Chapter Eleven

"Do you want me to go with you?" Flaca inquired, concern swirling in her deep brown eyes as they sparkled like the warm, autumn sun. She looked at Maritza with a pleading gaze, lips slightly parted, as if her heart was a fragile glass waiting to shatter.

"No, I'm good," Maritza replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Leaning in, she brushed her lips against Flaca's, the sweet warmth igniting a flicker of hope in the air between them.

Flaca melted into the kiss, her worries fading with each gentle touch. "Okay," Flaca said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I'll be here by myself taking a hot, steaming bath." She sighed dramatically, her eyes twinkling with teasing mischief.

"Not without me," Maritza countered, a smirk dancing on her own lips. Her fingers glided across Flaca's cheekbone, as soft as a whisper, anchoring them both in the moment while the world outside faded away.

Flaca leaned in, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind Maritza's ear. "I'll see you later," she whispered, her voice soft yet certain. A hint of a smile played on her lips as she added, "I love you."

Maritza's heart fluttered, and she felt a warmth rise in her cheeks. She returned the gaze, her own eyes mirroring the affection, and replied, "I love you, too." With one last lingering look, Maritza slipped out of the apartment, the click of the door echoing softly behind her. Flaca stood there for a moment, feeling the imprint of their shared warmth linger in the space, as if the echoes of their love wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.

Maritza stood outside her mother's door, her heart thumping louder than the hesitant knock she finally gave. As the door creaked open, Mrs. Ramos peered out, her brow furrowed in surprise. "Maritza?" she questioned, the warmth of recognition battling the chill of uncertainty.

"Hi, Mom," Maritza's voice was steady, but the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her nerves. "Could we talk?"

A tight silence hung between them before Mrs. Ramos crossed her arms, probing deeper, "Are you still gay?"

Maritza's stomach twisted. "Are you still a bitch?" The words spilled out sharper than she intended, but she pressed on. "Flaca and I… we're not just best friends anymore. We're in love."

Mrs. Ramos's eyes widened, disbelief flickering across her face. "Flaca's gay?"

Maritza rolled her eyes, frustration boiling over. "She's bi—not that it's any of your business."

"Why are you telling me this?" Mrs. Ramos's voice dipped, laced with the familiar tension that thickened the air. "You know how I feel about your lifestyle."

Maritza took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "I wanted you to know because Flaca is my future. I plan to marry her someday." Her gaze held steady, searching for a flicker of understanding. "I thought... maybe one day you would just accept me." The silence stretched between them, a fragile bridge waiting to either crumble or hold strong.

Maritza fumbled with the keys, her hands trembling as she finally twisted the lock open. The door creaked as she stepped inside, her heart heavy. "Mari?" Flaca called from the living room, her voice laced with concern. Maritza tried to blink away the tears pooling in her eyes, but it was no use.

Flaca's gaze softened when she saw Maritza's swollen eyes and flushed cheeks. "What's wrong?" she asked, stepping closer.

"My fucking mother," Maritza choked out, her voice breaking as the dam finally burst and tears streamed down her face.

Flaca crossed the room in an instant, wrapping her arms around Maritza, who leaned into the embrace, seeking solace. "I knew I should've gone with you," Flaca murmured, her heart aching for her girlfriend.

"I'm glad you didn't," Maritza replied, her voice muffled against Flaca's shoulder. "I thought one day she would come around, but she just... never accepted me."

Flaca sighed, enveloping Maritza tighter. "I'm so sorry. What do you need?"

Maritza pulled back slightly, a flicker of a smile breaking through her sadness. "You and me in the tub," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice.

"Okay," Flaca replied, a warm smile forming as she led Maritza toward the bathroom, ready to share laughter and warmth amidst the storm. "Let me get some candles."

As Flaca turned to grab the flickering lights, Maritza reached out, resting her hand gently on Flaca's arm. "Don't go," she pleaded, her voice laced with vulnerability.

"I won't," Flaca assured her, a soft smile gracing her lips. With a quiet resolve, they began to shed their clothing, each piece falling away like the burdens of the day. Flaca's eyes sparkled playfully as she eyed Maritza, admiration shining through her words. "You're so sexy."

Maritza's cheeks flushed a delicate shade, her own smile blooming in response. "So are you," she replied, the warmth of their shared gaze igniting an electric connection between them.

Maritza and Flaca stepped into the warm embrace of the tub, steam curling around them like a soft blanket. The water shimmered under the soft light, creating a serene oasis. Flaca glanced at Maritza, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Is this what you had in mind?" she asked, her voice teasing yet tender.

Maritza sighed, her gaze drifting to the gentle ripples in the water. "It's just missing my gorgeous girlfriend holding me," she murmured, a hint of longing in her tone. Without hesitation, Flaca slid closer, arms wrapping around Maritza's waist, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, entwined in their own private paradise.

Flaca's voice broke the stillness, barely above a whisper, "If you want to end this, I'll understand."

Maritza's brow furrowed, confusion flickering in her eyes like the dance of the candlelight in the corner. "What?"

Flaca's gaze drifted toward the mosaic tiles, her heart aching as she spoke, "I don't want you to lose your family."

Maritza's breath caught, her heart racing as she turned to face her, the water rippling with her movement. "Flaca, you're my family," she insisted, her voice thick with emotion. "You're the most important person in my life, okay?"

Flaca's expression softened, and she cupped Maritza's face with both hands, her own heart swelling. "You are, too," she affirmed, their eyes locking in a moment that felt like eternity, a quiet promise exchanged between them.

"I love you so much," said Maritza.

Flaca's lips curved into a soft smile, a tear escaping down her cheek as she replied, "I love you so much, too." Their eyes locked, a silent promise unspooling between them in the warmth of the tub, a sanctuary against the world outside.

Flaca's lips grazed Maritza's neck, sending shivers down her spine as she breathed in the warm steam of the bathroom. "Don't start something you can't finish," Maritza murmured, her voice thick with desire, eyes glinting like stars in the dim light.

Flaca's gaze sparkled mischievously. "Do you wanna continue this in our bedroom?" she asked, her tone teasing yet hopeful.

"Yes," Maritza replied, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "Just hearing 'our bedroom' makes my nipples hard."

Flaca's grin widened, a spark of excitement igniting between them. With a swift motion, she scooped Maritza up from the tub, water cascading off her skin as they exchanged playful glances, and together they made their way to their sanctuary, anticipation hanging in the air like the last notes of a love song.