GWA09E

**START**

**True feelings**

Life returned to its course and without apparent novelty a couple of weeks passed. Roy's nightmares had subsided, and his fears were now centered on the beginning of practical classes. They also told the girls about the matter of sisterhood. As the boy anticipated, Connie was delighted and even very excited. But Bertie didn't seem very willing. Taking advantage of the fact that Cooan was rehearsing with the cheerleaders and that Roy was training with his team, it had to be Tom who talked to her during a lunch to try to convince her to show up. Even so, the girl was reluctant.

-I don't want to be distracted, Tom. - She objected. -

Smiling, the boy replied visibly amused.

-I must admit that Roy has nailed it. It's exactly what he announced to me you would say!

Now it was Bertie who opened her eyes with surprise and then went on to answer with tinges of discomfort.

-So, now your friend acts as a fortune teller. Well, I don't like those guys with magic crystal balls, I already had too many bad experiences with them.

Tom did not want to ask the thread of that comment, although his look was significant enough between perplexity and curiosity that the girl interpreted it and hurried to add.

-Don't listen to me. It's just my nonsense. I really thank you. But I'm not interested...

-Listen Bertie. – He explained conciliatorily. - The Brotherhood is nothing sordid or sinister. It is a very prestigious association here. I thought the same as you when I arrived. Then I realized that there were very few who could belong to it. And rest assured that it is very rare that you have been proposed to enter. It's usually the other way around. It is the applicant who must apply.

He did not want to tell the girl that it had been Roy, in his capacity as a board member, who proposed them. What he did do was allege.

-Connie is very excited, but I know that it would not be the same for her if you are not by her side.

That made her interlocutor look down somewhat to reflect. After a few moments she wanted to argue, almost as a final escape.

-We will have the practices soon. I'm very nervous thinking about how I'll do it...

-One more reason. – The boy said. - To belong to the Brotherhood is prestigious. Even in the faculty teachers value it.

-What do you mean by that? - The girl inquired now without understanding. -

-Those who belong to it are held responsible by people. - Tom explained. -

Although now Bertie laughs, looking at the boy who returned that surprised look. She immediately riveted.

-And do you want me to believe that knowing that Roy is in the Brotherhood? Come on, Tom! That lazy boy has been able to enter the thing does not have to be so select. Oh, okay! Surely, he was admitted right away for being a good basketball player and for animating the parties, but beyond that... I don't know what merits he may have. Certainly not the study thing.

What Bertie did not expect was for his friend to adopt a more serious gesture and even a dismayed tone to respond.

-Don't judge him so harshly. I assure you he's a great guy.

Now Bertie varied her mocking expression for another of strangeness, she wanted Tom to delve deeper into that, however her interlocutor was silent. As she did not want to show her interest too much, the young woman sentenced with a slight smile.

-You are a great boy. Someone who can be trusted....

Now the alluded to was in turn who sketched a shy smile to want to know with a somewhat embarrassed tint in the voice ...

-Do you think so?... well, I mean your sister and you.

-Yes, of course. - Bertie agreed. -

The girl was not so foolish as not to see the interest that poor Tom showed every time her sister's name came up in some conversation. And perhaps, if he insisted so much that she be part of that Brotherhood it was because of something related to Cooan. He had already told her about it before. She had to admit that since her little sister convinced her to rebuild her life both had gone hand in hand in case of everything. This could not be less. At last, she allowed to be persuaded, smiling more broadly she told her interlocutor.

-Very well, I will agree to apply. I don't want to leave my little sister alone.

The boy seemed to be encouraged to hear that. They finished eating while chatting about other topics. Luckily that kind of demons seemed to have vanished for a few days. However, as Bertie remarked, now came the moment of truth for everyone. It was time for the students to see how they would manage as teachers. The work was ordered by couples, and they had to stop seeing each other during the days it lasted. Except Beruche and Roy who, coincidences of the pairing, played together. They had to take care of a primary school group. At first, they were nervous, naturally they believed that it would not be easy to run a class full of children between six and seven years old.

-I don't know how I'll address them. They are too small. - Bertie sighed. - If at least we had an older class.

-Let's go Little cube, you will do very well. - He wanted to encourage her, adding fun. - I love children. And I know what you are thinking. That's normal because I'm another kid like them! I won't tell you that you are not right.

To her regret Bertie laughed. That was exactly what had crossed her mind. Why deny it?

-I hope I don't have to take care of you more than them. - She said. -

And so, they moved to a school that was a few miles away. They were introduced by one of the teachers. Bertie was indeed more serious and kept her distance a little more. Roy, on the other hand, immediately approached the children. His classes were therefore more chaotic although he managed to get the children to pay attention to him. Together after their days of practice both performed very well, winning the affection of the children. On the last day and to say goodbye to them, they decided to take them to the field for an excursion.

- Listen for a moment. - Roy asked to address his class when the hour was over, managing after a few long moments of patient insistence to get their attention. - Guys, since we've done a good job all together, we deserve a break, right?

- Yes! - The little ones exclaimed enchanted. -

Their teacher silenced the general hubbub with a wave of his hands and continued enthusiastically.

-Miss Malinde and I are going to take you and her class on an excursion to a picnic area near the city! you must behave well and not leave the group.

Bertie also communicated the news to the boys in her class with equal reaction from the little ones. Of course, everything had gone very well. The only problems she had had in her practices were of this style. "Miss, Miss, can I go to the service?... or "Miss, Kevin has taken my scarf off," or" can you tie my shoe?” But fortunately, nothing more serious. Anyway, Roy's idea worried her a little, she had resisted at first but then he ended up convincing her. Her practice partner claimed that it would be nice for the kids to have a picnic and she didn't dislike the idea either. She was only concerned about safety. So, when the classes were over, they spoke in the office reserved for the teachers.

-Do you think it's a good idea to take them there? - She asked something still restless. - We have done very well so far, and I would not like any mishap to happen. As a mandatory part to finish the practices that of making an exit with our classes already seemed complicated to me. My sister and her partner are going to take their group to a museum and Tom will go with his to see a movie from what I have been told, but to the countryside ... - she objected with a worried countenance. -

- Quiet, surely nothing will happen. In addition, we have come out of worse things than a group of squeaky children. Isn't it?... Let's go, little cube... What could happen to us? – His companion laughed with manifest security. -

- Yes - Beruche had to concede, encouraging herself to hear the optimism and the desire to carry out the adventure that he had. The truth is that it was inevitable not to be carried away by that torrent of enthusiasm, she smiled more convincedly declaring at last. - You're right. We will go on a daytrip.

So, everyone got on the school bus to the campsite. Roy carried a guitar with which he accompanied the children with the typical travel songs, this surprised Beruche. She was unaware that the boy had that ability, and she had to admit that he didn't do wrong. However, he asked the driver to stop when they reached the vicinity of a curve claiming that some children felt like peeing. Bertie was surprised because, from what the driver had told her, there was little left to arrive, surely it was due to force majeure for the little ones.

