Roots of Indifferences

by Terri Ragsdale

  Within an hour Don Federico had explained about Roy's accident. Juan, hearing about Doña Francisca's death, was sincerely heartbroken and expressed his deepest sympathy. He learned, too, about Victoria's marriage and her soon-to-be-delivered baby. He felt his heart faintly stir, but swallowed his disappointing hurt and smiled graciously.

  So many things had happened in Juan's own life during the last eight months. He told Don Federico that his mother had died, and his sister had married a nice, respectable businessman from a town close to Monterrey.

  But he didn't tell him that he had envisioned himself wanting wealth, fame, and a nice mansion with the girl of his dreams—Victoria. And Victoria had wanted the same: money, property, and more important, a name. The Del Calderóne’s name in itself was famous and known throughout the entire country of Mexico. He hoped she was happy with the man of her dreams. He wished that someday he would find a woman he could love, have many children, and live a contented life. Yes, there were other women, beautiful women in Mexico, and he had had plenty of them, but nothing approached the depth of the love he had for Victoria. From the moment he met her out in the brasada, she had captured his heart and soul, and he thought he had captured hers.

  Now, he told Don Federico, all he wanted was to help mankind and help the least fortunate in healing them and make them well, contented with being ranked only El Doctor Capitán.

  Fred sat and listened while both men talked about years past and brought up their trip to San Antonio and what a good time they had had. Madero's name came up and brought sad memories. Juan remarked that the situation in Mexico was becoming more alarming every day. "After Madero's death, the only leader we have now is Carranza," he said, "but I have chosen the medical field and play it safe. I want to accomplish my lifetime dream, and I'm making it possible a little at a time helping the poor and helpless. I have decided to help the wounded and get out of the battlefield. It's a political mess. I'll use my head and my brains for healing, instead of my physical body with guns and killing."

  "A worthy cause, well taken." said Don Federico.

  It wasn't long before the two talked about years before. Juan began making the arrangements to leave with Don Federico. Two of his women helpers, dressed in white uniforms, would stay and help until his assistant returned in a couple of hours. Juan would come with Don Federico, as soon as the supply wagon returned from el mercado. He began packing his large, black bag with medicine and instruments.

  *****

  It was late in the evening when the weary group finally reached Spanish Acres. They had not stopped in Mercedes City, going right past the town, because of the immediate urgency. On the trip, Juan learned that Don Federico had built a new house in Mercedes City and that Fred had returned from military school but still wanting to become a doctor. Juan was thrilled.

  The majority of the workers at Spanish Acres had been taking turns, through many sleepless nights, taking care of Roy. They had nearly given up hope for an intervention, although candles and prayers and many novenas had been said to save the foreman. Still, they were pacing the floor, patiently waiting for the arrival of any miracle.

  After seeing Roy's condition, Juan immediately began to give orders. He had been up since five o'clock that same day, had not stopped, not even to rest, but he was used to this daily life and accustomed to this routine. He asked for some black coffee and ordered as many buckets of hot water as could be provided, along with soap to scrub the area. He requested a flatbed, or a board with fresh linens to lay Roy on. He also requested as many oil lanterns as possible, needing as much light as possible to see what he was doing. Finally, he would need help with the operation itself. Fred, Miguel, Soledad, and Yolanda all volunteered. It was important especially to Fred, who realized this could be the experience of a lifetime.

  In a flash, the women diligently went to work, scattering in all directions, trying to get the supplies and do whatever they could do to save the dying gringo.

  The operation began, with Juan and his helpers working on the elegant dining room table, under the twenty oil lamp chandeliers. Nobody slept. The natives stood around into the wee hours of the night, waiting. Tension and suspense were part of the daily life here.

  There was blood everywhere. Fred stood at Roy's head, dropping chloroform from an eyedropper on a soft, white cloth over his nose. Each time Roy groaned, he placed another drop. Soledad experienced so much anxiety that she became sick and was whisked away. Yolanda, who could not take her eyes from Juan at first, had fainted at the sight of blood and was dragged onto a couch. Fred's face would occasionally turn different colors, and he would excuse himself from the scene at intervals. The only one still standing was Miguel, his face contorted by what his eyes were viewing as if he were experiencing the pain himself. Several times he became concerned about Juan and would pat his sweaty forehead with a clean cloth.

