Having Carlos' number at the same time is a bonus, is also a burden. What excuse would I used to talk to him? No doubt Carlos was going to ask how I got his number... After many days of thinking, the only plan that seemed workable could only happen after the return of classes. So I spent another fifteen days with the phone in my hands while I realized the idea. Carlos seems to be the man who helps damsels in distress, and that’s what I’ll be about to conquer him, even though I don’t enjoy being a helpless little girl.

Then on a beautiful, hot afternoon, I sit with my cell phone in my hands. It’s time to put my plan into practice. I dial Carlos’s number and with every touch, my heart races. It passes a thousand things in my mind, from listening to your voice to the fact that it forwards the call to the message box. Then the touches cease, and that space between the end of the touch and the expectation of hearing your voice makes me nervous. I take a deep breath with my eyes closed.

—Hello?- answers the thick voice of Carlos. I open my eyes to make sure he is not inside my room. He breathes and says. — Hello?

—Hi... – I respond with my voice choked. I hate when I’m nervous and my voice is fine. I take a deep breath and say: — Hello, Carlos.

—Hello...–replies Carlos with a tone of doubt. —Who am I talking to?

—How rude of me.–I say seductively. — Here is Dalia Penedo. We met at the party of Julio Castillo.

—Ah... of course.–says Carlos, with little enthusiasm. His tone irritates me, because my memory for him is as significant as that of any other guest.—How are you, Dalia Penedo?

— Very well. - I reply, cold. I take a deep breath and forget the formality of asking how he is , because I decide to go straight to my plan, change my tone to a sweeter , without being annoying. —I picked up your number with Julio these days, because I have a project from the school about the Barcelona fishing market, and he told me you work in the area. I wonder if you could help me? - the next words end my bait: — I’m already desperate, because I have no one who can help me.

—Of course I can help you. - answers Charles most solicitously and confirming my suspicions: He is a prince who does not refuse to help a helpless maiden. — What do you need?

—Many things.–I say. So I decide to make a risky move. I know he can refuse, but I’m really desperate... to see him:—Wouldn’t it be possible for us to meet in person? I think it would be better even to show how the project would be... What do you think? When is it available?

— I think it’s a great idea. - says Carlos, excited. — How about tomorrow?

—Excellent! –I say, promptly. I think about how easy it was to attract him. —What time?

— Let me just make sure my fiancée is available. - replies Carlos, almost making me fall off the chair. Bride? What do you mean, he’s taking his fiancée? You can’t really count on the egg before it hatches... — You know, her parents also work with fish. It’ll be great to see our area valued...

— Wow!- I say, almost screaming on the phone. I need an excuse to get out of this mess: — I just remembered that tomorrow will not give... I have to study calculus... for the exam...

— Seriously, what a shame. - says Carlos with a disappointed voice. — Well, see a day that suits you and let me know. I will be at your disposal.

—Of course, I see, yes. - I answer sweet. You can be sure that it will be a day when your bride will not be present. I breathe, relieved for him to listen and thank him. — Thank you, you do not know how grateful I am for you helping me.

— I’m happy to know. - says Carlos shy. I keep listening to his breath and end up losing track of time. — Well, call me and set us up. See you.

—See you soon, Carlos. –I say, hanging up my phone.

My heart’s about to come out of my mouth. I throw myself on the bed, looking at the ceiling, take my phone and fill it with all the kisses I wish I had given Carlos personally.

***

Of course, the excuse of the school project had an expiration date, but every time he tried to score with Carlos ,he always wanted to put his blessed bride in the middle. And in all of them I used a different excuse: illness, travel, school... that really is already taking me seriously. So, getting that excuse out of play, I ask him to send me everything he had on the fish market to my e-mail.

