I finished preparing dinner and almost at the same time Ariel peeked up the stairs sniffing. I looked at her and smiled a little, there was the cutest girl in school as I remembered her, except for the slight dark circles she still had, but I hoped that tonight she could sleep a little better.
She came over and I motioned for her to sit down while I set the table, I served her homelet with some rice and coffee which she accepted when I suggested it.
Seeing her sitting there like a doll, oblivious to the world around her, it wasn't that she was in love, but she could appreciate the beauty when she had her in front of her, to give you an idea, imagine the most beautiful girl you've ever seen, now imagine her twice as pretty, and now imagine her but in pretty, that's how Ariel was, or at least for me, and I'm sure for the whole school and anyone who saw her on a normal day and well groomed.
I also sat with my own portion feeling guilty for eating her food, then I was all about to solve all her most urgent problems, and even if her parents did not have life insurance I was already setting aside a part of my mind for her of that prize. Seriously speaking, she already had a house, she would inherit it so that matter was solved, the rest would be living expenses, which in a quick calculation I made in my mind I estimated that six thousand would be enough for a month even if she ate out every day, for a year it would be $72000 so if I gave her a million it would be enough to lead a comfortable life for a long time, enough so that you can finish your studies without worrying about expenses.
And I know I sound stupidly generous, but this was a special case, I felt nothing but pity and sympathy for his circumstances and well, I could do it, it was my money, and if I wanted to give it to an orphaned girl I could do it, sue me.
We finished dinner and Ariel seemed to want to say something, but before that happened my phone rang, noticing the name was Anderson, I apologized to her and left the house for a moment to answer.
-Hello, that was quick, did you find everything? – I said waiting for his answer.
-Boy, I'm the best at what I do, and yes, I found everything and more, now, I have good and bad news, which ones do you want first? – he said in a condescending tone.
-The good ones. – I said choosing at random.
-The good news is that the parents did have life insurance and a good inheritance, although the girl will not be able to receive the entire amount because the house was mortgaged, it is a matter of a few procedures, but the daughter will be able to keep about one hundred thousand pesos after having paid everything that has to be paid, including funeral expenses.
-Ok, it's good to hear that, and what are the bad ones?
-The bad news is that the house was built on land that belonged to the daughter's paternal grandfather, and according to the coroner's report, there were not two deceased but four.
-What? – was what I said bewildered and in a scream that I quickly extinguished hoping not to attract Ariel's attention.
-The deceased were the girl's parents and her paternal grandparents, but wait, it gets worse. I contacted the lawyer who made the grandparents' will to ask about the inheritance that would correspond to the father and therefore to the girl, but I ended up encountering more problems.
- What problems? – I said with exasperation and rubbing the bridge of my nose.
-It turns out that the land where the house of the deceased parents was built belonged to the grandfather and he never legally passed it on to the father, and what is more, in the mother's will it appears as an inheritance for the other daughter of the grandparents, a mistake of finger perhaps, but a very serious one.
"But wait, they've lived here for who knows how many years now, isn't that good for something?" – I asked being sure that over time a land ownership or something like that is created.
-Normally yes, but if the papers of the land can only be fought with who has the legal rights, the problem is that the other lawyer with whom the will of the grandparents was made demanding their share of the inheritance has already appeared and all the deals have already been agreed in front of a judge, so changes can no longer be made for at least 5 years.
- What, but they left Ariel out, isn't that illegal? – I said trying to move further away so that Ariel wouldn't hear me almost screaming.
-It would have been if they had tried to take over the inheritance that corresponded to the girl's father, but they did not touch anything, so only what the will already stipulated in the normal procedure was executed. In short, the house belongs to the girl, but since the land belongs to her aunt she will have to vacate anyway, because everything on the land belongs to the aunt.
- And you can't reach a deal with her to buy the land? – I asked looking for a solution.
-Actually I went ahead and I am already in the process of negotiating with the aunt's lawyer, but since I am not the girl's lawyer there is not much I can do, what they told me is that if you want to buy the land you will also have to pay for the house.
- And we can't sell them the house so that at least the daughter has the money from the estate? – I asked looking for a way not to scam the girl who had been orphaned.
-Legally they are not obliged to comply with that agreement, by right the land and everything in it belongs to the aunt, so they do not need to pay anything, and believe me, they will use that argument.
- So there is nothing that can be done? Weren't you the best? – I asked, already annoyed by the unfair situation.
