Saturday October 29, 2016 part 1 (12/76)

As usual, the girls' campus is always quiet. I take advantage of this tranquility to sleep in. After a refreshing shower, I settle in comfortably to read my Bible while tidying up my room a bit.

Someone knocks at the door. Curious, I go to see who it is, and to my surprise, I find Lisa. I haven't seen her in a long time, not since our last meal together in my room.

— Me: Hello, Lisa! How are you?

— Lisa: I'm fine, and you?

— Me: Really good, thank you.

— Lisa: I'm doing well, my sister. Today, I remembered it's Saturday, and I thought you might need some food delivered. So, I decided to bring you something to eat. Plus, I really wanted to talk to you. I know you gave me two weeks before our next meeting, but I hope you don't mind me coming by today.

— Me: Of course not, you're keeping me company. Come in, my dear.

She hands me the bag containing the food and sits down next to me.

— Lisa: I could bring them to you all the time, even if you don't want to tell me who sent them.

— Me: It's not that important, but thank you.

— Lisa: It is to me. You know me a little better now, and you know that solving mysteries and riddles is what I love most.

— Me: Then I'll tell you, this isn't a game. Why don't you go grab some cutlery from the kitchen? It's straight ahead on the right.

Lisa quickly returns with the cutlery, and we set them on the table.

— Me: Help yourself.

— Lisa: Thank you, and enjoy your meal!

— Me: You too.

Before eating, I close my eyes, as is my habit, to pray silently. When I open them, I'm surprised to see Lisa motionless, watching me intently.

— Lisa: Is it like this every day?

— Me: Yes.

— Lisa: Oh really, you didn't do that last time.

— Me: I think I wasn't focused enough, that's why you didn't notice.

— Lisa: Today it's roasted lobster with herb butter, truffle mashed potatoes, and vegetables; it's really good.

— Me: Glad you like it. I also think the lobster is well-cooked. So, what did you want to talk about?

— Lisa: I have two friends now, and I'm so happy! "Friends" might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I don't eat alone in the cafeteria anymore. They wait for me and come sit with me on their own... Thank you, my sister, it's thanks to your advice.

— Me: Oh, that's wonderful, my dear. I'm so happy for you. This is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the three of you, and I'll pray that you always stay friends.

— Lisa: Thank you.

— Me: And today, what are your plans?

— Lisa: Hmm... Josh's mother invited Luca and me, and it's such a beautiful day today. I'm so excited! And you, my sister?

I hear a knock at the door again. I look at Lisa, who seems as surprised as I am, then she smiles mischievously.

— Lisa: My sister, do you want me to get it? Maybe it's the secret sender you don't want me to find out about?

— Me: Let me go see. Keep eating, my dear.

I walk towards the door, my hands slightly trembling. When I open it, I find Dr. Jorge standing there.

— Dr. Jorge: Why did you take so long to open the door, Theresa?

— Me: We say hello first, Doctor.

— Dr. Jorge: Spare me the formalities, it's Saturday. If my day is bad, should I still say hello?

— Me: Okay, I'll let it slide this time.

A moment of silence settles before he speaks again.

— Dr. Jorge: Aren't you going to invite me in?

— Me: Oh yes, yes, I'm sorry, come in and have a seat.

He enters and seems surprised to see Lisa eating in my room.

— Me: Would you like something to drink, Doctor?

— Dr. Jorge: No, thank you. I believe you're in my class, aren't you?

— Lisa: Yes, in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. And you, what are you doing here?

— Dr. Jorge: Excuse me??

— Lisa: Unless I'm mistaken, this is the girls' campus.

— Dr. Jorge: This isn't your room, so I don't owe you an explanation.

Lisa then whispers to me discreetly:

— Lisa: If he's the secret sender, you really have poor taste.

— Dr. Jorge: Wow, Theresa, I didn't know you had such good taste.

— Me: What are you talking about?

— Dr. Jorge: This box is from Sab Resto. It's the best in Saber.

— Me: Oh, thank you.

— Lisa: So, it's not you?

— Me: Lisa, that's enough. Have you finished eating?

— Lisa: Yes, thank you for sharing your secret sender's meal with me. I'm going to leave now because I have to get ready. Dr. Jorge, my sister, see you next time.

— Me: Yes, my dear, have a wonderful day.

— Lisa: Thank you.

— Dr. Jorge: So, if I understand correctly, you didn't order this food?

— Me: Don't tell me you've changed jobs, Dr. Jorge?

— Dr. Jorge: No, not at all, but by the way, I...

— Me: By the way, I'm not trying to rush you out, but why did you come to see me, please?

— Dr. Jorge: A courtesy visit.

— Me: Okay, your courtesy visit is poorly timed because I have an appointment in a few minutes.

— Dr. Jorge: Oh yes, speaking of the appointment, I took my best car for the occasion.

— Me: Um...

— Dr. Jorge: Yes, thank you, that's what you're supposed to say.

— Me: Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming, because what's happening is very unlikely.

— Dr. Jorge: Stop, don't pinch me, I'm sure I don't have an appointment with you.

— Me: I have an appointment with Marta.

— Dr. Jorge: Yes, that's right, but let me tell you, maybe you're not aware… Marta no longer… doesn't have a driver's license.

— Me: Oh, really? Why?

— Dr. Jorge: Believe me, my sister, the reason isn't very Catholic. So, it's better to say she never had one and avoid bringing up the subject with her.

My phone suddenly starts ringing.

— Dr. Jorge: Your phone is ringing, Theresa, answer it.