He, like a good gentleman he is, promptly sends a huge email with everything that was needed. If my project was real, I would certainly take a ten. I thought I’d keep that e-mail until I read the end:

"Sincerely,

Carlos Salazar and Antônia Vegas"

I can’t believe that, even in the email, she had to appear. I immediately throw the email in the trash and clean it. That was an affront I didn’t intend to tolerate. I take a deep breath and take my phone and text him:

"Thank you for the email. You saved me, and I will be in eternal debt to you."

It didn’t take five minutes and my phone buzzes with your message popping up on the screen:

"Always at your service, Miss Penedo."

I bite my lips and then I write:

"Call me Dalia, Carlos. I hope to return the time one day..."

Your message comes soon after:

"Dalia..."

And so for the next three months we exchanged messages. But usually I couldn’t resist and ended up calling him. Trivial matters, as it was in school , or his work, almost every kind of subject was talked between us. Almost ,because the subject bride was out of the question. Whenever he quoted it, he made sure to show my dissatisfaction, but he was either very naive or very good at it, because he never contested it.

Our "friendship" was going very well, apart from the fact that we never met after the new year. Not even when I said I got ten on the fake project, I couldn’t celebrate with him. It’s already killing me when, on a beautiful Friday, my phone rings. When I see Carlos' name, my heart races, I run from the living room, where I was watching television with Valeria , to the bedroom. I answer my phone, before I even catch my breath:

—Hello ...

—Dalia?- asks Carlos. — Are you okay?

— Yes... - I answer panting. — I ... I was working out... doing some sit-ups...

—Since when do you work out?- asks Carlos, suspicious. In fact, I am a real sedentary blessed by fast metabolism.

—I started these days... I did not tell you because I did not know if I could continue with this new routine... but you did not call me for this, right? - ask, nervous.

— No... – says Carlo, mysterious. He gives a low laugh and continues. — I’m calling to see if you want to go out today?

—To go out... Today?- I repeat, surprise. For a few moments, I feel myself floating in my room. It seems like a dream, the dream I wanted so much. Now it is happening.

—Dalia , are you sure everything is okay?- asks Carlos, worried.

— I accept... I accept to go out with you. – I answer as quickly as I can... almost with all my despair and relief.

—Great. I’ll meet you in Mallorca in an hour, right? - asks Carlos, excited.

—No doubt- I answer, excited.

—I wait for you, even more. - says Carlos, hanging up.

I throw my phone in bed and run to the closet. I need to find something to match. I disregard jeans and blouses. I don’t want to be too casual. However, I have to eliminate half of my dresses too. I don’t want to look like I’m making things easier.

So what I have left is a flowery white dress and a purple dress. From what I know of Carlos, the flowery white is the best, since I have to be still the helpless girl. I take a shower and make a beautiful braid in my dark brown hair, leaving my bangs loose. When I go back to my room, I get a fright. My mother is looking at all my clothes thrown on the bed.

— What’s going on here? - She asks in the face of a few friends.

—Nothing... I was looking for my dress that was practically hidden.- I explain, making light of the situation. I sit on my dressing table and swipe a lipstick. I notice my mom is analyzing me. — What’s up?

—Are you going out? - she asks, crossing her arms.

—Yes, I will. I have a school paper to do with Alicia. – I lie by putting my best friend Alicia in the middle.

Don’t worry, she always covers for me and knows all the excuses I use. Not to mention that her house is very close to Mallorca. The perfect crime.

—And you go like that? - my mother asks, suspicious. — All dressed up?

— Yes. – I reply by putting on my pearl earrings. Okay, I’m the perfect princess. —You always said we need to be ready for everything. Will her parents invite me to dinner? I can not keep coming and going, is not it?

—That’s right.– my mother replies, not very convinced. —Do you want me to take you?

— Yes. – I say, trying not to show how much it would disrupt my plans.

But if I refused, it would raise a lot of suspicions. Not to mention that I know that this could be a bluff from my mother. She hates driving downtown, so we always take the subway.

— If it’s not to disturb you, you know how terrible traffic is on the weekend.

