Contract of love in Venice

I give a warning to the abuser; I prefer that, rather than slapping my boss's slimy brother-in-law. I'm tired of having to sneak around to avoid abuse from the men I work with.

On this occasion, my boss is traveling, so I decide to stay alone in the office, at lunchtime. In apparent tranquility.

My colleagues went out, I had lunch and I read a few chapters of the book on duty.

After half an hour, there is a knock at the door, it is Mr. Carmelo, husband of my boss's sister. Every time he sees me, I notice that strange look on his face and the expression on his face that makes me uncomfortable. He finds me alone and asks me to make duplicates of some documents.

We head to the area where the equipment is. I turn my back on him and start taking out the copies. At that moment, I feel him pass the folder he is holding in his hands across my buttocks. It's such an unpleasant sensation that I stop myself from screaming. I turned around immediately and, looking him in the eyes, threatened to tell his wife. From the tone of my voice, he knows I'm serious. He leans back and leaves, telling me what will happen later.

The manager of the company arrives, I sit down to talk with him and tell him what happened. He takes it not very seriously, although he tries to hide it. In addition, suddenly he bursts out laughing.

Seeing that I am annoy by his attitude, he becomes serious and apologizes to me.

- Don't get irritated, it's just that I find it funny that that fat man dares so much. Next time he disrespects you, give him a good slap. He continued laughing.

"This time, I put up with it," I told him, but I warned him that I would tell his wife if he did it again.

After the meeting, I retire to my office. The president of the group is traveling. I have no one else to turn to.

I had a great time this blessed afternoon. Pussy! -I say to myself-Resign! Now! Find another job where you won't be bothered!

I leave work and go to the mall; I want to travel so badly. I make a calculation of the compensation I will receive if I leave work and consult the destinations and prices of plane tickets. The girl from the agency tells me that I only have enough to go to Jamaica. Not bad.

From that moment on, I began to shape the idea in my head.

I get home and kiss my mother on the cheek, while I put my hair in a ponytail, to cool off.

- Today it's very hot!

- Yes mom, the temperature is 32 degrees.

"Give me another kiss, daughter, you seem strange," her mother whispered.

-Mom, you already know that I don't like you to question me, I don't want to worry you. What's for dinner?

I went to the kitchen and lifted the lid of a pot hoping to find pasta. I love Italian food. Instead, there are beans.

I give him another kiss, this time closer, and I say:

- I'm going to turn on the air to cool the environment while I bathe.

I take my time in the shower. I put on simple clothes, like the ones I usually wear at home. Pink and blue shorts, with a beige top. Hair up and rubber sandals, the kind that slip through your toe. When I finished, I went down the stairs.

My appearance has changed. I look more relaxed.

- Daughter, I prepared stewed beans with rice...

I grimace, indicating displeasure.

-It doesn't provoke me, mom. I feel like some pasta. However, I'd better make myself a sandwich, so I don't get too dirty.

- No, daughter... Feed yourself...

-I just want something light. Moreover, you know I don't like beans. I eat them just to please you!

- What happens?

- I don't want to talk about it now because it's going to make me uncomfortable again. I'm calmer now.

- It's okay my love.

- I had an idea. I want to travel.

-And that? Where are you going?

- Because I want to... I like Europe, I went to an agency and the budget reaches me to Jamaica.

-And what are you going to do there? Why don't you go to Italy?

- It's more expensive for me.

-My friend Cristiano's brother lives there and always invites me. If you want, I'll talk to him.

-It is great news, mommy.

I was very happy, I imagine myself in Italy, walking and tasting delicious dishes. My mother's proposal leads me to daydream.

From the excitement, I forget about the bad time I had at the office.

I'm cooking dinner, while I think about how to arrange everything so that the trip becomes a reality.

-Mom! Do you want me to prepare one for you? If you say yes, I'll tell you what happened in the office!

- Okay, prepare a delicious one.

I made two, one for each one, filled with cheese, ham, tomato and sauces.

I approached my mother and handed her the food.

- You're going to love it.

- Let's see, he says, I can't stand my curiosity.

-The boss's brother-in-law disrespected me.

