11

—But you know what would be nice," he said as they found their seats, "if there was a shopping center by the sea. Can you imagine? It would be incredibly amazing to sit there, eating something, and watching the ocean."

"You dream too much," she replied.

"That's just how I am. A compulsive dreamer," he said.

They sat down to wait for the movie. Oliver admitted that he had never met anyone like Aileen in his life. All the women he had met before talked about their hair, luxurious houses, expensive clothes, and superficial things like that. But not Aileen. She only spoke about her dreams, about the things she wished for—some of them impossible—but she talked about them with the hope that they could become real. Oliver was starting to see her with admiration because it was also beautiful that her dreams came true. She had a great imagination. He liked that.

"Have you ever thought about being a writer? You should write down all these ideas you have," he told her. Aileen pondered it; it had never crossed her mind. She read books but never dared to write because she always thought her ideas were crazy and no one would take them seriously. Oliver seemed interested.

"No, I hadn't thought about it," she replied.

"Well, you should," he said.

Aileen smiled. When the movie started, Aileen couldn't stop imagining herself as the protagonist, living one of the most romantic stories that could exist. Of course, with a happy ending. She was feeling quite sensitive since yesterday, and now Aileen started to feel a chill from the air conditioning. Her stomach started to hurt more than usual. She felt strange.

"Are you okay?" Oliver whispered in her ear.

"My stomach hurts, that's all," she replied.

"Let's get a pill," he made a move to get up, but Aileen stopped him.

"The movie is almost over," she whispered, motioning for him to be quiet. Oliver was concerned about the pain and anxious for the movie to end so he could find a pill for her at the pharmacy. When the movie finally ended, Aileen was crying.

"Why are you crying?" he asked.

"Because of the movie," she said.

Oliver thought it was something more serious, and his comment confused him a bit. Aileen was a bit dramatic.

"Let's get the pill," he guided her towards the exit.

"But first, I want to go to the bathroom," she said.

"Okay," they went in search of the restroom. "I'll wait for you here."

Aileen entered the bathroom and pulled down her pants along with her underwear. To her surprise, there was blood on her underwear. She took her phone and called Oliver.

"Hello?"

"Oliver, I got my period. I need some pads."

"What? Right now? What kind of pads?" he asked.

"Well, regular sanitary pads with chamomile wings. Can you go buy a pack at the pharmacy, please?"

"Alright," Oliver was nervous. Aileen ended the call. Oliver went to the pharmacy on the second floor.

"Hello, please give me some regular sanitary pads with chamomile wings," he said.

The girl at the pharmacy was mesmerized by Oliver. She always flirted with customers, but Oliver was used to that kind of attention, so he didn't pay much mind.

"Here you go, handsome," she said flirtatiously.

"Thank you," Oliver paid and read the note the girl had written on the receipt.

Can I have your number?

Oliver looked at the girl curiously, and she returned a flirtatious gaze. Oliver took the pen and wrote a response before handing her the note And get out of there. The note said:

I have a girlfriend.

The girl from the pharmacy was embarrassed. Oliver returned to the girls' bathroom, entering as if nothing had happened.

"Aileen?" he called.

"Why did you take so long?" she asked.

"I was on the second floor," Oliver replied.

Aileen withdrew her hand from the bathroom and took the wipes.

"You were probably flirting with the girl from the pharmacy," she said.

Oliver laughed.

"You're incredible."

He laughed because he had guessed correctly, but it was the girl who had been flirting with him.

"Be careful, Oliver Price," Aileen warned.

Aileen left the bathroom to wash her hands.

"I made it very clear to her that I have a girlfriend."

"Mhmm."

"Shall we go?"

"Yes."

They left the bathroom and headed for the elevator.

"To my place or yours?" Oliver asked.

"To mine."

"When will you come to mine?"

"When I'm ready," she made it clear. Oliver didn't push further. The truth was, he was somewhat excited at the idea of Aileen living with him. They got into the car and set off towards Aileen's house.

"I'm so sleepy," she admitted when they arrived in front of her house. "Thank you for this, Oliver. I had a great time."

"Believe it or not, I had a great time too."

"See you." Aileen got out of the car. Oliver watched as she took her keys and entered her house. The lights were on, and he stood there for a while, facing her house. Aileen's bedroom was on the second floor. He still didn't understand why he was standing there like an idiot. Maybe because deep down, he wanted to spend more time with her. Anxiety started to spread through his nervous system, as he debated what to do. The lights on the lower floor went off, perhaps her mother had already fallen asleep. But he ruled out that possibility when he saw Aileen's mother leaving the house dressed for a party. Another car parked in front, and she got in it. Aileen was left alone. Oliver pondered and pondered what to do. He couldn't leave her alone at this time of night; it was dangerous. What if a thief broke in? Oliver decided to surprise her and got out of his car. The light in her room had also gone off. He silently climbed a tree until he reached her window, which happened to be open. Without making a sound, he entered her room. It was dimly lit by the full moon. Aileen was lying on her bed with her eyes closed, peacefully trying to sleep. Oliver took off his shoes and shirt silently. He lay down beside her, causing Aileen to open her eyes and become startled.

"Shhh, it's me," he whispered.

"Oliver? What are you doing here? My mom..."

"Your mom just left, I saw her."

"But how did you get in? What are you doing here?"

"I came in through the window. I just wanted to be with you tonight. I didn't want you to be alone."

Aileen remained silent. Having him there felt tempting, especially when he was only wearing a tank top and his boxers. Oliver realized it at that moment and swallowed hard.

"It's okay," Aileen whispered, a bit nervous.

Oliver lay down very close to her, their breaths mingling on their lips.

"Sleep," he said.

"That's what I'll do."

But neither of them had any intention of sleeping.