ARI
We're used to that feeling — to being okay and not being okay at the same time — but I have to admit it: we've pretended too many things.
One of them was being fine while showing that we weren't.
But it was necessary.
We didn't want to fail.
—I'm going to divorce him —Fabiola said, looking at me.
I was playing with my dolls. I was playing with Sebastián and Liam. I know they didn't like it, but they were there anyway.
I understood it from Sebastián, but never from Liam.
Maybe because of his mother, right?
Anyway… we were always strange.
—Don't do it —Liam's mother replied.
She had already done my usual checkup. I was better physically from my injuries.
Only physically.
—What? But you told me I should stay away from him —my mother answered, confused.
Vianey had always been the one telling her to run away with me and Sebastián.
But unlike me at that moment, they knew the truth.
It wasn't easy to get rid of someone like him.
Not without getting hurt.
—No, you don't understand —Vianey said in a low voice—. You need to get rid of him in a way that's realistic…
You have to kill him, and I'll help you.
Sebastián and I lifted our heads at the same time.
They noticed their mistake and stepped away. Minutes later, Mrs. Vianey took Liam with her to talk to him, and my mother did the same with me.
We stayed alone in the room.
Sebastián remained in the living room; he was curious, but he didn't insist.
—Ari… —my mother sat in front of me—. I know you're upset, but I also know you're sadder because of what happened. I can't ignore it.
What I'm about to tell you goes against everything I've taught you… but I'll try not to involve you. I'll take care of this.
—What's wrong, Mom?
She took a deep breath before speaking.
—I need us to start treating each other badly from now on. Not too obvious, but when Gabriel comes back… it has to look real. If we want to be free, it's necessary. I know you're still little…
I understood it, even though I didn't want to.
I didn't fully get it, not completely, but I knew where the conversation was going.
She had never complained.
She was never treated well.
He had even hit her.
But she never cried.
At least not in front of us.
She would just go to her room, clean her wounds, or cover the bruises with makeup.
—It's okay, Mom. I'll support you. I believe you.
I looked into her eyes.
She didn't want to do this.
But she felt cornered.
And she wanted to be the mother no one had ever been for her.
—It'll be hard —she whispered, stroking my hair—, but we'll always stay together. I'll protect you. I promise you, like the day you came into my life.
We talked.
We had to fake a fight.
I would complain about why the police wouldn't help me or put my rapists in jail, and my mother would be against it, so my father would start trusting her.
Only when he was present — or when other people were around — we had to act like we didn't get along.
To give the impression of a broken relationship between mother and daughter…
and a healthy one between father and daughter.
Even though the only one who knew the real reason was Gabriel.
If I kept thinking about my parents, about the life they gave me and the love I grew up with… I understood why Fabiola was my mother.
I never asked her for anything.
And even so, she helped me.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
—What happened between you two? —Gabriel asked, rushing inside.
He looked at the broken vase.
Then at me, with tears in my eyes.
I wasn't really angry at Fabiola.
I was just letting out all the helplessness that fit inside my small body.
—Ask her —Fabiola said, pretending to be stressed—. She kept insisting we go to the police, but I stopped her.
—Of course you had to stop her —Gabriel said, as if it were obvious.
He crouched down to my height.
What bothered me most was that he always seemed calm.
Even when he found me covered in blood.
Even when Sebastián knelt in front of him begging him to help me.
Even when Fabiola asked him to stop because she couldn't take any more blows to her stomach, and that was the reason she couldn't have children.
—It's fine, don't scold her —Fabiola said—. She understands now… right, Ari?
Gabriel nodded and stepped away.
—I could expect it from him… but from you? I hate you —I said before running to my room and slamming the door.
I waited a few minutes.
Then I opened it carefully and went downstairs barefoot, pressing myself against the wall to listen.
—She'll understand eventually, don't worry —I heard Gabriel say.
—I'm glad that for once you're thinking clearly and supporting me. After all, I'm your husband.
—Yes… well, we have to stay united as a couple —Fabiola replied.
And for some reason, it hurt me for her.
—I knew I hadn't made a mistake —he continued—. I'm glad I chose you as my wife, because in the end you understand that you have to obey me.
Obey me.
I leaned my head out a little more.
Gabriel had his back to me.
Fabiola faced him.
She smiled softly and offered him some tea.
He took it confidently.
Then she looked in my direction.
She winked at me.
After that, she turned her gaze back to him.
—Yes, my love —she answered.
I looked at the cup.
Then at her.
And then I understood.
She had made a decision.
To protect me.
And that was when I knew that, when I had power…
I would make them pay.