- It's that some of them can't take it anymore. - Roy himself excused them, confessing not without blushing. - And I must say that neither do I.

-You are incredible! - She smiled shaking her head in an attitude of "what am I going to do with you". But she joined the initiative and asked the girls in both classes if some wanted to do the same.

She got a couple of volunteers whom she accompanied downstairs. Roy had four little ones that he waited until they were all done, then asked Bertie without too much shame, while taking a bottle of water from the backpack he was carrying.

-Would you mind climbing them while I finish and wash a little?

Sure, she couldn't say no and waited patiently for all the little ones to get on, then got off the bus thinking Roy was taking too long and could see him in the distance. He was with one knee on the ground and seemed to leave something on the asphalt, on the side of the road. Beruche sharpened her eyes and discovered in surprise that the boy had left a small bouquet of flowers there, stuffed into that small bottle. He still stood crouched for a few more seconds.

- It seems that he was praying. - She said, she was stunned without understanding why her companion did that, he had never seemed to be religious.

Anyway, judging it something very personal, she did not want to interrupt him and got on the bus. She was quite entertained by putting order among the excitement mounted by the children and did not realize that Roy had already returned.

- Sorry for the delay, we can leave. - He declared with the smiling gesture. -

They gave the driver the indication so, they could continue and soon covered the last kilometers that separated them from the destination. Before descending both gave the last instructions to the children. Beruche took care of this with a brief and kind speech with the help of the coach's microphone.

- Remember boys and girls. All together and without leaving the group. Whoever needs anything that goes to Professor Malden or me. Understood?

There were many shouts of “yeah" and some shy nods accompanied by itchy smiles of the style. "Nothing about that." However, these last ones went more unnoticed, and the satisfied "teachers" allowed the descent of that numerous "troop."

- “Let´s go, come on”! - Roy harangued them.

Once they arrived, they spent the afternoon between didactic explanations of such as. "Learn to take care of nature and animals, be clean with the environment", etc. Then, hide-and-seek games, "potato run" and some gymnastic demonstrations of Roy, (who intended more to impress Bertie than the children). For example, doing pull-ups with a couple of kids hanging around his neck while one of them counted them. Later, with his Spanish guitar he played something for the children. In the end and when they were about to turn, one of the little ones forgot to follow the instructions, getting lost from the group. The teachers, alarmed, decided to send the other children back with another classmate from their university who they called from the cabin of a nearby gas station to entrust them and stay to look for him. Although before his classmate arrived and the bus departed, Roy offered Bertie.

-I can stay. You come back to the others as soon as Michael arrives, little cube.

- No, nothing about that. – She rejected that she was already walking very alarmed towards the area of trees where they had been before. - It is my class...-She added as she walked away. - It is my responsibility!

-Wait a minute. - He asked her as he hurried to follow her after making sure of one thing. - Bertie, you don't need to go too far...

But the young woman didn't seem to listen to him. It had already been introduced into that woodland. Roy pointed to the driver.

-Wait a few minutes if we have not returned leave as soon as our partner arrives. Children must arrive at school on time.

The driver so agreed, Roy, calm in that regard, hurried to follow Bertie. It was getting dark early and that made it quite difficult to see, since the sun was low on the horizon. The trainee teachers began to be very worried since the child did not appear.

-Oh Heavens! - Beruche said visibly distraught. What if something happens to that child?

- Don't worry. -Roy tried to calm her down by appearing serenity and unwavering faith, despite seeming to tremble also just thinking about it. - We will find him before anything happens to him.

But precisely the sun dazzled since they were going in a westerly direction. As a result of her concern to find the child while advancing through an irregular terrain, Beruche was ahead although she did not see well the road she was traveling and stumbled on the edge of a kind of chasm. She slipped screaming.

-Bertie! - He exclaimed as he got there. -

With visible fear the boy saw that his partner had fallen into a large hole. The young woman was on the ground hurting. He did not think about it and, after holding the guitar to his back, he descended that small chasm very carefully. Despite everything, he did not want to show those skills that he had acquired so recently. Although everything would depend on the girl condition.

-Are you okay? - He wanted to know. -

-My ankle hurts a lot. - The young woman complained, gritting her teeth. -

Roy was able to examine it. He knew enough about injuries from his basketball practice to realize that Bertie had sprained. Fortunately, despite that fall, she had not been seriously hurt. She also had nothing broken but that would prevent her from walking. At least for several days. He immediately squeezed the laces of the shoe and tried to bandage it with a handkerchief he was wearing, while the girl drowned out a moan.

-Sorry little cube, you have a good twist. You're not going to be able to walk. We will have to wait for them to take us out... - He said with resignation. -

She didn't answer, she seemed to be scared. Both were left leaning on the wall of the hole with the only light of the few flashes of the sun and a small flashlight, using Roy's guitar as an improvised table. The boy found a stone large enough that his partner could support the affected leg and not step on the ground with that battered ankle. Then the young man looked up and sighed. That was undoubtedly much deeper than it seemed.

-Are you okay, Bertie? - He asked, worried about his partner's condition. -

-Yes, - she was able to mutter faintly at last. -

Fortunately, apart from that sprain the girl had not seriously hurt herself beyond a few scratches. The boy breathed a sigh of relief. That fall could have even cost her life.

-Good thing it hasn't been like that. I couldn't imagine this. Damn it! – He thought with a mixture of regret and guilt. -

However, it was too late to change that. He looked up and weighed the situation, he also couldn't hold on to the walls to climb. He could have levitated just as he recently learned to do, but he didn't want to expose himself. Of course, he didn't plan that, but it might even be a welcome coincidence. His friend Michael would soon come and tell them that the child was safe. At least that's what he hoped because Mike might not find them there. But he came out of his thoughts when his companion asked him with a worried moan when she glimpsed the height at which the outside was, at least three meters above them.

- Oh no! What will we do now? We will have to wait for someone to come and get us because of me...

- Don't worry, it won't take long.- He replied with a reassuring tone adding with the intention of calming her down completely - It is difficult to orient here at night. But during the day it is easy to see us, and they know that we were in this area.

-I don't care about us. - Bertie said, trying to stop her voice from breaking with sobs, as she looked helplessly out of the pit. - It's more because of that child who is lost out there!

She tried to control herself, but she was very scared, what if anything happened to that child? They would be responsible. That could cost them dearly. But above all and beyond the consequences for her career, it was that little boy who was in danger and both she and her sisters had vowed never to endanger the safety of a child again. Not after what they tried to do against poor Chibiusa! Tears were streaming away, and she was about to collapse. Although she didn't want to do it in front of him. However, Beruche could not prevent her appearance of seriousness and cold calm from falling apart. Roy noticed her efforts and came to their aid.

-Heh! - He encouraged her by hugging her so she could hide her face against her chest and not have to suffer before his eyes. -Calm down, little cube, he will surely have already been found. You'll see! He will be at home inside his bed by now and we here worrying about nothing.

