16 August 2017
"How was the meeting, little Jordi?"
Madame Sofia hustled out of the kitchen to catch Jordi at the entrance. The ladle in her hand was raised to strike an enemy at a moment's notice. Her green apron was stained by various shades of red, which only added to her ferociousness. Of course, the wide smile and closed eyes on her plump face shattered all the fear her attire would instill in you.
"Àvia, it was good. Did you see that last man we met?"
"Oh yes. The handsome boy whom I nearly smacked for smoking in front of my place."
"Heh. Yes, him. He was from Adidas. I have decided to sign with them."
Madame Sofia jumped from one foot to the other. She waved the ladle in her hand in jubilation.
"That is wonderful, ninet! Adidas is signing you. This calls for celebration. I will bring your favourite Mel I mató to little Teresa's birthday today."
Jordi smiled a shy smile at Madame Sofia, "Thank you, àvia!"
"Haha, Adidas footballer, but little Jordi is still so shy. That brat Ferran should learn a thing or two about politeness from his nephew. Where is he?"
"I think he went over to help Señor Garcia pack his gift."
"Ok, ok. Go on, ninet. I'll see you soon. Congratulations again."
…
Estel rushed over from the fountain opposite the Barcelona store when she recognized Jordi's back. In one swift motion, she jumped on his back and clung her arms around his shoulders. Fortunately, or maybe as Estel trusted, Jordi stayed standing after a couple of steps forward.
Estel leaned her head forward to look back at Jordi, "Look at you, Ombreta. You are finally taller than me. Now you can carry me wherever we go."
Jordi did not register much of what Estel spoke. He was consumed by her proximity and her scent. A slight turn was all it would take for him to kiss her cheek. If only the gust of wind blowing through their hair was strong enough to push his head towards her.
Estel was familiar with the look of loss that would often grace Jordi's face. In such moments, Estel compared him to the forlorn poets his mother loved reading. Not many things in life made Estel self-conscious. This stare of Jordi did. She could not fathom what it was that was so mesmerizing about her. These moments, however, would always leave Estel with straighter shoulders and an easier smile.
"Let's go, Jordi!"
Estel jumped off Jordi, grabbed his hand, and led him inside.
…
Ona Garcia had dressed her Teresa in a special white frock for her first birthday party. All the while, she could not help but become emotional. In the blink of an eye, her daughter was already one year old.
Teresa, from that little bundle of joy, was now the most beautiful child in the world. Her blue eyes roamed the sky outside the window in deep curiosity. Her nose was thin like her mother and her fair cheeks were always so rosy. Ona, at times, almost felt guilty for pinching them so much. The silky brown hair was tousled. Her hair, together with the identical eyes, reminded everyone in El Raval of her little uncle.
Ona gathered Teresa up in her arms when she heard Estel's voice from downstairs. Teresa jumped in Ona's arms and clapped her hands when she spotted Estel climb up the stairs. Soon, she was in Estel's arms, laughing at some antic her friend just pulled. However, the laugh soon turned into an excited shriek when Jordi walked into Teresa's sight. Estel may be little Teresa's best friend, but Jordi was her favourite person in the entire world.
…
The intimate birthday party began as the El Raval family gathered at the bakery. Everyone was amused to watch along as the 1-year-old Teresa spoke complete gibberish to hold a conversation with her uncle. Her mannerisms appeared to indicate that she was telling Jordi about everything that had happened while he was gone. Of course, Señor Garcia was quite unhappy when his granddaughter completely ignored her for the little brat, but who could he complain to?
Estel, with some help from her mother, painted a storybook for Teresa's birthday. Madame Sofia came with a kitchen playset, while Señor Garcia gifted his granddaughter a 4-foot teddy bear. Both Teresa and Estel loved that gift.
From Layla came too many clothes to count. Finally, her Uncle Jordi handed Estel a retro Barcelona baby jersey. This was a gift, but it was also a rite of passage. From Jordi's late grandfather to his Uncle Ferran. From Uncle Ferran to Jordi. And now, from Jordi to Teresa.