| Rosa and Britta entered the Blue Star. It being a | | | | her brother but working for him as well. |
| large well lit diner that made use of its position at | | | | Suddenly, the sound which Rosa feared the most |
| the corner of the street by having entrances on | | | | was heard. This given it brought back memories |
| both sides. It could also be said that the "Blue | | | | which Britta knew from where of they came. It |
| Star" was just that, with everything in the place | | | | was the sound she recognized as the one her |
| being a dark blue; making it seem as if one were | | | | phone made whenever it was receiving a text |
| eating at the bottom of the ocean. There was | | | | message. It was this sound which always caused |
| also a casual relaxing grace about this place which | | | | in her the same reaction of near panic that on |
| its patrons seemed to appreciate, specially those | | | | this occasion rushed her to quickly get to her |
| who like Britta went there on their lunch break. | | | | phone; her having placed it in her left leg pocket |
| It was the Blue Star's lunch hour crowd which | | | | of her overalls. As she opened the phone ( first |
| forced them to take seats at the long round | | | | looking through the window on the phone) she |
| counter that surrounded the cooking area. It being | | | | saw that the message was from her brother. |
| there where they were attended by Juan, the | | | | The message whose content bought her relieve |
| black waiter from Costa Rica. "Hola, Rosa como | | | | (as it was nothing to worry about) was "Le has |
| estas? And how are you today Britta? And what | | | | dicho a tu amiga la doctora lo que te pedi? Y |
| can I get you senoritas today? Here is the menu, | | | | cuando me va poder ver me para hablar? |
| you look at it and tell me what you want I be | | | | Derrepente manana antes o despues de tu |
| back." were the words from their sometimes | | | | concierto el que tu me dijiste sera en el Parque |
| overly friendly waiter; who was so busy that he | | | | Central podemos invitarla a algun lugar o en tu |
| did not even have time to stand around and gab | | | | casa?". (Have you told your friend the doctor |
| or hear their reply to his question. | | | | what I asked? And when can we get together |
| "Britta, what you recommend I have today? You | | | | and talk? Maybe tomorrow before or after your |
| know what is best for me and Geraldito, like you | | | | concert in Central Park? We can take her |
| know I will call him." was what Rosa cried out to | | | | somewhere or at your place.) |
| Britta, trying to be heard over the roar of those | | | | "It's from my brother Manuel, he asked me if I |
| who were also eating at the Blue Star. "Rosa you | | | | asked you to be his doctor, he asked me if he |
| eat what you want, you know what to avoid and | | | | could speak to you maybe tomorrow before or |
| as I have already told you your weight is what it | | | | after my concert at the park or at my place or |
| should be." was Britta response as she knew that | | | | maybe we go out somewhere for a drink? (now |
| most expecting mothers liked to be reassured of | | | | her voice and face showing the idea that had hit |
| what they already knew to be true. | | | | her) Why you don't meet my brother here and |
| "Ok, I'll tell you what, since today is your turn to | | | | then you two go to my concert together? He |
| invite, I will have what ever you are having." was | | | | could meet you after work. You know tomorrow |
| Rosa's reply who seemed tired to the point of | | | | I can't meet you till after the concert because I |
| not even wanting to look over the menu. Today, | | | | am going to be busy, so why don't you meet him |
| there was something about Rosa that Britta had | | | | here yourself and he will tell you what he wants |
| taken notice of. It giving her the sensation that | | | | from you. Is that Ok?" cried out Rosa as she put |
| Rosa was waiting for the appropriate moment to | | | | her right arm around Britta; to thank her once |
| tell her something or perhaps ask her for a favor | | | | again for what she was about to do for her |
| and it was while looking over the choices on the | | | | brother. |
| menu that she could feel Rosa's eyes on her; as if | | | | "Ok, tell your brother I will meet him here |
| she were analyzing if now was the appropriate | | | | tomorrow at 18:00, after work and he can tell me |
| moment to say what thoughts her mind was | | | | what he wants from me and give me his medical |
| turning over. | | | | records.", Britta replying in her relaxed Swedish |
| There was something in Rosa's tone when she | | | | voice which came in sharp contrast to Rosa's |
