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I'm so proud of the words--title line--I came up with am delighted 2 share them witth U. And just want 2 add, my life has been very bsy, work has been gd, bsy gd. Then there is all that happens every day, so excuse me 4 n't being in touch 4 a while and now enjoy the 2nd installment of THE SEVENTY-FIVE YEAR OLD VIRGIN:
……………...the
moment.
pg. 4
Later
on, he became the perfect host. Served coffee and muffins which filled the room
with their delicious aroma. Alba also noticed how comfortable the place was.
And how the bathroom was spotless and smelled of, cinnamon? Well, most
pleasant. They talked. He took the lead putting her at ease. He told her about
his business, real state. The work? She didn’t have to concern herself about
it. And he made a gesture with his hand to indicate that it was of no
importance. He took her to lunch. The street, filled her senses with
contrasting colors, noise, people, smells agitated by the gentle breeze blowing
from the Pacific. Blue skies. Sunshine. The kind of day that movies are made of so the world will
think, Oh yes, San Francisco, always sunny in California. What a contrast
with the quiet little island they had been in all morning. In the
afternoon he initiated their love making again. Let’s climaxed together, he
whispered. They didn’t. But, no matter, it was good. No, better than the
morning. They fell asleep in each other’s arms. At five o’clock, they were
ready to leave, smiling he handed her an envelope.
She
opened it at home. It contained the full day’s pay.
Alba’s
friends were delighted, a small part-time, and the room rented!
Encouraged, decided to set up job interviews for her. She met several
interesting persons. Men. They praised her being fluent in English and Spanish.
But when they found out the salary she expected, they had only promises, If
this or that position opens. We will keep you in mind. Meantime the balance in
her savings account was dwindling. However she did get invited to lunch, dinner
and parties. So it was at a loud, colorful house party that she heard a long
ago known voice whisper in her ear, Alba, how are you?
She
turned ‘round to face him. Oscar!
Can I
get you a drink?
A
Coke, no ice, she smiled.
They
sat and talked. Well, Oscar said, the girl I brought here tonight
pg. 5
works
as interpreter-translator….
But
that doesn’t pay any…
He
interrupted. It pays very well, minimum twenty five an hour.
Her
eyes got big in delighted surprise.
I’ll
introduce you. She owes me a couple of favors. She’ll help you. Talk to
her. Ask her how to get into that field. Now let’s dance. And at the sound of a
cumbria, they joined the others in the middle of the room.
MONDAY,
ALBA AND Renne, met in San Francisco for lunch. Renee was a delightful woman,
very much in love with Oscar and eager to help Alba. Don’t forget your resume,
were Renee’s last words as they embraced good bye.
Renee
introduced her to the manager of the Costas Institute in San Francisco that had
among many services, an interpreter-translators department.
The
manager, Ina, perhaps mid thirties. Probably British, assumed Alba. Long blonde
hair. In each of her arms wore at least twenty bracelets, of different
materials and colors. Does she take them off? When she makes love? To sleep at
night? When she showers, bathe? Does she leave them on? Alba stared,
smiling.
Ina
caught her look. Amused. Anticipating the question, suddenly spoke to Alba in
Spanish, No. Nunca me los saco!!
Alba,
blurted out, You are Peruvian!
Yes. Miraflores.
We can always tell, ha? The accent gives us away, smiled Ina, Yeah of British
parents. I grew up with English and Spanish, like you.
pg.
6
They
talked of Peru. Found they would have to continue the conversation at another
time, they had so much to talk about. There were many parallels in their lives.
They had lived in the same city, Miraflores. They had studied at the same school, San Jorge, only in different
years. Also had frequented the same spots, El Parquecito Salazar, La Diagonal,
D’onofrio, La Tiendecita Blanca and on and on. Many names mentioned were
familiar to each other.
Turning
to business Ina interrupted, Well, let me give you the information, You have to
pass the state exams, written and oral. There is no curriculum to study. No
classes available to take. Ina did have a number, though, Alba could call for
info on dates, fees, locations. Ina explained further. You can work as
interpreter and translator but not in the courts of law. Not till you pass the
exams. So, added with a smile. Call me tomorrow. Ina did give her some
assignments every week. And was delighted to receive positive evaluations from
clients.
Alba
found out that the exam, the written, was not to be given for several months.
And there was the oral to follow. Meantime no steady income. No health
insurance. No paid vacation. No sick leave. Independent?! Oh! Yeah. On her own.
Found out how much she missed the copy machines, good typewriters. Definitely
a mixed situation, sweet and sour. Like Chinese food, she smiled to herself. And
would she pass…? Alba got to work to find what the exams were all about. To the
pleasant man who answered the Judicial Council’s phone: Are there books I can
buy to study? She asked.
Silence. Smile? Sympathetic laughter. No…………
Will Alba study enough? Wiill she pass? If she doesn't……? There is a recession on, what then…….?
