Morning had finally arrived in the small village. Many roosters could be heard crowing as the sun's rays were now beginning to illuminate the dirt roads. The front door to the Fuentes residence gently and quietly opened as Araceli tried to enter without even making the slightest of noises. Once she entered the house, the young female slowly started to tip-toe towards her room.
"Going somewhere?" came a serious voice from within the kitchen.
Araceli jumped in surprise before turning towards the kitchen and realizing that her mother was sitting next to the table with a cup of tea in her hand. "Mom…? Have you been up the whole night?"
Not in the mood to be questioned, Ms. Fuentes placed her tea on the table and walked towards her daughter. "I want you to tell me right now where you have been all night."
The twenty-two-year-old gave her a mother a look of shame before slightly lowering her head. "I'm sorry mom, I fell asleep in the library while studying… I didn't mean to worry you…"
Ms. Fuentes shook her head in frustration as she knew her daughter was lying. "Child, just how stupid do you think I am?" she questioned. She noticed the smallest hint of nervousness in the younger female's look before quickly reverting back to her typically calm demeanor. "I know your story is a lie, Araceli… did you honestly think I wasn't going to call the library when I found out that it was three in the morning and you weren't even home yet…? You didn't even step foot in the building. Now, I will ask you one more time… Where were you?"
Araceli was silent for a moment before sighing in defeat, "I knew it was a bad idea to lie to you… the truth is that I was at Veronica's house and we accidentally fell asleep watching a movie… You can call her if you have any doubts."
"Again, with Veronica?" scoffed the elder. "How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from that girl. She's a terrible influence and I don't want you anywhere near her."
"That's why I want didn't tell you," argued the younger female. "I know how much you don't approve of our friendship…"
"honey, please understand that I don't want her to fill your head with cockroaches," responded Ms. Fuentes in a caring tone. "That girl is consumed with selfishness and greed. Trust me, she's not the right friend for you."
Araceli rolled her eyes as she gave a soft giggle, "It's not like you to talk behind other people's back. Please understand that Veronica and I have been best friends for years… she has never done anything to hurt me."
Hearing her response, Ms. Fuentes sighed in defeat as she turned away. "Well regardless, I expect better from you than to lie to me…"
The younger female smiled warmly as she placed a gentle kiss on her mother's forehead, "I'm sorry mom, I didn't want to cause you any trouble… I promise I will be more honest with you from now on." She waited to get her mother's acknowledgment of her promise before leaving. "I'm going to go ahead and get some rest. I'll see you in a few hours…" she turned back around and was getting ready to head to her room before again being stopped.
"Did I say you could leave?" asked Ms. Fuentes in a much harsher tone. "Whether your story is true or not, it doesn't take away from the fact that you lied to me. As punishment I want you to head to your room and put on something more comfortable because I have a lot of chores for you today." The young adult quickly turned around to protest but was interrupted. "Stop it," demanded the older female not backing down. "I expect better of you next time. Now go."
Araceli sighed angrily as she knew there wasn't any way of talking herself out of this situation. "Yes ma'am," she eventually conceded as she marched to her room and did what she was told.
Ms. Fuentes sighed heavily as she walked back to the kitchen to clean up. She couldn't deny the huge disappointment she felt towards her daughter as tears were forming in her eyes. "Honey, please don't do this to me," she silently murmured.
Hours later, Araceli was walking back home while carrying a bucket full of water. Not used to this, the twenty-two-year-old struggled to sustain the bucket for a large amount of time. Because of this, she would constantly need to set the object down and take a break which frustrated her. She took heavy breaths while wiping the sweat off of her forehead. 'I shouldn't have to be doing stuff like this!" she mentally repeated. She grabbed the bucket and tried to continue her path before her arms were giving out again. To her annoyance, many of the villagers were around and the young lady could swear that many of them were staring and making fun of her. Once again, she picked up the bucket and continued to walk. Not even five minutes passed before again she needed to set the bucket down. Fortunately, her struggles were soon spotted by Jaime who didn't hesitate to come to her aid.
"Araceli," he said getting her attention. "Let me help you with that," he voiced as he grabbed the bucket and picked it up with ease.
Araceli smiled as she felt a huge sense of relief, "Thanks Jaime… you're such a sweetheart."
The young male grinned from her compliment as he could feel butterflies all over his stomach. "Glad I can help," he responded. "I'm surprised you're doing this though… usually it's your mother who gets the water."
"I guess today she wasn't in the mood," she responded with a look of frustration.
The young male smiled as he let out a small chuckle. "So how was your meeting yesterday?"
"What meeting?" asked Araceli as her look turned into one of confusion.
