Barcelona, 31 December 2005.

Of all the beginnings I thought, this is my favorite: my first new year in Barcelona after two years in England. Two years of cold people, cold climate and much study. Until I convinced my parents that it was in Barcelona that I should finish my high school, my home. So that year-end was the embodiment of my happiness. The only thing I needed was Edward, my English boyfriend.

To all who have not yet spent the new year in Barcelona, take some time and come, do not know what they are missing. The streets are all decorated, besides the human warmth that I did not find anywhere. But returning to that wonderful night...

I remember being in my room playing entertained that I do not even notice my younger sister, Valeria, entering the room. I get a fright when she touches my arm ,drawing my attention. She says something, but I’m on the phone and I don’t understand what she’s talking about, so I take off my headphones and stare at her. I bet she wanted to use the computer to play, too.

—Will you go? - Asks Valeria with those almond eyes wider than usual. — They said I can only go if you go with me. I’ve been waiting for months for this party, and everyone will be there.

— What party? What are you talking about ? - I ask without understanding what she’s talking about.

— Júlio’s party! - Valéria says, snapping her fingers in my face. She kneels , dramatizing as always and asks. — Please, go with me! It’s going to be so much fun!

— I do not know... – I answer with all sincerity. The feast of Julius is the kind that you only come home with the day dawning.

—Please, please, please !!! - Beg my sister, almost kneeling at my feet.—I even lend my white dress with sequins...—You love that dress. - I say staring at my sister’s squinting eyes. For Valerie to use her dress as a bargaining chip is because she really wants me to go. I take a deep breath and answer. — All right, I’ll go with you. But we’ll be back when I say it, okay?

—Sure! - Replies Valeria, hugging me. She runs to our closet, takes her white dress and puts it on my bed. Take another red one and go to the bathroom, bouncy, change.

It seems a silly decision, to go or not to a party. However, today, I see that decision triggered everything that will happen from now on. One thing I’m sure: if I went back in time, I would make that same choice.

After a few minutes, we are ready to go to Julio’s party. My parents are also dressed , they will spend the turn at the house of some friends and would be ready for when I call them. We get in the car and sit at the window. I love watching the night of Barcelona. It does not take long and my father already parks in front of the huge house of the Castillo's, Julio’s home.

—Happy holidays! - Says my father, kissing my sister and then me.

—Until next year. - Plays my mother, giving a kiss on my cheek.

— Bye dad, Bye mom. - I say goodbye, getting out of the car.

As soon as we get out of the car and my sister grabs my arm to get us into the party. My sister’s joy is almost suspect, being justified when I enter the house: It was as if all the prettiest young people in the city had booked to be at that party. We smiled at each other and walked towards the owner of the party, Julio Castillo, heir to the Castillo's hotel chain. And also one of my best friends.

— Dália Penedo. - Says Julio, coming out of the circle of friends that is approaching. He hugs me ,affectionate, then turns to my sister Valeria, curious. — And who is this, beauty?

—My sister, Valeria. - May I present my sister, who does not hide her interest in Julio.

—Ah , yes, Valerie. - Says Julius showing a slight lack of interest in recognizing my sister. He smiles at me and continues: — I’m glad he’s back with mere mortals, my dear. Come and meet my new friends...

— I need to update my contacts. - I say, smiling at him.

I look at my sister, who is wide-eyed towards the circle of boys where Julius is going. Then my heart races... There in the middle of them, a boy with the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen catches my attention. Her brown eyes stare at mine, briefly invading my mind, as if we were meant to be together. I walk towards him, bewitched by his face , which for many, was simple, but for me was what I always dreamed of. He’s my soul mate.

—I’m going to marry him. - I say, smiling at my sister, who stares at me, confused.

—With whom? - My sister asks, looking at the wheel.

—With that. - I point to him in disguise.

— All right, then I’ll marry the one next door. - My sister says jokingly. She holds my arm and pulls me: — Let’s go meet our future husbands.

As soon as we get to the wheel, all the boys look at us. Including him, who stares at me intently, making us shiver.

— Boys, these are the Penedo sisters: Dalia. - Presents Julio, pointing to me and then to my sister:—And Valeria Penedo.

