Don´t play with me

Today is Tuesday, November 1, 2022. I am leaving San Juan de Las Galdonas for the first time in many years. I carry in my heart the certainty that I will reach my destination safely. What worries me is what awaits me in Margarita, no matter how much she tells me that everything is resolved. That's what my father's friend told me, I will receive payment and buy a ticket to study in Europe. What I dreamed of since I was a child.

I approach the pier with a suitcase full of clothes, which weigh as much as the sadness I carry in my heart. I walk slowly while looking for the boat. There is only one boat ready to set sail. I make sure to see if it's the right boat. The name "Sirio" in blue letters stands out on the sports boat. So I go over there and say good morning to the nice sailor. I only see one man on board, in very nice sportswear, who, when he sees me, says:

-Come on, Mila, hurry up! -, greeting gracefully.

-You know my name. What is your name?

-Don't worry, you're safe. Come now, we have to leave as quickly as possible.

I hurry, being very careful not to slip. I unpack my luggage and grab the wood.

"There! I'm all yours", I say, with as much cheek as I could muster, without adding anything else.

Too focused to make any comment, he walks along the docks to set sail. I'll be away from the city for a long time and I already feel like I'm going to miss it a lot.

My gaze is fixed on the surroundings, as if I were saying goodbye to each of my memories on the paradisiacal coast. I see the seagulls that fly close to the boats and other species that live in harmony. I know the ocean and its risks well. My father is a fisherman and I grew up surrounded by nets and fish, by the sea.

As the boat progresses, I appreciate the beauty of the place. If everything goes well, I will leave the country very soon. My life will change forever when I arrive in my homeland, Spain.

The silence is interrupted by the noise of the engine and some birds that watched us as we passed. My mother's memory accompanies me and I repeat each of her words.

The current is so impressive that I wouldn't want to fall in, I wouldn't be able to swim to the beach. Salt water splashes in my face on fast rides. The boatman knows the way well. However, one or two jumps that the boat makes causes it to stop to observe the load. A kind of packages stacked near the cabin deserve your constant attention. Nothing is here yet, it's a constant coming and going. I didn't see what was there because he didn't let me get down. He left me watching to make sure no one came near the boat.

As soon as the silence starts to get uncomfortable, I say:

-I want to smoke, will you come with me? -And I take a good joint-They don't tell me anything at home, I'm 18 years old. I also brought food, let's rest.

My lies have already started, I promised myself to create a facade personality and I started. I must stop being the fool I always was and pretend what suits me.

-Since how old have you been smoking? Aren't you very girly?

A little serious, it might be, but he spoke softly. And I looked at him seductively, without answering his questions. I'm very attracted to him as a man.

Mateo located a place to anchor and rest. We drank coffee and ate bread and cheese when hunger struck.

We've only been at anchor for a while and he runs his fingers up one of my legs. I swallow hard and don't move away, giving a clear sign of acceptance. Now he was the one who lit the second cigarette, I inhale and it explodes in my head. I get dizzy and go to sit next to him.

Leaning my back against him, I relax and tell him.

-Since I was thirteen, everyone in my house has been doing this. "It's normal", I make him believe with a low tone of voice, like a confession. I want you to feel comfortable with me.

A mischievous smile added warmth to the sentence and I looked at him intently.

-Sorry! -Matthew said, not having given me fire. So you're leaving the country!? It's the best you can do. Although I think we will miss you very much. You do not believe?

-That's what Hernán says. He's the one helping me get out. My father doesn't want me to leave and my mother doesn't even ask her to.

-No one wants their children to leave, but it's time. Very soon you won't even remember what happened, life goes by too fast to stop.

I look at him, he's still young, but hope is no longer part of his gaze. And this is the beginning of a slow death. On the other hand, I feel full of life. I know that I will cross the world and nothing can stop me, as I would like it to be.

-I won't go alone. I can fall in love and the lucky one can fly with me from this country to live delicious adventures together.

We stop talking and I'm looking for a place to close my eyes for a bit. It was early morning last night, I couldn't sleep no matter how hard I tried.

Mateo, back there, noticed. He settled himself between my legs and caressed me with his hand. I noticed it immediately and didn't want to take it off. Ever since I felt your skin, I felt hot. I think he realized he was abandoning me because he got a little closer and stuck his fingers in the neckline of my blouse.

