Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Chapter 16 - Admittance

Up-close as they were, Escobar's tar-black eyes were highly disturbing. A web of red vesicles had taken over his sclera, giving away his exhaustion.  

"Thank you, Escobar," Nicholas said. Because he could not look the other man in the eye without wincing, Nicholas focused in the upper part of Escobar's nose.  

"We wouldn't have made it without your help," he said. "Your personal sacrifice made this possible. This-,"Nicholas said as his arms rose like wings, "is all because you came back. Even after being hospitalized."  

Deeply satisfied, Nicholas contemplated his kingdom. 

To Escobar, Nicholas' words carried the acknowledgement he always sought but never received. Until then.  

"No, Señor Chuster." Escobar's voice was full of pride. "In Buriti, we are used to hard work. I could not let you down. Least of all today."  

Nicholas produced an envelope from his pants' back pocket and offered it to Escobar.  

"Well, there's something I'd like to give you," he said. "A token of my gratitude." 

"No, Señor." Escobar lowered his head and shook both hands, refusing the gift. "You have already paid me. I am just doing my job."  

Nicholas chuckled, slapped the envelope against his free hand. "It's not money, Mr. Ortiz. I understand you have a wife and two children. Am I right?" 

Escobar looked up, a twinge of confusion in his face. "Yes." 

"There are four invitations here." The envelope waved in Nicholas' hand. "It would mean a lot to me," he said driving a hand to his chest, "if you'd come and enjoy the party you built. I'm sure your family will have a wonderful time. Wouldn't you like them to see what a great job you did?" 

Escobar clasped shaky fingertips on the rim of his safety helmet and spun it around. "We are very simple people," he muttered.  

"That was never an excuse to turn down a nice party!" Nicholas said. "Besides, who can refuse a free supper? I hear the food is going to be excellent." He gave Escobar a playful wink.  

Escobar shuffled his foot on the ground and finally took the envelope.  

"Maybe, eh?" he murmured, his bloodshot eyes were now tearful.  

In the meantime, on another dome, a pair of eyes followed two approaching kids.  

"Hi," greeted the boy Mica recognized very well. "I'm Theo. This is Alan," he said and gestured to the boy appraising her.  

"Hello," she replied, but excitement kept her from properly developing the introduction. 

"And you are...?" Alan asked.  

Theo could see her clearly now. Even though it was the first time he laid eyes on her face, that bright orange tank top of hers was unmistakable. She had large viridian eyes that slanted slightly upwards. Panther eyes, he thought. Free from malice, full of bold curiosity.  

Mica took her time before she replied. First, she examined Theo, then Alan. Despite being beyond herself with excitement, she fought to keep her cool. No one would believe that Theo Chuster had introduced himself to her. She was not even sure she believed it either. No matter how much she wanted to punch the air and do a little celebratory dance, nor how many squeals she swallowed. It was imperative that she remained calm.  

"You were at the beach this morning," Mica said, pleased with the way she sounded. As her leg began swinging back and forth, a black flat dangled from her toes. 

"I was." A lazy smirk began to draw on Theo's lips. That meant she had noticed him too.  

"So was I," Mica said. "Though I think you didn't see me. Usually, I'm the first to get there. Today you beat me." She sounded almost resentful.  

"Yeah. I remember you." 

Alan frowned as he turned his head to Theo. "I don't remember," he said. "Forgive me, but there was a bit of a crowd." 

Mica narrowed her eyes at him, but did not bother with Alan's comment. She was eager to pursue the interesting part of the chat.  

"When I first saw you lying there, I thought that you were asleep. Maybe even drunk."  

Theo winced. "Not really my thing, I'm afraid." She need not know that until a few hours ago, that had been his plan for the night.  

The air thickened between them and if Alan had vanished right in front of their eyes, Theo and Mica would not notice it. They only saw one another. 

Without breaking eye contact, Theo moved closer.  

"You haven't told me your name yet."  

A spooky lightning bolt flashed outside, followed closely by a thunder. The three of them flinched.  

"Mica," she said when the room fell silent again. 

"What was that?" Theo asked. 

"Mica." She held out a hand. "My name is Mica. Nice to meet you."