9、A Memorable Day with Lucinda

A Memorable Day with Lucinda

1. Anticipation for Tennis and Dinner Invitation

I don’t have many opportunities to interact with Lucinda at school. I don’t share classes or lunch with her, and our lockers are far apart. I even don’t have her number. I’ve been eagerly waiting all week to play tennis with her. It’s been a long week with Joe barely talking to me and Rory being overly talkative. Thankfully, I avoid getting bottles thrown at my head in front of Gina.

When we meet for tennis, Lucinda is dressed simply in a white tank top and shorts, without the usual makeup and fancy accessories. We have a friendly exchange, and she beats me again, but I’m improving. After the game, she invites me to her house for dinner, saying her brother, who is studying to be a chef, has made a lot of food. I’m not sure if it’s a date or just a casual invitation, but I accept.

2. Preparing for the Outing

When I get home, I find the Meatball in my bed with a pillow over his face. I’m worried he might be dead at first, but he’s just sleeping. He reminds me that I didn’t talk to Mom this morning, and she was worried. I tell him I was busy with work.

I start getting ready for my outing. I’m choosing a shirt, and there’s a discussion with Tippi and the Meatball about what I should wear. I tell them I’m going to a friend’s house, and they keep asking whose house it is. Eventually, they figure out it might be a girl’s house. The Meatball doesn’t like the idea of girls and says they smell, but I tell him he might change his mind in a few years.

Marty shows up and tells me he’s making pasta for dinner and that my dad will be home. He wants me to stay, but I tell him I’ve already promised to go to my friend’s house. He also tries to convince me to study film at school, but I’m determined to focus on making movies.

3. Arriving at Lucinda’s House

The Dulko house is surrounded by overgrown bushes and colorful flowers. When I ring the doorbell, Mrs. Dulko, who looks too young and amazing to be a mom, welcomes me in. The house is filled with people, and it seems like a party. There are at least a dozen people drinking wine, laughing, and dancing to salsa music. There are also two dogs and a cat.

I’m introduced to everyone as Lucy’s friend Eddy. Lucinda looks stunning with her hair tied back and a pink flower behind her ear, wearing a sleeveless black dress. I’m a bit speechless at first.

We sit on the couch, and I’m asked about my parents, school, and hobbies. Lucinda says I’m a pretty good tennis player. We also talk about Lucinda’s victory over Penelope in a tennis practice meet. The score was 7 - 6, 7 - 6 in two tie - breaks.

Table: Lucinda’s Family and Their Reactions

Family Member	Reaction to Eddy
Mrs. Dulko	Welcomes Eddy warmly and mentions there’s too much food
Aunt Carmen	Compliments Eddy and makes some flirty comments
Roberto	Tells Eddy not to worry about him and David, and warns him about Lucinda
Lucinda’s Dad	Initially quiet, later talks to Eddy about movies

Mermaid Flowchart: Eddy’s Day

graph LR
    A[Anticipate Tennis] --> B[Play Tennis with Lucinda]
    B --> C[Get Dinner Invitation]
    C --> D[Go Home and Prepare]
    D --> E[Meet Marty's Request]
    E --> F[Reject Marty and Go to Lucinda's]
    F --> G[Arrive at Lucinda's House]

4. Dinner and Conversations

Dinner is a delicious meal of pork loin, fried plantains, beans, and rice. I eat a large amount. The Spanish conversation around the table is a bit hard to follow, but I compliment the chef, David.

Lucinda’s dad starts talking to me in English about my plans. I tell him I want to make movies. He mentions a movie they rented, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and we have a good conversation about it. Some uncles suggest I direct commercials, which is a possibility.

During dinner, Lucinda’s thigh presses against mine, and we have a little leg - war under the table. It’s a nice and relaxed moment.

5. Dancing and the Drive

After dinner, Mrs. Dulko suggests dancing. Mr. and Mrs. Dulko start dancing, and it’s really impressive. Aunt Carmen wants me to dance with her, but Lucinda says she’ll dance with me instead.

When we start dancing, Lucinda’s moves are very seductive. I’m a bit worried about what her family might think, but she tells me I’m shy. Eventually, she gets tired of dancing and wants to go for a drive. Her mom gives her a curfew of eleven o’clock.

