Short love story

CHAPTER ONE

The phone made a drab sound, and he picked up to see it. It was a WhatsApp message from Amelie, his girlfriend, who had decided to end their relationship. Since then, Jonathan´s life would suffer a change. He met her at College when they were studying Biology at one of the best colleges in Ecuador. This college is a public institute that is in the middle of two other good private colleges. Its mascot is an owl because its requirements are so high, and students didn’t have much time to sleep at night. The first time he saw her nothing special happened. There wasn't any magic in the air and butterflies in his stomach. However, he noticed something strange about her. She wasn't like other girls. She didn't like wearing fashionable clothes, using a lot of make-up on her face, and she was nice to everybody. She wasn't worried about what people could think of her. Instead of this, she liked reading books, going to the theater, listening to alternative and strange music, and being independent. Qualities that people didn’t know how to appreciate. On the other hand, he was a nice and friendly guy with many friends trying to belong or be part of this society. They started to date because she wanted to play soccer, and, this sport is causally Jonathan’s favorite one. So, they begin to train together in the Owl’s stadium. After two months of training together, Jonathan decided to invite her to go out and she accepted, a little worried based on her past experiences. The place was selected by her and he didn't give regrets. It could be because he has always tried to avoid conflicts or because he didn't have an idea about interesting places to visit on a first date. They visited the downtown which is the oldest capital in South America and it is extremely popular in the world. People have called this place “God's face” because of its beautiful museums, churches, and colonial houses. They went to La Compañía and San Francisco churches. Although they look like simple churches, they are also amazing museums. He tried to steal a kiss in the San Francisco museum but she didn't let him. That action only was delayed. They saw many awesome baroque paintings and sculptures made by European and Ecuadorian artists of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They had a great time together. Before this experience, Jonathan had not been interested in art or culture. He only could see the beauty of this experience through Amelie´s eyes. That day was possibly the happiest day in his life but he didn't know it until a long time later. That day would not finish without visiting a good restaurant and eating a traditional dish. They ate a large bread called empanada and a beverage of milk with grains called morocho. Jonathan told a bad joke about the food and Amelia laughed, he understood that she was enjoying that time together. Next, they went for a walk around popular streets until sunset when they noticed it was time to say goodbye. They walked towards the bus stop and during all this trajectory he was thinking about his awful kiss and how he could try again. Obviously, he figured out that the first time was premature. Maybe a second effort after all experiences and conversations together could work. And, he was there standing in front of her looking at her brown eyes and red lips, full of fear and doubt. At least, he moved toward her lips and waited for an answer. This time was different and she also wanted to kiss him. That kiss marked the beginning of this short story of love and learning.

CHAPTER TWO

The relationship between Jonathan and Amelie was never formalized with a specific date. They only let the relationship flow on every date. Their best friends at College didn't know about their relationship until they assumed that something was happening between them because Jonathan and Amelie spent a lot of time together. After classes, each one had their activities and hobbies. Jonathan felt an obsessive passion for playing soccer. He was always training and playing with his friends Luigi and Alexander at the Owl´s stadium. Amelie also liked playing soccer although it was only for a short time. She would rather be part of a culture group or go to the theater with her friend Katha.

Many times, Amelie used to go to the stadium to see Jonathan play soccer. She enjoyed seeing him in his performance as a soccer superstar. He had a natural talent for playing soccer and for this reason, he was popular. After a while, Amelie also became known by many different people. Although she wasn't interested in being popular, she enjoyed the attention. Amelie used to live far away from college. That situation made her feel unpleasant and she decided to find a home near the college. She found residence in a neighborhood near the college and Jonathan and Amelie used to go to this place after their daily routine. At this place, they used to spend long hours speaking about their lives. Jonathan told her about his passion for soccer. He explained that his parents had many problems during their marriage because his dad, Bob, was an alcoholic and a lover who cheated on her mom, Carmela, many times. And, he only found an escape by playing soccer. Soccer was his first love and a soccer ball was his best friend. Similar to him, Amelie also had problems with her father, German. German had very strict rules at home because he was a military man and always tried to force his ideas and norms on Amelie and her brothers, Willy and Tamy. The problems were so serious that one day Amelie tried to kill herself by drinking poison. Thank God, she didn't drink the correct quantity to kill a person. She only fainted and was induced to vomit. After that confession, Jonathan understood that he was special to her. He had shared his dramatic story with others before. Nevertheless, he saw in Amelie´s eyes that it was the first time she shared it with someone else.

