The Last Pythagorean: Book 1 Read online

  - I think your cousin is coming.

  I looked to the right side discovering Giovanna walking towards us.

  -How do you know it's her? - I asked, though I anticipated the answer.

  -She looks a lot like you. -Oh. Anyone would say they were sisters.

  Giovanna had chocolate hair like mine. The same thick eyebrows framed her face slightly square in contrast to her thin lips.

  Many commented on the resemblance.

  - I see you've made friends... - She said smiling.

  - Giovanna, this is Giane.

  -Pleased to meet you. - She said sitting next to me.

  - Nice to meet you too. - There was a reciprocal smile in her words.

  -How were the first classes?

  -They were cool. -I said hoping Giane wouldn't talk about the episode with Homero. -Oh.

  - Have they passed chores yet? - A lock of hair slipped down Giovanna's face while she was talking.

  -Yes, an extensive work of philosophy. -Yes. - I answered.

  Lunch proceeded smoothly. Giane and Giovanna talked as if they were childhood friends, interspersed with various subjects in which I tried to participate.

  - Cecilia and I will go shopping this weekend. Don't you want to go with us? - Giovanna invited us.

  -Don't I bother?

  - Of course you don't. It'll be fun if you go, we can eat something later.

  -Okay, I accept the invitation. - Gianne said excited.

  -It's gonna be pretty cool, isn't it, Cecilia? -Yeah. - Giovanna questioned.

  -Sure. We'll have fun. - I answered, trying to reproduce the same animation she had used in the question.

  After the meal we went to the back garden, following the mass dispersion of the students. The sun was shining effervescent above our heads, making everyone look for shadows on the spot.

  - The sun is intense. Shall we go back? - I said feeling my skin moisten.

  - I was going to suggest that now. - Said Giane.

  As we walked down the hall the sign rang right next to our ears, forcing us to enter the rooms again.

  The afternoon classes were more productive. I was able to concentrate on the subjects by participating in the debates and exercises, writing down the important schemes for the next exams. Time passed faster and as I noticed the sun was already setting.

  Giovanna was waiting for me at the gate to leave.

  - See you tomorrow. - Giane said goodbye.

  -Until.

  As we made our way back, Giovanna was excitedly planning the weekend.

  - We can go to the movies, what do you think?

  -Sure. - I spoke in a neutral tone.

  - You don't sound excited.

  - I am, very. - My voice was reporting something wrong.

  -You okay? -If you don't want to go, no problem. We'll reschedule.

  - I'm fine, we'll go this weekend anyway.

  As I spoke, something returned like a ghost in my mind. The note. I was surprised to find that I'd forgotten the strange paper all day. Concern had come to the surface, changing my countenance, making Giovanna suspicious.

  -You sure you're okay?

  - Yes, I'm just hungry.

  When we were coming home, a modern metallic grey wasp parked right next to me. Analyzing the young biker's clothes, I felt that I already knew him from somewhere. He took off his helmet, giving me a fright.

  I was surprised to find it was Homero.

  - May I speak with you? - He said looking straight into my eyes.

  I was silent for a few moments. What was that boy doing there?

  - Of course he was. - I answered

  - I'll let you two talk. The door's open. - Giovanna said retiring.

  - Don't you want to come in? - I said trying to be polite.

  -No, thanks. I just came to apologize. - The brown, expressive eyes looked sorry. -I shouldn't have talked to you like that. -Oh. I got excited but it wasn't my real intention. I'm sorry, it won't happen again.

  -I'm sorry. - A long silence hung over us.

  - I didn't introduce myself, I'm Homero. - He said breaking the ice.

  - I'm Cecilia.

  I know, I heard Professor Lorenzo speaking your name. - A remnant of a shy smile popped up as he spoke.

  - I have to go inside, Lorena is waiting for me.

  -Okay. I apologize again. I'm being sincere.

  - Don't worry. It's all right.

