Chapter 24 _ Primer Semestre
January had a rocky start. The press mobbed the girls for weeks following the article but Juliana had also gained massive support once the interview with Valentina aired. She began getting recognized on the streets more often than when they were first forced to come out to the world. The attention was overwhelming at times because she was used to her anonymity and she enjoyed her privacy but she also understood the buzz around their relationship. After all she was dating a media princess.
Juliana had graduated in the fall, an entire semester early. This meant she would be able to start at the institute sooner than originally planned. Juliana’s first day at RIC was on the 21st of January for the spring semester. Though the attention was beginning to die down it was a little hard to feel welcome on campus. When she passed people in the hallways they would stare at her and whisper to each other. Many rumored that the only reason she got into the institute was because she’s Valentina’s girlfriend. Others said that she received special treatment because she worked with Renata. Either way, none of her peers believed she got in because of her talent and that hurt but it also became her motivation to prove them all wrong. After 3 weeks the lack of support and isolation began to weigh Juliana down. Her life was under a microscope both inside and outside of school. It was becoming too much and she knew she had to do something or else it would all fall apart. She made the decision to sit down with Renata and Valentina to discuss her plans and ask for their advice on how to handle everything. Both women were aware of how much effort she was putting in and they understood that with a full school schedule and a full work schedule Juliana was under a lot of stress.
The Carvajal women arrived to Juliana’s apartment around 9pm on the first Wednesday of February. Five minutes early, to be exact, per Valentina’s request knowing how Juliana felt about her time.
Hearing Valentina’s usual knock, which always brought a smile to Juliana’s face, she made her way from the couch to the door. Greeting Valentina and Renata with a warm hug as she invited them in. Once inside the three sat down at the dinner table waiting for Juliana to speak.
“Chicas, I asked you here because as you are both very aware I am finally starting to feel the pressure of everything. I’ve been trying to keep it all together and deal as best as I can but I’m in week 3 of my classes and it’s all beginning to take its toll.” Juliana said speaking as honestly as she could.
Renata nodded her head as Juliana spoke. Deciding to respond with a simple, “Okay, how can we help?” and a warm smile.
Juliana smiled gratefully, knowing she made the right decision asking Renata here. “Well, for starters I think I’d like to cut back my hours at the shop if that’s okay with you. I know I can’t be as helpful to you as I used to be when I am constantly studying for my exams and working on designs for all six classes. So I don’t know how you would feel about hiring someone to help me and be there when I’m in class but I think that would lighten the load. I’m sticking to my full class schedule. I love working full-time at the shop and I do need the money, but school has to be my priority right now. I love the classes and the institute but you’ve heard the rumors.” Juliana said fidgeting with her hands under the table at the thought of what was being said about her. “I try to ignore them but they hurt sometimes and I can’t make friends because everyone thinks I don’t deserve to be there. I plan to prove them all wrong by the end of the semester no matter what. I know I earned my place and I deserve that spot just like everyone there. It’s only the first semester.” She finished sitting up taller than before at the thought of proving everyone wrong, no longer fidgeting under the table but instead feeling confident about letting her talent speak for itself.
Renata smiled at how comfortable and confident Juliana felt towards her talent. “Okay. Yes I agree, you need a coworker to help you out. I’ll find someone, thank you for being honest about it. About the rumors, don’t worry, it’ll all die down eventually. The professors love you and your work, they say you’re the most dedicated of the group so I’m very proud of you. I knew you’d be amazing and Ricardo Contreras was very excited to have you as his student after your presentation. You’re in great hands with him and the rest of the professors, just let them guide you and you’ll silence all the rumors. I’ve heard you’re not afraid to ask questions and I love that because the more questions you ask the less problems you’ll encounter. You definitely earned your place, the administration all agree on that so don’t worry about what the other students say, that will all go away soon.”
Juliana smiled and got up to give Renata a hug.
