#Chapter3

SAMMY

After I finish singing, I exit the studio and take the plates to wash them. I enter the house and walk to the kitchen. While I'm washing the dishes, I hear a voice and jump in surprise.

Andrés - I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to startle you.

Sammy - Don't worry, Andrés. But call me Sammy.

Andrés - Okay, tomorrow... what time do we leave for your school?

Sammy - I start at 7 in the morning at the university.

Andrés - What? Sorry for my question, but how old are you?

Sammy - I'm 17. Why?

Andrés - It's just that you seem quite young to be in university.

Sammy - Not to brag, but I'm quite intelligent and skipped a few grades. Anyway, I should go now... You must be tired.

Andrés - Okay, thanks. Likewise.

I leave the kitchen and head to my room, closing the door behind me. I lie down and fall asleep.

THE NEXT DAY

I wake up to my phone alarm and turn it off. I go to the bathroom, take a shower, and when I come out, I'm already wearing my underwear. I go to my closet and pick out my outfit – a pair of pants, a white blouse, and my sneakers.

Once I'm ready, I take a selfie with my phone, grab my things, and descend the stairs. I leave my backpack in the living room and head to the kitchen. Upon entering, I see Andrés.

Sammy - Good morning.

Andrés - Good morning, Sammy.

I search for something in the refrigerator to prepare, making pancakes. When I'm done, I serve them on two plates – one for Andrés and one for me. I sit down to have breakfast in silence until he breaks the silence.

Andrés - These are really good. I didn't imagine you could cook.

Sammy - I learned because I'm always alone. How about you? Do you have a family?

Andrés - I live alone. Yes, I have family – they live in another country. But I do talk to them whenever I can.

Sammy - We're in the same boat. It's good that you keep in touch with them.

When I finish breakfast, I get up from the table and wash the dishes. I go to the living room to get my backpack, then leave the house with Andrés waiting outside. He opens the car door for me. I fasten my seatbelt, as does he. I tell him where my university is, and when we arrive, he gets out and opens the car door for me. I exit and walk towards the university entrance, feeling the stares and hearing whispers about me and my bodyguard. Just then, I see my friend coming towards me.

Sofía - Hey, Sammy! Who's the hottie with you? Is he your boyfriend?

Sammy - Hey, Sofía. No and no. He's my bodyguard, Andrés. Sofía, meet Andrés. Andrés, meet Sofía.

- They greet each other.

Sammy - Let's head to class.

We walk, and when we arrive at the classroom, we enter. Andrés remains outside. All my classmates are sighing over him. After a few hours, the bell rings for recess. We head to the cafeteria, and I buy my food. I sit in my usual spot, and while eating, I hear some commotion. I get up from my seat, walk towards the commotion, and see an artificial girl attacking another girl who's not conventionally attractive. It's not that I care about the artificial girl's looks. I was about to step in and stop her, when she throws a slap. I catch her hand in mid-air and she looks at me with hatred.

Sammy - Don't you dare lay a hand on her, airhead.

Jenny - Sammy, don't get involved. You should be on my side. Have you seen her? She's not beautiful like us. I don't know how you can protect the ugly ones.

Sammy - I don't see any flaws in her. She's a person just like you and me. But she's better than you. She's beautiful just the way she is. She doesn't need to change for anyone, and if she does, it'll be for herself, not for an artificial like you.

Jenny - Of course we're different. I'm pretty and popular.

Sammy - Consider yourself warned. Don't mess with her or you'll regret it.

Jenny - And what will you do? I'm not afraid of you, stupid.

She struggles to break free from my grip, and when I release her, she grabs a handful of my hair and pulls me backwards. I fall to the ground but quickly get up. I give her a punch, and she falls on her rear, her lip bleeding.

Sammy - Listen, airhead. Don't mess with me, or it'll be worse for you.

Andrés - Let's go, Sammy.

Andrés takes my hand and leads me away. We return to my seat, but I'm still angry. I want to leave. I want to hit something.

Sammy - Andrés, can you take me home, please?

Andrés - But your classes aren't over yet.

Sammy - I don't care about that. If you can't, I'll go by myself.

I rush to the classroom, grab my things, and hurry out. I reach the door and see Andrés waiting by the car with the door open. I get into the car, and he drives me home without saying anything. Once we arrive, I enter my room, throw my backpack on the floor, and go to my closet to change into workout clothes.

After changing, I descend the stairs. At the door, I hear him speaking to me.

Andrés - Where are you going? I can take you.

Sammy - I'm going to the gym. I need to hit something.

Andrés - Okay, I'll drive you.

We leave the house, get into the car, and he drives us to the gym. When we arrive, I get out, and we go inside. I start warming up and training. I kick and punch the boxing bag, releasing all my anger. It reminds me of my past, which only fuels my anger even more.