One day, he couldn't return to his home because of a soccer game, so he asked Amelie to stay that night at her home. She accepted but asked him to take a shower first. That was the first night that they slept together. The delayed soccer game was only an excuse from Jonathan who wanted to pass that night with her. They were lying down in the same bed with a thousand thoughts in their minds. They didn't have experience in that kind of activity thus, their moves were dumb and disharmonized. Jonathan thought it was not similar to movies or series where each move is coordinated and a piece of soft music sounds background. Amelie was worried that she could get pregnant too young. Nevertheless, their love was consummated. It was strange and nothing similar to movies, although it was special for each one. Several months later, when the period of the honeymoon was ending. According to research, this period only last from six months to two years. In the case of Amelie and Jonathan, it occurred almost one year later when they started to have doubts about their relationship. Amelie was tired that Jonathan didn´t have time for her because of his soccer games on weekends. Jonathan thought the time they spent together on weekdays is enough to hold their relationship. So, she started to demand more time together. The lack of communication between them made simple problems transform into discussions and uncomfortable silences. And, it had a breakpoint when they assisted in a play in one of the most popular theaters near their college. The play was “Puss on Boats”. Since the beginning, Jonathan knew that was a bad idea for many reasons. First, they both had been upset all week each one with the other. Secondly, he was tremendously tired because he had started his internship, and with his classes and, soccer games, he was exhausted. However, he didn't want to discuss it with Amelie so they accepted.

The play was awful for Jonathan. He wasn't interested to see a guy in a cat costume. And, the music didn't help either. Soft melodies like Babies songs transformed that theater into a nice bed. Jonathan fell asleep for a short moment when he awoke due to the music. He noticed that Amelie was staring very annoyed. She started to discuss and he tried to explain but the situation was a disaster. So, he decided to get out there in the middle of the play.