Jaime matched her expression as he realized that she didn't know what he was talking about. "The meeting you mentioned yesterday…"
The female was silent for a moment longer before it finally clicked. She had given him an excuse that she was going to a meeting. "Oh right, I actually decided to stay home instead since I was exhausted from all the work I did…maybe that's why mom is upset," she joked. She had honestly forgotten that he had asked her out yesterday.
"Oh ok," he responded. They continued to have short conversations before they eventually reached their destination where they quickly noticed a prestigious and highly expensive car parked next to the house. "Looks like you have visitors,"
Araceli rolled her eyes as she sighed internally. She knew who the car belonged to and she was not in the mood to deal with him again after last night.
As they neared the building, Ms. Fuentes walked out of the house and headed towards the two of them. "Well, I definitely wasn't expecting you to take this long to bring a bucket of water."
"I'm sorry mom," apologized Araceli. "I ran into Jaime along the way and we just started talking."
Jaime smiled warmly as he greeted the older female, "I saw Araceli having a hard time carrying the water so I decided to help her out a little."
Ms. Fuentes gently shook her head as she grabbed the bucket from the young male's hand. "While I appreciate you helping Araceli out, I would appreciate it even more if next time she finished the job herself."
"Mom…" interrupted Araceli taken aback slightly. "My arms were hurting and Jaime was nice enough to help me out when I needed him."
"Don't worry about it," responded Jaime with a chuckle before turning to the older female. "I understand, I'll keep that in mind for the next time… Anyways, I should probably be heading back." He turned to Araceli and smiled warmly, "See you soon."
Araceli returned his smile before slowly leaning forward and placing a kiss on his cheek. "Again, thank you so much for your help."
"No problem," he responded sincerely before saying goodbye to the two females.
"Goodbye Jaime, take care," voiced Ms. Fuentes not pleased with what just took place in front of her. She had a lot of affection for the young man and seeing her daughter giving him hopes after telling her last night that she didn't consider a relationship with him deeply annoyed her. She wanted to scold her but quickly decided against it since they had guests inside the house. "Javier and Cristina came to visit us," she began. "Why don't you go greet them while I take this bucket to the back."
"Yes ma'am," responded Araceli as she now headed towards the house
Currently, in the living room, both Javier and Cristina were resting on the couch focusing all of their attention towards their eight-month-old daughter, Valeria. As Araceli was entering the living room, she quickly caught the eyes of Javier who flashed her a mischievous smirk unbeknownst to his wife. The twenty-two-year-old ignored the look she received and focused on Cristina who had yet to notice her arrival. "Cristina," she voiced softly grabbing the attention of the older female who's eyes immediately lit up upon seeing her.
"Araceli," returned the young mother as she gently passed her daughter to Javier in order to get up from the couch. She walked towards Araceli and joyfully embraced her, "How have you been?"
Araceli gladly returned the hug and smiled, "I've been well. It's great to see the three of you again."
Cristina slowly pulled away and gently dusted off some dirt that was on Araceli's shoulder. "I know, I've been wanting to visit your mom and you along with several others for a few months now but with Javier working long hours and me taking care of Valeria, we just haven't found the right time till today. I'm really sorry… duckling…"
"No…" voiced Araceli playfully upon hearing her old nickname. "We just started talking…"
Cristina couldn't help but laugh upon seeing her reaction. She knew exactly how to tease the twenty-two-year-old, much to Araceli's misfortune.
"Duckling…?" asked Javier with a raised eyebrow.
Cristina gave a look of amusement as she turned to her husband, "That's right! I've never told you about this girl growing up and why we always called her 'Duckling?'"
The male chuckled as he shook his head, "No, but I'm curious."
"Have you ever heard of the ugly duckling?" asked Araceli playfully as she gave a small giggle.
The older female snickered teasingly as she nonchalantly pushed her. "You know that's not the real reason," she clarified. She began to laugh as she recalled a childhood memory of Araceli, "It's because when she was around eight and I was fourteen she would always pucker her lips together like this…" she puckered her lips as far as she could to which Araceli immediately began to feel cringe as she remembered that phase in her life. "She looked like the most adorable little duck I had ever seen," laughed the older female as she continued her story. She turned to Araceli who was trying so hard not to look embarrassed which only made Cristina laugh even harder. "Tell him why you would do it…"
"No, I'm good," responded Araceli with a playful giggle.
"It's because she thought that it made her look beautiful," voiced Cristina to which Javier joined her in laughing upon hearing the reason.
"Really?" he asked.
