9

ELEONOR.

It's been approximately a week since my brother's incarceration. There hasn't been a day when I haven't visited him. Despite his reluctance for me to witness him in such a state, I always manage to bring a smile to his face, even if it's just momentary.

Let me update you on everything concerning Ever. Events have unfolded swiftly, yet not entirely. By ""swiftly,"" I mean we surrendered to our desires and shared a passionate kiss the moment our bodies demanded it. However, he has maintained a certain restraint, respecting boundaries. Sometimes I sense his hesitance to touch me; he hasn't even placed his arm around my waist. After class, we rendezvous, share meals, and relish our time together. Nevertheless, there's an underlying pain within him. His tough exterior, firm hands, and fear of causing me harm all seem connected to his involvement in boxing. He's guarded, yet simultaneously willing to explore his emotions and be sensitive with women.

He confided in me about never having had a girlfriend, and I believe him. Despite his playboy reputation, he behaves differently around me. I'm not implying he's overly romantic, as he's not one for tender gestures like caresses or sweet words. He's taking things at his own pace, gradually.

Today has been a bit hectic. I didn't see Ever due to my classes until nine, and he was occupied with his mother. He mentioned being an only child, with his father not residing with them. I contemplated asking about his family dynamics, but as I get to know him, it appears that his involvement in boxing may be tied to emotional issues related to his parents. Nonetheless, the main point is that I was already in my pajamas, applying cream to my face to combat the pimples that surfaced due to my excessive consumption of chocolate and butter.

A ""goodnight"" text from him arrived a few minutes ago, keeping me glued to my cellphone screen. It seems he relishes having some control over me or keeping me under his watchful eye. Could it be true what Madeline said about boxers being possessive of their women? Well, I can't deny it; I'm infatuated with Ever. Gone are the days when I perceived him as an animal; now, he's the person I enjoy spending time with the most, the one who sets my heart racing. But don't misinterpret my infatuation. What I mean is that I'm intensely intrigued by him. If you could see the tattoos on his arms, on his knuckles... he's a passionate man. In his presence, I'm an inexperienced fool, a timid young woman bold enough to challenge him but not enough to face the consequences of my actions.

We are equals in this regard. I lack experience in bed, while he's a master. He's inexperienced in love, and I could teach him a thing or two.

My mom entered the room without knocking. She sat down on her bed.

""So, am I no longer your mother?"" she asked.

I remained seated at my vanity, meeting her gaze through the mirror.

""Do you still consider yourself Michael's mother?"" I countered.

""He will never cease to be my son. What's the matter? It's not my fault he ended up in jail. It was the consequence of his actions.""

""Well, it's good that you still regard him as your son because otherwise, I wouldn't consider myself your daughter either. And stop insinuating that Michael is involved in illicit activities because he's not,"" I retorted, irritated by the false accusations against him." """So, you fully support him in boxing? It's detrimental to his life, to his health! I understand that you defend him as your brother, but love shouldn't make you blind, Eleonor.""

""Michael is really good, Mom. If only you could see him fight,"" he's truly dazzling.

""Did you get involved in that mess? Did you go see him?"" she exclaimed.

""I went, and not just once, Mom, several times,"" her face showed astonishment and also pain.

""Are you contributing to your brother's demise? What if he got killed in a fight? You should have gone to jail with him to understand that it's wrong! And in an illegal place, no less!""

""If you had seen the look on his face when I was there supporting him! He was happy! Don't you get tired of knowing that your son is sad because you don't support his preferences! It's what he chose! You have to accept it, whether you like it or not! And I would have gladly gone to jail to support my brother,"" she looked at me wide-eyed.

""I thought you were more sensible.""

""And I thought you were more understanding, Mom,"" I crossed my arms.

""You've been hanging out with those delinquents, and now they've filled your head with nonsense and rebelliousness, just like your brother,"" that hurt.

""Many of them can be better people than you,"" I didn't hesitate to reply.

She got up from the bed, walked towards me, and slapped me on the cheek.

""You respect me! You're my children, and I only want the best for you! I don't accept Michael as a boxer because it's not a career! There's no future in that! And you're just a naive follower who doesn't know anything about the lives of those violent guys. We've provided Michael with the best schools, just like we did for you, so you can be successful in the future, not a good-for-nothing. It angers me that you, so wise and a defender of books, are now defending something worthless, like your brother,"" she shouted.

I stood up and moved away from her, searching for clothes in my wardrobe.

""Dad is educated, the owner of a highly successful law firm, he had a promising future, he prepared himself well, had a family, and, indeed, we have never lacked anything. However, Dad is no good, do you forget that he cheated on you? And mind you, Dad is not a boxer. Don't try to hide the sun with one finger. I assure you that Michael will be much better than Dad, even without a future as you say. Don't pretend to be something you're not, MOTHER,"" her face revealed a sad poem. On the other hand, I went into the bathroom, locked the door, and put on the clothes I had taken from the wardrobe.

When I came out, she was still standing in the room, in shock, staring at a fixed point on the wall. Without paying attention to her, I grabbed my phone and wallet.

""Where are you going?"" she asked with an almost inaudible voice.

""To Madeline's place, or maybe to somewhere with a no-future person just like my brother. I don't plan on spending the night here tonight,"" without letting her speak, I rushed out of the room, ran down the stairs, and grabbed the car keys from the vase on the hallway shelf. I got into my car and drove off, almost screeching the tires in the parking lot.

As I drove, I dialed the number of the only person who would make me feel better at this moment.

""Can't you sleep?"" he answered the phone. Just hearing his voice made me want to cry.

""Can we go to your quiet place? I left home after a fight with my mom. Can we meet there now? I'm driving towards it,"" I spoke into the phone.

""Damn... of course. Just please drive safely and stay calm. I'll be there for you in about five minutes, babe."""