- Hopefully you're right. - She whispered adding with the spirit in suspense without ceasing to reproach herself. - But that guy was from my group. It was my fault for losing sight of him!

- No, in any case it has been mine for insisting on bringing them here. You were right, it was risky, but I'm a hopeless idiot. Forgive me. - He whispered to him in the sweetest voice he could. -

She was able to stop crying and separated from him with a faint smile of grateful relief at wanting to release her from responsibility. Although Bertie couldn't accept that he did, he was at least as much to blame as he was. Anyway, better not to think about it now. There was hardly any light left, the sun was about to set, and they got a slight brise that made her shudder. The girl began to shiver, the afternoon was cool, and she was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt. It was her only protection against the cold because, with the nerves of the hasty search, she did not take her sweater.

- You're shaking, little cube. Are you cold? - Roy became interested by taking off his college jacket and putting it on her shoulders. Her companion came big, it reached almost to her knees. - Take, this will shelter you. - He offered her in a solicitous way by carefully stuffing her into that garment. -

- But you're going to freeze. -She resisted accepting, even though she was really dying of cold. -

- Don't worry about me, I've gone out at night with fewer clothes. - He smiled nonchalantly adding humorously. - You are the rarest ice cube I have ever seen, one who does not want to be cold, ha, ha, ha, ha!

She shared the smile; this Roy was quite a case! And she was sure that this would have been the case, better not to ask him why or in what situation... and as for the ice cube. If only he knew how she enjoyed the cold before!

-Thank you, tell me one thing, - she asked then with her blue eyes staring at him once the tears were healed. -How is it that someone like you studies this career? I mean you don't get much about babysitting... don't you think?

- I already told you that I love children, well and some teachers heh, heh. -He looked at Beruche with an accomplice expression and added jokingly. - Do you know that if they take time to find us, we will have to resort to cannibalism? Huumm! – He laughed with his own joke and finished it off with derision. - I ask for one of your thighs.

-Don't be silly, Roy! I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you, - his interlocutor reproached him, although with a half-smile grateful for those attempts to raise her morale. -

-Sorry, - he said now seriously. - I am like that, but what I have told you is true. Children inspire me a lot of love. I know I don't look like to admit it, so, I do the hooligan a lot and stuff. But I don't like to show how I really am to people.

-But why not? - The girl asked with a surprised face - it's not bad to show your feelings!

- See who's talking! - He replied with amusing reproach. -

- Yes, you're right. - She had to admit by lowering her head with blush and confessing in turn. - Many times, I am not honest with my own feelings, not even with my sisters. Or even with myself.

-People are not normally sincere, Bertie. - He declared with surprising reflective tone, even paternal to sentence - and if you try to be very much, then they take advantage of you. I only risk being so with the people I trust, and they are few. Tom, my friends on the team. Connie and you.

-Why haven't you told me this before? - She asked him to look at him now with surprise since that Roy was another good different from the one, she was used to seeing. -

-When you know someone well, - he replied. - There are things that you do not need to say to that person, nor things that person must say to you, that is guessed, by the look, by the way of being.

-I also have a hard time trusting people, - she acknowledged. - I only do it in my sisters and some very special friends that I have in Japan and sometimes, I think I am not sincere even with them.

-You and your sister are very close, aren't you? - Roy asked her insightfully. -

- Yes, a lot. - She had to admit explaining to her interlocutor. -You see, we are the little ones of four sisters, we get along with our two oldest, but the two of us are more related, I guess.

-Of course, it will be because of age, - he surmised. - Are they much older than you, perhaps?

- No, that's up, my sister Karaberasu is the same difference than me with Cooan. It's because of our characters, we're different. Do you not have any brothers or sisters, Roy? - Beruche asked changing the subject in line with that. -

- No, I'm an only child...

-Where are you from? - She wanted to know curious because, until now, she had not even considered it, assuming that he was from that area. -From New York, right?

- Nope. I'm from Los Angeles. - He replied, looking up at the sky. - But my parents moved to New York when I was very young. You could almost say that I grew up on the streets of the city.  We changed houses a couple of times. Then when I finished school and high school, they offered me to enroll in this university.

- I thought you were here for a sports scholarship. - She was surprised. -

-No..., he said with a half-smile that seemed quite nostalgic -... it was my parents who encouraged me to study at the Golden. They made me take being someone in life seriously. They paid for tuition with their savings...

- I would like to meet your mother, she must be the only woman who has been able to achieve that from you! Ji, ji! - Beruche laughed although she soon stopped doing it since Roy did not do it with her, rather he had a dull and sad look when he replied with a soft voice. -

- I wish you had met them. But they died in a traffic accident shortly after I entered the Golden, they left a curve a few kilometers from this site. - He replenished with his countenance tarnished with sorrow. -

She froze, she felt that she had screwed up to the bottom. Even more than in her fall into that chasm! Now she understood the detail of the flowers. She shuddered with sorrow wishing that the earth would swallow her at that moment, again! Although now in a metaphorical sense. She also remembered that situation, just when he threw her into the pool and how she reproached the education that his parents should give him. She now realized how the boy's face paled. The poor girl wanted to say a lot of things to apologize for her comment, but it only occurred to her to whisper very embarrassedly.

- Sorry. I shouldn't have told you that, I've been stupid, I am so sorry.

- No, it's not your fault. - He declared kindly. -You didn't know, I don't like to talk too much about my life. Very few colleagues know this. And I asked Tommy not to tell it...

To the memory of the young woman came that expression of Tom, when she accused Roy’s friend of being irresponsible. That boy's response was not to judge his friend so harshly. Now she was beginning to understand it. Which made it feel even worse. And what's more, she could perfectly put herself in his place. She knew what it was like to lose her own parents. Although due to other circumstances. She came out of those thoughts when her interlocutor meanwhile added.

- But believe me, my parents would have liked you. You are a very responsible girl...

-I think I've judged you very harshly, - the girl admitted, adding with a certain guilty tone. - I thought you were a smug cretin who only chased girls and lived for basketball.

-Well, thank you very much, Cubito! People have told me nice things but none like this to apologize. - Roy smiled with amusing sarcasm, trying to leave the previous topic behind. -

-No, I mean. - She immediately corrected by cursing herself again for such a lack of tact but smiling again at her partner's kind retort. - Now I see that it is not quite so. But you must admit that you make it very difficult. Why don't you act more according to how you are? - She came to scold him gently. -

- It is the image I want to show. - Her interlocutor responded sitting with his back resting on the wall of the hollow. -So, it is more difficult for anyone to hurt me, and people leave me alone. - He took a breath with a long inhalation, exhaling slowly afterwards, as if gathering strength to dare to continue. He did so with his best tone of sincerity and confidence. - You see Bertie, when my parents died, I was devastated. They had been the most wonderful people in the world to me, the only ones, and their loss sank me. I had to fight hard to overcome it and luckily, I had the help of a good friend. He was this way and infected me. He was my mentor in college and taught me quite a few things. Also, I entered the Brotherhood thanks to him. That was before Tommy arrived. Later... I did start behaving crazier, even stupidly. I guess it was the defense I adopted to move forward, like a protective breastplate.

