TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Chapter 2

Joan turned pale, she had considered everything except this possibility. The gap between Carmen's life and her own had grown even wider. She tried to hide her surprise as best as she could, but her friend noticed the confusion it caused in her.

"Don't make that face, Carmen said. It's nice living here, it's like being on vacation all the time."

"Really?" Joan inquired.

"Yes, I assure you. Plus, my neighbors are lovely," Carmen explained. "Twice a month, we have a big dinner, everyone brings food. We tell stories while enjoying different dishes. At the end of the meal, Angela starts singing flamenco. Everyone falls silent and listens, it's magical."

Carmen caught her breath and said to Joan:

"You really should come sometime!"

The night was getting darker, the stars were shining intensely far away from the city lights. Joan was observing the surroundings, at the same time, Carmen glanced at her phone and noticed that it was getting late. She felt guilty when she realized that Joan probably hadn't eaten and must be starving. She suggested that they go to her caravan. Joan was astonished. The caravan was nothing like the image she had in her mind. She stood still and observed the different decorative elements. The kitchen was on the right with a small dining area, a long bench with several colorful cushions. On the left was Carmen's bedroom, where a Queen-size bed was placed with a fluffy blanket on top, books scattered on the floor, and paintings on the walls. The scent of scented candles filled the room. String lights were attached to the walls, reminiscent of the ones at a restaurant terrace that Joan frequented. While she was exploring the different rooms that made up the caravan, Carmen was busy in the kitchen. A few minutes later, she handed a sandwich to Joan, who ate it with happiness and relish. A simple BLT sandwich that had delighted Joan. They enjoyed their dinner in silence. Joan's mother had called her several times during the evening and seemed visibly worried about her. After thanking Carmen, she rushed to the door. Joan was about to push the door when she stopped abruptly and turned to Carmen.

"Would you like to come for dinner at our place tomorrow evening?"

"Are you sure?" Carmen asked, feeling embarrassed. "I don't want to impose."

Joan rolled her eyes and insisted. She assured Carmen that her mother would be very pleased, as she had already heard a lot about her. The appointment was set for 7:00 PM at Joan's house. That night, lying in bed and staring at the ceiling, Carmen couldn't sleep. Too many things had happened. Her head was filled with thoughts – her encounter with Jo, her dismissal, the future. Her future, which had recently become the source of all her anxieties. She was living day by day and feared tomorrow. Between fear and despair, the line could sometimes be very thin. That night, her heart swung between extreme happiness and fear. She was far from imagining that she was about to experience one of the best years of her life.

The next day, when Joan rushed into the kitchen to get her morning coffee, she bumped into her mother and took the opportunity to remind her that Carmen was coming over for dinner.

"I haven't forgotten, her mother reassured her."

"Will Dad be there?" Joan asked.

"I don't think so, sweetheart. He's working late tonight, you know how it is with the elections."

"Yes, of course. It's just that we haven't had dinner together in a long time."

"I know... I really need to go, my dear. I told Theresa to do the grocery shopping for tonight."

Joan tried to hide her pain, but this situation had been weighing on her heart for quite some time. As always, her father worked late and had no time for her. They were like strangers living under the same roof. Frustration turned into anger. She couldn't stand the image he portrayed for the press anymore. Over time, they had become practiced at it – they smiled for the cameras, didn't make waves. That was the responsibility that came with having a mayor as a father. Even though she had grown accustomed to the idea, Joan was tired of playing pretend. She was done with this mediocre play with its unconvincing actors. The doorbell interrupted her thoughts. She opened the door and found Eve standing there.