I won the battle, but the war...

Although Carlos agreed to date me, deep down, I knew it was only to not be alone since he spent so much time dating the other. Although he says he loves my company and I always make him in a good mood. We had lunch together almost every day, left school and waited for him at his home. But as the title of the chapter says, I had only won the battle.

His ex-mother-in-law was very attached and even though she knew he was dating, she had the audacity to go clean his house and change the sheets. I thought in time it would stop, but...

We already had two months of dating, when one day we were making out on the couch, after lunch, when I hear someone open the door. Carlos practically jumped from the couch towards the door. I hear the voice of a woman talking to Carlos and get up, going towards the kitchen.

— Carlito, I hope you like the snacks, I made especially for you. - says the woman who was old enough to be the mother of my Carlos. And what was the story of calling him Carlitos.— Now I’m going to clean your house, it’s a mess, young man.

—Thanks for the snacks , Dona Mercedes, but today will not be necessary. - says Carlos very low, sure so that I did not listen.

—Don’t be so humble... The house is in need of cleaning.

That conversation made my blood boil… I who am his girlfriend two months ago do not have the key to his house and the former mother-in-law has? He still acted like he was alone! They don’t even know who Dalia Penedo is. I adjust my breasts in my bra and appear only in panties and bra, propping my arm in the door, very sensual, while the two stare at me perplexed.

— Love, will it take a long time? - I ask, provocative. Carlos almost has a thing ,while Mercedes faces me , red. I look at her from head to toe and say:—Since I’m his new girlfriend, when you leave, leave the key because next time I may be completely naked.

Mercedes didn’t know where to put her face, although I have an idea of a great place, as well as Carlos.

—Apologies for the inconvenience. - asks Mercedes, handing the key to Carlos and leaving.

I watched her leave with a smile on my lips when I turned and came across the fury of Carlos, who has his hands on his waist.

— What was it? - I ask playing innocent.

—You did not need to have been so vulgar. - accuses Carlos.

— Maybe if you had introduced me as your girlfriend, I wouldn’t have had to do it. - Bounce, annoyed. — And while we’re still talking about it: Why does she still have her key if we’ve been together for two months? Why does she have it and I don’t?

— So you did it because of a key? - asks Carlos, nervous.

—No. I did it because I’m tired of seeing it circulating around here, freely, while I have to wait for you. Don’t you realize that she only treats you well because you are a doormat for her, or rather, for them? - I accuse, angry. I point at him and continue.— I’m tired of being your girlfriend only between these walls, while I don’t exist outside.

— Dalia...  - says Charles, indicating that I am reaching its limit.

— It’s true! It’s very comfortable for you to date me here, make out, but that’s it. And I don’t just want that! I want more and deserve more! I’ve already told you that I’m going to marry you, Carlos! So I think it’s good that you start thinking about going to the next step if you want to touch my body next time.

—Please, Dalia, you’d better go. You’ve crossed all the lines if you really think I’m that kind of guy. - Retorts Carlos, upset.

— You don’t have to send me away because I was really already thinking about going. - I reply, going towards the room. I wear my school uniform and turn to him saying: — If you are not that man, prove it.

— What do you mean? - asks Carlos without understanding.

— Marry me. - I respond by looking intensely at him. I don’t expect an immediate response when I see Carlos' shocked look. I walk towards the door and leave, irritated.

As I walk towards my home, I wonder if this is really how I would end my relationship with Carlos. After all, I did, a stupid fight destroyed everything.

I walk into the house and thank my parents for not being in the room. But I don’t have the same luck when I enter my room and come across Valerie playing on the computer. I lie in my bed, still thinking about the discussion I had with Carlos.

— Is everything okay? - asks Valeria, lying next to me. She hugs me and let some stubborn tears fall: — You fought, right?

— Carlos is a fool.- I exclaim, irritated. I look at my sister and smile, trying to reassure her: — Do not worry, I will still marry him.