-What abuse!, what did you do?

- I spoke with the manager, Felipe's brother. When he's traveling, I have to get along with him.

- That seems fine to me. Enough of the abuse of women.

- Yes, in truth, it wasn't that much what he did, it was just something unpleasant. His expression disgusted me. What bothered me was the look on his face and the expression on his face. He's a pervert. I threatened to tell his wife.

- Well done, daughter. You don't have to stay silent. If not, another day he goes and does something worse to you.

- Yes, then... now it's your turn.

-Me?

- Mom, don't act... Tell me about this Cristiano and his family. What are they like? What did he say to you when he invited you to Italy?

- They are Romans, my friends. They have been in Margarita for three years; I have helped them a lot. They always tell me to take a vacation and that I can get to their brother's house.

- Great. Where in Italy does the family live?

- In Rome, it is a couple with two daughters. You could stay there to sleep.

In addition, he told me about Venice, where he offered to take me to his cousin's house.

-It's better than I expected, then I'll be able to see Rome and Venice.

-Yes, but let me tell him; then we organize.

-It's great news mom. I'm happy. I will take that trip and see everything. It is a fantastic destination. The best thing that can happen to me.

-And the money? How much do you have saved?

-Not much, I had to pay for college. If I resign, I will receive a good compensation.

-Think carefully, daughter. If it is the best for you, I support you.

- I'm going to think about it. Meanwhile, you talk to the Italian.

My mother goes to her room to rest; she is happy to see that I achieve my goals and wants to give me a hand.

I go to the studio, I'm not sleepy. The priority now is to research, watch videos about Rome and Venice. It seems so romantic to me...

I'm studying for a long time, until the urge to go to bed overcomes me. I go to sleep. That night was splendid. I have beautiful dreams.

I wake up to the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. My mother is preparing breakfast and it smells very good. I take a shower and get ready. I don't wear skirts or dresses, I try to attract as little attention as possible. Therefore, I decided to wear a long-sleeved cotton blouse and pleated pants. Both pieces in blue and black sneakers, just like my bag.

Went down the stairs, full of confidence and love for my mother, I hugged her saying:

- Blessing mommy, I love you very much.

-You will leave me alone. -Carmen asked me.

-Why do you say that? Of course, not, you will never get rid of me! You will always be with me, wherever I am.

- Thank you daughter, I love you. Eat and go to work. Remember, you shouldn't be ashamed. The things some men think have nothing to do with you.

Each person looks. According to their experience and from their heart. Abusers act this way because they assume they can have access to all women. You just mark your distance and you will be fine.

We had breakfast, a delicious scrambled egg with ham and yellow cheese, toast and coffee.

- I love the food, thank you. I'm leaving before I'm late. Don't forget to call your friend. I hope to have good news.

- Count on that! God keep you.

I drive to the Jorge Coll Urbanization, where my office was located. I usually arrive early.

As I turn the corner, I see the front of the house. A colonial-style villa, very beautiful. In front, my boss's truck is parking. Who descends, at that moment, carrying his leather briefcase? He wears dark glasses and an outfit of jeans and a plaid shirt. Always impeccable.

I'm glad to see you. Therefore, I can talk to him and make a decision.

My boss has a very bad reputation with women. He is married to a German woman and had two children with her. From time to time, they come around the office.

-Hello, good morning, Mr. Felipe!

- Oh, Ale! -Shout -. Nice to see you. You always arrive early.

- It's comfortable for me, so I catch up and I'm ready to start the day.

- Successful people get up before dawn!, Yes!, Hey!, What's new around here ?

- Everything has been fine during his absence.

-What happened?

-Didn't your brother tell you?

-He never tells me anything! He has me fed up! You tell me...

-It was just something that his brother-in-law did to me, he disrespected me and I'm very upset. I've even thought about quitting.

-Mmmm! Are you going to please that asshole? We all know that he has been cheating on my sister for years. Leave your things and come to my office to talk.

-Okay, can I ask you for a coffee?

- Yes, tell the girl to prepare me a sandwich and a black. I expect...