CHAPTER THREE

Jonathan tried to solve the problem because he understood that Amelie could be right. Amelie only wanted to spend more time together. She was a great person with worthy values which are particularly difficult to find in this world. Jonathan figured out it and tried to speak with her. He promised to give her more time to go out to interesting places and the theater. Also, he gave her a painting, which was drawn by himself, about a dinosaur because she loved that kind of animal. And, they were happy again for a while. They visited some beautiful places together such as a waterfall, a beach, a forest, a river, and, a lagoon. They also went to the theater to see some comedies because it would be his favorite. And the unique Jonathan could stay awake while it run. That time together helped to hold the relationship stable, although it was not for a long time. One particular event that they would remember forever was when they visited a natural reserve. That place was magic. They saw monkeys, pink dolphins, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and thousands of birds. The food was exotic and delicious. They learned a lot about native culture and popular traditions. That trip was special because one night when they were together Jonathan asked Amelie if it is possible that one day in the future, she would be his wife. And, Amelie answered that it was lovely. All those activities had to be set based on Jonathan´s free time when he didn´t have soccer games. For a moment, it didn´t bother Amelie who tried to persist with their relationship. She had to share Jonathan with his first love, soccer. From the beginning, she understood that she would take second place in his heart. Nevertheless, she believed the situation would change if she was patient. For this reason, she was always with Jonathan at his soccer games. She was his fan number one shouting all his moves and goals. Jonathan thought that she enjoyed it and for this reason, he never tried to change it. They never spoke about what was happening if they have fears or doubts. Although Amelie liked spending time with him at soccer stadiums, she started to think that she deserve more, more time, more love, more attention, not only a simple fan. She was smart and pretty so, a second place was not fair. They were ending their career, which meant they had to take decisions for the future. Jonathan was clear that they got married with Amelie when he got his degree and find a job. Even, he had thought that it was time to finish his obsession and put more attention to his relationship with Amelie. But, he never told her. On the other hand, Amelie was tired to be the second most important thing in the life of Jonathan. But, similar to Jonathan, she never told him. It was not a surprise that Amelie got first her bachelor´s degree than Jonathan. She was more intelligent, proactive, serious, and, responsible than him. At the celebration, Amelie invited all her siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, Jonathan, and, his parents. Jonathan was so nervous, he was worried to commit a mistake or say something that could offend and bother Amelie´s family. He was famous to be imprudent. That day, he made an effort to be good enough for her family that maybe his behavior could look cold and distant. Amelie watched his behavior and took it as a sign he didn´t want to stay there. And, it was true. Although Jonathan was a nice and friendly guy, he didn´t enjoy being around unknown people for him. He didn´t enjoy being the center of attention, and, he knew that people would be watching his earrings, and, his strange way to dress. For this reason, he tried to be invisible. Amelie took all those signs as she was not important enough for him. And, she believed he was selfish and a fool for acting in that way. Maybe she was right Jonathan could act better only for that moment, he ruined a special moment in the life of Amelie. This event marked a breakpoint for Amelie. An idea crossed her mind. The same idea had been thought a long time ago. She deserved a better boyfriend. During the next weeks, they couldn´t meet very often. Amelie had already finished her career at college, and, she only needed to go to fill out documents. On the other hand, Jonathan had finished one part of his project thesis. The experimental part was awesome and he enjoyed it, however, it ended. The next step was to write his results on a paper, and, Jonathan hated this part. Jonathan had to go to college to write his thesis every day because he knew that in his home it was impossible to find a quiet place to concentrate on it. And, he still had soccer games to play with his friends. He didn't know about Amelie´s feelings and her ideas, although he was worried about the new job that Amelie had recently got. She had to live outside of the city. He was not worried about infidelities or cheats because he knew Amelie was a good girlfriend. He was worried because they only could meet on weekends. And, if he had an important soccer game, he would be in serious problems. Furthermore, he believed that long-distance relationships don´t work. One day, Amelie got tickets for a comedy show. It was a new show played by known actors and actresses. Jonathan was excited that day. Not only for the show, but he had decided to stop with his passion and concentrate on his career and his long-distance relationship with Amelie. He thought to speak to her about the new news after the show. Jonathan always used to arrive late on their dates. And, many times, they had discussed a lot for this problem. Nevertheless, he wanted to make different things for once. He arrived early at the show, even, too soon that he had to wait for Amelie. He was standing in line to get into the show when he got a message from Amelie. She said that she was late. It was the first time it happened but, it didn´t bother Jonathan. He had made it many times before. He continued waiting and waiting until he had to come in alone. Amelie called him but it was difficult to speak when the play started, so, they couldn´t communicate. The only thing that Jonathan could understand was she was sitting in another seat with her sister, Tamy. However, it was so dark to find them. The play was hilarious and one of the best they had seen. But, Jonathan left soon. It was late and he lived far. Amelie and her sister were in their own car. For this reason, Jonathan was not worried about them. He returned to his home waiting for a message where Amelie explaining why she arrived late and said sorry. Instead of that, Amelie called you when he was arriving at his home. She asked him where he was. Jonathan was upset and that question put him furiously, but, he didn´t say anything. He only wanted to listen to Amelie say sorry because when he had made mistakes in the past, that was a lot, she always punish him. Jonathan didn´t want to punish her he only wanted to hear a simple sorry. But, it never was said. The next day after that event, they didn't speak. Jonathan´s birthday was coming, and his mother, Carmela, was preparing dinner with the whole family. Jonathan wanted to invite Amelie but his pride didn´t let him take the phone and called her. On the other hand, Amelie was confused about this silence. Since they are together, they used to communicate every day. And, had passed three days since they didn´t know anything about each one with the other. Maybe, it was the confusion or her pride for ruining something special, but Jonathan ruined her party´s graduation, or only a coincidence. Only Amelie knew the reasons that made her take a decision that changed everything between them forever. One hour before his birthday, the phone made a drab sound, and Jonathan picked up to see it. It was a WhatsApp message from Amelie, his girlfriend, who had decided to end their relationship.

