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Rosa

"I made a lot of mistakes but I don't regret any of them because otherwise I wouldn't know how to do things right."

POV Serena Alvarez

July 15, 2016, 6:00 p.m., Alvarez House, Santa Clara, Cuba.

It's been two weeks now since Aiden called me, and since then I've just been given some information, like when I'm leaving, and all that bullshit.

In the meantime I had even spoken to Rosa about it, her reaction troubled me a little, but it's Rosa, this girl never does things like everyone else.

Vrr...rrr...

When we talk about the wolf, I had just received a message from him.

Rosa:

So still not decided?

I explain to you.

FLASHBACK

Serena Alvarez POV:

July 10, 2016, 3:30 p.m., Serena's House, Santa Clara, Cuba.

I was sitting on my bed across from Rosa, I had just told her all about the wedding.

- I have an idea ! she says.

She's my best friend, I've known her forever, usually all we need is a look to understand each other, but I'm not sure I understand where she's coming from.

- Uh Rosa, you didn't understand well, I don't have a choice and… She cut me off.

- But not for the wedding, but in fact I have a plan to provoke him, I find it really insulting the way he speaks. She paused. After all if you disobey what could he do? Nothing ! He is on the other side of the planet.

She knew how to use the right words to talk to me, and there she took me by the feelings, I'm not used to letting myself do like that.

- Developed.

- Good Rafael is having a party in a week and... I cut it off.

- No, I'll stop you now Rosa, I've already had enough problems because I was just going to the beach!

- Loosen up Serena, you only have a few days left, take advantage of it, I don't know, you're still not going to stay here until you leave! She paused. Don't take this the wrong way, I just don't want you to let yourself be walked on too much.

She gave me a small smile before tucking one of my locks of hair behind my ear.

- Good on that I leave you I have things to do, I'm finally going to see the handsome guy from Havana again! She said giving me a wink. Kiss. She said mimicking a kiss from afar.

She had just come out of my room, I was lying on my bed. These words hurt me a little, but I don't know, it was never really my thing in the evenings.

I was more the type to spend my evenings with a good movie or a few times with Rosa, so why do something that I don't care about and that will probably get me in trouble?

END OF FLASHBACK

To tell the truth, I still had no idea what I wanted to do, no matter how much I weighed the pros and cons, I couldn't make up my mind.

Part of me told myself to take advantage without thinking of the evil consequence voice and the other told me to stay wisely at home good voice.

My phone pulled me out of my thoughts again: a call from Rosa.

- Hello?

- Hey how are you ?

- Yes and you?

- Very well, you didn't answer my message, I deduce that you're still thinking?

She really knows me too well.

- On target.

- Well, you're my friend, I know you by heart, you're certainly not someone who gets pushed around. You're going to take advantage of the time you have left whether he likes it or not!

- But... She didn't give me time to finish when she cut me off.

- No ! There are no buts, I'll pick you up at 8:00 p.m.

- But what do I say to John?

- You'll find a lie, you're used to it.

- I want to kill you.

- I'm going to get ready kiss.

Well, I only have two hours before Rosa picks me up, we're wide!

In addition to her I already have my little idea for John to let me out.

I left my room towards John's office.

I knocked without waiting for an answer and entered the room.

-John?

- Miss Alvarez, what does your presence mean to me?

- Rosa invited me to sleep at her place tonight.

- Mr. Costello was quite clear on this subject.

- I know but please don't tell him anything and it will be resolved.

- It's impossible, I value my life as much as my position.

- Well, I'm going back to my room and I didn't prefer to be disturbed.

I left the office, slamming the door falsely annoyed, normally no one would come to disturb me. I used to isolate myself in the evening in my room asking that I be not disturbed, often after an altercation with John.

I hope this time again no one will bother me.

It was now time for me to get ready, I had an hour and a half left but speed was not one of my main qualities.

I headed towards my closet to find something to wear. I didn't have many dresses and heels except for the one Maria forced me to buy.

I simply opted for jeans shorts as well as a t-shirt and a hoodie in case I get cold. I put everything on quickly and headed for the bathroom, I decided to leave my hair natural, it was slightly curly and I thought it was pretty.

I took my makeup bag and started with my complexion, a can of concealer and powder will suffice, I put on a little mascara, and that's it.

Here I am finally ready, I then returned to my room. I got my laptop back to see the time: 7:40 p.m.

Rosa should be soon.

Vrr Vrr

I'm going to end up believing that Rosa is spying on me.

Rosa:

I'm early, hope you're ready! I'll be there in 5 minutes. I will be at the end of your street.

I didn't bother to answer, now we needed a solution to get down. I put my phone in my jacket pocket and headed for the window, luckily it wasn't very high, I opened the window and tried to find a foothold that would help me down.

Bingo. There was a kind of pipe just below my window like in the movies I think I could lean on and then land in one piece.

To my greatest astonishment, the landing went well and without a broken limb.

Luckily my window overlooked the other side of the street so there was no risk of being spotted.

So I was walking towards the meeting point with Rosa, and I saw her Mini Cooper in the distance and walked towards her.

I opened the door and greeted her by kissing her cheek and sat down beside her.

