Chapter 5 Close, But Far

• Viviane
• A few days had passed since João Felipe had returned to São Paulo, and we were managing to avoid each other.
• I was sure he also tried to avoid my presence. It even looked like I was a fly because when he was close to me, he just needed to wave his hand away from me.
• This hurt me, but I had learned to deal with the pointless feeling I felt for João Felipe, which before was just the affection of a child for his little friend and which, with time and the beginning of adolescence, became a more intense feeling, deep and carnal.
• I was thinking about him as I walked back from class with my classmate, Arthur. We shared a lot of classes and did a lot of work together, which led me to whenever João Pedro's classes didn't match my schedule, I'd go home with him, who lived close by.
• I sensed that he had a certain interest in me, but I never encouraged it. Despite being a very nice and kind guy, I didn't want to get involved with anyone at the moment, because my plans were my priority, and only later could I think about a romantic relationship.
• “If you need a ride to the university tomorrow, just give me a call.”
• “You don't have to worry about me, Arthur. I'm not going to take you out of your way to stop by the house.”
• “I see no problem in helping a friend.”
• He mentioned a friend, but his expression indicated he expected more than friendship from me, and as always, I was embarrassed.
• He was a handsome guy, with an athletic body and gorgeous, night-black eyes. His hair was cut in a military style, which ended up giving him a straight boy appearance.
• If my heart wasn't already occupied by an idiot, maybe I could like Arthur, I thought when we stopped in front of the mansion.
• “I always go with João Pedro, as you know. But when I need a ride back, you always notice and here we are, like today” I said and started to remove the seat belt.
• I said goodbye to him with a kiss on the cheek and a strong hug and then got out of the car with a wave. When I turned around, I saw another car parked across the street, and I quickly realized it was Felipe's car.
• He must have pressed the command to open the garage door because it opened as I approached the service entrance.
• When I passed through the gate, I saw him stop the car and wave for me to come closer to where he was.
• “What do you want?” I said rudely. I wouldn't be polite to someone who only treated me with coldness and distance. I was tired of this little game.
• “Having studied in such expensive schools didn't help much. You are very rude, huh, girl!” she said and lifted her sunglasses. He looked pretty pissed off. So then there were two of us.
• “I treat people the way they treat me,” I replied, undeterred.
• " You know I'm the boss here, right? I think it's best to respect myself,” she said rather brusquely. I guess he didn't expect my response so haughty and decided to fight back.
• " My parents work for your parents. Just. And since you don't have anything nice to say to me, I'm on my way" I said and was about to leave when he made me turn around, heard him say.
• " I don't want you making out in front of my house. I'm sure your parents wouldn't approve of such behavior either,” she said and drove off, not giving me any more opportunity to respond.
• He had to be crazy because I wasn't making out with Arthur. I shook my head, unable to understand his attitude, and continued my way.
• JOÃO FELIPE
• I left the car in the garage and went into the house very irritated.
• I was arriving in front of my house when I come across Viviane hugging and kissing an idiot inside a stopped car. She came down quickly after that, with a huge smile, which almost made me walk up to them and say something silly.
• It was for these things that I preferred to distance myself. I couldn't bear to watch these scenes and do nothing. I was a controlled person, but the strong feeling I had for that girl made me out of orbit.
• I threw the keys onto a sideboard by the living room door with some fury.
• " What happened, my son?”
• I turned around in surprise to hear my mother's voice, I hadn't seen her when I stormed into the room.
• " I got irritated in traffic, silly thing, " I lied.
• I would never tell my mother that the reason for my anger was the employee's daughter. I think she would freak out. Just imagine, your firstborn fell in love with Vivi right away. I made a disgusted expression. My mom would freak out, I'm sure.
• " Oh, my son. You must not get involved in traffic discussions. That is very dangerous! " Marta said, making an expression of horror and taking her hand to her heart. As always, very dramatic. " Sit here with Mom. She missed you so much, and since you arrived, I hardly see you. What have you been up to? " She questioned curiously.
• I could tell the truth, that I had been avoiding a certain person, and that's why I spent most of my time looking for activities outside the house or even locked in my room, but of course, I wouldn't say that.
• " I've been meeting up with some college friends, and I've also been going to the company. I need to find out about some issues, after all, I will soon be taking up my post at the head of the presidency of Mendes de Albuquerque" The investment company founded by my father's grandfather had been in the family for three generations and I couldn't have followed another path.
• " And truth. As always, doing what we expect from you” she said, all satisfied. " I don't need to repeat myself, but I want to say how proud I am of the son you always were and are! Always responsible and doing what is right.
• She got up and gave me a big hug. I loved my mother very much and would never cross her over something as silly as a girl who didn't even suit me. I would find someone to match the Mendes of Albuquerque.
• After accepting his hug, we sat down and talked about the company and about some acquaintances. My mother updated me on events in high society in São Paulo, and I listened to her, even if she wasn't there.