Men of the Cave (Symbol of Hope Series)

by Burgess, Marisette

  “She gets around quick and without any help.” I was impressed.

  “This place has not changed in a hundred years. I did not bring you here simply because she is a great cook. Helena has been in Deia for as long as I can remember.”

  “Really?”

  “She is like a grandmother to me. That is why I brought you to meet her. She is an impressive story teller.” He gestured for me to sit on the medieval couch.

  Instead of cushions, her sofas had brick colored leather that wrapped around dark squared pieces of wood. It attached at the seams with large bronze metal buttons. They were flat and looked hard. The leather had intricate etched drawings of a matador spearing his bull. The furniture barely fit in the tiny apartment.

  Her couches were as hard and tough as they looked. He sat next to me, our knees touched. I cherished every breath of his strong masculine cologne. He was tender here in this apartment. I sensed this was a place of home to him. He was gorgeous. Every feature on his face perfect, dark and inviting. The boy could be his own photo shoot.

  “Story teller?”

  “She tells stories of ancient Greece. If you like history, she can really enlighten you.”

  “Greek mythology is boring. I didn’t care for it in school.” I struggled with the subject, it was just one long made up soap opera.

  He laughed, “Do not tell her that. She has a lot of pride with those old stories. She is truly an extraordinary woman and a great cook.”

  “You’ve mentioned that twice. What makes her food so great?”

  “Her food is traditional. It makes me feel like I am in another time.” He smiled as if remembering the past. I thought it was an unusual comment to make about food, but before I could inquire, Helena came out and interrupted my thoughts. Dion said she was blind, but she entered the room carrying three plates and silverware and placed them appropriately on the table. I could tell that her glazed grey eyes only stared straight. She said something to Dion then returned into the kitchen.

  “What did she say?” I asked.

  “She said the food will be out soon, and then she will meet you.”

  “Meet me?”

  “She will probably touch your face to see what you look like.”

  “Oh.” I understood. I’d never known anyone who was blind. “Does she have any family here?” I felt sorry for the lonely old woman.

  “No, but the people of this village love her. She gets many visitors daily. She makes my brothers and I lunch four times a week.”

  “Wait, she makes you lunch? Fernando told me that you have dinner at his restaurant almost every day! Do you boys ever cook or eat at home? What about your parents? Do they eat out too?”

  “No, my brothers and I are horrible in the kitchen, so we will not cook.”

  “Agh, typical,” I disapproved.

  He smirked.

  “My parents died a long time ago. Max has taken care of us ever since,” he said with no emotion.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” I wished I’d known this information or I would have never brought it up.

  “It is quite all right. We have adjusted.”

  Helena came out with a pot and set it on the table. She walked over to us. Dion stood, and I followed his lead. He said something to her and then said my name. She smiled and leaned in as if to give me a hug. I stepped forward so she could find me. She reached out and placed both her hands on the creases of my cheekbones. Then she brushed my cheek with a ghostlike kiss. I went to step back, but she didn’t let go. She held my face with both hands and lightly stroked all my facial features with her fingertips. She said a few things to Dion, and he would reply. When she was satisfied, she stepped back and smiled. She said something then headed for the dining room table.

  He chuckled and blushed.

  “What did she say?” I whispered to Dion.

  “She said red heads have tempers,” he said with a laugh.

  “She did not! Did she?”

  “Most certainly, she did.” Dion lead me to my seat.

  “Wait, how can she tell what color my hair is?”

  He looked away laughing.

  “Dion! You’re such a liar what did she really say?”

  “She said you were unique.” He sat across from me.

  “Unique, in what way?”

  “She said you reminded her of Pandora.”

  “Pandora! As in, the Greek myth of the first woman Zeus created and let all the evil in the world out from her box?”

  “Actually it was a jar. That is her.” He held his bowl out as Helena filled it with the porridge.

