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Standing in the middle of the familiar courtyard of my childhood, I began taking everything in as though it were new.
"What was it that Raoul had said?" I wondered even as I realized that he may not have given me his real name. Or that he may not even be an American intelligence officer as he had claimed.
"He did seem to have credible information."
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"How will I ever be able to leave this place?"
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I decided to head down to the oceanfront for an hour or so before my first show of the evening. Trying hard not to become too sentimental, I took in the shoreline and the blue waters of my home.
"I know I am doing what is best. I have nothing - no one left here."
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Tonight I took my time getting ready for the show. I wore my flamenco costume, which had been shipped from Spain by my grandmother on her last trip there 2 years ago. It suited the night's perfomance: El baile flamenco - my solo dance at the finale tonight with music and style reminiscent of the Ópera flamenca of the early late 1800s
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Yes - I am ready....for the last shows at Montmartre.
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I arrived a bit early for the set. The first patrons were just coming in from the main dining room at the club and the orchestra was warming up.
I sat outside the hall gazing at the waning sun....light puddling on the tiles and stones as it slipped into the ocean.
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I took the stage as the last of the chorus line of young showgirls exited to stage right.
The music began.
There was no choreography.
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Only music.
And the rhythm of my soul.
And the percussion of my feet.
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I flipped open my fan during the last refrain of the music.
This seemed right.
The emotion...my emotion.
The crowd felt transfixed.
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After the last of the patrons came to visit me once the performance was done, I slipped out the side balcony door, and enjoyed the coolness of the evening breeze.
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Once I had cooled from the physical exertion, and the energy from the emotions had faded slightly, I walked slowly home to finish my packing.
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The next morning at the appointed hour, I met Raoul in the city courtyard.
He ensured that I had everything in order.
Tickets, traveling papers, and what personal belongings MUST go with me.
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It's a new life for you, Angelina" he said.
"Yes....a new life"
"I've ensured that my sister will meet you at the Port of Miami. You'll be fine, doll."
Absentmindedly I thanked him as I looked forward and back in that moment.
"Thank you, Raoul. You have been more than kind."
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