—True... on second thought you better go by subway - agrees my mother touching my shoulder — Just do not delay getting home, me and your father will go out and I need you to stay with Valeria.

—No problem, Mom. I’ll be back before you know it.

But I hope she does not count on it much, because if it depends on me, I will spend my life in today’s meeting.

***

That Friday is beautiful , I had never seen a sky so blue and the streets so quiet. Around me people walk joyfully. I take the subway and in front of me sits a very young couple. They seemed so in love... the way I would like to be with Carlos. I got off at the station that is two blocks from the restaurant; I check my look in the escalator's mirror. My heart is racing, I feel short of breath, I’m turning the corner leading to the restaurant. I see him sitting at a table, distracted. It is exactly when I saw it in the new year. I smile speeding up my steps. , when I think of waving, I widen my eyes. Elson sits at the table where Carlos is. I almost have a stroke of anger, decide to leave, when Carlos waves at me, smiling. He had to come towards me... with that relaxed smile...with those greenish eyes...

— Hi, Dalia. - says Carlos without grace. — I’m glad you came.

—Hello. - I say ,irritated. I can’t help but wonder — What is Elson doing here?

—I invited him too .- Carlos replies, saying goodbye to his friend. — I came to bring Antônia in the service and then, as I have to wait for her to leave, I called Elson. And, of course, so do you, since we’re always scheduled to leave. Are we?

I pass him, annoyed. That wasn’t quite the afternoon I had planned to spend with him. As we talk, I wonder if he is so pure that he does not realize my real intentions. Elson sounded like a crow talking nonstop, while I kept myself monosyllabic. I thanked immensely when the beautiful day became windy , showing that a storm would come around.

— I have to go - I say getting up , hurried. I think that was the biggest phrase I said during the conversation- I promised the parents that I would get home early.

—All right. - says Elson. He winks at me and says. — A pleasure to talk to you.

— A pity that you already go... - says Carlos, making a disappointed face. I almost give up the idea of leaving when he talks. — I was planning to introduce you to my fiancée. I tell her so much about you, I think it’s time you two met.

—Bye. - I say, cold turning towards the street.

It crossed all my limits. I just can’t stay close to Carlos for another minute. How dare he treat me like I’m... I'm... a friend of his? The raindrops fall and I have to run to get to the station. Inside the subway, my tears of anger fall. I had never been treated with such indifference to anyone, as I was by Carlos.

My anger doesn’t go away until I get home. I pass my parents and go straight to my room. I rip that stupid dress off and throw myself on the bed, punching my pillow like it’s Carlos' face. Three months waiting for him and nothing..., but the anger remains, until I decide to pick up my phone and call Carlos... I’m done waiting, it’s time to play the real one with him, even if it destroys everything I’ve built. He takes his time, but picks up and before he says his famous hello, I shoot:

—I don’t know if you noticed, but I don’t want to be your friend. Our relationship will never be friends. I want to be with you! So when you get rid of your fiancée, call me! Because I’m sick of this game of cat and mouse!

—Dalia...-starts saying Carlos, but I don’t care. I hang up on him.

I lie in my bed and take a deep breath. Even if this direct approach, take it away from me, I don’t care. In fact, I don’t care about anything else.

About a month later...

Those one month was worse than I’ve had in years... My pride didn’t allow me to call Carlos, and he didn’t seem to care how I was. So I focused on my studies and the game, leaving my phone far away from me. I was so distracted that I didn’t even notice my sister coming near the desk. Valerie touches my shoulder, almost making me jump.

—Oh what a fright, Valeria! - I say, putting my hand on my chest, scared. —What is it?

—Her phone is ringing. – replies Valeria, serious. She extends the phone towards me and on the display the name of Carlos appeared. My heart races, I feel my legs trembling like a green stick, I’m afraid to meet, and he destroys my expectations. I know I clarified that I was supposed to call him when he was single. My sister shakes my phone, impatient. — will answer it or not?

