Chapter 98: Clear as Water

After talking for a long while, Alexia seized the opportunity to ask Analú a series of carefully crafted questions. She wanted to make sure her friend’s feelings toward her father were nothing more than a fleeting emotional confusion. As they spoke, Alexia carefully observed every answer, every expression, searching for signs to confirm her intuition. Finally, she concluded that Analú wasn’t really in love with her father; what she felt was merely a misunderstood emotional attachment. Now, the challenge was to help her friend realize this clearly but without hurting her feelings.

—Analú, I think what you’re feeling for my father isn’t romantic love. If it were, you’d want to kiss him, hug him differently, be with him in an intimate way. But based on what you just told me, you’ve never even thought of that. In fact, you said it would feel strange to kiss him. I think you need to reflect on your feelings. I’m sure it’s just confusion.

Analú nodded, trying to process her friend’s words. A small, grateful smile appeared on her face.

—You’re right, Alexia. Thank you for helping me understand this. I really appreciate how understanding you are. I’m not sure I would’ve acted the same if I were in your place.

The two young women decided to leave the subject behind and go out to enjoy some time together. Since Nicolás was spending more time with his girlfriend, Britny, they chose not to invite Mateo to avoid Analú feeling like a "third wheel." They ended up going alone to the city pier, where they watched the boats coming and going from various destinations. The calmness of the water and the marine atmosphere helped Analú feel a little more at peace with herself.

The tranquility of the moment vanished when a tour guide approached the girls, offering them a boat ride to tour the entire pier. Alexia, excited by the idea, agreed almost immediately, her smile aiming to cheer Analú up. Though reluctant at first, the dark-haired girl eventually gave in, trying to leave behind the emotions she still carried. At first, the ride was serene; gentle waves hit the boat’s hull, and the salty air brought a sense of freedom. It seemed everything was leading to a perfect afternoon.

However, midway through the trip, Analú felt her chest tighten as she spotted a familiar figure on the deck. There, under the warm light of the sunset, were Nicolás and Britny. The couple seemed lost in their own world, laughing carefree as they took photos together. Britny, ever exuberant, stroked Nicolás’s arm with an intimacy that instantly dried Analú’s throat. Her gaze fixed on them, and every gesture between the two felt like a jab. The air, which until then had felt refreshing, suddenly grew heavy and hard to breathe.

—Look, love, who’s over there —Nicolás said, pointing to the girls.

Britny, recognizing Alexia, smiled broadly. They had been close friends in childhood, though the years had distanced them. Taking Nicolás by the hand, she led him toward where the girls were sitting.

Alexia quickly stood up and greeted Britny with a warm hug, as if no time had passed since they last saw each other.

—Britny! What a surprise to see you here.

—Alexia, so good to see you. It’s been so long.

Meanwhile, Analú barely muttered a "hello" and continued staring at the horizon, deliberately ignoring Nicolás and his girlfriend. The tension was evident, and Alexia noticed it immediately.

Britny also sensed the awkwardness and, in an attempt to mark her territory, suggested spending the rest of the trip together. Though Nicolás hesitated, he didn’t want to contradict his girlfriend. They brought over two chairs and settled next to the girls.

Throughout the remainder of the ride, Britny didn’t miss an opportunity to show affection to Nicolás, stroking his face, holding his hand, and posing for photos that Analú reluctantly agreed to take.

—Love, look at this beautiful sunset. Let’s take a picture! Analú, would you do us the favor? —Britny asked with a smile that felt more like a challenge than a request.

—Sure, no problem —Analú replied with a forced smile, though inside, her blood boiled with rage.

With clumsy and unenthusiastic movements, she took several photos, but upon reviewing them, Britny found all of them blurry.

—Analú, look at this. All the photos are poorly taken. Not a single one is good.

Analú, sarcasm dripping from her tone, responded:

—Sorry, Britny. I graduated as a biologist, not a photographer.

The comment hit like a bomb. Nicolás frowned, clearly annoyed.

—You don’t have to talk to her like that. She was just making a comment.

—Oh, so now you’re defending her? —Analú snapped, her voice filled with frustration and sadness.

Nicolás didn’t respond, but he took Britny by the hand and walked away, quickly bidding Alexia goodbye with almost automatic courtesy. Britny, not content with just saying goodbye, turned her head before leaving and flashed Analú a smug smile, laden with a clear message: she was the one who held the place Analú could never occupy in Nicolás’s life. That brief smile pierced Analú’s pride like a dagger.

—Alexia, did you see what that woman did? She was provoking me. Good thing I controlled myself —said Analú, crossing her arms, her face still tinted with restrained anger.