Maria

c h a p t e r ~ f o u r

"So, your father asked me out to dinner," I told Esmeralda. We were currently sitting in the sun room, going over her agenda for her quinceanera.

Yesterday, Gaspare and I had gone to pick up Esmeralda from her soccer game, and arrived just in time to see her score a goal. We had cheered her and when she came running to us, we appraised her. Esmeralda had dragged me around the field so that I could meet her friends. She introduced me as her grandmother's friend, and we both shared a laugh whenever she did.

Later in the car, Esmeralda sat in back while I sat shotgun and Gaspare drove. All she could do was go on and on about her goal.

"Alright, sweetheart, that is great. But why did you introduce Maria as you grandmother's friend?" Gaspare had asked. I looked behind me, and smiled at Esmeralda. She returned my smile.

"When I came here, two days ago, I got Esmeralda to talk to me by telling her I was her grandmother's friend," I had explained. He'd looked at me with a curious look.

"I almost believed her. I was about to ask what face cream she uses."

"Hey!" I reached behind me, and reached for her, but Esmeralda moved away and stuck her tongue out. "That is very rude. What have I ever done to you?"

Well, we had gone home, and Esmeralda and I helped set up for dinner after she took a shower. We all ate and went to bed.

Back to the present, Esmeralda turned her head to my direction so fast, it left me wondering how she hadn't broken her neck yet.

"He asked you to dinner?" She whisper-yelled. I nodded. "That's great! We need to get you ready. Oh, oh! I got it! I'm taking you to the spa!" Oh no. I faked a smile, and hoped it looked real. "Oh, don't you just love the spa!" I grimaced.

"Love is such a strong word," I said. Esmeralda simply ignored me and got up, dragging inside, and then outside again where we headed for one of the cars.

"Oh, it's going to be great! Get in, and I'll give you the directions to the spa." We stood in front of my Ferrari, and, for the first time since I got the car, I hesitated to jump in and drive. Mentally, I apologized to my car. It's not you, baby. It's Esmeralda. You know I love you. Sighing, I got in the car, and drove.

"We're here!" All the workers in the lobby looked at us, and smiled. Four of them came to us, and started speaking to Esmeralda, who happily gave them orders on what she wanted done. Soon, we were both headed towards a "day of beauty and relaxation". I hate the spa. I can pamper myself if I want to, thank you very much.

We traded our clothes for bath robes, and were laid down. Soon, the workers that had greeted us in the lobby started putting creams on our faces. Soon, we were left alone, pieces of cucumber covering our eyes.

"So, what are you planning on wearing?" It took me a while to realize that Esmeralda had directed her question at me.

"I'm not sure. Where do you think he'll take me?" I answered.

"Probably somewhere fancy, and afterwards to some club. You should wear something elegant, but fun."

"I think I can do that."

"What time are you going?" Honestly, I had no idea.

"Honestly, I have no idea. I assumed it would be around seven or eight." I took off the cucumbers and looked at my phone, which was in my pocket. The time read five thirty.

At seven, we were driving to the house, our skin smooth and shiny, and our bodies completely hairless, thanks to the cold and merciless hands of the workers at the spa. Have I mentioned that I absolutely hate the spa!