Chapter 42: apology

„Thanks for coming, Em", Guzman greets me at the entrance of his house as soon as I arrive. Why can't the boy wear a shirt? „You don't have to thank me for that. We're friends, remember?" „You like it when you annoy me with that description, right?"

„Are Laura and Ventura here? I haven't seen them in ages", I ignore his question. „They're out for dinner but they told me to greet you. They would like to see you soon again." „Tell them if their son dresses appropriately, I would come over more often", I reply with a mixture of a joke and seriousness.

„So I distract you without a shirt, huh?", he smirks and leads me to the lounger by the pool, „Do you want a drink?" „You know what's probably going to happen if we drink something so better not. Or are you out for something?" „I just, I need some courage to talk about-", he suddenly sounds way too serious and nervous at the same time so I interrupt him.

„Didn't we talk enough about what has happened?" „I didn't mean that." „What else?", I wonder. What else could we talk about that makes him nervous? „Do you remember Marina's party, the one-"

„Where you got to know Nano?", I chuckle remembering how they all freaked out. After all, this party is one of the few things that I can laugh about afterwards, „Oh and Ander puked all over Lu's dress. What a night." „Yes that one", guzman laughs with me about the situation between Lu and Ander but quickly changes his expression to a serious one again, „I never apologized for almost hitting you. I.. That was really dumb and it was not my best moment. I'm sorry for it. I didn't mean to hurt you or anyone else."

„Why do you apologize for it now?", I wonder, „It's been two years. We're still friends so it's obvious that I'm over it. It's the past." „Because.. do I have to say this?" „You were able to apologize, so why not tell me the reason for it?", I shrug.

„I've learned that my behavior was wrong", he admits rolling his eyes. „Excuse me, what did you say?", I grin acting dumb, „Sorry, I don't hear that well." „You know exactly what I've said. Don't make me repeat my words." „You know, Guzman", I begin smiling, step forward and let my hands wander over his bare chest, „I didn't listen to it correctly. Something distracted me."

„Something or someone?", he gasps as he makes me look up by holding my chin, „Emilia." „Please? It'd be hot", I whisper and let my hand rest in his neck. „Hot? Don't fool me, Em." „You know I mean it. I'm not like Lu. I think what's really hot is a good behavior although I don't even show my best all the time. Maybe that's why I like it when others do it", I tell him honestly and look into his eyes to watch his reaction. „I know that you're different, Em, really one of a kind."

„Say it Guzman", I demand again but now he just grins at me goofily. „What do I get for saying what you want to hear? Something that I want?" „You can do one thing", I agree choosing my words wisely. I didn't say he would get what he wants.

„I've learned that my behavior was wrong and I shouldn't have treated people like I did, especially not you", Guzman finally admits again. That sounds heavenly to me. When it comes to admitting a mistake, Guzman and I are both equally stubborn and hate to give in afterwards. „Now I want you to-"

„I didn't say that you would get something from me. I only said you can do one thing and honestly, you can do whatever you want all the time so I may have fooled you", I smile cheekily. Before I can realize what's going on, Guzman grabs me from the lounger to lift me up and walks to the edge of the pool with me in his arms. „Guzman, no!"

„If I can't get what I want-" „You let me fool you. I only said-", I try to defend myself but stop as soon as I land in the pool. „You could have at least waited until I was undressed!" „I can still do that for you", he replies with a grin as he gives me his hand so I splash some water into his face but grab his hand so he can pull me out.

„I have to meet Lu in half an hour and now I'm all wet", I groan. „As if you haven't been wet before", he continues to flirt with me, but I just roll my eyes. „That one was bad." „It was worth a try. Wait here, I'll bring you a towel and some fresh clothes." While he goes into the house to bring me what I need, I already pull off my shirt and my skirt and place it on one of the loungers so they can begin to dry in the meantime. Luckily, I've always got some of my clothes here and at Ander's and Lu's place just in case I needed some pieces.

„Here." Guzman first gives me a towel so I can dry myself first and then we change the towel for fresh clothes but I hesitate. „That's Marina's dress", I mumble slowly. „I know but I only found your sportswear and I think it's time to let go off some things. Marina would have given you most of her stuff so I think we can start with this dress. Lu would freak out if you meet her in sportswear to go shopping", Guzman chuckles and I'm surprised but happy to see that he doesn't start to shake as he mentions Marina.

„Are you sure?" „Yes. I wanted to ask you if you would come by and help me sort out her stuff anyways." „Of course, if you're ready for it." „I am, with your help." „Can you close the dress?", I ask and turn around still thinking of Marina. „Can I be honest?", Guzman mutters against my neck as he's closing the zip behind me. „Always." „I also really wanted to see you wear this dress. You look great." „Guz-" „Now, hurry up before Lu has to wait", he interrupts me chuckling and I'm grateful that he let me leave early.

„This isn't your dress", Lu remarks as soon as she sees me. „It's Marina's." „What did Guzman and you do?", she gasps probably thinking of the worst. „He only threw me into the pool. My hair is still wet as you can see. Nothing happened between us." „Do you wish something would have happened?", she questions as we enter the first shop. „No", I reply quickly, „Not again."

„Are you sure?" „Hey, this pantsuit looks good", I reach it over to her. „I'll take it if you answer my question." „I am sure. Even if I had feelings for Guzman, I would want to find out first before I make more and more mistakes." „It's not a mistake. Ander is understanding." „Are you trying to bring Guzman and I together?"

„Not really trying, I'd just like to know what it would be like. You know I get bored easily", she sends me a innocent smile, „Ander and you will end up together anyways." „And who will you end up with?" „First, I'll win the scholarship. Then I will get to know a rich but intelligent man and he'll adore me." „He will, like everyone else does."