Katey sighed as the new smash hit in the U.S. "Do you only want to dance," started up on the radio. Her sister, Suzie, was happily chatting to her friend Cassie on the phone, oblivious to the tune that brought back so many memories for her. It has been one year since she had said goodbye to Cuba and her love, Javier. The San Francisco sunlight spilled through the windows of the Miller's two story beach front home and shone onto her sad face. Katey thought back to her first time out at La Rosa Negra and seeing Javier dancing with his friends. The night replayed in her head; her red dress, that jerk James, and Javier. Him asking her to dance and then walking her home after James had forced himself onto her in the car. She remembered his cute smile when he murmured his faithful word "Adios" as they departed.
Katey was snapped back to reality when she heard Suzie laugh loudly at something her friend had said. The song ended and the Beatles started up. She stood up and looked out her window. The night air had begun to darken, rending a diamond-embedded sky. Outside it was starting to get dark and the parties were just beginning. People were waiting in lines to get into clubs, happily chatting with their friends. Even the crazy San Francisco nightlife could not compare to Cuba and dancing with Javier. That year Katey went back to studying. She didn't really go out much and her entire family noticed how she lost her fiery spirit once they left Cuba; it seemed to have stayed behind with Javier. The only time Katey would brighten up a bit was when she taught her dance classes. When she returned to the U.S., Katey had a whole new dance style – a mix of hot salsa and ballroom. Many young women were interested in taking her classes, especially Suzie. Her parents asked her if she would go back to partner dancing but she couldn't, no one could compete with Javier.
Back in Havana Javier was waving goodbye to Carlos and his family. In the past year Carlos had fallen in love with a woman by the name of Eva and the two were now engaged. Carlos, Eva, Rafael, and Chabe were moving out of Cuba today. The revolution did not go as planned. After the revolution, Fidel Castro came into power and ruled with an unjust hand, thus causing Carlos to take his family away for Rafael and Chabe's safety. Javier stayed behind to take care of Mama who could not come along because of her age and poor health. A few months ago, she suffered from a severe heart attack and now could not be left alone. Javier turned back home to his crying mother and gave her a big hug.
"It will be okay Mama. They had to leave, think of Chabe and Rafael."
"Si, si. I am happy for them and crying for you, mi hijo. It is all my fault – now I am putting you in danger by making you stay here."
"Oh Mama, don't you worry about me. I will be fine; you just stay well and healthy."
"Come on ladies - circles, circles! And one, two, three, and four, five, six, seven and eight. Move your hips in a circle. Ladies come on, circles." Katey wanted to tell her student, 28 year old Angela, the same thing Javier told her a year and a half ago, that she was making a box, not a circle, but stopped herself because she didn't want to embarrass Angela.
At that same moment, a taxi cab was driving by with Carlos and his family, who were moving into their new home. Carlos had bought the perfect fully furnished house with one small bedroom for Chabe and Rafael to share, a bedroom for himself and Eva, a bathroom, kitchen and living room with a pull out couch. Chabe was teaching Rafael a new English word and Eva smiled lovingly at Carlos. They were ready to start a new life in the great San Francisco.
It was a week after Carlos and his family had moved into their new home. Carlos and Eva were washing dishes when the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Carlos? It's Javier."
"Javie? Hola mi hermano! Que tal?"
"Carlos, Mama died last night. She had another heart attack."
Carlos listened to his brother and wished he was with Javier to go to his mother's funeral and pay his respects. A single tear slid down his rough cheek. Carlos knew that he couldn't go back to Cuba and risk being stuck there, it would be very difficult to go there and come back to America.
"The funeral is this Friday," Javier continued.
"Javie, I can not go back, as you know, but I really want you to come live with us after the funeral. The kids will be happy to see you."
"Are you sure? You guys can't possibly be settled already and me moving in would be a burden."
"Don't be silly, you wouldn't be a burden. Oh contrair, mi hermano, you would greatly help us…we would send you to work!"
"Haha, okay if you're sure. I'll be there as soon as I can. I still have to wrap things up here."
"Alright Javie. Come quick, I have to go, Chabe is calling me."
"Okay, give the kids a hug for me and give Eva my love. 'Bye and thank you brother."
