LOUISE.
My nightmares had started again. For the past 5 days, I always wake up with swollen eyes.I needed to start using diphenhydramine again. It helps me to sleep.
Holy week is starting tomorrow. Easter day celebrations were always a big deal back at home in Senoia, Georgia. I would miss my Mom's Easter feast and the festivities in Senoia.
My phone buzzed with a call. I grabbed it from under my pillow, staring at call ID.
"Hello, Louise this is Maya."
"Oh Maya, how are you doing"
I wonder why she's calling.
"I am fine, Holy week is starting tomorrow, it's going to be a week of feasts so my mum asked me to invite you to our house for dinner tomorrow." She sounded excited.
" Er.....rrm.... Ok. I will see you tomorrow. Extend my greetings to Dr. Teresa." I replied.
"OK .See you tomorrow".
I don't have to think of tomorrow's dinner.
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I walk up the path leading to the Diaz residence with my heels echoing behind me.
It's around seven thirty in the evening and I was very nervous. I was wearing a black A- shaped gown. The gown was off shoulders and a little above my knees.
I tucked a strand of my blond hair at the back of my ear as I pressed the door bell.
I was led to the dining room by a maid. The dining table was full with delicious looking foods.
Looks like they go all out for Holy week.
"Lou, I didn't think you would come, but anyway thanks for coming, Maya is in kitchen while the boys will be back soon from the office." Dr. Teresa said as she arranged the dishes on the table.
"Come with me, I still have more food to bring out," She led me to what I assumed to be the kitchen.
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My eyes darted from dish to dish. Each dish containing foods which I would expect to be served in a 5 star restaurant.
My tummy rumbled as I stared at the plate of Fanesca, Romeritos and some other dishes that I couldn't recognize.
Sitting across from me was Alejandro. I kept staring at him, trying to analyze him and sometimes a look would be returned, intense, but utterly devoid of emotions.
He was dressed in casual clothes with his hair was gelled back. He still looked so good despite the frustrated look on his face. The i-pad on his hand seemed to be the object of his frustration.
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It was already late by the time we finished eating.
" Thanks for the meal, I need to....." I was suddenly interrupted by Dr. Teresa.
"You're welcome. Stay the night, it's already very late. Maya can lend you some clothes. It's really no problem."
I watched with tears in my eyes as the car went up in flames.
Lou Lou Lou Lou!!!!
The voices sounded so distant.
I woke up and quickly sat up, aware of the presence in the room with me.
"Are you OK, You were crying and shaking so hard. I tried waking you up but u didnt respond. I had no choice but to call for help."
The lights had been switched on, allowing me to see him clearly.
His tone was a fraction softer than the usual and I was taken aback by the concern in his voice.
Dr. Teresa rushed into the room in her nightgown. She looked worried.
"I am so sorry to bother you, it was just a bad dream and I am fine now." I quickly reassured her.
"Are you sure, do you want to talk about it." She asked with so much gentility, she was trying to not offend me.
"No, it's all good, you can all go back to bed, I am fine."
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So what do y'all think of this chapter.
For those of you wondering the 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) is a big deal to Mexicans. It's celebrated like a big week full of feasts and festivities.