After a while, when I enter his office, he is eating, with such enthusiasm, that it is a pleasure. His mustaches are full of sauce. In addition, greasy hands. He takes a napkin to clean himself and invites me to sit down.

-Oh, what delicious cuisine! I was without breakfast. I got up early and went out. I missed all this.

So, you're going to resign because of that fat guy. And what does that mean? Do you throw in the towel at the first difficulty? Tell me.

- It's not that. The thing is that it is very uncomfortable to work like this. With fear, here they are all men. Something worse can happen at any moment.

- I guarantee you that nothing bad is going to happen to you. As for the fat man, I'm going to call him to tell him what he deserves.

- thank you, Mr. Felipe.

-You see you don't have to go. In any case, what were you planning to do when you resigned?

- I thought about traveling. I've always wanted it and it seems like a good time.

- Very interesting. And where do you want to go?

- I have an opportunity to go to Italy. I would arrive at the house of some friends of my family.

-It's a great idea, I love traveling. I propose you something. Go and then decide if you resign or not. Do you have vacations pending?

- Yes, I have two expired periods.

- I'm going to call my agent to quote me the tickets, we will pay them as an advance on your social benefits. Do you agree?

- Yes! I don't want to seem naive. Are you serious?

-I have never spoken more seriously in my life! What's more, I'll call him now.

Travel agent 's number. Ask that they send you, to your email, the amount of a round trip ticket to Rome.

- Ready, leave me that! Ha ha ha! You'll see that everything is going to turn out better than you think.

- I am very grateful with you. I'm counting on you...

I retire to my office, I can't believe it. I feel happy, more than ever. Everything flows so naturally, without imagining it, I am already close to my goal. Now, I just need to get home in the afternoon and for my mother to have good news. After all, the offer the boss made me lifted my spirits.

I feel appreciated and valued for my merits.

I try very hard to do my tasks well. I am a committed worker. Moreover, now, at this moment, I am reaping the fruits of my efforts.

I spend the day working, with the best disposition. The offer my boss has made me is irresistible. I can't stop thinking about it.

I am attractive and, I hope, the support you give me has nothing to do with that. I won't stand it.

The workday ends and I go straight home.

I can't wait to confide in my mother what's happening to me. Things are going well.

As soon as he arrives, I give him a big kiss.

- Mommy, you don't know what happened -. I told him with a big smile.

- Hello daughter, what a nice hug. Let's see, tell me quickly why I also have something to tell you.

-My boss has offered me an advance to pay for the tickets. He will even manage them himself, with his travel agent.

- It is great news, although I think it is something splendid on their part.

- They are very good people...

- Be careful, I don't really like his attitude. What is his interest?

- I'll be careful, I promise.

- Do not trust. Naivety, in this case, will work against you.

- You're right, but it's not logical to reject his offer. It is perfect. I can travel and keep my job at the same time.

- I also have news for you. I spoke with Cristiano.

-And what does that mean, mom? Tell me at once.

-That you are going to travel, daughter.

I run all over the house. Shout of joy. Until I landed in my mother's arms. I kiss her, hug her and continue running and jumping. The emotion is uncontrollable. We both cried excitedly.

-I can't believe it, mom! You realize.

- It gives me great pleasure to see you so happy.

From here on out, you have to focus on the details. You will be traveling alone and organization is vital. You must be very cautious.

- Yes, mommy, whatever you say. I will listen to you, in everything, I promise.

- You are going to arrive in Rome, you will spend around 15 days or you will stay a week there and then you will visit Venice. Time goes quickly, especially when you are having fun. So plan well so you know the most important places.

- I'm going to call Lila, her husband is Italian. Can you guide me a little?

- Ok, but when you have the ticket and are ready to travel. Do not get ahead. Go at the pace of events. Obey my love.

- That's right, I'm going to check my passport and see what clothes I can take.

- You're going in the middle of summer, so choose fresh outfits. The temperature there is barbaric on this date.

I'm in my room, taking the clothes out of the closet and placing them on the bed. I put aside the one I like the most. I always choose the outfit that fits me best.

I entertain myself by trying on some outfits and combining them in front of the mirror. I took the shoes out of their boxes and put on my favorite sandals, with a transparent wedge-shaped heel. Its mouse gray strips, with bright sparkles, cross over my feet.

