Chapter 4

Luciana changed her behavior at the gym. She was no longer looking for opportunities to be close to Renato. She even avoided him. She focused on herself and her goals. Marina was furious and wanted to go there and call names or scream at everyone at the gym. But Luciana did not agree.

After all, that group of teasers didn't even know her. She now noticed that they also teased other people. They did everything to laugh for no particular reason. She had completely lost interest in them and in Renato, who, after all, was part of that group. Marina now hated him, she wanted Luciana to leave the gym. But Lu had made the six-months plan package and was not going to throw money in the trash. When she started her training, she didn't even know about Renato working in that place. And also, she felt perfectly capable of acting with civility toward him or anyone else. The gym was so big, it had different rooms to people with different goals.

She then, told Neuraci about her scheduled trip and the coach advised her on the best exercises to get resistance for the challenges of her tourist route. They even studied together the leaflet with the Pantanal trails and Neuraci added step classes, so that Luciana would have more strength in her legs.

Lu had already been in the gym for a month and had become friends with two siblings, Olavo and Lilian. One applied pranks to the other and they had a lot of fun with them. They liked Luciana and got used to having snacks together every night. They had no frills and the three ate well, in addition to taking vitamin and fruit juices. When Renato's fans made nasty comments, Lilian replied:

“It's our fuel. But I understand that yours is alcohol. Or for some, gases”, and she started to fan herself excessively, as if a bad odor came from the opponents.

Olavo laughed at everything, but Luciana preferred to ignore it. She did not want to participate in attacks and counter attacks. She thought it was too low. The siblings advised Luciana to develop a sense of humor about the girls, who they referred to as the gym snakishes (bad as snakes, smelling like fishes).

...

One Sunday, after dinner, her mother thought Luciana was very quiet. She hadn't even given any suggestions for the movie they used to watch together always at that time.

“Lu, my dear, when your father died, you were still a baby.”

“I know, mom. “

“So when I found myself alone in the world, with you to take care of, I was worried about being a good mother and taking care of our expenses.”

“You are a great mother. “

“You know, Luciana, I talked to God at that time. With great faith, I prayed that He would help me so that you would never be in need of any material thing. And thank God I was answered. “

“You were, Mom. I have more than I need.” “But dear, you are young and it is natural that you may want some fashionable object or clothing. If that's the case, you have to tell me. Nowadays everything can be paid in installments. Maybe you want a good camera for your trip, I don't know...”

“My cell phone camera is great mom. Why are you worried about that? “

“Because I think you are sad, Luciana. Even with this trip scheduled and your graduation next year, the other day I thought you might have cried on your pillow... At that time I didn't want to insist, but today you are so sad and quiet... “

“Wow mom. I didn't think I was going to worry you. It was never my intention. Listen, I'll tell you what happened. Do you remember to hear me talk about the owner of the Sweat Drop gym, Renato? “

“Yes, the handsome guy. I heard you and Marina describing his attributes, one of these days. “

“Well, he looks a lot like a guy from a dream I had. Moreover, the dream has repeated from time to time. The resemblance is striking. Ma and I even thought it was himself, as strange as it sounds.”

“It's not impossible.”

“Sure. It so happens that in the dream he is my boyfriend, and when I met him, I created many expectations. I fell in love instantly, without even knowing him a little deeper.”

“Luciana, there is nothing wrong with that. There is a thing called love at first sight, you know.”

“Yes mom. I agree. But there is also unrequited love, right?”

“Ah, dear, I'm so sorry.”

“I was a little upset. I felt like I lost my boyfriend, but that's crazy, because I never had him in the first place. Renato doesn't even know I exist.”

“I doubt that. You are beautiful. A gentle person with everyone. You draw attention with your charisma and good character.”

“But I think he's more interested in the girls with fit bodies who follow him everywhere.”

“If he is superficial like that, my dear, a life with him would be more like a nightmare than a good dream.”

“I know, Mom. That´s why I already decided to focus on my studies and work. This is not the best time to add headaches to my busy life.”

“Lu, you are very sensible.”

After this close talk, mother and daughter go to the living room to watch a comedy movie and relax.

Yes, Luciana feels that she has sense, what she doesn't have is the boyfriend of her dreams.