"I am, but I don't work miracles, especially when I'm not even the girl's lawyer." But look son, I'm not saying that nothing can be done either, what we can do is that the girl keeps all the insurance money and demarcate her from the mortgage debt, so the property would become the bank's and the girl would no longer have any more affairs with the aunt, it would be a problem of the aunt with the bank for the same situation, but it would no longer be our problem. Anderson said.
I thought for a moment, the lawyer kept me on hold.
- Are you sure that's all you can do? Can't we do a quick sale of the house without anyone finding out or something? –Asked
"You could, but you would have to inform the bank and the buyer and all parties involved of the situation, including the aunt, it would get you into more trouble. - he said and sighed. – The suggestion I gave you is the best thing to do, do you want me to continue with it?
I put my hand to my head and massaged my temples in frustration, but I quickly calmed down and responded.
"Yes, it's okay, do that, I'll tell the daughter the situation and see that she understands." – I said and Anderson accepted it. I hung up the call and stood there trying to think of a way to tell this whole soap opera to the girl who was waiting for me disconsolately at the table. Or that was until I felt a hand on my arm.
I turned quickly in fright, and it took me only a moment to recognize that the one holding my sleeve was Ariel. His worried face drained all the bravery he had gathered.
-Heard? – I asked, not wanting her to feel worse.
-Only the last part, who were you talking to?, was it about my truth?, what was it that you want me to understand? – she said looking at me with doubt and uncertainty, I didn't blame her, she must have felt very vulnerable right now and finding me here talking about her with a stranger was surely not reassuring at all. And I sighed in defeat.
"I'll tell you everything, first let's go inside, you've just taken a bath and you could get sick." – I said taking her by the wrist and carrying her with me gently.
We sat at the table on the opposite side of where our freshly used plates still stood. She looked at me with increasing doubt and a little fear appeared in her expression, perhaps finally realizing that perhaps it was not such a good idea to let a stranger accompany her home when she had no one to defend her if I decided to do something to her.
"Okay, to answer your questions, the person on the phone was my lawyer. – I said and she raised an eyebrow. – I know it sounds strange, but a lot of things happened to me recently and I hired one, it's not important now. – I said scratching the back of my neck, but quickly returning to reality. "I asked him to look into your situation to see if he could help you in all the legal proceedings you mentioned I didn't know about."
- Do you talk about insurance and that? - she said looking at me as if I was trying to keep her money or something.
-Yes, that and I also asked him to investigate if there was anything that could affect you and that you didn't know, things like debts or loans, so that I could solve it as soon as possible. – I said and she began to relax a little understanding my actions, or so I thought.
- And did you find anything? – she asked very intrigued. That's where my gaze faltered with pity peeking into my eyes.
-Yes, well, he found, several things. You see, the thing is...
I told him what Anderson told me. At first she started crying again because she had no idea that her grandparents had also died, that took us several minutes in which I had to comfort her again. After moving to the couch so I could hug and calm her down like last time, I then continued with my explanation.
She was terrified when she learned that she would not be able to keep her parents' house, but I quickly told her about the option of keeping the insurance money and leaving all the problems with the bank to her aunt. She asked me if it was not possible to talk to her aunt to keep the house, I asked her about the relationship that her family had with her aunt and apparently it was not good at all.
The woman was the black sheep of the family, she was five years older than Ariel's father and had had more legal problems than I thought it was possible to have, according to Ariel her aunt did not seem to be very well liked in the family.
I called Anderson again to find out if this matter could be resolved between the family, this time I put it out loud so that Ariel could also listen and participate if he had something to say, but I was only surprised that the aunt's lawyer had already sent a I don't know what to the bank to claim the house as his and use the insurance money from Ariel's grandparents to pay the mortgage, so he did not seem to have any intention of leaving the house to him.
-And what about my grandparents' house, and how did she use my grandparents' insurance, isn't it supposed that my father also had access to that money? Ariel asked, offended that she had been left out.
Anderson said he couldn't do anything since he wasn't her lawyer, but I told him to act like one, I would pay him for those hours, and he did, he called the aunt's lawyer to dispute the insurance money and the ownership of the grandparents' house, but they could only get the corresponding part of the insurance, an amount of 350 thousand pesos. The grandparents' will stipulated that the house would be sold and the money from the sale would be shared, with Ariel's father having 65% of it, so they would have to wait for the sale to get the money.
In the end nothing could be done with the house, but $1,350,000.00 pesos could be obtained, but Ariel did not show any sign of joy, nor the slightest trace of conformity, I suppose that for someone who had just lost his parents that meant nothing.
