The Last Pythagorean: Book 1 Page 9

  -This information has been lost over the years... Much of the ancient philosophy is only deduced from studies of later philosophy. Especially Pythagorean philosophy. - He silenced. - Well... I know all this because I am a descendant of the Pythagoreans.

  -All right... -I said incredulous. -Let's suppose I believe all that. What does this have to do with the tickets?

  -In the knowledge that students, with rigid mental training, could be capable of anything, Pythagoras concluded that the set of equations about the fourth dimension could be too dangerous in the wrong hands.

  -Why?

  -Why any student might want to travel through time through mental power. I mean, that would not be the problem, the worst case would be if they dared to change some event already occurred over time ...

  -Modify the past...

  - Exactly.

  I think I understand, but we haven't gotten to the tickets yet...

  -Pythagoras hid the set of equations by keeping the secret inside an underground hiding place. -Oh. Until one day someone found it.

  -Who found it?

  -The same person who's sending us the tickets. -Oh.

  My eyes popped out.

  -You're kidding... -I was amazed by the story. -You were very creative, no doubt... -Yeah.

  -Cecilia, I'm not kidding. - The eyes were too serious for me to keep doubting.

  -Who is he?

  -I don't know who that is... -Right. I just know that his name is Aryon and that he's after me for some reason I don't know either.

  -You mean whoever's sending me these tickets is someone from ancient Greece... - I pondered. - I'm sorry, Homero, but that's unfounded. It sounds like a lie...

  -Not if you consider that past, present and future occur simultaneously. -Oh!

  -It still sounds like a lie. - I'm done.

  - I know. But it's not. - The conviction remained in the brown eyes.

  - You need to find out what he wants from you... - I said, feeling insane because I really believed what he said.

  - There is someone who knows.

  -Who?

  -My mother...

  - And why did she never tell you?

  -I don't know... It seems she's afraid. She always said it's best I never know the truth.

  -Homero... How did you know I was getting the tickets?

  -I got a note that said "Cecilia is in danger". I also noticed your concern during class and deduced that you might be getting the messages.

  - And what do you intend to do?

  -My mother will have to tell me sooner or later... I'm pushing her, for now it's better that you stay away from me.

  - I won't stay away from you, I want to help you.

  -Cecilia, you need to stay away, for your own safety.

  I was silent for a long time. Homero looked at me with a sad and worried expression. Brown eyes were frosted instead of bright as they used to be. I thought I'd better go.

  - I have to go, it's getting late. - I said trying not to show that I was running away from the new conversation. - I'll see you at school.

  -Okay, thanks for coming. -Oh.

  I called Lorena and in four minutes I heard the car park. Along the way I went over that absurd story that Homero had assured me was reality. I no longer felt the fear that had accompanied me in the last few days and my only wish was to help Homero, in case he needed it.

  My intuition, which I rarely thought about, told me that the worst was yet to come, bringing up the disturbing anxiety again.

  The night had come without me noticing. Strong drops of rain fell when I went to sleep, moistening the air of Siena and making my breathing more comfortable. Through the window ajar, the wet street smell entered, changing the atmosphere of the room.

  The two days that followed, without Homero, were empty and boring. I had not yet realized how much his presence meant to me, even on days when we hardly spoke.

  During lunch breaks I watched his unoccupied table thinking about what it would be like if I really got away from him.

  - I'm not going to make it. - I concluded by letting a strange feeling grow inside me.

  When I woke up on Thursday morning, I jumped out of bed before the clock awoke.

  I was determined to talk to Homero that I wouldn't walk away even if he wanted to.

  Giovanna had not questioned me along the way even though she noticed the restlessness that was turning into hasty steps.

  When I arrived at school, I stopped for a moment in the parking lot when I realized that Vespa was not there.

  -He is always one of the first to arrive... Maybe he came walking. - I thought almost out loud.

  - What did you say?

  -Nothing... It's just that I remembered I need to get a handout for the first class.

  Homero didn't go to school that day. The hours dragged on, forcing me to find the patience to endure the monotony.

  When the evening came and classes were over, I went to the entrance of the school and waited for Giovanna. She took about five minutes talking to Giullia before leaving.

  - Giovanna I am not going home now. I'm going to visit Homero. - I said while I was holding my hair in an improvised coke.

  - Can you get there by yourself?

  -I have the address, I'll take a taxi. -Yes. Tell Lorena.

  - Okay, see you later then.

  -Till.

  I walked north of the school street. I kept the speed of the steps pretty slow, looking at all the cars that came.

  It was almost ten minutes. No taxi.

  I tried to remember the route Lorena had taken on Monday. My terrible photographic memory failed as usual. The only thing I could remember clearly was the street of Homero's house, but I didn't know how to get there.

  There was only one way out: to ask for information. I continued walking, now with more hurried steps. The sky became darker and darker when I met a woman who looked thirty-five years old at the most. She was in front of a small pharmacy.

  - Hi, excuse me. - She looked with an interrogative expression. - Do you know how I get to this street? - I said delivering the paper.

