A Curvy Girl on My Hill

8 - Larissa

NARRATED BY LARISSA

I spent the whole morning with Milena in her room, with her telling me everything about the community. I was scared, but also enchanted by the things she told me, and very curious. She helped me put away everything we had bought; I had never owned so much stuff like that before.

At noon, Dona Sandra called us for lunch, and imagine the delicious meals she makes. There was stroganoff, rice, salad, and crispy potato sticks. You know that food with a touch of grandma's cooking? A delight.

After lunch, on Milena's insistence, I ended up leaving the house with her. She wanted to have an açaí at a café in the square. We stepped outside her house, which is very secure. I counted just the guys standing in front of the house doing security, and there were six.

She greeted them, and they nodded, barely looking at her. I think it must be because of her brother; the guy is huge. He looks like one of those movie guys, you know - that gym beast. He's got a big, intimidating body. I've heard that men with such big bodies have nothing down below. I shake my head to dispel these crazy thoughts.

We walked down the hill, and she showed me where each place was. She showed me where the court for dances was: the health center, the pharmacy, the market, the school, and the daycare. Inside here, it feels like a city. It has everything - shops, restaurants, name it all.

We arrived at the square, and there were some kids having fun on the playground, while the older ones played soccer on a field in the middle of the square. Milena pulled me by the hand and we went to an açaí café. She ordered a small bowl for herself, and I ordered an açaí with Nutella and strawberry. We sat at a table and waited for our order until a well-built blonde entered.

“Hey, sis-in-law,” she says, looking at Milena. Milena rolls her eyes.

“I didn't know my brother was committed or got involved with a slut. The day he acknowledges you, then you can call me sis-in-law. Don't talk to me,” Milena says, and I widen my eyes looking at the two. The girl looks at her with a mocking smile and leaves, swaying. I get tense with the situation.

Then Milena tells me, “Don't worry, Larissa. That one is just one of the sluts who hangs around with my brother and thinks she's the main girl.”

“And what is "main girl," friend?” I asked, curious.

“Main girl is what the criminals call their women. Like, if I marry or date one of them, I will be his main girl. Got it? That's it.”

I understood, but found it quite funny.

“But it's a funny term, isn't it?”

“Yeah, it is kind of funny.”

Soon, the lady brought us our order, and we started eating the açaí there. I kept watching those kids playing and imagining how good it was to be a child, to have your parents, to be able to come home and hug them. I stayed there lost in my thoughts.

Milena noticed my distraction and asked with a gentle smile, “What are you thinking about, Larissa?”

I shook my head, trying to shake off the melancholic thoughts.

“Oh, nothing much. Just thinking about how different it is here, you know? It feels like another life.”

She nodded in understanding.

“It's a world of its own with its rules and ways of being. But there's a lot of good here, too; it's not just what you hear out there.”

I agree. “You're right. It's just that... everything is so different from my neighborhood. Sometimes, it's hard to believe it's in the same city.”

Milena laughed softly. “Yeah, but that's how life is. Everyone with their reality.”

We finished the açaí in silence, each lost in our thoughts. I was starting to understand a little more about life on the hill, but I knew there was still much to discover.

After finishing the açaí, Milena and I walked back home. The sun was slowly setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. It was a beautiful spectacle, contrasting with the hustle and bustle of the hill. Many young people casually carrying weapons, and it seemed very normal here.

As we climbed back up, Milena pointed out different spots, explaining a bit more about life there. She mentioned how people were united, how they helped each other, and how, despite the problems, it was a strong and resilient community.

“You'll get used to all this, Lari,” she said, looking at me with a reassuring smile. “This is a place that, at first, might seem complicated, but then you see that there's a lot of good stuff too.”

I nodded, absorbing her words. It was a new environment for me, full of challenges and peculiarities, but also with warmth and fascinating stories.

When we arrived at her house, we said goodbye at the door.

“Thanks for today, Milena. It was nice to learn more about all this.”

She smiled. “I'm glad you liked it, Lari. I know you're not in the mood, but there's a party tonight. You may want to come and check it out. I'd love to have some company for the party.”

Hearing Milena's invitation to the party, I felt a bit hesitant. On the one hand, I was very curious, after all, she had told me so much about those lively events. On the other hand, I still felt a bit out of place there.

“Party? Tonight?” I asked, trying to hide my uncertainty.

“Yes, it's every Friday here at the court nearby. It's pretty cool. There will be music, dancing, lots of people. And we can go together, no need to worry,” she explained, noticing my hesitation.

I smiled, trying to convince myself to accept.

“It could be interesting to check out. And what's it like there?” Milena laughed, excited.

“It's a party, Lari! Lots of music, people dancing, laughing... You'll see, it's a whole different vibe.”

I took a deep breath, deciding it would be a good opportunity to meet different people and distract myself a bit.

“Alright, then. Let's go to the party.”