GWB22E

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**ESPAÑOL**

67. Regrets.

Kerria awoke in a daze, the sun's rays streaming through her window and shedding light on a peaceful silence that to her was still the echo of her own dull head. She was whistling between her ears and that annoying sensation did not give way despite submerging her face in her hands full of cold water.

- My God! - She complained with a low moan. -

She came out of the bathroom slowly. She was still moving like an automaton around her room. She had little clear recollection of what had happened the night before. The only thing she knew for sure was that her parents must be very angry. Only confusedly did she remember her brother taking her home. She showered for a long time feeling a little better. Later she felt clearer, everything that happened last night now seemed like an unreal nightmare that disappeared when she woke up.

-No, I couldn't have been there, or did any of that. - She wanted to convince herself, when she was assaulted by some brief memory of what happened. -

She finished drying herself and it was then that in the ajar closet she discovered hanging a dress ensemble consisting of a visibly discreet and even elegantly formal skirt and blouse. Surely her mother would have left for her there. Deciding that she should put it on, she did it herself and went downstairs to the kitchen. She was with her head down, in a submissive attitude, expecting to find her parents at any moment and the consequent row that would surely await her, but there was no one there, they should not be at home. Sighing, she made breakfast and looked at her watch.

-It's not half past ten yet. She - She thought strangely. -It's not that late either, I wonder where Mom and Dad are.

Soon the door to the kitchen opened and her brother entered. He said nothing, just looked at her with a mixture of severity and concern.

- Good morning Leval, - she greeted with a low and friendly tone. -

- Kerria, end your breakfast soon and come with me to the school.- The young man replied with a serious tone without using the affectionate name with which he always called her. -

That ended up worrying the girl, if her brother was addressing her in that tone the thing had still been worse than she thought. And why would they have to go to the institute?

- But, today is Saturday! - she objected surprised - we do not have class.

- Dad and mom are there. -The questioned explained to her by looking around the kitchen, as if he did not want to fix his gaze on his sister, when he referred. - They've called the director to talk to him. They are very angry, especially dad. I had never seen him that way, yesterday he scared me. I am very worried about you.

- Leval, what happened yesterday? - Kerria asked musing in a tremulous voice despite being convinced of it. - Did I do something wrong? ..

- Wrong is not the word, - the boy replied, adding with regret, wanting to know in turn.- Do you really remember anything?

- No- she denied with an ostensible movement of her head. - I only remember Debbie and me entering the nightclub. We drank a little and went with a friend of hers to a reserved one. Then I do not know anymore. I only remember you bringing me home, but I'm still confused.

Leval shook his head with disapproving resignation and told her what had happened. This time without omissions, the girl was frightened. She could not believe that she had acted in that way but her brother did not have to deceive her. Moreover, she clearly saw that he was not doing so and he added with evident pessimism.

- I have not said anything of that to dad or mom, even so, you better get ready because I do not think they are very understanding with you. But do not worry, I'll be there by your side. - He added to try to cheer her up - I'll try to help you as much as I can.

The boy thought about  it that same morning. He got up around eight o'clock, he could not sleep much either. By then his parents were already awake. Moreover, even willing to leave home. It was his mother who told him.

- Son, wait for your sister to wake up. We are going to see the director. I have left Kerria proper clothes in the closet. When you're ready, you accompany her to the institute.

-Very good, mom. - He agreed, watching from the corner of his eye the dour and angry rictus of his father, who, however, did not say a word. - As soon as we can, we'll be there.

-Come on Bertie.- Then Roy finished in a dry tone.-

Both were well dressed, Leval saw his father in a suit and tie what was not usual on his days off. His mother also wore a trouser suit, pearl gray. With her hair also collected in a bun. In the style of aunt Petz. That certainly could not bode well. He sighed when his sister's tears brought him out of his thoughts.

- Leval forgive me! - The girl asked hugging him between sobs. - I did not know what I was doing, I did not want to cause you problems too.

- Now it's too late to think about that. - He said that, despite everything, tried to say conciliatory. - But take it easy, I guess after the row and the punishment that you will receive everything will be fixed.

- Yes, I'll accept whatever. - Affirmed his sister preparing mentally for it. -

As soon as she was able to finish breakfast, her stomach was contracted by the nerves and the fear that assailed her at the prospects that were coming upon her. She didn't know about Debbie either. What would happen to her yesterday? She possibly she returned to her house. She lived in the city, in fact, she had to take the bus to go to the institute.

-I have to see her as soon as she can. And clear this up at once. But now I have no choice but to do what they tell me. -She thought full of anguish.-

Of course, the very idea of facing her parents right now terrified her. But it was useless to try to postpone that and she along with her brother went to the institute. They were walking to get rid of her nerves. She passed near Amethyst's house, although she assumed she would be in some of her sporting activities.