— Yes, I will. – I answer by pulling the phone out of my sister’s hands. Take a deep breath and answer. —Hello?

— Dalia... Do you want to go out with me?- asks Carlos, nervous.

— And your bride? - I ask, proud.

—No... there is ... more ...bride. – Carlos replies slowly. I breathe, relieved, but I say nothing. — If you want to meet me, I’ll be waiting for you in Spain Square.

The connection is mute, and I jump with happiness. This time I choose a tighter black pants and a white blouse. I didn’t want to risk getting all dressed up and watching ships. I leave home without bothering to warn my parents. I feel I can’t waste much time.

I take the subway, nervous. What if I get there, and it’s a lie? What if he took a friend? What if he just wants to use me as a shoulder friend? I shake my head, refusing to think about those negative things. I conquered Carlos; I know, I feel it in every part of my body.

I get off the train and run towards the square. I get nervous when I can’t find it. I look at several men passing by, so I walk towards the source, hanged down. Maybe he was already gone... at least that’s what I thought until I found Carlos sitting by the fountain. I’m relieved to see him. I walk faster, smiling. He sees me; he smiles back and gets up, approaching.

— Hi, Dalia... – says Carlos, nervous. He does not touch me, nor if he wants to hug me, just points out of the square saying. —Have you had lunch? I picked a great Brazilian restaurant for us to go to... TN...

—I accept. - I say, admiring her face.

— Would you rather go by subway or taxi?

—Taxi. - I answer, smiling.

We walked out of the square without exchanging a word. While we were waiting for the taxi, Carlos started talking too much, showing being very nervous. He was more when he looked at me, which is a good sign for me. But I couldn’t care less about the fact that he broke up because his fiancée was pregnant with the neighbor, and they never had sex, much less that it happened two weeks ago, that he couldn’t concentrate on work... So on impulse, I come closer and say:

—Why don’t you just shut up and kiss me?

His eyes almost pop out of his face at my question. He pulls me to join him, passes his arms around my waist and squeezes me, while his lips touch mine intensely. I feel my legs twitch. I lose track of where I am. Definitely , it’s the best kiss I’ve ever received in my life. He moves away from my lips, so I groan low, making Carlos smile. Then the taxi came, and we entered. He held my hand, but said nothing until we got to the restaurant.

We took a table outside to admire the local beauty while we drank a caipirinha waiting for our dishes to arrive. We talked about banal things. We had lunch and then walked around the region. During the walk we talked about ourselves, our plans for the future... Then Carlos passes his arm over my shoulders and says:

— I don’t want a serious relationship. Nothing against you, but I just got out of a three-year relationship and you know what happened. I don’t want to go through the same thing, and then find out it was a lie. So I think it’s better if we just stay and that’s it.

—You may not believe it, but we’re going to marry.- prophesy, seriously. I know I’m going to marry him, even though he says those words.

Carlos laughs at my face and gives me a kiss on the forehead, saying:

—Dalia, my sweet Dalia. Let time decide that... let’s enjoy now, okay?

I shake my head and kiss him, he promptly responds. He grabs me, and we make out right there. Just cuddling and cuddling for a long time. My phone rings and I know it’s my crazy parents behind me. He touches my face and says:

—You need to leave.

—Yes, but will we see each other again? - I ask, curiously testing Carlos. I need to know what is really going on in his mind.

— We’ll score when we have time, okay ? - Carlos replies, as I imagined, evasive.

I go back home and my family had already left, which gives me time to think about this afternoon. My sixth sense never fails. I feel that if I do not insist, I will never see him again. I had won a battle, now the war is missing. I need to conquer Louis once and for all, so that he asks me to date. Then we would get engaged and finally be married to him. Then I notice that I really am in love with him, as I have never been with anyone, and this gives me the strength to continue with my mission: Marry Carlos Salazar.