  He was wearing his helmet when I asked:

  - How did you know I lived here?

  - I followed you and your sister when I left school.

  - She's not my sister, she's my cousin. I made it clear, trying to be nice. You look like sisters. - The complete smile came out.

  - I know. - I said smiling too. - Now I really have to go.

  -Okay. So... See you tomorrow...

  - I'll see you.

  Coincidence

  - Cecilia, Cecilia... Wake up now.

  I heard Giovanna's voice not far away while I was slowly waking up. My relaxed body wanted to remain in bed dipped in laziness.

  - Come on Cecilia, this is the most beautiful Saturday I've ever seen. - She was saying as she opened the bedroom window. The bright rays made my eyes close.

  - How many hours is it? - I asked.

  -It's eight o'clock now, get up. -Oh!

  -We're going so soon? -Yes. - I said, away with the thin sheet that covered me.

  - If we want to enjoy the day, we have to leave in the morning.

  -And Giane? -Yes. Is she coming by?

  No, she called me yesterday and said she'll wait for us at that store near the Matarazzo canteen.

  I got up in a single motion trying to get rid of the softness that soaked my muscles. I felt my vertebrae snapping when I stood.

  Giovanna had entered the bathroom and as usual it would take a small eternity. While she was showering, I decided to choose what to wear. I opened the wardrobe and grabbed a short jeans I'd never worn before and a fresh, loose blouse. To put on my shoes I picked up an open sneaker on the front that had details in almost imperceptible lilac.

  When I put everything on the bed, I heard knocks on the door.

  -Can I come in? -Lorraine said on the other side.

  -Yes, you can open it.

  -Good day, honey, did you sleep well? -Yes.

  -Good day, Lorena, I slept well. -Yes.

  -Coffee's already served. -Yeah. I bought those stuffed buns you like.

  - I'll be out soon.

  -Okay, don't be long. - She said closing the door.

  After organizing everything, including my bag, I went to the hungry kitchen. When I was eating a bagel and drinking milk, Giovanna came up with a light blue dress and a built-in braid that went down her back.

  How do I look?

  -Fine. - Said Lorena.

  - You look great. - I answered next.

  I finished the coffee and went to the bathroom taking my clothes and towel. I stuck my hair in a coke and went into the shower.

  After getting dressed, I put on my contact lenses and grabbed my inseparable leather bag.

  - I was ready. - I said when I got to the living room.

  Then let's go.

  -You guys got enough money?

  -We do. - Giovanna answered enthusiastically.

  The streets were taken by people, who enjoyed the sunny Saturday. Giovanna walked carefree like she was enjoying every step she took.

  - Isn't it a beautiful day?

  -It is. - I answered by looking at the sunny sky.

  The morning air was hot enough to make me sweat. I had to lock my hair in a ponytail while I was walking. When we turned the corner of a very narrow street, we spotted Giane in front of a summer clothing store.

  - Have you been waiting long? - Giovanna asked.

  No. I just got here. How's Cecilia? - She said smiling.

  -I'm well and you? - I answered trying to return the cheerful expression.

  - Good too.

  -Then we go. - Giovann
a said in a hurry.

  - Where are we going first? -I asked.

  -I need to buy some very lightweight sweaters. -Oh. My summer clothes are already too old.

  -Then let's go into this store anyway. -Giane suggested.

  The store was small and charming. The beige walls made the atmosphere lighter, fighting the darkness of the alley. The hangers housed young clothes of different styles that were organized according to the shades.

  Giovanna and Giane tried on a few pieces while I watched our bags and gave some guesses on the choices.

  Giane took a shirt with princess sleeves and Giovanna was left with three simple T-shirts, each of one color. The attendant received a smiley payment for what seemed to be her first day on the job. When we left we went to a shoe store on the upper street.

  Similar to the other store, the shoe shop had a light paint and a very clean floor with a textured mosaic surface. Although I was not in the mood for shopping, I ended up taking a sandal that the attendant made for half the price for being the last pair.

