Two Faces

What Happened?

María could hear her phone but was having a hard time finding it. Afraid that the call would go to voicemail, María was quick to answer when she finally located her phone. Not really paying attention to the number. She was expecting a call about her job interview, after all. She would have never recognized the number, anyways. "María Guadalupe Santos, here." She smiled.

There was a small pause. "Hola Mari."

"Antonio."

Gilbert was amazed at how quick she could change her voice. Had you not known the woman, you would have believed her to be an angel with that sweet voice of hers. However, once she recognized who was calling her, a chill went through Gilbert's spine. She sounded an awful lot like Elizabeta. Gilbert's childhood friend who was more than capable of taking care of herself and her husband. Gilbert had learned that the hard way.

"¿Qué quieres?"

"¿Has visto a Mattie?"

The woman remained silent for a moment. No one was prepared for what came next.

"¿Qué le hiciste, desgraciado?" She growled into the phone. Screaming what Gilbert assumed had to be every Spanish curse in history. Antonio spewed apologies and explanations but was having a hard time getting her to hear him. Finally, she calmed down. "You know I haven't seen the boys since high school."

"Oh, right." Antonio laughed nervously. "Well, Gilbert says he snapped."

Another long pause followed Antonio's words. The two men were almost convinced she had hung up on them.

"Matt?" She finally choked out.

Both men were frozen in shock. Antonio was concerned about the crack in her voice. They had known each other long enough that he could tell she was not okay. Gilbert, on the other hand, realized that there was yet another person who knew about Matt.

"You know what's happening?"

"Gilbert." María sighed into the phone.

"Yeah, what's up, kiddo. Tell me everything you know about Matt."

María huffed into the phone. "Come to my place. I'll explain everything there."

"Cool. Where do you—" The line was cut before Gilbert could ask for her address. "Great, how are we supposed to find her now?"

"Um, well, I kinda know where she lives already."

Gilbert gaped at his friend for a moment before laughing. "You better hope Lovi doesn't find out."

"Please don't scare me."

~***~

A small woman opened the door. Her tan skin could rival Antonio's and her chocolate eyes seemed to be full of more knowledge than her age led on. Truly an old soul. She looked surprised to see the men, but her eyes fell to a more judging glare when they landed on Antonio. "Hola."

"Hola, María." Antonio chuckled, already uncomfortable.

María glanced back at the albino. She looked him over, as if deciding whether to let him in. Making her decision, she moved out of the way to let them pass. When the door closed, she turned and shoved Antonio to the ground.

"¡Eres un pendejo, Antonio! ¡Me lo prometiste! You promised me you'd look out for him while I was gone!" She sniffled. "You promised."

"Lo siento, María. I was, preoccupied." His eyes fell to the floor.

María arched a brow at him before her eyes hardened when she saw the engagement ring on his hand. "Should I congratulate you?" She helped him back up on his feet. Swatting his hand away when he attempted to wipe her tears for her. "¡No me toques! My anger is towards you!"