Bogota Blessings

by E. A. West

  Juan Miguel shook his head. “Not today. I need to earn money today.”

  “Me, too,” Jorge said sadly. “Mamá needs me to earn extra to help pay bills since Eduardo will be volunteering here.”

  The simple statement of fact cut straight through Mateo’s heart. He hadn’t considered the ramifications Eduardo’s helping with the renovation would have on the rest of his family. But the temporary sacrifice on the part of Jorge would allow his older brother to gain experience that would help him get a job that paid a better wage than either boy could earn now. Plus it would hopefully convince Eduardo to stay away from the rebels, which would be better for his whole family.

  Mateo drew in a deep breath to steady his voice. “Well, know that whenever you are able to come help with the renovation, you are more than welcome.”

  “Thanks, Mateo,” Jorge said, and then the two boys ran out of the parking lot again.

  Mateo lifted his gaze to the clear blue sky and spoke softly. “Lord, please care for Jorge and Juan Miguel today. Help them to find an employer who will pay them a fair wage for whatever work they do.”

  He continued to pray, seeking the peace talking to God always provided. A sense of foreboding gripped his heart, however, and he added extra prayers for the safety of everyone connected to the mission—employees, volunteers, and children.

  The back door of the mission closed, and Mateo looked over, his heart growing lighter. Claudia skipped along beside Kayla, hand in hand as they crossed to the car with Maria. He didn’t know how the women had done it in so short a time, but Claudia’s dark hair shone and had been tied back with a pink ribbon. No sign of dirt appeared anywhere on the girl, and they’d put her in a dark blue dress and a pink cardigan. They’d even given her new shoes and short white socks.

  Claudia suddenly let go of Kayla and ran forward. “Look at my new dress, Mateo! Isn’t it pretty?”

  He chuckled as she twirled, making the knee-length skirt swirl. “Yes, it’s very pretty, but you are prettier.”

  She giggled and gave him a hug, then ran back to Kayla’s side and took her hand again. They settled into the backseat, and Mateo watched with a smile as Claudia snuggled against Kayla. To his pleasure, Kayla seemed just as happy to have Claudia by her side. As he drove through the city and listened to Maria tell Kayla about things they passed, he wondered how Claudia would react when the Americans went home. He had a feeling the girl would be devastated, but he couldn’t see a way to prevent it.

  By the time Mateo parked in front of Shaw Restoration, he’d convinced himself that he would be able to pick up the pieces after Kayla left. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d comforted a child after the departure of a favored volunteer. He doubted comforting Claudia would be the last time. Difficult as it was to see the kids upset, they were used to disappointment. Unfortunately, that knowledge did nothing to make it easier for him to watch them suffer through feeling let down by yet another person.

  As soon as they climbed out of the car, Claudia latched on to Kayla’s hand and looked around with wide eyes as they headed for the construction company’s front door. Maria fell into step with Mateo and spoke softly.

  “It appears our Claudia is smitten.”

  “Yes,” Mateo said quietly so the girl wouldn’t overhear. “I just pray she will not suffer too much when Kayla leaves.”

  Maria placed a hand on his arm, holding him back. “And what of you? I have seen how you look at Kayla.”

  “She is another volunteer who will be here a short time. I am where God wants me to be.” Mateo looked at the woman who had been something of a mother to him since he was seventeen. “I know you wish to see me happily married one day, Maria, but so far that hasn’t been in God’s plan for me. I doubt He would intend for me to marry an American woman and leave the mission behind.”

  “Perhaps He intends for the American woman to stay here and help with the mission.”

  Mateo stared at her as the suggestion sank into his head and his heart. Maria had a point; by deciding a relationship with Kayla wasn’t possible because she currently lived in America, he was limiting God. Mateo wouldn’t make that mistake. Instead, he would quit trying to talk himself out of being attracted to Kayla, since that wasn’t working well anyway, and just build whatever kind of relationship with her God allowed. If it was just a friendship, so be it. If God intended for them to have a romantic relationship, he would figure it out when the time came.

  For now, Kayla and Claudia stood by the entrance waiting for Maria and him to catch up. He shoved aside thoughts of relationships and future possibilities. Getting the materials and tools for the renovation was more important right now.