| said "Britta" that told her she wanted something | | | | anxiety while sharing a laugh which was drowned |
| from her which she felt uneasy about asking. It | | | | out by the overall noise in the diner. It was at this |
| was as if she were making a request on | | | | point that Rosa felt the confidence she needed to |
| someone else's behalf or as if she were about to | | | | send her brother a reply to his SMS, telling him |
| ask her something which she would have to think | | | | that her doctor and best friend (since the death |
| over, like weather or not she would agree to | | | | of her spouse) was also going to be his doctor. |
| being Geraldito's godmother. | | | | "Senoras, (this word making both Britta and Rosa |
| "Britta" now Rosa repeating her name for a | | | | look up) excuse me. Here are your orders, both |
| second time, as if she wanted her to stop looking | | | | of you have the same today. So, buen apetito." |
| at the menu (which was no longer needed since | | | | was Juan, the "friendly waiter" or "simpatico |
| Britta had already made up her mind) and look | | | | waiter" as he was known to his customers; telling |
| her in the eyes; as she was going to ask | | | | Rosa and Britta that their orders had been |
| something of importance. Britta at that point | | | | served. Britta and Rosa both looked at each other |
| looked into Rosa's green eyes, reading that there | | | | and at their meal which was on the counter and |
| was something on her mind which she could see | | | | then at Juan, who was still waiting behind the |
| Rosa needed to ask. So Britta, not wanting to | | | | counter with both his hands at his sides as if |
| assume that Rosa would ask something of her | | | | waiting for them to say something. "Thank you" |
| simply said in her typically calm Nordic voice "Yes, | | | | was what they said together as Juan looked at |
| Rosa what is it?" | | | | them. "Excuse me, Britta but do you mind if I |
| Rosa was a person who was very talkative, | | | | speak Spanish to Juan?" Rosa asked Britta, who |
| exceeding any Britta had ever known but she | | | | not being able to answer in words, as her mouth |
| noticed that on some occasions Rosa found it | | | | was full simply nodded in the affirmative to Rosa; |
| hard to articulate and she sensed that this was | | | | who started conversing with Juan. |
| one of them. Britta at that point knew that Rosa | | | | "Manana va venir mi hermano, tu te acuerdas que |
| wanted something from her but needed perhaps | | | | te dije quien es el?".(tomorrow my brother is |
| a little push or motivation from her to say what | | | | coming, you remember I told you about him?) "Si |
| she seemed to be so desperately trying. Britta at | | | | como no, el es el boxeador, el nuevo mano de |
| that moment more as an instinct than anything | | | | piedra Panameno, yo he visto sus peleas, yo |
| else took Rosa's right hand (Rosa sitting on | | | | como tu sabes soy un gran fanatico del boxeo, el |
| Britta's left, occupying the rotating stool next to | | | | va pelear en el Madison Square Garden pronto |
| hers) with her left, which was the closest one and | | | | contrata un Koreano para ponerse entre uno de |
| then rotated her stool to where these two | | | | los contendientes al titulo" (Yes, of course he is a |
| women were facing each other. As Britta was | | | | boxer, he is the new Panamenian "hand of stone", |
| now holding Rosa's left hand with both her hands | | | | I have seen some of his fights. I as you know |
| while looking her straight in the eye in a show of | | | | am a great boxing fan. He is going to be fighting |
| affection that Rosa had never known her | | | | at Madison Square Garden against a Korean |
| Swedish friend to have. It was a look that at first | | | | fighter in order to become one of top contenders |
| even frightened Rosa but then as she saw a | | | | for the title) was Juan's reply in his perhaps not |
| southing smile break from Brittta's lips (it traveling | | | | loud but enthusiastic way of speaking that |
| all through Britta's face, making Rosa secure of | | | | reminded Britta of a radio announcer. |
| talking to a friend), who at that moment had also | | | | Britta loved hearing people speak Spanish, as she |
| been taken by the feeling of wanting to give | | | | loved its melody which she could understand most |
| warmth through a simple physical act of holding | | | | of as she was a fluent speaker of Portuguese; |
| hands. | | | | which she learnt during her long stay in Brazil. "Si, |
| Rosa at that moment felt a sensation she had | | | | es cierto lo que has dicho pero yo te lo mencione |
