Edina Fekete

La madrugada – during the night

I often imagine a life in a night club. When I close my eyes I can see America in the early 20’s. Bright colors sign the way to the most popular club in the city: La madrugada. The Spanish word means the period of time between midnight and down.

I enter the club – everyone is turning to me and says hello. Well-known faces are all around the place. ‘Are you gonna sing tonight, honey?’ - asks a voice but its owner hides in the darkness. Men are elegant and polite but you can see the dangerous sparkles in their eyes when they look at women.

I have my own room where I can get dressed for the show. I’m almost ready when Julio, the owner, comes in. We’ve known each other for so many years – forever.

‘Come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.’ – he says and without waiting for me to agree or complain grabs my arm. ‘This is senor Ruiz. He’s heard you singing and wants to get to know you. Be nice, honey. Don’t forget! Your career depends on the reaction of your audience.’

Suddenly the musicians stop and Julio appears on stage. I can’t understand what he’s saying because Mr. Ruiz is talking to me. ‘……….senorita………’ – I hear my name. I go to the stage and step onto the stairs. I face the audience but can’t see anything because of the lights. ‘Doesn’t matter’ I think. I Close my eyes and start singing. The music fills me up and I think I could even fly… When I open my eyes everyone is standing and clapping their hands. That rare feeling puts smile on my face – I’m happy to see people smiling and waving their hands. ‘Mr. Ruiz wants to get to know you…’ I remember, but I don’t care. Tomorrow never comes.

(2000)