***

The next day I sent a message to him asking what time he was going to have lunch and where. He replies he was going to have lunch at home at 1:30, perfect for my plan. So I had to calculate the time to get out of school and meet him at his service. I get out of school at 1:00, so I have only half an hour to find him and risk everything I had to conquer him. I can’t even concentrate in class thinking about my plan, because there’s a huge risk that even if I do it, he’ll keep his position and want nothing to do with me. Then I wouldn’t have anything else to do, and being powerless isn’t really my favorite position.

Barely rings the bell, and I’m already running to the exit gate. I take the subway and stare at my watch, minute by minute. I practically push people in front of me, so I can pass. I run the last few blocks to get to Carlos's service. When I turn the corner of his service, he is already leaving. I run towards him and hold his shoulder. Carlos turns and faces me, scared.

—What are you doing here, Dalia? - Ask, surprised.

—I... came to surprise you.- I say panting. I straighten up and smile at him. — I have a surprise for you.

—Beyond that? - asks Carlos, curious.

—Yes. -I reply, biting my lips. I hold her arm and walk beside her.—Let’s have lunch, I’m hungry. And I want to taste her food.

—All right. -replies Carlos, smiling.

We arrived at his house, which is well arranged for those who live alone. He takes me straight to the kitchen and starts preparing lunch.

—So, what’s the surprise? - asks Carlos, curious.

—Only after lunch. - I respond by biting my lips.

He doesn’t even eat food right, actually neither do I, we’re both looking forward to lunch ending. While he goes to get ready for work, I put the dishes in the machine and go to the living room. I look at the clock and I know I only have 20 minutes to change his mind about dating. As soon as he enters the room I clap my hands on the couch, making him sit next to me. I sit on his lap and touch his hair, I do not believe I’m with him there, before my eyes. I take a deep breath, I need to focus on the plane.

— My surprise has one condition: if after what happens today you no longer want to go out with me, I leave you alone and never call you or send messages. But if you like my arguments, you’ll have to consider dating.

Without expecting an answer from Carlos, I kiss him intensely. I kiss his chin, neck and go down until I get on my knees in front of him. He gets ready on the couch, surprised. I confess I am also surprised at my audacity. I open the zipper of his pants, and he is waiting for me to erect. I smile at him and lick up and down with just the tip of my tongue. Then I suck with a taste. At each sucked, I feel Carlos shudder. He touches my hair, holding it as he follows the rhythm of my head. I look at him one more time, which makes him groan. My hand masturbates him, while the other caresses his testicles. I pass my tongue around your glans, like I’m sucking an ice cream. I lick your glans at the same time I jerk off.

I look at Carlos, seeing his expression of pleasure, then caress his testicles with my tongue. I do a gentle suction with my mouth, making him groan with pleasure. Then I slowly climb up and put his whole penis in my mouth. As I feel Carlos' erection and his excitement, more, I increase the rhythm. He pulls my hair harder, howling with pleasure... Then he stiffens everything, moaning loudly ,showing in fact that he had been for a long time without knowing what it was.

He mocks and, to his surprise, swallows without fear. I go to the bathroom while he recovers in the room. That was my all or nothing, and I know I’m in his hands now. When I leave, he’s sitting on the couch, still bewildered by everything that’s happened. I stop in front of him and say, sweet:

—You have a week to think about it and give me a definitive answer.

I walk to your door and go to my house, thoughtful. I close my eyes, praying that he will reconsider and stay with me, for I can no longer live without him.

I came home and acted like nothing happened. I didn’t even tell my sister what I’d done, but she knows something’s wrong, because I decide not to have dinner. My luck is that she doesn’t ask me anything about it. I’m almost asleep when my phone rings: Carlos appears on the screen. I answer in a hurry, with my heart in my mouth. I can’t believe he already had my answer:

—Hello, Carlos. - I say trying to show tranquility.

—Hello, Dalia -replies Carlos, nervous.. —I’m calling to warn you that... I will accept your proposal.