During the conversation Valentina sat silently observing her girlfriend. She was glad that Juliana felt comfortable enough with Renata and herself to ask them for help. After a few moments, Valentina finally spoke. “So how can I help, Juls?” Valentina had a vague idea of how Juliana wanted her to help, but she wanted to hear it from her girlfriend firsthand.
Juliana reached over to take her hand as she looked into her eyes. “I love you Valentina and I love us but the attention is getting a little overwhelming. Is there anything you can do to get the media to back down? I can’t go out to the street without someone following me. I know the fans are hyped about us but I need my privacy and they don’t seem to understand that sometimes.” She said as she ran a hand through her hair, her shoulders visibly tense as she continued. “I’m not in the media world, I didn’t ask for this, but I understand that it was bound to happen because of who you are. I don’t mind that but I just need it to die down a little bit. I need room to breathe. I can’t even go to the park because there is always someone following and you know that’s my place to escape when everything gets too much. I need my safe space back.”
Having one free hand, she tapped her fingers on the table as she spoke causing Renata reached over to grab Juliana’s free hand trying to comfort her, understanding exactly how she felt because she was once in her same position.
Valentina didn’t know what to say but she wanted to make this right for Juliana, somehow. She knew from the moment they started dating that this would not be easy when it came to the public yet she underestimated how much it would affect her girlfriend. She grew up in the eyes of the world but Juliana did not. She knew how to handle all the press, but Juliana did not. She knew when to stick to the script and when to be herself but this was all new to Juliana. Valentina had a tender look in her eyes as she tried to find her next words. She gave Juliana’s hand a squeeze before she spoke.
“Okay, I’ll do what I can. I’m sorry you’ve had your privacy taken away. I hadn’t realized because I’ve never truly had it but I see how much this is affecting you and I have to do something about it.” Valentina said rubbing her thumb over the hand she was holding as Renata placed a second hand over Juliana’s other hand grabbing the attention of the couple.
“I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way when I first entered the family. It was scary, my family thought something bad would happen to me because of how vicious people were being. I took one of the most eligible bachelors off the market and everyone was pissed. I, too, had to ask for guidance and I’m glad I did. I had Valentina, Guille, & most importantly Lucia to help me through it. I say most importantly Lucia because like us, she was thrown into the spotlight when she began dating Leon so she knows exactly what that’s like. If there is anything I can do to help don’t hesitate to ask. We’re all here to help, we love you and I don’t think any of us want you to feel alone in this because you aren’t.” Renata said supportively.
Juliana let out a sigh of relief. It was refreshing to know that she could let herself be cared for like Valentina once told her to do. It was something she was slowly getting used to doing but Valentina made it easy to let down her walls.
“I love you, chicas, thank you. I knew I could count on you guys. Thank you for becoming my extended family. I don’t think I would have stayed in Sacramento, let alone California, if it hadn’t been for you two. This place is actually growing on me now and a lot of that has to with you two, especially you Val.” Juliana said as they all stood up and did a group hug.
As they pulled back from the hug Renata began to speak. “Okay girls, Val I don’t know if you’re heading home but Guille and I are staying at the loft. You’re welcome to stay with us if you’d like so you don’t drive home this late.” Renata said looking at her watch and realizing it was nearly 11pm.
Valentina looked at Juliana smiling and then over at Renata. “Thanks Natty pero I’m gonna stay with Juls tonight. She doesn’t like me to drive home past 10. It’s kind of our thing.”
“Cheesy but I love it. Okay, well your brother is outside so I’m gonna head out kids, behave.” Renata said winking at them causing both girls to let out a laugh as they said their goodbyes.
As they sat back on the couch, Juliana cuddled into Valentina as Valentina played with her hair soothingly. Juliana felt a sense of relief wash over her as the conversation replayed in her head. She was grateful to Valentina and Renata for their support. She had never had a solid friendship and opening up wasn’t something she was used to. Nonetheless these two made it easy to fully be herself and she felt their honesty and love.