Beruche listened to him attentively and full of compassion, for the first time she understood him. She was thinking again about her own case. The same thing had happened to the girl although in somewhat different circumstances. She and her sisters were separated from their parents from a very young age. They entered to serve under King Coraíon, the father of Prince Diamante. They grew up among the intrigues of the Sage and the respective personalities so superficial that they were forged they were a defensive means against the lack of paternal and maternal love they suffered. Later, when the energy of the black crystal stained their souls, there was no turning back on that wheel. Just the memory of feelings almost forgotten, buried inside. Fortunately, the warriors were there to free them from that. But again, he put his thoughts aside and kept attending to Roy who added in the meantime.

- In this way I am the one who chooses the moment to act. Well, except for the heavy ones that always go after me.

-Do you mean the girls at the College? -Bertie asked him while her eyes wrapped in poorly disguised interest. -

- Yes, of course, to that kind of girl. I don't like to be chased like a trophy.

-Even Melanie? - Beruche's voice sounded with some sarcasm, also trying to make the boy avoid the bad memories -... it seems that you get along with her. Well, it's not that I care much, of course. - She tried to disguise the attention she had put on her previous question. –

Although through the mouth of her own sister and by the occasional gossip, she knew that Roy and that irritating head of cheerleaders were a couple. It was clear that this was no longer the case. And she was grateful that his partner responded truthfully when he told her.

-Melanie and I were dating last year, but it wasn't a conventional relationship, rather when we felt like it. For a while I thought she might be different, but she didn't. I've had enough of it, I want to stabilize my life and she's the kind of girl who doesn't take no. She wants to show that she can get any boy who crosses her path and having him by her side whenever she wants. I don't want to hurt her, I appreciate her very much because deep down she is a good girl, but I no longer know what to do to get rid of her.

-Why don't you tell her clearly? - Beruche advised him prudently, opining in a row. - You should have confidence for that, I think that's the basis of a relationship...

-I do know. - Roy admitted thoughtfully to object, - but it's not Melanie's style, nor could it be mine with her. It's not the kind of girl I can cross paths with. It's hard to explain, it happens to me with most of the women I have dated. I can't communicate with them as much as I would like...

- You may also never have tried. - Beruche gently reproached him. -

- Maybe, but I'm not as weathervane as people think. I like women, it's true! - He recognized by shrugging his shoulders to immediately defend himself in a forceful way. - But I have never treated them as mere objects. Rather it has been the opposite, many only went out with me to be well considered or out of curiosity. To tell the truth there was only one girl whom I loved seriously. - He finished with a tinge of nostalgic confession. -

Bertie scrutinized her with her gaze and was curious and surprised. So, Roy also had an old relationship that could be called serious.

-Only one? -  She inquired in an incredulous gesture. -

- When I was a kid, I would barely be fifteen or sixteen years old. - He revealed her with more casualness. - She was an older woman, she was about thirty and she had something, I don't know, a strange halo that attracted me. But I was just a kid...

-Didn't she take you seriously, perhaps? - Bertie wanted to know. -

-On the contrary, she always treated me with great consideration, she seemed to want to protect me. - Roy replied trying to choose the words. I guess I would look more like a little brother than anything else. I will never forget what she told me when I last saw her. - Beruche watched him eager for he to tell her, so he did - We met at night when I returned home and said goodbye, the next day she was going to live in another city as she told me, and I declared my love.  It was the only time she kissed me. - He smiled as he remembered it adding. - She looked me in the eye, with her own, green, and full of depth, telling me something like. "Roy, it's not me who is meant for you. Believe me, when you see her, you will recognize her. You will know who your princess is." Of course, then I didn't believe it.  I thought it was a simple excuse to gently reject me or that she tried to encourage me not to feel bad. But now it seems to me that she knew very well what she was saying.

-And haven't you seen her again? - Bertie inquired, letting herself be carried away by curiosity and inexplicable grief upon hearing this, not daring to ask him if he had already found that "princess".

Roy slowly shook his head. And he explained.

- Since then, I dated many girls, maybe I was looking for the one she promised me. But I haven't been able to find any that fill me. Most, as I have already told you, were attracted to me or were curious to check the gossip told by others who had already gone out with me. Truth be told, none of them mattered to me to the point that she did. Not even Melanie. – He finished with a sincere tone. -

Bertie listened to him very surprised. That boy didn't really look the same, it was as if in that pit he had descended into the depths of his soul, and everything buried in it emerged.

-I would never date anyone out of curiosity, - she declared. - I must perceive in that person certain qualities. Kindness, sincerity. Someone who knows how to understand me and care about me....

And of course, it was. Bertie had never maintained that kind of relationship. She was never interested. As a child she couldn't think about those things and grew up away from any chance of achieving it. For many years, apart from her own father, the only models of man she had in sight were princes Diamond and Sapphire. They were attractive, but she never thought of them, they were simply unattainable for her or her sisters. They were also older. And the closest one, Rubeus, always inspired her too much respect, or why don´t say it? fear. Despite his appearance of kindness. Now, after all these years, she came to understand her sister Petz's suffering and frustration with men. Her only love was Sapphire, the unattainable prince only concerned with the kingdom and his older brother. And when it finally seemed that he reciprocated it, he was tragically murdered. And she also valued Cooan's pain in letting herself be carried away by a youthful passion, the result of Rubeus' dazzling personality. Her sisters' hearts had been broken and she did not wish to suffer the same fate. Karaberasu was different, she didn't really know anything about her sister's intimate life in that aspect, but despite being more active than herself and the others, she was also not aware that she was in love with anyone. Although she did know that she dated several men in Nemesis, including Rubeus, if she didn't remember correctly. Then it was her companion who took her out of those memories when he asked her affably.

- What about you? Do you have someone waiting for you in Japan?

-Me? - The girl pointed to herself with her palm open on her chest. -No, - she replied with a sigh. – I don't have anyone there. I think for that I should find someone special. With the qualities I have told you. And that he is also a gentleman and is always willing to reciprocate and that he never deceives me.

-Ha, ha!... - Roy laughed quite enthusiastically in line with her previous comment - don't be angry Bertie, I don't laugh at you! - He clarified not wishing to offend her. - It seems to me something so difficult to find. You are a very good girl and of course you deserve someone who can give you all that. But I don't know anyone who is able to bring those qualities together in our university, not even in the whole world! You are describing perfection to me. Trust me, I know.

-What about Tom? - She suggested refuting now and asserting convinced. -I think he brings all those things together, I think he's a great guy.