-Better leave her out of this. The fewer people that find out, the better. Besides, she has nothing to do with it. - Kerria mused. -

At last they arrived at the school gates. The girl's heart beat faster. Luckily her brother was by her side. They had not spoken on the way. That was another thing that scared her. Leval always used to tell her something or ask her something when they were on their way to high school. However, the girl noticed that her brother was watching her askance, and even with distrust, as if she were looking at a complete stranger.

-I don't know what I did yesterday, but if even Leval behaves like this with me, God help me when he sees Mom and Dad! She-she thought with anxiety. -

When she arrived she did not delay. She went inside along with her brother. At her reception they told her to go to the director's office. But only she had to enter. She so she did, Leval gave her one last encouragement and went to sit in the waiting room. Kerria's heart was pounding, she knocked on the door and they gave her permission to enter, she did it shyly. As soon as she entered, she closed her softly behind her and she discovered Mr. Scott, the director of her institute, sitting in her armchair, flanked by her parents, both standing.

- Hi dad, hello mom, good morning Mr. Scott - she greeted almost with a whisper. -

Only Mr. Scott returned a few good morning courtesies. Her father said nothing, his face looked like a sphinx, inscrutable but menacing. Beruche looked at her in a cold way, as in her times of evil sister, telling her in a dry way.

-You've already woken up? Well, it's not too late, I hope your brother has explained to you why we are here.

- Yes, he told me. - Kerria confirmed with a thin voice while lowering her head. -

- Your behavior will seem nice to you. - Her mother reproached her, losing something of that coldness in favor of a growing look of indignation, which perfectly accompanied her tone. - This time you've gone too far. Now sit down. -She pointed to one of the chairs in the office and ordered her with a stern grin. - Your director is going to ask you a series of questions, answer him.

Kerria looked at her father who was standing with a very serious expression, without saying a word.

- Dad, what are Mr. Scott going to ask me? - She asked shyly. -

- You've heard your mother. - Roy answered coldly - obey! - He snapped and the intimidated girl sat down immediately. –

Mr. Scott had been surprised that morning when he received the call from Beruche, whom he already knew from the directors' meetings of the various schools and from the interviews he had had with her, when she occasionally visited the school to learn about the progress of her children. He made an appointment with Kerria's parents at nine and then he had to listen patiently to Roy's reproaches about his daughter's classmates. He hurried to try to calm him down and asked him to call the girl so they could all speak. They replied that the girl would come as soon as possible. So now the girl was sitting there waiting nervous and he proceeded with his questions. Seeing her fearful expression he tried to mitigate the charged environment with a more benevolent tint.

- Well, Kerria, your parents have asked me to cut to the chase and I think it's for the best. Tell me, who were with you in that disco? It is a very serious matter and we must know it.

- I'm sorry, sir. - She mumbled as soon as she faced his eyes - but ... I cannot tell you that.

- Covering them up it does not do you any good. - The director patiently insisted that he tried to reassure her by adding. - I cannot punish them, because what they were doing, bad or not, is outside my jurisdiction. But, of course, your behavior does not make me feel good at all. However, their parents must be informed to avoid greater evils. And I also feel guilty because we are talking about students of this center. Please, answer my question. Who was with you?

- I'm really sorry, sir - she repeated again, this time looking at the ground - I cannot tell you ...

- Your director has asked you a very clear question! - Her father intervened losing his apparent calm - and you will answer him right now! - He shouted shaking the chair where his daughter was .Now Kerria was trembling with fear. -

- Roy ... - Bertie teased between fearful and embarrassed, holding her husband's arm. - You promised that you were not going to intervene, please, calm down.

The girl was very scared, not because of the director, but because of the look she saw in her father's eyes. She had never seen him so angry and could only whisper with words run over.

- I'm sorry, really, I know what I did was not good at all. But I will not do it again. I crossed the line we didn´t know what we were doing, that's all. Excuse me please! - She asked with tears in her eyes but her parents did not respond. -

- Kerria - Mr. Scott sighed, armed with patience to return to the charge. - If you tell us who was going with you, I'm sure your parents will see that you regret it, do not make it harder.

- You better answer already. - Roy demanded, tempering his anger a bit with a voice full of coldness, which almost made his daughter even more fearsome – and you better do it quickly, because of the punishment that awaits you, you will not get rid of it no matter how much you beg us.

The girl kept her head down as if she could hide from everything. She did not say anything, she could not tell on her classmates or she would be finished there. At least she had to maintain her dignity, anyway, she did not know for sure how many could have frequented those places, only two or three fuzzy names that she preferred not to pronounce, among them that the one of her friend, Debbie. Especially because of her she had to remain silent. So she interlaced her trembling hands and sobbed as low as she could.

- I'm not going to insist more. - The director resigned in a resigned tone to declare. - I'm sorry, but I think this situation with Kerria concerns you as parents. We will take the rest of the investigation. I promise you that I will personally get involved in getting to the bottom of this vexing matter.

- You have been very kind. - Roy answered recovering a little precarious calm. - I apologize for all the inconvenience we have caused.