— Hello. - Says my sister with the biggest smile in the world.

— These are: Eduardo. - Says Julio, pointing to a blond boy. — Pierre. - My sister’s suitor. — Elson. - To another boy. — And Carlos. - Point last to my suitor.

Carlos, that’s his name. The conversation starts in the circle , but I don’t take part in it, I prefer to face my suitor who corresponds to me. His eyes are expressive , more than any word I could say. I feel my face on fire, then smile, averting my gaze. But not for long, and I look at him again.I could live just to look at him. Suddenly I hear screams , time passed so fast that people were already on the countdown to the new year.

—Happy New Year!!! - everyone shouts. My sister hugs me, and then hugs everyone.

Julio gives me a light kiss on the cheek, as do most of those present. But I do not leave the place, as does Carlos, who gradually approaches. He passes his arms around my waist, his touch gives me a chill in my belly. I feel the warmth of his hands on my back. Your face approaches mine, your cheeks stick to mine. I feel every part of your body glued to mine. His lips almost touch my ear and his breath denounces that his words are to come:

—Happy new year. - whispers Carlos. He squeezes me slowly. My body fits perfectly in his.

Then my future husband walks away with his beautiful smile and walks towards the other people of the party. I still embrace a few more than I try to follow Carlos with my eyes. I notice he talks, excited, with someone on his phone.

— Dalia, why are you still standing here? - asks Julio , oblivious to my situation. — Are you okay?

—I’m fine. And I’ll be great if you tell me more about Carlos.

—Which Carlos? - asks Julio, staring at me as if he did not know Carlos.

—The boy who introduced me.- I remember, taking a sip of champagne that was served to me.

— Ah... He is a friend of Elson's. – says Julio, following my gaze that is still on Carlos, who smiles about something that a boy tells him: — But you can take his rain horse, Dalia.

— Why? - I ask , scared, facing my friend.

— First of all, he’s a poor bastard. He just joined a local fish company... a proletariat. Not to mention that the heart is already owned. He’s engaged to be married.

— I don’t care about his social class and... Groom is not married. – I respond promptly.

—And your English boy? - asks Julio, remembering Edward, as if that would change something: — The beautiful, rich and powerful English.

—You know... more of the same.- I reply, enigmatic.

— You will not give up on him, are you? - Julio asks, referring to Carlos.

—You know me so well, Julio. - I reply by kissing my friend on the cheek. Then I whisper in his ear: — I need his phone, before leaving, I want it in my hands. It will be mine.

—Are you talking about his phone or his owner? - Julio asks in the same tone of voice.

—Both. – I answer, leaving Julio. I approach my sister , without taking my eyes off Carlos, who is now on the other side of the room, carefree.

— Do not tell me you already want to leave... – complains my sister.

—No... I’m just seeing how it is. – I explain, smiling.

—That smile of yours does not deceive me. What are you up to?- asks my sister staring at me.

—Nothing... yet. – I answer, smiling to my sister.

— Dinner is served. - Julio says loud and clear to all his guests.

Sitting at the table, I noticed my friend is already moving his pieces. Carlos sits on my right side, but avoids any contact with me. We spent the whole dinner just with glances or glimpses. Timid looks from him and is intensely from me. The dinner is very cheerful, when he gets up and says:

—Thank you all, but I need to go. I have another commitment.

He smiles in my direction, then to the guests, and leaves the table. My entire body shakes to the point of making me get up and go after him. I do not control my steps, just as I can not control my hand that holds the shoulder of Carlos, who turns, surprised. I smile at him without grace, without having the slightest idea of what to say.

—Sorry... but don’t you think it’s a little early to leave? - I ask. what the hell is that?— I mean... I think you should stay a little longer...

—I appreciate your solidarity with my absence, but I need to meet my fiancée. - replies Carlos. — And I’m already very late.

—All right. - I say, a little disappointed.

—Happy new year... - he says, putting on his coat, while he forces his memory to remember my name.

—Dalia. - I reply promptly. I go towards her face and give her a kiss on the cheek saying:— Happy New Year, Carlos.

— I’ll see you around. - says Carlos without grace, opening the door.

