The Dancing Torera

61

Anais
Day of announcement

"Mr. Presidente." I smiled, taking his hand as he helped me out my car. He kisses both my cheeks before turning to kiss Gloria's and Mariela's. We both pose for the cameras that gathered in front of the Serras Hotel. It was supposed to be an intimate gathering with just a few photographers and press but of course the Presidente thought otherwise.

"Glad you could make it." He says through a whisper as he showed off a handsome smile to the camera. "You look beautiful" he curses, gripping my palm even harder.

"I hope this meeting turns out favorably. I am a woman who doesn't like my time to be wasted" I smile, waving to a few people in the distance of the densely packed crowd. I decided to squeeze his hand even harder, just for fun.

He chuckled nervously before gently letting my palm go. "Anais! I'm sad you have no faith in me" he frowns.

I slowly snatch away from him and loop my arm through Mariela's. I was so thankful she was able to come with me to witness this monumental law and it's passing.

We strutted inside the hotel and walked to the small conference room in the rear where a slew of reporters sat. Black microphones and thick bulky tape recorders were scattered all throughout the room. The thick heat of the air seemed to suffocate me as I ventured to the table in the front of the room atop the stage. There were only two seats. One for the Presidente and one for me.

Mariela looks around the room and frowns once she sees something behind me. "What?" I ask her.

"Don't look now but an old friend has come to visit you" She lifts her head and points to the window in the back corner.

I calmly turn my gaze and gasp as I see him.
"Esteban?" I whisper beneath a breath. What was he doing here.
I couldn't deny how handsome he looked. His soft brown curls seemed to have lengthened. And his face... it looked so handsome but I could see a certain sadness in his eyes. Maybe it was me, but he looked taller but distant.
Was this me admitting I missed him?

The tepid beats of my heart didn't seem to stop as I saw him leaning against the window. We didn't meet eyes and I was thankful for that. I didn't know how I would have handled eye contact.

"Anais! Focus" Mariela grabs my arms, shaking me to calm. "This day is about you. No one else. Okay?"

"Okay" I nod, trying to force down the lump lodged between my throat.

My head snaps towards the stage as the President began his speech.
"Hello Espana. Dignitaries. Esteemed guests. Press." The president begins. I turn around and tiptoe to the side of the stage, paying attention to the speech and trying my best to avoid Esteban's gaze.

"Today? In Spain? History will be made.
I plan to outlaw title 435?"

"What?
Huh?
This can't be?" The crowd murmurs and whispers.

"As you know title 435 states that women are banned from bullfighting, sports, and other events. Laws like these have inhibited the progress of a thriving nation like Spain for far too long and it stops today.
Anais and women like her are the future of Spain.
Bullfighting is for all." He takes a pen and signs a document with his signature. "Anais can take part in the ring. Today, tomorrow, forever. It is law"

The audience claps and we shake hands cordially before posing for pictures. The President bends to whisper in my ear. "Don't make me regret this." I nodded and walk to the podium to say a few words.

"I want to thank President for allowing this opportunity and being open to the idea of a new Espana."

"How much influence did Esteban have on your descion to do this?" One reporter yelled from the crowd.

"The first day I met Esteban, I told him I wanted to be the first Torerra in Espana. This was a dream I had since birth and I am glad the President and the powers in court made it possible."

"So are you going to kill the bulls?" Another reporter asks.

"No. Not at all. I praise the greats of bullfighting but I can't bring myself to do it. I think to call what i do bullfighting is misdirected. I plan to hypnotize them though dance"

"Dance?" One reporter scoffs, "So we're watching a variety show?" The crowd laughs and I smile with them.

"It's not a variety show but I can assure you'll leave the arena entertained." I say through a confident smile.

"Okay thank you.
That is all the questions for today." Mariela announces, leading me off the stage.
I walk off with her but hear Esteban through the crowd. "Anais. Anais!!"

"Come on amiga, let's go." Mariela pulls me so we could make a fast dash to the car waiting for us.

"Anais!" He calls again and I look back to meet his gaze but a sea of people block his path.

"Come on!" Mariela gently leads me to the car and we sped away.

——

Later that night

It's raining outside and the gentle sounds of rainwater soothe me. Gloria and I sit on the couch in the living room reminiscing about the good old days. She pulls out more photos from a large booklet and shows me.

"These are amazing Gloria." I gasp, smiling as I see her taming a bull in the black and white photograph.
"Would you ever do it?" I ask.

"No. No. I gave that up the minute I married Cristobal. He would never allow it" she pouted. She laughs at a distant memory and pats my hand before going to turn off the kettle in the kitchen.

"Besides., Esteban would never allow me as his mother. Oh..." she bites her tongue and looks at me. I knew she was trying to remain neutral in this whole breakup but sometimes she slipped.

"Lo siento Anais" She sighed, carrying the tray of tea and cups to the coffee table.

No. No. It's fine. I  mean, your his mother" I frown but then smile as I think of him. "I miss him" I said. It was the first time I said it aloud, " a lot"

"He mises you to. A lot. He tells me every morning"

I smirk and hold my shoulders. "But he messed up. I told him this and he knows." Gloria says, shaking her head in disapproval.

I take my tea and press the rim against my lips.

"Does he know about Rio?" I ask nervously.

She nods. "He's upset, but what can he do. You're not his girlfriend anymore." I nod.
"But the better question is, what is your heart telling you?"

"I haven't been listening to my heart. I miss Esteban but Rio...he's new.. exciting. Unpredictable. I'm trying to keep my distance but the more I try the closer we get." I blurt, looking out the window to think. "Listen to me. I've met him twice and I'm talking about closeness" I let out a breathy chuckle and meet her gaze.

She smirks and sips her own tea.

"We'll think about boys later. Go get some rest and focus on the match. You need a clear brain tomorrow."

I smile, hugging her warmly before retreating to bed.
Tomorrow? I would be a Torerra.

Author Note:
The Presidente passed that law to quickly for my liking.
And aww, Esteban misses Anais 🥺