- Tommy? - Roy repeated the name visibly surprised -... well, yes - he conceded trying to recover a more indifferent tone because without him knowing why, his heart had turned him around. Could Bertie be in love with her friend and not reveal him? Although he overcame that suspicion and added with humor and an undisguised estimate. - He has, I've never met a guy like it. They could beatify him just for what he had to put up with me last year.

- You appreciate him very much. And he to you too. - The girl said with a wide smile. – That is plain to see when you are both together...

-He's my best friend. - Roy acknowledged, - the only one I can talk to about the things that really concern me. Well, he was the only one until now. You have also endured me quite a bit. What's more, I've never told him about Kelly.

-Was Kelly that girl? - Bertie inquired with a smile. -

- Yes. That was her name. - He corroborated by sighing with an air of nostalgia to conclude with another of lament. - It has been a long time since I pronounced her name again and now, I also think about everything I have annoyed you since you arrived, I wish I had not done it! I am sorry...

-Don't worry about it, I've already forgotten about it! - Beruche smiled happy to trivialize the conversation a little, since he felt like an intruder in those memories of his friend. - Although some things have been hard. - She added with feigned disapproval. -

-You are a saint! - Roy smiled. - And a very innocent girl, I tell you in the best sense. - He qualified very quickly, sentencing. - You and your sister Connie are two little angels. So, goody two shoes. Ha, ha! Unfortunately for you it has been your turn to fall among a group of hooligans here in the Golden. We must have scandalized you more than the account.

- Ji, ji, ji... don't think that! - She countered with a mischievous smile. – We haven't always been so good... if you had met us a few years ago you would not think the same as now. - She added trying to prevent a wave of guilt from invading her last words. -

-When have you been bad? - The boy smiled, conjecturing in disbelief. I guess of course, you would pull your pigtails as much as possible...

-Let's say something else, - she replied fuzzily. -But thanks to some good friends - She thought of Ami and the rest of the sailors to sigh - We discovered that we were on the wrong track. And that the world is a wonderful place if you know how to value it. - She looked up at the sky and before her friend asked her more in line with those words, she subtly changed the subject. – Soon it will be night, surely here it will look beautiful! without light we can distinguish all the stars in the sky. Hopefully that child will be home by then. - She finished with another sigh returning to her previous concern. -

Roy kept a few moments of silence. Now he felt very guilty. All that had been prepared to be left alone with Bertie. As if it were a camouflaged appointment. In that camp, Michael should have already returned to the agreed place to tell them that the child was safe at home. However, when Bertie was scared and went out to look for that child, she had made everything go to waste. Or maybe not. He certainly would never have expected to have such a heartfelt conversation. It had done him a lot of good. That girl was really very special and began to wish that things between them were different. That wasn't going to be a flirting attempt or a one-night stand. However, he now had to worry more about the situation they were in. Now they could do nothing but wait. He decided to try to encourage his partner.

-How about your ankle? - he kindly wanted to know. -

-A little better, - she smiled slightly. -

The boy inspected it. It was swollen but at least it didn't seem to get any worse.

-Au! – The young woman groaned as soon as she felt to see how he was doing that.

-I'm sorry, - he immediately apologized.

-Don't worry. - The girl replied. - I thank you for helping me...

-It's normal. I must come to the aid of the ladies in distress. - He smiled, making her also laugh with that musicality of hers. -

Of course, it was much better that way. Roy didn't know why, but every time he heard her laugh in such a clean and singing way something in him was glad. He then took his guitar and beckoned the girl to come closer, she seemed to hesitate, but he reassured her by saying with an honest tone.

- Don't worry, I don't try to use any tricks of mine to flirt.

- I do know. - The girl admitted sitting next to him with that foot up, to confess in turn not without some surprise. - The truth be told; I feel safe with you. It is a feeling that I cannot explain, what I did not imagine is that you knew how to play the guitar.

-Do you know how Tom and I really became friends? - Beruche shook her head and Roy told her. – It was at a song contest, and he beat me, what a guy! he impressed me. He is a boy full of talent, although he seems so shy at times, and it is difficult for him to open until he has no confidence with someone. But once he has, the Kansas hick is the best friend you could wish you had. He is like a brother!

The girl smiled, whether he knew it or not, her interlocutor was the same way. Although for the time being she would keep that opinion to herself. What she did do was smile and declare pleasantly surprised.

- I didn't know you knew how to sing too.

- Tom is very good and I think I don't do it wrong either, listen. At least that's how we'll entertain ourselves. –To the surprise and curiosity of Beruche, Roy began to play and for a long time he shelled some songs of his favorite groups. -

She listened engrossed as she curled up beside him, almost inadvertently putting her head on his shoulder. And meanwhile he sang with a soft, warm tone that filled her with a feeling she couldn't define in words. Especially when in one of those songs it seemed that the lyrics were dedicated to her.

***When your heart's in someone else's hands***

***Monkeys see and monkey do***

***Their wish is your command***

***You're not to blame***

***Everyone's the same***

***All you do is love and love is all you do***

***I should know by now the way I fought for you***

***You're not to blame everyone's the same***

***I know you think that you're safe***

***Mister***

***Harmless deception***

***That keeps love at bay***

***It's the ones who resist that we most want to kiss***

***Wouldn't you say?***

***Cowboys and angels***

***They all have the time for you***

***Why should I imagine that I'd be a find for you?***

***Why should I imagine***

***That I'd have something to say***

***But that scar on your face***

***That beautiful face of yours***

***In your heart there's a trace***

***Of someone before***

***When your heart's in someone else's plans***

***Things you say and things you do***

***They don't understand***

***It's such a shame***

***Always ends the same***

***You can call it love but I don't think it's true***

***You should know by now***

***I'm not the boy for you***

***You're not to blame***

***Always ends the same***

***I know you think that you're safe***

***Sister***

***Harmless affection that keeps things this way***

***It's the ones who persist for the sake of a kiss***

***Who will pay?***

***Cowboys and angels***

***They all take a shine to you***

***Why should I imagine that I was designed for you?***

***Why should I believe***

***That you would stay***

**(Cowboys and Angels George Michael, credit to the artist)**

And as the chords of the guitar finished, the sun described the arc towards the horizon and the light of the hole was gradually fading, leaving its last reflection on her hair. So, they were silent for a while, leaning on each other. After a few minutes the two fell asleep in exhaustion. Both dreamed of places that were familiar to them but that they could not remember. She still had in her mind those last words of the song that Roy had sung to her...

-Be stronger than your past, the future gives you another chance...

Bertie now dreamed of those moments after her purification.  When still confused, but happy, she only smiled at the happy faces of her sister Cooan and the sailors. In the end, that kind of euphoria was waning. Little by little reality was imposed. She watched them as if she had come out of a kind of trance. However, shame and guilt have now made their way. More when it was Ami herself who approached and asked her.

-How are you?...

She could barely look her in the face and mutter.

-Sorry... I don't know what to say... I am very embarrassed.

