Ventura

Capítulo 19

                      Half victims, half accomplices, like everyone else. J. P SARTRE

- Thank you Melanie, you really are a love. Beth said as she poured herself a cup of tea. - I had forgotten how cold winter in England is. It's not even five o'clock and it's already night. But even with all that cold and intermittent rain, I loved spending those days here. Too bad we're leaving tomorrow. she said ruefully.

- Mom, you're always welcome, and Dad too.

I looked at my father in the TV room, he was distracted by a documentary about race horses.

We were in the dining room enjoying the snack Melanie had prepared. She was sitting next to me and talking animatedly with my mother.

- So Beth, what are your plans when you finish your treatment? I heard you are planning a vacation trip.

She raised her hands in protest.

- Ah! Nonsense. I don't want to make plans for the future yet.

She lowered her head and her face was sad.

- Mom, Dennis told me that you are responding very well to the treatment and that the chances of a cure are great. So why not make plans? Dad is excited about this trip, and you should be too.

It is true that I tried to cheer her up, but deep down there were many uncertainties. As soon as she arrived I was shocked. She was thin and her beautiful red hair was just a few strands on top of her head. I wish I could follow her treatment more closely, but it was in the middle of the shooting season and it was impossible to leave London for the next few months.

Melanie jumped up and said, trying to change the subject:

- Oh my God! I completely forgot. You guys are going out to dinner today. So you better hurry up. With that time the traffic will be terrible. Thomas made a reservation for seven o'clock right?

My mom patted Melanie's hand.

- Are you sure you don't want to go with us? It would be nice to have dinner together, and you've spent all those days spoiling us with your delights. So you deserve a break.

- I'm sorry Beth. I would really like to go, but I already made an appointment with a college colleague and we are going to study together today. I took a large number of subjects, hoping to graduate soon. So I have to dedicate myself to my studies.

My mother agreed.

- Sure, I understand. But promise me that when you take a vacation, you will visit me in the United States.

- With pleasure. Yes, I will. Melanie gave a beautiful smile.

She was already leaving the room when I couldn't resist the urge:

- Are you going to study here in the annex? - I asked absently.

- What? Oh no ... I'm going to his apartment.

- Where he lives?

- In the other side of the city. You do not know.

- Why do you have to go to his apartment? - I should bite my tongue. But I couldn't resist.

- Why - she said slowly - his brother has graduated and left many books for him, so it is easier for us to do our research.

- Are you going by car?

- No, he'll come for me and then he'll bring me back. So I don't have to drive alone at night. - She was already getting exasperated with so many questions.