Page 127 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

“What?”

“Ah, Cuchu...you should’ve seen his face when I told him I don’t give my hand to anyone, that I already gave it to someone once and now my hand is mine, only mine and no one else’s.”

I’m stunned. My sister’s so weird.

“So, you’re not engaged to him?”

“Well, no. I’m a modern woman, and I go out to dinner with who I want and when I want. Moreover, tonight I’m meeting up with Juanín, the guy from the appliance store next to the potato shop, and Juan Alberto is very offended.”

“Of course, Raquel, if the poor man comes all the way from Mexico and tells you something romantic about the stars, accompanied by a bouquet of your favorite flowers, and then asks Papá for your hand, what do you expect?”

“Well, too bad if he thinks that just because he comes spouting his sweet words, I have to stop my life and go after him.”

“But, Raquel—”

“No way.”

“But didn’t you say he’s special and makes you feel...”

“Yes, but I don’t ever want to suffer over a man again.”

My sister is so right. Suffering over love is the worst.

“Juan Alberto is not Jesús. I’m convinced he wants something serious with you and—”

“I’m scared, OK? I’m scared!”

I understand.

She’s gone through a lot, and now she doesn’t want to suffer again. But even though I barely know Juan Alberto, I can already tell he’s different from my ex-brother-in-law. Juan Alberto has also suffered because of love, and I’m convinced Raquel is what he needs and vice versa.

Still, it’s my sister who has to decide.

“It’s normal that you’re afraid, but not all men are alike. If you’re afraid, be careful. But if you don’t want to lose Juan Alberto, also be careful what you do or you’ll regret it later. Think about what you want and what’s going to make you happiest.”

“Oh, Cuchu...you just told me the same thing Papá told me,” she says, then pauses. “Speaking of Papá, he wants to talk to you. Let’s talk later. I’m going to the beauty shop to get pretty so I can go to dinner with Juanín.”

“Goodbye, crazy girl, and behave yourself,” I reply, amused.

Moments later, I hear my father’s voice, and I get excited. The tears fall as I cover my mouth so he can’t hear me crying. If he knew I was pregnant, he’d be so happy. But if he knew the situation I’m in with Eric, a great sadness would overwhelm him.

“How’s my dark-haired girl?”

Fucked...very fucked, but I take a breath.

“Good—how are you, Papá?”

He lowers his voice.

“Oh, girl...your sister is driving me crazy. And now the Mexican is here too.”

“I know, she just told me.”

“What do you think?”

I dry my tears.

“Uff, Papá, I don’t know what to tell you. It’s Raquel who has to decide.”

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