Ophelia by Jude Ouvrard Read Free Book Online

thanking us, it’s not like you had to force me to go with you.”
    He smiled shyly. “I know, but today is special. It’s my birthday.”
    The blood drained from my face. This declaration meant so many things. First, I’d had no clue, so I didn't get him a present and I felt like an idiot. Second, he was eighteen years old, meaning he was now free. Free to leave the center and I didn't like that at all. In fact, I hated it. There was no way I was going to say goodbye, I cared way too much to let him go.
    “Lia, are you okay?” Beverly asked, worried.
    My heartbeat was so strong that I felt it in my ears. “Happy birthday,” I answered with a broken voice.
    “Don't be like that, Lia. I told you I’m not going anywhere.”
    “You are free... free to leave the center.”
    “I am, but I’m not going far. My dad lives 10 minutes away. I’ll be staying there until we're ready to move. I hope you don't mind, Beverly.” He looked at her, his eyes begging for approval. “I just can’t let her go.”
    “If she's fine with it, so am I.” Beverly added.
    He smiled with more self-assurance. “Tonight was perfect. I was with people who cared and it meant a lot to me.”
    “Why didn't you tell me?” I needed to know.
    “Because I didn’t want you sad, I wanted you happy. You smiled, you laughed, you were happy all evening and I don’t want that to change now.” His eyebrow furrowed. He really did want me to have a good time on his special day.
    “Wow, geez, guys! You sound like a thirty year married couple. Way too intense for my taste,” Beverly exclaimed. “When did you get so mature?’’
    Her words surprised me. When did I get so mature? My life had made me mature in a short amount of time. “My life is like a wildfire that I’m trying to keep control of. So many things changed in me. How I see things, the people I decide to care about, how I have to take what I have left and make it better.” I paused. “You will always be the best friend I need and love. Always. But there is definitely something in Teo that I need too and we both know it.” The tears were coming, I tried as hard as I could to hold them in. “That’s all there is, Bev.”
    “She’s been through enough shit already. I want her happy and I’m sure you want the same thing, Beverly. I’ve also had my share of problems. It’s time for me to move on and become someone better.” He didn’t want to be a replica of his father, a man who had stopped believing in family and love.
    Beverly was staring at both of us with her eyes wide open. I didn’t think she expected that kind of answer, but it explained how we both felt, Teo and I.
    “If it’s your birthday, why don’t we grab a piece of cake before saying goodbye? There’s a little café down the street,” Beverly suggested, changing the subject to something lighter. “I saw it when I got here, but I have no idea if it’s any good.”
    “Sounds good to me.” Teo smiled and fist pumped with Beverly, who thought it was absurdly funny.
    We started walking toward the café, all three of us together. It was as if we had always been friends. Everything was going to be alright for us in California. If I had any doubts before, they were all gone. I was surrounded by good people and that was all I desired.
    “So we need to start looking for an apartment soon. I did some research, but now we need an extra room,” Beverly added with enthusiasm. “I’m liking the idea of having a man moving with us, it’s safer. He’ll protect us.”
    “Of course! Spiderman can back off. Teo is here to the rescue,” he joked and we all laughed.
    We finally arrived at the café. There were Italian flags all over the front windows. Teo held the doors for us and we walked in. It smelled so good. A mix of brown sugar, vanilla and butter. I knew I was about to gain five pounds by eating sweet pastries at this exact moment.
    “Teodore! Come stai?” An older lady asked with happiness. Of course,