You Came to Me

12. Himalia

Published: July 8th, 2021.

Word Count: 3,518

Madrid. October, 1975.

I spent my Saturday morning doing far too many pamperings to my body. I did a hair treatment that was supposed to rejuvenate my curl pattern, a face mask that said it could stiffen my skin, and of course I had to update my manicure. I decided on a pale pink color. I had to make sure I looked my best for Luisita.

I could barely sleep on Friday night, I just kept thinking about what to expect for today's party. My parents never celebrated their anniversary nor did I ever go to anyone else's anniversary party, so I don't know what happens at them. I don't even know how long Luisita's parents have been together.

Maria told me before she left on Friday that most of the guests will just be family and friends, which intimidates me a little as I've only met Maria and Manolita from Luisita's family. Even though Luisita has said on multiple occasions that her large family can get chaotic at times, I'm rather excited to meet them. I've thought about what her family looks and behaves like more times than I'd like to admit, so I'm glad I'll have faces and voices for my future daydreams.

It's important to me that I make the best impression I can because I hope to be an important person in Luisita's life and of course I want her family to like me. I keep telling myself to speak a relationship with Luisita into existence, so that's what I do. I tell myself that one day she will be mine and I will be hers, and I think that day is nearing.

Mid afternoon on Saturday I went out to find a gift for Manolita and Marcelino. I don't really know anything about their tastes or likes, but I figured a bottle of a semi expensive wine would be fine. I spent the rest of the afternoon pacing around my room as I was picking out the perfect outfit for the evening. Around six I finally decided I would go with a cream colored mid length dress that had chopped sleeves and complimentary brown suede knee high boots. The hair mask from that morning did actually work quite well because my curls that evening looked as perfect as they could be.

After I got finished getting dressed, I sat on the side of my bed for what felt like hours looking out of the window as a way to calm down my nerves. I was observing all the people in their own little worlds when my eyes barely found Luisita and Maria preparing for the party. Part of me wanted to run down the stairs of hotel and be with Luisita as soon as I saw her, but I knew she would prefer me to appear after she had finished decorating.

I patiently waited for the clock to strike 8pm for me to begin my short journey to see Luisita. I gave my hair a little shake to liven it up, applied a red lipstick that would hopefully draw Luisita's eyes to my lips, and of course sprayed the perfume my mother got me. Before I left my room, I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and gave myself a quick pep talk to reaffirm to myself that everything would be okay.

I almost dropped the bottle of wine I bought for Luisita's parents on the walk to El Asturiano because my hands wouldn't stop shaking. I kept taking deep breaths while I walked to try and calm down the jitters I had. Usually, I am averagely nervous about meeting new people, but all these people tonight have ties to Luisita, which made my nerves skyrocket. I finally reached the door to El Asturiano and thankfully the place was a little crowded.

- "Amelia!" I heard Maria say as she approached me.

- "Hello! Everything looks so nice." I said as I greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks.

- "Luisita's just in the back finishing with the food, she should be out soon."

- "Oh, okay. Here." I said as I gave her the bottle of wine. "For your parents as a thank you for having me."