NEFERTARY
El juego ha comenzado (Parte I)
Not even in a thousand years had I ever sat at this table to have breakfast alone with my mother, that's self-suicide, a desire not to exist, and here I am, facing her. I can't even explain why I'm doing this. 'She caught me just as I was leaving the mansion to get to school early and supposedly to do some calculus homework, she "kindly" asked me to join her for breakfast and well, you don't provoke the big monster, I had no choice.' The tension between us is obvious.
—Where's Nat? —Impressive way to bring up a topic.
—I don't think she's in her room. —As if I'd made a pact with my dear Lucifer, footsteps are heard from the entrance getting closer and closer until she appears.
—Good morning, aunt! —She says with a big smile at my mother while taking a seat next to me at the table.
—Good morning to you too, Nat. —For some reason I wish Natasha was her daughter instead of me.
—My favorite cousin. —She gives me a kiss on the cheek along with a hug, but how many times do I have to tell her I don't like that? —Good morning! You should change those expressions, Ibagon, you make people think I don't like you, but for sweater, I know I do. —I don't know how the hell I escaped her hug, but I did.
—Yeah, if I were you I'd stop giving me false hopes.
—How was the party? —Sometimes I actually like this lady, huh.
—Great, aunt, I don't know why I went so long without coming to Switzerland, really.
—Maybe because you were in France. —I interrupt.
—You're making me miss it too much. —She says hurt, honestly this girl is dramatic to the max.
—So, how long are you staying in...?
—Nefertary, don't be rude, it sounds like you're already throwing her out.
—Aunt, she's not like that, she says she doesn't like me even a little, but she knows me very well. I'll spend my first university year here, then I'll go on exchange, maybe to Canada or Italy.
—You'll definitely pick Italy, and you're going to spend your time like that? —I can imagine my mother's face, 'better not to look at it.'
—Of course, it's a beautiful way to see the world.
—Good morning! May I come in? —Isabella interrupts, bringing breakfast.
—Just in time, I was starving. —For someone who stayed up all night partying, she doesn't look drunk at all, 'she's careful with her image.'
Nat can seem cool, she can treat you well, but 'there's always a but, huh,' if you mess with something important to her, the nice girl disappears. In other words, she's a psychopath. We are all differently the same anyway, why do I say that? It's easy: every family member on my mother's side is like that. There are also some sociopaths. Not everyone enjoys hurting people, they don't like it, they know how to handle it, but I don't. When someone demands "perfection" from me, torture or killing is my stress relief, better than cocaine, I'd say.
—Enjoy your breakfast. —Isabella leaves after serving the breakfast.
The whole breakfast was normal, nothing out of the ordinary. Nat talking about her whole life, entertaining my mother, and I just gave my opinion when asked, literally school is not for being "friendly."
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Be born, grow up, choose a career, get the best grades if possible, then work, have children. If you're low or middle class, maybe you'll become a millionaire by your efforts or only by winning the lottery, but what good is it if we can't take anything to the damn hell or heaven? 'If that even exists, of course,' we leave it to our heirs, who can waste it all and end up ruined, 'maybe,' as if all the effort, sacrifice to get it didn't cost anything.
Do you think life doesn't repeat the same cycle? It does, we can't do whatever we want, there are walls that divide us: lower, middle, upper class, discrimination, racism, injustice. It's not the best world anyone wants to live in because we make it like this, we're a piece of shit as a species. That's what leads so many people to depression, to wanting to take their own lives, even to lose themselves wanting more power than they already have. I can have a million in the bank waiting for me, and I don't even know what to spend it on anymore. I have what some people want. This world is so boring that I'm just waiting for my day, my last day.
—I've lost my swan. —Michael, lately I've found him in the library, the worst part is having to share my favorite spot in the whole library with him because supposedly "it has no owner."
—I'm back. —I say and stop looking at the window with that spectacular view that fascinates me, to go back to my book.
—Can I know what you were thinking about?
—Maybe life, maybe death, maybe... injustice. —There isn't much emotion in those words.
—Maybe. —He slams his book shut. —You're very interesting, your changes, your actions, unpredictable.
—Maybe I'm a box of surprises.
—No doubt about that, you have many secrets and I know you'll tell me. —He's so confident and sure of himself, 'typical narcissistic men.'
—You know, once I tell you, you won't be able to leave my world.
—That's exactly what I want. —This time I'm the one closing my book to look at him, he has a crooked smile and his eyes have that sparkle of amusement. —Now you want to come with me? —I have no idea where, I just know I don't want to go back to the mansion so soon.
—Wherever you want to take me, just don't...
—Yes, no need to bother saying the word, school is enough already. —The bastard knows me well, even though we've only known each other for less than a week.
—I accept. —I affirm.
I proceed to put my book in my backpack, he does the same, we get up from our seats to leave.
—No, no, and no. —I didn't understand anything until he took my backpack. —I'll carry this.
—Woo, how chivalrous. —I say sarcastically.
—I always have been. —He adds and starts going down the stairs, obviously I follow.
—I didn't know "chivalrous" men speak so rudely to a... woman. —He stops a few steps from the first floor, 'point for me.'
