Mr & Mrs Menendez

Chapter 6 - They Finally Meet

In March of 1976, Camilla, now a beautiful 16 year old girl, took a holiday to Amsterdam for a little rest. Her aunt and uncle permitted her to do so, and she stayed 3 nights at a pretty Bed & Breakfast, while seeing the sights. Then, late that afternoon, she went to the airport to catch her flight to Helsinki, as that's where her family was, at this time.

Lyle, also 16, was waiting for the same flight. He noticed the beautiful young blonde across the way. So he, naturally a little nervous, took it upon himself to go up to her, and talk to her. But first, he sat next to her, trying to think of something smart to say to her.

"Going to Finland?" He asked, finally. "Darn, of course she is! That was a dumb question." He thought. But Camilla simply smiled and said, "Yes."

"Hey, aren't you that girl who sings with her aunt?" He asked, "Caroline, or something?"

"Camilla Carola, yes." She replied

"Camilla Carola that's right! Sorry."

"It's alright. How did you find out about us?" Asked Camilla, knowing they didn't receive much airplay outside the Nordic countries.

"I saw you on TV last night, they showed Eurovision flashbacks. You're very talented, both of you. And it's beautiful that you guys are family and sing together. I can see the bond you have."

"Thank you." She said.

"So... which name are you?"

"I'm Camilla."

"Lyle Menendez." He introduced himself as he shook Camilla's delicate, dainty hand. "Well, Joseph is my first name, but I go by my middle name Lyle. "

Camilla felt little butterflies in her stomach. She was taken by this handsome, Hispanic young man. She also recognized him as the prodigy tennis player!

"I understand. My full name is Anna Maria Camilla Malmquist, but people usually call me Camilla. Same with my auntie, her full name is Anna Maria Carola Liemola."

Lyle had a bit of anxiety as to whether or not Camilla knew of his notoriety besides tennis. He tried hinting that to her, but she already knew. She told him what she did too, and he knew of the story, but didn't know it was her!

"That was you?! I'm so sorry for what happened to you!" He said.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you too." She said.

They understood each other because these were not "bad" kids. They did what they had to do to protect themselves.

Suddenly, an announcement was made at the airport that the flight to Helsinki would be delayed by 3 hours.

"3 hours?!" They exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to have dinner then." Said Camilla. "It'll be too late to eat by the time we get there."

"Good idea." Said Lyle, "I'm actually hungry myself."

Coincidentally, both Lyle and Camilla decided on pizza, and there was a table for two open! Coincidence as well?

While they had their food, they talked about what was going to happen this year. Camilla was going to star in a Swedish TV show called "Lycka Till", aimed at teenage audiences. Lyle was about to make his rounds of the Nordic countries. He asked, if maybe Camilla could show him the sights of Finland, and she agreed.

"Maybe that wasn't such a dumb question, after all." Lyle thought happily to himself.