Bill of Human Wrongs

Sandy sat in her favorite chair recalling the afternoon she’d shared with Eve. The warm tingle in her body made her smile, she couldn’t remember feeling so close to a friend before. Ever.

“Señora.” Sandy looked up to see her cleaning lady, Conchita. “I finish for today. Do you need more from me?”

Sandy stood to say goodbye. She wasn’t supposed to think of this woman as a friend, but in all honesty, she was fond of her. And Eve was too. She and Eve had mentioned in private their admiration for Conchita. Such a hard working woman, so loving, caring. “Thank you, Conchita. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Then a thought popped into Sandy’s head, “Wait. Could you help me with some baking? I can’t believe that I forgot the ladies are coming in the morning.” Sandy smiled at the woman. “Tell you what. You stay and help me cook up some luscious treats for my morning quilting group, and then you take home a bunch of the food to your family.” Sandy gave her a pleading expression. “Could you do this for me, Conchita?”

The woman smiled in spite of the request. This would make her day long, and take away valuable time with her children. But her boss was a good lady and she knew it was wise to comply. She took off her coat and rubbed her hands together. “Let us go cook, Sandita.” She was officially off the clock, and the women were alone. These were the times when Conchita called her boss the affectionate name she had coined a few years ago. The friendship was constrained, and yet, tender.

In no time at all, the ladies were laughing and telling stories while they worked to make beautiful sandwiches and miniature pie dough cups that they filled with a delicious mixture of spiced pumpkin custard.

When they finished, Conchita gathered her belongings for the walk to the bus stop. But time had passed quickly, it was dark outside.

Sandy frowned when she realized the time. “Conchita. Wait until my husband comes home and he can drive you to the bus. It’s dangerous for you now.”

Looking outside the window, Conchita shivered. Her boss was right, but the Mister wasn’t due back for some time. She had already missed out on her family time.  “Sandita, do not worry. I be careful, I get to bus in only 5 minutes walk.” She picked up her umbrella and left, thanking Sandy for the bag of food. She was several hours late, but knew her husband would forgive her when he tasted the goodies she had. Just the aroma leaking from her bag would excite him. “See you tomorrow, Sandita.”