—That's...
—That's how much you want to fuck me. —I interrupt him with a not-so-innocent smile I could imagine on my face. —Mich, what's wrong? —He might have his back turned, but you can tell his jaw is tense, his shoulders too.
—Nothing, nothing at all. —Woo, his voice came out a little more serious. —Let's go on.
We leave the library, walk through the completely empty halls, 'in two hours this won't be like this,' we reach the school exit where a security guard asks for our IDs to check we're not students skipping class. After confirming we're not escaping, he lets us leave.
—So what now, are we going to walk? —I ask.
—Be patient, daddy's girl. —He says mockingly, 'son of a bitch,' lucky me I didn't have to wait long for a black car to appear.
I wonder what the hell I'm doing here with him. Obsession. Incredible, Nefertary, not just one but two, and it definitely won't end well, but whatever, tell me; I love chaos, I don't just like it, I love it.
The car parks ahead of us, a guy about 1.82 m tall gets out, 'I say this because he's taller than me,' blond, heterochromatic eyes 'left one gray and right one brown,' fucking amazing features. Are only Hollywood stars moving here or what?
—You're the co-pilot, I can't believe it. —Lorenz mocks the guy.
—You know I can't say no to her. —Her? Can one of them kindly explain what the hell is going on here, who is this, and the "her"?
—Of course, you have to spoil your little sister. —Interrupts a girl who must be the "her," obviously his sister, they're clones of different sexes, the only difference is she's 10 cm shorter and their eyes are reversed 'left brown and right gray.' —Where's your education, your "chivalry," boys? —The three of them look at me.
—Guys, this is Nefertary. Nefertary, these are Aida and Aitor Mendes. —Isn't it a bit late, dear?
—Nice to meet you. —Aitor says, extending his hand to greet me. I repeat the gesture.
—A pleasure. —Gentle smile and we break the handshake.
—Well, my turn. Aida, nice to meet you. —She approaches me and kisses me on the cheek as a greeting.
—Likewise. —After that, she gives me space, 'this girl is taller than me.'
—Welcome to Switzerland, guys. —Says Michael, happily.
—Well, thanks to you for recommending coming here, for sending your driver to the airport, and for lending us the car too. We really needed to get out of Austria. —Having said that, Aitor hugs his friend again.
—Okay, too much love is suffocating. —Adds Aida, giving me a look to back her up.
—I confirm that, you should wait to be alone, guys. —The two of us laugh.
—They've become friends already. —Adds Lorenz, moving away from his dear friend. —With that sarcasm, who can handle them? —How is he telling me I'm unbearable? Very bad, that's very bad, —5 points for Michael.
—Something tells me we have a lot in common, Nefertary. —If you like torturing and killing people, great, we'll be inseparable for sure.
—Maybe.
—Well, Mr. Lorenz, here's the car key, nothing happened to it, it's safe and sound. 'Obviously if my brother was driving, I wouldn't say the same.'
—Exaggerated. —As if he didn't care about his sister's comment.
Aida hands the key to Mich, who takes it.
—Say hi to your parents, tell them we'll visit tomorrow.
—Same here, but tell your dear mother I missed her cooking a lot. —Aitor, maybe a glutton? —Well, I'll go get the suitcases from the car.
—I did it, it's your turn to carry them, slow as always. —Well, Aitor was already doing that when Aida said it. —Goodbye, Nefertary, see you soon. —Both smile kindly.
They went to the school entrance and we got in the car, 'obviously he's driving and I'm in the co-pilot seat,' to go where? I don't know, maybe to a hill or the forest, 'I'm going with the hill.'
—Do you want pizza or burgers? Or do you prefer healthy food?
—What? —I ask like an idiot.
—Takeout food, we're not going to some place where we might take too long and not have food. —He explains without taking his eyes off the road. —Can you tell me, why have you been so distracted this week? —Literally, who does he think he is to meddle in my life? He barely knows me.
I love pizza, but today my patience is at its limit.
—Burgers. Answering your question, everyone will know tomorrow. —High society people will know in the morning, in the afternoon after classes the media will report it, so I'll get hypocritical condolences tomorrow for my father's death. Incredible, spectacular, fascinating.
—Interesing. —He adds.
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After about 37 minutes, we arrived at our destination, which was the forest, where we ventured until reaching a cliff that gave us a beautiful view of the rest of the woods. It was obvious that before coming here we had picked up some food. Both of us were eating our precious burgers, sitting on the edge of the cliff with our legs dangling over it. Suicidal? I'd call it 'relax'.
—Are you capable of anything for me? —I ask, once we have both finished our burgers.
—Yes. —There was no doubt in his word, it was very clear.
—Even committing crimes that could get us the death penalty?
—I've told you I know you perfectly, and dying is the least of my worries. —This time I look at him, and apparently he notices because he stops looking ahead to look at me. This is crazy, crazy that he says he knows me, suspicious, although now I'll downplay it.
—Michael Lorenz, it's a pleasure having you as an accomplice in my life. —Although I don't know who brought you to me.
—I say the same, my swan. —He takes one of my hands to leave a kiss on it. I'd be lying if I said I don't like this kind of treatment; somehow I like his company.