  Giovanna hadn't liked it at all and Giane had spent a lot on her shirt. We passed a cosmetics store where we took a while. When I looked at the clock, the hands were almost half a day.

  - Shall we have lunch? - I asked as we left the store.

  -Come on, I'm hungry too. - Giovanna said.

  -I know a great pizza place around the corner from down the street. -Oh. - Said Giane.

  -Let's go down there then... Can it be Giovanna? - I suggested it.

  -Sure.

  We went down the street listening to the sound of footsteps and bags, mixed with the noise of motorcycles that was much more intense in the central region. I was watching the few clouds on the horizon when Giovanna said:

  - Did the Mass tell you about what Homero did on Thursday?

  -Yes, she told me quickly in class. -Giane answered. - I knew he would apologize, he is not thick as Cecilia thought.

  I looked at them both without saying anything.

  - What do you think of him now, Cecilia? - Giane asked.

  -What do I think? I think nothing... I don't know him to have an opinion.

  - But before you thought he was thick. Didn't you talk after Thursday?

  - No, we just said hello.

  I don't know him very well either, even though we've been studying together for three years. He's very private, he talks to very few people. I think he liked you...

  - What do you mean, he liked you? Did he like me?

  - Yeah. He watches you while you write it down. Haven't you ever noticed?

  - No! - I said incredulous.

  - I already... Several times...

  When we got to the pizza place, it was over. The place was full and luckily we got the last table available. The smell of dough baking in the oven gave me mouth water and intensified the feeling of hunger. We ordered a marguerita with six slices accompanied by orange juice.

  When the pizza came, Giovanna was talking about which movie we were going to watch.

  - I'm dying to see Fall Panels, they say it's beautiful...

  -Is it romance? - I asked.

  -Yes, what do you think? -Yes.

  -It's okay with me, what do you think, Giane? -Yes.

  -I think it's great.

  I savored the slice slowly. The light and thin pasta had an almost neutral taste that enhanced the taste of tomato and basil, accompanied by other spices.

  The orange juice was comfortably acidic, making a curious combination with the melted musarella.

  When we finished eating the pizza, Giovanna bought three truffles with creamy hazelnut filling, wrapped in laminated blue paper. We left the pizzeria and almost forgot the bag with the sandal.

  I had to go back and pick it up near the chair I had occupied.

  We went out on a long avenue that we would walk down until we reached the cinema.

  We walked for about ten minutes. The next session would be in half an hour yet.

  -Where will we wait? - I asked.

  -We'd better stay right here. - Giovanna answered.

  -Between... - I concluded after your words.

  -I'm tired Cecilia, I don't want to walk anymore... -Oh! - Giovanna justified.

  -I am also... We can sit there. - Giane said pointing to the rows of paired chairs near the place where she sold popcorn and soda.

  -You can go, I'm buying the tickets. -Oh.

  -Okay.

  I walked to the counter looking all over the place without realizing I was completely distracted. Inevitably I ended up bumping into someone.

  - I'm sorry. - I said looking at the floor, trying to hide my shame.

  - Okay, you're sorry.

  I recognized the voice before I even looked at the face.

  Homero.

  I could hardly believe the coincidence. Siena must have been really small.

  - Now we're even. - A smile came out as he spoke.

  -Why? - I felt my cheeks blush.

  - Because the two of them needed to apologize to each other.

  -Yes... - Quiet. - Are you here to watch a movie? - I wished I hadn't asked, when I realized how ridiculous the question was for who was in a movie theater.

  -Yes, but there's still half an hour left... -Oh! - He said, making me conclude that he would watch the same movie as me.

  -Fall dates? -Yes.

  -Yes...

  - Do you like romance? - I asked on an impulse.

  -Not much, but... The criticism was very positive so I decided to watch.

  - I understand...

  - Will you watch it too?

  - Yes... I came with my cousin and Giane, they're there. - I said pointing with my head.

