Chapter 12.1: Bella - Martin

After I abandoned Martin's house, the first thing I did was call Abuela and ask her to consider taking Yzee for the night.

“Ai! Finally," she exclaimed. "It's past time you allowed yourself to be with a man."

"No, Abuela. That isn't it. I have to go to work tonight."

“Work? You stated that you were going on a date with your doctor."

"I was," I couldn't justify it to her. My throat tightened just a little bit. I wasn't about to cry. It was still too fresh, too painful. I resolved not to even attempt to explain it to her. What was the point of telling one more lie?

"I was summoned to work. I have to...follow someone." I was afraid that wouldn't be a lie by the end of the night.

Abuela sighed, dissatisfied. "Oh, well, that's a shame. "I thought you were in love with your doctor."

I started laughing, or wished she heard me laugh, because it felt more like a sob. "I just have to get to work. Nothing like that..." my voice trailed off.