For a moment it crosses my mind what it would feel like to brush our lips… to hell with everyone, without thinking twice, I kiss him. He doesn't take long to respond; it's aggressive and full of sexual desire, a pure mixture of lust. Yes, we definitely wanted each other. This guy pulls me closer to him. I lift my arms to rest them on his shoulders while my hands are intertwined in his hair. I can feel one of his hands on one of my thighs, sneaking under my skirt, caressing me. It's fucking amazing to have your breath so heavy. He suddenly breaks the kiss.
—I don't know how much I want to fuck you right here. —Damn, those words in barely a whisper are more exciting, 'but'.
—Well, you'll just have to stay wanting it. —Saying that, I pull away from him and stand up from the ground, trying to control my heartbeat. —What are you waiting for, Michael? An invitation? I need to be back at the mansion in less than an hour.
He's confused by my action. I like games, maybe I should've warned him. I'm not that easy, Lorenz, sorry, but not really sorry.
—Should we clean this up? —He points to the bottles, burger containers, and stuff, coming back to reality.
—I'm a daddy's girl, it's hard for me, and besides, you can do it. —That sounded very ridiculous. —I'll wait for you in the car. —Saying that, I turn my back and head toward the forest entrance.
In a few minutes, we're both inside the car, heading back to the mansion. I'm not the first nor will I be the last to leave a guy wanting more. You have to play hard to get, but not too much, a middle ground. I don't follow what I say; I prefer the hard part.
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The drive was a little faster than usual, the good thing is that I arrived at my destination, the bad thing is that I'm in my father's office, with the person I care about most in my damn life, our dear Vanessa Ibagon, now a widow.
—So, what was that so important you had to tell me? —I break the silence, this tension between us.
—You know it will be announced by the media once you're home, because that's what you decided. —She pauses to breathe, that's unusual for her.— The other thing is that tonight your father's body arrives in Switzerland; they'll perform the autopsy as soon as he arrives, tomorrow will be the funeral to say goodbye, it will be at the mansion, and on Saturday he'll be buried.
—Okay, then tell me the autopsy results. —I get up from the seat.
—Aren't you going? —she asks.
—No, this time I'll make an exception. I trust you. —Obviously not, I never have, but pretending that I'm still hurting from my father's death, 'though deep down it's real', somehow works for me.
—Are you telling me that if it turns out he was murdered, you won't do anything?
—No, they won't give him back to me, he's already dead. I could lose control and expose myself to society. I'll just continue with the business; that will be my stress relief, nothing will change. Besides, I don't have time with everything I have to do. It's just a phase in my life that will pass. —'Not true, of course, and I'm more than sure he was murdered before the jet crashed, he's not dead yet.'
—Alright, when I know the results, we'll talk. But there's one last thing.
—What? —I had to say that word for the door to open and him to enter. Redhead, gray eyes that emit evil, no limits, and the one who cares least about consequences of all of us with the last name Ziegler: him, Egil Ziegler, the most abominable psychopath in the family.— What is he doing here? —I mutter those words, trying to control my rage.— You know very well, mother, that this —I point— was never and will never be welcome in this mansion.
—He's only come for the funeral. —She adds so calmly.
—You're an idiot, Vanessa Ziegler.
—Hey, don't talk to your mother like that, watch your...
—Shut up, filthy rat, I don't give a damn about your words. —I interrupt him.
—Nefertary Ibag...
—You shut up too. —I can't help but smirk bitterly. 'Inhale and exhale, Ibagon self-control.'— This is hilarious. Where is he going to stay? —I ask more calmly.
—Here, and let it be...
—Shut up, Vanessa, shut up. You've lost the little respect I had for you. You have no right to demand anything from me. The title of mother no longer suits you. —Gentle smile, literally driving her crazy. I divert my gaze toward Egil.— Actually, I regret calling you a rat. —I fake sadness.— I lied, I don't regret anything, dear uncle. I don't know why on your trip here the plane didn't crash. —'Thekindest thing, obviously you're very kind,' thanks conscience.
—I don't know, Nefertary, maybe life is waiting for something better for me than death. —He has a lot of patience, much control over his actions, the bastard.
—Too bad, I'd be happy to take care of your funeral, obviously so no one would attend. I hope what life is preparing for you is the craziest death imaginable. —'That sounded very innocent, I almost believe my own words.'— Without further ado, I'm leaving. —I cast one last glance at Vanessa, who looks like she wants to kill me, but 'I don't give a damn.'— Have a lovely afternoon, both of you. —Saying that, I leave the office to go to my room.
—Miss Nefertary, this has arrived for you. —One of the maids stops me in the middle of the hall and hands me a yellow envelope, with nothing written on it.
—Thanks! —With that, she leaves.
I go up to my room, and once inside I lock the door and hurry to open the envelope. Just then my phone starts ringing. Damn, what the hell do they want? I answer without checking the name.
~ Good afternoon, Miss Nefertary, I just wanted to confirm that you received the envelope? —said the voice on the other end.
~ Yes, Steven, I have it in my hands right now.
