- You thick! Ungrateful! No wonder you don't have any friends.
I stop letting my shoulders fall off. Your words hurt deep in my chest. I knew well what he was talking about, but I couldn't keep socializing because I was really very lonely on my journey. I couldn't count on my parents or any of my family, so I didn't have time for anything else, just my studies, which were my priority. If I didn't get the scholarship, I would have to go to Yale to study what my father imposed and that was out of the question. I was lucky to have Jane as my only friend and she understood my problem.
I look in the direction of Ryder, who, from where I was, didn't see the tears reach my eyes.
- If it's called having a bunch of bad guys, with no perspective, except to live fighting over who can drink more beer upside down, from friends, then I'm very happy with your observation. - I say it with disdain. He faces me with frustration, but I still do. - Again, good night, Taylor!
He laughs on his shoulders.
- Good night, Evans!
I walk back to the exit, taking a taxi on the street ahead. For just a few hours, the night was worth it and I had as much fun as ever in my life. I was beginning to realize that my life seemed to begin at that moment, until the memories of Aron and Tiffany entered my head and pulled me down again. Now I was heading home, already preparing for the flood of gossip that would begin on Saturday morning. I set up a mental schematic of everything I'd do in my apartment for the next two days. I wanted to lock myself in the silence of my world and gather the strength to do the only thing I was really good at... Ignoring people!
Chapter 02
Ryder
I wake up early this Sunday morning. My weekly walk with my mother was standing up and I always enjoy relaxing to the fullest.
My mother was Melanie Taylor, famous artist and painter. She came from a family of renowned artists. My grandfather had been a great conductor and my grandmother, a great dancer, who today had a dance school and was still dedicated to teaching. My Uncle Ryan was your younger brother, a very popular obstetrician. He's my favorite uncle too. My Aunt Grace was the youngest and followed in the footsteps of my grandfather, becoming a successful teacher. He was the most futile and selfish person I knew. She was very traditional and made Viola, my cousin, go to the country club that Brooke's parents owned. Because of her, I became a regular visitor, even because it was there that I was able to seduce several girls. They were too futile to think of wanting anything more than one night.
I ring the bell and my mother comes to answer the door of her huge apartment.
- Good morning! - I say when I kiss her cheek, she smiles at me. I sit on the couch in the big room with her next to me.
- You came! - she says when she hugs me. I smile returning the warm hug.
Every Sunday, we'd go out for lunch and a walk in Central Park. I used to tell you about my week and the progress of the course. I had decided to take over the presidency of the company that my grandfather had left to me, in exchange for a revenge against my father who did not want to take over the company and decided to sell it. He had become a beast with me, but he couldn't do anything, since I was the new owner and he, just a judge who had no power over my attitudes.
- You're hurt! - Mel says he's passing his hand over my forehead. I back off by making a face.
The cut was the result of a blow given by Luck on Friday night, during my last fight. The punch had grazed me, but strong enough to open a cut in my eyebrow. That, thanks to my sudden distraction. It was a surprise to see Brooke Evans in the crowd, dressed in a very sexy and stripped way. She was usually a nerd girl with an answer for everything, on the tip of her tongue. She was known as the Little Princess of Yale, but many called her the Ice Queen because of her always very cold and distant behavior. I only had one friend, who was little with her, and a boyfriend who could be more stupid than me. I barely spoke to anyone, only what was necessary and hardly went out, just to go to the library, to work or to Starbucks. She lived confined to her dormitory and was very different from Jane, whom I had seen attending several fraternities in search of fun. She was very detached.
Brooke was a star pupil in our class and Professor Keller, whom she loved very much. Although I barely went to class, I knew very well what was going on in the classroom and all over campus. She also had an enviable IQ, not that mine was low, but I had to agree that she was brilliant. Most of the time, I was nervous about looking at her, because Brooke always addressed me with an ironic smile.
Seeing her in that audience, acting like she was a normal girl, I was done with all my concentration. To make matters worse, his smile was pure magnetism and I couldn't help but get lost in the sight of those apple-colored