I take out my red wine-colored pants and blazer set. I love the reaction of people when they see me with it. I always wear it, adding, under the jacket, a white shooting top. It fits him perfectly.

I order, inside the suitcase, the already classified clothes and I close it. I put everything back in the closet. I do not like the disorder.

Now I'm in the studio and I turn on the computer to continue researching.

Carmen, my mother, comes in and stares at me. Seeing that I'm looking for information about Venice.

-Do you like it ? Tell me.

-It's a beautiful place, so elegant!

- OK Mom. I've already sorted out the clothes I'm going to wear. I want to look beautiful.

- You must be comfortable and, at the same time, well groomed.

- I will include some books; it's time for exams on the way back.

-I very much doubt that you are going to study.

- You think. In a while, at night, I have to do it, the material is extensive.

- Don't set expectations. There you will see. Enjoy your experience.

-And what am I going to tell dad?

- You'll tell him the truth, I think. You are going on vacation and you will arrive at the house of a friendly family.

I make it a rule not to give explanations. If I dare, I do it in the most direct and simple way. Without much return.

- I'll tell you when everything is ready, including the ticket.

-Well said! Stop distract me. I have to cook. It's getting late.

"I'm not hungry," I replied. Meanwhile, I continue searching for information, this time about Rome.

Write down the most relevant places. My mother told me that Cristiano's relatives live in the capital, but not in the area. I begin to plan to visit at least one tourist site every day. The rest of the day I will be free, I will go for a walk and meet people.

Carmen goes to the kitchen and I stay sad. I see her somewhat disorganized, with low spirits, since my father's betrayal of her. I would like him to dedicate himself more to improving his physical appearance, to choose to exercise and to get his nails and hair done. I don't tell her so as not to make her feel bad.

When my father left home, it affected me too much. We were very close. I admired and adored him and he spoiled me, indulged my whims.

My mother kept quiet about the problems between them for years. He didn't want me to suffer from the uncertainty that accompanies a separation.

He is a very elegant man; he wears a suit and tie, impeccable. Wear leather shoes, always shiny. He had two closets at home, filled with his shirts, in all colors and styles. As well as wool and cashmere suits, in light and dark tones.

I loved helping dad; I even liked tying his tie. Sometimes I got it, other times I didn't. He would explain to me how to fix it and let me try again. It was a pleasure for him to receive my love and attention.

The day my father left home, after an argument with mom. I thought he would come back, but that didn't happen. It was difficult for me to understand that, from then on, we would live without him.

Especially for the reason of the breakup of the relationship.

Never forget that day. When I felt such strong pain, as if my heart had ripped out of my chest. There was a burning inside me. A sadness so great that tears came out, uncontrollably, from my eyes. We feel betrayed. What my father did affected us both.

He abandons the family due to affairs with another woman, recently arrived in his life. I can't understand how a responsible man, such a handsome and intelligent gentleman, turns his back on us. We are his two great loves and he leaves us for a stranger. In short, I learned that men are weak and capable of losing everything due to the animal sexual instinct that moves them. Without measuring the consequences of their actions.

don't just carry my pain. If not, I feign fortitude to support my poor mother, who is devastated and cries incessantly. In a perennial depressive state.

I decide to be strong. I take care of supporting and protecting my mother, who never fails me.

My father, before he left, promised me that things would not change at all between us. Which in practice did not happen.

Every day I had less time to dedicate to myself. Any excuse was good to not look for me or stop paying the monthly payment. Until one day, tired of depending on him, I started working and covering what was necessary. My mother takes care of online tasks, but the income does not cover everything.

Little by little, I moved away from him. Until the conversations became so spaced that we spent days without speaking to each other.

I decided not to complain to him anymore, since one day he, in a very sporting manner, told me that when he grew up he would understand. The apology seemed so childish to me that his image shattered into pieces. Before my eyes, he went from being that admired and loved man, to a being who moved by instinct, without the capacity to love.