~ Okay, Miss, I won't take more of your time.
~ Wait, how's the matter with the girl going?
~ We have her personal information and everything is ready for this Saturday.
~ Perfect. One more thing, follow my mother around 7:10 pm today, when she leaves the company. Be discreet. Today they'll give the autopsy results of my father; I want photos and copies of the original reports. If those results say he was murdered, I want the first rat this very Saturday. You heard me right, Steven: this Saturday. Not a day later.
~ Yes, Miss.
I end the call and proceed to read the document.
Michael Lorenz
Born September 5, 2004
Nationality: Austria
Father: Dadmir Lorenz born in Switzerland
Mother: Angeliny Lorenz born in Austria
Disorders: sociopathy
He had a sister who died at age 3 when he was 6, 'interesting', there's not much info on that. The rest was where he studied, his grades, hobbies, blood type, how his relationship was with his parents, other family members, other people, among other things.
Mathias Ludwig
Born December 20, 2004
Nationality: Switzerland
Father: Matteo Ludwig born in Germany
Mother: Elda born in Switzerland, died 2019, cause of death: pancreatic cancer
Disorders: none
Only child. Apparently his relationship with his father changed after his mother's death. The rest is the same as in the previous document about Michael.
In a few minutes I finished reading everything that interested me. Then there are two knocks from the other side of the door.
—Who? —I ask.
—What do you mean, who? —Natasha.— Are you going to open the door or do I have to call someone to break it down? —I give up, eh. I head to my precious door, unlock it so the lady can enter. I hate my life.
—No need to call anyone. —I say as soon as she's in front of me.— Are you also waiting for an invitation or what?
—What a terrible mood, cousin, it's horrible. —she adds.
—Give me your lighter. —She looks at me confused.— Natasha, for God's sake, I know you don't smoke anymore, but you still have it there. —I point to the left pocket of her jeans. She gives it to me reluctantly. I move away from the door to go to the bathroom, where I light on the bathtub the information they sent me a few moments ago.
—What are you doing? —I ignore her question.— Okay, I'll guess… mmm, it's about the guy you saw yesterday at the party, the one called Mathias. —I don't even look at her.— I'll take that as a yes, you always…
—Will you shut up and listen to me? —I interrupt her, and this time I do look at her.— Tomorrow, as you know, is my father's farewell event.
—Don't tell me… and you're not going to be there, right?
—Exactly. But as you know, my dear mother will want me to be there, but that's not the problem. Two people will be there. You already know one.
—I know Mathias. Who's the other person?
—Michael, almost the same height as Ludwig, green eyes, brown hair, he seems courteous, gentle he must be…
—Wait, isn't he the guy who brought you today? —she asks more interested.
—Yes. What I want you to tell me is about his behavior, that's all. —I'm about to leave the bathroom.
—Do you already know who is here?
—Yes.
—Wow, I missed that beautiful encounter. —she said ironically.— Tomorrow I want to see the face of each Ziegler when they see Egil. That being likes to be despised. The best part is that the Ibagon family, such common and ordinary people, will socialize with us, the Zieglers, sociopaths and psychopaths. —She lies down on my bed.— Also missing are the common people of high society, haha.
—That drama will be interesting for you. —I say without much enthusiasm while playing with the books on the shelf.
—You'd like it if I brought a red liquid. —I can't help but smile.
—I won't deny it, Nat, it's what I love most about this life.
—You know, you're the only one who loves to provoke him. It's a miracle Egil hasn't gotten revenge for that.
—He hasn't because of the only reason that unfortunately I'm the daughter of his cherished obsession.
—Is that why you hate them so much?
—No, what Vanessa does doesn't bother me, though I can't ignore that her actions caused my father suffering. That's why I hate her. If I had one reason to kill him, I wouldn't waste it, but I have to wait.
—You two are alike in your minds. —she adds sarcastically.
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about that topic, until I got tired and changed it to parties, fashion, things she likes.
—The red-haired girl, what are you going to do with her?
—Isn't it obvious? —Just imagining what I could do to her, the thousand ways to kill her, makes me completely happy.
—Too bad, I liked the girl. —Her tone is sad, fake.
—She'd still be alive if you hadn't invited me to that damn cabin party. —I add.
—I won't annihilate her. And what's my fault if she hooked up with Mathias? —My blood boils just remembering it.
—Isn't it late for you to go to a party?
—What blackmail. —She looks at her phone.— The bell saved you. Yeah, it's already half past seven. But first I'm going to the kitchen for something to eat. —She gets up from the sofa.
—Tell Elizabeth I'll be having dinner in my room.
—Okay, I'll do it. —With that, she leaves my room leaving me completely alone.
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Every damn minute feels eternal waiting for that fucking message from Steven. 'Calm down, girl, just a few minutes left,' it's almost ten at night, and Vanessa hasn't shown up yet. 'Breathe, just breathe and relax,' where the hell is that idiot? Exhale, stupid conscience.
Like the universe had guessed I was about to get up from bed and start pacing in circles around the room, Vanessa enters holding a folder.
—What does it say? —I ask, looking at what she has in her hands as I sit up on the bed.
