Free Raquel's Abel by Leigh Barbour Page A

between long naps, Maria Elena brought me liquids my system could tolerate. I felt more hopeful about life than I could ever remember. No longer did I have a cloud hanging over my head that ruined every adventure that I decided to undertake. No longer would I be a victim of obesity. I’d just go on and live my life.
    During those first few weeks I spent most of my time in bed. Abel’s visits were always pleasant. He read me poetry from my grandfather’s library until I fell asleep. And he really seemed to enjoy the fact I was happy and hopeful.
    A few weeks later, my strength began to return, and I actually ate a little bit of solid food. Unlike before, now I really looked forward to eating small portions and lean meat. The thought of gobbling down sweets or fatty foods like barbecue or French fries made me nauseous. I felt like a new person.
    Finally, as I began to be able to feel my hips and thighs becoming slimmer, I pulled out a dress I’d purchased a few years ago. I held it up and looked in the mirror. A thrill ran through me, giving me goose bumps. It looked like it would fit. I chuckled to myself, thinking that given a little time, even this would be way too big.
    The garment was a dark burgundy with a scarlet neckline. I slid it over my shoulders and it lusciously glided over my derriere. As I lifted my arms to zip it, my stitches smarted.
    I looked in the mirror. I had a long way to go, but already my jaw line had more definition and my figure actually tapered into a waistline the dress hugged. I couldn’t wait for someone to see me. The fabric bounced against my one ankle and the cast as I made my way downstairs.
    Grandmother kept her eyes glued to the television while Maria Elena explained to her what was happening on the Spanish soap opera. Her favorite character, Marcio, still had his wife in the dark about his extra-curricular activities. As Maria Elena translated, Grandmother seemed to really enjoy it, her eyes trained on the screen. She nodded whenever Maria Elena remarked how guapo the actor was.
    “Taa-daa,” I exclaimed as I entered the room, modeling the dress by pulling out the skirts and doing the sharpest turns I could with my bad ankle.
    “It too beautiful.” Maria Elena stood up and clapped.
    “I do believe that my granddaughter takes after Victoria’s side of the family.”
    Was she saying that I resembled Queen Victoria? I didn’t want to argue about that right now as I enjoyed the dress I’d been able to fit into.
    “You will looking good dancing in that dress,” Maria Elena assured me.
    “Thank you,” I giggled. “I’m thinking I’d like to go shopping.”
    “I coming with you, Señorita Raquel?”
    “That’s a great idea.” I’d never looked forward to buying clothes before. Of course I’d still be shopping in the big women’s department, but at least this time I wouldn’t wear the biggest size in the entire store.
    Grandmother raised both of her hands in a fan-like gesture. “Raquel, you look so lovely. I wish I could find my old jewelry for you to wear with that outfit.”
    “Jewelry?” I didn’t recall any jewelry my grandmother had.
    “Yes, you know there were so many things that the Romanovs had. My mother had us sew many of our jewels into our corsets when we were leaving the palace. I have many pieces. I just don’t seem to be able to find them.”
    “Grandmother, you couldn’t possibly have jewelry from the Russian royal family!”
    “And why not? My mother was very fond of that Fabergé man. Carl, I think was his name.”
    “Please don’t keep this nonsense up,” I pleaded. The thought of there being things in the house from the Romanovs who’d been murdered and chopped into tiny pieces made me shiver.
    My grandmother looked back at the television. “It isn’t nonsense. One day you’ll see.”
    Exasperated, I turned to Maria Elena. “Let’s go shopping after lunch.”
    I walked back upstairs without saying anything else to my