- Do not worry, I understand, I also have children of this age and I would surely have acted just like you. - The director nodded, then he looked at Mrs. Malden adding with a tone that tried to be conciliatory. - Pleased to see you again, although I would have preferred it to be in more pleasant circumstances, I hope you can fix things.

- Thanks, Mr. Scott. You have been very kind. - Bertie said using her usual polite tone now. -Greet your wife on my behalf.

The director left lending them his office so they could talk privately with the girl. Then Leval appeared, waiting impatiently for the outcome of that. Seeing him Kerria seemed to renew her hopes. The girl smiled shyly. Her brother had always helped her to mitigate punishments and fights. But this time Beruche looked at her son and said in an inflexible tone.

- Leval please, wait for us outside, your father and I have to talk to your sister alone.

He tried to say something, but his parents were unappealable, even his sister understood that it would no longer be of any use, she preferred to face whatever it was alone. She looked at him and he understood perfectly. So he left her office without ceasing to observe her with a feeling of fear for what he might happen. The boy himself was worried, as well as Kerria for him. He remembered perfectly how he managed to get his sister out of that den, and the blows she dealt. Even having been provoked. The downside is that he didn't measure his strength. In fact, he didn't think she had that much.

-I hope I haven't seriously hurt anyone. He could go to jail. He-he meditated with fear. -

And that would ruin his life. All his dreams and longings to become a pilot and to have a distinguished career in the military. He sighed, hoping that no one had gone wrong and that they couldn't find him. Anyway, in gambling dens like these fights were very frequent. They would surely have taken him for one more troublemaker. And if he felt bad and was scared, his sister was much more so. Inside Mr. Scott's office, once the door was closed, a few tense moments passed in which no one did or said anything. Finally, Roy approached his daughter again, snorted and tried to remain calm, although it was clear beforehand that his efforts were going to be wasted.

- I would like to know what the hell was going through your head to go to a club like that.- He reproached her, containing as much as possible his indignation. -

This was one of those situations in which if Kerria tried to defend herself with words she would further enrage her father. She could only remain silent and endure the downpour, in the vague hope that it would dissolve by itself. But far from dying, the storm raged. Roy continued to carry his words with an increasing tone of anger.

- I think we've been very clear about the places you can or cannot go to. We've had a lot of patience with you when you've been late, more and more late! We allow you to come and go at your leisure with your class friends. We trusted you and you pay us this way.

The girl was like a doll with no vestige of emotion, she could not oppose anything to that. She just waited with more and more fear and desolation for her father to burst at once. She knew he was absolutely right. Neither was she able to justify herself. In fact, she wanted everything to end as soon as possible with the foreseeable punishment, no matter how great it would be, and then hopefully her parents would leave her alone. Nevertheless, now it was her mother who intervened almost as a desperate plea.

- If at least you say who have shown you those places we will avoid that their parents take away some serious displeasure. Think about it, daughter! Do not you see that with your attitude you make things worse?

Kerria barely allowed herself to raise her tearful eyes to her mother who was waiting for an answer, the girl only could said a muffled moan. She wish she could transmit all her impotence, her fears and her confusion, the causes that had led her to this! But she firmly believed that doing so she would face something much worse than she already had. Ultimately this would happen and will be forgotten, sooner or later, the other would not. And her silence made her father definitively lose patience. With one hand and not much delicacy, she lifted her daughter's chin to make her look at him and snapped.

-Look at me when I talk to you and listen well to what I'm going to tell you, brat! Although you do not want to tell us who they are, I assure you I will find out. And when I know I forbid you, do you hear me? I forbid you to see them again! You will be punished without leaving indefinitely, only from home to the institute. I will go to bring you and take you if necessary and if for some reason I could not do it someday, I want you to be back home, at the right time. Whatever it takes to go and return, not for a minute more! And the least bad behavior you show, I swear I´ll send you to a boarding school. Now, go home to your mother! I do not want to see you until dinner.

- Dad! – Kerria sobbed.- Sorry ...I am..

The girl gave a pleading look to her parents about to burst into tears but this time Roy was insensitive to her pleas. He turned his back looking out the window and crossed his arms.

- I said get out of my sight. - He repeated returning to his previous coldness. -

Beruche touched her daughter's shoulder and said in an expressionless manner.

- You've heard your father, get up and go home, there, we will talk you and me.

Kerria obeyed, dutifully following her mother and they both left. Leval, who continued to wait there, approached immediately, asking his sister who was shuffling along with her head buried between her shoulders.

-What happened? - She said nothing, just looked at the ground and cried in silence. -

- Do not worry, Leval. - Beruche reassured him with something more kindness. - You do what you should do this morning, I'll take care of your sister.

The boy was silent, not knowing what to say, he hugged the girl who clung to him crying disconsolately, demanding some warmth and affection in the middle of that hell of coldness and anger that surrounded her. But her mother, very reluctantly, separated her sharply, emphasizing her with an unshakable tone.