My mother found out about my father's infidelity, long before her friend Carla informed her. He knew this because he found lipstick marks on his shirts, on more than one occasion. What he didn't know was the girl's name.

As always happens in these cases. All of my mother's friends knew what she did, but no one dared to tell her. Until, Carla, fed up with his impudence. Who walked, without decorum, with his lover throughout the urbanization? He decided to speak.

I think that the support my mother gives me for this trip has a lot to do with what happened. She sacrificed herself to maintain a relationship that got out of hand. Because of her husband's inability to value what is important and permanent, family. Now, my mother gives me the confidence to spread my wings and fly. To live and seek to achieve my dreams. Without depending on anyone else, only myself. I think it's right, I can guarantee you a future. Counting on another person is like hanging from a cliff. You fall at any moment.

Despite the months that have passed, I cried, remembering that. I go to the bathroom to wash my face and blow my nose.

I want to build a future and, more than anything, economic strength for my family. Everything is temporary and stability depends, largely, on financial well-being. Although, it does not grant happiness. It allows us to lead the quiet life we deserve. Without anguish or hot flashes due to debt or lack of money for basic expenses.

I don't have, at the moment, any romance on the horizon. Although yes, the desire to fall in love one day.

Carmen is at work...

- Mommy, what are you preparing, can I help you?

- If you like, you can chop seasonings. I'm cooking fish patties with tartar sauce.

- That's lovely...!. If I help you...

- Then, cut the onion very finely so that it does not feel so strong on the palate.

- I love cooking with you, what you prepare is super delicious.

- Thank you my love, you say it because you love me.

- It's not true, at school my friends fought to try what you sent me in the lunchbox. They said my mom was a chef...

- So beautiful, let's say that I put a little love and a lot of attention to what I cook, yes.

-What fish is it?

- It's stingray, I parboil it with time, I stew it and I have it frozen, ready to eat. I work just one day that helps me a lot. It is similar to the taste of dogfish. Although I like this one more, its taste is less strong.

-You can make a salad pie.

- See how you have learned... Cooking is imagination and courage. To make new dishes, you just have to dare to experiment with the ingredients. Know how to combine them.

- It's true, in the family we are all good. I always remember how delicious grandma cooked.

- Yes, your grandmother was an excellent cook. He loved to prepare all kinds of dishes. Even their vegetables were special.

- I remember, on one occasion I told him that I didn't feel like carrot salad with shredded cabbage. He said, "You don't like it because you haven't tried mine." When I ate a little, I loved it... I even asked for more...

-Everyone with his or her seasoning. Your special touch. Therefore, the same recipe has a different flavor depending on who prepares it.

-If one day I have children, I am going to teach them to cook from a young age. Let them get used to eating well. Healthy and nutritious.

We finished the dish and sat down to dinner. The sauce gives it a special touch, enhancing the flavor of the fish. Combines with the crunchiness of the fried empanada.

We finish eating, I clean the dishes and the kitchen, while my mother sweeps. Then, we sat down to share a program on television. We love gourmet series about world cuisine. The ingredients they use and the recipes.

We enjoyed a quiet time, until it was time to go to sleep. We gave each other an affectionate kiss and continued to the rooms to rest.

I roll out the mat, do stretching exercises and meditate. My state of relaxation is such that I fall asleep, I sink into a deep sleep.

I woke up earlier than usual. I wanted to surprise mom with an American breakfast before leaving for work.

I had to leave earlier to go through study control at the university. So talk to the secretary about scheduling exams. Distance education course, the material was publish on the web. Therefore, attending in person is part of the relationships I cultivated with the university staff. That way, I find out the details.

I think that the interaction that results from physical contact cannot be replace by any other method, not even a video encounter.

What a pleasure to see Carmen's face when she came down and found breakfast served.

- Good morning, mommy, do you like it?

-Happy day, daughter! Have I fallen asleep? What time is it?

- No not at all. I got up early. I have to go through the university before going to the office.

- And so? Are the exams already starting?

- No, they haven't even published the schedule. That is why I am going to arrive in person. This is how I greet them and find out what the planning is.

- Very good. Always so organized.

-Thank you, mom.

- Let's go eat, it's getting cold...