With all my regret I suggested to Ariel to choose to leave the house and keep the insurance money, but she wanted to talk to her aunt first before doing anything. It wasn't my decision so I couldn't do anything if she didn't want it, I left her my number and address in case she needed me or Anderson, after washing the dishes I said goodbye.
I called my father, it was late but not so late, despite all the time I spent with Ariel it was barely 8 o'clock, the time my father left work, and since the route he took was the same one he took to his work, I asked him to pick me up promising to explain everything, Since this situation was quite unusual, he told me that he would pick me up in a few minutes, luckily I was still in time to reach him.
When I got in the car she scolded me for the time and place, it was late at night, but she calmed down when I told her the situation with Ariel, omitting of course all the part of the lawyer and legal problems, she only knew that a friend had been orphaned and I was with her until she picked me up.
"Don't get in trouble, let her relatives take care of it, I'm not saying don't help her if she asks you to, but try not to get too involved, you don't know the fights that are made in those cases," my father said giving me advice in his rough way, I just nodded to him with empty promises, it was hard not to be involved now after all.
Why did I tell them, it wasn't that I hated them, as I said before, and it's not that I didn't trust them, with anything not related to money anyway, that was the only taboo subject for me when dealing with them... Well, that and my accomplishments, my fears, my dreams, my life, and anything where I could be compared to somebody else or whatever they wanted from me with weird expectations, otherwise it was okay, or well, unless they were angry, if they were they would use all the material available to throw anything in my face as if everything I did was wrong, anyway.
The trip was smooth as always, after that my father didn't say anything else, I stared out the window while I thought if what I was doing was the right thing, or if I should continue to get involved, maybe my father was right and had already helped her enough. On the other hand, my hormones had also asked for a place at the table, something of which I was aware and made me feel guilty, but as they say, there is well that ends well, translation: If Ariel feels helped it doesn't matter with what intentions I do it, and if in the end she wants to reward me well, who am I to refuse to receive someone's kindness?
We got home in record time as always, and as always my father got all the green lights, that was always too strange, he always says it's the power of synchronization of someone very well organized, but I still believe that he has some spy device that changes the color of the traffic lights or something.
That day I fell asleep thinking about everything I would buy when I was rich.
The next day Ariel didn't go to school either, it was there that I regretted not having asked for her number too, but being in another place and no longer having her in front of me I felt like a stranger again, and I wondered if it was prudent to continue getting involved in matters that did not correspond to me. It's not that I owed anything to her or anyone close to her. Suddenly all the resolution of the past night left me like sand in the wind, everything seemed just a fleeting dream and I found myself hesitating to continue sticking my nose in other people's and such strong matters.
Classes went on normally, all the teachers commented surprised on Ariel's absence, but no one dedicated much time to her theories, everyone quickly forgot about her to continue with the list.
It felt strange, yesterday I had been full of energy and joy for having won the lottery, but today I feel uneasy, Ariel was all that occupied my mind, this time enough that it was difficult to concentrate in the classes. I wondered if she had already eaten, if she had gone with her aunt who seemed not to have a single atom of compassion. During the break I was tempted to ask Marilyn for Ariel's number to ask if she was okay, but I didn't, it seemed that I still didn't answer her if her expression of concern was an indication.
When classes were over and I was already walking outside her walls, I received a message from Ariel, I knew it was her from the sender's profile picture, she asked me to meet at a table in the zócalo in minutes, it seemed that she was already there, I told her that she was fine and that I would see her there.
I rushed to the zócalo by public transport, I usually went there on foot and it took me about 20 minutes to get there, but I felt anxious without knowing why, I felt that she was in danger being alone.
When I arrived I saw that her dark circles were no longer as big as the day before, she seemed to have slept this time, even if it was a little, she was wearing white tennis shoes, brown cargo pants and a white blouse, she looked normal and no longer like the unbathed girl with the look of a bum, that relieved me a little inside. I paused, pondered before entering his range of vision.
I was being too emotional, I told myself, yes, she was pretty and everything, but it wasn't the time to get excited, besides, all I was doing was helping her with her situation, one that was absolutely tragic, wanting to use that as a hookup strategy wouldn't even be romantic, it would be creepy and uncomfortable,
-Hello, did something happen? – I asked, his look when he saw me was one of mourning, as if he wanted to tell me something and at the same time he didn't. In the end, I look down with sadness.
"I spoke to my aunt, she came today at ten o'clock, she gave me an ultimatum. – she said so docile that it seemed that any breeze could take her away.
