by Michele Lee
Marco immediately stopped and scanned the area of the bed until he noticed the shiny gold locket on the floor beside the bedpost. He picked up both locket and chain and before he could give it to her, she hastily grabbed it out of his hand which caused him to jerk back from her. Noticing his reaction she closed her hand over the locket that contained Marissa’s photo and looked up at him with nervousness. She trembled at his confused expression.
“What’s in the locket that has you so protective from me seeing it?”
“I can’t.” She gasped realizing she reacted in panic mode. Her fear and anxiety knotted inside her stomach as she held her tears in check not wanting to lose total control.
“You can’t? After all we shared this week you still can’t trust me?” He asked disbelievingly. He thought they broke barriers and she still held out on him.
She got off the bed and sat at the edge of the mattress away from his stare so she can gather her wits. “Please, don’t be angry with me.” She replied in a tormented voice as guilt assaulted her.
He just stared at her back then rose from the bed and walked out the room but paused at the door way. He sighed heavily. “I’m going to take a shower and then I need to run last minute errands for the opening. I’ll meet you there so please don’t be late.” He stated his voice filled with anguish and then he was gone. She sat immobile until she heard his car leave from her drive way. She closed her eyes as a wave of loneliness assailed her. Where does she go from here? She couldn’t keep Marissa a secret for long and she feared telling him. She feared knowing what secrets her father knew. She felt deathly scared all of a sudden, dark clouds were emerging over her sunshine and she was incapable of stopping it. This past week showed her what life could be like with Marco and the thought to lose it so quickly devastated her. She covered her face and gave in to her grief and agony.
Chapter Thirteen
Sitting in her jeep for a good fifteen minutes with the key in the ignition contemplating if she should attend today’s official opening for “Cisco’s Ranch of Hope”. Marco called her three times already and she hit ignore all three times the coward that she was. She knew she hurt him this morning and she was so scared of losing what they had this week. She also felt like an intruder, his whole family would be there and she knew it would be awkward for her even though Marco promised his family will be welcoming. He probably threatened them like he did her. Hearing her phone buzz again she looked down this time it was a text from him.
Marisol – WHERE ARE YOU? Please don’t make me go pick you up which is what I should have done in the first place. You belong here with me – more than anyone else!!!!! I’m waiting. I’m also disappointed that you ignored my calls –
Letting out a big sigh, she responded not wanting to cause any additional tension when she arrives.
Okay! I’m on my way. Even though it’s against my will but nonetheless I’m already in my car.
He responded quicker than she was able to get her Jeep started.
I hate that you feel that way after everything we shared. But THANK YOU and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Please don’t text and drive – I want you here in one piece.
She let out a growl and rolled her eyes as she put her Jeep in gear. As soon as she arrived wearing her jeans with her cowboy boots and her short corduroy jacket she started up the path and the magnetic force was so fierce their eyes met immediately when she looked up from the ground. His heart warming smile radiated right to her insides. It was like being in a mudslide as she is grasping not wanting to get buried alive in the pit of his world. She couldn’t overcome her panic from this morning. He trotted over to her clearly relieved she showed up, his eyes never losing eye contact with her, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for coming. It means more to me than you know.” He told her while his eyes showed how relieved he was.
“You are welcome even though you kind of bullied me here.” She said trying to sound casual and cool but failed.
“Bullied or not you are here and you have made me a very happy man. Now come on and join the festivities. But before we join everyone, I have a present for you.” He pulled out a small box from shirt pocket and put it into her hand.
She looked up at him lost for words, she decided to just open the box and inside she found a brand new gold necklace a little thicker than the one she originally had. She knew this gift had more meaning to it and she wanted to bury herself in his arms but couldn’t since it wasn’t the place nor time. She looked up into his eyes and there it was he was giving her undeserved privacy a sort of peace offering until she was ready to trust him. “Thank you.” She said with a cracked voice. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him so he can kiss the top of her head and after inhaling her scent he then guided her to the crowd of loud happy goers. In spite of her trepidation she began to gain courage through his encouragement. Taking her around he was reacquainting her to his guests since majority of them she already knew from family members to the employees and volunteers that stayed onboard with him. Although they were polite and cordial, it was distressing to see those her mother considered friends who out casted her only daughter as soon as she died. Holding on to his hand she hadn’t realized she was squeezing it so tight.
“Don’t be nervous otherwise you’ll cut the circulation in my hand.” He chuckled as he looked at her.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t even realize I was squeezing so hard.” She tried to pull from his grasp and he only grasped tighter not allowing her to release his hand. “It’s been a long time since I seen everyone but I’m okay now.” She explained sheepishly.
“Don’t worry about anything or anyone. You are here for me as my guest and screw everything else. You got it?” He looked in her eyes waiting for her to confirm.
“It’s so easy when you say it but tell it to my heart. Plus you don’t know what it was like to be out casted by all my mom’s friends. I still don’t even know why.” She shrugged and tears began to well in her eyes. It was all quite overwhelming for her, these past twelve years she secluded herself from intimacy or close relationships. She barricaded herself from any risk of emotional hurt. Before he could respond, Cisco came from behind Marco and lunged at Marisol wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug forcing Marco to release her hand. She was caught off guard and almost lost her footing.
