Sandra arrived with purchases in hand, back to Charles’ house. They had upon their initial meeting, gone to her apartment to retrieve her personal toiletries, and leave behind her car. It was agreed upon the start, that she would spend all her time solely with him during the duration of their temporary contract.
Charles had called her to inform her that they had a gathering that evening at 8:00 pm, and instructed her to dress formally for such an occasion.
Greeting Marta once again, as she opened the door, she asked her if there was food available. She had been so focused in her gathering of information and garments that she had not stopped to eat lunch.
After leaving her purchases in Charles’ room, she descended to the kitchen to alleviate the pangs of hunger.
-“Thank you Marta.” Sandra said as she sat at the kitchen’s counter to eat, and to talk with Marta some more.-“How long have you been working for Charles?”
-“Ever since I came to this country, since 2002. I was lucky that I already spoke passable English, so I was able to settle in quickly.” Marta responded as she went about her duties.
-“Oh, where are you from?”
-“From Buenos Aires, Argentina. I was not always a maid you know. I used to be a middle-class business woman. I had forty employees at one time, and had to move here because I lost it all.”
-“I’m sorry to hear that Marta. How did it happen?”
-“Just simply one morning, I found out that I could not retrieve my money from the bank. Overnight, people lost it all in a total economic collapse, and I was at a loss as to what to do with myself.
The turning point for me came, when one night, I could not sleep. About 5:30 in the morning, I heard a shot just outside my bedroom window.
I ran to the front window to see what it was all about. Gathering my coat, I stepped outside to see that my front neighbor had just blown his brain off.
What shook me to the core was what I had distinctly heard him say, just prior to the gun going off in the middle of the road. He had yelled at the top of his lungs, “Esto es por ti Menem, hijo de puta!”
Which basically means that it was Menem’s fault, and that his mother was a whore.
I found out later that my neighbor has used as collateral for a multi-million loan to expand his small business, not only his house, but also his brother-in-law’s, and another relative’s house as well. He had lost it all during the massive devaluation of the peso, and didn’t know how to tell them, I suppose.”
-“That’s terrible! So how did you hook up with this gig?”
-“Well, I called my brother who lived in Los Angeles at the time, and told him my plight. He told me to leave, and start anew here. And I did.
But, it was such a cultural shock Sandra - At least to me. Have you ever been to Argentina? Buenos Aires was built by European immigrants. It resembles a replica of Europe in the continent of South America. It is simply beautiful. So imagine that I came from an upscale place, to South-Central Los Angeles.
My nerves were shot apart from my massive loss, and by what I confronted here. Luckily, a friend of a friend, recommended me, and here I am.
I am truly in my natural habitat here, and Mr. Charles is a sweetheart and very generous too. I even have independent living quarters, and he does not mind if I use the swimming pool.
I am very lucky to have landed here. At my age, it is so hard to start anew, but I am able to save it all, and hope one day to return back home."
-“I really admire your fortitude of spirit Marta. You are like an inspiration to me. I too want to rebuild my life anew. I hope that I can learn from you. I want to run a business idea with you, but first I need to do a lot of research – and, I have to get ready for a fancy event.
Do you think that you can help me with my hair, and some basic aspects of social etiquette?”
Prancing before the full length mirror, Sandra turned around to stare at the image reflected on the mirror. Both Marta and Sandra stood in awe, at the transformation before them.
Marta had insisted on letting her do the hair, and make-up her way, if only for tonight, and Sandra had hesitantly agreed. Marta then galvanized into action by running for quick supplies to the nearest Walgreen.
The brassy bleached highlights were gone, and her hair shone with warm dark golden and chestnut tones. Sandra’s previously heavy make up was replaced with subdued and enhancing color strokes.
She felt simply radiantly beautiful.
To be continued….
