Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Author:Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Rebellion Publishing Ltd

SEBASTIAN DID NOT listen to a single line during the performance. He stood in his place at the back of the stage with Meche and Daniela, simply staring at Isadora and willing the performance to end so they could all escape to Jimena’s apartment.

After the show, they decided to go home and change. Sebastian said he would pick Meche up. He was late because he’d taken special care in choosing his clothes. He wore a nice black shirt and jeans and had combed his hair back with a lot of gel.

He jumped on his motorcycle to pick up Meche. She climbed behind him and they sang The Fishes in the River at the top of their lungs. Sebastian had never understood the significance of a song which talked about fishes drinking river water while the baby Jesus was being born, but it was one of the few Christmas songs he knew from beginning to end, so he was happy to sing it.

When they reached her apartment, Jimena greeted them with a loud, festive hug, planting a kiss on each of their cheeks. She was dressed in nearly nothing, belly bared, and tottered on high heels. Pretty much what you’d expect from Jimena.

“I brought beer,” Meche said.

“Put in the kitchen, girl,” Jimena said. “Your little friend is here.”

“Who?” Sebastian asked, perking up.

“Dani.”

“Oh.”

They dropped the beer in the kitchen and Sebastian served himself fortified punch with a big piece of cinnamon. Meche carried two little plastic cups in her hands, giving one to Daniela, who had found a place near the sound system.

“Hey,” she said. “Where were you? I’ve been waiting for ever.”

“I dunno. He took forever,” Meche said, giving Daniela a little cup.

“Thanks. My mom said I could only stay ’til nine, so I can’t be here for long.”

“Aw. That’s like nothing at all.”

“You know how she is. She’s afraid I’m going to have a relapse.”

“You just want to go home and watch your soaps.”

They pulled up a couple of chairs and sat with Daniela, drinking their punch until it was time for her to leave; then they walked her downstairs and waited for her dad to arrive. They waved goodbye when Daniela got in the car.

“Man, Jimena sure poured a lot of booze in that punch this year.”

“Yup,” Sebastian said.

“We should have some more,” Meche snapped her fingers. “Oh, Jimena gave me money to buy more ice. Wanna go with me?”

“Okay.”

“Race you to the store.”

Sebastian was ready to chase after Meche but then he saw Isadora and Constantino approaching. She was wearing a very nice red coat with large brass buttons. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she was smiling at him.

“Hi,” she said. “I brought Constantino with me. I hope that’s okay.”

“That’s fine,” Sebastian said.

“Third floor?”

“Yeah.”

“We’re going to buy ice,” Meche said sharply.

“See you inside,” Sebastian added.

Meche and Sebastian walked briskly, hands in their pockets.

“You invited her to my cousin’s posada?” she asked.

“The whole neighbourhood is invited to your cousin’s posada.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t even ask.”

“Sorry.”

Meche shook her head, walking to the corner store and back in a regal silence which spoke volumes.

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