Nothing more was said, at that moment and minutes later. Without saying a word or making a sound, he turned away, looking at me with desire and I at him. We reached the shore, anchored on a lonely beach between two small hills, and he kissed me.

The sensation was so powerful that I clenched my groin. I love feeling the strength of that man who lifts me up and puts me in one way or another. With so much passion that I think about telling him to stop and I can't.

I let myself be caressed with the intention of not saying anything later. But every thing he does to me is more delicious and I can't push him away. I'm drunk on his kisses and the way he passes me by.

After a while, a boat coming in the opposite direction raises a wave that makes the boat jump. The sudden movement wakes me up and I open my eyes. I look at the sunlight and the big rocks.

In this area the depth is shallower and we go slowly. Still water becomes a mirror. The vegetation and part of the boat are reflected. I can see my image and wonder what lies beneath, in the depths. At least sharks and fish. And on the banks, crabs perhaps waiting to be captured by humans.

I don't like that thought, especially when I can't make out sand, only rocks. Who knows why I have to think about this, my eyebrows furrow and I remain active for the rest of the trip.

When a certain amount of time passes, I ask:

-How long until we arrive?

-As long as we continue at this speed we will arrive in ten minutes. When you see some very beautiful houses in the mountains you can be happy, they are farms. We will be well received. A luxurious property, special for a woman like you.

Finally we leave the rocky area and the vegetation begins. An imposing green mountain contrasts with the blue sea. Mateo managed to increase the engine speed and we stopped talking. I stand at the front to enjoy the attractive view. I don't remember the details of the job proposal, just that it's a very beautiful house where they will welcome me.

I want to see the world, live a different life and have children, lots of them. Far from the fishing village where I grew up with so many material needs. That's why, day and night, I only have one thing on my mind. Get married and never come back, I will send for the family when I become financially stable.

"We're close, miss," Mateo said.

-What a joy, I want to get there.

A reason to think about something different. I joke, counting the houses that seem imposing to me. Looking forward to visiting the famous pier where we will disembark.

-By the way, you said they would welcome us.

-Yes of course. It won't take long to do so. You'll like it a lot, I think so. You are a very sensitive woman.

-I don't know what you're talking about because nobody knows me around here.

-You'll see, don't be impatient. It's the first surprise I have for you.

-Now you really make me curious, this isn't over.

-Don't screw it up, please. I guarantee this will make you happy.

-More than you? I hope so. See how my heart is wrinkled. It's not easy to leave everything behind.

The memory of my mother came to mind. It seems a bit selfish to travel in search of happiness. Despite what happened to her, at a time when she needs me most. I know many will criticize the decision to leave.

I concentrate and think about her. Your eyes and sweet face were projected into my thoughts. At that moment I see flowers of all colors on the pier and some boys moving their hands.

"Without a doubt the best reception, how beautiful", I commented full of joy.

I hugged him and started screaming with joy.

-What a beautiful welcome, Mateo! You are very special.

-I knew you would be happy to see them, they are bouquets made with flowers from here.

-There are many, but the most beautiful is the purple hibiscus. It's a beauty. Thanks for the surprise.

I'm in the house where I'll be staying from today onwards. And apparently a great vacation awaits me.

I love the property when I see it. Located in a mountainous area with abundant vegetation and full of beautiful flowers make it exclusive. The ideal place to stay.

The house is huge, open concept. And yet I miss my little house. Where I come from we don't have such big, luxurious bathrooms. Now, about to get into the jacuzzi, I've never been in one. Conveniences of city life.

I sit down and get behind the wheel, we smoke until we become Chinese. While Yuraima places a clean ashtray. The three of us talked like good friends.

My visit has a specific purpose: to teach your child Spanish. Despite our poverty, they sent me to school at home and I always stood out among the best students. I have experience teaching children in the city. It's the first time out there and everything seems new to me, it's also a learning experience for me.

Mateo doesn't take long to break the news to Hernan, my father's friend. Informing you that we arrived safely. And he walks away to speak without being heard. Apparently he's a loyal employee, unless it involves skirts. I doubt he dares to tell us what happened between us. And, speaking of which, how delicious. I started very well.

Few people live in the house, although it looks like a small hotel. Just Yuraima , her husband and one of her children. Australia's oldest studies. And everyone is excited about the news.

