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A Mistake

I really didn't think she'd ask that. When I meant I'd do anything for her, I really thought I was just reassuring her, not agreeing to fly back to Buenos Aires.

"Vilu..."

"Please Angie, I need you. I may be an adult but I'm still young, I don't want my dad to die. I need help, I need you."

"Vilu, I really can't. My life is here."

"What life?" she says distressed, "You phone me once a month and I never hear about friends, dates or anything. What is it that is keeping you there?"

I look over to the sofa and see Valeria still sleeping peacefully. I can't return to Buenos Aires because then I would have to tell them about her and I really can't.

"Vilu... it's complicated...but right now I can't. Tell you what, tomorrow we'll video chat properly and we can talk like we used to. Eveything can be discussed and we can figure it all out. That's all I can promise right now okay?"

I heard Violetta sigh.

"Okay, for now all I want to do is see you and give you a huge hug. I'd come to you, but I really can't leave dad, so I was hoping you'd come to me but if you can't then I suppose Video chat will work. What time tomorrow?"

"Well I work through the day, but I'll be free later on, how about eight pm?" I say, considering what time Valeria will be asleep.

"Sounds great. I have to go make sure dad has eaten dinner. Wanna talk to him? It might cheer him up."

I gulped and began to panic and as I did, I heard a little yawn from the sofa. Valeria was waking up.

"Vilu, I would but there was just a knock on the door. I better go okay?"

"Can't you wait one moment?" she pleads.

Valeria is nearly awake and she is rubbing her eyes.

"Violetta I'm sorry." I say before hanging up.

I quickly put the phone on the side and jumped on the couch to be there for when Valeria opened her eyes. I really hoped she hadn't heard anything.

"Hey sleepy." I say pushing her hair back.

"Mummy, I still tire." she says half asleep.

"I know. Come on let's get you to bed."

She opened her arms and I lifted her into my arms and carried her to her room, our apartment isn't really that big. She has a small room, as do I and they are right next to one another. We only have one bathroom and a kind of open plan kitchen diner area. It's basic but it's all we need.

As we got to the door the phone rang again.

"Phone Mummy." says Valeria sleepily.

"I know sweetie, Mummy will call them back."

Valeria is gradually falling back to sleep and I am hoping that the constant phone calls won't wake her up completely. The phone rings several more times as I tuck her in.

"Who phone you?" she asks sleepily.

"No one important sweetie." I say as I kiss her forehead, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Mummy." she says yawning as I leave the room, "I love you."

"Love you too sweetie." I say as I close the door.

Once I'd closed the door, I quickly picked up the phone to find six missed calls of Vilu. As I held it it rang again.

I was tempted to answer and make up an explanation but I told Violetta I wouldn't lie to her again and already I am. I didn't want to make it worse.

I hit decline.