-Calm down Bertierite. - Her own sister asked her to keep a protective arm on the girl's shoulders. - It's normal, I know how you feel. The same thing happened to me. Now that we are human and have gotten rid of dark energy, feelings of guilt for what we did assault us.

-I don't know how to thank you all, - she was able to respond visibly in a hurry. To add surprised, as she began to tremble. - I'm cold! I had never been...

-It's quite cold here. Let's get out of this place. – Rei intervened. -

The girls did so, after reassuring the owner of the building and telling him that everything had been due to a breakdown in the camera circuits, they left. The two sisters were going together, Bertierite did not want to let go of Kermesite's hand. Kermie asked her to call her Cooan. In the meantime, it was getting dark. It was time to go home, but of course. Bertie remembered that she no longer had anywhere to go... She even thought about looking for a shelter, but her new friends immediately took that idea out of her head.

-I can't accommodate you both. - Rei commented with regret. - My grandfather and Yuuichirou are already in the Sanctuary. - Although I share my room with Cooan, but there is no room for anyone else.

-Don't worry, Rei. We will be able to look for something. - She was reassured by Bertie's younger sister. - I can ask my boss to advance some of the payment and rent a room.

- No way! - The newly purified girl protested, affirming. - You don't need to bother. I'll manage. Please, sailor Mars, I beg you, keep taking care of my sister.

-How can you say that? – Cooan responded, sentencing. – You are my sister. I won´t leave you alone.

That seemed like an unsolvable dilemma. At least until Ami intervened commenting.

-If you don't mind, Bertierite, you can come with me tonight. Until you and Cooan find something. There is room in my house. My mother is not going to be there these days. She has a medical congress.

Bertie looked at her with disbelief, and even emotion, and barely could mutter.

-After what I have done to you...

-That was a totally different woman. -Ami said, riveting it with a kind smile. – You are my friend.

Her own younger sister smiled at her in turn in a spirited manner and nodded faintly confirming those words. Perhaps Cooan thought she could use relating to other people to begin to adjust to that new life. So, it was decided. After a while more, the group disbanded. Each went their own way. Bertie accompanied Ami. She told her that her last name was Mizuno. It certainly couldn't be more appropriate. (Water). After taking the bus. (Her new friend had to pay for the two bills) arrived at the sailor's apartment in about twenty minutes. It was not too big but cozy and functional. However, Bertierite was struck by the number of books Ami had.

-Many are from my mother. I would like to be a doctor like her. - Her hostess commented. -

-Well... that's a very nice thing. You're sure to get it. - Her interlocutor was able to say something in a hurry. -

-And what would you like to do? - Ami was interested. -

Her guest sighed. That was a very good question. So good that she had no answer. She could hardly say.

-I don't have any perspective in mind. Maybe I can work with my sister. I like cosmetics. Although that doesn't just fill me up. You know?... Now I realize how empty I have been. All my life I was educated to serve and obey. I always had some directive or order to follow. A mission... Overall. Now I'm confused. Even scared... I feel lost.

-Do not worry. - She was encouraged by her interlocutor by placing a friendly hand on her shoulder. - Give time to time. At first it will be difficult for you to adapt, but you will surely succeed.

-Since I was a child, I have liked to play chess. I didn't lie to you about that. I enjoyed our game. And I also loved to read.

-You are very intelligent. – Ami said. - Have you thought about studying?

-It would be wonderful. - Beruche replied with renewed optimism in her tone, which she immediately moderated to declare. – But I don´t know how to start with.

-You could start by studying with me. Soon I will have to prepare for my exams. You could use a little practice... and someone to help me. - Ami jovially proposed to her to ask. - What do you think?

Bertie squeezed out a more marked smile and nodded. Although now it was noticeable something empty, but in this case, it was her stomach ... Ami seemed to guess it when she proposed.

-Are you hungry Bertierite? I think I have some misoshiru left.

- Yes. Thanks a lot. - The girl admitted and more relaxed asked her. - Call me Beruche... or better yet, Bertie, please. It's what my sisters called me.

However, as she remembered that, her countenance darkened. Her friend soon encouraged her by affirming with total conviction.

-You will see how in the end you will be the four together again. Surely your sisters will realize the truth. As you and Cooan have done. It's just a matter of time.

Bertie nodded hopefully. Why not? If she and her little sister had been able to change, it was possible for the older ones to do so. For the moment her hostess suggested her jovially.

-Take it easy, step by step. Come on, let's have dinner!

And after heating the miso soup the two gave a good account of it, they were hungry of course. At the end of it they chatted a little more. Ami commented.

-Tomorrow afternoon we will go to Hikawa Shrine, to help Rei with the autumn cleaning and make a barbecue. I hope you will join us.

-I will be delighted! - Bertie said that now she also felt tired. -

Apparently, it was the same for Ami. So, the sailor got up and cleaned the table. She stuffed the dishes and other cutlery into the dishwasher and motioned for her friend to follow her to explain.

-Look, you will sleep in my bed. I will do it in my mother's.

Beruche looked at her stunned and couldn't help but get excited. That girl had been her mortal enemy only a few hours ago. As a member of the Black Moon clan, she had tried to kill the one she knew by Sailor Mercury along with her other companions. And now that girl, Ami, far from taking revenge, was offering her unreservedly the hospitality of her home, her food and even her bed. To her! A stranger!

-I don't know how I will be able to pay you for everything you are doing for me. - An overwhelmed Bertie babbled letting tears fall down her cheeks. - Sorry, I'm so sorry... I...!

She collapsed crying and her interlocutor held her back, hugger and sat with her on the bed. After holding her for a few moments, she whispered to her in a sweet voice.

-Forget about it. I will only ask you for one thing. Try to be happy and help others. You'll see how everything will go well. Open your heart to friendship. And why not, to love!...

-You were right. I never believed it was true. I thought you were trying to deceive me, but when I saw how you sacrificed for your friends... and then my sister's expression... I will always be indebted to you. I promise you that I will do my best not to disappoint you. Yes!... – Bertie riveted with renewed determination. - From now on I will strive to be worthy of the trust you have placed in me...

-Well, - Ami smiled without giving more importance to that and dedramatizing with a more jovial tone. A hard day awaits us tomorrow. There is a lot to sweep in the sanctuary! ji, ji...

Her guest nodded smiling more animatedly. So, they said goodnight. Beruche lay down and closed her eyes. It took her a while to fall asleep, she had a mixture of mixed feelings between sorrow, shame, and regret, but also joy, optimism, and hope. However, finally the tiredness and emotions of that long day could with her, and she fell asleep. She thought it hadn't been a minute when she felt a touch on her shoulder and opened her eyes...

-Wake up, - she heard a voice calling to her. -

Already at dawn, the rays of the sun that slipped through the pit woke Roy, he did the same with Bertie touching her gently on one shoulder.

