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.

If my father thought I was going to give up on getting married, it’s because he doesn’t know the daughter he has.

— Congratulations on the grades. – says my father, analyzing my report card. — Now all that’s left is college…

— Here it is. - I say, delivering my letter of approval at the University of Barcelona for the Law course. He opens , showing all the satisfaction in reading my letter. — Now you can give the blessing for my marriage.

— Yes, Dalia. - says my father taking off his reading glasses.

I wanted to jump for joy, but I notice that my parents have a disappointed expression, which makes me confused, since I did exactly what he wanted. My father looks at me and says:

—Dalia knows in these months that have passed I always thought I would give up this madness and change my mind.

— Then you know me, little Dad.–I say, leaning against the table. —I will never give up on Carlos…

***

After my father gave the blessing, I had to run with the preparations for my engagement. After all, we had decided to get engaged a month before college classes started and get married two months later. Putting it in more precise numbers, I had three months for the engagement and two for the wedding.

The first thing I decided to streamline was our home. Carlos was totally against us looking for another house, since he considered his ideal for us. It is logical that I went against his plans and imposed myself. After all it was not even his, but rented. Besides being tiny, and I wouldn’t even give it to my friends to come visit us or have a party.

—No Carlos. Whoever marries wants home. – I say repeating the saying that my mother always says.

— But Dalia... – tries to argue Carlos, being interrupted by my lips. I feel someone manifest below, then I walk away smiling.

— I knew you would agree with me. - I say, going towards the door of his house. — Tomorrow I will come here to search for our house.

We did not need to look for much, because we found a beautiful apartment that had just been renovated in a prime location for the two of us. We bought all the furniture and every day we were going to fix our future home. I loved decorating my home, to the point of making me think about changing course, but maybe it was just the enthusiasm for being able to do everything my way. As I had already finished school, I spent the day with Carlos in our home, until the night it was time to go home, since my father did not allow me to stay long with Carlos.

—I have to go ... – I say, panting as Carlos sucks my breasts madly. I look at my cell phone waking up and know that if I did not arrive on time, my parents would come over me and I do not want to give reasons for my father to cancel the wedding. I take my head away from Carlos and the insurance, saying firm. — We better stop now, before we regret it... Don’t forget our agreement.

Carlos and I were committed to not going to bed until we were married. Not that I was a virgin, and neither was he, but we wanted the moment to be special for both of us. Only the boner was killing us both. It was almost impossible to resist. I get up from the couch, adjusting my bra. I smile at him, who breathes deeply, passing his hand in his hair. He buttoned my blouse and straightened my skirt. I walk to her direction that pulls my leg, sliding her hands across my thighs, reaching to the waistband of my panties.

—Ahhh Dalia... – groans Carlos, excited. I kiss his lips and then walking away, biting mine.

—See you tomorrow, Carlos. – I say, smiling.

I come home a little later, but my dad’s not expecting me. I walk towards my room, trying to be as quiet as possible, but I hear a groan of pain coming from my sister’s bed. I sit on her bed and watch her touch her back.

— Is everything okay, Valeria? - I ask, worried.

—It’s my back that’s hurting a lot.- my sister replies with difficulty.

—Have you told Dad and Mom? - I ask, nervous.

—No, it should just be the weight of the backpack, nothing big.

—Let them know tomorrow. For you to be in pain so far is not only that. - I say. I give a kiss on your forehead. —Sleep well.

The other day, my sister warned my mother about the pains, and she took her to the doctor to know what could be. After a week, the exam results changed my plans.

— Valeria will need surgery to reduce the breast, because she has severely damaged the spine of Valeria. - explains my mother during the Sunday lunch in which she demanded that Carlos be present, leaving me worried. — This type of surgery here in our country goes far beyond our conditions ...

— The doctor recommended that the surgery be done in Brazil because of the quality and the cost to be lower.- explains my father, giving a terrible break. Carlos holds my hand, facing my father. — and the only available date is exactly two days after your engagement. Then we’ll have to postpone the wedding until after the surgery and Valerie’s recovery.

— And how long would all this take? - I ask, afraid of the answer.

—Four months. - my father replies.

That answer fell like a bomb on our heads. It would take longer than I thought to get married. But I breathe and try to smile for my sister, who I know is not at fault.

— The good part is that the engagement will continue standing. – my mother says, trying to cheer us up, unsuccessfully.

I started to run with the last preparations of the engagement, barely had time to see my friends. I was so wrapped up in my notes on my desk that I didn’t even notice anyone coming in and covering my eyes.

— Since Muhammad does not go to the mountain. – says the male voice I love so much: Julio Castillo. I turn and hug my best friend. — Hi, gone.

—Hello, mister. – I say back. I show my notes and say. — It’s the engagement’s fault.

- Hummm... that’s exactly what I came to talk to you about .– says Julio pointing to my leaves.

— What was it? - I ask, curious and apprehensive.

— I was at my house thinking about what I could give to Dalia Penedo that she no longer has. - Julio says, going to my bed and lying down. He takes my doll and holds it. — so he concludes that I’ve already given her the greatest gift she could have: a husband.

— If you came to my house with that excuse just to not give me a gift.- I say pretending to be angry. —You can take your horse out of the rain.

— And who says I won’t give you a gift? - questions Julio, pretending to be offended. — I came here just to give you a gift at the time: I want you to make your engagement in my house, where you first met. A cheesy gift, wonderful and unique that only I could give you.

— Are you serious? - I ask, amazed. I would get engaged in the same place where I met Carlos… unimaginable, but coming from Julio, everything was possible. I grabbed him, filling with kisses.

— Less Dahlia, less… -says Julio, holding me. — In return, you have to invite a companion to my height.

— I knew there was a price. - I say, smiling. — You can be sure you’ll have the most beautiful woman at the party.

— I hope so. - says Julio getting up. He gives me a lusty kiss on the cheek and says. — Who knew that Dahlia Penedo would marry…

— One would say to his marriage. - prophesy, as I watch the look of amazement of Julius.

— Nor come with this. – says Julio making the sign of the cross. —I’m going, see you soon, girl.

The fact that my engagement moved to Julius' house made my list of 20 people double in a few hours. Consequently, I had to double work with the decoration, buffet and many other things that were being included as the days went by.