—No doubt. - I answer with my best smile.

I take my cell phone and call my parents to pick me up. I do not want to stay at the party where Carlos would not be. I need to stay home and think about how I would conquer it. I go back to the table and warn my sister and everyone that we are also going. Valeria doesn’t even care much, because the party had been a fiasco for her who was looking for a great new year’s love. We are already at the door with Julio, when my friend gives me a hug and then holds my hand , giving a kiss lightly. I feel like he put something in my hand, but he prevents me from opening it.

—New year’s gift. Only open when you get home. - orders Julio, enigmatic.

I smile and get in the car with my sister. I hoped to open my hand right there, but I did not know what it could be and if it was, everything was possible. I don’t even get into the house and I run to the bedroom and throw myself in my bed. I decide to open my hand , when my sister enters the room like a tornado and lies next to me, curious.

—What did he give you? - asks Valeria.

—I’ll find out now. - I say raising my hand.

Gradually a white paper with a phone number will appear. But what makes me happy is the name that comes below: Carlos Salazar.

— Whose number is that? - asks my sister with wide eyes.

—From my future husband. - I reply with a sly smile on my lips.

One thing I know for sure: Now the hunt begins.

Having Carlos' number at the same time is a bonus, is also a burden. What excuse would I used to talk to him? No doubt Carlos was going to ask how I got his number... After many days of thinking, the only plan that seemed workable could only happen after the return of classes. So I spent another fifteen days with the phone in my hands while I realized the idea. Carlos seems to be the man who helps damsels in distress, and that’s what I’ll be about to conquer him, even though I don’t enjoy being a helpless little girl.

Then on a beautiful, hot afternoon, I sit with my cell phone in my hands. It’s time to put my plan into practice. I dial Carlos’s number and with every touch, my heart races. It passes a thousand things in my mind, from listening to your voice to the fact that it forwards the call to the message box. Then the touches cease, and that space between the end of the touch and the expectation of hearing your voice makes me nervous. I take a deep breath with my eyes closed.

—Hello?- answers the thick voice of Carlos. I open my eyes to make sure he is not inside my room. He breathes and says. — Hello?

—Hi... – I respond with my voice choked. I hate when I’m nervous and my voice is fine. I take a deep breath and say: — Hello, Carlos.

—Hello...–replies Carlos with a tone of doubt. —Who am I talking to?

—How rude of me.–I say seductively. — Here is Dalia Penedo. We met at the party of Julio Castillo.

—Ah... of course.–says Carlos, with little enthusiasm. His tone irritates me, because my memory for him is as significant as that of any other guest.—How are you, Dalia Penedo?

— Very well. - I reply, cold. I take a deep breath and forget the formality of asking how he is , because I decide to go straight to my plan, change my tone to a sweeter , without being annoying. —I picked up your number with Julio these days, because I have a project from the school about the Barcelona fishing market, and he told me you work in the area. I wonder if you could help me? - the next words end my bait: — I’m already desperate, because I have no one who can help me.

—Of course I can help you. - answers Charles most solicitously and confirming my suspicions: He is a prince who does not refuse to help a helpless maiden. — What do you need?

—Many things.–I say. So I decide to make a risky move. I know he can refuse, but I’m really desperate... to see him:—Wouldn’t it be possible for us to meet in person? I think it would be better even to show how the project would be... What do you think? When is it available?

— I think it’s a great idea. - says Carlos, excited. — How about tomorrow?

—Excellent! –I say, promptly. I think about how easy it was to attract him. —What time?

— Let me just make sure my fiancée is available. - replies Carlos, almost making me fall off the chair. Bride? What do you mean, he’s taking his fiancée? You can’t really count on the egg before it hatches... — You know, her parents also work with fish. It’ll be great to see our area valued...

— Wow!- I say, almost screaming on the phone. I need an excuse to get out of this mess: — I just remembered that tomorrow will not give... I have to study calculus... for the exam...

— Seriously, what a shame. - says Carlos with a disappointed voice. — Well, see a day that suits you and let me know. I will be at your disposal.

—Of course, I see, yes. - I answer sweet. You can be sure that it will be a day when your bride will not be present. I breathe, relieved for him to listen and thank him. — Thank you, you do not know how grateful I am for you helping me.