- Kerria, it's enough, this only concerns you. You are old enough to start facing your own problems. You cannot depend on your brother helping you with this, it's too serious. - And then she addressed his son more courageously. - Go away, I'll take care of everything. And do not worry more about your sister, I trust that she will have learned the lesson when her punishment ends.

He nodded regretfully and walked away looking back until he didn't see his mother or Ky. In a short time he arrived at the pool as he was due for swimming training. There were his teammates, warming up for him, he apologized for being late and joined them. Amethyst appeared there, completely oblivious to what was happening with Kerria. In fact, she spent the night sleeping wonderfully. She got up a little late and thought about going for a swim to wake herself up. Also, she knew that her friend's brother had training and she decided to go see if she could meet him. Now she was with one of her friends from her team.

- How about last night? - Lana wanted to know. -

And it is that her friend knew from herself of Amethyst's plans. The Frenchwoman told her on the phone with great joy.

- What luck you are! What a guide you have! -Lana told her when she found out about her, to add, yes, with a tinge of annoyance for her partner. -The bad thing is that his sister also goes.

-Hey. Which was precisely Kerria's idea. She does it to help me. She is very nice. - Amethyst defended her. -

-That's true. -Her friend admitted, that she said goodbye asking her. - Well, you'll tell me. Hey?

And indeed, Lana herself, along with Norma and Sandra, who made up the nucleus of Amethyst's friends, surrounded her in search of gossip. It was Sandra who questioned her first as soon as she saw her appear in her locker room after having exercised a bit in the pool.

- Tell us, Tist!

-Oh well. Nothing can be said to you, Sandra. You already had to blow it to all of them! - She jovially scolded Lana for any reply. -

-Understand it. When a girl goes on a date with Leval, it's really interesting news. - The questioned woman jokingly defended herself. -

-Even if you were with his little sister as a carbine. - Norma intervened. -

-Kerria had the detail to propose that idea, and, besides, then she left and left us alone for dinner. - Amethyst smiled, adding with obvious appreciation. - As soon as I see she, I'll thank her.

- Come on! Don't tell me Kerria left. - A surprised Sandra commented. -Did she tell you with whom?

-I think she had a date with some boy. - the questioned guessed. -

Sandra and Norma looked at each other, as did Lana. They seemed puzzled of course. Amethyst did not understand that attitude and added.

-Well, she has the right to have her own plans.

-Yes of course. - Lana agreed that like the rest they seemed to want to change the subject, or rather focus on what mattered. - And then, was there something? You understand me.

-We have dinner and talk about various things. He took me home tehn. Let's see, girls! What did you think? His parents and mine are friends. I can't go fast ... and besides, I don't want to ...

But disappointment was outlined in the gesture of her friends. Norma shook her head pleadingly.

-Girl, that's not a good sign.

- Why not? - The French replied. -

-I mean, it's great that you've dated, but that doesn't count as a real date. -Her interlocutor valuated. -

- And can you know why not? - Amethyst asked being upset to hear that. -

-Let's see. - Sandra sighed now, with a conciliatory and cautious tone especially when commenting. - I don't know how to say it without making you angry.

-Well, say it clearly. - The interlocutor of hers ordered to her that already she actually beganto get angry. -

-Look, Tist. We don't mean to say you're not interested, but think about it. It was his sister who proposed the departure of the three. You said yourself that your parents are friends. They may have wanted to be nice and show you around the city.

-That is if Kerria hasn't taken advantage of you in part to carry out her own plans. - Norma added suspiciously, who then realized. - By the way. She hasn't come to train with us today.

-Oh, come on! She did it with the best of intentions. I am sure. -She reaffirmed her conversation, defending her absent friend. - And today is Saturday. She will have preferred to rest. I don't know why you say those things about her.

Her partner shrugged, looking at each other once more with the others. Amethyst was going to ask what was wrong with them when they heard the boys. They were finishing up and coming out of the pool. They immediately went to see them. At least looking for a very specific one.

-Hi Amethyst. What do you do next? - He wanted to know one of the components of the men's swimming team. -

-Nothing that might interest you. - She replied, outlining a malicious smile. -

-Come on, give us a chance. - He asked another boy who was certainly attractive. -

-When you are able to beat me in a race. - The young woman challenged them. -

The others looked at each other discouraged, they were tired after training and that girl was very fast. But mostly they realized that she only had eyes for her partner Leval who was just coming out of the pool, since she arrived later than the rest of her. On the side of her, Amethyst had warmed up before, swimming a few lengths and feeling fit. She walked over to him and saluted cheerfully.

- Hi, Leval, are you tired? Do not you want us to make a race?

- No, thank you Amethyst. - He declined. - Another day, okay? Yes, now I'm tired. - He said it more to avoid the commitment, because he did not have any fatigue despite the hard training. –

-Are you afraid of me? - She laughed, adding with simulated understanding. - You are wise. I'm the fastest and I even beat many of your teammates.

Then some of these guys looked at the boy somewhat embarrassed and nodded, even one warned him.

- She is quite good Leval, I've never seen a girl swimming like that.