“Marisol, Marisol - I love it here. I’m going to be the best horse teacher ever. Thank you for taking care of the horses.” Although, he was squeezing her so tight she thought her insides were about to bust, she cherished the feeling of belonging to the world of Cisco. He brings sunshine to everyone he touches with his loud affection.
“You are so welcome, I’m so honored to be a part of this and I know you are going to do a great job here.” She was breathless from his hug.
“Okay, Cisco you are going to crush her ribs, you can let her go now.” Marco instructed as he began to peel him off her.
“I like hugging Marisol.” His smile reached each of his eyes and it brightened up Marisol’s spirit. Her eyes twinkled with pure joy.
“And I love your hugs.” She smiled back at him.
“Cisco, there you are.” Mona joined their circle. Today was a great day for her and it showed in her complexion full of color and life. Cisco being honored and Marco with his generosity to give back not only to the community but to help disabled children it was a beautiful moment for her one she will treasure.
“Hello Marisol, you look lovely. I hope Cisco here is not driving you nuts. He is way too excited about the ranch.”
“Hi Mona, you too look lovely. What a pretty jumpsuit the colors are radiant. I’m glad to hear that Freddie’s health has improved and so happy for Cisco he was just thanking me for helping out.” Marisol’s nervousness lost for the moment with Mona’s easy going spirit. Mona radiates love and affection from her very pores to everyone who comes in contact with her and Marisol just wanted to soak it all up like a sponge it’s been so long without a mother figure
in her life.
“Thank you Marisol for your kind words. I do have to say that Freddie is going to be the death of me,” she said shaking her back and forth. Switching her attention over to her youngest she told him. “Cisco, I was looking for you. Your Tia Lucia wants to take your picture next to the sign, hoping to get in the independent town paper. Come and let Marisol mingle. We’ll catch up to you guys later.” Taking their leave Cisco was skipping with amusement while Mona trailing behind him. Marisol giggled and looked up at Marco whose eyes were glowing with happiness watching the same scene before them.
Angelo shouted out to Marco and broke their silent thoughts. “Marco, the reporter from the Observer is here and wants to talk with you. He is over there by Tio Luis and that can’t be a good thing.” Laughing because their uncle knew very little English and what he did know may not be quite appropriate for the newspaper.
Looking perplex at Marisol she told him, “What are you waiting for? That’s great publicity. I’ll be fine, in fact I wanted to catch up with the vet before he left so shoo.” Putting her hands out to shoo him away relief filled her to avoid their previous conversation.
He just laughed with a tad of nervousness to leave her alone. “I’m going although our discussion is not over, so you’re off the hook for now.” She just stuck her tongue out at him and went to seek the veterinarian Mr. Williams who was also attending today’s function.
After her discussion with Mr. Williams she was really concerned about Star who wasn’t eating. She developed a soft spot for Star the first day they met. At least, the reports of the other horses were wonderful. Marco was lucky with the horses he purchased, the past owner really cared for them and it showed. Looking around she took in the scene before her; kids running around causing a ruckus; the adults were mingling and eating, sounds of laughter and screaming kids having a good old time. It gave Marisol joy and sadness to watch. She felt a pang in her chest on how lonely she really felt not belonging to a family. She found it funny that Nate’s family functions never sparked these emotions. It alarmed her more than she could ever imagine. Marco is opening up her Pandora box and how will she ever close it back up to avoid getting hurt. She is heading down a path of no return.
Marco finally found an opportunity to be alone with Marisol. He had seen her standing by herself looking out at the horses on the field and came to join her offering a tall glass of lemonade. Thankful she accepted since her throat was parched.
“You okay? Is my family behaving? Are they treating you good? If not, I’ll ask them all to leave.” He asked giving her no clue to his expression if he was teasing or not.
“Relax, I’m fine and yes everyone has been polite. Even though I think your uncle squeezed my butt when I passed by him. Anyway, that’s your family – you can’t throw them out even if you wanted to. It’s called moral code.”
He chuckled sarcastically. “I forgot to warn you about him. He never amazes me. By the way, my ranch – my rules; so if they break them then they will be asked to leave – there is no moral code in my book. My rules are my rules simple as that.” He looked straight ahead looking almost dangerous - daring anyone to defy him. She had no comeback and felt confused. One part of her felt excited that he cared enough about her willing to take action if she felt mistreated but terrified her at the same time that he actually would take action. She hasn’t had that sense of protection ever and it made her again realize how alone she really was.
“Did you like the necklace?” he shyly asked switching his mood from dark to endearing.
“I loved it; I put it in my purse for safe keeping. It meant a lot to me.”
“Good, because it meant a lot to me too. It was my first errand on my list this morning. I hated how we departed this morning.” He looked over at her and then from the corner of his eye, Marco sees his cousin Tina about to approach them and he knew trouble was on the horizon by the mischievous gleam in her eyes. He may have been gone a while but he did know his family fairly well. “Oh boy they let Medusa out.” Marisol glimpsed over him to see who he was referencing and stiffened when she saw Tina. In unison they both turned around to greet her with strain smiles.