-It's already dawned little cube, wake up...- he said almost with a whisper in her ear. –

The girl had a hard time getting back to reality. It took a few seconds to realize that she was not at her friend Ami's house in Tokyo but in that hole, God would know where. She remembered the dream nonetheless, and the sailor's words still resonated in her mind...

-Open your heart to friendship. And why not, to love! ...

-I don't even know what time it is. - She whispered trying to wake up. -

-Very early. All six. - The boy answered him by asking his watch. -

- I hope we can get out now. - She wished while she stretched out her arms yawning shamelessly -...

-Now that there is light, I am sure you will see us. - Roy said really convinced of it. -

They both spent a couple more hours chatting until they didn't know what to talk about... they also really wanted to go to the service and even if it was embarrassing certain things could not be delayed. Luckily the hole was big, and they managed to keep their privacy safe. Especially in the case of Bertie, who gratefully found that the boy was much more gentlemanly than she had imagined, turning around for a long time until she finished. Something upset about that ankle that she could barely support. More time passed, the two now kept a silence not uncomfortable but fruit of their inability to say anything new. At last, he, staring at her, said with some caution, as if he thought he was going to say nonsense...

- You may find it stupid but, when I talk to you all this is very familiar to me. I seem to have lived it before, but I don't know when, or in what way. I feel like I can tell you things I wouldn't be able to tell anyone else.

- Likewise. - She nodded in amazement at herself. - It's a strange feeling, yes. As if I long for something I'm not able to remember...

Neither could look away from the other, their lips approaching slowly. They were about to touch each other when they heard voices that broke that kind of spell, separating sharply they began to scream.

-Eh we are here! Get us out!

The sounds of the voices gradually approached them and through the hole appeared two silhouettes that corresponded to a couple of policemen. One of them threw a rope at them. Roy helped Beruche up and then they finished climbing without problems. Once upstairs the first thing they did was ask if anything was known about the missing child. The agents did not reassure them too much since they had no information about it to give them. That made Bertie nervous again and Roy tried to calm her down once again. He knew they had nothing to fear, though he also felt guilty about it again. But he couldn't say anything.

-She would hate me. And I couldn't stand that. Not now. - He thought full of guilt and regret. -

The journey became long, Bertie for constantly thinking about what would have become of that child and Roy for his own regrets. When they were finally back in college, the first thing they thought they had to do was show up at Miss Parker's office. Before that the young woman was treated in the university infirmary. Paramedics examined her sprain, prescribed her some anti-inflammatories, and bandaged her well. After providing her with a pair of crutches she was ready to leave on her own.  Then the two narrated their adventures to both Cooan and Tom who arrived quickly upon learning of their return. They waited to question their sister and friend respectively when they entered their respective rooms.

-What happened to you?- Cooan asked hugging his sister, for her gesture and her gaze she was decomposed of worry, more when looking at that injured ankle. - Where had you gotten into?

Beruche squeezed her in her arms telling her how they fell into that hole and her fear for the fate of that child. Her interlocutor breathed a sigh of relief that her sister was safe and confessed to her the fear she had gone through.

- When you didn't come back everyone was very worried. Tom even wanted to skip the curfew and leave the University to go find you and so did I! - She replied almost between sobs. – But in the end, we didn't even know where to go. We could only trust that you were going to be okay.

-Good thing you didn't, you could have been sanctioned unnecessarily! – Bertie smiled thanking them both for that detail and adding more seriousness. - I guess neither Roy nor I are going to get rid of a good scold. Maybe even worse when we tell Miss. Parker that I lost one of my children. I just hope he was found and he's fine. - She lamented resigned and visibly disturbed. -

Cooan hugged her again with a compressive and conciliatory attitude to say.

- You are both safe t that is the only thing that matters. The other will be alright. I am sure.

Beruche nodded but said nothing, her head was busy among other things in many of those that Roy had told her and that she could not dare to share with her sister. Her adventure partner chatted with Tom in his room. The latter, after expressing his relief at the happy return of both, also confessed his concern.

- Beware of Parker. You know, she is angry enough. Therefore, do not tell her anything about the child.

-We will have to tell her that we went in search of him and that's why we got lost, right? -Roy replied, pretending not to understand. -

-You will see. Michael. - Tom commented in reference to the friend Roy called to take care of the children. - He oversaw returning everyone to the school without problems. That kid went with them because he was near the bus and didn't hear the call. Mike himself saw him before he left, he told me about his return. For the school there is no record that any of the children were lost. - Tom concluded staring at his classmate who understood him on the spot. -

- Bertie doesn't know anything, she will surely say that it was her fault, that the child was of her class. - Roy thought out loud that he was now cursing himself for his own unconsciousness. -

- Prevent her from doing it, invent anything! - Tom advised him. - Otherwise, Parker will start investigating and that may cost Bertie the course.

- Careless, I won't allow it. - He affirmed decisively. -But let´s leave this between us. - Roy asked what his friend nodded. -

However, Tom commented with a tone that bordered on suspicion.

- Michael told me something I can't understand. That you were not in the right place. That things were not planned like this... What does that mean?

-You will see friend. - Roy sighed deciding to be sincere. -

And he told his roommate about the bizarre plan he had drawn up. As he sent that boy to pick up some things from the camp and that his friend Mike had gone to pick him up directly without the rest noticing. So, when he and Bertie went out to look for him, he took the boy to the bus that left without novelty. Since Michael assured the driver that the teachers would return by their means.  Same thing that Roy himself said to that driver.  The idea was that this guy would go and look for them soon in his car. But before that "programmed search" began, Bertie anticipated because of her fear that something had happened to the child, she stumbled and fell. He had to go looking for her in that hole, so they were not at the agreed point and Mike could not find them, he became restless and that's when he warned the police. Tom could not believe that his face expressed a visible disappointment, and he did not refrain from manifesting it.

-Have you lost your mind? Do you know what you've done? The fear that Connie has gone through. How worried were we all? And are you going to tell me that you concocted all this to stay alone with Bertie and be able to flirt with her? Of course, of all the stupid and delusional things I've seen you do since I've known you, this win... And to think that I told her that you weren't as crazy as she thought! Don't you realize that Parker could even expel you?

Maybe Tom expected his friend to minimize that by saying that everything had been controlled, or some of those idiocies that he wielded whenever he tried to justify his penultimate mischief. However, this time Roy did none of that. He just listened by lowering his head and fitting that scolding. Finally, he admitted with serious and repentant overtones.

-You're right, buddy. I've been stupid. I'm so sorry! I dare not tell Bertie because she would surely never speak to me again. And she would be right. But I needed to tell someone. Please, let´s keep this between you and me...

-How do you think I would be able to tell anyone any of this? - Tom replied even with a somewhat indignant tinge. -

-I know you won't. You're a great guy Tommy I wish I was such a decent guy! But I can assure you of one thing, and you know me well enough to know that I never give my word lightly. I swear to you from my parents' memory that I haven't done anything with Bertie, nor I have taken advantage of her. I don't even plan to... she's someone special. A good girl with many desires to realize her dream of being a teacher, to help others. She doesn't deserve nobody to play with her feelings and I'm not going to let her suffer anymore or be hurt again because of my nonsense.

