A new side of you (S1 Ep.7-6)

After the tournaments, we followed for the green area next to the beach, while the younger invaded the fields. I remember the feeling. Ever since I was little, we've come to this celebration and, at the time, one of the peak moments of this day was when the older ones left the fields and we could go and play there. We did our own tournaments, without medals, without any bonus aside from the fun.

Honestly, I don't know who started this tradition, according to Dianne this was a custom that the community did it to thank the gift of sun, good harvests, the purity of water, among other reasons. With time it has been adapted by younger generations, one of them, the introduction of the sport.

The entire community joins together, they bring their picnic baskets, share their food, their drink. I love this conviviality! Who didn't seem to be loving it right now, was Diane.

Rose: And here comes one of my favourite parts. The eating!

Monic: It's you and I!

Joan: Dianne, what's wrong?

When we get together for this kind of conviviality Dianne organizes always a file for each one of us, coordinating the eating and the drinking, dishes and desserts, fresh juices and waters. Her lack of observation in relation to mealtime got our attention. She actually seemed worried. Something told me that it had to do with the comment about the new boy…

Rose: Are you looking for Mario? They probably are in the balneary!

Dianne: No! I'm not! I was just checking who's keeping an eye on the little ones.

Monic: Rose, apparently they are already set. They are coming!

Dianne: Where?!

Rose, Joan, Sofie e Monic: Ahahaha…

Monic: And you are not looking for him. - Not even a little joke from Monic seemed to relax her.

Rose: Charlie asked me to bring extra blankets. Probably comes with the whole team. When they arrive you take your doubts.

Dianne: I don't want to take any doubts. Can't you see I'm panicking ... - And finally confessed her fear.

Sofie: Calm down! We are here for you.

Monic: Besides you haven't seen him in what... Five years?

No matter the time that had passed, in the eyes of Dianne had awakened a deep sadness. I don't remember having seen her that way before. In no time at all. It was evident that Mario had marked her. A misunderstood attitude for more than five years had a great impact on her.

Our group started with me and Joan, in the fifth grade joined us Dianne and Monic, in the seventh grade Sofie. This was a story that I didn't know very well. I know, just, that during the primary grade they were very good friends and in the last year had gone apart. Dianne mentioned this story once but never had mentioned the name of the, then, best friend.

Rose: Dianne, if you feel better, we get another table for the boys! Charlie won't mind.

Dianne: It’s not necessary. I'm going to be okay.

Diane is one of the most controlled persons I know, sometimes it seems a little cold, however, she is very just. Although it was a delicate situation for her, she would never be put in a position that would be unfair to others.

Monic: Now they really are coming... - Said in a more serious tone.

Rose & Kat

Charlie and the boys: Hello girls!

Miguel: We brought a few things here, where do we put them?

Joan: Food on the table and drinks in glaciers. The offering is at that table.

Charlie: Mario come here! – Called him, indicating with a gesture of his hand to get closer. - My sister, Rose, you already met, this is Joan that accompanied her in practice.

Joan: Hi, it’s a pleasure!

Mário: Hello Joan, likewise!

Charlie: ...Monic and her cousin Dianne...

Monic: Hello…

Mário: Your faces are so familiar...

Diane seemed to see a ghost. Neither moved nor spoke a word. Seeing it up close, she had no doubts. He was "her" Mario. In his eyes, there was a certain glow when looking at Dianne, but repairing on her position too rigid, didn’t dare to greet her.

Mário: Did you study at the Music Paths School?

Monic: Yes, in girls. Then we came to the city to study.

Monic’s confirmation didn't seem to commit Mario in any way, only the presence of Dianne let a little pink in his cheeks. To my eyes, it seemed that he had a special affection for her, yet!

Charlie: … and Sofie.

Mário: This face I know well, so Sofie how have you been?

Sofie: Good! And you? I didn't know you were back.

Mário: I came to spend summer vacation with my mom and asked to stay. I'm going to do high school here.

Joan: I'm sorry! Do you know each other?

Sofie: Yes! A few years ago now. Mario was the first person of my age, I met when I moved here in the summer holidays, which preceded my entry into the... Music Path School... In the fourth grade!

Wait! Rewind. What?!