Everyone pitches in and does everything on rotation. Though I still wash my own smalls, when I remember to keep them back from the laundry chute.
Kinda feel a bit funny about big tough blokes washing and hanging out my knickers or bras.
Especially as lingerie is one of my few girly-girly secret pleasures. And some that I own, are not  exactly ummmm....chaste?  🤭
Eduardo and the others seem dumbfounded at my willingness to work. And the things I can do.
I explained to him that growing up in the country, you need to be able to have a go at everything yourself. Not just have a go, but actually do.
And being the only girl growing up with four big brothers? He got my drift.
The Vato's have all started calling me 'La Gata'....the cat.
Probably because I have excellent hearing, am super quick on my feet....and silent when moving. See well in the dark when on duty and can climb or move through tiny spaces better than....well....a cat I s'pose?
I'm so very proud to have a nickname and Leo says it suits me to a T. Though he calls me 'kitten'  instead  😺
No one else ever calls me Chiquita. As that seems to be reserved for Guillermo alone.
Not that I hear it much at all nowadays. Derpa's survival plan is working well....
....really well....
....too damned well!  😒
I stick to the rules except it's tough going. Especially when I catch glimpses of his confused, sometimes sad and sometimes angry face.  But I steel myself and just do it.
It's exhausting though as I keep myself fully occupied from morning to night....most times mid-afternoon to early morning. When I'm finally able to flop into bed, with no neighbour in close residence.
Leo became confused as all hell. And one day, about a month into my survival plan....he took me to task over my behaviour.
***
"What in the dickens are you doing, kitten?"  He demanded.
"You're all pally-pally with the Vato's, but playing polite acquaintances with the boss man.  What gives?"
"Self-preservation!"  I responded shortly.
Not willing to discuss it at all  with the two-legged, verbal version of Twitter.
"Oh....for goodness' sake!"  Leo spluttered.
"You'd have to be a Blind Freddy to not see that there was....is....a spark between you two. Probably a whole damned forest fire.  Why are you so hell-bent on wielding a big bloody extinguisher?"
"Self-preservation!"  I repeated stubbornly.
"My silly little donkey....don't do this.  Life's too short and precious now to not  take a chance on some sort of happiness. No matter how long it lasts!"
He sounded disappointed in me which is rightly justified. Yet I couldn't help but snap back at him.
"Leo? I'm in one big heaving ocean right now and I'm floundering.  It's....it's....like learning to swim when the waves are bigger than you.  I need to do whatever I can to stop myself from drowning."
"Self-preservation!"
It's the only way I could describe to him what I'm feeling and how scared it makes me. I shook my head and walked away from him before he could berate me some more.
For ages, I've longed to meet someone who'll kick-start my heart.  And now....when it 'might'  finally be within my grasp? I shove down my feelings because of fear.
Fear of the world we live in now, fear of rejection, fear of the future?
Or just plain fear of....me?
*
It's late when I stumble into my room, tired beyond belief. Grab my gear for a shower before bed.
My routine is down to a fine art now.
I keep my toiletries in the Ladies' shower room. Once awake and dressed I make my bed. Set out the towel and my set sleeping duds on the bedside table. Ready to grab and run when needed.
In other words, if G is around? I can make a quick fast getaway.
Luckily for me, his bedroom is empty tonight.
When I reach the showers, I yank off my filthy garments. Without even thinking I shove them down the chute that takes them on their trip to the basement laundry.
DERPA!
Don't know why I did that because it's my shift in the laundry tomorrow anyway. Could've taken them with me....duh.
I revel in my now  two minutes of lukewarm water. Towel off then reach for my night clothes.
My night clothes????
Where the fu....??????????????????
Oooow sheeeeit....!  😱

Dictionary
Smalls - Underclothes, bra and undies etc
Blind Freddie - Someone who can see, but can't see things right under their nose