Unspoken

The Silent Witness (Part 2)

Emma turned to Selena with a curious look after they finished admiring the painting. "So, where are your parents, Selena? Don't you think they'd love to see this? You've accomplished something huge!"

Selena hesitated, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Well... I wasn't sure I'd even make it here," she admitted, a sheepish smile crossing her face. "I mean, what if it didn't turn out the way I wanted? I didn't want to drag them along for something uncertain."

Emma raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Uncertain? Girl, your painting is hanging in Mirador del Arte! That's not just 'making it'; that's legendary."

Selena laughed, her cheeks flushing. "I know, I know. But still... I guess I was just nervous. I didn't want to disappoint them."

Emma placed a comforting hand on Selena's shoulder. "Disappoint them? Selena, if I were your mom or dad, I'd be bursting with pride. You should bring them tomorrow."

Selena nodded, her face brightening. "You're right. Tomorrow's Sunday, so my dad will be home too. I'll bring them both."

Emma grinned. "That's the spirit! Let them see how amazing you are. Your mom might cry, though. Moms love doing that at proud moments."

Selena giggled. "Oh, for sure. She'd probably bring tissues, just in case."

Emma chuckled along before her expression turned thoughtful. "Hey, by the way, I've been meaning to ask. You don't seem like the shy type who'd keep her parents out of the loop... and, no offense, but you look like the 'local artist' type. Are you from Barcelona originally?"

Selena shook her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "Nope! I actually moved here recently from Madrid. But what about you? You don't look super Hispanic either. Are you from America or somewhere else?"

Emma laughed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "You caught me! I'm American. My parents moved here back in 2005."

"Really?" Selena said, leaning forward with interest. "Why'd they move all the way to Spain? That's a big change."

Emma's smile softened as she leaned on the receptionist desk. "It's all because of my mom. She's completely in love with Spain—the culture, the food, the art, everything. My dad? Well, he's in love with her, so wherever she wanted to go, he was ready to pack his bags and follow."

Selena's mouth dropped open in awe. "Whoa, your dad sounds like a total gentleman! That's so sweet. He just left everything for her?"

Emma nodded with a grin. "Yup. He always says, 'Happy wife, happy life.' And honestly, he loves Spain now too, so it all worked out."

Selena giggled, resting her chin in her palm. "That's so romantic. I'm imagining your dad as some Hollywood hero, carrying your mom's bags and chasing sunsets."

Emma burst out laughing. "Oh, trust me, he's not as smooth as you think. He's more like a dad-joke champion. But yeah, it was tough at first. None of us spoke Spanish, and the move was chaotic."

"Really?" Selena asked, intrigued. "How'd you settle in? Did you struggle a lot?"

"Oh, absolutely," Emma said, rolling her eyes with a dramatic sigh. "The first year was a mess. I thought 'hola' was the only word I'd ever master. But slowly, I got the hang of it, thanks to some amazing friends who were patient with me. And now, I can't imagine living anywhere else. Spain's become home."

Selena nodded eagerly. "Me too! I'm starting to love it here. It's so lively and colorful—like there's always something new to see or do."

Emma grinned. "Exactly! Plus, the art scene here is top-tier. And the food? Don't even get me started on tapas."

Selena laughed. "You're making me hungry. Okay, I've decided. Tomorrow, I'm bringing my parents. They need to see this place and try tapas if they haven't already."

Emma winked. "That's the spirit! And hey, make sure to tell them about the receptionist who's your biggest fan."

Selena laughed, feeling a warmth spread in her chest. "You're the best, Emma. Thanks for being so cool."

"Anytime, Selena. And just wait—you'll be famous one day, and I'll be bragging that I knew you before you were a big shot."

"Deal," Selena said, shaking her head with a wide smile. "But don't forget to save me a spot here when I'm old and gray."

Emma laughed. "You got it, Picasso Junior. Now go home and celebrate. Tomorrow's going to be even better!"

On her way home, Selena's mind wandered back to her painting. The image of the zipped-locked woman haunted her thoughts, not as a piece of art but as a mirror. That's me, she thought bitterly. I can't even stand up for myself. I see things, I feel things, but when it comes to speaking up... nothing. I just freeze. She pedaled harder, trying to shake the feelings off, but the thoughts clung to her like shadows.

Before she knew it, she was home. As she entered the house, her mom appeared in the hallway, clearly startled. "Selena! Where have you been? It's so late! You had me worried sick!"

Selena, still buzzing with excitement, dropped her bag and ran to her mom, practically throwing herself into her arms. "Mom! I have so much to tell you!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Her mom pulled back slightly, scanning Selena's face with a mix of concern and curiosity. "What's going on? Why are you so late?"

Selena grinned, barely able to contain herself. "You won't believe it! My painting is hanging in Mirador del Arte! It's on the wall in the main gallery! People are actually looking at it, mom! And there's this girl, Emma—she's the receptionist there—and she said she loves my painting. She even recognized me right away!"

Her mom's eyes widened, her expression softening into one of pride and amazement. "Mi amor, really? Your painting... in a gallery? That's incredible!" She pulled Selena into a tighter hug. "I'm so proud of you! But... why didn't you tell us about this before? You've been going there alone? Doing all of this on your own?"

Selena pulled back slightly, her grin faltering. "Well... I wasn't sure if it would actually happen, you know? I didn't want to get your hopes up. But now that it's there, I want you and Dad to come with me tomorrow and see it!"

Her mom smiled warmly, brushing a strand of Selena's hair out of her face. "Of course, we'll come. There's no way we'd miss that. But, Selena..." Her tone shifted slightly, her brow furrowing. "Did the gallery take a contract with you? Did you sign anything?"

Selena nodded quickly, her excitement undeterred. "Yeah, they gave me a contract."