I took the time to observe Rosa's outfit, which was really beautiful, she wore a superb red dress that really showed off her complexion, nothing to do with me and my shorts.

- So now you're hiding? she joked.

- Whose fault is it ?

She laughed.

- There is confusion, I act for your good chick.

- Yeah that's right, go start and don't make me regret coming. I answered with a laugh.

The trip was going very well, we laughed and we sang like pans, which would allow me to evacuate all the stress accumulated in recent days.

I couldn't tell myself that I might not see her again soon.

- Arrived at destination ! Said Rosa enthusiastically.

We got out of the car, before finding ourselves in front of a large house. No wonder Rafael was a real rich kid.

There were already people and the music was in full swing: it promises.

We went inside the house there was not much light and it was already starting to get hot.

We quickly greet the people we started before Rosa pulls me Le Bras taking me to a bar where all kinds of alcohol was presented: Vodka, Tequila, Gin and so on.

I barely had time to blink when I saw Rosa begin to make a mixture that inspired me little confidence.

After a few moments she turned to me, handing me a shot.

- History to get into the bath! She explained to me.

I accepted without flinching, I didn't drink often, but I wanted to relax and have a good evening.

We both looked at it, before she counted to three for us to drink the liquid in one go.

It tears.

It quickly went to my head.

Rosa looked at me and burst out laughing, I followed her in her laughter, this girl has such an infectious laugh.

- If you saw the face that you made my God Serena she laughed.

She started laughing harder.

When she calmed down she took me with her to the center of the room, where everyone was dancing.

We danced together, we swayed against each other, we had fun without really taking the lead.

Everything I needed.

When we were out of breath we went to sit on an armchair at the back of the room where there were already a few people, there was already less noise here.

- I'll get us a drink, I'll be right there!

I was sitting there waiting for him, when one of the guys who was sitting next to him walked over to me. He was rather cute, oddly he didn't look like the Cuban, he had very light eyes, but also had blond hair.

- Are you so bored to sit here alone? he laughed.

- I'm waiting for my friend, she left to get us a drink. I simply answered.

- You mean the girl over there? Pointing to Rosa walking up the stairs with a guy.

I laughed after his words, Rosa all spat, I will not blame him for taking advantage of his evening.

- Otherwise, let me introduce myself, it's André and you? He said changing the subject.

- Serena. I tell him smiling

- He wouldn't tell you to go outside, am I starting to suffocate here?

- Totally agree with you!

So we got up and headed towards the garden, there were fewer people and less noise.

We were sitting on the lawn, he took something out of his pocket, a bag of weed and some rolling papers, I'm not going to hide from you that I had never tried it before but I had already seen some friends do, is that it already?

He saw that I was watching him intently.

- Do you mind if I smoke next to you? he asked me.

- No no not at all, don't worry about me.

He then resumed his business, he was focused on what he was doing, I had my head elsewhere I felt that something was going past, you see this kind of bad feeling?

He finished rolling his joint and lit it.

- I know it's a bit out of place to tell you that, knowing that we don't know each other, but I can see that there's something worrying you, you can tell me. He paused. Is it for your friend? he said, taking a hit on his joint.

I laughed

- Not at all, let's say that no one is aware that I came here, and I dread my return home. I simply answered.

- But it's because I'm in the company of a delinquent. he laughed. Like that mademoiselle sneaks up on the wall?

I laughed and patted him on the shoulder.

- Hey! I don't allow you to fuck with me!

- Are you really freaking out? Because if that's her I can walk you home.

- But no, now that I'm here, I might as well fully assume the consequences once back.

- It's you who sees my beauty. he replied. I just nodded. He looked at me and handed me his joint, I hesitated. Take it and relax.

He was staring at me, smirking, as if I couldn't. Or maybe I was just making movies for myself and actually wanted to.

I took the joint from his hands and tugged on it, I immediately began to cough, he rolled his eyes.

- You're not used to it, you should be careful. He said more seriously.

It was the second time that evening that I was told it was starting to annoy me.

- It's not true, it's just that it's been a long time. I tell him coldly. But what a liar I am.

He laughed.

- It's okay, Serena, I'm kidding, relax.

I looked at him and we burst out laughing, I didn't even know why.

- Hey Andrew?

- Yes my hen? This guy is torn.

- You're not Cuban, am I wrong? I say taking a hit.

- Well seen. He said, taking the clasped hands from me. I am Cuban on my mother's side, but my father is Italian. I've been living here for a while, that's all.

- Oh okay. I admit his answer made me think of the other asshole.

I spent the rest of the evening with André laughing, smoking and drinking, like two friends. I don't remember too many details, just falling asleep in the grass next to him.

AIDEN COSTELLO POV

~~~ A few hours earlier ~~~

July 16, 2016, 03:00 (+06:00) Aiden Costello Room, Sicily, Italy.

I walked around in my room thinking about what I could do. Earlier John called me waking me from my sleep to let me know that this time Serena had snuck out, which was pissing me off, am I a fucking asshole for us to disobey me?!

I had thought about what I could do to him and after a few minutes of thinking I found it.

If that girl can't understand the words then let's use the force.

Serena you don't know who you're dealing with, but you will soon.

Serena, prepare yourself mentally, I'm coming to pick you up, you're coming home earlier than expected.