After a while, my hand starts to get sweaty, but I don't pull it away. I let him hold it, giving me the comfort I need. Sofia sleeps in her car seat, and even though the sun is shining outside, it's cool inside because of the air conditioning.
I let my head rest against the seat and close my eyes for a moment. I'm so tired. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to take Sofia with me, afraid of my parents—afraid they might reject me, afraid of everything that could happen if this marriage goes wrong.
I barely slept last night because of my thoughts, so the moment I lean back and close my eyes, I feel light as a feather.
I can still feel the movement of the car, but it doesn't bother me. It's like I'm asleep, but still aware of everything around me.
My body and mind are relaxed, but I know where I am. That's normal after you become a mother. You never fully sleep—you're always alert, even when you are asleep, ready for any sign your baby gives. A small movement, a soft whimper, and you wake up instantly.
That's the state I'm in now, but I let myself relax. Even more when I feel his hand still holding mine.
Eduardo is… how can I say it? In every sense of the word—a man.
He keeps me close, he's gentle and kind. I don't understand this whole marriage thing, but somehow I know he wouldn't hurt me.
If only this were a real marriage…
— Malia?
I hear Eduardo's voice calling me, and I open my eyes.
He's smiling, and I blink, rubbing them.
— You talk in your sleep, he says, and I immediately go on alert.
I do? And what did I say? Please, let it not be something embarrassing.
— I do? I ask, pretending ignorance.
He just smiles again and nods.
— And what did I say? I'm not even sure I want to know.
— About the…
He starts to answer, but I hear Sofia beginning to fuss.
Only then do I realize we've stopped, and I quickly recognize the bus station in my hometown.
— We're already here? Wow, that was fast, I say, looking at him.
— It really was. I had a lot of fun with you the whole way, he says, amused.
I groan.
— Forget I asked about what I said. I'd rather not know.
He laughs softly. It's a beautiful laugh.
— Alright. But I won't forget what you said. Not a chance, he adds, and I feel like dying, hoping it wasn't anything too embarrassing. — Now, tell me how to get to your parents' house.
I nod, and as soon as he starts the car again, I guide him the whole way. The town is small, so in less than five minutes, we're turning onto my parents' street.
But the moment we turn the corner, I regret coming in the middle of the afternoon. Not when the weather is nice and all the neighborhood women are sitting outside, chatting and laughing—right in front of my parents' house, with my mother among them.
— Do you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, Eduardo? I ask as he slowly drives down the street.
— Of course, he replies, clearly confused.
— Then get ready… and stop next to that pack of wolves dressed like sweet old ladies by that black gate, I say, and he laughs. — Don't laugh. They'll devour you the second you step out of the car.
He laughs even more and pulls up right beside them. Even inside the car, I can feel the silence as they stare at the luxury vehicle parked in front of Dona Vilma's house, probably thinking we're just asking for directions.
— I don't mind being devoured… unless my girlfriend and future fiancée gets jealous, he says, smiling as he opens the door. — Come on, Malia.
He steps out, closing the door behind him, and I gather the courage to follow.
— Good afternoon, ladies, I hear him say.
The "ladies" whisper among themselves until they all turn to me. The first to speak is my mother.
— Oh my goodness, Malia, my daughter! she says, rushing to hug me.
— Hi, Mom, I say, hugging her tightly. — Can you help me get Sofia? She's still in the car.
After the hug, she eagerly helps with the bags while I take Sofia from her seat.
— Tell me, girl, who is that handsome young man? Dona Maria, the neighbor, asks.
Of course. Not even a greeting first. Priorities, right?
— My boyfriend, I say, a little embarrassed, and I see Eduardo smile at me.
My mother, who had just set the bags down, looks at me wide-eyed.
— Boyfriend? Really? But what about Henrique? I mean—I'm not asking in a bad way, dear, I'm just surprised, she says, then looks at Eduardo apologetically.
— It's alright, he replies politely.
— Mom, let's take everything inside and talk there, okay? I suggest, and she nods quickly.
I hear Dona Maria grumble along with the others, and my mother shoots them a sharp look.
— Stop being nosy. My daughter is here, and I haven't seen her in a long time. Go gossip at your own doors, she snaps before walking inside.
I follow her without hesitation. They're always bickering, but never apart. The only thing I admire about them is their friendship—they never speak badly about each other behind their backs. Others, though… that's a different story.
We step into my parents' large house, and I smile. I remember when we moved here. This whole neighborhood was being developed back then, and the land was cheap. My parents bought four lots side by side and built a big house—one room for each child and two extra.
We used to live in a cramped house, so they wanted something spacious.
There are four of us siblings, and I'm the only one who moved out. The youngest of four, all of them engineers and architects, all working with my father and still living here.
— Put the bags here and let's have some coffee. I just made some. Your father and brothers should be here soon. Would you like some, dear? my mother asks Eduardo, already bringing the coffee pot.
— Yes, ma'am. Thank you.
— Girl, how could you stay away for so long? Do you have any idea how worried I've been? she scolds me.
— I'm sorry, Mom… so much has happened…
My eyes fill with tears.
— Hey, don't cry. It's okay, my love, Eduardo says, stepping closer and gently rubbing my back.
I know he's already playing his part, but it comforts me.
— What happened, Malia? You're scaring me, my mother says, and I can see the worry in her eyes.
— Can we wait until Dad and the boys get here? I'd rather tell everyone at once.
— Of course, dear. I'll get some juice and cookies for my little princess, she says, still worried, taking Sofia with her.
— Easy, Eduardo whispers, brushing my hair away from my face. — They're your parents. They deserve to know what you went through.
— I know… I just don't want to hurt them, I say, letting a tear fall.
He wipes it away just as the front gate opens and my father and brothers walk in, laughing.
My father sees me first and freezes, surprised—both by me and by Eduardo.
— Malia…
He rushes over and hugs me tightly, and I hug him back.
— What were you thinking? Why didn't you call? Bryan asks.
— Or send a message… Breno adds.
— Or, I don't know, an email or a letter? Bruno finishes, and I smile.
— I missed you too, idiots, I say, hugging them.
— You didn't.
— You would've called.
— Or texted.
— Or emailed. — they continue, and I laugh.
— It's been complicated. But first, let me introduce my boyfriend.
All eyes turn to Eduardo.
— This is Eduardo. Eduardo, this is my father, David Santos, and my brothers—Bryan, Breno, and Bruno.
— Nice to meet you, he says, shaking their hands politely.
— Finally dumped that idiot.
— Never liked him.
— This one's better looking.
They speak one after the other, as always.
— How long have you been together? my father asks.
— Two months, sir, Eduardo answers.
— Not long.
— Too short.
— Way too short.
— Extremely short.
My brothers cross their arms, all three at once.
— You're not starting this, are you? I say. — We came because I wanted you to meet Eduardo… and to tell you what's been happening.
I step closer to him and take his hand.
He squeezes it gently, telling me to continue.