Two weeks later, he came to my house and asked me to date my father. I won the battle...

Although Carlos agreed to date me, deep down, I knew it was only to not be alone since he spent so much time dating the other. Although he says he loves my company and I always make him in a good mood. We had lunch together almost every day, left school and waited for him at his home. But as the title of the chapter says, I had only won the battle.

His ex-mother-in-law was very attached and even though she knew he was dating, she had the audacity to go clean his house and change the sheets. I thought in time it would stop, but...

We already had two months of dating, when one day we were making out on the couch, after lunch, when I hear someone open the door. Carlos practically jumped from the couch towards the door. I hear the voice of a woman talking to Carlos and get up, going towards the kitchen.

— Carlito, I hope you like the snacks, I made especially for you. - says the woman who was old enough to be the mother of my Carlos. And what was the story of calling him Carlitos.— Now I’m going to clean your house, it’s a mess, young man.

—Thanks for the snacks , Dona Mercedes, but today will not be necessary. - says Carlos very low, sure so that I did not listen.

—Don’t be so humble... The house is in need of cleaning.

That conversation made my blood boil… I who am his girlfriend two months ago do not have the key to his house and the former mother-in-law has? He still acted like he was alone! They don’t even know who Dalia Penedo is. I adjust my breasts in my bra and appear only in panties and bra, propping my arm in the door, very sensual, while the two stare at me perplexed.

— Love, will it take a long time? - I ask, provocative. Carlos almost has a thing ,while Mercedes faces me , red. I look at her from head to toe and say:—Since I’m his new girlfriend, when you leave, leave the key because next time I may be completely naked.

Mercedes didn’t know where to put her face, although I have an idea of a great place, as well as Carlos.

—Apologies for the inconvenience. - asks Mercedes, handing the key to Carlos and leaving.

I watched her leave with a smile on my lips when I turned and came across the fury of Carlos, who has his hands on his waist.

— What was it? - I ask playing innocent.

—You did not need to have been so vulgar. - accuses Carlos.

— Maybe if you had introduced me as your girlfriend, I wouldn’t have had to do it. - Bounce, annoyed. — And while we’re still talking about it: Why does she still have her key if we’ve been together for two months? Why does she have it and I don’t?

— So you did it because of a key? - asks Carlos, nervous.

—No. I did it because I’m tired of seeing it circulating around here, freely, while I have to wait for you. Don’t you realize that she only treats you well because you are a doormat for her, or rather, for them? - I accuse, angry. I point at him and continue.— I’m tired of being your girlfriend only between these walls, while I don’t exist outside.

— Dalia... - says Charles, indicating that I am reaching its limit.

— It’s true! It’s very comfortable for you to date me here, make out, but that’s it. And I don’t just want that! I want more and deserve more! I’ve already told you that I’m going to marry you, Carlos! So I think it’s good that you start thinking about going to the next step if you want to touch my body next time.

—Please, Dalia, you’d better go. You’ve crossed all the lines if you really think I’m that kind of guy. - Retorts Carlos, upset.

— You don’t have to send me away because I was really already thinking about going. - I reply, going towards the room. I wear my school uniform and turn to him saying: — If you are not that man, prove it.

— What do you mean? - asks Carlos without understanding.

— Marry me. - I respond by looking intensely at him. I don’t expect an immediate response when I see Carlos' shocked look. I walk towards the door and leave, irritated.

As I walk towards my home, I wonder if this is really how I would end my relationship with Carlos. After all, I did, a stupid fight destroyed everything.

I walk into the house and thank my parents for not being in the room. But I don’t have the same luck when I enter my room and come across Valerie playing on the computer. I lie in my bed, still thinking about the discussion I had with Carlos.

— Is everything okay? - asks Valeria, lying next to me. She hugs me and let some stubborn tears fall: — You fought, right?

— Carlos is a fool.- I exclaim, irritated. I look at my sister and smile, trying to reassure her: — Do not worry, I will still marry him.

