Page 148 of Now and Forever

My sister, who doesn’t understand a thing, holds my hands.

“Yes, darling. But I forbade him from telling you. Don’t get angry with him about that.”

I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it!

He gets angry with me because I hide things from him, and he’s hiding things too. Unbelievable!

I close my eyes and try to calm down and focus on my sister.

“But ... But what happened?” I ask, trying to forget about Eric and me for now.

“He was cheating on me with half of Madrid,” she goes on, so cool. “I told you a long time ago, but you didn’t believe me.”

The news leaves me totally shocked. I wasn’t expecting that sort of betrayal from my fool of a brother-in-law. But what leaves me totally speechless is my sister. She, who’s always so weepy, is suddenly centered and serene. Is it because of her pregnancy?

“And Luz? How is she taking it?”

She shrugs.

“Fine. She’s taking it fine. She was really upset when I told her, but since Jesús left the house a month and a half ago, she’s been happy, and she shows me this happiness every day when I see her smile.”

We talk for a long time, and I start to see for myself how strong my sister is and, in particular, that she’s all right in spite of her disappointment and her pregnancy.

“Is my car in the parking lot?”

“Yes, dear. It runs beautifully. I’ve been using it for the past few months.”

I nod and push my hair out of my face.

“Don’t tell me what happened with Eric,” she whispers. “I don’t need to know. I just need to know you’re all right.”

I’m thankful she says that.

“I am, Raquel. I’m all right.”

We hug again, and I feel at home. When she leaves that night and I’m alone, I can finally breathe. I’ve cried like I needed to, and I feel much better. But now I’m even angrier with Eric. How could he hide something like that? What a hypocrite!

I decide not to call my father tonight. I’ll surprise him tomorrow instead. At seven o’clock in the morning, I get up and go to the parking lot. I look at my Seat León and smile. It’s so pretty! After getting in, I turn on the engine and head to Jerez. On the way, I have all sorts of little moments. I laugh. I cry. I sing or swear and remember all the things Eric’s done in the past.

In Jerez, I go straight to my father’s workshop. I park the car by the door and see him talking to some friends. When he sees me, he stands stock-still for a moment, then runs over to give me a hug. His embrace is comforting, and when we pull apart, he looks around.

“Where’s Eric?”

I don’t answer. My eyes moisten, and, when he sees my face, he whispers, “Oh, sweetheart! What happened?”

Holding back my tears, I just hug him again.

That night, after dinner, I’m looking at the stars when my father sits down on the couch.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Raquel and Jesús?” I ask him sadly.

“Your sister didn’t want to worry you. She talked to Eric about it and asked him not to tell you.”

“Oh great!” I hiss, wishing I could rip Eric’s head off for being so fake with me.

“Listen, sweetheart, your sister knew if we said anything to you, you’d come to Madrid. I only did what she asked. But don’t worry, she’s all right.”

“I know, Papá. I’ve seen her, and she left me speechless.”

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