Free Maria by Briana Gaitan Page A

lot.” She shrugged as if she were used to it.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be. I’m not. They give me everything I want. See this?” She pulled an expensive looking phone out of the backpack. “People can’t even get these for another two months. My dad got me one last week!”
    “Do they know you’re here?” I didn’t want to get in trouble; surely, there were rules about these types of things.
    “No.” She beamed. “They don’t know I’m here. I’m awesome at getting information, figuring things out. I’m like Sherlock Holmes…no… or was it Watson that was the clever one? Anyway, have you seen that movie? It’s one of my favorites; I’ve seen like a gazillion times.”
    “Actually, I have. I’m a sucker for Jude Law.”
    “Exactly!”
    I cleared my throat and walked over to the kitchen table. “Gimme just a moment.” Sitting down, I used my hands to calm my shaking knees and took a few deep breaths. From the corner of my eye, I snuck another look at her. She was beautiful, and I wasn’t saying that just because I gave birth to her. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she would soon be breaking hearts with those big round eyes and lips.
    “I’m sorry. This isn’t what I expected to be doing at midnight. Actually, I was about to make some tea, want some?” I didn’t wait for an answer. I jumped up and fumbled around to put the kettle on the stove.
    “Aren’t you going to ask my name?”
    “What? Oh, yes. Please excuse me. What did they, your parents I mean, name you?”
    “My name is Jenna.”
    “Jenna,” I said the name softly to myself. “You said you had questions? About my genealogy?”
    “Oh, no. That was just a lie in case you turned out to be a real stiffer. You seem kinda cool, so I’m gonna come out and say it. First off, I wanted to know…about my father. His name wasn’t in the files.”
    I gripped the edge of the counter as a million emotions flowed through my body. Rage, anger, hurt, betrayal. Feelings that had been locked up for over a decade spilled in like a wild fire.
    “You came all this way to ask about your father?”
    “Well, no. I want to know about you, but I’m most curious about him. I don’t even know his name.”
    I pulled two mugs out and set them down. “Kid, his name isn’t important. He isn’t important. You have a father that loves you at home. Your best bet is to there and forget this ever happened.”
    “Why don’t you let me decide what is and isn’t important,” she snapped. My ears popped up. She had his fiery attitude and persistence as well. It didn’t matter though. I didn’t want to talk about him. Opening this door could bring my entire world down.
    “I’m gonna call your parents to come and get you.” I reached for my cell, but her hand shot out and grabbed mine.
    “Please,” she begged. “Please don’t call them. I’ve only got a few questions. Please? If you were me, wouldn’t you wanna know?”
    Guilt. That was the feeling inside of me, swirling around and tearing up my insides. What could it hurt? Answer a few questions, send the girl on her way, and I’ll be on with my life. “Okay, you can stay for a moment, but I’m gonna drive you home. This isn’t the safest part of town to be wandering around in.”
    “Deal! So does he know about me?”
    “No.” I pulled out a few bags of Earl Gray. Breath Maria, you can do this.
    “Were you married to him?”
    Oh, no. I can’t do this . “No.”
    “Do you still talk to him?”
    Why did I agree to talk about him? “No.” The teakettle started screaming.
    “Were you in love with him?”
    I swallowed, a knot forming as I did so, before answering. “No.”
    “Are you going to say anything else besides no?”
    “Nope.” I filled the cups up with hot water and looked up at her with amusement. “Alright, questions asked. Let’s get you home.”
    “What?” she crossed her arms in front of her body and her eyes barrowed in on me. “I’m not going anywhere