(Her Smile)

The brightness of the morning sun penetrated Mariana's wide, vintage window curtains. Rays bounced into her eyes as she opened them. Her body was exhausted, aching all over. She blinked her eyes and then yawned. Her eyes widened as she realized what had happened last night. She felt fully naked, covered only by a thick white blanket. She turned her head and quickly sat up. He was already gone.

She sighed and closed her eyes once more before she lay back down. It was strange; she could still smell his scent in the room. She turned onto her left side, placing her hand on the pillow where Calum had slept. She caressed it, closing her eyes and remembering the passionate scene last night. She didn't know if she'd be disgusted or disappointed in herself, but she knew she'd been happy in that moment. The moment their bodies touched and became one, she experienced a joy she could only imagine; every inch of her skin, her whole being, was overjoyed. She managed a sad smile because, after all of that, he'd still left her.

She breathed deeply. At least, at last, it was clear what she needed to believe. She believed him, and she believed in herself. He loved her, and she loved him just as much, or even more.

"Mariana. Breakfast is ready."

Caitlin knocked, making Mariana quickly get out of bed.

"Yes, Cait. I'll be there in a minute! Let me just take a very quick shower!"

Mariana replied as she hurried into the shower room carrying her naked body.

She turned on the shower, and the warm water hitting her skin made her smile. It wasn't just the water; it was because of him. She probably looked crazy, smiling as she rinsed her body. She could still remember the touch of his lips on hers, the sensation of his touch on her skin. She seemed addicted to it, biting her lower lip and shaking her head.

"Stop, Mariana! You're out of your mind."

She murmured to herself, truly out of her mind, talking to herself. She'd never been this happy before; she felt complete. Even though her memories hadn't returned, she felt like she didn't need them anymore. She realized it wasn't her memories, the truth, or anything else that would make her happy; it was him. He was the only reason. He made her complete and gave her hope once again.

 ---

"Wow. You slept well, huh?"

Caitlin asked, a mischievous smile on her face after she sat opposite Mariana at the kitchen table. Mariana took a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah. I slept very well. I slept like a rock."

She forced a smile and put down her coffee.

"No wonder your eyes are a little swollen. And you're wearing a turtleneck. I wonder why."

Mariana almost choked on the egg she was chewing. She forced another smile.

"So tell me, Mariana. Do you know whose torn t-shirt is that in the dryer?"

Mariana's eyes widened as she remembered she'd forgotten to hide his t-shirt; she'd left it on the dryer. She'd forgotten it due to nervousness and panic about being caught. Caitlin's expression wasn't angry; she just wanted an answer. Mariana took a deep breath and looked directly into Caitlin's eyes.

"That's his."

"Who?"

Caitlin's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

"It's his... Calum. Calum Bryant."

Caitlin's eyes widened in shock. She stood up, panicked.

"Where is he? Did he hurt you? Did you call the police?"

Mariana stood and hugged Caitlin. Tears formed in her eyes, but her voice was calm.

"There's nothing to worry about, Cait. He already left. He said he would surrender himself to the police."

Caitlin broke their embrace and looked at her.

"And you believed him?"

She waited patiently for her reply.

"I do..."

Mariana lowered her head, looking away from her, and her tears fell.

"I'm sorry, Cait. I don't know why, but I believed him. And I know for sure that I love him. I love him as much as he loved me, or maybe even more. It sucks; it's making me lose my mind."

Caitlin touched her hair and caressed her cheeks to wipe away her tears.

"If that's what you believe, I know that's the truth. If he loved you, he will always find a way to be with you, so don't be sad anymore. If you're meant to be together the destiny will find a way for you to find each other over and over again."

Mariana looked at her face and saw her smiling. Her nervousness vanished, replaced by happiness. Her tears fell faster as she hugged Caitlin again.

"Thank you, Cait, for always believing me... I promise I will never worry you again."

They both genuinely smiled. Caitlin realized she'd never seen her like this before. Mariana was truly smiling, without any worry or confusion. Her smile was more genuine than ever before.

***