Rebeca

The meeting

“So, Lucy lies? And she’s jealous of you?”

“Yes, Mr. Henry.”

“Henry, just Henry.”

“Yes, Henry. She’s been jealous of me since we were in the orphanage, just because I…”

“Because you’re more beautiful.”

I thought to myself, what kind of sorcery is this… I smiled and said, pretending:

“I don’t allow you to speak of me that way, you’re a married man.”

“And if I were…”

“No, Mr. Henry, no matter what…”

“I didn’t say anything, my dear. Have you ever walked down the street and seen a beautiful dress? Didn’t you say how beautiful it was, even though you didn’t buy it?”

“Yes…”

“Then I say it to you only out of admiration for your beauty. Please don’t leave.”

“I won’t leave.”

“I don’t know why we’re here, a modest place like South Road. Why did you suggest this restaurant?”

“I love simplicity.”

“You’re not like Lucy…”

Usually, when someone compares another to a third party, it’s a clear sign of disapproval.

“It’s alright, Henry. Lucy is a good girl.”

“How can she be good when she’s jealous of you?”

“It’s alright.”

“I don’t want to hear that word. Personally, I won’t agree to rekindling such a friendship.”

“Henry, I forgave her, please.”

“Fine, I don’t want to anger your dark eyes.”

Silence filled the air for a moment.

“When will I meet her?”

“I’ll go and bring her. I’ll say I saw you by chance, talking about your life in the orphanage with your friend Lucy, and that made me ask you.”

“Alright.”

“Stay here, please.”

He left, and after an hour he brought her. She wore a fake smile. When I saw her, waves of jealousy and spite surged through me. But no matter, I had a plan—and Rebecca’s plans always succeed.

“Hello Lucy, how are you? I’ve missed you.”

“Fine. And you?”

“What’s wrong, are you upset?”

“N…no, please sit.”

That day we sat for two hours until my alarm rang. It was a tense meeting, but the only happy one was Henry. It seemed the old woman’s magic was very strong.

I went to work, and they went on with their lives. I didn’t see them again for two months.

“You must meet her.”

“She’s eccentric, I can’t stand her.”

“But she’s your friend from the orphanage.”

“She’s all I had, we were the only two girls. You don’t believe me, I don’t know why you insist I return to that friendship.”

“What do you mean?”

“I meant nothing. But it seems you admire her! How long must I endure this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean—wasn’t the death of your wife Courtney, whose body we never found, lesson enough? Do you want to lose me too? Since our marriage you’ve spent all your time in taverns and never changed!”

“And did you forget where I took you from?”

“Don’t you dare insult me! At least I didn’t take the wrong path like others…”

“Enough nonsense, my head hurts. I need to rest. Tomorrow you’ll invite that Rebecca to lunch, or I’ll go fetch her myself.”

“I’ll invite her, on the condition you stop visiting taverns.”

“And I’ll stop visiting taverns if you’d just be quiet for a while…”

Lucy came at noon while I was checking on the workers at the restaurant. That stupid fake smile was familiar—I’d always seen it in the orphanage. She asked me to come, and I agreed immediately, pretending I was eager to renew our friendship.

“Do you still prefer lasagna?”

“Yes…”

“Very good…”

Those were her only words from the restaurant door to her house—or rather, her mansion.

The mansion was luxurious, clad in white stone, with expensive cars and well-kept gardens. Inside, the décor was even more stunning than the exterior. I stopped and admired the mansion, imagining myself its queen—waking whenever I pleased, sipping coffee in the courtyard, listening to music and dancing. Such beautiful dreams, and so close.

Before we entered the living room she said:

“Listen, my dear friend. I know you well, and I know your intentions. But my husband insists on this friendship, and I don’t break my promises to him.”

I didn’t reply at all.

“I knew it. No matter, let’s go.”

“Welcome, Miss Rebecca. Welcome to our home. Please don’t be shy, this house is your house. Whenever you wish, you have a place here.”

“Thank you, Mr. Henry.”

That day went fairly well. At times I forgot why I had come. I needed someone, a friend, a scent of the miserable past. I paused and told myself: Stop everything. Fix your relationships and focus on your work. But no—Lucy needs punishment. Lucy doesn’t love me. I am better than her in every way.