— I’m happy to know. - says Carlos shy. I keep listening to his breath and end up losing track of time. — Well, call me and set us up. See you.

—See you soon, Carlos. –I say, hanging up my phone.

My heart’s about to come out of my mouth. I throw myself on the bed, looking at the ceiling, take my phone and fill it with all the kisses I wish I had given Carlos personally.

***

Of course, the excuse of the school project had an expiration date, but every time he tried to score with Carlos ,he always wanted to put his blessed bride in the middle. And in all of them I used a different excuse: illness, travel, school... that really is already taking me seriously. So, getting that excuse out of play, I ask him to send me everything he had on the fish market to my e-mail.

He, like a good gentleman he is, promptly sends a huge email with everything that was needed. If my project was real, I would certainly take a ten. I thought I’d keep that e-mail until I read the end:

"Sincerely,

Carlos Salazar and Antônia Vegas"

I can’t believe that, even in the email, she had to appear. I immediately throw the email in the trash and clean it. That was an affront I didn’t intend to tolerate. I take a deep breath and take my phone and text him:

"Thank you for the email. You saved me, and I will be in eternal debt to you."

It didn’t take five minutes and my phone buzzes with your message popping up on the screen:

"Always at your service, Miss Penedo."

I bite my lips and then I write:

"Call me Dalia, Carlos. I hope to return the time one day..."

Your message comes soon after:

"Dalia..."

And so for the next three months we exchanged messages. But usually I couldn’t resist and ended up calling him. Trivial matters, as it was in school , or his work, almost every kind of subject was talked between us. Almost ,because the subject bride was out of the question. Whenever he quoted it, he made sure to show my dissatisfaction, but he was either very naive or very good at it, because he never contested it.

Our "friendship" was going very well, apart from the fact that we never met after the new year. Not even when I said I got ten on the fake project, I couldn’t celebrate with him. It’s already killing me when, on a beautiful Friday, my phone rings. When I see Carlos' name, my heart races, I run from the living room, where I was watching television with Valeria , to the bedroom. I answer my phone, before I even catch my breath:

—Hello ...

—Dalia?- asks Carlos. — Are you okay?

— Yes... - I answer panting. — I ... I was working out... doing some sit-ups...

—Since when do you work out?- asks Carlos, suspicious. In fact, I am a real sedentary blessed by fast metabolism.

—I started these days... I did not tell you because I did not know if I could continue with this new routine... but you did not call me for this, right? - ask, nervous.

— No... – says Carlo, mysterious. He gives a low laugh and continues. — I’m calling to see if you want to go out today?

—To go out... Today?- I repeat, surprise. For a few moments, I feel myself floating in my room. It seems like a dream, the dream I wanted so much. Now it is happening.

—Dalia , are you sure everything is okay?- asks Carlos, worried.

— I accept... I accept to go out with you. – I answer as quickly as I can... almost with all my despair and relief.

—Great. I’ll meet you in Mallorca in an hour, right? - asks Carlos, excited.

—No doubt- I answer, excited.

—I wait for you, even more. - says Carlos, hanging up.

I throw my phone in bed and run to the closet. I need to find something to match. I disregard jeans and blouses. I don’t want to be too casual. However, I have to eliminate half of my dresses too. I don’t want to look like I’m making things easier.

So what I have left is a flowery white dress and a purple dress. From what I know of Carlos, the flowery white is the best, since I have to be still the helpless girl. I take a shower and make a beautiful braid in my dark brown hair, leaving my bangs loose. When I go back to my room, I get a fright. My mother is looking at all my clothes thrown on the bed.

— What’s going on here? - She asks in the face of a few friends.

—Nothing... I was looking for my dress that was practically hidden.- I explain, making light of the situation. I sit on my dressing table and swipe a lipstick. I notice my mom is analyzing me. — What’s up?

—Are you going out? - she asks, crossing her arms.

—Yes, I will. I have a school paper to do with Alicia. – I lie by putting my best friend Alicia in the middle.

Don’t worry, she always covers for me and knows all the excuses I use. Not to mention that her house is very close to Mallorca. The perfect crime.