CHAPTER FOUR

One month later, Amelie tried to locate Jonathan. She had the intention to continue their relationship, however, Jonathan had different plans. He never refused to see her because he still loved her, but, he thought it was not a good idea to continue the relationship. He figured out, or at least tried the problem, if they retook their relationship quite soon, they wouldn´t resolve anything. Amelie had taken that decision for a good reason and now she tried to continue in the same. Although Jonathan wasn´t a smart guy, he understood it was not reasonable. For this reason, he didn´t take the predisposition to continue. The best action Jonathan could make was to leave Amelie, although, it could mean earning her hatred. That was exactly what happened. Amelie decided to block and cut all connections with him or his family. She thought it was the best way to forget and cure her wounds. She planned to retake her life without Jonathan. Fortunately, her job was outside of the city this was a great opportunity for a new beginning. She left her past behind and concentrated all her energy on her job. She met new people, traveled to different places, and made new friends. All that activities helped her to forget the memories of Jonathan. Time was her best friend and counselor. Amelie started to figure out she lost time trying to change Jonathan. Anyone could change nothing for someone who doesn´t want to change it. Probably, she never loved him. She always tried to change some aspects of his life, his clothes, his passion, and, his preferences. She started to think about his defects and bad behaviors the way how he used to ruin the good moments with inappropriate comments. Suddenly, she understood Jonathan was only another guy similar to others that crossed in her life. Actually, there wasn't anything special between them. There only were substances in her brain that control her feelings but, when the effect finished she could see the reality. Even, she started to think Jonathan was the worst thing in her life. Jonathan didn´t have time to cry or regret what happened. Time was running and he needed to finish his thesis. He knew the best antidote for bad moments, soccer, his first love and best friend. Maybe, it is a banal activity for many people, however, it was the best way that he knew since he was a child to cure his problems. He didn´t try to understand what happened and what were his fouls and mistakes. He only concentred his attention on his thesis and soccer. After four months, the day of his graduation came. Jonathan and his partner in the thesis were so delighted. They had finished a long process with hard work in their career. They set a party with their friends and families to celebrate that new accomplishment. Jonathan tried to be happy and hold a smile on his face, nevertheless, the only thing he could think of was Amelie. He would have changed everything to share that important moment with her. After the graduation party, when emotions decreased and stopped to blind the reality of Jonathan´s feelings. He started to feel alone and remember the good memories that they had lived together. At that moment, Jonathan understood he had made a great mistake by allowing her to go away. He felt distressed about the possibility to lose the only woman who had loved him. For a little moment, he thought that he had been able to change the negative aspects of bothering Amelie. Even though, he believed he could be a better boyfriend for her. All sensations and emotions played against him and he took the decision to find Amelie. The last time they met and the last time he saw her took place at a restaurant. One year had transcurred since they had finished their relationship. Jonathan and Amelie arrived at the restaurant with different ideas and plans. Amelie had only accepted because she felt curious about what he had to say. She was a person who had clear intentions and thoughts. She had suffered a lot trying to forget him, so, she knew there were no odds to retake their relationship. On the other hand, Jonathan went to the meeting with the idea to open his heart and feelings trying to persuade her. He believed if they still loved each other, they would solve any problems. Since they met, the situation was strange and confusing. Amelie was close to a fluent conversation. She only wanted to listen to what Jonathan had to say and left the restaurant. On the other hand, Jonathan tried to harmonize the meeting with typical questions and jokes, but, he noticed on Amelie´s face it was not a good idea. Her feedback was rude and without the intention to be friendly, until she asked him what he wanted. Jonathan was nervous and anxious so, he didn´t find the best way to speak about his feelings. He only achieved Amelie felt bored and tired to see his face. However, he started to talk. He thought that after all that time they were separated. She had been able to understand the reasons that helped to detonate their problems. Nevertheless, she only said he had been selfish and narcissistic in their relationship. He tried to understand that words because he knew he was selfish, although, the word narcissistic was new for him. Maybe she was right. For that reason, he stopped to talk for a while. When he retook the conversation, the only thing that he could say was he still loved her, and if she still love him, they could resolve everything. But, she had only accepted that meeting because she wanted to say him that he had been the worst thing in her life and their relationship was traumatic for her. Obviously, she was not explicit when she said that but, Jonathan could deduce it. After that meeting, they left with different sensations and it would be the last time Jonathan saw Amelie.

CHAPTER FIVE

Real Life is not always like movies and series where protagonists finish their story by resolving all problems and living together forever. There are no good and bad people, only different people who sometimes might make great mistakes. In real life, people need to run into the same mistake many times to figure out if there is something bad. There are many different kinds of showing love and it´s sometimes too complicated to see it. The person who you love the most is also who hurt you the most. The most strange thing is life takes the test first and after that shows you the lesson.

Jonathan and Amelie had to pass through bad and good moments together to understand what they actually look for in a relationship. They were two good people who connected for a short moment in their lives, but that was all. They felt that deep emotion people call “love” and then the consequences of a broken heart. They could touch heaven with their hands and then they fell into an inferno.