- And in two hundred meters nobody can beat me. - Amethyst proclaimed jocular. - I told you I had the record of my high school. And now I have this, the girls record, of course, the boys I have not yet proposed to beat it, ha, ha.

Leval did not want to waste time with her. At least not from the childhood perspective that she proposed. He really felt bewildered with Amethyst. He thought she was a more serious girl. At least the night before when they spoke she showed that impression. But girls her age might have two faces. He had just checked with his own sister and in the end this was silly. It could be that  girl had her sporting pride and that in front of the others she could not avoid challenging him. Anyway, that might take away the tension he had suffered with his sister. If that girl wanted to play, he would play a little with her. After all, he was beginning to be curious about the fame that the French girl, as some envious companion called her, had acquired as a good athlete. Until now he had not seen her in action and he also wanted to find someone who was more competitive than the rest, against whom, most of the time, he could not reach his full potential. So he decided then, he looked at her in turn mockingly and said.

- So you're quite good. Do not you? Okay, you win, I am on, a race, two hundred meters. Do you think it's OK.

- Perfect. - The girl nodded pleased that he accepted the challenge and more in her preferred distance. -

Leval thought for a moment and added.

- Considering the female record ...

However, he could not finish the sentence. Amethyst cut him off exclaiming.

-I'm so sure of my chances that I'll bet you a dinner, the loser invites the other, in the most expensive place there is!

Actually, she wanted both of them to get out again, but she was too proud and shy at the time to propose it directly. This was the best way she could find. The one that could most approach them given their preferences. Nevertheless he declared with a calm tone and seemed that even with a little contemptuous voice.

- Very good, but you have not let me finish. I was going to tell you that taking into account that time you will need a small advantage so that you have possibilities.

The boys smiled with amusement, they loved that their partner lowered the fumes to that arrogant and the girls, like Amethyst, looked at him with some indignation.

- Your machismo has gone out, huh? - She commented ironically that she conceded with apparent indifference, (although she did not like the way he had to say it) - Well, your companions were foolish enough to make the same mistake. I will enjoy winning you too.

- Well, let's go there. Or do you want to warm up? - He offered while smiling confidently. -

- No, I'm more than ready. - She asserted very safe and returning the same smile of confidence in herself. –

- Come on Tist! hard on him. - Lana encouraged her. -

-Give him a lesson. - Sandra added. -

The boy grinned widely now, almost fatherly. While Amethyst exhibited a concentrated grin. Both went up to the drawers to throw themselves, the signal would be given by one of Leval's companions. They waited, he with apparent calm, she with a more than notorious impatience, and as soon as they heard the prepared, ready, now , they reacted. At least Amethyst, who jumped into the water with an unbeatable style and began to swim with fury, looked like a missile !, almost all people there were open-mouthed. But her opponent limited himself to looking at her indolently, without jumping yet. She who was swimming with all her strength was already ten meters away. Leval did not jump, fifteen meters, twenty meters.

- What is he waiting for? Had it seemed like a false start? - The girl thought indignant but she was not going to stop - twenty five meters, thirty, but something told her that the boy knew perfectly that the exit was good. - What would he have believed? He will not even be able to reach me. I'm going to win but I do not want to do it like that, cocky! He does not take me seriously but he's going to find out what I am capable of.

So forty meters, forty-five ... And finally Leval jumped into the water while Amethyst turned in the first fifty meters, with an excellent time. At an impressive speed, he was cutting differences. Leval came across her in the middle of the pool. The young woman could not believe that her rival swam so fast and although she already accused the tiredness, she tried to increase her pace. The boy already turned in his pursuit while she still had ten meters to do it again. As soon as the girl turned, Leval was already beyond the middle of the pool, so he had reduced twenty-five of the fifty meters of disadvantage in just a moment! This time he caught up with her crossing in the opposite direction, when she had only traveled seven meters, after a few seconds, he turned in the same direction and there were only ten difference between them.

- That boy is not human, but I will not surrender! - The exhausted girl thought, although in spite of everything, she drew strength from her determination and her pride to accelerate to the limit of her possibilities or even beyond. - I'll go with everything I have. I'm not going to lose!

Leval was already only five meters away when she turned to face the last length. Little by little, he was getting closer. His astonished rival only had ten meters to finish and he was only two far away from her. Five meters for the goal. All the boys and girls held their breath and did not miss any detail. That impressive athlete was only a meter apart. When she was only two for reaching the goal, he equaled her with only one meter. But when everyone thought he was going to win, he let himself go so that his shattered adversary could reach him. They touched the goal at same time. Amethyst was panting on the edge, almost unable to breathe, while Leval, panting tired but much more fresh. He came out of the water. He even helped her by holding her by the arms and pulling her up. The others erupted in applause. It had been an incredible exhibition! As soon as the Amethyst herself had been recovered a little, she looked at the astonished chrono, they had lowered the record that she herself had! But even so, she could not, with fifty meters of advantage over two hundred, win over Leval. And now she remembered the boy's previous words, they were not the product of vanity, machismo or haughtiness. They were the pure and objective truth!