—And you go like that? - my mother asks, suspicious. — All dressed up?

— Yes. – I reply by putting on my pearl earrings. Okay, I’m the perfect princess. —You always said we need to be ready for everything. Will her parents invite me to dinner? I can not keep coming and going, is not it?

—That’s right.– my mother replies, not very convinced. —Do you want me to take you?

— Yes. – I say, trying not to show how much it would disrupt my plans.

But if I refused, it would raise a lot of suspicions. Not to mention that I know that this could be a bluff from my mother. She hates driving downtown, so we always take the subway.

— If it’s not to disturb you, you know how terrible traffic is on the weekend.

—True... on second thought you better go by subway - agrees my mother touching my shoulder — Just do not delay getting home, me and your father will go out and I need you to stay with Valeria.

—No problem, Mom. I’ll be back before you know it.

But I hope she does not count on it much, because if it depends on me, I will spend my life in today’s meeting.

***

That Friday is beautiful , I had never seen a sky so blue and the streets so quiet. Around me people walk joyfully. I take the subway and in front of me sits a very young couple. They seemed so in love... the way I would like to be with Carlos. I got off at the station that is two blocks from the restaurant; I check my look in the escalator's mirror. My heart is racing, I feel short of breath, I’m turning the corner leading to the restaurant. I see him sitting at a table, distracted. It is exactly when I saw it in the new year. I smile speeding up my steps. , when I think of waving, I widen my eyes. Elson sits at the table where Carlos is. I almost have a stroke of anger, decide to leave, when Carlos waves at me, smiling. He had to come towards me... with that relaxed smile...with those greenish eyes...

— Hi, Dalia. - says Carlos without grace. — I’m glad you came.

—Hello. - I say ,irritated. I can’t help but wonder — What is Elson doing here?

—I invited him too .- Carlos replies, saying goodbye to his friend. — I came to bring Antônia in the service and then, as I have to wait for her to leave, I called Elson. And, of course, so do you, since we’re always scheduled to leave. Are we?

I pass him, annoyed. That wasn’t quite the afternoon I had planned to spend with him. As we talk, I wonder if he is so pure that he does not realize my real intentions. Elson sounded like a crow talking nonstop, while I kept myself monosyllabic. I thanked immensely when the beautiful day became windy , showing that a storm would come around.

— I have to go - I say getting up , hurried. I think that was the biggest phrase I said during the conversation- I promised the parents that I would get home early.

—All right. - says Elson. He winks at me and says. — A pleasure to talk to you.

— A pity that you already go... - says Carlos, making a disappointed face. I almost give up the idea of leaving when he talks. — I was planning to introduce you to my fiancée. I tell her so much about you, I think it’s time you two met.

—Bye. - I say, cold turning towards the street.

It crossed all my limits. I just can’t stay close to Carlos for another minute. How dare he treat me like I’m... I'm... a friend of his? The raindrops fall and I have to run to get to the station. Inside the subway, my tears of anger fall. I had never been treated with such indifference to anyone, as I was by Carlos.

My anger doesn’t go away until I get home. I pass my parents and go straight to my room. I rip that stupid dress off and throw myself on the bed, punching my pillow like it’s Carlos' face. Three months waiting for him and nothing..., but the anger remains, until I decide to pick up my phone and call Carlos... I’m done waiting, it’s time to play the real one with him, even if it destroys everything I’ve built. He takes his time, but picks up and before he says his famous hello, I shoot:

—I don’t know if you noticed, but I don’t want to be your friend. Our relationship will never be friends. I want to be with you! So when you get rid of your fiancée, call me! Because I’m sick of this game of cat and mouse!

—Dalia...-starts saying Carlos, but I don’t care. I hang up on him.

I lie in my bed and take a deep breath. Even if this direct approach, take it away from me, I don’t care. In fact, I don’t care about anything else.

About a month later...

Those one month was worse than I’ve had in years... My pride didn’t allow me to call Carlos, and he didn’t seem to care how I was. So I focused on my studies and the game, leaving my phone far away from me. I was so distracted that I didn’t even notice my sister coming near the desk. Valerie touches my shoulder, almost making me jump.