—I've already read it… his death was from the impact. —She says as if it affected her.— Here, if you don't believe me you can check it yourself. —She extends her arm with the document for me to take.
—I don't need to check anything, I believe you. — Of course not — Don't mix things up.
—If you change your mind, just ask me. —With that, she leaves.
I wouldn't ask even if she were lying to me. I let myself fall backwards on the bed. Alright, just missing that damn message from Steven. My phone's notification tone sounds from the nightstand. I grab it and unlock it. It's a message from him:
I have what you asked for, you'll have the first rat, Miss Nefertary.
Exactly what I thought. You've set me up, Vanessa Ziegler.
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—You? First at the table? —I ask Nat. I don't know if she'll be the same once her university classes start Monday.
—Well, I just got here and I'm hungry. —She clarifies. I take a seat beside her.
—Good morning! —says Vanessa, sitting at the other side of the table, facing me.— You arrived early today, Nat.
—Yeah, it wasn't the best party. —From her tone, it certainly was awful.
—Good morning, girls, how did you wake up? —The rat has arrived.
—Very well. —Adds Vanessa at our silence.
—What do you think you're doing? —I ask seeing where he's sitting.
—I don't understand. —Idiot, always testing my patience.
—Get up from there right now.
—Nefert…
—You shut up. —Makes me hate him even more.— So, what are you waiting for to remove your disgusting ass from there? —I haven't taken my eyes off him for a moment.
—Give me a reason to do it. —Defiant, he is.
—That's my father's seat, it's his place at this table and you, Egil, don't even come close to his ankles.
—Your father's already dead, dear. —Fuck, patience, huh. This time I laugh out loud, I look at Vanessa who wants to shut me up but can't. The bitch knows I'm right. Nat is more than entertained, this is better than juicy gossip for her.— Have you finished laughing?
—Listen, Egil. Yes, he might be dead, but only I can be where you are right now, so damn useless parasite… —Nat bursts out laughing. Ignore and continue.— GET YOUR FUCKING ASS OUT OF THERE RIGHT NOW!
—NEFERTA…
—YOU, FUCKING BITCH, HOW DARE YOU BRING YOUR FUCKING LOVER? HAVEN'T THEY TAUGHT YOU WHAT A MOTEL IS OR WHAT THE FUCK? —This got out of hand. Egil stands up from the seat, and in a moment he's in front of me, squeezing my neck hard. One hand is enough.
—EGIL, LET HER GO RIGHT NOW! —Vanessa demands, already standing, as does Nat.
—You think you're superior just for playing psychopath. You think you're the best of all, right? When you're just a daddy's spoiled girl. —He says under his breath, hatred evident in his eyes.
—Daddy's spoiled girl? You're very wrong. —I stabbed the fork with so much force in his left cheek that I could feel it pierce his skin. 'I had grabbed it when he got up from the table.' Like any human, he reacted to the pain and I was able to free myself from his grip and get up from the chair. He grudgingly removes the fork from his cheek, now stained with blood. He comes at me again, but this time Vanessa gets between us.— Still a daddy's girl? Useless rat.
—Enough, both of you. You, Egil, you're going to the hospital to get whatever they need to do with that wound. —He only looks at me. I crossed the line, yes, but I regret it… no.— Enough, Egil! —she orders. He grabs a napkin from the table to use as a bandage and leaves, very upset. Hopefully he crashes on the way to the hospital.
—I'm leaving. —I add very calmly. I'm the only one here acting normal.
—Eh… Nefertary, you should put on makeup. —Natacha suggests.
—What? —I ask confused.
—It's just that your… neck is… with mar… —Obviously, anyone would be breathing hard, I didn't even feel fear, 'more like hatred', when he could have killed me a few seconds ago.
—Okay, could you help me?
—This was fun for you, wasn't it? —Vanessa interrupts. Literally, this time I don't know if she's angry, scared, or what the hell.— Do you know what you just did, Nefertary? —Provoked a rat?
—I'm not here for your advice, Vanessa. —I turn my back and start to leave, adding before leaving.— You coming or what, Natacha? —She follows me to my room.
—Fuck, you almost died, Nefertary. —she blurts out once we're both alone.
—You know, too bad. I wanted to hit him in the eye. Next time it'll be. —I clarify while looking for makeup to cover the marks. I can already see them in the mirror. They look kind of peculiar, even attractive.
—Next time? You're crazy. —She starts laughing.— Imagine what I'll tell our relatives when they ask what happened to Egil Ziegler's face… I'll just say: it was Nefertary Ibagon this morning. —We both laugh.— Without a doubt, my favorite part was "Still a daddy's girl? Useless rat." I wanted to slit your throat, girl.
—How long will these marks last?
—He grabbed you hard, so I think about a week or until the color cycle ends. Until then, this will be covered by makeup.
It takes me a few minutes to cover the marks. After that, I got ready to go to school, where I'll have to see more rats. What a shit.
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As I walked through the school hallways, filled with hypocritical rats, the familiar scent of that person invaded my nostrils.
—Guess who's back? —Lucía asked, standing behind me, covering my eyes with her hands.