  - I'm sorry, but I don't know this place. - The words came out smelling like cigarettes.

  - Thank you. - I appreciate it, frustrated.

  I turned a busy corner hoping to find someone who knew exactly how to get to Homero's address... I asked three people who were walking in the opposite direction to mine.

  No one knew.

  By now, the night was already complete displaying a new moon. The streets became more and more unknown and I no longer knew how to get back. I decided to call

  Lorena.

  I found the lost cell phone in one of the internal pockets, with the battery completely discharged.

  -I'm lost. - I ended up terrified.

  I sat on the step of a closed canteen, trying to think of a solution. I looked both sides of the street, looking for a pay phone but there wasn't one. Everything was against me.

  After standing still for about twenty minutes, I decided to keep walking, trying to remember points of reference that I had been through. I needed to get back as soon as possible.

  I gave up retrieving my memory when I realized that I hadn't observed many things while looking for a taxi and people. I had not fixed any details that would make me recap the true path that had led me there. The city full of alleys and alleys looked like a maze during the night, and I was sure that I was already far away from the center of Siena.

  The only pedestrians that moved the place where I was disappeared one by one leaving me in the deserted street illuminated by the amber-colored light coming from the poles.

  I felt my stomach freeze.

  I looked around trying to ignore the fear. A shadow quickly approached me, increasing my despair. I began to run on an impulse, without thinking about what I was doing. I increased my speed when I noticed someone running after me.

  A sudden urge to cry arose to make the situation worse.

  I wasn't thinking
about anything. My legs wanted to run as fast as possible while my ears heard someone approaching. I swallowed a scream when I came across a wall. I was at a dead end.

  When I turned around, I saw a man about six feet tall dressed in black. It was impossible to see the traces of his face in the dimly lit place until he came closer.

  -How did you end up here? -He asked?

  -Homero?! - I said astonished.

  - Why did you run like that, Cecilia?

  -I can't believe it's you... - A sigh of relief accompanied the words to the end of the sentence. - I ran because I thought it was someone else.

  -Calm... - He hugged me. - It's me, you're safe, I'm here.

  I couldn't hold back a tear.

  -Hey, why are you crying? -Yeah.

  -I thought I was in danger... -Oh! I'm still scared.

  -Hey... I would never allow you to be in danger, you hear? I monitored your every move and if I had to, I would intervene in any situation. You will never be in danger. Don't be scared.

  -How did you monitor my every move?

  -I'm a Pythagorean descendant you forgot? -Yes. - He lowered his voice. - I inherited some gifts that I use when necessary.

  -Mental power?

  -Yes.

  -You didn't tell me you were capable! -Yes.

  -I was gonna tell you... Shall we get out of here? We can talk in a more pleasant place, don't you think?

  -Yes, sure.

  Homero took my hand and confused me about the relationship between us. I ignored the confusion and allowed our hands to stay together as we quickly left the maze of streets. To my surprise we were very close to the center.

  - I need to call Lorena. – Homero said as soon as we got to a busy place.

  - Does she know I got lost? - I asked worried.

  -Sure... She called my house asking if you'd arrived yet, that's when I started monitoring you and came after you.

  -How does that work?

  -That what?

  -That of monitoring someone.

  -One day I'll explain it to you... -Oh! Now let's call your aunt.

  After we called Lorena, we drove to Del Campo Square which was packed with people, as usual.

  -Why did we come here? - I asked.

  -You must be hungry, it's almost 8 pm and I know you haven't eaten anything since you left school.

  - You don't have to worry. - I did.

  - Yes, you do. - He fought back in an indisputable tone.

  We crossed the square towards a small restaurant. When we entered, a man with greyish blond hair welcomed us with a joy that spread throughout the place.

  I ordered a plate of noodles in the herbal sauce, accompanied by a special juice from the house. Homero didn't want anything.

  -Won't you eat?

  - I'm not hungry.

  - Why didn't you come to class?

  -I couldn't see you... - He answered after a while in silence.

  - Why?

  -Because I had decided that if you didn't walk away I would. -I felt a sharp prick inside my chest when I heard the justification. -Oh.

  -Do you really want that? - I asked destabilized.

  -You know I don't. - He said stroking my hand.

  The food came quickly interrupting us. The texture of the noodles pleased me along with the smell of the herbal sauce.

  - So...what's it gonna be? - I asked him after I got up the courage.

  -I don't know Cecilia, I don't know if I can stay away from you.

  -Then why do you still insist?

  -Because I'm fully aware that it would be for the best. -Oh.

  -The best for who if none of us wants to do it? -Oh, yes.

  -For you. -He answered by lowering his eyes.

  -Homero... You can't do this, you can't.

  -Cecilia, all I know about Aryon is that he's a madman and I don't want you to be in this, understand? I can't allow it.

  -But I want to be in this.

  -You've lost your mind? - He asked by raising his eyebrows.

  -Maybe, but it's too late now... -Oh! I'm already at it even if you won't allow it.

  - I won't convince you, will I?

  -No...

