A Lovely Experience Part 2
Puzzled is probably how I looked as she stared at me. Instinctivly, I drew my hand outward for a handshake without losing eye contact. " Hello, my name is Francisco Nava. You are Dennis's girlfriend, correct?" She looked a bit confused. "My english is not that good," she replied. She looked down, and she shaked my hand. I smiled lost in the moment. Maybe, it was the innocent, lost girl look on her face or the lighting that spring day. I don't know. At that moment, she was different.
The conversation continued in Spanish.
I asked again the same thing. "Yes," she relied.
"He is going to marry you one day. Are you ready to moving in with his parents? Haha. I am joking. I am sure he means well. Still, is it that serious?" I asked.
" Well, Dennis is a churchgoing teenager like me. Honestly, God means everything to me. I just want to live a good life, according to God. I know he will bring me a good husband one day. And you? Do you believe in God?"she stared at me dutifully as she ended her thought.
Dennis was the first Christian person in my life, and; actually, our friendship started with a church invite. At the time, my faith in God was developing. Fairly new to it all, I said, "I don't know, but I like the message the Bible has for us. I think it give us good advise on how to live our lives with meaning." She smiled, and replied, " how old are you?" What a smile she had that day; beautiful, but I live by a code. A code that includes never mess with another man's woman even if you know it will not last. Rejecting all possibilities with her I said, "14. You know Dennis might not be a very popular guy, but he is always trying to better himself." She smiles and says, "You are good friend, Francisco. Have you know him long?" It was, as if, the less I tried the better impression I gave her (funny to look back and realize how clueless I was). As the conversation continued, the more uncomfortable I felt. She seemed like a genuine, good girl. She was different, but untouchable in my book. The conversation continued for 15 minutes, and finally, Dennis came out. I was happy to see him, but at the same time, I was not. Driving down all those possibilities in my mind, I said goodbye. We gave each other a light hug and kiss on the cheek; customary to Mexican culture.
We left. That was the last I heard or saw from her for the next 3 years. Dennis and E eventually broke up, after the constant fighting. Still, at the moment, I wondered about her. She lived in Mexico, and I hoped she would just be happy. I thought a girl like that is special, and whoever she ends up with is lucky.
Radio silence ....
Life continues.