Tina with her long hair professionally straightened no doubt and her face with enough make-up for a model shoot wearing her big hoop hoochy earrings tight jeans with high boots with a six inch heel and a loose red blouse leaving no imagination to the red bra underneath looked as if she was going to a club instead of a horse ranch. She was attractive if you are into the club scene or the ghetto-fab kind of girl. “Marisol? Wow, I thought that was you. What a surprise to see you here.”
Interjecting in protective mode, Marco replied hastily putting his arm around Marisol’s waist guiding her closer to his hip. “It shouldn’t be a surprise; she has put in long hours here and helped me out a great deal getting this place in tip top shape. In fact, she is magically gifted with the horses.”
His comment caught Marisol off guard but having his arm around her waist and feeling his side along hers brought on hot flashes causing her cheeks to redden. She had to admit she felt more than pleased that he expressed his appreciation for all her help and especially seeing Tina annoyed by it was a definite plus. She was never one of her favorite people back in high school. Tina always displayed possessiveness when it came to Marco which constantly made Marisol her daily target back then. “Hello Tina. It’s been a while, as always you look great.”
“Thank you, I’ve been working hard taking pole dancing classes it’s the new craze in exercise it surely beats Zumba class. So where is Nate your other half? I’m not use to seeing one with out the other. You guys make the cutest couple and have been together for so long.” Tina asked with a smirk. Her motives were clear she didn’t approve of her being around Marco. Well two can play that game.
Marisol was also aware of Marco’s grip tightening around her. Trying to sound unaffected she responded politely. “Nate is traveling and is mad he missed today’s event since he helped Marco with the sale. I will let him know you asked for him.”
“Please do, so when are we going to hear wedding bells? He can’t keep you holding on forever. You are not getting any younger – tick-tock.” She giggled wickedly and she used her ring finger to act out the tick tock.
Marisol taking a sip of her lemonade to keep her cool winded up choking on her last words and began to cough to clear her throat. Marco releasing his hold started to pat her back surely wasn’t amused over the conversation. Since he knew there was a façade with Nate and Marisol he just wasn’t clear for the reasons behind it and he still needs to clear the air with Nate regarding the text message he sent him since Nate avoided him ever since.
“For me, I’m not ready for marriage but will keep you posted if that changes. Now if you both will excuse me I wanted to check on Star he wasn’t eating much since yesterday.” She politely smiled as she excused herself. Marco watched her rush over to the stables then shifted his attention to his cousin.
“What game are you playing Tina?”
“No game I just want you to have your eyes open. I see the way you look at her and I don’t want you to set yourself up for failure or give her the power to hurt you.”
“If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big boy and know this I never fail so I don’t need you or anyone else in the family to protect or defend me. I also expect Marisol to be treated with the respect she deserves or else they will have me to deal with. Understand?” He glared at Tina waiting for her acknowledgement.
Glaring right back at him she replied. “As you wish, but keep in mind you don’t know everything there is to know about her anymore. She may have secrets you might not like.” Ready to walk away leaving him with that tidbit of information he stopped her in her tracks by standing in front of her.
“Meaning?” He asked with his eyes throwing daggers at her.
Not backing down she answered him fearlessly. “I’m going to do exactly what you asked or should I say demanded of me which is giving her the resp
ect she deserves. You will need to ask her yourself.” Stepping around him feeling pleased with her deed she escaped leaving him with his chaotic thoughts.
Marisol was huffing and puffing all the way to the barn. She knew she should have stayed home today. She is still trying to figure out how and why she lets Tina get under her skin even after all these years. She is still that spiteful mean girl from high school who just can’t be decent if it killed her. Once in the barn she reached Star’s stall her shoulders began to relax once again and the tension released once Star laid his eyes on her. He was such a loving horse. He stood there looking proud as he nudged her with his nose. She began to rub him as she said sweet gestures to him. She is determined to find out the reason for his lack of appetite. All of sudden, she felt someone’s presence and she twisted her head around to see Alex sitting across from her on a bucket. She could see the fear in his eyes; he avoided her all day long now he was forced to face her. His body frozen he looked like a deer in head lights.
“Hello Alex.”
“Hi, well I gotta go.” He jumped up from the bucket and ready to flee before her voice caused him to halt.
“Oh, no you don’t Alex. You owe me an explanation and I rather hear it from you without it being forced out of you by your father. Your choice?” Her threat sounded legit. She has been playing this scene over in her mind a hundred times already and she finally got her window of opportunity.
He spun himself around so fast he almost lost his balance. Her threat scared the daylights out of him and she knew it. He already carried guilt over what happened and he didn’t want his father’s wrath as well. “What explanation are you talking about?” One last chance to play dumb hoping it worked.
“Really Alex, would you like me to show you all the bruises I have hidden or will you take my word for it being that some of them have your name on it.”