List: Events at the Dance

1. Mr. and Mrs. Dulko show off their dance skills.
2. Aunt Carmen tries to dance with Eddy.
3. Lucinda takes Eddy to dance.
4. Lucinda’s seductive dance moves make Eddy nervous.
5. Lucinda decides to go for a drive.

Mermaid Flowchart: After - Dinner Activities

graph LR
    A[Finish Dinner] --> B[Start Dancing]
    B --> C[Lucinda and Eddy Dance]
    C --> D[Lucinda Wants a Drive]
    D --> E[Get Mom's Curfew]
    E --> F[Leave for the Drive]

6. The Moment at the Tennis Courts

We drive to the tennis courts. It’s dark and deserted. Lucinda suddenly kisses me, and I’m overjoyed. We kiss passionately, and she tells me she wants to start her life. I’m not entirely sure what she means, but she looks amazing in the moment.

I’m completely smitten with her, and I don’t care what Rory would say. I’m happy to be in this moment with her.

7. Understanding Lucinda’s Feelings

As Lucinda pulls away from our passionate kiss, she holds my face firmly in her hands. Her eyes, which were so bright and full of energy just moments ago, now seem to be searching mine for understanding. She tells me that she wants to start her life, and I can sense the frustration and eagerness in her voice.

I try to make sense of what she’s saying. Her family, while seemingly warm and loving, has been constantly on her back about various things. From the time she should come home to what she should do at every moment, she feels suffocated. It’s like she’s been living under a microscope, and she’s finally had enough.

Table: Lucinda’s Feelings and Their Causes

Feelings	Causes
Frustration	Family’s constant nagging and control
Eagerness	Desire to break free and start her own life
Restlessness	Being in the high - school and childhood phase for too long

Mermaid Flowchart: Lucinda’s Emotional Journey

graph LR
    A[Family Pressure] --> B[Frustration]
    B --> C[Desire for Change]
    C --> D[Eagerness to Start Life]

8. Reflecting on the Day

As I sit there in the car with Lucinda, I start to reflect on the day. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. From the anticipation of playing tennis with her, to the chaos of getting ready at home, to the warm welcome at her house, and now this intense moment at the tennis courts.

I think about how different her family is from mine. Her house was filled with people, noise, and love. There was always something going on, and everyone seemed to be involved in each other’s lives. In contrast, my home is often quiet, with just the Meatball, Tippi, and the occasional visit from Marty and my dad.

List: Key Moments of the Day

1. Anticipating the tennis game with Lucinda.
2. The discussion about clothes with Tippi and the Meatball.
3. Rejecting Marty’s invitation to stay for dinner.
4. Meeting Lucinda’s family and having a great meal.
5. Dancing with Lucinda and feeling the tension.
6. The passionate kiss at the tennis courts.

Mermaid Flowchart: Eddy’s Day Reflection

graph LR
    A[Morning Anticipation] --> B[Home Preparation]
    B --> C[Rejecting Marty]
    C --> D[At Lucinda's House]
    D --> E[Dancing and Tension]
    E --> F[Passionate Kiss]

9. The Future with Lucinda

I’m not sure what the future holds with Lucinda. This moment at the tennis courts has opened up a new chapter in our relationship. She’s clearly a complex and passionate person, and I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

I know that if I want to be with her, I’ll have to understand her need for freedom and space. Her family might be a bit overwhelming, but they also seem to love her deeply. I’ll have to find a way to fit into her world while also respecting her boundaries.

Table: Challenges and Opportunities in the Relationship

Challenges	Opportunities
Her family’s over - protectiveness	Getting to know a close - knit family
Her desire for freedom	Growing together and supporting her dreams
Different family backgrounds	Learning from each other’s cultures

Mermaid Flowchart: Future of the Relationship

graph LR
    A[Current Relationship] --> B[Understand Her Needs]
    B --> C[Respect Her Boundaries]
    C --> D[Build a Stronger Relationship]

10. Conclusion

This day with Lucinda has been one of the most memorable days of my life. It’s taught me a lot about love, family, and the importance of following your heart. I’ve experienced a new side of her, and I’m excited to see where our relationship will go from here.

Whether it’s just a passing fling or the start of something more serious, I’m going to cherish every moment with her. I’ll be there to support her as she tries to break free from the constraints of her current life and start her own journey. And who knows, maybe together, we can create some amazing memories and make our own movies, both literally and figuratively.