Two days have passed since my arrival and I prepare for classes. I comb my long hair, I'm already dressed in my work uniform. The raw, fresh fabric skirt and the matching short-sleeved shirt. It looks a little transparent to me, but it suits me very well. It makes me look extremely attractive and I like that.

Everything is ready now. The table, flowers and refreshments. Michael approaches, placing his Spider-Man bag on one of the chairs. Very carefully he takes out the notebook and the pencil case to leave them on the table. Ceremonially remove the sharpener and pencil from the zippered compartment. Just like his book and he looks at me very seriously.

-The class starts! -I said smiling. And the boy shows me his smile and his beautiful shining eyes.

-My name is Mila, are you? What is your name? If you can know.

I take the position at the head of the table and he is on my right side.

"This is my father's house," he tells me.

-Do you think he will be mad at me? Nobody told me, I get up to go somewhere else.

A male voice interrupts the conversation.

-I don't care Mila, my name is Hans. Michael's father, don't get up, it's not necessary.

I blush when I see him. He is a very handsome and young man, much more interesting than Mateo and younger than her. I look him up and down and smile, still hiding the fact that I like him. Surely this handsome man is your weak point.

-Nice to meet you, thank you for welcoming me into your home.

-How are you getting on with Mila? Son. It's very ugly, don't you see? -He says, poking his eye.

-Good father. She is very beautiful, more than the other one. She's not ugly at all.

We laugh at the child's jokes. I find them charming.

-In a little while we will make a video call. When you finish the class, you transform and become very beautiful. I'm putting you in touch with some important people in Spain who will help you. Hernan has already told me his plans.

At that moment the wife arrives and I remain silent, I am very cautious in these cases. Women are jealous. Especially the older ones. I don't want to be a reason for discontent among them. I need you to start trusting me from this moment on.

Humbly, Michael follows all the advice and behaves very well during our first lesson. In silence, I go to my room to look pretty. Without suspecting what it is.

The scheduled meeting was postponed for an hour. After this period, Hans comes looking for me and I follow him to his office. I'm nervous, it always happens when I have to do something new. I never did an interview. What makes me most insecure is his change in attitude and the look of contempt when I entered. The first thing he told me was that he would bring me new clothes and throw away everything I had. It made me feel humbled, it made someone else happy. I'm not a small thing, I don't like people talking to me like that.

The meeting begins, in front of the cameras I could see an older man, fat and with penetrating eyes, called Roberto. A speech, while I remain silent. They don't mention me at all. Once again, I feel like a miserable person.

So far, the only good thing that has happened to me is Mateo .

Suddenly I see them say goodbye and cut off communication. I come from a city and I don't understand much, is that it? I was surprised.

- What happened? -I ask Hans.

-Nothing, Mila.

During the afternoon everything is joy and happiness. We bathed in the pool and sunbathed playing with the inflatable ball. Mateo shares, very seriously, as if nothing were happening and I like it that way. I'll die of shame if anyone finds out.

My head keeps thinking, and one thought comes to me: Did you like it? I'm inexperienced out of fear, not out of lack of will. Will he do this to everyone he brings? I'd like to know what's going on in his head, without it sounding cheesy or anything.

I know it was something unexpected, a hello and goodbye. What happens is that I have a thorn, well, as I want to repeat. Of course, no entry.

We exchanged looks, smiles and good energy. In fact, it's perfect. I enjoy it a lot.

One of the women bothers me with her ugly face. Without any reason. Something moves inside me and it's not good, what could it be?

I hide what I feel, in that moment where everything is perfection. I don't want to look like a real witch.

I won't give you the chance to ruin this wonderful night.

I wake up early, I haven't been able to sleep thinking about mom.

- Hi Mom.

- Good morning?

-Good morning Mila, why didn't you call me yesterday?

- Well, time ran out and I only realized it late.

- All good?

-Yes thanks. It's a beautiful place. How is daddy?

-He must be at that woman's house.

-You look horrible. Have you been crying? You have to calm down.

-Well, no, really. We were celebrating.

-The place is very beautiful, it is a wild island. The landscapes are incomparable.

- I'm happy, daughter, to have entrusted you so much to the saints.

-I know, I feel you every moment.

-And how are the people, how do they treat you?

-Wow, they are really cool! You'll meet them one of these days.

