Ubiquity

I.

The only reason for living was to bear children, at least, that was what my mother always believed in. We were to waste away our days as caretakers to the family and never allowed to question our purpose. But, what if we didn’t want that? It didn’t really matter to me. I just did what I pleased.

But, that didn’t stop all the nagging.

Noelia, do this.

Noelia, do that.

Noelia, when are you going to settle down?

It was pathetic. At twenty-six, I thought I was set for life.

I felt arms wrap around me, moisture dripping on the side of my cheek. That woke me up from my thoughts. I cringed, his saliva running down my cheek onto my black hair. His mouth did this weird thing that irked me to no end, but the bastard was a good lay. He was a clinger, but damn, boy had moves like an exotic salsa dancer.

My core heated as I thought of how our bodies melded against each other just moments ago, but I stopped myself before I got flustered. He was knocked out for the count anyway and another round was out of the question.

I patted his cheek, trying to wake him. He was adorable as a button, just how I liked them. Too bad I never remembered their name long enough for anything to spark.

“Hey.”

Smack!

He winced, but didn’t budge.

“Hey. Get up.”

No movement. I sighed. This was another bust. I pushed him to the other side. He was twice my size. so it was a difficult feat. After a few moments of struggling and putting my clothes back on, I set a twenty on the table.

I left the hotel room without another glance.

******

Yawning, I brought my hand towards my mouth.

It was the middle of the night, crickets singing their own rhythm. I found it soothing, better than the sounds of loud cars and the pointless chatter of strangers when the sun was out. The sounds of my boots hitting the pavement resounded all around the block. Walking home was the highlight of my night.

I checked my phone.

4 missed calls. From mother dearest herself.

My eyebrows shot up. This didn’t usually happen unless it was a family emergency. I hadn’t talked to my old woman since I left her porch five years ago.

I dialed her number from memory. She picked up on the first ring.

“Noelia! You finally decided to pick up.” I shivered involuntarily, she was mad.

“Hello to you, too, mami.” I didn’t give her the chance to talk. I was almost home. “What do you want?”

I heard a scoff at the other side of the line. I grinned.

She muttered in Spanish. I rolled my eyes, her voice reminding me of a cat dying. “Look, if you called to scold me, then save it for Noemi. She’s the daughter of the house now.” I moved to hang up.

“Wait! Okay, okay! I begged her not to, but it seems your little sister wants you to come to her wedding.”

“I couldn’t have agreed more, but why did you call me? Where’s Noemi?”

“Busy. With the preparations, you know how your sister can get.”

I grunted in agreement. “Okay, I’ll come. When’s the wedding?”