That day, LIANA went to the mall. She bought many things, even went out to eat. While she was eating, BENJAMÍN called her.
—Thank you so much for understanding. My girlfriend and I have made up again. I hope we can have coffee again soon —he said.
—Okay, that's fine —LIANA replied, hanging up.
Then she smiled to herself, thinking: Perfect… this reconciliation will mark their breakup. All this emotion on a Sunday, a day of rest… This is delightful. Tomorrow there will be trouble with Alexandra, but she brought it on herself.
The next day, LIANA entered the classroom. The professor was already there, so Alexandra didn't get the chance to bother her. He handed back the assignments, and at the end, he called on LIANA. Alexandra was shocked and thought angrily: That girl? I stole her assignment! Didn't that professor get the message after the threat that day?
Then, Alexandra looked at LIANA with disgust. But LIANA only gave her a satisfied smile and thought: Good thing I kept a copy of the work before submitting it. Even though I had modified it, I planned to keep it for myself… but this time, it was worth it.
After the bell, during the next period, LIANA went to the bathroom. Alexandra was there, waiting to argue.
—Who do you think you are? Don't talk to my boyfriend again. I know you knew he was mine, but you still tried to steal him! Just for that assignment? Tell me, poisonous ivy… are you sleeping with the professor?
LIANA, with a victorious and composed smile, replied:
—I didn't know he was your boyfriend. And no, I'm not sleeping with the professor. And if I were… it shouldn't concern you. Besides, if I wanted to steal your boyfriend, I would've done it directly. But learn something: the woman standing before you is not just anybody. I am a phoenix, a lady, and a queen. And if I can't win with money or power, I'll do it with beauty. And if even that fails… I'll use intelligence. Because what you lack, I have in excess. Ivy like you doesn't deserve to be in the same garden as this lotus.
Alexandra, furious, slapped LIANA. But like a true lady, LIANA returned two slaps.
—Filthy bitch… don't compare yourself to me. There are levels, and you're not on mine, idiot —she said as she walked out of the bathroom.
Before leaving, LIANA messed up her hair and lightly hit herself. She came out crying.
—Alexandra hit me! Help! She's violent!
Everyone believed her. Alexandra's father was called to the school. When he arrived at the office, LIANA was already seated. He asked:
—Where's the girl my daughter hit?
The principal pointed to LIANA.
—That's her.
Alexandra's father looked at her… and it was as if he was hypnotized. She's beautiful… Too bad she's my daughter's age, he thought.
When he snapped out of it, they were calling him.
—I'm sorry. My daughter won't do it again —he said, taking Alexandra away.
On the way out, Alexandra exclaimed:
—Dad, I didn't do anything! I swear I'm innocent!
—I know you might be… but I'm not sure —he replied—. Sometimes you hurt others and won't admit it. That girl was covered in bruises, and you didn't have a single mark…
While Alexandra argued with her father, LIANA thought: Your eyes were greedy… but you're not allowed into this game yet. Let me finish the first stage before this year ends.
After that, LIANA left. Manuel was there again, holding a bouquet of flowers. Each time, a different kind… but LIANA never acknowledged him.
And as that image fades… there's a very handsome and attractive man. His face is hidden, but in his hands is a picture of LIANA… held with disdain.
Back to LIANA, now at home. She looks in the mirror and says:
—The game's getting good now… where the winner is the one who survives. I don't know whether to kill or to spare. Let's see how this plays out…
While Alexandra thinks, BENJAMÍN calls:
—Hi, how are you?
—I'm okay —LIANA replies, pretending to cry.
—Why are you crying?
—It's nothing…
—I know you're a cheerful person. Tell me what's wrong.
—Alexandra got violent… she hit me. I don't know why I bother her so much…
BENJAMÍN, angry, responds:
—And you still defend her! How about we meet so I can see how badly she hurt you?
LIANA says:
—Come to my house. I'm too ashamed to go outside. People look at me strangely… And if my face doesn't heal, what will I do?
BENJAMÍN, moved by her pain, agrees.
After a while, he arrives. LIANA opens the door, her face hidden behind her long hair. BENJAMÍN lifts her hair and becomes mesmerized by her lips. In his mind, questions arise: What do they taste like? How soft are they?
LIANA sees the questions on his face and smiles to herself.
He's fallen. He's wondering whether or not to kiss me. But I can't let him… not yet.
—Is something wrong? —she asks.
—She hit you badly… —BENJAMÍN says, ashamed.
To ease the tension, he looks around and spots a harp.
—You play the harp?
—Yes. Since I was young.
—You have many talents.
—And you? What do you do?
—I work as my father's assistant. But I'll climb the ranks.
—That's great. If that's your goal, you must be good. You know… you lifted my mood. That's why I'll play the harp.
—Go ahead.
When LIANA started playing the harp, a soft melody filled the room, so delicate it distracted BENJAMÍN. In his thoughts, he said:
She's beautiful… Even with bruises, her beauty doesn't seem natural. She's like a goddess… the goddess of beauty. Those lips… anyone who can't resist them will fall to temptation. I'd better leave.
—I should go —he said.
LIANA walked him to the door. BENJAMÍN stared at her.
—Don't argue with Alexandra. Forgive her —LIANA said.
But without her realizing it, BENJAMÍN kissed her with overflowing desire. LIANA pushed him away, pretending to be sad.
—Don't do this. You have a girlfriend. You can't cheat on her. I'm not willing to be the other woman in a relationship.
BENJAMÍN apologized and left.
Once in his car, he called Alexandra.
—Hi, love —she answered sweetly.
—You hit that innocent girl, Alex. What's wrong with you?
—That poisonous ivy is crawling into your eyes! How can you not see I'm innocent? And you're driving while calling me…
—I never thought you were so violent! That girl is kind. Unlike you, she always says, "This conflict isn't yours. Don't fight your girlfriend over this." But you… what's next? Will you kill her? Hit me?
—Damn that woman! Poisonous ivy! Climber!
But before BENJAMÍN could answer… he crashed his car. He was seriously injured.
Meanwhile, LIANA sat in her room, in front of a chessboard.
—I'm just one move away from taking out this key piece —she whispered.
And that woman in white, full of melancholy, said:
—LIANA… your justice is my justice. But your justice is not my justice. You and I are the same, but I'm not you. Still, I will cry for you. Do you remember what you once said to mark the past, the future, and the present?
LIANA replied:
—Yes. I said I was searching for inner peace. That I don't aim to find peace for others. That I don't have time to spare… but I'm not short of it either. That I'd give my advice and step back. That it would be up to them. Because the day I walked away… I wouldn't look back. And if I did, it would be to offer gratitude. Because those who didn't prepare and still stand at my level… shouldn't complain or try to walk beside me. After all, ignorance has always dimmed the light of wisdom.
And in a blurred image… we see an ambulance.
And here's the closing line, polished in tone and punctuation:
—This is nothing, maestra. I just had a little of what they needed… Never again will anyone outshine me for money or power. No more! I am a phoenix… and I will shine, no matter what, no matter who.