Standing on the sidewalk of the Boulevard del Valle, Amanda looked towards the sea. The splash of th

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It’s an honor to participate in the Holiday Blog Tour 2011 with my fellow writers! breakfast buffet houston I have a Christmas ghost story for you today, title “Deja Vu.” I hope you’ll enjoy it! You’ll find the English and Spanish versions below, so take your pick. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $15 Book Depository certificate. To see the full list of participating blogs, please visit Writing to Insanity . Tomorrow the stop will be at Avocado Chowder .
Standing on the sidewalk of the Boulevard del Valle, Amanda looked towards the sea. The splash of the waves against the rocks below resonated in the air. She could taste the salty tang sharply on her tongue, feel the cool breeze tousling her hair. She hugged her arms to stop the goose bumps. Tonight Old San Juan vibrated with a magical quality. Twinkling multi-colored lights and shimmering garlands adorned shop windows and balconies. Christmas trees glowed from inside the flats that lined the street. Amanda admired the sea a little breakfast buffet houston longer; it was late and she had to go home. She and her husband were giving a party. They always did on Christmas Eve. She was stalling and she knew it, though she didn t know exactly why. Abruptly someone breakfast buffet houston bumped into her. She turned to see a little boy running down the street. She froze for a second before realizing what had happened he had stolen her handbag. Hey! she said, running after him. Come back here! A sensation of unreality grabbed her. She saw the little boy running in slow motion, his dark curls floating behind him as if there were no gravity. An intense feeling of déjà vu shook her to the core. She had to catch up with him. She had to stop him! Stop! she shouted, breathless. Everything happened in a matter of seconds. The boy glanced behind his shoulder just as he tried to cross the street. A fast approaching car was coming in his direction. Amanda breakfast buffet houston reached for the boy s shirt and pulled breakfast buffet houston him harshly to the sidewalk and away from the street. The boy struggled against her, but she held on, a wave of relief flooding through her. Stop that. The policeman will see us, Amanda said, her eyes on the strolling officer across the street. Oddly, he looked bored, as if he had not noticed anything unusual. The boy relaxed under her grip and for the first time she had a chance to look into his face. He had shoulder-length curly hair and large brown eyes surrounded by thick lashes. Under the streetlight his chestnut curls glowed. He couldn t have been older than eight. In spite of his arrogant attitude, he reminded her of a cherub. What do you think you were doing? Trying to get yourself breakfast buffet houston killed? That car almost ran into you! she said. Are you going to have me arrested? he said, lifting his chin. Amanda glanced at the officer, who was now far away. She sighed. Are you going to give me back my bag? Looking oddly calm, he gave her the bag. Thank you, Amanda said drily. breakfast buffet houston Can you let me go now? Amanda realized she was still holding on to him. Confusion and fear filled her being. She didn t want to let go. I m not going away, the boy said enigmatically. Their eyes locked momentarily. Oh all right She let go. What s your name? Alfonsito. Why did you try to steal my bag? His small, thin shoulders lifted in a shrug. Why do poor kids steal rich people s bags? She decided to ignore his wisecrack. You should go home. It s late. Your parents must be worried. breakfast buffet houston Nah, they never worry. They began to walk side by side. Let me bring you home. I don t want to go home. There s always too much fighting in there. It s Christmas Eve. I bet your mom is preparing breakfast buffet houston a nice meal. I don t want to go home, he said coldly, stopping her in her tracks. breakfast buffet houston Amanda breakfast buffet houston looked at him. She was not ready to say goodbye. Well, do you want to come to my house? We can have something to eat together. Do you live in a mansion? You could say that. I m not hungry. I have a dog, Amanda said. His expression brightened. What s his name? Noah. Well? Alfonsito seemed thoughtful as he stuffed his hands inside his pockets and resumed breakfast buffet houston his walk. I d like to meet Noah.
At Amanda s home the party was at full swing. Guests in sophisticated attire were gathered around the pool with drinks breakfast buffet houston and cigarettes in their hands. Some couples danced. Others ate by a long buffet table. Aguinaldos poured out of hidden speakers. Amanda led Alfonsito to the back of the garden and towards the back door of the kitchen. Do you know all these people? he asked. Yes and no. She halted momentarily to look at the guests. My