— And does he know that? - asks my sister, afraid.

—Now he knows. - I reply, enigmatic.

***

It had been a few days and Carlos did not even give a sign of life. And I was proud I did not go after him either. In fact, I was already thinking of another way to win him over again.

We were all sitting at the table having dinner when the doorbell rang. After a few minutes, our waitress showed up to let us know who she was:

— Mr. Ramon, sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Carlos Salazar would like to speak to you.

My father, Ramon Salazar, stares at me, curious. But all he finds is the surprise of hearing Carlos' name.

—Excuse everyone. - says my father standing up.

Although my father is in his fifties, he is still the kind of man who put fear just by walking. His gray hair touches the tip of the collar of his black suit. Dad, even at home, always walks neatly. Which is understandable since my father is a diplomat. I stand up with him, who stares at me in surprise. Then orders:

— Sit down, Dalia.

— He is my boyfriend and I have the right to go with you, because I am also interested in what this is about.

—Dalia. - rebukes my mother for my audacity. But she knows that I am as stubborn as my father.

—Let her, Dulce. - says my father, turning. I almost run to reach my father. He glances at me, saying: —I hope this is no longer one of his tricks.

My heart races as I walk beside my father, as soon as Carlos appears, I feel that my heart has stopped as well as my breath.

— Good evening, Mr. Penedo. – says Charles, very pale, showing nervous.

—Good evening, Carlos. - my father replies with the face of few friends. — Let’s go to my room.

My father goes ahead, leaving me and Carlos following him behind. I face Carlos, who avoids my gaze. Then I approach and ask, almost like a breath:

— What are you doing here?

—Proving. - replies Carlos, passing in front of me.

My father sits in his wine chair while smoking his pipe. I sit on the couch next to his armchair, leaving Carlos alone on the couch in front of us. His leg is choppy, as well as his hands that twist. He takes a deep breath and then he shoots:

— Lord Ramon Penedo, I come tonight to ask for the blessing and the hand of your daughter, Dalia Penedo in marriage. I know it seems rash, but I want you to know that my intentions are the best and most respectful possible.

— Good, you’re right, my boy. - My father replies to the pipe on his lips. — You’ve been dating for two months, I doubt you’re prepared for that kind of relationship.

— I am. - I reply, promptly receiving the incredulous look of my father.— I am ready to marry Carlos. I know enough to marry him.

—Carlos... could you leave me and my daughter alone? - my father asks, which is not really a question, but an order.

—Undoubtedly, Mr. Penedo. – Carlos answers by getting up.

As soon as my boyfriend left, my father got up from his armchair and stopped in front of me. He put his hands on his waist and watched me at length.

—Before I consider the request of that young man in love, I need to know if this is serious or just a bad joke. - says my father, thoughtfully.

—Good, he said he has the best of intentions and I believe him. - I answer, serious. — I don’t think he’s kidding.

—I know he’s not here, but I need to know from you: Is this really serious for you, or is this another one of your pranks? Are you taking this commitment seriously, or will you soon tire and change your mind? - my father asks, merciless. His words offend me. I never thought my father thought that of me. — Because that boy is willing to marry you, now I want to know if it also exists inside you.

— Carlos is the only man with whom I am able to marry.- I reply, sincere. Tears roll down my face proving the truth of my words. — I love Carlos and nothing could change that.

— All right. - my father says, really. He goes to the door and lets Carlos into the room. This time, my boyfriend sits next to me, his icy hands hold mine. My father stops in front of us and says: — I will only think of giving my blessing if the Dalia promises me that it will finish its studies and enter a good college.

— That’s fine by me. - says Carlos smiling at me that I’m not at all happy to know it. I shoot my father with my eyes.

— But that will take a long time. - I claim, angry.— You cannot demand this from me.

—Either you promise, or you will not have marriage… the choice is only your Dalia Penedo. - says my father, imposing.