-What did he say? – I asked, feeling bad for her.
-Many things, but since her lawyer was also with her I couldn't tell her much, they told me that I could take whatever I wanted, by right everything even the furniture belonged to me, but not the house, they gave me until the day after tomorrow to take everything I wanted to take, then I couldn't go back.
Ariel's voice denoted nothing but defeat, she had finally been left alone in the world, and she didn't even have a legal guardian who could take care of her, and now she didn't have a home either.
-In addition, my mother's bank called me, they said that she had a debt of 800 thousand pesos and that it had been inherited from me or something like that, I didn't understand well, but they said that there were still 15 years of payments and things that I didn't understand, I told them that my mother had died but they didn't care, that they were going to send a field agent to visit me, I was hoping you'd let me talk to your lawyer to see if I could fix it.
I frowned at the bank's shameless act and called Anderson at that moment. He asked me to wait until he asked the bank for a copy of the contract, posing as Ariel's lawyer. Unfortunately in the loan contract it was for 800 thousand pesos with an interest rate of 80% for 20 years, it was stipulated that in case of death the debt would pass into inheritance or would be covered with any means of financing also left in inheritance, that is, Ariel could pay it in the same way as his mother, month by month, or he could use the insurance to cover the debt, so legally there was nothing to do, and since the interest rate of the contract was variable, and apparently it had been adjusted to the value of the currency, so the insurance was barely enough to cover the debt of the loan.
I pounded the table in frustration, everything we had planned just one night ago had been shattered, Anderson apologized for not being able to do more, he explained that by the time all the bank information had been omitted, it made sense, there are no operators at 8 p.m., he also said that yesterday's estimates were just that, estimates that he could not secure until he had the contract in his hands, I told him that I understood and hung up, what was I going to do, fire him? I still needed it. Ariel began a new round of tears covering her face with her hands while sobbing in a low voice, in total the debt was almost two million, much more than all the insurance combined, and the irony of all this was that that loan had been used to buy the house, which she could not even keep.
I put my fist against my forehead trying to think of a solution, but after a moment I thought again about everything that overwhelmed me in the morning.
Why did I have to mortify myself about that, why didn't I just get up and leave, it was certainly not my business, I had no obligation to solve this girl's problems.
Still with my fist on my forehead, held by my elbow on the table I looked at Ariel, she looked scared, overwhelmed not only by the recent death of her parents but by now being left with nothing and adrift without knowing what was going to happen now of her life, was I an idiot not wanting to get involved in her affairs anymore? Or was it just common sense?
His situation was unfortunate, but I had nothing to do with it. I looked at her again, she sighed continuously, I didn't like to see her sad, but at the same time I didn't know whether to help her or not, I mean, I could do it, but would that be okay?, we barely know each other, wouldn't it be very strange?, Who gives so much money to someone just because?
It didn't take me long to come up with a solution, one that wouldn't leave me as an idiot or as a naïve, although it made me feel bad somehow, I didn't even know if it was moral or not, was there a professor specialized in ethics who wants to come and advise me? For now, this was the best he had.
I looked down wondering if what I thought was a selfish act to take advantage of her in her most vulnerable state, or if on the contrary I was a good person for helping when I didn't even have to.
I began to reflect on her, she was the prettiest girl and her grades were as much or better than mine, her intelligence was not in doubt, her personality was also golden, the more I thought about it the more it seemed that God had gone too far with all the virtues she had, but even so doubt invaded me, Now not for her, but for me, was I enough?, would she be satisfied?, be that as it may, I needed to ask her a few questions in a more private place, one without cameras and audio that could be recorded to keep me safe, with enough privacy, and I only knew a place like that.
I took some clean tissues from my backpack and gave them to her to wipe away her tears, then I told her to come with me, she asked where and I told her to a more private place, I told her that maybe I had a way to help her but it was not something that others should know, she accepted without resistance, I don't know what image she had of me or what she thought I could do, but her gaze seemed to hold a little hope, oh God help me and forgive me for what I'm going to do.
On the way he calmed down and in a matter of minutes we arrived at the building of the law firm I hired. We went up the elevator to the tenth floor and I asked the secretary to see Anderson, he saw me from his office so he let me in.
- Is there anything I can help you with? – he asked raising his eyebrow, he didn't seem very affected by all the drama he had put together between yesterday and today, maybe for him it wasn't complicated at all, anyway.
I carried Ariel to the chair as if it were my own, and sat down next to her at a safe distance. She only looked at the lawyer and a little at the office.
