Mrs. C

Leila would win and other times she would lose, but all in all, she loved the thrill, the gamble and the chills when authorities would find out about the bets, monies and pawned bicycles or cell phones. I never complained or asked her to stop her gambling flicks, but she would always bring me doughnuts, milkshakes or ice cream, every time she wins. And when she loses, Leila would bring me a flower she plucked illegally from Mrs. Cobblestone's front yard garden. The poor old lady who had poor eyesight would smile whenever she catches Leila take a rose or two and pluck them without asking. Mrs. Cobblestone would say, you're welcome, and Leila still couldn't understand why the old hag, who she called the very wise and kind Madame said what she said. But the one time Leila took me there and watched how she played the Old Lady, and when the perfect moment that my friend plucked a rose, Mrs. Cobblestone would utter a "you're welcome". Leila would shake her head and giggle hard. And when I took the rose from Leila, I ran towards the nice woman and said my thank you's. Mrs. Cobblestone, laughed and asked my name when she stood asking for my hand, when she extended her arm to get my tiny, hand. And who might this cute, sweet girl be?

I'm Marissa, Ma'am! Everybody calls me, Sasa! Nice to meet you!, I cried embarrassed to be caught with Leila doing a sort of illegal thing, which was the first time I did in my entire young life.

Hi, there, Sasa. I love Leila visiting me every day and plucking my roses. Even if she is a bit arrogant, I know she wanted to thank me for my roses, but I've never heard her say thank you, until you came along! Be a good influence to her. She is a good girl and I know she will be the best friend you'll ever get, taking the time and effort just to get you something nice, something special....my roses!, Mrs. Cobblestone added and smiled tapping my hand. She kissed it and gave me about a dozen of them, which Leila thought of selling since they are so beautiful and fully grown. I took a piece and agreed with Leila to sell the others to the rich ladies shopping at Via Montenapoleone.

We got about 629 euros for the roses and Leila was so glad that she kissed me on the mouth, that also shocked the nerves out of me. Everyone knows that we are best of friends in our little town called San Sirio in the streets of Via Novara which is seven minutes to the city proper and twenty-eight minutes to Via Montenapoleone. It has been in our history books that Via Novara had a gas station explosion in the year 1968. Dad would always tell me the story but since it always creeped me out every time, I always declined hearing the story. But that was a very long time ago and my parents weren't even alive when that happened. It's 2100 and who could possibly remember everything that happened that time. Leila told me once that her granddad was there when the explosion happened. He was a month old and his parents were driving at the corner when the gas station exploded in front of their eyes. The family were safe but the destruction caused by the accident was enormous that the streets cracked and left families heartbroken with the lives lost from it.

I never wanted to leave Via Novara but when dad needed to be stationed for a job at Via Montenapoleone, mom and I didn't question his motives, since his job was his top priority which he always said that would pay for my college tuition. Leila got sad but we returned to our old home at Via Novara when dad had a much better offer at an office as the city's engineer and contractor for the building being renovated for a client he preferred than in San Sirio Stadium. I loved the stadium and it was always Leila's dream to watch the game there. But it wasn't cheap, yet we were kids then. I would always visit the stadium and remember Leila's dream of it, I wondered if we are together now she could watch all the games she wanted to for with me, sky is the limit. I am wealthy and my parents who both passed are pleased to see me living my dreams and helping, serving my countrymen in Milan, and the world. But how come I still feel so lonely, alone and empty inside? Why? Why do I still think of Leila who left, betrayed and lied to me? Why would I love to be with her when I can pay and even buy any young virgin girl not just in Milan but where ever in the world, you name it, I can!?

Why? Because I love her. God damn this heart! I can't teach or pay it to love somebody else. Instead it searches it's old home. The sweet, lovely and warm arms, body and heart of a woman who is now blind and cripple. The only woman I loved from the moment I saw her in school, the woman who left me and didn't even call or write to me. That bitch, who coldly brushed me aside and got impregnated by a bastard who I hated the most....Ahhhh!!!, Lillilan, I'm sorry. I need to go to the bathroom. I'll take a breather! Thank you!, I cried feeling dizzy, touching my heart since it's turning numb and hard because of the pain, the betrayal and lies. But still couldn't hate the one person who made my heart that way, Leila. I stood slowly and almost fell when Lillian caught my arm and helped me to the bathroom. I puked the tea and sweets I ate from earlier. I think my hyper acidity is making my stomach crazy. I never thought I had this until today. When I saw Leila and her situation that made me a bit relieved which my head repeatedly say "that's what you get for all the lies, the betrayal, the bad things you did..." But my heart pities Leila and still wants to help her to get better, which is what I intend to do. I will help her and I promised my parents that I would find her and protect her. Now, I can do that. With my money and connections Leila can see and walk in no time.