| gotten from very few people in her life, her | | | | a mi hermano porque manana va estar en Nueva |
| parents, brother, and late husband being those | | | | York para ver mi concierto en el Parque Central y |
| who had given her the confidence to express | | | | lo pienso mandar aca" (yes, it is true what you |
| herself like Britta was now supplying her with. | | | | said but the reason I am talking about him is |
| "Britta, you remember my brother or me telling | | | | because he is coming to New York for my |
| you about he,?" were Rosa's words which she | | | | concert in Central Park and I am thinking of telling |
| said in a tone of voice that showed how relaxed | | | | him to have lunch, here) was Rosa's answer |
| she was. "Yes, I remember you telling me about | | | | which surprised Juan at the thought of having a |
| him. You mentioned that he is a boxer who lives | | | | celebrity in his father's diner. "Que bien que tu |
| in Florida, who is quit well known but why do you | | | | hermano va venir aqui pero no entiendo, tu lo vas |
| ask?" were Britta's words which also showed | | | | a mandar que no va a venir contigo?"(That's great |
| relief. As it had been the not knowing that had led | | | | your brother is coming here but I don't get it, |
| her to worry but she could now see that there | | | | your sending him here, isn't he coming with you?) |
| was no need. | | | | Was Juan asking in confusion. "Si, mira lo que |
| As Rosa went on slowly, much more than usual, | | | | passa es que yo manana voy a estar demasiado |
| pausing between words as if she were crossing a | | | | ocupada con lo del concierto que vamos a dar en |
| mine field; not knowing what Britta's reaction | | | | el Parque Central y por lo tanto el va tener que |
| would be or as if she were unsure of her own | | | | venir aca solo, para encontrarse con Britta" (yes, |
| English. "Well, how can I tell you? He is going to | | | | it turns out that tomorrow I am going to be too |
| have a fight, his first in New York, in Madison | | | | busy with the concert which we are giving in |
| Square Garden and it's a very important for his | | | | Central Park and that's why he is going to have |
| career as a professional." Rosa's voice starting to | | | | to come here tomorrow and meet Britta by |
| fill with a certain pride as she continued "My | | | | himself) was Rosa's reply to Juan, who she could |
| bother has asked me to get him a doctor, see he | | | | see from the look on his face that suddenly |
| need doctor because his old doctor from Panama | | | | something had occurred to him which he said |
| is retiring and he needs a doctor to look at him, | | | | "Oye, como la va reconocer tu hermano quien es |
| please (now her voice taking on that desperate | | | | tu amiga? Acaso el la visto?" (Listen, how is your |
| tone of someone who is in need of a friend or | | | | brother going to know who your friend is? Has he |
| someone's help) can you be his doctor? Of course | | | | seen here?). |
| you would be well paid. He like I tell you, my | | | | Rosa suddenly started thinking about what he had |
| brother is a top ranked contender so you he | | | | said as Britta continued eating her lunch, not really |
| would pay you well.". | | | | paying attention to what was being said. "Britta, |
| Britta was now taken aback by this request, as it | | | | you remember what my brother looks like? I |
| was one she never expected anybody to make. | | | | showed once his picture but that was when he |
| She was confused and did not know what to say; | | | | was very young; maybe you won't recognize him |
| on the one hand this was the sort of request | | | | tomorrow when you come? I have idea, maybe |
| which if from anybody else she would have | | | | you send him an MMS from your phone, that way |
| refused without thinking it twice but this was | | | | he will have your number and your photograph so |
| different. She being from a country where people | | | | he know who you are and he can call you if he |
| never made quick decisions needed to get more | | | | has a delay tomorrow." Rosa said to Britta, whom |
| information which she thought to do. "Rosa | | | | she could tell from her prickly smile was shy |
| (saying this as it was now Rosa who was holding | | | | about doing such things; prompting Rosa to say |
| her left hand with her right while looking at her | | | | "Come on, don't be shy.". "Ok, now I send him my |
| with those eyes of hers that were imploring as | | | | photo by MMS with a message telling him it's me |
| much as her voice) I can't say yes till I know | | | | and my number, he reads English doesn't he?" |