- Congratulations.- He then declared, giving his competitor a towel and assuring with kindness.- You have swum very well, I have never seen anyone advance at that speed. I have not been able to beat you, I believe that the most just thing was the draw.

-Do you tease me? - She said panting even for the effort, between surprised and hurt in her self-pride to reproach him. - You went ahead and then you let me reach you, why?

- No, it wasn´t like that! - Leval denied. - I made a lot of effort to recover the distance and I was exhausted. I gave you too much advantage. It was a mistake. I have to admit that you are very good. Nobody had managed to tie me up until now. So neither of us has won, we will have to postpone dinner for another time. - And after that conclusion he smiled amused at the bewildered girl. –

- I challenge you to any other sport. - She answered resolutely. - But this time I do not want advantages, I do not like them. I prefer to lose without palliative than to receive that kind of aid. It will be a fair challenge, okay?

- Ok - He nodded pleased to see that his interlocutor had that kind of dignity. - But now I have to go home. We'll talk about that. Bye.

And he walked away calmly leaving Amethyst still breathing hard and her heart beating almost to the breast, and not just for the effort of that race.

- He is formidable! - She thought. - I never saw anyone the same ...

The young woman struggled between the feeling of having been humiliated, something that she was certainly not used to and could not bear and that of disbelief, having been for someone who of course seemed from another planet. She really could not do more, nobody could have done anything in front of that boy! Her new record testified it and in this she thought to console herself without being able to assimilate it yet. In that her friend Lana, a blond girl with medium hair and blue eyes, really pretty, who was the second captain of the cheerleaders of the school, approached along with two other companions, exclaiming.

-Wow girl! - It was amazing! You have been able to measure yourself with Leval almost as an equal ...

-Do you tease me? - The interpellated smiled shaking her head.- I haven´t stand a chance against him. At least in swimming. And that is one of my strengths.

- But you've managed to draw his attention. I really envy you. - Confessed her friend commenting almost confidentially. - They say he likes intrepid girls. Look, I've tried to go out with him, but mission impossible.

- Yes, I envy you too.-  Tiffany, another of Amethyst's classmates who was a girl of color, much shorter than her, said.- We thought that, after going out with Lorna, some of us might have a chance. But for him we do not exist .-She sighed desolate as the rest of her companions.-

- That is not quite true! - Lana laughed with jocularity in the tone, while in a more than acceptable French in reference to amethyst sentenced .- Nous avons ici the femme idéale pour Leval!

Her friend blushed at the sight to the delight of the rest, she hastened to reply in her native language.

-Pa du bêtises!

-Come now! you are wishing that. - Lory affirmed, she was another one of her companions,  brown hair, brown eyes and medium stature.-

-Well.- The aforementioned granted, already in English to confess.- He is a very nice boy, really. I did not think he was like that. What is more. Yesterday we were actually having dinner ...

- How come? - Her companions exclaimed, surrounding her immediately with desires to know that history.-

Amethyst sighed, glaring at that gossip. Although, what was to be done! She would have to tell it all over again. But now she chose to do it with a much more modest and unpretentious tone.

-It was nothing particular. Seriously. - The  blushed girl, hastened to referring to her attentive listeners. - I went with Leval and his sister to know the city. Their parents and mine have been friends for a long time.

Although to Amethyst's surprise, the expressions of her friends became more serious than usual and it was Lana who commented to her this time with a joke-free tone ...

-Be careful with Kerria. Lately you can´t trust her.

-What? - The young woman could reply, observing her interlocutor with amazement and adding, with annoyance.- Do not say nonsense, she is a good friend of mine. The idea of knowing the city and that her brother took us was hers. She was trying to help me.

-Yes, of course ... and then took advantage of the circumstance.- Tiffany declared.-

-Well, that's fine now. - The French woman stood up, finally being able to ask with visible discomfort. - What's wrong with Kerria? ...

In front of Amethyst's surprised face, the others told her in turn what had been known by the gossip. Some companion saw Kerria in a place that not a few frequented. And they saw her with that Deborah, the new girl. That one that barely related to anyone there. She had recently moved and it was rumored that she was not good at all. Although the explanation given was that her parents moved for work. She was a very strange girl, dressed in black, almost with a Gothic touch at times, and with whom Leval's sister seemed to get along very well, too well, they thought. Amethyst herself had seen her from time to time and regardless of her appearance, she did not appreciate anything strange about that girl.

-We are not saying that Kerria is a bad girl. Only that company is not very advisable for her.

-Bah! - Contemplated her partner.- I have seen her at home, I know her family and I can assure you that this is nonsense. And what if she went to a disco? Are not we crazy to go? What happens is that my mother watches me like a hawk and if I happened to do something similar she would punish me until I turned forty. -She sighed with annoyance.-

- Well, girl, if you say so, it will be like this. - Lana replied, tried to leave that annoying issue to go back to the previous topic.- Follow that path and I'm sure that Leval will fall into your net, ha ha ...

