Chapter 13: A Boy Like That (Anita POV)
A little explanation of how Anita found out ... Enjoy :)
(Earlier that day)
Just a few more stitches and Anita would be done with her last dress for the day. Though being a seamstress was her dream, sometimes she wondered why she spent all her time altering clothes for other people instead of running her own shop. Patience had never been her strong suit. So, until she had the money to own her own shop, she would have to tolerate unimaginative designs and clients who never wanted her ideas or opinions. In time, they would change their tune.
She wanted to finish early because Bernardo would be picking her up for a date in an hour. He was working a late shift but would be taking her out on the town after. They hadn't had a date in weeks, so she wanted to wear something extra special. As she went to grab her red dress, she realized it was missing. She knew it was here this morning. Maria had already gone to bed, but maybe she moved it for some reason.
As Anita walked into Maria's room, the first thing she noticed was the empty bed. Shocked, she looked around and noticed make up lying on the vanity and Maria's high heels were missing; Anita smirked. That little minx. She must have snuck out to see Chino. I knew they would like each other. Although, I didn't know that boy had it in him. If she wore that dress, he won't know what hit him. Anita decided to question Maria about it in the morning; not only to object to her sneaking out at night, but mostly to get details.
Bernardo arrived thankfully on time. They were on their way to the movies, although they never paid attention. Bernardo always snuck them to the back balcony where they'd kiss through the whole movie; much to her delight. No matter what, she could not get enough of her man.
It was 2am by the time they left the movies. As they were walking back home, Bernardo had called out to a friend a street away. As the friend came closer, Anita was shocked to see Chino.
"Amigo how are you?", Bernardo asked.
"I had to work a late shift at the store. We had to make an account of everything we have in store. It took hours.", answered Chino.
Anita spoke up. "So, you've been there all night?"
Chino nodded, unsure of her question. The two men continued to talk while Anita was in deep thought. Where was that girl? Who was she with? These questions and more continued to eat away at Anita. After Bernardo went to sleep, Anita went to see if Maria had returned. All she found was an empty room. Anita waited to see that girl come sneaking back in.
It was almost 5am when Anita heard heels clicking on the fire escape. Maria came in as quietly as she could when Anita startled her. "Where have you been?!", Anita asked quietly to not wake Bernardo. The last thing either of them needed was Bernardo finding out. As Maria stood stunned, Anita took notice of a few things. Maria's lipstick was smudged, her hair messy, and more shockingly, markings were beginning to appear on her neck. Now, Anita was angry.
She stood closer and demanded, "Where have you been, Maria?!"