  - Over there where? - He asked slightly confused.

  -How strange, they were just there... -Oh. They must have gone somewhere... I'll look for them.

  - You want me to wait for you? - I was surprised by the question.

  -Well... - I didn't know what to say exactly. - Of course... I won't be long, I'll be right back.

  -Okay, I'll be waiting here. -Okay.

  I walked to the ladies' room at the end of an aisle next to the popcorn store. I didn't know that movie theater, and I needed to keep an eye out now that I was alone.

  When I entered the place that smelled of eucalyptus, I saw only empty. There was no one.

  - Where did they go? - I thought I was outraged.

  I came out of the bathroom and looked for my cell phone in the middle of the disorganization contained in the leather bag. I called Giovanna.

  - Hi. - She answered after three calls.

  - Where are you?

  - We're on Porlaggio Canteen Avenue.

  -What do you mean? - I asked in amazement. - Why are you there? And why did you leave me alone?

  - Because you were with Homero... Giane wanted to leave you alone and I agreed!

  Did you like the surprise? - Giovanna said naturally, in a relaxed tone.

  Have you gone crazy? - I spoke without believing the situation. We'll talk when I get home.

  -Oh Cecilia, it will be romantic... You can watch Autumn Panels together.

  -Romantic? I barely know him and you guys are planning some kind of date? - The anger has increased my tone of voice.

  -Calm down Cecilia, you don't have to be nervous. -Oh! We didn't plan anything, it was pure coincidence... I swear!

  -How am I gonna get home? I didn't memorize the way back and I don't know Siena as well as you.

  -Homero can bring you.

  -Oh, enough. That's enough. I'll see what I can do. I'll see you.

  -Till. Something calls me... Ah! I brought your sandal.

  -Okay. Bye. - I said hang up abruptly.

  I took a deep breath and left the hall. Homero was standing in exactly the same place. The dark hair cut and combed in a disheveled way attracted my attention somehow The square and wide jaw was harmonious with the almost straight eyebrows on the light skin.

  - So... I just called Giovanna and th
ey gave up. I have to go.

  -You're not gonna watch the movie? - He asked me to stop my steps on the way out.

  No, I'll see if I can reach them on the avenue below.

  -Please stay. Watch the movie with me. - He said surprising me with the invitation.

  - I'm sorry, I can't. I can't go back alone, I moved this week, I don't know Siena very well...

  -I'll take you home later, I'm on a motorcycle. -Oh!

  I was thoughtful for a moment, not knowing what exactly to answer. The singularly charming eyes, eventually convinced me.

  - Okay... But you need to take me later, I swear I don't know how to get back.

  - Don't worry. You'll be safe. - He said convinced.

  -I'm going to buy my way in. -I said it while I started walking to the counter.

  -I made the invitation, I'll buy. - He said walking in front of me.

  - But I was already going to watch...

  - I'll buy it. - He said with a serious tone he stopped me from arguing.

  When Homero came back, we went straight to room three where the movie with subtitles would be played. We picked two places in the background where there were already some people with huge pots of popcorn smelling like butter.

  - Do you accept popcorn or chocolate?

  -No, thanks.

  - I'll get a big pot in case you change your mind.

  - Okay.

  I put my purse in the next seat while Homero retired from the room. Some advertisements were displayed before the trailers, promoting services and products of some national companies.

  After a few minutes, Homero arrived with buttered popcorn and two bars of chocolate half bitter.

  - That's all he had, do you like it? - He told me by passing me one of the bars.

  -Yes, but he didn't have to buy it for me. -Yes.

  -Nobody can resist a candy bar. -Yeah. - The tone was fun. - I think it's about to start.

  -Not yet, the trailers are missing. -Yeah.

  The first trailer was the suspenseful kind. A young redhead, who reminded me of Felicia, was looking for clues to a barbaric crime. The scene grew darker and darker, while a sinister song grew progressively amidst the rapid dialogues.