  “That’s weird. As if she knows what she looks like?” I held out my bowl and Helena kept pouring. She somehow knew when the bowl was full. It didn’t really smell like anything at all, but the steam rose from the three bowls.

  “Mmmm, enjoy! I simply love her porridge.” Dion lifted a big spoon, blew on it, and stuck it right into his mouth.

  I raised my spoon and blew on it. I dipped the tip of my tongue into the spoon to verify its temperature. It was surprisingly much cooler than I’d originally thought. I stuck the whole spoon in my mouth, expecting a vibrant explosion of flavors. I got nothing. The porridge tasted like bland vegetables and boiled meat. It had no salt, no seasoning, and no spice at all.

  I glanced over to Dion who was eating it right up and enjoying every bite. Were my taste buds crazy? I tried another spoonful, nothing, no flavor. I ate my porridge like a good houseguest. I was in complete awe at how much Dion enjoyed this meal.

  Helena packed a pot full for him to take to his brothers. She told captivating stories of ancient Greek heroes with intricate details. She was extremely talented at embellishing the imagination to bring realism to those mythical tales. After a few hours, we said our farewells and left her to her dark home.

  “Thank you for bringing me here. Her stories were amazing. I’m keeping a travel log of my trip. I’ll have to write this down tonight so that I can remember every detail,” I said to Dion as he opened the door to the Mini Cooper for me.

  “It was my pleasure, Kasey.” He gave me his usual charming smile. I blushed and looked away.

  The ride back to the restaurant was too short. I wanted to spend more minutes, hours, every second with Dion. I delayed my leaving his car before I said, “Thank you for today. I had fun.”

  “It was absolutely memorable.”

  “Okay,” I said.

  I reach for the door handle, but he held my arm.

  “Please, wait, allow me.” He opened his car door, stepped out, and walked around to my door and opened it for me. I took the hand he offered and let him help me out.

  “A lady should never leave an automobile without at least being offered proper assistance. I would have offered the other times, but you were so quick to leave my car you did not give me a chance.” He closed the door behind me.

  “Ohhhh, I’m so not in the States anymore.”

  He gave me a curious gaze. “A proper gentlemen needs to let any lady riding in his vehicle know that he will care for her.”

  There was something unexplainable about this guy, something attractive. “You act so prehistoric. It’s odd.”

  He laughed.

  “I am not that old,” he mumbled. “I’ll see you Sunday morning.”

  “Sunday?”

  “Catholicism is strong within this village. Everyone attends mass on Sunday.”

  “Ah.” I nodded. It had not dawned on me that I would have to participate in the religious ceremonies of my host family. I didn’t know how to feel. I’d never set foot in a church, nor did I buy into the philosophies they tried to sell.

  He kissed my cheek then got in his car and drove off.

  ******

  Deia on Sundays resembled a ghost town. All six hundred and fifty inhabitants made it to the Catholic Church that day. The Castillo’s insisted that I attend the service with them. We went to an early mass around seven thirty in the morning. I took my journal to make observations of the
ir customs. I wasn’t really going to take part of the rituals of their faith. Beatriz and Catalina covered their hair with a small black veil. Beatriz offered me a headdress. I did not want to offend her, so I respectfully placed it on my head.

  The sandstone church sat on top of a hill, off to it’s distance the mountain and the rocky shoreline. The Mass was full of chants, I had a hard time following. The Kleon brothers were heavily involved as readers and altar servers. It was hard to focus on what was occurring. I was too busy watching Dion.

  The villagers stared or snarled at me because I wasn’t praying and bowing my head when required. I sat next to Beatriz and wrote down notes in my journal. The town was strict in their religious beliefs. Catholicism is huge in Spain. The mass unnerved me. If required by the Castillos, I would attend, but I hoped they would let me stay home.

  After the service, the Castillos socialized with friends. This Sunday they had many friends wanting to get the scoop on me. They were cordial and fascinated by my foreign self. Among their friends were the Kleon brothers. They greeted me as they would a member of the Castillo family.