—A girl who got expelled for yelling at me in class, in front of a teacher, that two guys were just irresistible? —Obviously, I did it on purpose. She lets me go and stands in front of me, arms crossed.
—You don't have to hold that against me every time we see each other. —She rolls her eyes.
—Fine, but look who's behind you. —I add, seeing Martina.
—Don't tell me it's the math teacher? How am I supposed to face him? —I can't help laughing at her worried face.
—Why be scared if he's hot, huh? —Martina says. Then Lucía reacts, spins around, screams and hugs her, catching the attention of passersby.
—I missed you so much, Martina. —She adds as they separate.— And he's horrible, disgusting. —referring to the teacher.
—But I visited you yesterday, and you only say that because he sent you to the principal's office. I mean, he's dark-haired, with matching eyes, defined face and that beard suits him well. Also, he's only 30 years old, plus…
—Another one fallen for the charms of the math teacher. —I interrupt.
—We've lost Martina. —she adds dramatically.— Besides, that was yesterday, girl, today is today. Although you're still the best friend I've had compared to some dark chestnut-haired girl around here. —Okay, you want war, you're gonna get it.
—I think this person has been very busy. Also, if I remember correctly, wasn't she the one who saved you from Professor Eusebius?
—Yeah, you told me that and also that you owe her your life. —adds Martina, backing me up.
—Have you two agreed to betray me? —she says offended.
We kept chatting in the middle of the hallway, yes, literally in the middle of the hallway, nowhere else, for a few more minutes. 'Then Valeria, Valentina, or whatever that girl's name is, joined us,' until there were only five minutes left before class started. Martina and that dead fly left for their classroom. Lucía and I went to ours and took our usual seats.
—Sere, I'm sorry about your dad...
—It doesn't matter. —I cut her off. I don't want pity.
—But Sere...
—I don't want to talk about it right now, Lucía. —With that, she shuts up.
Michael appears. He enters ridiculously like he owns the place. 'Just look at how the girls stare at him,' but none of them are me.
—Hey, Lucia! —Lorenz greets.
—Hi! —Lucia replies nervously.
—Could you leave me alone with Nefertary? —With that charming smile, it's impossible to say no.
—Sure. —She gets up, leaving me alone with him, who sits beside me.
—My swan, you just had to say the word, I would never betray you. —I know what he means, it's obvious.— I must admit you're more reserved than I thought. —he adds.
—If you're patient, I'll be like an open book, easy to read and understand.
—I'll have plenty of patience for you. —Saying that, he kisses my forehead and, as if fate, Mathias walks in and sees us.— You know you can count on me for whatever you need. —That's crystal clear to me.
—I know. —With that, he gets up and goes to his place.
Lucía wastes no time interrogating me, trying to understand when, how I got closer to him. Honestly, I didn't feel like explaining anything, so I just ignored her words, which made her angry.
—Lucia, I'm not coming with you today. —I clarify, since I don't feel like stepping into the cafeteria.
—So, you're going to see him, right? —She sounds more like a jealous girlfriend than a 'friend'.
—No, I'm going to the library, I need to relax, girl. —I say as calmly as possible.
—So that's where the love nest is, huh.
—Lucía, please, what kind of things are those? You know perfectly well I'm not in the mood for that today. I have enough to deal with tonight and tomorrow. —Playing the victim, I turn my back and leave her behind. I have zero patience for these ridiculous shows.
—That was really mean, monster. —Now what?
—It's rude to eavesdrop on other people's conversations, don't even have to remind you, Ludwig. —I say irritated.
—You were in the middle of the hallway, but your offended act, uhmm… was pretty good. I feel sorry for your "friend", who will feel guilty and apologize to you, when we both know she doesn't deserve it at all. —I stop when I see where I'm standing, since when is the library in the school yard? 'Since Mathias appeared.'
—Shut up, idiot. —I say, turning angry. I'm grateful no gossip rats are nearby.
—I'd pay a lot for the whole school to know the real perfect girl. —He says laughing.
—They've told you you're surprisingly the best at being unbearable, Ludwig.
—Unfortunately no, but what they did say is that I'm the best at something else. —He clarifies with a flirtatious smile.— Want to know what? —'I'd love to know the truth.'
—No, I'm not interested. —I pass by him and leave, but he had to grab my damn arm. We went from being apart to super close in a second, as if that wasn't enough, he's holding my waist. I had forgotten that without heels I'm a dwarf next to him.
—Seriously, you don't want to know? —'Yes, please', not please.
—Are you deaf too? —He laughs at my question and we stare into each other's eyes for a few seconds, then he looks at my lips.
—I hope we're not interrupting anything. —Aitor's voice.
—You're not interrupting anything. —I say, stepping away from Mathias. Aitor and Aida stand there with slightly mocking smiles.— Mathias, these are Aitor and Aida, Michael's friends. —Manners first.
—Nice to meet you, guys. —I don't know if it's me or what, but these two won't get along.
—Likewise. —The handshake… nothing, Aitor?
—We were just passing by looking for Mich, have you seen him, Nefertary? —Aida asks.
—No, but I know where he might be. Can I take you there, if you want, of course?