— And does he know that? - asks my sister, afraid.

—Now he knows. - I reply, enigmatic.

***

It had been a few days and Carlos did not even give a sign of life. And I was proud I did not go after him either. In fact, I was already thinking of another way to win him over again.

We were all sitting at the table having dinner when the doorbell rang. After a few minutes, our waitress showed up to let us know who she was:

— Mr. Ramon, sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Carlos Salazar would like to speak to you.

My father, Ramon Salazar, stares at me, curious. But all he finds is the surprise of hearing Carlos' name.

—Excuse everyone. - says my father standing up.

Although my father is in his fifties, he is still the kind of man who put fear just by walking. His gray hair touches the tip of the collar of his black suit. Dad, even at home, always walks neatly. Which is understandable since my father is a diplomat. I stand up with him, who stares at me in surprise. Then orders:

— Sit down, Dalia.

— He is my boyfriend and I have the right to go with you, because I am also interested in what this is about.

—Dalia. - rebukes my mother for my audacity. But she knows that I am as stubborn as my father.

—Let her, Dulce. - says my father, turning. I almost run to reach my father. He glances at me, saying: —I hope this is no longer one of his tricks.

My heart races as I walk beside my father, as soon as Carlos appears, I feel that my heart has stopped as well as my breath.

— Good evening, Mr. Penedo. – says Charles, very pale, showing nervous.

—Good evening, Carlos. - my father replies with the face of few friends. — Let’s go to my room.

My father goes ahead, leaving me and Carlos following him behind. I face Carlos, who avoids my gaze. Then I approach and ask, almost like a breath:

— What are you doing here?

—Proving. - replies Carlos, passing in front of me.

My father sits in his wine chair while smoking his pipe. I sit on the couch next to his armchair, leaving Carlos alone on the couch in front of us. His leg is choppy, as well as his hands that twist. He takes a deep breath and then he shoots:

— Lord Ramon Penedo, I come tonight to ask for the blessing and the hand of your daughter, Dalia Penedo in marriage. I know it seems rash, but I want you to know that my intentions are the best and most respectful possible.

— Good, you’re right, my boy. - My father replies to the pipe on his lips. — You’ve been dating for two months, I doubt you’re prepared for that kind of relationship.

— I am. - I reply, promptly receiving the incredulous look of my father.— I am ready to marry Carlos. I know enough to marry him.

—Carlos... could you leave me and my daughter alone? - my father asks, which is not really a question, but an order.

—Undoubtedly, Mr. Penedo. – Carlos answers by getting up.

As soon as my boyfriend left, my father got up from his armchair and stopped in front of me. He put his hands on his waist and watched me at length.

—Before I consider the request of that young man in love, I need to know if this is serious or just a bad joke. - says my father, thoughtfully.

—Good, he said he has the best of intentions and I believe him. - I answer, serious. — I don’t think he’s kidding.

—I know he’s not here, but I need to know from you: Is this really serious for you, or is this another one of your pranks? Are you taking this commitment seriously, or will you soon tire and change your mind? - my father asks, merciless. His words offend me. I never thought my father thought that of me. — Because that boy is willing to marry you, now I want to know if it also exists inside you.

— Carlos is the only man with whom I am able to marry.- I reply, sincere. Tears roll down my face proving the truth of my words. — I love Carlos and nothing could change that.

— All right. - my father says, really. He goes to the door and lets Carlos into the room. This time, my boyfriend sits next to me, his icy hands hold mine. My father stops in front of us and says: —  I will only think of giving my blessing if the Dalia promises me that it will finish its studies and enter a good college.

— That’s fine by me. - says Carlos smiling at me that I’m not at all happy to know it. I shoot my father with my eyes.

— But that will take a long time. - I claim, angry.— You cannot demand this from me.

—Either you promise, or you will not have marriage… the choice is only your Dalia Penedo. - says my father, imposing.