Chapter 2: Grandmother's Advice

With the celebration on hold, Maria went up to her room, but then paused and went to her grandmother's room, seeing her grandmother in there, looking very upset. "Grandma? Why would our neighbor say you were to blame for her husband's death?" She asked curiously.

Rosa turned to her granddaughter. "Maria, the dances I've taught you have been more than just dances to show off at celebrations," she said. "They are very important."

She then took a deep breath. "The shadowy figure some of them saw is a dangerous creature," she said. "One that I know all too well, but because it's been so long and the whole truth didn't come out back then, our neighbor is blaming a very good friend of mine who is innocent."

Maria watched as her grandmother sighed and sat down beside her. "The same dress and ribbons you are wearing were once mine, sweetheart," she said. "I've been meaning to make another one to do the dances again as I miss doing them, despite the fact that I taught you how."

The sixteen year old nodded quietly. "But that man's death isn't your fault, Grandma," she said.

"But I can't prove it wasn't," she said. "Only one person can, but no one will listen to them or me."

She then looked at Maria. "Honey, if you could, would you stand by me and stand firm that my friend's husband's death wasn't my fault?" She asked.

"Absolutely," Maria said firmly. "I promise, Grandma."

Rosa gave her granddaughter a grateful smile. "Thank you, my dear," she said. "Now, there is something else I have to tell you."

"Yes, Grandma?"

"Maria, when you wake up tomorrow, you will not be here, but rather somewhere else, because someone is in need of your help," said Rosa. "You must help them."

"But, Grandma, where will I be?" Maria asked, worried.

"You'll see when you get there," said the older woman. "But remember…do not be so quick to judge and do not be so quick to take sides either."

Maria nodded. "I'll remember," she promised. "Grandma, did you really do part of the Love Dance with the Harmony Dance back then?"

Her grandmother chuckled. "Yes," she said. "Just ask your grandfather. It's how we met."

Maria smiled and Rosa smiled as well. "Well, you better get to bed," she said to her granddaughter. "The morning sun will help things out."

"You always say that, Grandma," Maria said with a smile.

"Because it is true," said Rosa as she shooed her granddaughter playfully out of the room. "Goodnight, dear."

"Goodnight, Grandma," the teenager said as she headed for her room, about to change into her pajamas when she remembered that her grandmother had said she'd wake up in another place. Plus, she was really tired.

Hoping her grandmother wouldn't mind, Maria lay down on her bed, deciding not to change her clothes, and pulled a homemade afghan around her. She then fell sound asleep, not seeing her grandmother watching her for a moment before heading away to her room to pray to God that her granddaughter would be safe.

Because Maria had a hard task ahead of her when she woke up in the morning.

Hmm. What did Maria's grandmother mean? And what task will fall to Maria when she wakes up? Stay tuned to find out! :)

And please leave a review, but no flames!

GoldGuardian2418