—Oh what a fright, Valeria! - I say, putting my hand on my chest, scared. —What is it?

—Her phone is ringing. – replies Valeria, serious. She extends the phone towards me and on the display the name of Carlos appeared. My heart races, I feel my legs trembling like a green stick, I’m afraid to meet, and he destroys my expectations. I know I clarified that I was supposed to call him when he was single. My sister shakes my phone, impatient. — will answer it or not?

— Yes, I will. – I answer by pulling the phone out of my sister’s hands. Take a deep breath and answer. —Hello?

— Dalia... Do you want to go out with me?- asks Carlos, nervous.

— And your bride? - I ask, proud.

—No... there is ... more ...bride. – Carlos replies slowly. I breathe, relieved, but I say nothing. — If you want to meet me, I’ll be waiting for you in Spain Square.

The connection is mute, and I jump with happiness. This time I choose a tighter black pants and a white blouse. I didn’t want to risk getting all dressed up and watching ships. I leave home without bothering to warn my parents. I feel I can’t waste much time.

I take the subway, nervous. What if I get there, and it’s a lie? What if he took a friend? What if he just wants to use me as a shoulder friend? I shake my head, refusing to think about those negative things. I conquered Carlos; I know, I feel it in every part of my body.

I get off the train and run towards the square. I get nervous when I can’t find it. I look at several men passing by, so I walk towards the source, hanged down. Maybe he was already gone... at least that’s what I thought until I found Carlos sitting by the fountain. I’m relieved to see him. I walk faster, smiling. He sees me; he smiles back and gets up, approaching.

— Hi, Dalia... – says Carlos, nervous. He does not touch me, nor if he wants to hug me, just points out of the square saying. —Have you had lunch? I picked a great Brazilian restaurant for us to go to... TN...

—I accept. - I say, admiring her face.

— Would you rather go by subway or taxi?

—Taxi. - I answer, smiling.

We walked out of the square without exchanging a word. While we were waiting for the taxi, Carlos started talking too much, showing being very nervous. He was more when he looked at me, which is a good sign for me. But I couldn’t care less about the fact that he broke up because his fiancée was pregnant with the neighbor, and they never had sex, much less that it happened two weeks ago, that he couldn’t concentrate on work... So on impulse, I come closer and say:

—Why don’t you just shut up and kiss me?

His eyes almost pop out of his face at my question. He pulls me to join him, passes his arms around my waist and squeezes me, while his lips touch mine intensely. I feel my legs twitch. I lose track of where I am. Definitely , it’s the best kiss I’ve ever received in my life. He moves away from my lips, so I groan low, making Carlos smile. Then the taxi came, and we entered. He held my hand, but said nothing until we got to the restaurant.

We took a table outside to admire the local beauty while we drank a caipirinha waiting for our dishes to arrive. We talked about banal things. We had lunch and then walked around the region. During the walk we talked about ourselves, our plans for the future... Then Carlos passes his arm over my shoulders and says:

— I don’t want a serious relationship. Nothing against you, but I just got out of a three-year relationship and you know what happened. I don’t want to go through the same thing, and then find out it was a lie. So I think it’s better if we just stay and that’s it.

—You may not believe it, but we’re going to marry.- prophesy, seriously. I know I’m going to marry him, even though he says those words.

Carlos laughs at my face and gives me a kiss on the forehead, saying:

—Dalia, my sweet Dalia. Let time decide that... let’s enjoy now, okay?

I shake my head and kiss him, he promptly responds. He grabs me, and we make out right there. Just cuddling and cuddling for a long time. My phone rings and I know it’s my crazy parents behind me. He touches my face and says:

—You need to leave.

—Yes, but will we see each other again? - I ask, curiously testing Carlos. I need to know what is really going on in his mind.

— We’ll score when we have time, okay ? - Carlos replies, as I imagined, evasive.

I go back home and my family had already left, which gives me time to think about this afternoon. My sixth sense never fails. I feel that if I do not insist, I will never see him again. I had won a battle, now the war is missing. I need to conquer Louis once and for all, so that he asks me to date. Then we would get engaged and finally be married to him. Then I notice that I really am in love with him, as I have never been with anyone, and this gives me the strength to continue with my mission: Marry Carlos Salazar.