  I only ate half the noodles and drank all the orange juice. We left the restaurant almost nine hours when some clouds covered part of the crescent moon, making the sky an elaborate setting that mixed light and shadow.

  When we were crossing Praça Del Campo Homero I was surprised with a kiss. The velvety lips were softly cautious at first, gradually intensifying.

  I wished those moments were eternal.

  -I want you to know something. -Oh. - He said holding my face gently between his hands. - I never wanted to stay away from you. I only said that because I wanted to protect you.

  -I know, but we're gonna be close. -I know.

  -Yes, we will. - He said holding me.

  The next morning I woke up with a sore left leg. The impulsive running in the alley had caused a slight distension in my posterior muscles, forcing me to apply compresses and ointment before going to school.

  As I organized my purse, my thoughts were on the kiss the night before and I wondered what the real relationship was between Homero and me from now on.

  When I arrived at school, Homero was waiting for me in the parking lot without the scooter. He approached me hugging me and then took my hand. Giovanna sent me a look that reflected a reprimand for not having told her anything.

  - Hi Giovanna. - He greeted her.

  -Hey, Homero... Well... I'll be right there, I have to get a handout. - She said leaving us.

  As we walked into the room, Homero didn't let go of my hand for a moment. It made it clear to everyone that we were together and we didn't intend to hide it. The anxiety remained away when he was around, and I felt safe and comfortable for the first time after the death of my parents.

  During lunch, I kept Homero company at the table where he was always alone. His face again reflected that concern I already knew. His eyes were faded again, indicating something was happening.

  The last few classes went on normally, since now I didn't have to count the minutes to be near Homero. Although I was happy to be close to him, I knew that he was hiding something from me and that made me disturbed.

  When we left school I questioned him:

  - Homero, I'm not a fool. I know that something is happening which you do not want to tell me. - I tried to be firm in every word.

  -Cecilia, nothing's happening. - He lied again.

  -Stop lying, it hurts me. -Oh!

  - I'm sorry...

  -Then tell me what's going on. -Oh!

  He stared at me with sad eyes. I hugged him trying to tell him with that gesture that he could trust me.

  - Let's get out of here then. - He said at last.

  We walked for seven minutes until we reached Siena Cathedral. Homero's urgent steps were the only thing I could hear as he remained completely silent. His cold hands sought the warmth of mine as if they needed comfort.

  He stopped for a moment, his eyes still sad.

  -Cecilia, my mother told me all about Aryon...

  -And what did you find out?

  -He was the one who killed my father... -Oh! - The voice was embargoed.

  -But what does he want from you?

  -He wants to kill me too. - He answered with lost eyes.

  Friday night was absolutely terrible.

  I couldn't bear the thought of losing Homero, right after I lost my parents. One conclusion haunted my mind: maybe I was born to be alone and there was nothing that could be done.

  However much I had Lorena and Giovanna, my life was too incomplete after the accident and Homero was able to fill most of the void.

  My thoughts brought the worst nightmares that caused trembling from the inside out, chilling every extension of my skin. The same scene repeated itself for more than ten times in the same night. I opened a dark old door and found Homero lying on the ground with no pulse.

  I woke up at dawn
with a gasping breath, almost breathlessly feeling the sheet completely wet from cold sweat. The chest hurt as if a needle penetrated it with rhythmic strokes that slowly ignited it. I reluctantly went to sleep again and stayed awake thinking about what could be done. Running away was out of the question. Aryon would find us anywhere in the world.

  A second idea, which did not compare the possibility of losing Homero to death, intensified the anguish that invaded me. What if he decided to walk away like he wanted before? How would I prevent it?

  Even though I knew I could die too,-Aryon had already made a fearless attempt to risk my life - I didn't care, preferring not to exist if I lost it.

  I jumped out of bed before the sun came up. I took Lorena's schedule from the bookcase, near the phone, and looked for a taxi number. When I left, Giovanna and Lorena were still asleep.

  I left a note on the kitchen table.

  Lorena,

  I went to Homero's house. Don't worry, I called a taxi.

  I'll be home before lunch.

  Cecilia

  The taxi driver was driving slowly through the still dark streets. The sky was beginning to clear when I reached Homero's house. I didn't have to knock, he was waiting for me at the door.

  -Was he monitoring me?

  -Since he woke up at 3 in the morning... What happened? Why couldn't you sleep?

  -Hears... - I said hugging him.

  -Calm Cecilia, you need to stay calm. -Calm Cecilia.

  -How do you want me to stay calm with a man wanting to kill you? -Oh, Cecilia. Homero... I can't accept the idea of losing you, I want to do something.

  -I'm trying to find a solution... -Oh! Come in. He said as he opened the dark wood door.

  The room contained four identical trunks that overflowed books of different sizes.

  Some were open on the gray carpet.

  - What's in those books?

  -They're not books... They're notebooks with notes that my father made before he died.

  -And what are you doing?

  - I'm looking for information that might help me.

  I took a notebook that had a hard, velvety navy-colored cover. There were several texts with terms I didn't know about. Some pages had mysterious geometric figures and equations that occupied more than two leaves.