Chapter. 9. Memories.

The Mendez home was a large, affluent three-story house with a huge garden. It was one of those houses with huge garages. There he kept five cars of different models. They also had a large pool where they had some of their best parties in the summer. Ah! And you cannot forget the great ballroom where they received the greatest personalities of the country.

The matriarch of the family was the owner of one of the largest companies in the region, so they could live comfortably. Two old men lived in that mansion, the matriarch's parents who had entrusted their entire fortune to her. Her name is Merlía, a widow since she was 30 years old. Her husband had died in a car accident. cars

The family also had two descendants who in the future would be responsible for the businesses. The firstborn was Mario. An extremely responsible and humble boy. Without a doubt it was the hope of the Mendez Company. His hair was dark and he always wore it well combed. He was tall and in the future he would undoubtedly be a great gallant.

The second daughter was Marlía, a sweet and extremely curious girl. When she was 5 years old, they took her to the lobby of the main company and she kept asking questions. Why are the walls yellow? Where are the plants? Why are you only hearing whispers? At that moment everyone laughed at his curious questions. But it was not the same when he was 10 years old. Perhaps they already expected him to mature as the first-born and take a little more care in the image of the family. That is to say, he did not have to worry about walls, plants and whispers, but about bills, salaries and investments.

Marlía fondly remembered every Christmas at home. They always threw big parties and invited family members, partners and renowned figures of the moment. In these activities there was a lot of music, dances, fireworks and what Marlía loved the most: sweets. During the festivities the second heiress of the Mendez snooped around the aperitif table, danced at her own pace without the need for a partner, and ran to the roof of the house to see the lights exploding in the sky.

That's how hectic their Christmases were. Marlía was happy. But one day his mother suggested something different to him.

-You see. Do you like it? - Asked her mother showing her that large room on the third floor.- You are just bathed and the dress is new so try not to get dirty.

-Yes mom! - Marlia answered, sniffing around the candy table.

Marlía was dressed in a pretty light blue dress. She looked like a little princess with her elegant hairstyle and diamond crown. As for Merlía, she also wore an elegant outfit very similar to what the ladies wore during the Victorian era.

-When the music starts you will listen to it here, and you have enough space to dance as much as you want.- The mother walked to the window checking that they were properly closed.- From here you can see the fireworks well. - She returned to the exit of the room.- Mar, dear, do not leave here. Yes?

-Yes mom.

"Will you be okay?" She asked somewhat resentful of what she was going to do.

-Yes. Of course!

Without further thought, the mother forced a smile and locked the door. The hours passed and Marlía was entertained for several hours: she jumped to the music and made her dress fly, she ate as many sweets as she wanted and every so often she looked out the window to see if the fireworks went off. But they were taking too long. The 10-year-old girl got bored after two hours of celebration. After all, it wasn't the same without her mother and grandparents scolding her, or without her brother smiling at her and dancing with her.

Marlía got up from the floor and looked at the window one last time. The sky was dark, not even the stars were visible. Then he looked at the candy table, he still had some cakes left, but he didn't crave any more.

"Maybe some ice cream ..." she commented walking to the door. He knew his mom would be upset because he shouldn't go out. In addition he had soiled his clothes with the sweets he had eaten.- I will ask your forgiveness.

The girl stood in front of the door and moved the handle. But it does not yield. He moved it again. Again. And again. He started to freak out. The door had been locked. I couldn't get out. He ran to the windows. All were closed. I couldn't open them. He ran to the door.

"Mom!" I scream. "Mom!" Marlía screamed for her mother but her screams were overshadowed by the music. "The door won't open!" Mom help me! Mother!

Marlía called her mother through tears. But it was impossible for anyone to hear her.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" No one heard her.

The party was taking place on the first floor so it was impossible for them to hear it even when the music had stopped. Half an hour later the door opened. The girl had gotten tired of screaming. No one had come for her. She was scared and had just sat in the corner of the room sobbing.

-Lía. What do you have? - Asked the first-born of the family. He thought that his sister was feeling bad, and therefore had not gone to the party. It was strange for him to see that door closed and he opened it just out of curiosity.

Marlía raised her head and looked excitedly at the older man.

-Brother! - Without giving him time he threw himself to hug the older one.- He was afraid. The door ... the door was locked. I didn't break it, I swear ... So ...

-Quiet Lía ...- Mario said hugging the smallest.- Everything is fine.- He did not think that his beloved mother would really go to that point to "take care of the image of the family." I had heard the grandparents comment on the idea of leaving little Marlía somewhere far from the party so that no one would see her strange dance steps or her way of devouring sweets- I thought you wanted some ice cream.

Marlía looked at him with eyes shining with tears, but now with a big smile.

-Brother. Will you see the lights with me? - Asked the smallest referring to the fireworks.

-Of course! - He answered sure laughing.- I just hoped you would invite me.

Mario did not agree with those ideas of his mother and grandparents. He wouldn't let his sister get pushed away. She was a Mendez too. If someone did not like the way they act, then they should abstain.

Her brother never left her alone in the important moments, and Christmas turned into a good evening between brothers. Until Marlía was forced to enter that rare scholarship, a special school. He would have to stay there until summer vacation. In addition, visits were not allowed under any circumstances.

Mario still wondered how his mother and grandparents allowed them to take their little sister away from home in such a way. But nothing surprised him anymore. That is not why I would stop sending you a well-deserved gift for Christmas and Christmas Eve. He just hoped he had someone to share it with.