At this point, Cristina couldn't stop laughing as she fully pictured the memory of a young Araceli walking around with her lips pouted. She eventually calmed down and realized that she was the only one laughing. "I'm sorry…" she began. "It's just that I miss those moments. And well… here we are now I guess… grown up.
"And in your case, a daughter," voiced Araceli with a smile as she turned to the infant in Javier's arms.
"That's right…" responded the young mother with a radiant look as she walked back to her daughter and picked her up. "My entire world in one bundle of joy," she commented before placing a tender kiss on the baby who reached out to try and grab her mother's nose. "Would you like to hold her?" she asked turning to Araceli. "I remember you didn't get the chance to last time? Come hold her for a moment…?"
Araceli immediately took a step back as she extended her shirt downward. "I shouldn't… I'm all dirty and sweaty from all the work I've been doing…"
Cristina slightly giggled as she brushed off her excuse, "Don't worry about that," she slowly walked to the younger female and gently extended her arms in order to allow Araceli to pick the infant up to which she hesitantly did.
The baby immediately began to show glimpses of discomfort but ultimately remained calm. "Wow," voiced Araceli as she slowly rocked the baby in her arms. "She's beautiful…"
At that moment, Ms. Fuentes entered the living room and immediately felt her heart jump as she saw her daughter holding Valeria. "What a wonderful sight," she found herself saying.
Cristina turned to the elder and smiled, "I'm sure it won't be long before it's your grandchild that she is holding."
Ms. Fuentes gave an amused chuckle as she acknowledged her statement, "Well hopefully it won't be too soon as Araceli still has to finish her studies."
"Oh yeah," voiced Cristina with her eyes widened. "I completely forgot about that. How has school gone?"
Araceli turned from the child and faced the mother, "It's going great honestly, I'm hoping to graduate soon."
"That's great to hear," responded the young mother. "I'm so happy that more and more residents are choosing to extend their education beyond what used to be the norm for us. I'm so proud of you."
"Well, in a way I learned from your example." Complimented Araceli.
"Me?" asked Cristina with an amused expression. "But I didn't go to college…"
"No, but you went out and looked for a better life outside of the village and into a huge city."
Cristina rolled her eyes playfully as she gave a soft giggle, "I wouldn't exactly say that living in the city was a better life… I'm much happier living here than over there and that's why I came back. I mean the peaceful nature, the friendly faces, and the beautiful scenery…? I honestly couldn't think of a better place for my daughter to grow up in."
"Seriously?" asked Araceli with a look of confusion. She never would have expected the twenty-eight-year-old to express herself that way. She had always dreamed of starting a life in the city and far away from the village. "But wasn't the city where you met your husband?"
Having heard that question, Javier who had been mostly silent decided to get up from the couch and join the conversation. "True," he confirmed as he walked next to his wife and gently wrapped his arm around her back. "We met in the city when she started working for my father's business; but I must admit, at first I wasn't too sure about moving here… but so far, I'm pretty satisfied with our time here. Like Cristina said, It's much more peaceful here than it would have ever been over there and the… beauty here, is undisputed," he said putting an extra emphasis on the final line.
Cristina nodded happily as she gently rested her head on his shoulder before raising it up again. "As they say, you don't know what you have until it's gone."
Araceli slightly giggled as she nodded in agreement. Ms. Fuentes on the other hand couldn't take her eyes off the tiny infant in her daughter's arms. "Mind if I hold her for a moment?" she asked.
"Of course," responded Javier as Araceli slowly handed her the baby.
"She's so adorable," complimented Ms. Fuentes getting a full view of the baby's appearance. "She reminds me so much of Araceli when she was born… Maybe she will turn out just like her when she gets older…"
Araceli rolled her eyes as she giggled awkwardly, "Don't be sill mom, her mother is a much better role model than I am."
"I haven't thought about that," voiced Cristina with a smile as she turned to Araceli. "Honestly, I would love if Valeria grew up to be like you… Good-hearted, intelligent, and beautiful… who wouldn't want her daughter to possess those traits?"
Araceli couldn't help but feel her cheeks blushing at that compliment, "You're just saying that because you've known me my entire life."
"Which is exactly why I know it's true," responded the twenty-eight-year-old proudly. "I'm sure that as my baby starts growing up, she will soon look to you as an older sister… I mean if you don't mind being a part of her life."
Araceli couldn't really describe what she was beginning to feel when Cristina voiced those words. She always wanted a sister but it was always an uphill battle for that desire because of her mother's age, and when her father passed away nine years ago, it became impossible. To hear someone say something like that really made her feel emotional. "I would love that," she finally responded with the most heart-warming smile.