| more about what your brother wants and how | | | | was Britta's reply to Rosa who just said "Yes, he |
| much time he wants me for. I can imagine he will | | | | speaks". |
| pay me, that is not the problem but what would I | | | | Juan then (who overheard while attending the |
| have to do for him, would he want me to go to | | | | client next to Britta and Rosa) said in his joking |
| his fights?" were Britta's words said in the | | | | manner, while Britta handed her phone to Rosa |
| insecurity of someone who is being asked to do | | | | saying "Please, take my photo". "Si, es una buena |
| something she really did not want to do but on | | | | idea mandale el MMS si, no tu hermano no la |
| the other hand did not have the character to say | | | | conoce, y yo creo que tu hermano le va gustar |
| no. | | | | esta, gringinta." (Yes, it's a good idea, send her an |
| "I am not really sure what you would have to do | | | | MMS, if your brother does not know her, I think |
| for him, that he could explain to you but I think | | | | your brother will like this, gringa)."Oye, ten cuidado |
| his old doctor used to go to his fights and from | | | | lo que paras diciendo de mi amiga y presta |
| time to time he would go for a check up but I | | | | atencion porque ella entendiende el castellano |
| don't really know. It's best you talk to him but I | | | | porque habla el Portuges, que tu lla sabes es muy |
| would like you to be his doctor because I feel I | | | | parecido al nuestro idioma!"(hey, you watch your |
| can trust you. We need someone who will tell us | | | | mouth when you talk about my friend and be |
| the truth because sometimes my brother's | | | | careful she understands Spanish because she |
| manager want to make him box when he has | | | | speaks Portuguese which like you know is similar |
| injury, you know to make money.". Rosa's | | | | to our language) were Rosa's slightly indignant |
| request was so bizarre that it was something | | | | words which she gave as an order to Juan as she |
| Britta never thought she would be asked. She | | | | handed Britta back her phone, after having taken |
| even had trouble imagining what it was that she | | | | her photo (which Britta posed for by smiling, after |
| would be doing. Would she be required to wait | | | | trying to fix her hair with her hands) so Britta |
| ringside for Rosa's brother and check between | | | | could write a message which would accompany |
| rounds what toll the punches thrown by his | | | | the MMS to be sent to Manuel's number; Rosa |
| opponents had taken on his face and body. | | | | having already given this number in case of |
| At this time Britta was really trapped between | | | | emergency. |
| not wanting to change her professional life and | | | | "Y quien dijo algo malo de tu amiga? Yo |
| wanting to help her friend. As she could see how | | | | simplemente dicia que tu hermano probablemente |
| this was something of magnitude to Rosa and on | | | | le va gustar tu amiga, porque yo creo que ella es |
| the other hand extra money would never be | | | | el tipo de mujer que les gusta a nosotros los |
| unwelcome; as she could always see him after | | | | latinos." (What did I say? All I am saying is that |
| hours at the hospital. She really did not know | | | | your brother will probably like your friend because |
| what to do. She would have to think about it but | | | | you know how Latin men like her type.). Britta |
| how to say it? How to tell Rosa that she needed | | | | who had understood the general idea of what |
| time to make such decisions, without her friend | | | | Juan said after having sent the MMS said "Si, yo |
| getting the wrong impression that she was | | | | se que los chicos Latinos, le gusta las Suecas |
| refusing. Rosa could see the emotions in Britta | | | | rubia, incluso mas que los chicos Suecos, yo me |
| which had become mixed and decided it would be | | | | dar cuenta de esto cuando estube en Brasil como |
| better to let her think it over, so she with the | | | | me miraban los muchachos, mucho mas que en |
| desire of not causing further strain on her friend | | | | Suecia donda miran mas las latinas como Rosa." |
| said "You don't have to decide now, you can think | | | | (Yes, I know how Latino Boys like blonde Swedish |
| about it but please promise me you will see my | | | | girls, I noticed this when I was living in Brazil, they |
| brother and let him explain it to you; ok?". in a | | | | way the men looked at me. A lot more than they |
| voice that let Britta know that she was also | | | | did in Sweden where they look at Latinas like |
| capable of understanding the dilemma her friend | | | | Rosa) was Britta's comeback in Spanish which |