"I came to ask if you had made any progress on anything I ordered you to do yesterday. – I said somewhat uncomfortably, all my courage went down as soon as I had him in front of me.
- Would you like to be more specific? There were quite a few. – he replied with a tone of annoyance, I understood, I don't like to be rushed when it's not necessary, only that I did feel it was necessary.
-I mean the part of the bank account, emancipation and that. – I said and Anderson raised an eyebrow looking at Ariel and then at me as if I wanted to talk about it in front of her, I just shrugged my shoulders as if to say that.
Ariel looked at me confused, surely she didn't expect that, or it's safer to say that she expected us to be there for matters related to her.
-The account thing is in process, but one thing precedes the other, you need to emancipate yourself to get an ID, then with it you can open an account without problems, the problem is that by almost all means you would have to face your parents. – he said.
-Yes, I also researched some of that in the morning, and according to what I found the easiest way to do that, even automatically would be. – I said to finish turning to look at Ariel. Anderson opened his eyes and a mischievous laugh came across his face.
"Well, certainly that's a way," he said while Ariel looked at us confused, her eyes traveling from one to the other with more and more suspicion.
- Do you think it would work? – I asked, turning to him as seriously as I could and he immediately returned to business mode.
-If it were done today before eight o'clock, we could process the account today, the certificate would serve as an identity document, we could have everything ready before the delivery date. – he said while caressing his chin.
"Well, I'll try that. – I said understanding everything he said as clear as water.
"Well, I was planning to charge a judge a favor, but as you wish, and since I see that she has no idea, I'll give you time while I go for coffee." – he said and left calmly as if he had not admitted that he intended to blackmail a judge.
I saw him leave and close the door, when he did all the noise in the hallway went away, I assumed that was on both sides. I called the secretary outside the office to see if he could hear me, he didn't make any gesture of recognition.
Being sure that no one would listen to us I turned to Ariel, the poor girl looked at me puzzled by all the show we had done and that somehow involved her.
- Are you going to tell me what they were talking about? - she said moving with her body language in self-protection.
I took a deep breath to calm myself, I had to admit that I was a little accelerated after that exchange, so I also remained silent for a moment to look for the words. And finally I took as deep a breath as I could and exhaled it, here we go.
I looked at her with doubt and confidence at the same time, she looked at me confused and already a little uncomfortable.
"Ariel, as I told you, I have a way to help you, but to do it I also need you to do something for me.
- Help me how? – she asked leaving her shyness a little and raising her eyebrow, I smiled a little, it seemed that she had already learned to evaluate the offer first and then to weigh the risks, a born businesswoman I thought.
"Before that I need to know that I can trust you, I brought us to this place because what I'm about to tell you is a secret that no one can know for my own safety, I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said it's life or death.
That made her open her eyes, she looked at the office, the place, the secretary in the hallway, and then at me, I could see how something clicked in her brain and opened her eyes in shock.
-Oh. – was all she managed to say.
- Can I trust you? I insisted with a serious but pleading look.
- Will something bad happen to me if I can't keep your secret? - she asked getting a little scared, I sighed.
- To you, nothing, but to me on the other hand, it could lead to my death or to endanger my family. – I said with all the seriousness I could muster while I lowered my gaze debating for the thousandth time if this was a good idea.
She probably looked at my distress, or something that made her empathize with me, because while I was questioning whether it was wise to continue with this, she took my hand and looked me in the eye making my gaze return to her.
"You have helped me a lot in all this that I went through, if my trust is enough to repay you for everything you have done for me, then I want to give it to you, I promise to keep your secret. He said seriously, one that I found downright adorable.
I smiled more calmly and started again.
"Thank you very much, I put my life in your hands. - I said taking his hand in mine and sighing with relief.
"Well, what's that secret anyway, how can you help me and how can I help you?" – He asked letting go of my hands, I sighed for who knows how many times in this time, but I told him.
-In short, I can help you with everything from here on out, I can give you a house, sustenance, and solve your life until you can fend for yourself in a well-paid job, but for that I need you to help me get to that point. – I said hoping that this was not a bad idea, his surprised eyes told me that it would not be like that.
- But how, we're just kids. – She said. - How could I help you do that?, I don't know how to do anything, I couldn't be of use to you. She said, thinking who knows what, but she was sure that she was traveling badly, if her hand movements were any indication.
-Hehe, don't worry, it's nothing you can't do, though. – I said lowering my gaze a little embarrassed and looking to the side. "It's up to you instead. I said, she was looking at me trying to understand me.