  “You look lovely,” Dion said as he kissed my cheek. He gazed at my green skirt and black halter-top.

  “Thanks, I don’t think your opinion was shared by the locals.” I had gotten nasty looks from some of the elderly women.

  “They are not used to uncovered shoulders at church.”

  “I wish someone would have told me,” I shrugged.

  “It is all right to come as you are comfortable. Did you enjoy the service?” He was extremely polite. It was hard to converse with him while he wore his altar server robes. He resembled a priest, and I felt he shouldn’t be fraternizing with me.

  “Not really,” I answered.

  Concerned he said, “I am sorry to hear that.” He seemed confused as if he didn’t understand something.

  “Is everything all right?”

  “Fate has perplexed me.” He shook his head as if shaking his thoughts away. Before I could inquire further, Beatriz interrupted us.

  “Kasey, we are leaving now. Dion have a blessed day,” she said in her angelic voice.

  “Señora, you as well.” He gave her a kiss on her cheek. I turned to follow Beatriz, but Dion took my hand. I stopped, allowing him to hold it.

  He swallowed, “You enjoy your afternoon as well my dear.” He leaned forward and gently placed his lips to my forehead. I held my breath. He let go of my hand and took a step back.

  “Thank you,” I scarcely got out the words. I looked away and started toward Beatriz and Fernando. I trembled. What was I doing? I didn’t come to Spain to have a fling. Quite the opposite. The last thing I wanted was another emotional rollercoaster. Poor Dion, he was definitely interested. I would be lying to myself if I said I was anything less as well.

  5. Kasey’s Family

  “Hola, caballeros. What will it be today?” I said with my American accent to Dion and his brothers.

  “Good evening Kasey. How has this fine Friday treated you?” Max asked in his proper way with his proper attire.

  “Very well, thank you,” I blushed. He had such a way with words.

  “I would like my usual vegetarian meal, please.” Antony roughly put his menu away. He was the strange one, always rather grubby, or un-groomed would be the better term.

  “How have you liked your first two months in Spain, Kasey? Are you enjoying yourself?” Max ignored Antony and looked at me.

  “Oh, of course. It’s a different world over here compared to the states. I wish I had passed the international driving test, so I can drive myself around.”

  “I am quite sure Dion does not mind taking you to school every morning,” John snickered.

  I noticed some kind of communication pass between the brother’s eyes. Dion looked exquisite. He wore a sleek royal blue linen shirt with tan pants. His dark features made the perfect contrast against the vibrant blue of his shirt. He had slick but messy hair. He always appeared as if he was going out to a club. That style worked for him. It looked sexy.

  “It is a pleasure for me to assist someone who needs my help,” Dion said giving John a look that read ‘cut it out.’ “To start with, can I have the Gazpacho con huevo y jamon, please?” Dion changed the conversation.

  “I would like that as well,” Max said.

  “That’s the tomato soup with ham and eggs, right?” I asked to make sure.

  “Yes,” they all answered.

  “John and I will have the Aguacate con gamba that is the avocado and prawns,” Martin said.

  “Thanks,” I turned and headed back into the kitchen.

  “Señor Fernando, the Kleon Brothers are here. These are the tapas they want.” I handed him the order paper.

  “Thank you, Kasey, you are a great help.” He began working on the food preparation. The Castillo family had been very hospitable to me these past months. With the exception of Catalina, the rest of the family made me feel like I was one of them. They only made me work one night a week at the restaurant. The rest of the time they told me to enjoy my stay in Spain and to get my school completed. They were truly good, wholesome people.

  “Are you sure you do not want something to eat for yourself?” Señor Fernando asked.

  “I’m sure. I can’t seem to get used to the ten o’clock dinners here,” I said.

  “Well, you ate early. When you get hungry again let me know,” he said with genuine kindness.

  “I’ll go out and see what they want for dinner,” I left the kitchen to face the Kleon brothers again.

