winked at each other, and Juanpi said:

— Damn... gas is so expensive in Spain, but the weather is spectacular this time of year, so it’s worth all my damn money. Pami, here, I brought you some sunscreen. — I blinked rapidly, looking at the bottle in his hands as he smiled at me.

— Your skin is delicate, it seems like I’m the only one who remembers that. — He winked at me, making me smile foolishly. It was true, he knew everything about me... I couldn’t lie to him.

— Aron, do you smell that? — Sarita said in a playful tone.

— Yes, you’re right, my dear, I can recognize that smell from miles away. It’s a mix of frustrated sexual tension. — They burst out laughing together.

— Oh... how funny, you know what Pam smells like to me? — Juanpi indicated in a mocking tone.

— Of course, I do, my dear collaborator... — He put his hand in front of me like he had a microphone, and I said, looking at them with malice. — The fastest couple in the wild west to start a fight. How long do you think they’ll last, Juanpi? — I put my hand in front of him this time.

— I think you’re wrong, Pam... because they’re already fighting. — They looked at us angrily, and we said in unison:

— BAM! — bumping our fists.

— Ha, ha, ha... you’re hilarious. — He said, clapping with disinterest.

— You’re so silly, that won’t happen. — Sarita said, pouting in her seat while putting on her AirPods.

— We’ll see... — The car started, and now and then, our eyes met. Calming my doubts and worries, I knew it had been a mistake to speculate about what would happen between us. I would just go with the flow and enjoy this vacation.

— We’re off, folks! We’re off!

♥

Arriving in Mallorca was love at first sight with its beaches, its unbearably hot weather, but it urged you to flop down on a sunbed with an icy cocktail and a hat. And when I got tired of the heat, I’d dive into those crystal-clear waters.

— God, this place is amazing, it was the best idea to come in the convertible, Juanpi. — I said excitedly, feeling the wind on my face.

— I don’t know about you guys, but I’m heading straight to the beach. — Aron said, wearing a fisherman’s hat, while watching the girls pass by with their bikinis and towels.

— We have to go to the cabin first, the others are already waiting for us...

—I heard that at night the best party area is Magaluf, it’s full of bars near the beach. I’m going to get so drunk I lose consciousness. — Aron said restlessly.

—Don’t talk nonsense, you won’t do that... not in my presence.

—Damn, why did we bring them then, Juanpi, see? I told you. — He indicated, pushing his seat with his foot.

— Idiot! — We both said, hitting him on the head at the same time.

— Help!

— You got yourself into this.

— With friends like these, why did I come?

♥

The cabin was spectacular, worthy of a paradisiacal vacation. If I had been told that Juan Pedro’s father would be so benevolent to give us the best stay, I wouldn’t have believed it even if I was paid. We walked towards the entrance while talking about how incredible the days here would be. Suddenly the door opened, I looked up to greet Borja, but I was taken aback when a black-haired girl jumped into Juan’s arms, shouting:

— I can’t believe it... Juampi! — my vacation had changed.