***

The next day I sent a message to him asking what time he was going to have lunch and where. He replies he was going to have lunch at home at 1:30, perfect for my plan. So I had to calculate the time to get out of school and meet him at his service. I get out of school at 1:00, so I have only half an hour to find him and risk everything I had to conquer him. I can’t even concentrate in class thinking about my plan, because there’s a huge risk that even if I do it, he’ll keep his position and want nothing to do with me. Then I wouldn’t have anything else to do, and being powerless isn’t really my favorite position.

Barely rings the bell, and I’m already running to the exit gate. I take the subway and stare at my watch, minute by minute. I practically push people in front of me, so I can pass. I run the last few blocks to get to Carlos's service. When I turn the corner of his service, he is already leaving. I run towards him and hold his shoulder. Carlos turns and faces me, scared.

—What are you doing here, Dalia? - Ask, surprised.

—I... came to surprise you.- I say panting. I straighten up and smile at him. — I have a surprise for you.

—Beyond that? - asks Carlos, curious.

—Yes. -I reply, biting my lips. I hold her arm and walk beside her.—Let’s have lunch, I’m hungry. And I want to taste her food.

—All right. -replies Carlos, smiling.

We arrived at his house, which is well arranged for those who live alone. He takes me straight to the kitchen and starts preparing lunch.

—So, what’s the surprise? - asks Carlos, curious.

—Only after lunch. - I respond by biting my lips.

He doesn’t even eat food right, actually neither do I, we’re both looking forward to lunch ending. While he goes to get ready for work, I put the dishes in the machine and go to the living room. I look at the clock and I know I only have 20 minutes to change his mind about dating. As soon as he enters the room I clap my hands on the couch, making him sit next to me. I sit on his lap and touch his hair, I do not believe I’m with him there, before my eyes. I take a deep breath, I need to focus on the plane.

— My surprise has one condition: if after what happens today you no longer want to go out with me, I leave you alone and never call you or send messages. But if you like my arguments, you’ll have to consider dating.

Without expecting an answer from Carlos, I kiss him intensely. I kiss his chin, neck and go down until I get on my knees in front of him. He gets ready on the couch, surprised. I confess I am also surprised at my audacity. I open the zipper of his pants, and he is waiting for me to erect. I smile at him and lick up and down with just the tip of my tongue. Then I suck with a taste. At each sucked, I feel Carlos shudder. He touches my hair, holding it as he follows the rhythm of my head. I look at him one more time, which makes him groan. My hand masturbates him, while the other caresses his testicles. I pass my tongue around your glans, like I’m sucking an ice cream. I lick your glans at the same time I jerk off.

I look at Carlos, seeing his expression of pleasure, then caress his testicles with my tongue. I do a gentle suction with my mouth, making him groan with pleasure. Then I slowly climb up and put his whole penis in my mouth. As I feel Carlos' erection and his excitement, more, I increase the rhythm. He pulls my hair harder, howling with pleasure... Then he stiffens everything, moaning loudly ,showing in fact that he had been for a long time without knowing what it was.

He mocks and, to his surprise, swallows without fear. I go to the bathroom while he recovers in the room. That was my all or nothing, and I know I’m in his hands now. When I leave, he’s sitting on the couch, still bewildered by everything that’s happened. I stop in front of him and say, sweet:

—You have a week to think about it and give me a definitive answer.

I walk to your door and go to my house, thoughtful. I close my eyes, praying that he will reconsider and stay with me, for I can no longer live without him.

I came home and acted like nothing happened. I didn’t even tell my sister what I’d done, but she knows something’s wrong, because I decide not to have dinner. My luck is that she doesn’t ask me anything about it. I’m almost asleep when my phone rings: Carlos appears on the screen. I answer in a hurry, with my heart in my mouth. I can’t believe he already had my answer:

—Hello, Carlos. - I say trying to show tranquility.

—Hello, Dalia -replies Carlos, nervous.. —I’m calling to warn you that... I will accept your proposal.

Two weeks later, he came to my house and asked me to date my father. I won the battle...