  After three hours, Juan finished the last stitch and almost collapsed. He managed to clean his hands and dispose of the once white smock, now drenched in blood, that he had put on over his own clothes. Black coffee was brought to him as he sat in one of the dining room chairs and began wiping his face with a warm cloth. Hot chicken soup and a bottle of whiskey were placed on the table for him. "It will be a matter of time," he said. "Only time will tell. After the chloroform wears off, Roy will be in a lot of pain. Give him all the whiskey he wants. It will be morning soon."

  *****

  The following morning, Don Federico received a message from Victoria, by way of the daily milk-wagon going back and forth between Spanish Acres and Mercedes City. The letter informed Don Federico that Ricardo's mother and his sister had arrived in Texas and were staying at the Ale's house. They would remain there until Ricardo found them a place to stay or built them a new house. Victoria's grandmother Gloria had been living with Victoria and was watching and waiting for signs of labor. Word came that Emma had been in bed for over a week, not feeling very well, and had been having fainting spells. Some suspected, strictly speculated that, with her weight, she could be having heart problems. Felicia and Dan had also been staying at the Juleson house and had been traveling back and forth to Emma's. On a daily basis, they were all taking turns and keeping a watchful eye on Victoria's upcoming delivery and watching for any changes in Emma's condition.

  Things did not look good for the Ale family. Victoria also suggested in her note that since Dr. Cantu was taking care of Roy, perhaps he could drop by Emma's home and make a diagnosis.

  Don Federico laughed after reading the message. She needs to stop eating and stop putting food in her mouth. Poor Emma, he thought.

  It was close to noon before Don Federico, Fred, and Juan drove back to Mercedes City in their Cadillac carriage. Fred was dropped off in front of the Juelson's new home, to wash and change clothes, while the two men drove several blocks to Emma's home. Within an hour Fred walked back to Tía Emma's to visit with Juan before he returned to Reynosa.

  At Emma’s home, they found Felicia and Dan, who greeted the two men at the door. Dan especially was excited and surprised to see Juan, of all people. Felicia, too, was speechless and surprised to see Juan but was grateful since he knew about medicine. Don Federico found it puzzling that the two men knew each other.

  As Dan hugged Juan and called him compadre, the Don questioned, "How is it that you know each other?"

  "Small world!" exclaimed Dan. "It's a long story." He paused, still holding on to Juan's shoulder. "We were both in prison in Mexico City and got to be good friends. We traveled together when we got out of jail and met Luis Del Calderóne, Ricardo's brother, on the road to Monterrey and joined his band of fighters." Dan paused, watching his words. Somehow he had to omit Juan’s name and not connect him with the convent in Monterrey. Don Federico was wise and would pick up on what really happened on their trip back when they fled Mexico. He must not reveal Victoria's and Juan's secret love affair.

  Don Federico was amused and pleased but was still mystified. Then, still wondering, h
e asked Dan, "Where did you meet the two girls?"

  Juan stood silent, holding his medical bag, and glancing around, studying the Ale's house, avoiding the conversation and pretending the discussion did not pertain to him.

  Dan had to think fast! He rolled his eyes. "Why, it was Luis Del Calderóne who convinced me and my other two buddies to get food and shelter at the convent." He spoke with a slight laugh, and he stammered his words, trying to be convincing. "We must have left Juan many miles behind." He wanted to say as little as possible and not let the cat out of the bag. He was already getting himself into trouble, as his face turned beet red, feeling he was caught in a damn lie when Señora Del Calderóne and Magdalena showed up in the living room. Dan gave a relieved sigh. Felicia was white as a sheet and stood frozen, her hands cupping her mouth, knowing that if Dan kept talking, Don Federico would have gotten the drift, and would have put two and two together, figuring everything out about Victoria and how she had gotten pregnant.