Amethyst laughed helplessly. I wish her companions were right! And she along with all of her left there, ready to go home. Her though she was surprised that Kerria had told her that she was going to see a boy. Well, actually maybe she was the one who made that deduction.

-Now that I think about it, she didn't mention any particular boy. She spoke of a friend. I took it for a simple excuse, but maybe it was true. -Well, what difference does it make? They would go to the disco to flirt with some hot guys, they pissed him off, that's all. And so she let him go, forgetting about Kerria, to think of Leval again. -It's incredible. With all the advantage she gave me I knew he would catch up with me! It was enough for him to overcome me and then he allowed himself to be reached, despite what he says he did it on purpose, of that I am sure. The thing is, he didn't want to humiliate me. You are an impressive opponent Leval. But challenges are not attached to me, neither sports nor those of another kind. - She thought full of emotion. - On the contrary, it's what I like the most.

That had only reinforced her determination to get that boy's attention. If there was a boy good enough for her, it was him. Maybe it was immodesty to sin but if something was never Amethyst it was hypocritical. Deep down, she craved for somebody like that. A guy able to be kind and considerate but not for being weak or servile, but strong and confident. Although now two opposing and at the same time complementary feelings were opening before her. Rivalry mixed with desire and she would manage to satisfy both in one way or another. Although that yes, always that her dignity and her sporting pride and especially personal, remained intact. What she would never do is play dirty or stoop. She already had enough with François and anyway, this challenge did not deserve to act in a disrespectful way. If she could not achieve it by her own effort, she would not want it. Now she just had to think about how to get it ...

-It will be difficult, I will have to give the best of me to be at your level.- She thought really motivated.-

And in the house of the Malden, Beruche, without saying a word, told Kerria to go up to her room. The desolate girl could not help bursting into tears again and hugged her mother asking forgiveness again and again. Bertie could not help it and relented despite her alleged coldness, she knew that her daughter was having a very bad time. She suffered too seeing her in that situation and at last she also embraced her.

- Now. - She whispered more gently. - I'll go find your father and try to calm him down. I do not promise anything, but you better be good for a long time.

The girl nodded weakly, she wanted to be forgiven. She craved for her parents showed her understanding, being able to open up and accept her. To return to have the affection of yesteryear. Although right now, the first thing was to save this situation. At least the words of her mother the comforted her by inviting her to have hope. If depending on her, she would endeavor to do what she was told.

-I promise you mom. I will do anything you want. - She could babble.-

Beruche just nodded, leaving the still sobbing Kerria in her room after giving her an affectionate kiss on the forehead. She soon she returned to the institute to meet Roy. Her husband was still waiting there, trying to calm himself completely. He had a chat with the director who had been worried out there, waiting to know how things had turned out. He was finally able to calm down enough to agree with that man that steps would be taken to prevent something like this from happening again. And when Mr. Scott said goodbye, Roy couldn't help but be overwhelmed with unease and sadness. He wondered over and over what was wrong with his daughter. Had he stopped taking care of her just once? Always, despite trips with the team and his busy work schedule, he had made time for the boys. They were his highest priority. Same as for Bertie. And although he in his dismissal could have left things to attend to, his wife for sure, no. Still, he couldn't help but think that Kerria had disappointed him in the worst way. She was just a little over a couple of years ago she was an innocent girl who played with dolls and she listened to him rapt when he told her a story. How had she been able to change her so much in such a short time? It's more. Since when was she like that? Had she already done such things without him or Bertie knowing? That scared him. He wish this had been the first and only time and they had nipped the issue in the bud! Yes, that he wanted to believe. From now on he would be much more aware of the girl. He was thinking now of the conversation he had with his wife while they were on their way to school.

-I'm very worried, Bertie. I want to find out who has taken her to those places. I'll start by suing that local scoundrel for allowing minors to enter ...

-Roy, please. Don't look for complications. - She asked him. -

He gave her a puzzled look. He could barely reply.

-I do not understand. I thought you would agree with me to sue those scoundrels.

-I am, but now I worry much more about our daughter. -She affirmed her contertulia, claiming. - In addition, I do not want lawsuits or processes that make anyone start investigating us or taking us out on television. And even less so that they are going to get into Kerria's privacy.

-Yes, it's true, I had forgotten that. - He admitted. -

As a former professional basketball player and coach, he was already quite famous and didn't want to attract more attention. In line with those same fears, his wife added.

-That's why, even if I don't like the idea. It is better to forget about those individuals. Let's thank God that our little girl is safe and sound and let's see what has happened to her, to prevent this from happening again in the future.

And so they decided. Now Roy was turning that around in the schoolyard. Beruche found it when he was meditating on it sitting in the gardens outside. After greeting him, she proposed to her husband to go shopping in the city. Roy was not very willing, he did not stop telling her how lost he felt in relation to her daughter. How frustrating it was for him to see her act like this.