- It was delicious... Especially these breads, soft and spongy.

- I already make them by eye, without a prescription.

-You inherited the family's culinary talent; I never tire of telling you.

-Thank you, mom.

In the afternoon, I go to the academy, I have dance today. I'll arrive at night. Do you need anything else?

- Yes, stop by and buy cheese and vegetables.

- Well, if you remember anything else, write to me.

- I wash and go out. I do not like to be late.

We said goodbye and I went to the parking lot. These days I find myself very motivated. I really want everything to turn out as I wish.

The day is cool, after the rain the night before. The wet streets invite me to drive slowly. In a few minutes, I cross the city to the institution's headquarters. Greeting and entered the premises.

I arrived with a splendid smile, which infected those present. I took a seat and waited to be attend to.

The manager receives me shortly after.

- Good morning, beautiful, what brings you here? Tell me. I wish all the students arrived like this, with a smile!

- Noticeable? I'm just happy. How have you been?

- So cute! Loaded with work, same as always.

- You will surely get everything out soon. I came because I want to know when they publish the testing schedule. I have to travel.

-What good news! Where are you going?

- I'm going to visit Italy.

- I congratulate you; it is a beautiful country. Moreover, the gastronomy... a delight.

- Yes, I don't know how I'm going to do it, maintaining my weight in the face of so many temptations will be a challenge.

- The important thing is that you enjoy. The rest is secondary.

Regarding the exams, they are still meeting waiting to define the dates. I think that by this week we should have everything ready.

-Can you send me a message? I need to know what books to take to study there.

- In Italy, I doubt it...!

- Yes, they have already told me, ha, ha, ha.

- That is a trip that you may take only once in your life. My advice is that you forget to bring books, but I will still let you know when I know the dates for each subject.

- You're great, I appreciate it. Nice to see you. I'm leaving, I have work to do. We talk to each other...

- Bye beautiful, good luck on your trip.

- Thank you.

I left the meeting very excited and went to the office, located fifteen minutes away by car.

Upon arrival, I greeted my companions. I arranged everything and started the day. I turned on the equipment and took out the agenda. I used to read what I had pending for the day.

I started by sorting and identifying the folders in the file. I want to enter the documents of the properties recently acquired by the company. It's one of the few manual tasks I do. The rest is all in the computerized system.

I am busy cutting the labels when I receive a call on the internal line. My boss asks me to come to his office.

I put aside what I had started and went out through the interior patio to the corridor that continues after the fountain. On the right hand side, Mr. Felipe's private room. Right next to the library.

- Knock!

- Who?

-It's me, Alessandra.

- Just pass.

- Good morning, how are you?

- Good and you? I have sent for you for the following. The man from the agency is driving me crazy. I already have to give him the date to issue the tickets for your trip.

My face lit up. Unable to contain my joy, I smiled and told him. Taking the calendar from the desk.

- Excuse me, may I?

- Sure, see the dates to call him at once.

- I would like to travel this coming week, between June 10 and 15. That is how I spent my birthday there.

- Ha! Bravo, very well thought out.

Mr. Felipe called the agency and informed the operator of the date of the trip, with return 15 days later.

- Thank you, Mr. Felipe. I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for me.

- It's no big deal. You just enjoy it and tell me, do you have a suitcase?

- Yes, I have a small one, but I need another one.

- Let's see, don't pack a lot of luggage because later it will get in your way. There you are sure to buy something. Take the suitcase you have and, at most, a handbag with the most essentials. Take it from me that I hate walking with a lot of luggage. It is more tedious when moving.

- I will do so. You have more experience than I do.

- Don't believe it, when you travel a lot it annoys you. It's like everything, at first you are dazzled. Then you pray that you stay home in peace.

- That's how it is. You are right. Therefore, if you don't need me, I'll leave. I am adding some documents to the file.

- Go easy. I have to make a few calls. As soon as they send me the electronic ticket, I'll let you know. You print it and make a copy. Did you check the passport? Stay tuned for that.

- That was the first thing I kept in my luggage. It is valid; it expires in 3 months.

-Then you should go renew it. Therefore, they don't allow you to travel.