"Tell me Ariel, do you find me attractive?" – I said, and that seemed to have ended all the seriousness we had gathered, his look changed from intrigued to really out of touch. I leaned back a little on the sofa looking at the ceiling.
-To be completely honest, a few days ago I won the lottery. I said, and that seemed to have brought her out of her musings.
- Huh, did you win? – He said and then his gaze changed as if he had noticed something. – Aaaaaah, I understood, that's why all the secrecy, you're afraid that they will steal it. – she said seriously.
-Or that they kidnap me, or my family, or something worse. – I said while imagining those scenarios.
"I think I understand, you say you could help me by giving me money, or well, a lot of money.
-Exactly. "I said, snapping my fingers and pointing my index finger at him.
-But. - she said suddenly losing all the trust she had gathered. "I don't understand how I could help you." – she said now quite self-conscious. "I don't deserve you to help me so much, you shouldn't spend so much on me." – she said embarrassed in a way that I didn't like, I know that her self-esteem must be at rock bottom right now but I didn't like to see her like that.
-Don't worry, don't get overwhelmed, first let me tell you everything, yes, I promise it won't be anything you can't do. I said and that seemed to calm her down.
-Well, you see, my relationship with my parents is not the best. – I said and she looked down instantly, I didn't want to remind her of that, but it was necessary. "They're the kind of person that if they found out about this they'd take it all away from me claiming I'm still a minor and all that.
- Like my aunt? – she said.
"Yes, if they found out they would take everything that belongs to me and divide it among them, that's how they are." – I said lowering my head a little, but quickly composing myself. – In order to claim the money anonymously and safely without my parents finding out I need to emancipate myself from them, that is, legally become an adult, but that process would take weeks and the prize is delivered in four days.
"I understand, and then?" – she said quite interested in my story, she was still somewhat doubtful, but very interested, gossip is gossip I guess.
Well, as I said, there are several ways to emancipate myself, but the quickest and most convenient for both of us is through marriage. – I said grimacing and turning around very embarrassed not to see her expression, but after a few seconds of silence I ventured to look at her. His face was all red.
"Wait, wait, so you wanted to ask me that?" She said with a very noticeable blush and with her thoughts in chaos.
"Well, yes, that's why I asked you that at first, I didn't want to cause you trouble and I thought that if you didn't find it attractive in any way, it would be torture for you even if you said yes." – I said turning to the side, what?, I'm a teenager who is insulted by his parents every day, my pride is inversely proportional to my self-esteem, of course asking a girl that beautiful and out of nowhere would make me want to dig a hole in the ground and get into it.
Ariel stared at me for a while that seemed eternal, but then I looked down on him.
- Why would you want to do this with me?, I'm sure that if you asked any other girl they would say yes, you don't have to do this just because you feel sorry for me. – She said, and now I was the one confused, what was she talking about?, it seemed that I was not the only one with low self-esteem, I would not have expected it from her, but well, after everything that happened maybe she was just in a vulnerable state and full of doubts, even about herself, no, especially about herself, now everything in her life would have to be solved by herself without the help of her parents, I sighed again.
-I don't do it out of pity. – I said putting my hand on hers hoping it wasn't weird.
- But then why would you do that for me? – She asked, it was then that I understood that I was not the only one worried, and I answered with all the truth I could.
-If I'm honest, at first I just wanted to help, I felt somewhat responsible for being the only one who knew your situation and I would have felt guilty for not doing anything, then I also asked myself, why had I helped you?, I got nothing more than your gratitude, and it could be that I was getting into very serious problems that did not correspond to me, But, then I saw you cry after losing everything, I don't know how to put it into words, just, something drove me and brought you here. – I said while she looked at me attentively. – and how to say it, it's not out of pity, it's not a decision I made impulsively, oh well, a little bit that the truth, but not totally without thinking about it. I looked into her eyes as she raised her hand. "I don't do this just to help you, but also out of my personal selfishness. – I said and she looked at me doubtfully. – Ariel, you are the prettiest girl I know, you were blessed with the genetic gift of beauty and the genetic gift of intelligence, you are kind and the purest soul I have ever seen, so taking that into account, I could well say that I like you, although it is not that I am in love, not yet at least, I always tried to focus on how important school was and that, and I'm not quite sure how to fall in love anyway, but what I can say for sure is that I always have a good time with you, you're a fun study rival, and I feel like we understand each other well.
