While you were Sleeping

17. Let's go out

Juliana and Karla had agreed to take the Saturday shift after persuading Javier to rest, the man had worked almost every day since the café opened. He knew the girls were more than capable but he promised to show up at some point throughout the day. They assured him they would be fine, and so far, they were. Miguel was another story; the boy had stumbled through the door twenty minutes late on his first early shift. After a scolding from Karla, reminding him of the importance of being on time, he had worked solidly all morning.

Juliana enjoyed the distraction while the café was busy but couldn't stop herself from thinking about Valentina during the quieter moments. Karla had asked her a few times if she was okay and she had quickly dismissed her concern, telling her she was fine but she knew Karla wouldn't accept that answer much longer. Could I tell her what's been going on? Would she understand what I'm going through? Maybe I could be vague but give her the gist...

"Juli?"

Juliana jumped when a warm hand was placed on her arm. "Shit! What?" Her eyes focused on the woman beside her.

"Babe, you've been zoned out for five minutes. What is going on with you? You've been acting weird since Wednesday."

Juliana sighed and looked around the almost empty café. "I'm fine," she said but Karla looked unconvinced. "I've just got a lot going on in my head and I'm trying to process it," she shrugged.

"Can I help? Or is it something you need to do alone?"

Juliana smiled; she loved that Karla wanted to help but she also knew not to force it. "No Karla, I don't think you can help... but... can I ask you something?" Karla nodded. "Have you ever liked someone you knew you shouldn't?"

Karla laughed, "Seriously? After the warning you gave me about Javier?! Yes babe! I have liked lots of guys I shouldn't!"

Juliana smiled, that wasn't what she meant. "Erm... only guys?" she asked nervously, looking anywhere but at Karla.

Karla's eyes widened, her eyebrows disappearing behind her fringe as she took a few seconds to absorb Juliana's words. She watched as Juliana nervously wiped the already spotless counter. "Juli?" She reached for Juliana's hand and waited until she faced her. "There is nothing wrong with liking someone, but are we talking about more than friendship?" Juliana blushed as she nodded. "And does this person like you back?"

"I don't know, I think so. But it's complicated!" She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I don't know what to do!"

"Have you had these kinds of feelings before? Have you gone out with other... people?"

Juliana smiled as Karla continued to use vague terms. "No, I haven't been out with anyone before," she admitted shyly.

"Ever?" Juliana shook her head. "Seriously?" Juliana almost laughed at Karla's shocked expression. "Juli, babe... you're hot! How have you never been out with anyone?"

"Shhh!!" Juliana looked around to see if anyone was listening. "It just never happened," she shrugged. "And I've never met anyone like her before... it's confusing!"

Karla watched as Juliana nervously twisted the cloth in her hands. "And? Is that bad?"

"No, it's not bad, it's just... different, I guess!"

"So, what are you worried about? If you like her... and she likes you... then?"

"What will people say? What will my mother say?" Juliana asked, shuffling nervously while staring at the floor. She dreaded telling Lupe, she could practically hear her mother's voice telling her she needed to find a 'normal' relationship.