Unfortunately, Javier on the other hand wasn't too fond of the idea. "Honey," he voiced gently grabbing Cristina's attention. "With all due respect, I don't think Araceli is the best… sister-like role model for our daughter…"
"Javier…" responded Cristina with a shocked expression. "Why would you say something like that…?"
Ms. Fuentes could feel a sense of anger quickly rising when she heard that comment. Araceli on the other hand just looked at him completely stunned.
The male quickly realized his mistake before turning to the other two females, "I deeply apologize for my wording. What I meant was that Araceli has plans to start a life far away from the village so I'm sure she won't have time to pretend to be a sister to Valeria."
"Honestly, your embarrassing the two of us right now… please show some respect." She turned to both Araceli and Ms. Fuentes before apologizing for her husband's words.
Admittedly, Ms. Fuentes had a much bigger problem with something else that the man said. "Why did you say that my daughter is planning to leave the village?"
Both Araceli and Javier's eyes widened momentarily by that question. A detail that was not missed by Cristina who began to wonder the same thing after hearing the question. Why would Javier even think something like that if this is the second time they've seen each other that she knew of.
Javier was silent for a moment before he knew exactly what to say, "I'm sorry but I just assumed that she had plans away from the village considering that Cristina would sometimes talk to me about how Araceli would ask her questions about life in the city… isn't that right?" he asked turning to his wife.
"It is," quickly responded Cristina feeling a little silly that she herself didn't come to that conclusion. "In fact, I might have mentioned it a few times that she could be interested in going to the city."
Araceli couldn't deny the pounding in her heart for a moment there. 'I guess he is a good liar after all,' she thought as she felt relieved that he was able to think of a convincing excuse. "I'm going to get a water bottle," she said as she turned to her mother who still looked somewhat offended by his statement towards her. Once her mother acknowledged her, she turned and left the living room.
Now alone, Araceli marched into the kitchen frustratingly as she still couldn't believe what Javier had said. She opened the fridge and reached for a bottle of water. What bothered her the most was that in a way, he was right. She wasn't the best example for the infant. To be completely honest, she wasn't even a decent one either. The majority of her life was a lie on top of another lie. If her mother ever found out that she had long dropped out of school, it would devastate her. In fact, who knows what she would do if she learned of every lie that was ever told. She opened the bottle and drank from it hoping it could cool her off somehow.
After some time, she debated whether to return to the living room and rejoin the others but quickly decided against it. She was in no mood to see that man after talking her down like he was all high and mighty. Much to her frustration, however, after a few more minutes, Javier entered the kitchen and greeted her.
"What do you want?" she asked with a look of anger.
"I came to apologize," responded Javier. "I should have worded my-"
"Get out," interrupted Araceli not bothering to hear him out.
Javier was somewhat surprised by her reaction, "Why are you so mad about what I said…? Was I wrong?"
"Just leave me alone…" she demanded.
The older man smirked as he walked closer to her until he was in front of the twenty-two-year-old. "I had a great time last night…"
Araceli's demeanor became even angrier as she splashed some water from the bottle to his face. "Are you stupid?" she silently questioned. "My mother and your wife are in the living room. They could easily come in and hear you."
Javier chuckled after hearing this, "Relax, your mother and Cristina are busy with the baby and I told them that I was going to apologize to you."
Araceli took one final sip from her bottle before sealing it and getting ready to head back to the living room.
"Wait," pleaded Javier as he grabbed her by the arm.
"What now?" barked Araceli as she aggressively pulled her arm away.
Again, the male stepped closer to her. "Could we meet again tonight?"
Araceli had to admit that she was somewhat amused by his question, "You really are stupid aren't you. I mean you insult me and then you ask to meet."
"Is that a yes?"
"That's a no… My mother caught me last night and I'm not going to take any chances right now," she was about to turn and leave before again she was stopped.
"Is there any way I could persuade you?" asked Javier not willing to give up so easily.
"I said no and that's final," replied Araceli with a look of disgust.
"I'll give you extra," he offered knowing her desire for money. Araceli was silent for a moment before a malicious smile formed on her lips. Javier too felt his confidence rise as he knew that she was hooked. "So, what do you say…? I'll definitely make it worth it…?"
"I'm not sure," teased Araceli as she raised her arm and drew circles on his chest. "Maybe it could be worth it."
Javier smiled wickedly as he could already picture them being together again.
"Ok, tonight then" she responded much to his excitement. She turned back around and began to walk away leaving the male behind. "On second thought…" she began as she neared the door. She turned back around to where he was standing before a smirk adorned her face. "Nah," she laughed as she walked out of the kitchen not bothering to see his reaction.