  They performed the normal social formalities with each other. There was the introducing of Juan to Señora Del Calderóne and her daughter. There was a spark between the two young people, a faint smile, and a formal kiss for her hand. Magdalena stood breathless and enchanted by the handsome doctor.

  Juan was taken upstairs to Emma's room where her enormous four-poster bed stood. It was over an hour before he came down and informed Felicia that her mother was suffering from the disease called diabetes, and perhaps, with her weight, would have heart problems later. Emma needed to stop eating heavy foods, stop eating pastries, and bread, and eliminate sugary desserts. She needed to lose weight and start exercising. She needed to be put on a diet that included plenty of vegetables because eventually, the disease could cause serious complications.

  Within an hour Juan was traveling back across the border to Reynosa, back to his patients.

  CHAPTER 27

  "Juan was here?" Victoria stormed. "What happened to Dr. Cantu?" she questioned.

  "He was killed!" Fred answered. He gave her the full story of what happened in Reynosa and at Spanish Acres within the last two days, and how Juan had saved Roy's life. "He's gonna come back, he told Father, when he left. He gave Tía Emma a new diet and is coming back to check on her next week. And he is going to start courting Magdalena. The whole family of Señora Calderóne and Emma were excited to see Magdalena so happy."

  "He is going to do what?" she said. "I cannot believe this is happening!" Victoria paced the floor with her fists closed, her face flushed with anger. "What about Felicia?" she questioned. "What about Dan? What did they have to say?"

  "They did not say anything! What are they supposed to say? They were happy to see Juan. They were worried about Tía Emma's condition. I thought you liked Juan?" Fred asked. "You sound like you do not like what he did. I mean he saved Roy's life and is looking after Aunt Emma and is going to teach me medicine and all—" Fred in his naiveté and innocence went on talking.

  Of all people, the beautiful Magdalena! Well, of course, thought Victoria. No wonder she was so friendly as if coming to Texas had transformed her into a new person. She was happy, like a breath of fresh air, and even hugged her. Magdalena had even asked to borrow one of Victoria's evening dresses, which she graciously loaned her. As a matter of fact, she had borrowed more than one, some that Aunt Emma had made for her, some very colorful. Her friendliness was a real surprise, since, in the past, she hardly spoke to her. Victoria could not believe that if Juan fell in love with Magdalena and decided to marry her, he would be her—brother-in-law. God! That cannot be possible. What is he trying to do? Is he trying to get back at me? And yet, there was nothing that she could do. Her hands were tied. There was nothing, she could only wait.

  *****

  Within the following three weeks, everyone within the Juelson clan and other important social circles were invited to Emma and Howard Ale's home for a banquet dinner honoring Juan and thanking him for his heroic service in saving Emma's and Roy's life.

  As the time approached to go to the party, Ricardo and Victoria were alone in their upstairs bedroom. Except for the few servants in the downstairs kitchen and in the laundry room, the rest had gone to be with their families. Her father would be joining them later at Emma's home. He had gone to Spanish Acres to check on Roy's condition and on the shipment of crude oil being shipped out to the port of Brownsville. Her grandmother Gloria, Fred, and Carlos were already at Emma's house along with Felicia and Dan. Everyone was helping Emma with the banquet and with the preparations for the coming festivities of las Posadas and with decorations for the Christmas holidays.

  "Well, I'm not going," replied Victoria. "The baby is due very soon, and I’m exhausted. I do not feel very well." She rolled over on her side on the edge of the bed.

  "Well, you're going," Ricardo answered. "Get up from that bed, get dressed, and fix your hair," he said arrogantly, ordering her dismissively. "I'm going there and be with people, with my family. You don't want to insult my mother and your Aunt Emma by not showing up. Get dressed! They are expecting us to be at their dinner!" he said, controlling as always.

  "And if I refuse?" she argued. "Everyone knows that I'm due any minute now. I look so terrible and do not feel like getting dressed. My hands and feet are swollen, and I barely have any energy." In the past months, she had been depressed over losing her mother and the humiliation of her pregnancy.

