Chapter 14: I Have a Love (Maria POV)

Finally... the conclusion of Anita finding out. Thank you to all who left reviews. Please write more, I enjoy every single one.

"Where have you been, Maria?!". The words keep echoing in Maria's head, but no words would come. She didn't know what to tell her. Anita was like a sister to her, but she wouldn't understand. She just silently sat on the bed.

"Fine, a better question. Who were you with? I already know it wasn't Chino.", Anita said angrily. Maria was defeated. She sat on the bed with her head hung.

"With Tony."

"Tony?"

"Yes", Maria replied.

Anita was silence, but Maria could see her working it out in her head. Then, Anita's eyes widen as she asked, "He's one of those gringos from the dance, isn't he? You're sneaking around with one of those troublemakers?".

"Anita, please… he's not like them."

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! Those boys only do bad. What about Chino? He's a good boy. A Puerto Rican boy! Is he no good for you now?!".

"Anita! You know that's not true. You and Bernardo wanted us together, not me. He's nice but, but I don't…"

"You don't what?", Anita asked still angry.

"I don't love him, Anita. I never will.", finding strength to continue, "I'm in love with Tony."

Anita turned away from Maria, shaking her head. "Little girl, you are out of your head if you think you're in love with that boy. He's love is fake. He'll get what he wants and leave. That's all boys like him want from a Puerto Rican girl."

Maria stood up and in front of Anita. "I thought I was speaking to Anita, not Bernardo.", she said furious at Anita's ignorance. "How could either of you know what I feel? How did you ever know you loved Bernardo? Was it his sweet words? Was it only because he was Puerto Rican? Or was because he made you feel like you were everything to him?". Maria took a deep breath as she continued, "I have gotten to know Tony for a while now. He is kind, strong, and treats me with respect. I don't feel like I must be anything but myself with him. We've both lost our parents and had to grow up too fast. We both had to take care of everything. We both want more than to just to get by. We want a life together. Whether you like it or not." Maria softly said, "Anita, I can't think when I'm away from him. All I can do is count the time till I can see him again. Whenever I lean my head on his chest, I feel his heart beating in time with mine. Tony is my amor verdadero. There is no one else for me."

Maria watched closely as Anita absorbed everything she had just said. She feared Anita still wouldn't understand and inform Bernardo. When Anita did turn around, she had tears in her eyes. She grabbed both of Maria's hands and lead her so they could both sit on the bed.

Anita cleared her throat and said, "I understand, mi chica. Everything you say, I know, too. I felt the same way when I first met Bernardo.". She wiped the tears from her eyes. "But are you ready to take on everyone? No one, especially your brother, will let you be. Are you prepared to lose your family for this boy?"

Maria thought about what to say next. After a moment, she replied, "It will not be easy, but I hope Bernardo will come around, eventually. I won't give him up for anyone. Bernardo will be the one to make the choice of if he loves me more, than he hates gringos."

Anita looked like she wanted to say more but reframed from doing so. Instead, she hugged Maria tight. "Te quiero, mi niña. I'm happy you found love."

Maria hugged her back, tears streaming down her face. She pulled back to ask, "Does this mean you won't tell?"

"No, I won't. But I will not lie to you brother for you. I will just pretend like I don't know anything."

Maria smiled and said, "I love you!", and hugged her again.

Anita laughed. "But before I go on not knowing anything, I must know everything. I want to hear every detail." Maria giggled.

They spent the rest of the early morning talking about her and Tony. When the sun came up, they had to get ready for their day. Luckily, Anita managed to teach her how to cover the markings on her neck with make up so Bernardo would never see. Maria spent the rest of her day smiling, knowing that not only did she have true love, but she also had a true friend in Anita.