  Catalina stood at the Kleon’s table taking their dinner order. I knew she was probably doing it to get a rise out of me. She was constantly doing childish annoyances to get me mad. Like the day she placed conditioner in my shampoo and shampoo in my conditioner. She denied everything, and because I think her parents are afraid of what she might do; they ignore her immaturity. She acts as if I’m a ghost. Ignores me when I speak to her and mutters comments about me when I’m right there.

  I walked over to their table and said, “Thanks Catalina. You’re such a great help.” I gave her a fake smile.

  She looked cross at me and said, “The order is done. Take it to the kitchen.” She walked out of the restaurant.

  “That poor child is so damaged,” Max said, shaking his head sympathetic.

  I let out a low giggle.

  “After all the things she has done to you Kasey, you are still nice to her. I am impressed,” Martin said.

  “That’s weird how do you know about all the things she has done?” I never told Dion about Catalina’s behavior. Martin seemed nervous and the others looked at him waiting for his answer.

  “I, um, heard it from Garcia.” His words stumbled out.

  “Well anyways, I have some strong beliefs in Karma. She has issues she needs to work out and is taking them out on me.”

  Dion cringed and Max shook his head as if I said something inappropriate. John and Martin smirked.

  “Did I say something wrong?” I asked afraid that I’d somehow put my foot in my mouth.

  “No, Kasey you are fine.” Dion glanced at Max.

  “Okay, I’ll go put your order in.”

  The rest of the night was quiet. The Kleon brothers didn’t say much to me again. When my shift was over, I went upstairs and sprawled across my tiny bed. It felt nice to lay back and relax. I took a few seconds to gather myself and then reached up onto the desk to grab my cell phone. I had an awful habit of checking it constantly even though I never received any messages. This time when I looked at the tiny screen, I blinked several times. The little pop up box read the number eight with Nolan’s name next to it. There were no messages. My heart sunk to the bottom of my stomach. Something was wrong. Why would he call eight times and not leave a message? Frantic, I hit the call back button and held my breath with each ring. Finally, after the fifth ring, I heard his voice.

  “Kasey, why haven’t you called me back?” He sounded hysterical.
>
  “I was working, what’s wrong? Is everyone okay?”

  “No! Kase I don’t know what to do. I…I… can’t take this anymore. They are nuts, completely out of their minds!” He began to bawl over the phone.

  I let out a sigh of relief no one was hurt. Then I switched my tone to the understanding older sister. “Just tell me what’s happened.”

  In between sobs he managed to say, “They...they…have joined a nudist colony. They actually think I’m going to go live with them completely naked. How can our parents be so insane?”

  My mouth dropped, “What!”

  “Nudist, Kasey, they have become nudist,” he said calmer.

  I was prepared for anything imaginable, but this.

  “Oh, my God, Nolan, I don’t know what to say. You’re going to have to give me a minute.”

  “I know, I know. I thought they couldn’t get any fruitier than they were. Then they go off and do this crazy thing,” he said frustrated.

  “Have you guys already moved into the colony?”

  “No, they are doing it the first of November. When the rent goes up here; they move to the colony.”

  “What about the health food store?” I asked.

  “They’re keeping it. They’re dressing for work every day, but when they are home they’re going to be naked and they are going to live next to people who are naked.”

  “Have they said why the sudden change in life style?” I asked still in disbelief.

  “They said they have always felt they wanted to live like that and since you left they thought this was the perfect opportunity. Like they don’t even give a crap about me.”

  “Are they making you live with them?” Knowing Sue and Frankie, they would never make him do something he didn’t want to.

  “No, they said that if I can arrange another living situation they would let me do what I wanted, but I can have a room in their new apartment.”

  “Wait, what about my room?” I couldn’t help but selfishly ask. Would I have a home to return to when this excursion was over?

  “They said you were eighteen and more than capable living on your own. They’re going to help you get a place.”