Pandora's Box

Three weeks later...

The fourteen rooms, the formal entrance hall, and the bathrooms have a mix of rustic, with their bright Spanish tiles in primary colors, and modern, with their 21st-century light fixtures. The tropical garden with shaded seating, the curvilinear pool that resembles a river, and its abundance of sun loungers, the huge patio for outdoor dining, and the oval lounge. None of the rooms were spared by both of us. Mr. X and I took advantage of the extra time created for the night and explored every inch of that place with our bodies, not caring if we were caught by anyone. The NGO had become our love nest, and nothing else mattered.

My eyelids are kissed gently, forcing me to open my eyes and meet X's. Our bodies are intertwined, almost becoming one on top of the bed in the hotel room. X caresses my hair while kissing the top of my head. I reciprocate by caressing his chest. I could stay there forever... feeling that peace I only have when I'm with him. Yes, I'm still seeing how far he and I will go, with no expectations, promises, or any pretense from either side, which made everything lighter and easier to deal with, without involving feelings. Mine are confused, especially when I think about Carlos.

Since my trip to Lisbon, he hasn't come to our house anymore. We speak coldly over the phone, usually about our son. The only thing I'm sure of is that I already feel like a single mother; now I just need the courage to make it official. This situation with Carlos was the push I needed to get more involved with X in these past few weeks. We were like magnets, unable to stay apart from each other for too long... so we didn't.

"Sweet..." X calls, caressing my face. "What are you thinking about?"

"About how these past few weeks went by so quickly," I reply with my eyes closed. "Now, there's only one week left until the inauguration."

"Yes," X recalls, intertwining his fingers with mine on his chest. "And for me to return to Switzerland."

"Yes," I confirm, holding my breath. Then I smile at him and run my hand over his face. "It was good while it lasted."

"Yes, but it would be better if, after the inauguration, you came with me to visit Switzerland. I'm sure you would love to explore that country."

"Wait," I say, getting up in surprise. "Are you inviting me to go with you to Switzerland?"

"Do you accept?" X asks, serious.

I observe X, who is lying calmly on the bed. He can't be serious... Switzerland? He and me together in Switzerland? This request was the most consistent thing X has ever said to me to date. Especially when it comes to us.

"So, do you accept?" X asks again.

"I would love to," I say, approaching his face and giving him a passionate kiss on his lips. Then I step back. "But I can't go... I have a life here... my son, MAMA... I can't just drop everything and go to Switzerland."

"Alright. But know that the invitation will stand whenever you want to go," X says, pulling me back to his side.

"I would have to plan a trip to Switzerland, and figure out who to leave Juan with, my family would never accept it..." I continue analyzing the request out loud. "Not to mention I would have to find a hotel to stay in."

"Hotel?" X asks, moving away from me to look into my face. "You are my guest, no hotels."

"Even so... I don't know... for now, the answer is no," I say, receiving a kiss from X.

For now, it's a no.
***
With less than a week until the inauguration, the only thing on my mind is making everything perfect. Even with so many months of preparation, I still feel like there's something else to be done or reviewed. I analyze the inauguration schedule and the list of confirmed guests, and then I see Carlos' name with a question mark and "plus one." He hasn't confirmed his attendance yet, and honestly, I don't know if he will come to the most important moment of my life this year. Another thing that strikes me as strange is the fact that my husband's name is listed as "plus one," meaning him and one more guest. Without a doubt, Filomena made a mistake, as he will be coming with me. I smile contentedly as I walk through Villa Catalina, now MAMA AFRICA. I feel immensely proud of the transformation I made in that place and how the headquarters has renewed me. I run my hand through my long, loose curls as I realize that I'm not fully renewed yet.

***
"Oh my God, Dalia! What did you do to your hair?" Filomena asks, surprised, as she sees me arriving at the MAMA inauguration with Juan in my arms. I run my hand through my shorter, curly hair, smiling contentedly with the result. "You look amazing!" Filó compliments, looking at my bright red dress with tribal yellow details. "Friend, you look perfect."
"Thank you," I reply with a smile as I put Juan down on the ground. I observe the decoration in the headquarters' garden, consisting of several white tents and tables, creating a lighter atmosphere as we decided to hold the inauguration during the day so that everyone could participate. "So, how are things going here? Has everyone arrived?"
"Almost everyone," Filomena answers, looking at the digital guest list on her tablet. "We're still missing a few investors, NGO members, and... Carlos. Is your husband coming?"
"I don't know," I reply honestly, picking Juan up in my arms again. "If he comes, it'll be straight from Lisbon, but don't count on it too much... has he arrived?"
"Yes. He's talking near the cold buffet table..." Filomena explains.
"Excuse me, Filó. I'll go talk to him," I interrupt, walking towards the location.
I walk on the grass, and my steps are uncertain, just the thought of X brings his request to my mind. Can I still go back and leave with him? Gradually, he appears, laughing amidst a lively group; his smile automatically triggers one on my lips. Until I see a manicured hand appear from behind him, and next to him, a beautiful blonde mane emerges with its owner of equal beauty. Her smile is elegant, with fine features, a slim body, and perfect posture in her beautiful long white dress. I freeze in my tracks at what I see: They smile at each other and then exchange a light kiss.
My blood boils, guiding my steps toward them, and in my head, several questions arise: Who is she? How dare he kiss her? What is happening here? X keeps smiling as he turns his head in my direction, but that smile disappears instantly. I approach the group, having no idea what to say to them as they stare at me, curious about my approach.
"Dalia Penedo, you finally joined us," X says with a slight smile. "Everyone, this is the mastermind behind all of this, Dalia Penedo."
"Dalia Penedo Salazar," I correct as I shake each of their hands until I reach X's companion, who doesn't let go of his arm. "Nice to meet you all."
"The pleasure is all mine, finally getting to meet the woman who has taken my husband for herself," the blonde says, holding my hand firmly. Does she know about us? I feel my blood drain from my face, and I think she notices too, so she gives a slight smile. "I'm just kidding. My name is Pandora. And I've heard a lot about you."