A Stranger in “Love” (S1 Ep.18-3)

Today is the last day for the delivery of letters by the entire school. During the first break in the morning, they are collected from the mailboxes and until the lunchtime are distributed. The last hope for the lonely hearts declares themselves, maybe to find out their admirers, or to find an answer to their prayers. It's a risk and you have to be prepared to take it. You have to be armed with trust and courage, because not always the conscience tells us how exposed we stay, ignoring the pain that can be caused by an open wound that, if not well cared for, will leave a scar. We're all strangers in love and sometimes the fear stops our words and deeds, leaving to find out "what if".

Valentine's day is marked by joy, passion, love and the affection shared between couples of all ages, hiding from reality the glory of the tragedy that had make this day born. The story goes that Bishop Valentine imprisoned for celebrating the union between young lovers, forbidden by the Emperor, receiving visits from a blind girl, Artérias, and for her fell in love. The then Bishop made a miracle before the execution of his sentence, he was able to restore the vision to Artérias, such was their love.

Love is known for being one of the most powerful weapons on Earth, but sometimes a simple phrase like "I love you" is contained on our lips, our lack of courage to pronounce it and between these halls is not a phrase much heard except at this season. Maybe for being young and not knowing the greatness of this little word, I don't know why, though I know whatever makes us move in this time of romance has just begun.

After lunch the school will be closed, giving way to small student fair. I wanted to stay in the main building, kept hoping to see him, but all the students who volunteer to help the student association in these events are coordinated by them and so I had not the courage to ask Dianne to change the task given to me. I didn't want to be presumptuous, imposing my will on our project. We had only until the end of the lunch hour to mount the stand.

Throughout the whole weekend the gym will be decorated with hearts and romantic ideas, will have activities and sales stands full of articles expressing thru creativity "Love". Surrounded by all this environment I was wondering if I was right in my description, if some of the present feel the same, with the same intensity, if we only were fooling ourselves?! Would have Mikhael written that letter for real or would be another trick of Joan?!

Joan: Why are you looking at me like that?

Rose: Like what?

Joan: Like you want to ask or say something!

Rose: Your impression. I have nothing to ask that have not already done so and to say… You probably would have more to do it with your stories and everything else.

Joan: You're still upset…

Rose: No, I didn't mean it that way. Sorry, I was just wondering what more you have to tell, not only to me but to all of us… After all, you're the only one who kept your memories… It didn't come out well. Seriously, I'm not upset. I've been and, although I'm still processing it all, in a strange way, I understand.

Joan: With time everything will be clearer…

Rose: With "Time"... - Smiled with the glance of his sweet memory, felt him so close, his arms holding me…

Joan: What is it? - Joan smiled in sympathy to see me happy, she saw my pain and at the same time had lost her own smile. Blamed herself for where I was, but more for not know how could help me. With all the training that was strengthened her day after day, nothing could she do because she was convinced that only with the absence of magic Anastacia's return would be possible. - It's so good to see you smile.

Rose: I feel better!

Joan: Did you read the letter?!

Rose: You know who sent it?!

Joan: Suspected, but now I'm sure… He couldn't see you suffer like that, he wants you to know that, although his absence is felt, he never abandons you.

Rose: Prepared? - Smiled with a little tear in the corner of my eye. There was my best friend, there was the girl who I knew and grew up with, generous and humble.

Joan: Well, I think so! You and Monic had the most difficult task I only have to be here. Let's do this!

The doors of the gym are about to open, we're anxious. We know how important is the result of this weekend, although the show was already underway, there is much more to do. All afternoon we'd be selling special products of the Hypnotic Love Collection, spreading the word about the Kat Rose Fashion brand and about the Fashion show held just over a month with the new spring/summer collection.

It was a day filled with work. Here lying on my bed I felt strange. I didn't have the sense of loss upon my chest anymore, felt his absence, but somehow found comfort in his words, "(...) a second away (...)".

I put the music box playing. Recalling this afternoon, watching couples lovers strolling, from one side to the other, I found myself imagining what it would be like… For several moments wanted to call his name, hoping that if I did it he would reveal himself to me… But I didn't.

Although I didn't admit, I think by this time I was surrendered to the truth of Joan, just didn't want to stop being me, I was afraid that the personality I had, that way I know myself would be lost, that my consciousness was no more if their Katarina or Anastacia appeared in me. Didn't understand what that meant and I was afraid to find out. However, Mikhael was so present… I know one thing, I would stand up against death itself by love! No matter how many lives would have to live, I'd find him, I wouldn’t leave him alone…

My heart began to pound with this idea. Saw me next to him… "Mikhael was injured, almost lifeless. I tried to pull the dagger it was through his heart. It was full of black magic... I was there, but he didn't see me… I'm whispering in his ear that everything will be fine, he's not alone. I smiled to see Joan and I let myself go..."

What is this on my chest?! I wanted to scream his name and I did in my thoughts – "MIKHAEL" - With such intensity, I felt... I loved him... I still do... Love his generosity, his goodness, his strength, his weakness, his loving way, his raw form... His touch ... Still dreaming with my eyes wide open. No matter the name, no matter the era, I love him!

Continued without seeing me as someone else it wasn't Rose. But these moments, out of time, I felt myself and I was there, next to him, who body was dying on the floor of that cave, wounded, wanted nothing more than to be there, to protect him. I tried to reach the dagger, it took all the strength I had. There was this veil between us, he felt me not, didn't see me. And even before I leave smiled seeing Joan, knowing that she would do what I could not... I was there!

Could these feeling break barriers…