—Okay, we'll wait for you at the entrance. —Aitor affirms, and they leave immediately.
—Well, my hunter, I have to go. —I give him a good-girl smile, hiding the beast.
—Be careful with them. —Wait, what? That confuses me.— They don't bother me… their vibe is… suffocating. —He's serious.
—You don't know them, but to put you at ease, I will. —'Obviously not.'— See you in class. —With that, I leave them and set off to catch up with the Mendes.
As soon as I left them where Michael was, I retreated. I went to the classroom, empty, silent, calm, exactly what I needed to think.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
The rest of the afternoon was boring. Lucía apologized for what happened, said it wasn't her intention, that she went too far, blah blah blah and more blah blah blah, until I decided to forgive her before leaving for the mansion. When I arrived, I found Vanessa, who told me that around three in the afternoon some relatives of my father, and from her side, would arrive to stay at the mansion. 'Good for those empty rooms, finally they'll get some use,' since ever since I got back from school I've been locked up in my room.
I'm on one of the armchairs next to the window, watching all the people arriving dressed in white or black at the mansion. Natasha has come upstairs a few times to inform me about things happening downstairs. She said many people asked for me and that Vanessa wouldn't take long to come through that door. 'I don't care.'
—Nefertary, open the door. —To summon her. I put the book aside, get up from my precious spot to open the door, unlock it, and leave it half open so she can enter, then I go back to my place.
—What are you wearing? —she asks, looking me up and down. Knowing I'm wearing very comfortable sweatpants and a top, 'both the same gray color,' her face is horrified.— Change right now, Nefertary.
—Listen, Vanessa, don't ask me for anything, you're wasting your time. The only one who listened to you to fulfill your whims is no longer here, I mean, it's the body in the middle of the living room in a coffin tonight. And if you don't want a dramatic victim show —which obviously I'm going to be— go out that door and tell those people I'm devastated, depressed, don't want to see anyone, whatever... it's better than looking like the villain, the mistress of the night.
—He's not my...
—Who's to assure me that if you did it once, you haven't done it again? —I interrupt her. With that, she leaves angry, and I win by not seeing so many hypocrites.
"—You're 16, I still remember when you were a little girl, tiny, so fragile, so innocent. —he says excited.
—But now I'm not innocent at all. —I clarify, my eyes on the lake, where there's a family of ducks.
—Yeah, you're not, you've beaten me on that. —he jokes.— But you're fragile, even if it doesn't look like it. You're searching for something, something you lack in life.
—Don't come at me with the love or soulmate story, dad.
—I know you don't believe it, but what would happen if, for some reason, the universe agreed to bring them to you?
—Is that a question or a statement? —I say mockingly.
—Take it however you want. Just think about it: what would you do having them both at the same time?
—I'd never thought about it. It's a waste of time to believe in that nonsense. It's just a myth for common people so they don't lose hope, faith in finding someone who understands them, who gets them, who shares their tastes... that doesn't exist.
—And how do you explain your mother and me? —this man is pure competition.
—It's different. —it really is, and he knows it.
—How is it different? Explain. —he asks interested.
—In that you do... —he eagerly awaits the words, because with him alone I don't have all the answers.— Let's say you love her. She, on the other hand, is something more than obsession, something that binds them to be together. —'Obviously it's not me.'— Like you confuse her, make her doubt what she feels.
—How do you think that happens, Nefertary Ibagon? —Damn, Wikipedia has run out of answers.
—I don't know, dad, it never happened to me.
—It happens with just a few words.
—Words? —I'm confused.
—You see, those words have to come at a moment when you feel lost, confused. That's when a person who is going through the same or something similar comes, maybe by fate or the universe. The difference is that person shows a smile to the world, is calm when their world is falling apart. They see the positive side of everything. They can be told a thousand times that everything is lost, but they try, they don't give up so easily.
> They just keep going and show everyone that things can be fixed, and they tell you: "We're born alone, we die alone, but we decide if we want to be alone the years we have." You reflect, analyze… it doesn't mean that person is the love of your life or your soulmate. We have families, true friends, and sometimes, because of our decisions, we don't consider them, don't value them, and lose them.
—You know, dad… I didn't understand anything, but it's getting late, we have to go. —he laughs.
—You don't make the slightest effort to understand these things. —he's right, I don't care at all.— Well, my little psychopath. —he kisses my forehead, then looks me in the eyes.— Someday you'll understand."
A year and a half has passed, and I still don't understand what you meant. You confuse me talking about the love of your life, your soulmate, and then you talk about a life of solitude. Damn it, dad.
Don't leave yet, don't say goodbye yet.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
—How was the night? —I ask Natasha.
—Exhausting. Like I told you, they wouldn't stop asking about you. That guy, Michael, who I didn't have the pleasure to talk to… I have to admit, you don't have bad taste.
—I never had bad taste. And… Mathias? —I ask, taking a sip of the orange juice Nat brought me since I'm supposedly sick. It's the only thing I'll touch from the tray.
—I did have the pleasure to talk to him. I think we could be friends, he has a spectacular vibe. He already knows we're cousins. You know, he also seemed kind of guilty about something. —I know what it could be.