-Besides, her birthday is going to be in a few days. I had thought of giving her a special gift. It's fifteen years, Bertie! But now I have to punish her. She will suffer without a party and without her friends. And I don't really like having to come to that. But she has deserved it. We have not suffered so much for this! We have not fought so many battles for this! She-she repeated over and over again with visible discomfort. -

She listened to him putting the counterpoint of serenity and affection and tried to appease him with kind words.

-She's changing because she's a teenager. - His wife explained, adding gently. - You have to give him time.

- I can not understand it. - He repeated, lamenting. - I would never have expected it from our daughter. We have always protected her from everything.

- C'mon darling. - Bertie replied somewhat more jovially. - Try to remind yourself at her age.

- At her age I was just a kid who played basketball. I did not go into bars or get drunk. - Her husband answered uneasily. -

- Roy! - His interlocutor smiled, adding with a funny warning tone. - I met you in your golden age. And never better said! you even ended up to shine of that color in your hair.

Her husband could barely smile faintly remembering that and after sighing he replied in a reflexive and nostalgic way.

-In fact, you were the reason why I became a super saiyajin for the first time. Seriously, honey. - He could now say more concerned. - It was not the same. I lost my parents, that you know. And I was a few years older than Kerria. She is already at the school. She has just started it. And more importantly, she has us. She is not alone as I was. Nor she is possessed by any demon. Not for the energy of any dark crystal as it happened to you. There is nothing supernatural here. And that, paradoxical as it is, is what scares me the most. I do not know how to face this. Have I been such a bad father?

-Of course not, silly.- His wife tried to encourage him.- You are a wonderful father.

-You sure are a great mother. And that you have been with our children much longer than I. But for that very reason I am afraid. What could have happened to us? Until yesterday I thought I knew our daughter ... I could have never imagined something like this. Do not you think the same?

On that point his wife had to agree with him. However, after thinking about it for a few moments, she answered with sincere concern, while holding on to one of her husband's arms with both hands as they walked down the street.

-I do not know Roy, but somehow I think something happens to our daughter. And I do not mean what she has done. That, in my opinion, is just a symptom of something else.

- Like what? - He wanted to know. - What can happen to her? She lives in a great place, she has her family who loves her, she has friends ...

- I still have no idea, she may be experimenting, trying to find her place in the world, as teenagers do. But do not worry, I assure you I'll find out. - His wife affirmed with a determined tone. - Leave it to me darling. A mother knows how to dig into these things.

So her husband shook his head between incredulous and disapproving. He could not think of anything to justify his daughter's actions. But he trusted Bertie. She could chat with Kerria about intimacies and topics that for him, being a man, were forbidden. Or at least of course he felt very uncomfortable at the mere idea that his little girl had grown so much that she was becoming a woman. God knows in how many senses!

-Well, I guess she started with the period a couple of years ago, or so I think. It's Bertie who knows. And if I was terrified then that she would ask me questions about those things. I can't even imagine it now.

He pondered this between restless and guilty, commenting often to his wife, not without an ironic self-reproach.

-It's funny, little cube. I am a Saiyan prince, I can become a super powerful warrior. I have faced without hesitation really terrible beings risking my life and even losing it. You also know that I was very successful with women. I have flirted with many and I know well how they like to have certain things done to them.

-Yes I know, you scoundrel. - His wife smiled affably. -

He allowed himself to smile a little in return, but continued to admit in embarrassment.

-In contrast, when it comes to talking about this in relation to my own daughter, I would rather hide in the North Pole or endure a training with Piccolo in the Corner, rather than sit with Kerria and have a simple conversation on these topics. I don't know, maybe I am more old-fashioned than I thought. Now I understand why my parents avoided depending on what kind of talks.

He sighed uneasily, however his wife tried to cheer him up, grudgingly succeeding as she led him to the mall.

-Come on, we'll be in this together, as always. - She whispered affectionately. -

Meanwhile, Kerria, taking advantage of the fact that no one was home, phoned Debbie. She had a hard time to have the call responded, but finally someone answered. However, it was not her friend but a grown woman's voice.

-Who is there?

-Good afternoon, Mrs. Hunter ... - She could say shyly after recovering from the surprise. - I'm Kerria Malden, I was calling to speak with Deborah.

-She's not at home right now. - That woman answered in a cordial tone. - But I'll tell her that you called, so she can call you back.

-No, it is alright. Do not worry. I'll call her again. Thanks a lot. - The girl answered with evident nervousness. -

-As you want. Goodbye. - That woman said and hanging up. -

Kerria stood with the phone in her hand, breathing a little shakily. She had called her friend's cell phone and yet it was her mother who answered. Something had to be happening there. Good thing she didn't send her a WhatsApp! If she had written something compromising that woman she would have read it.

-Maybe they punished her too. I will have no choice but to wait to see her at school. And that will not be easy now. -She sighed.-

And regretting her bad luck, she decided to lie down to rest a little. Surely she would need a lot to be able to face the hard days ahead. How little could she imagine then how really difficult things were going to get for her!

**ESPAÑOL**

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