Forbidden Lessons

Prologue

August 31, 2024. The streets in Barcelona were still alive with the lingering warmth of summer, but the city was already anticipating the arrival of autumn. Days sped by, and Ana, a 24-year-old law student, stood on the brink of another long and exhausting semester. Ana had always been exceptional, a true idealist, but on this day, nothing seemed to lift her spirits. She walked aimlessly towards her favorite café, where she planned to have her usual double espresso. The street noises and the approaching semester’s pressure weighed heavily on her. As she drifted through her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was her boyfriend, Alejandro. Ana sighed and answered the call.

“Hi, Alejandro. What’s up?” she asked, her voice tinged with fatigue.

“Hola, Ana! We’re having a party tonight. I thought you might want to come,” Alejandro said, his tone cheerful but slightly pleading.

“I don’t know, Alejandro… I’m really not in the mood for a party,” Ana replied, already dreading the crowded apartment, loud music, and inevitable hangover.

“Come on, it won’t be for long. Just a little break before we dive back into studying. You could use some fun,” Alejandro coaxed.Ana hesitated but finally gave in to Alejandro’s friendly persuasion.

“Alright, I’ll be there,” she conceded with a sigh before hanging up. She knew Alejandro meant well, and perhaps a change of scene would be good for her.

As Ana entered the café, the familiar warmth and comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her. She approached the counter and ordered her usual— a strong double espresso. The barista, who knew her well, greeted her with a friendly smile and a nod. Ana returned the smile half-heartedly, taking a moment to absorb the café's cozy ambiance.

She found a quiet corner by the window, where sunlight streamed through, casting a soft glow over the tables. She placed her order on the table and looked out at the bustling street. The city was alive with the last remnants of summer, with people strolling leisurely and street vendors setting up their stalls. The lively chatter and distant sounds of laughter mingled with the steady hum of traffic.

Ana pulled out her book, hoping that immersing herself in its pages might offer some respite from her current mood. She glanced at the cover, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the upcoming semester. The reality of another grueling round of classes and assignments loomed over her, dampening her enthusiasm.

Just as she was about to open the book and lose herself in its world, the noise of the café and the street outside seemed to fade as her phone buzzed on the table. It was Alejandro again. She was about to pick up the phone but little did she know, the encounter with her mother would soon disrupt this fleeting moment of solitude.

“Ana? Is that you?” It was her mother. Over the years, much had happened between them, and Ana had always avoided revisiting the past, which her mother persistently wanted to discuss.

“Mom, I really don’t want to do this right now,” Ana said, standing beside her mother.

“I know it’s hard, but you can’t run away forever. We need to talk…” her mother tried to reason.

“Not now, Mom. Maybe another time,” Ana said firmly, then stood up and left the café without further ado. She wasn’t in the mood to stir up the past.

Back home, in the calm of her apartment, Ana finally gathered herself and sat down at her computer. She had been putting it off for a while, but now seemed like the right time: she sent her resume to a prestigious law firm offering an internship position. She carefully filled out every detail of the application, double-checking it before hitting the send button.
This position could be a perfect stepping stone for her legal career, and Ana had high hopes for it. She imagined what it would be like to finally step out of student life and gain real experience. It would be another step toward her dreams.
After sending the application, Ana took care of a few more tasks: she tidied her room, reviewed her textbooks for the upcoming semester, and even went for a short run to clear her mind. The evening arrived quickly.

As the evening approached, Alejandro was already waiting at Ana’s door, eager for their night out. Ana had opted for a laid-back yet chic look: a white tube top that showcased her tan, paired with denim shorts and bold red Adidas sneakers. It was a look that combined effortless style with a touch of youthful flair. Alejandro greeted her with a warm hug and an enthusiastic smile, clearly excited for the night ahead.

They arrived at the party, which was already in full swing. The apartment was packed with friends and acquaintances, the air buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes from a summer night about to end. Music blared from the speakers, a vibrant mix of upbeat tracks that made it impossible to stay still. The room was a whirlwind of colors, with lights flashing in time to the beats and people laughing and dancing with abandon.

Ana and Alejandro wove their way through the crowd, making their way to the kitchen where drinks were being served. The evening began with the usual small talk and catching up with friends, but as the cocktails flowed, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Ana, who had initially been so reluctant, found herself gradually easing into the revelry. The music, the camaraderie, and the carefree ambiance worked their magic.

By mid-evening, Ana and Alejandro were thoroughly immersed in the fun. They danced to their favorite songs, their movements synchronized and carefree. Ana laughed more freely than she had in weeks, her earlier anxieties melting away in the heat of the moment. The cocktails, colorful and strong, only added to the sense of liberation. They clinked glasses with friends, shared jokes, and let the music guide their steps. The night was filled with moments of pure joy, and Ana felt as though she was rediscovering a side of herself that had been buried under academic stress and personal worries.

As the hours passed, the party’s energy remained high. Conversations grew louder, and the dance floor became a sea of enthusiastic movers. Ana and Alejandro found themselves at the center of the action, embracing the freedom of the night with wild abandon. The excitement of the last summer night exceeded all expectations, and Ana’s initial reluctance was now a distant memory.

By dawn, both Ana and Alejandro were pleasantly tipsy, their earlier reservations long forgotten. Their faces were lit up with contented smiles, and they reveled in the afterglow of a night well spent. They stumbled back to Ana’s apartment, barely able to keep their eyes open. The last summer day had been celebrated with a perfect blend of joy and exuberance. As they collapsed into bed, their exhaustion was accompanied by a deep sense of satisfaction.

Ana knew the next day would bring the harsh reality of a hangover, but in that moment, as she lay beside Alejandro, all that mattered was the sense of freedom and happiness she felt. The night had been a welcome escape, a reminder of how good it felt to let go and simply enjoy the moment.