  Ricardo was finishing buttoning his white, stiff cotton shirt, wanting to look his best, especially with his mother and his sister present. His face was flushed and twisted into a wild rage toward her. He grabbed her by her arm and began forcing her to sit up, being abusive, demeaning her with profanities.

  Trying to defend herself, Victoria pushed him away from her. She grabbed his shirt, began pulling and jerked so hard that one of the bottom buttons came off. This enraged him more, and he grabbed her hair and began pulling it. Victoria struggled to get up. From the Juelson's fire that burned in her soul, she managed to make a fist and throw a furious blow to his face, walloped him, striking so hard that he fell to the floor. With all of his arrogance and abusiveness, she hated him and wished him dead. Victoria did not know how long she was going to tolerate him, with his narcissistic, egocentric ways. She did not love him, nor would she ever.

  Within minutes there was a knock and the door to their bedroom door flew open. Don Federico had returned early, and unexpectedly, walked in with one of the household servants.

  "What's going on here?" He looked perplexed, as he scratched his head and eyed the condition of the bedroom, which resembled a Mexican train derailment. "From downstairs," he said, "it sounded like a boxing match was going on up here. Well! Who won?" He stifled a laugh at Ricardo who was still stunned and in a daze, trying to catch his breath and straighten himself up. He had a big shiner on his left eye, and Victoria's hair was a disheveled mess, standing partly up, looked like an orangutan.

  "Hija," he said, "it'll take me forty-five minutes to take a warm shower, to clean up and dress and be at your Aunt Emma's house. Get ready! It will give you enough time to dress. I think you'll feel better. I will drive you." He winked at her, and then addressed Ricardo, "You can come with us, or I’ll order a driver for you." He walked out of their bedroom and downstairs into his bedroom. His instincts told him what had happened; he found it almost comical, for he knew Victoria's temper.

  *****

  It had already turned twilight dusk and the weather was chilled. The wind had started blowing, and coming with it was a light drizzling rain. Humidity and coldness cut right through to everyone's bones.

  Within an hour, the gaiety at Aunt Emma's was at hand. Lanterns made with homemade candles planted in sand-filled paper bags lit the sidewalk up to the entrance of the home. Giant wreaths of fresh pine, with colorful red ribbons, were attached to the front door. They were greeted by Felicia dressed in a beautiful, golden brocade gown with golden chandelier earrings and necklace to match. Grandma Gloria kissed Victoria's cheeks and took her ca
pe. Inside, people were dressed in their finest evening clothes of silk, lace, red and black velvet and their preeminent jewels. The family had hired a five-piece orchestra from Brownsville to play cocktail music for their entertainment. Homemade eggnog had been introduced by one of the families attending from the northern states and set on an elaborate side table with a large cut-crystal bowl and cups; several large doses of vodka had already been conspicuously poured and mixed.

  The table was set for sixteen people and already was being filled up by the guests. Don Federico took a seat next to his two boys on his left. Directly in front of him was Mildred McCray, a plump, newly bereaved widow, her peppered hair up in a bun. Her grating, a high-pitched voice echoed throughout the dining room. Between her and Emma, their voices would have made a fine croon. She kept eying Don Federico with a big smile, putting her white lace handkerchief up to her mouth and blinking her eyelashes, trying to catch his attention. She laughed at everything that was said and was becoming an annoyance to those seated next to her. Her husband must have died from a chronic ear infection, thought Don Federico. Fred and Carlos found her comical and would glance at her and laugh to each other. Don Federico, being a wealthy widower, had become a prize to win for any available woman. Emma had been talking to all of her Spanish Club friends, telling them how lonely and how rich he was, and had conspicuously invited Mildred on the pretense of meeting the great Don.

  "Señor Juelson, it's so nice that I finally got the chance to meet you. Emma has been so charming in telling the women at our club about you and your great accomplishments."

  "It's nice meeting you, too, Mrs. McCray, and I'm glad you were able to attend Emma's social affair. She is known for her great parties. How welcome you are." Don Federico turned and snapped his fingers at the two boys next to him who were covering their mouths, giggling.