His companion looked at him a stunned, although he said nothing. He just nodded by placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. Then he walked away towards the bunk. After a few moments Roy got up to shower and change. Meanwhile, helped by her sister who held her, Bertie did the same. They had been summoned to the office of the head of studies that had been brought up to date by the authorities.

-Hopefully everything will be clarified. And it is resolved well. - Cooan wished her. -

-I don't know. - Bertie sighed, stating regretfully. – Losing one of my students is not going to look very good in my record, don't you think?

-You better calm down. - Her sister advised her to recommend her. - And don't talk before you hear what Miss Parker tells you. -

-Do not worry. I have experience in not talking more than I should. - Bertie said with a faint smile. -

Of course, she remembered her old life well, when she only received instructions and took orders from her superiors without question. It would be better to wait to see what the Head of Studies knew and try to defend herself against any accusations.

-Well, I don't have much defense. - She thought with resigned regret. -

Although it was their obligation to face the music for her actions. That was another lesson she had learned. Whatever happens, it would be better and more worthy to tell the truth. For his part, Roy left his room also with a single objective.

-I must protect her. She must not give up her dreams because of me.

So, once they were ready, they both appeared before Miss Parker. The stern teacher made them sit in front of her and after scrutinizing them with her eyes for a few moments that became centuries, she declared with tinges of reproach and anger. More when paying attention to the crutches and the bandage that the young woman wore.

- You have scared and have compromised the good name of the University. That not surprised me when it comes to you mister Malden, but you, Miss Malinde, frankly I could not imagine it. I guess you would have had a good reason. Do you want to explain to me what has happened?

- You will see Miss. - Beruche mused without daring to raise her head that she had down with her gaze pointed at her hands intertwined at the height of her lap.- It was because I...

-Because she listened to me, poor thing! -Roy intervened by cutting her with a casual voice to her amazement. - You know me! I thought that before leaving we should search the area to collect any remaining paper or garbage that the children left, bottles and so on.

Bertie wanted to resume her disquisition by trying to refute that stupidity. It was she who ran out to find that child without thinking about anything else, but her partner did not let her speak, adding.

- I asked the driver to leave with the children if we were late because I called Michael and he took care of taking them to his school. I didn't want them to be late.

Parker opened her mouth scandalized by the penultimate one mischief that unconscious had done. Although, really and for once, it seemed that he did it carried out of a civic duty. It was difficult to scold him for it. But no, that boy was Roy Malden, the same indecent old profiteer. Surely that ruffian had pretended with the poor girl what he tried with all using that ridiculous excuse. And despite the task she had with him, she could not let that pass.

- Don't go overboard with me, I'm sure you took the opportunity to try something dishonest with your partner, I know you! - The visibly indignant tutor replied. -

Beruche almost stood up flushed, although she immediately sat down again as she felt the pain in her ankle. However, she protested with shocked tone.

-Miss Parker, I assure you that Roy does not!

- What more would I have wanted! – He returned to tertiary leaving Bertie out of place. - He didn't give me a choice! the very dumb fell with her back to a hole when she was looking for anything the children had left. You know, these foreigners are too naïve and trust anyone. And the bad thing is that when I tried to hold her, I fell too, ha, ha! – He laughed seemingly funny about it. -

After turning red with anger and snorting at will, Miss Parker finally snapped at him.

-It is seen that there is no way to make a responsible man out of you. We will talk about this, Mr. Malden! As for you Miss Malinde, you can leave, everything has been this hooligan fault. I regret that you had to be mixed up in this and that you suffered that accident. I advise you not to trust him so much in the future.

Bertie wanted to say something, she thought that all those explanations were nothing more than a lot of lies and she could not allow Roy to bear all the blame. However, he just looked at her and shook his head slightly but significantly. And not satisfied with that he whispered to her.

- A princess must rely on her walking knight to undo the troubles for her.

-What do you bluff? - Parker asked him irritably. -

- Sorry, Miss. - He replied with feigned humility. - This time I went over. But it wasn't with bad intent.

-Oh, this time! - His interlocutor stressed with derision, spewing an order with badly contained fury. - I've had enough! Leave, disappear from my sight! -

- Your wishes are orders for me. - He replied relievedly by getting up immediately. -

The two left the office and Roy had to face her questioning gaze.

-Why did you say that? - Beruche asked, sentencing. – It didn't happen like that.

- Well, I have a reputation to maintain. - He smiled at her. - And you quite another, little cube.

The boy was relieved, in fact he had told the truth in a way that his partner would never believe it. She, for her part, softened her worried countenance with a sincere smile of thanks and shook her head.

-I'm dying of hunger. - He added, changing the subject, and proposing casually. -Are you coming to eat something, or will we see you tomorrow in class?

- It's late now, I want to rest to see if the swelling goes down. I'd better go see my sister, she must be worried about what we've been told, but thank you, Roy. - Bertie laughed a little as she added with feigned regret. - I can no longer call you idiot, it will not be the same ... what a pity!...

- Please give it a try! remember what I just told you, otherwise you would irreparably damage my reputation. - He falsely begged her that, after that comical allegation, he turned around walking away through the corridor.

Beruche stared at him still with a smile on her face.

-He's not a bad boy. - She said. – He has suffered too; I see it in his eyes. Maybe he needs time to change... we all need it... I did much worse things and yet my friends believed in me. He, too, deserves a chance... yes, the verse of that song was right, I must be stronger than my past and I will be. Here I have another opportunity and in turn I must grant it to others, as Ami and the others did with us. - She smiled now with more courage. -

And as she pondered that, she went back to her room. She had to prepare a lot of things for the next day.

For his part, the boy walked away walking slowly but his heart was pounding. It really was his fault, but he wanted to be alone with her. And it wasn't to be taken advantage of, he could swear that. What's more, he had never felt that in his life but when he fell in love with Kelly. And as he told Bertie, that mysterious woman was right. Now he was convinced. He had found the one who was to be his princess. Who was going to say it when they met? His initial idea just a few months earlier would have been to "let's see how I benefit." Maybe with any other girl that would have meant sex in that hole and dump her. He moved his head now reproaching himself. Really if their parents lived, they would be very disappointed. Thanks to Bertie, he saw it now. What he said to Tommy was true. That absurd and irresponsible way of being that he had had in recent years had to end. He promised himself that it would change. Well, at least inside. On the surface he preferred to continue acting as before in the face of others. At least for now. Perhaps now that it seemed that those attacks had stopped, he would have time to rethink his future more seriously and finally get things right.

-Yes, I will be able to be the man my parents always wanted me to be. - He said with renewed optimism. - I owe it to them, and I owe it to my friends... but most of all, I owe it to myself.

However, none of them knew that they had not yet begun the toughest tests they would have to endure...

**START**