Madeleine Corstolla-Klein “So, you’re telling me–” “No. I’m showing you.” I turn around, taking my shirt off. I don’t know how much he can see, but I hear a short, choked gasp. “My lord…” Erik says, I hear his footsteps as he gets up from his chair and walks over. “Believe me now?” I say. I can feel his hand gently tracing the scar down my spine, sending small tingly shots through my back. “You were that girl, weren't you? At Disney?” He says, his hand falling to his side. “I told you” I put my shirt back on, turning around to see Erik’s solemn, pitying face. “So many people have tried that excuse. I just thought you were as well. But I never knew…” He took a deep breath, and sat back down. A few moments pass. Fixing his tie he said, “Madeleine…this is purely because of your work ethic, nothing more. Do you understand?” I smiled, barely able to contain myself. “Yes, yes I understand.” Erik took my hand in his and held it tight, “Your job starts tomorrow.” “Thank you, Erik. Thank you so much.” I got up, holding his hand for just a moment longer, but eventually let go. Walking towards the door I think of Ethan. He’s going to be so excited. “Klein.” Erik said. I turn around to see him smiling playfully. “Don’t be late,” He says. I unlock the house door, readying myself for everyone’s congratulatory smiles. As I walk in, Ba is cooking empanadas, while Ethan’s girlfriend, Grace, sits on the couch with Lupé, our very lopsided Sato. Grace, Lupé, and Ba all stop what they’re doing. I look at Ba, smiling. His face lights up and he runs over to me, hugging me tightly. “Oh, pececilla, I’m so proud of you!” Grace’s face brightens and she runs upstairs. I guessed she was getting Ethan. Ethan came down, his face questioning and excited at the same time. I smiled at him, knowingly. He walked over, his hand reaching my face. “You did it, cariño.” Ethan hugged me tightly. We stood there crying together, Ignoring the world.