"Me, well. - she said, but she didn't seem to know what to say, her face was getting redder and redder by the moment, so I continued.
-Now the important thing for me is to be able to emancipate myself and claim that prize, but if I need a wife for that I would like it to be someone like you, or rather, you. – I said as seriously as I could.
-But I don't know each other, you don't know what I'm really like, nor do I know you, besides right now I'm all trouble, I don't know if I'm what you're looking for. "He said as if he wanted to accept, but thinking it was bad for me, was he trying to protect me?"
-I must admit that I still have my doubts, and even more worries, especially with money issues, and don't get me wrong, I would have no problem sharing it with you, but what I need is someone who doesn't intend to run away with my money abandoning me or something worse. – I said putting the cards on the table, ultimately and leaving the nonsense aside, Ariel was perfect, she had nothing, and although that sounded bad, her kindness was the characteristic that interested me the most, her morals would not let her go while she hurts me or my pocket.
-I would never do that. – she said very annoyed suddenly and then covering her mouth with her hands because of the outburst that even surprised herself. I laughed.
-Well, it's good to know, but anyway, that's the thing, I can take care of helping you in everything you need if you help me reach that goal, do you think you can tolerate me?, I promise not to be intrusive in your affairs and not to force you to do anything you don't want to, and well, maybe we can arrange something in a year or two so that you can divorce if I don't convince you. – I said scratching my cheek with insecurity, it's not that I wanted to imprison her or anything, if she divorced me a week after receiving the award it would still be useful to me.
She stared at the floor for a moment, her expression telling me a lot of things, as if she didn't want to let her secrets out, but it seemed as if she was just resigned to it.
"I eat a lot, you know?" she said, playing with her fingers as if she hadn't wanted to admit that. I raised an eyebrow in doubt.
"I can buy you all the food you want." – I said without being impressed.
-Also, it takes me a long time to bathe. – she said looking away with her lips flat in embarrassment.
-The water bill will not be a problem. – I said starting to smile amusedly, was this your strategy?
-I also have all these family problems. - she said lowering her head.
"I'll help you take care of all the arrangements." – I said lowering my gaze this time too.
"And I don't have anything but furniture, you'd basically be adopting me and I couldn't do anything for you until I graduated from college.
-I will take care of all the school expenses and whatever you need. –trinket. Ariel put his hands on her face.
-My mom said it was very difficult to have me, so I don't think I can give you many children. – he said with red ears.
I was filled with seriousness, that was a topic that we would get to later if the opportunity presented itself. I took her hands so I could see her face. She was embarrassed and avoided seeing me.
-I'm glad you think about it, but it's not something that worries me too much, whether it's one or ten, I'll love my children as if they were my world. – I said that seriously, I wouldn't be like my parents, whether they were Ariel's or not.
-Ten? – she said frightened. I laughed so hard that she pouted and threw the white couch cushion in my face, but then she started laughing too.
That laugh was beautiful, it was the first laugh I saw her have since all that tragedy happened, that made me want to hug her, but it was not the place for that.
"The only question is whether I'm attractive enough to you." – I said and she looked at me as if I had grown a second head. – Well, no matter how much we get along, it is proven that physical attractiveness is a big factor between couples and one of the main causes of divorce. – I said looking away, but she looked at me as if she didn't understand my language.
- Are you dumb or something?, the girls in the classroom are always gossiping about the most handsome boys in school and you are the highest position in the room. - she said with crossed spleens and looking at me as if she discovered that she did not join.
-Seriously? – I said as stunned as a deer in front of the headlights of a car. That certainly helped my self-esteem a lot.
-Yes, you have a lot of muscles, you are tall, you are intelligent, you do not swear, you are polite with adults, and you know how to cook very well, although only I know that. – she said listing my virtues with her fingers and then turning her gaze. I smiled with what I could only understand as happiness in my chest, it felt good, but as much as I liked it there were matters to attend to.
-So, well, back to the main topic. – I said without the courage to say it, she sighed and nodded.
"If you're okay with me, I suppose we can try." – he said with a smile. "It's not that I'm in love with you, but you've helped me through everything so far, and that's all I can ask of a husband. - she said rubbing her arm. I breathed a sigh of relief.
-If it serves as a consolation, I am not very sure what love is, my parents are not the best example of that, but in my opinion, a couple, before lovers, boyfriends and others, is about being a team, life partners who support each other, confidants and best friends. – I said letting out a little of my secret diary of things that I will never say.
-That's very nice, and I agree, I promise to support you in any way I can. – she said. I wanted to play a joke on him.