Each one took different ways to face their rupture. Amelie cut every connection with Jonathan´s life. They erased their photos together on social media and blocked him from her accounts. She also burned things that she owned him. Each detail, which was able to remember him, was erased. Amelie believed it was the best way to forget him. Continuing her life how Jonathan wouldn't have existed for her. There was not a person called Jonathan in the life of Amelie. On the other hand, Jonathan tried different methods to overcome their rupture. He tried to forget Amelie with other ladies. That was a bad idea. They started to compare them with Amelie thus his pain increased. His dates were a disaster. Regardless, he began to speak with his dates about Amelie so, that dates ended with uncomfortable silences and a bittersweet taste.

For Amelie, it was easier to forget Jonathan. He had made a lot of mistakes related to his passion for soccer that Amelie only had to remember the bad memories about him to turn love into hatred. She understood that she wouldn't be a second place for anyone anymore. She didn't want to waste her time changing someone or waiting for being a priority. She didn't want to hear the word soccer in her entire life. In contrast, Jonathan couldn’t forget by himself that he let her leave his life. He knew it was a big mistake. And, he couldn't find a second of peace. He couldn´t understand how his sweet dreams with her turned into nightmares. Nights were long and it was more when he couldn't sleep. Any activity gave him a second of peace. Even, soccer which had been for many years his best adviser could calm his pain. Jonathan couldn´t understand that situation. He figured out that made mistakes but, he was not the worst boyfriend in the history of the relationship. So, why he could be with the person he loved the most? Many questions flew through his mind. Questions such as Is there a real love for each one? Is love only a series of chemical substances in our brains or is there something magic that people can't answer? Are all our actions determined or people had the power to decide every action in their life? Surely, the majority didn´t have an answer. Because when the illusion of love had vanished, he noticed that they were quite different. Nothing in common, music, activities, hobbies, personalities, movies. He didn’t want to study that career. Even though he hadn't wanted to enter that college. So, how was possible that two people with nothing in common could connect?

Before Jonathan met Amelie, he had read in a magazine that every person who comes into our lives is not for coincidence. It's not a random situation. The universe conspires in our lives. They come into our lives because there is something we need to learn. Although Jonathan never believed those arguments, that situation changed when he began to pay attention to the simple details. If Amelie hadn't been interested in playing soccer, they wouldn't have started to date. Although they met in their career, there wasn't a connection in their classroom. If Jonathan had entered a different college, he wouldn't ever have met Amelie. He had applied three times for that college but he always was rejected and when he applied to his college, which is more difficult to enter, he passed on the first attempt. If he had studied other careers like many people said, he wouldn't ever have met Amelie. Jonathan had wanted to study a different career based on suggestions and advice from friends and siblings and also, the salary he could earn. However, he decided to study his career because he liked it. There were many events and coincidences that happened before Jonathan and Amelie could meet. Was it a coincidence or was it predestined?

Maybe that simple article in an unknown magazine was right. People don't meet others by coincidence. Maybe everything is determined. Each move or decision that people have made was previously predestinated. There is a fate for each one and anyone can´t change it. The universe is a giant clock and God is the watcher. Or, maybe, everything is only a coincidence. There is no determined fate and you have the power to change it. After all, maybe it's right that God plays dice.

Jonathan was lying down in his bed thinking about how his life changed since he met Amelie. He discovered a different universe through her eyes. He discovered reading had been his hobby but he never knew. He discovered that simple activities could be wonderful with the correct person. There is beauty in everything only depending on how you see it. He learned a lot in life since he met Amelie. If God plays dice or not, it doesn't worry him. He would always be happy to coincide with her in this life.

Some months later since the last time Jonathan saw Amelie, he decided to travel around the world. He wanted to know the place where soccer was born thus he went to England. He had siblings at this place, so, it was easier to know the country. He visited wonderful soccer stadiums of famous team soccer. He went to fantastic museums where there were popular paintings by well-known artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Da Vinci. He was immersed for a short moment in mankind´s history. He felt time stopped when he saw the paintings. He could almost think the same things that artists did when he was painting. And, after two years, eleven months, and, fifteen days, he remembered that much time had passed since he was happy, and at least, he could put a smile on his face again.

THE END