-Let's wait for your father to show up and I'll let you know so you can call him.

-Come on, tell him I'm okay. Don't tell him where I am.

-He is well.

-I'll call you when I can. I love you, mommy.

-God protect you, Mila. Don't forget what we have left.

I was about to cry with longing.

"Mila! Come on," Michael interrupted, laughing.

-Hello, don't scream, you'll wake up your mother.

- I want to swim! - He shouted angrily.

-But of course, I'll accompany you, do you have permission?

He runs off looking for the inflatables and leaves me speechless.

-Do you want to see how I dive?

-No, damn it!

-Come on, don't be annoying! -Replied the boy.

-When your father arrives, calm down now.

-How alive! Here comes daddy.

I notice Hans coming walking quickly and getting upset with Michael for not complying.

Suddenly, he grabs my arms, lifts me up and throws me into the pool, as if he had agreed to play a game with me.

I scream loudly as I'm in the air about to hit the water.

Drenched, I have no choice but to start playing with the little boy who is dying laughing at what happened.

-Beautiful! They look like brothers.

This blessed man has some strange behavioral changes. I don't understand why sometimes he treats me well and then suddenly makes me feel bad. I try not to make a big deal out of it.

-Let's hope the maintenance man comes to check the filters today because it looks like it's a little dirty in some areas.

-Don't worry, it looks clean.

I dive to take a look at the bottom and find a beautiful ring. I take it and give it to the Lord.

- Tremendous find. My wife will love you, I thought I lost control.

-The reflection made me look at the place where I was. Less bad. Very beautiful jewelry .

-I gave it to him when we started dating.

-How many years have they been together?

- Well, about eighteen years. We met at a party nearby. I was shocked when I saw her, her figure was like a queen. Just like your body now.

- Yuraima is a very beautiful woman and it is obvious that she loves you.

-I love you too. Although every now and then, you know. Man things have nothing to do with love.

-Yes, I think so. This reminds me of my father, we recently discovered he had another family.

After lunch we had coffee. We rested our food and returned to the water. We stayed there, playing bounce ball until my arms started to hurt.

Diving into the pool leaves me dead and the little one continues running as if nothing had happened, this time around the Japanese grass in the garden.

I've been here for a month and it's time to go to Spain. The emotion is uncontrollable; Hernan just needs to keep his word. He promised to pay for the plane ticket in exchange for me sharing my knowledge with the child. And not only did I obey, but I won their affection.

In my house they don't know anything about me. I rarely call my mother. I have nothing new to tell you and I don't want to worry you. Today Mateo came to tell me that Hernan is arriving tonight. He tells me not to worry. And I'm already scared to death, something strange is happening, I feel it.

He took advantage of everyone taking a nap to go to my bed. I love this man, he is so gallant and caring that I am still a virgin. He has respected me, at least in this aspect, just kisses that make me delirious.

I wonder if I will be able to get away from this boy so easily or if he will be an obstacle in my plans. I don't want to imagine that this will ruin my game.

I kiss him again and again, I need him to go away so I can prepare. I want to take a shower, get rid of the smell. And put on a clean coat. I will do waves in my hair and simple makeup. I want him to be proud of me at dinner time when we meet again.

Mateo resists and catches me again, we fall out of bed fighting like two little kids. And on the floor we kissed passionately. Without wanting to separate us.

He takes my hand and we take a shower together, what can I say about the feeling of his hands rubbing the soap into the skin all over my body. He presses me against the wall and we enjoy the wonderful friction of our bodies. Until we are interrupted by a sharp sound coming from the other side of the window.

"Someone isn't spying," he whispered.

-Who could it be? Maybe it was one of the garden animals.

-I don't believe. We have to be more careful if Hernan finds out that I'm a dead man. He won't forgive me for messing with you.

-Not a man.

-Do you think you've arrived?

-Not for anything. But whoever was listening could lose their tongue and then a huge problem arises.

-May God protect us, this man is very dangerous.

-Do you have something with him?

-No, I've known him since I was a child and we have a lot of trust, that's all.

- You think.

-Clear!? He has many women.

-Who takes it, a girl like you bothers anyone. If I were you, I would be very careful. I'm sure he has other intentions with you.

I was thoughtful and very worried.

Hernan forces me to spend the night with him.