You Came to Me

16. Carme

Published: July 22nd, 2021.

Word Count: 3,368.

Madrid. November, 1975.

I didn't pack much for my trip, but my suitcase was heavier than expected. I was finishing gathering my toiletries from the bathroom when I heard a knock on my door.

"Could it be her?" I thought, to which I shook my head no when I realized how idiotic the thought was.

- "Come in." I yelled as I walked into the bedroom.

- "Amelia, do you need any help? I've come to say goodbye." Asked the voice who was stood in the doorway.

- "Oh, Natalia, hi, um.. no, I'm good." I told her.

- "Were you expecting someone? You seem disappointed I'm here."

- "What? Of course not, I'm glad to see you before I go."

- "I don't know what I'll do without you here, you're the best maid I work with."

- "You'll be fine, I'm sure of it."

- "Are you all packed?"

- "Almost, I have a couple of things left to put in my purse and then I'm all done."

- "It looks like you're an organized traveler."

- "You learn a thing or two when you live out of a suitcase for months. Anyways, come, sit." I told her as I gestured to the opposite bed for her to sit on. "Tell me about you and Carlos before I go."

- "What do you mean?" She said as her cheeks turned to a shy red.

- "I know all about the secret rendezvous's you two have in his office." I said playfully.

- "Who told you that?" She asked with concern.

- "No one needed to tell me, I can read it on your face." I said casually. She had a look of worry on her face. "Natalia, I don't care, really." I told her to ease her fright. "If anything, take advantage of him being the boss."

- "Amelia, please do not tell anyone, I don't want anyone to think that I'm using him for his money."

- "Easy, Natalia. I would never. I don't even have anyone to tell."

- "What about Manolita's daughter? What's her name? Something like Lu.. Lu.."

- "Luisita?" I quickly suggested.

- "Yes! Luisita! Aren't you two good friends?"

- "Um.. not anymore." I told her as I looked to the ground.

- "How come? She seemed nice."

- "She is nice, very nice, the nicest, we just don't agree on things we should."

- "You two stopped being friends because one likes red and the other blue? Isn't that a bit silly?" She asked carelessly, not even remotely sensing the complicity of it all.

- "It's not that simple. We think differently on core topics where we need to be the same, it's hard to explain." I told her to try and end the conversation of Luisita.

- "I won't insist since I sense it's personal."

- "A little."

- "Well, your trains almost leaving, I'll go so you can finish up."

We both stood up and gave each other a hug goodbye. I walked to the door and opened it for her, but when I did my favorite blonde was stood with her hand in a fist as if she was about to knock.