| might be experiencing. Britta however did not fail | | | | surprised both her listeners; who could see that |
| to notice the look on Rosa's face, as she said this | | | | something had come of the private Spanish |
| in the tone and with the look that one friend uses | | | | lessons she had been taking. "You speak good |
| which says that come what may their friendship | | | | Spanish, but excuse me I have go back to my |
| would not evaporate. | | | | work, enjoy your meal." Juan said laughing to |
| Britta at that moment stepped out of herself; | | | | himself. |
| laughing in disbelieve at her own decision and while | | | | After that the two senoritas got to their meal |
| still keeping her hand in Rosa's; said "Ja, (yes in | | | | which they ate in almost complete silence, as |
| Swedish) I will do it!" in a voice of someone who | | | | none of them could afford to use up much time |
| has just been convinced of something she never | | | | for lunch; specially with schedules that did not |
| thought she would be. Now, Rosa's joy was visible | | | | allow them the freedom that other people |
| (like the time she had told her she was expecting) | | | | enjoyed. During their meal however they did go |
| with one of those spontaneous reactions that | | | | over how Britta would spend the following night at |
| were so like her Latin American friend, as her | | | | Rosa's apartment, a place where she had already |
| voice went to one of cheer when she said "Ok, | | | | spent many a night; on the evenings which she |
| you will talk to my brother?". | | | | had gone to see Rosa play with the New York |
| "No, I will do it, I will be your brother's doctor." | | | | Philharmonic. Britta not only had spent the night at |
| were the words Britta said in her own Swedish | | | | Rosa's apartment but even had a closet full of |
| accent but using her friend's enthusiastic way of | | | | her clothes which she kept for special occasions; |
| expression. As if she had caught some of her | | | | on which she would have to dress up. |
| Central American friend's flair which she at first | | | | At about 12:50, Britta suddenly realized as she had |
| found a little exaggerated. Rosa's feelings of | | | | finished her lunch that time had come for her to |
| delight took over her and made her hug her | | | | go back to work; prompting her to say "Listen |
| friend quicker than she could realize what she had | | | | Rosa, I have to go back to work but I see you |
| done. Britta, however much to her own even | | | | are not finished with your meal, so why don't you |
| further surprise welcomed her friend's hug and | | | | stay and I will call you (just then Britta was |
| didn't even mind her friend's kiss, which she even | | | | interrupted by the sound of an SMS reaching her |
| felt good about, as it let her know how much her | | | | phone) later to see how you are doing and don't |
| service as a doctor would mean. | | | | worry. I will meet your brother here tomorrow |
| "Senoras, que pasa aca porque tanta felicidad?" | | | | after work at six pm and here is 20 dollars. This |
| (Spanish for "ladies, why so much joy?") was | | | | should be enough to cover our lunch." in a voice |
| what they heard Juan say that interrupted that | | | | that like herself never showed how in a hurry she |
| which they were sharing as they turned away | | | | was, as she got up to leave the diner and her |
| from one another to face the counter. "Juan (now | | | | friend Rosa; to go back to the hospital where she |
| Britta speaking for both of them said) Rosa and I | | | | would have to do her rounds. Just as Britta stood |
| will have the same thing. So we'll take the chicken | | | | up and was about to leave, Rosa while looking at |
| special with the Greek salad and two cokes." "Ok, | | | | her friend standing over her (after having placed |
| coming up senorita Britta.", Juan cried out as he | | | | Britta's 20 dollar bill on the counter to pay the bill |
| jotted down their order on his pad. | | | | they had yet to ask for) joyfully said "Takt |
| "What did Juan say?" was Britta's question as she | | | | (thank you in Swedish) for everything but don't |
| continued savoring the moment she and her | | | | call me. I have to practice, better we chat tonight |
| friend had shared. "Oh, it is nothing. He asked why | | | | on Skype, I'll be on after 8." as her friend left her |
| we are so happy?" was Rosa's reply with the | | | | with the hurried words "OK, hey doff" (good bye |
| relief that she and her friend would become | | | | in Swedish). |
| closer, as she was going to be not only meeting | | | | |