- Really, what if one day I kill someone by accident? – I said smiling sarcastically. She looked sharp and smiling like when we competed to finish the exercises faster than the other.
"Then I hope you will call me first so that I have time to prepare the acid." - she said as if she wanted to surpass me.
-We will have to devise a series of secret codes for occasions like this. – I said rubbing my chin.
-And plans to escape to a country without extradition in case something goes wrong. - she said imitating me.
I burst into laughter as she laughed too. As we calmed down, I looked at her with a little nervousness, even more relieved.
-Then. – I took her hands and knelt in front of her, wasn't that done? – Ariel, would you marry me? – I said and just saying it made me as nervous as I ever thought I would be. She smiled and hugged me, falling to the floor also kneeling.
-Yes, I hope I won't be too much of a nuisance, please take care of me. – she said with that adorable way of pronouncing the R because of her half-German accent. I smiled enjoying the hug maybe a little more than I should, it felt strange but comforting.
"Well, then I'll call Anderson to tell us how to do it."
-It is not necessary, you just have to take this to the civil registry that luckily is here next door in the center. – he said scaring us and opening the door at the right moment when Ariel and I finished hugging each other still kneeling, we jumped as if a bomb was in the middle of the two of us to recompose ourselves.
-ahem... That was very convenient, did you already have the papers ready? – I asked with a raised eyebrow and watching his secretary in the hallway wipe a tear while smiling with his palm on his cheek. I looked at the walls, weren't they soundproof?, or maybe the phone, then I looked at Anderson with accusing eyes.
-Of course I did, I told you brat, I'm the best. Now follow me, I'm going to act as your witness. – he said leaving his office. I sat there for a moment.
- Didn't the moment when he arrived seem too accurate to you? – I asked my now fiancée.
"Very convenient, and didn't you say you were going for coffee?" - she replied noticing the lack of a cup.
- You won't believe that he was spying on us, right? – I asked looking at her and the color of both of us rose to our faces when the secretary on the other side of the glass pointed to the corner of the office where there was a discreet security camera. The lady looked very funny to herself.
Ariel and I embarrassed each other even more if that was possible, then followed Anderson as all the women in the hallway looked at us amused. Thoughts of suing everyone here flashed through my mind for violation of my privacy, but I remembered that everyone here was a lawyer and if I did I would surely lose. I will never be able to return to this place, I thought and by the tomato color of Ariel behind her hands covering her face I would say that she thought the same.
We arrived by car at the civil registry, they took us before a judge and Anderson showed him documents that God knows they were, but after reviewing them the judge nodded and gave us the marriage certificate, we signed it and so on. That's how easily he had gotten a wife.
-Well next step, open an account in an international bank. Anderson said, snatching the paper that kept us both hypnotized.
- Weren't we supposed to kiss or something here? – I said to the lawyer as he left with a bored face. Ariel suddenly turned very red, but seeing my disappointed and capricious expression she left her embarrassment and laughed audibly out of my exasperation, I looked at her with a raised eyebrow not understanding what I myself had said seconds before, and before I could say anything she took me by the face and gave me a small and chaste kiss on the lips.
-Like this? - she said starting to walk too while I was like a statue. She pulled my hand so I wouldn't stay there all week.
After opening the online account at Anderson's office, we returned to the bus stop. It is worth mentioning that we would be the talk of the town in that office for a long time if all the wedding congratulations were any indication.
- And where will you stay? – I asked while we waited for the bus.
"They gave me three days, but I can still use my parents' house until then.
I thought for a moment.
- Do you want us to start looking for a house to buy tomorrow, one that we both like. -Suggested. Ariel smiled sweetly at me and kissed me on the cheek.
-That would be good. – she said resting her head on my shoulder. "I think I could get used to this.
- Are you safe to kiss me, don't you think we're going too fast? – I asked a little embarrassed by that kiss.
"The man who asked me to marry him and convinced me to marry in one day says so. – she said with her hair brushing my cheek, and one day it would be generous, it was like in 15 minutes.
-Um, good point. – I said wanting to drop my head on hers too but not knowing if I was allowed to do that, but in the end I did it slowly and testing the limits, and it felt great, Ariel didn't do anything to stop me either, I assumed that letting my hormones come out to play for a while wouldn't hurt.
I left Ariel at the door of her house, honestly I didn't want to leave her alone, I feared for her safety, but she assured me that she would be fine, I could not help but trust her, but inside I was already resolving to put the acquisition of self-defense weapons as a priority.