Secrets and Appearances

I get home soaked. The rain is still coming down hard as I climb the stairs, water dripping from my clothes and leaving a trail on the floor. I step into my room... and freeze. Sitting on my bed, legs crossed and wearing that smug grin of hers, is Estrella.

"Just look at you," she says with contempt, eyeing me up and down. "You'll never find a husband like that. Me, on the other hand — I already have several proposals... but there's one that's worth more than all of them: Limber. He fought over me. Can you believe it? When before, he only ever looked at you... only ever came looking for you."

"Good for you. Now get out of my room. I want to rest."

She stands with that theatrical flair of hers, passing too close to me on purpose.

"When Fernando proposes to me, I'll leave Limber free for you," she whispers. "That way you can at least say you were with the only man who ever wanted you... though I doubt he'd give you the time of day. You're not in his league."

She walks toward the door and — like some cruel joke of fate — slips on the water dripping from my clothes. She screams as if she's fallen from a second story.

Within seconds, my stepmother appears, her face twisted with rage.

"I only came to tell her my good news and she pushed me," Estrella whimpers in that sugary voice of hers. "Look at her! Who knows who she's been with or what she's been doing to come home like that?"

"Estrella, I couldn't care less whether you marry a prince or a beggar. I don't care about your life. As far as I'm concerned, you can get out of this house that my parents built with everything they had," I tell her, my voice steady but fierce.

Then comes the slap. The sharp crack turns my face to the side.

"This house is mine now," my stepmother snarls, stepping toward me with that look that's made me want to run so many times before.

But not this time. I stand my ground. Estrella gets up with a crooked smile, enjoying the show. Without thinking twice, I shove her toward the door and push her out.

"Not for long," I shout before slamming the door shut. I lock it. I know they'll try to open it, but what they've forgotten is that I changed the lock while they were out. This is my room. My only boundary. My sanctuary.

I go to the bathroom, change out of my wet clothes, and take out the little I earned today. Tomorrow I'll go to the bank and put it away. When I lie down, my eyes land on the photo on the nightstand. I look at my parents — smiling, young... and today is one of those days when I can't stand the sight of my father. I cover his face with the edge of the frame and let myself fall onto the bed, trying to sleep with the knot in my throat.

I wake to the alarm. I dress quickly, stuff my work clothes into a backpack, and leave without making a sound. Since Estrella's been here, I've decided not to come back in the afternoons anymore. Better to go straight from school to work.

After classes, I stop by the bank and deposit what I have. The money isn't much, but to me it means everything. I walk to the club, change, and head into the service area. The place is packed, as usual.

I carry an order to a table and feel a heavy gaze on me. After setting down the bottles, I hurry out and accidentally bump into someone tall.

"I'm sorry, sir," I say, looking up.

"Fernando Linares. Nice to meet you," he says, and I freeze. I've heard his name so many times... always on Estrella's lips.

"Nice to meet you. My name's Lulu."

"I just gave you my real name. Why won't you tell me yours?"

"That is my name."

"It doesn't suit you. Not with a face that beautiful."

I grip the tray harder. I don't have the time or the energy for this kind of game.

"Have a good night, Mr. Linares."

I walk toward the bar, but before I can leave, I'm called back: I need to bring another bottle to "Mr. Linares." When I enter the private room, he's alone.

"What bottle would you like?" I ask.

"Whatever you'd recommend. And I want your company."

"There's staff for that. I only serve tables."

"Name your price. I just want to talk."

"That's not possible," I reply flatly. "I'll have the bartender send you the best bottle we have."

I go get it, bring it back, and pour it quickly, avoiding eye contact. He must not recognize me. He must not remember me if he ends up marrying Estrella. If he does, those two will never leave the house.

"Are you very young?" he asks suddenly.

"When you're in need, age doesn't matter much."

"Are you underage?"

"No."

"Do they give you the tips I leave here?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"I've been coming here for years, and it wasn't until last year that I first noticed you. I thought you were the daughter of one of the workers."

"My shift's over. If you'll excuse me."

"Am I boring you?"

"My boyfriend's waiting for me outside."

"Is that so? Where is he?"

"Thank you for the drink. Good night."

I leave. I change, say goodbye to the boss, and step out onto the street. A light drizzle. No taxis in sight. I walk a few blocks. A car slows down beside me. I don't need to look to know who it is. I take off my earbuds when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Can I give you a ride? I'm the one who held you up, after all."

"Thanks, but no. I live nearby."

He laughs. The sound of it tells me he doesn't believe me.

"Around here? Only rich people live around here. And your boyfriend — did he vanish into thin air?"

I stop. I turn around.

"I didn't want to be rude, but I see you're not going to quit. You're a stranger. I'd never get into the car of someone I don't know. I was polite, but that's enough. And if you want to complain to my boss, go right ahead."

A taxi pulls up as if luck itself answered me. I get in without looking back.

When I get home, something's off. A car I know all too well is parked out front. The lock has been changed. I circle around to the hidden side of the house where an old ladder covered in vines sits against the wall. Dad left it there in case anyone ever needed to get in without making noise. I climb up and slip through the window.

My room is a wreck.

The door has been broken open. They forced their way in.

My chest burns.

I storm downstairs, but the voices in the living room stop me cold.

"Mr. Linares, we've been so looking forward to your visit. My daughter has been talking about you for days," my stepmother says in that fake voice that turns my stomach.

"Mother, how embarrassing — don't say that," Estrella says, letting out a coy breath of false modesty.

"I'll go get the appetizers," my stepmother says, but on her way out, she runs into me. We lock eyes. She grabs my arm, but I don't give in. I wrench myself free.

"We need to talk."

"About what? About how you kicked me out of my own home? About how you broke into my room and smashed my door?"

She looks at me — desperate, for the first time.

"Keep your voice down. I'll give you the new key. I'll call the locksmith... okay, sweetheart? Don't make a scene..."

Her sugary tone leaves me stunned.

And then I understand.

Estrella and Mr. Linares are standing in the living room doorway. They're watching us.

My stepmother's mask has slipped... right in front of the man who could decide her future.

And in that moment, Fernando Linares stares at me... as if he's just seen a ghost.

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