A Night at La Rosa Negra
By Luna Patchouli
Chapter Three
"Your home is here!" Carmen screamed, slamming her hand against the counter in emphasis. "Here, in Miami, with me and Nia!"
I have always had the theory that Carmen got her short-temperedness from her father, whom no one has ever met. Maybe that's why she's so against the idea of men in general. She just assumed that all men where irresponsible and only cared about themselves.
Amidst the explosion, Gran was calm and collected, cool as a cucumber. Just like she always had been. "Carmen, I'm going to Cuba whether you approve or not." Then there was the stare down. Gran's icy blue eyes lashing with Carmen's deep dark brown ones. The with on final slam, Carmen stormed out of the house, leaving everything to hold its breath until we heard the car pull out of the driveway and drive down the street along with the smell of burnt rubber.
Gran looked at me, and I at her before she shrugged and started to scoop out potatoes and steamed green beans to go with the roasted chicken.
It wasn't long before we were all stepping off a plane in Havana, Cuba. I could see in her eyes that Gran had begun to feel whole again, and her presents had warded off the attentions of some of the guys who had decided to go on the trip as well. There were eleven on the trip, not including Gran and our teacher, Mrs. Swayze. Me, my friend Marie-Claire, and tree other girls named Melissa, Ashley and Gwen, as well as five guys; Marco, Will, Andrew, Roman and Greg.
And we were staying at the hotel I was named after. The Oceania. "Nia this hotel is named after you!" Ashley had exclaimed when they made a connection. I smiled and nodded, not thinking it necessary to tell them that it was I who was named after the Hotel.
"So, who would like to make suggestions for plans tonight?" Mrs. Swayze asked when we had all gathered in the lobby after getting settled.
I looked at Gran and smiled. "We could go to La Rosa Negra." I voiced, and everyone looked at me. "It's a dance club, Gran went there when she was our age, didn't you Gran?"
"Oh yes, and it should be fine since everyone here is technically an adult." She said, looking at the teacher with a smile behind her eyes. I suppose it would be alright. Mrs. Swayze replied unknowingly, and sent us all off to get ready, telling us to meet in the lobby at six o'clock.
Immediately, I called Manolo so we could meet up. "Sounds good, Querida." He said, and I could hear him smile through the phone. "And I did what you asked of me, the man named Javier Suarez will be at La Rosa Negra tonight. Apparently he is one of the owners now."
"Thanks, Manolo." I replied. "I only hope he's the right Javier Suarez."
I heard Manolo sigh, "Have faith, mi amor. I'll see you tonight."
"I'll be wearing the red dress we bought together." I told him, wanting to tease him a little bit. "The one with spaghetti straps and the low neck and flared skirt." I heard him make a noise that was caught between a moan and a groan, and I couldn't help but laugh before hanging up so I could get ready.
After showering and curling my hair, I applied a little makeup before pulling on my red dress and black strappy heels. When I came out of the bathroom, Marie-Clair whistled at me and I could help but laugh before sticking my tongue out at her.
The class all met in the lobby and everyone looked shocked at what I was wearing. Who would have thought that shy little Oceania would be wearing something like that. I heard on of the boys whisper to the other, and I pretended not to notice their stares. Gran looked amazing as usual, and everyone was even more shocked when she told me how lovely I looked.
My palms started to sweat when we left the hotel for La Rosa Negra.
