Ok guys. It’s time to find out the full name of our salad dressing heroine. I hope you’re sitting down.

The younger jumped. Even though it would have happened sooner or later, she hadn’t expected the topic of her own name to be discussed. (This girl is seriously as dumb a rock.)

“Catalina! Catalina Rosalie.” (…. Are you KIDDING ME?! What was I thinking?!)

“Ah, one of the rich ones. So I was right.” Marie chuckled, a sound unlike any that Catalina had heard before.

“Y-Yes…. My family is, er, well off you could say.” She was starting to stutter, and babble on. It was a habit she had when she was nervous. (It will never appear again.)

Marie didn’t seem to notice it, and if she did, she never let on about it.

Suddenly, a teapot seemed to appear out of nowhere, finding it’s way almost magically into Marie’s hands. (She’s a wizard!)

“Would you like a cup?”

“Oh no. I should be going anyway. It’s getting late.” Cataline rose back to her feet, not looking forward to the long walk back. (To her house, which she got lost looking for in the first place. That IS a long walk.)

Marie was up like a shot.

“No! Please. You’ve got such a long walk ahead of you, right?”

At first, Catalina’s nerves grew once more. Was this “Marie” trying to hurt her, kill her? Was something wrong? What if she really was some kind of murderer? (It’s a little late to worry about that now, Catalina. You dipstick.)

Then that same feeling was replaced with pity. (What?) Perhaps Marie was lonely…never had anyone to talk to to lately. (What?!) She certainly seemed starved for the conversation they had had, no matter how brief it had been. (All she did was ask your name and then offer you tea! She’s going to sell you to the whores, Catalina! RUN!)

So Catalina’s better judgement lost. (Did it even put up a fight?) She couldn’t just leave this poor woman alone, it seemed so cruel! (And logical!)

Cataline agreed to stay for the night. (…..sigh)

****

The room that Marie gave to her was beyond comfort. She settled on the edge of the bed, and almost instently sunk down into the mattress. Chuckling, she rearanged herself, rocking back and forth for a little while.

Climbing down, she crossed the smooth wood floor and changed into the while nightgown Marie had provided for her.

“Are you allright in there, Catalina?” Marie’s voice floated through the closed door, and Catalina felt less worried. The older woman would look out for her. (You know, if she’s not a murdering whore trader.)

“Yes… yes Marie, I’m fine.” Catalina heard footsteps fall away from the foor, and knew she had gone.

Snuggling down under the thick blankets, she closed her eyes and let all the exhaustion and worry from the day sink from her body as she drifted off to sleep. (I know I sleep best in a total strangers house in the middle of the slums. How about you?)

****

The next morning, over plates of warm biscuits drizzled with honey, Marie asked her how she had slept.

“Well, I’m still alive, so I’d say wonderfully.” She smiled. “I can’t thank you enough for all your help… but… I really must leave now.”

Marie looked saddened, but she took a deep breath. “I know Chere. But, I do hope you’ll visit me again.”

Catalina swore that she would gladly return, (to a random house she found while lost) and, after Marie had given her a few biscuits -”for the road” as she put is- She found herself on the way back home. (That she DOESN’T KNOW. Because she got LOST. ARRRRG! Grade eight me! I wish I could give you such a kick!)