matadorable | Inbox

[Morgan loved me, Maya wants to say, but now more than ever, she can't believe it enough to form the words. Instead, she tries to sound cheerier--]

Well, I have friends like you. That counts, right?

[He wonders if it's that simple. If Manolo's family had turned against him, he's not sure he would have survived it.

But if Maya can draw at least a little comfort from the people she finds here, then Manolo hopes he can be one of them. He means every word when he speaks next.]

You can count on me for anything, Maya.

[ Perhaps Maya's made of sterner stuff than she lets on. She's survived so much she shouldn't have, and she knows it, but even a survivor is sometimes left wondering if they really should have made it in the first place.

Speaking to Manolo now, Maya's glad she still lives.]

I knew that. You're the best around, Manolo Sanchez!

[She says, thinking of him to make herself sound cheerier, sound stronger. It's people like him that she puts her faith in.]

You can count on me too, y'know. But... Thanks.

[Manolo's warm smile colors his words.]

I'm honored to hear you say that...and to consider you among my friends, Maya Fey. I like to believe there was a reason we were both brought here at the same time.

Jeez, Manny, you make everything sound like a pretty story.

[But the way Maya giggles lends itself to her next statement--]

I like it. I'll believe that way, too.

[After all... there was a reason why she and Nick of all people showed up to befriend Espella, right?]

Our lives are stories, right? And stories become beautiful when we find meaning in them.

[That giggle lightens his heart.]

Good. Even though it's hard sometimes, I hope you never lose that belief.

...Thanks, Manny. You're pretty great.

[And then a cheeky grin.]

But don't let me meet Maria and hear you're secretly making trouble for her!

[Because you can only have like, half a compliment from this girl, sorry.]

Anytime, Maya. [He's not sure how to response to being told he's great, so he just offers an embarrassed chuckle.

Half compliments, though? He can handle those just fine.]

Who, me? Make trouble? Never!

I believe it could happen! I'm gonna have to check up on you.

Wow, you don't trust me?

I trust you to make trouble.

Well…if we’re being honest…[His voice grows more subdued.] I have caused the people I love a lot of trouble, but…they still keep me around, at least. I’m a pretty lucky guy, hahah…

Hmmm. Well, don't take my word for it, but they probably keep you around cos you're such a good friend.

But I mean, luck helps too.

[He's simultaneously lucky and unlucky, really. But as long as he's not alone, he can weather just about anything.]

Thank you for your kind words, Maya. I still have some explaining to do about some things that happened back home, but...I want to have faith that things will work out in the end.

Of course they will. You've always gotta believe in that, right?

[That there will always be something better at the end.]

Yes. The people in my life are too important to give anything less.

[On the surface, the next question might seem like a change of subject, but there's a clear thread linking the two in Manolo's mind.]

By the way...I don't know if you've heard, but I finished the demo of my concept album. There's a copy in Kaneda's jukebox, if you ever feel like listening to it. No pressure, though! I know you're busy with your television program and everything, so...

What? Really?! He didn't tell me!

[She's gonna hit him.

It sounds like she's getting up, actually--]

When did you get it? Are you gonna like, start selling cds for real?

[Manolo gives a laugh that might be just a tad nervous.]

Well, I don't know about that. My native friend just burned some recordings from my communicator into the CD. No fancy equipment like the professionals use, so the quality isn't that great. I didn't think about whether anyone would actually buy it. I just thought...having something is better than nothing at all, you know?

[Plus he goes to bed every night wondering whether the Porter will take him away. When death constantly hangs over you, it brings a certain sense of urgency into your life.]

Are you kidding? I'd buy it. And that's saying something.

[Because usually she'd make Nick or Kaneda buy it.]

I wanna listen! He should have told me about it. You're really good, Manny! Like, rockstar good!

I don't know if this simple guitarrista would call himself a "rockstar", but I'm very happy you think so, Maya. [And it's true. The smile comes through loud and clear in his tone of voice.]

I've got some extra copies if you want one. Or maybe you can borrow Kaneda's jukebox for awhile. I'm sure he wouldn't mind!

Of course not, he's a pushover! It'll be fine.

Buuuuut, I could give a CD to JJ....

[Manolo just laughs at that dig at Kaneda's expense. He loves the guy, but it's funny hearing Maya give him a hard time.]

JJ? Does she like listening to the guitar? [It doesn't occur to him that someone in television might be interested in helping him advance his musical pursuits, so he needs a little help putting two and two together.]

Aaaactually, she's looking for more people to do music for the show and I was like, y'know, Manny sings.

SO, it'd be pretty cool if she could listen to you.

Whaaaat. No way, you really think she'd invite me to play for your program??

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