—Well, take this. —I point at the tray.— You know what to tell them.
—Cousin, you treat me like the house maid. —I roll my eyes.
—Natacha, stop playing the 'victim'.
—You'd be the victim last night if they dragged you out of your cave, huh. —she laughs.— You know, if I were you, I'd treat my aunt well.
—Oh, really? —I'm sarcastic.— She doesn't deserve it one bit.
—Sometimes you're stupid.
—Excuse me, I…
—Shut up and listen. It's obvious Egil is here because of our dear Vanessa. She hasn't reproached you for any of your insults —because I'm right— and, well, here we both know she lied to you about that. So she thinks you don't know anything, that you trust her. Don't make her doubt with that messed-up behavior you have, which I personally love. Although the best thing is that you get closer to her and forgive her.
—And you think it's easy to fool her? That today I arrive and say "mom, I love you" when yesterday I called her a bitch. —I roll my eyes.
—Nefertary Serene Ibagón Ziegler, you know how to act, you know how to be a hypocrite. What I'm advising you, you've already done. —Definitely, I have.— You know how to get close little by little, you're fantastic at that.
—Fine. The act starts tomorrow, although it won't be easy, that bitch is my mother.
—At least you accepted it. Now, are you going to your father's funeral? We leave in an hour.
—I'm not going, for the same reasons as yesterday. —I clarify.
—And if my aunt shows up?
—I doubt it, but if she does, I'll say the same as yesterday.
—Okay, I'm leaving. —She gets up from the bed and takes the food tray from the dresser.
I got ready for a long shower of about forty minutes. I chose white high-waisted pants and a pastel pink corset-style blouse. 'Today is no one's funeral.'
I left my room. The mansion was quieter, with fewer guests. It was much better this way, it's always better in silence.
—Miss Nefertary, Mrs. Ziegler wants to see you. —Elizabeth snaps me out of my thoughts.
—Hadn't everyone left?
—Yes, Miss, but only she stayed.
—Okay. Where is she?
—In the main garden.
—Okay. Tell the driver to prepare the car, the Audi, not the Mercedes, for seventeen minutes from now. —Saying this, I head to the main garden without wasting more time.
When I arrived at the garden, I saw her. Her hair was longer and whiter than the last time I saw her. Elegant as always, though age was visible in her face. Her sky-blue eyes still full of energy. The Great Gretchen Ziegler.
—Are you just going to stare at me all the time, dear? Because I have plenty of photos of myself if you want one. —Despite her age, her sense of humor was better than mine, 'though her mood swings were worse, can't trust much.'
—Sorry, it's just I hadn't seen you in so long. —I approached and sat beside her.
—You'll never change, Nefertary, and that's not good. You shouldn't get on paths you might not get out of.
—If you mean him, you have nothing to worry about. —I clarify.
—I don't mean that. This is the first time you lose someone who really matters to you. The invisible walls you've always had are vulnerable now. —She pauses and looks at me for a moment, then looks ahead.— It's okay to feel, Nefertary. You're not a robot. Even if now you're at the top, like Egil, one of the most feared and respected in this family… you're destroying yourself.
—Was that why you wanted to see me? —I say under my breath.
—No. I didn't want to. Your anger, your hatred, are very clear evidence that I'm telling the truth. You just don't accept it. —And I never will, even if I die— But that's not the point.
—What's the point? —Though she was the best once and has history in this family, my courtesy is running out.
—You and Egil aren't as dangerous as they think.
—I doubt anyone's better than me. —As long as I live, no one will be better than me.
—Nefertary —patience— is acting in the shadows. She hasn't manifested yet.
—Ohhh, so it's a ghost.
—But you think you know her. That's where you're wrong, just like Egil.
—"You know her." Is it a woman we're talking about?
—Yes, it's a woman.
—Is she a threat?
—To you, depends. To Egil, yes.
—Why are you telling me this? —She's not supposed to protect anyone, or care for anyone.
—You might be on the list of people I like.
—Like? —My tone surprised me, as surprised as I am.
—Yes, I like you. And her too. If you worked as a team, you'd be unstoppable, though she hasn't decided yet. —My brain is trying to process so much info about that 'her', who might be better than me.
—What does she have to decide? Why so much mystery?
—She hasn't decided whether to kill you or keep you alive, Nefertary. —After a long time, she looks at me, her face shows not a shred of lies.
—Why are you only telling me about that 'her' now?
—Because she's also lost that person who, like you, mattered most in her life. —What does this have to do with my father?— Soon you'll connect the dots and clear your doubts on your own. —Basically, she won't say more, but...
—Is she close? —If she wanted that 'her' to have my attention, she got it.
—What does your instinct tell you, Nefertary? —With that, she gets up and leaves me alone.
—Yes, she is close. —I whispered to myself.
I need to be one step ahead of her. I need to know who she is. I know she's from this family, but what's her relation to my father? Why the hell did she decide to show up now? And above all, how do I get ahead if I don't even have a face to look for?
—Miss Nefertary, the car is ready, as you ordered. —One of the maids pulls me out of my thoughts.