Where I Belong

I Love Manolo Sanchez

After lunch, we walked around town for a while, trying not to attract any attention to ourselves. Thankfully, it wasn't too hard since we stayed away from crowds and were in the shadows. It was peaceful once night had fallen.

“You know, the funny thing is that it's technically my birthday.” I said.

“Really?” Paimon asked, “How does that work? You said this was a story in your world.”

“Yeah, but the Day of the Dead is Nov 2nd and I was born on the first. It's technically, but not really my birthday, you know.”

“Right.” Paimon and I heard noises coming from a large house, “Ooh, is someone throwing a party?”

“Yeah, actually. Maria's dad is throwing a party to celebrate her coming home.” I slowly opened the door and we snuck inside, keeping our distance near the stairs.

“Wait, where's Manolo? Paimon thought everyone would be here.”

“The general did invite the whole town, but not Manolo.” I explained.

“Now that's just bad manners.” We heard the general spit out his drink, drawing everyone's attention, “What… What happened?”

“Shh.” We heard Maria berate Joaquin for his sexist comments. There was an awkward tension among the guests as Maria got up to leave, heading toward the stairs. Without thinking, I grabbed Paimon’s hand and quickly ran up the stairs.

“Fabi?” I jumped. Shoot. We turned around and saw Maria, shocked to see us again.

“Hi…” I said awkwardly. 

“What are you doing here?”

“I honestly don't know why I'm up here. I guess I didn't want to be a part of the party.” 

Maria grinned, “I don't blame you. Come on, I'll introduce you to Chuy.” I internally squealed before following Maria to her room. It was practically empty with just her bed, a wardrobe, a bedside table, and a couple of posters on the wall.

“Wow. Looks like you've been around.” I said, looking at some of the posters.

“Yeah, I traveled a bit while I was in Spain.” Maria said, “This is Chuy.” The large pink pig with a heart-shaped collar trotted towards us, bleating like a goat.

“Aw, look at the little guy.” Paimon said, patting his head.

“‘Little’? You should've seen him when he was a piglet.”

“He's adorable.” I said, petting Chuy.

“Thanks. Manolo gave him to me before I left. That's when I gave him his guitar.” 

“You gave him the guitar?!” Paimon exclaimed, “Wow! You must really love him to give him such a great gift!”

Maria’s eyes went wide, “W-What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Maria.” I said, “We know you're in love with Manolo.”

“Pfft! No, I'm not.”

I picked up her fan from the bed and opened it, showing her the bullfighter print. She looked at me and Paimon with wide eyes and sighed, “What does it matter?”

“What do you mean?” Paimon asked, “Of course it matters.”

“But my father wants me to be with Joaquin. It's the only way for him to stay and protect the town.”

“But you don't love him back, do you?” Maria shook her head.

“Joaquin is nice, I just don't…”