  4

  Kayla chipped away at the loose plaster on the kitchen wall, her thoughts drifting back to the trip across the city the previous morning. Maria had made a wonderful tour guide, providing information and trivia as only a local could, but what stood out in Kayla’s mind was Claudia. The girl was desperate for mothering, which had become painfully obvious as she stuck to Kayla’s side. After they returned to the mission and Claudia went to play with some other children, Mateo had explained the girl and her older brother were most likely orphans, although they denied being on their own. That children so young would have to care for and raise themselves broke her heart.

  Footsteps crunched across the plaster littering the tile floor, and Kayla glanced over her shoulder. Instead of one of the teens tasked with cleaning up debris, she found Mateo approaching. He carried two bottles of water, so she straightened and faced him, glad for the excuse to take a break. Scraping plaster was dusty, tedious work.

  She pulled down the mask protecting her lungs from the dust, and smiled. “Hey, Mateo, you want to help?”

  “Sure, but first you look like you could use a rest.” He held out a bottle of water. “Here, this is for you.”

  “Thank you.” Kayla twisted off the cap and took a long drink. “There’s a lot more loose plaster in here than I expected. I keep waiting for the moment I find a secure spot, but so far it’s all coming down.”

  “Is that a problem?” Mateo asked and took a sip of his water.

  “No, it just means more work to finish the walls once the old plaster is off, unless we scrape all of it off. The wall behind it appears to be in good shape.” Kayla leaned against the section of wall she’d already cleared and studied the man before her. It seemed as though every time she turned around, he was there, but she couldn’t figure out why. Paul and Angie didn’t appear to have any shadows, although Eduardo had spent quite a bit of time with Paul, learning as much as he could about plumbing. Kayla decided the only way to find out about Mateo’s attentiveness was to ask. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.” Mateo’s gaze focused on her, making it hard to concentrate. He had beautiful brown eyes framed with thick, black lashes.

  She shoved the thought away. Now was not the time for her to notice something like that. “Um, this is a little awkward to ask, but you always seem to be nearby, especially when I’m over here. Is there a reason for that, or is it just the way things work out?”

  He combed his fingers through his dark hair, his gaze shifting to the debris on the floor. “There is a reason, but I don’t want to worry you.”

  A stab of anxiety struck, and a prayer for safety flew from Kayla’s heart straight to heaven. “OK, saying that makes me worry. Is there something I should know?”

  “This is a dangerous neighborhood, Kayla.” Mateo lifted his gaze and met hers. “I shared my concerns about your safety with Carlos, and he agreed that it would be good if I stayed close to you just in case.”

  “But no one seems to be sticking that close to Angie or Paul.”

  “They are not the daughter of the man who owns Shaw Restoration.” He sighed and paced away, then he turned back, his gaze haunted. “Much progress has been made to insure the safety of visitors to Colombia. The risk of kidnapping is much lower than it has been in years. The violence is not as b
ad. But the FARC, the rebels, they still cause some trouble. They still need money to support their cause. As the daughter of a man who owns a large, international corporation, you would be a good choice to kidnap and hold for ransom. Although that probably won’t happen, I have too many memories of kidnappings and violence, and I don’t want to risk your safety.”

  Kayla had a feeling he wasn’t speaking of some vague memories of strangers being the victims of kidnapping and violence. His expression and the shadows in his eyes spoke of personal experience. She desperately wanted to know what memories could cause him to worry so much about her safety, but she didn’t want to hit on too personal a subject and damage the friendship she was beginning to cherish. Her curiosity refused to be quelled so easily, however, and a nudge in her heart encouraged her to take the risk.

  She pushed away from the wall and walked toward him. “Mateo, will you tell me what memories cause you to worry about me?”

  He held her gaze, the muscle in his jaw tensing. “I have much in my past that I am not proud of, things that I was forced to endure. It is because of those things that I worry about you. I know too much, and I want to protect you from experiencing it.”

  “I appreciate that.” She took a chance and rubbed his upper arm, earning a surprised glance and a burst of warmth in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to make you think of things that bother you. My curiosity just won’t be ignored sometimes.”

  He drew in a deep breath, then covered her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It is all right. I probably should have told you before that I stay close to you because I worry too much.”

  “I must admit I do feel safer with you around.” Kayla withdrew her hand and laughed lightly, already missing the warmth of his touch. “Honestly, I was a bit nervous coming down here because of the dangerous reputation Colombia had for so long. But my dad assured me I’d be safe at the mission. You’re just proving to me that he was right.”

  “Yes, we do everything we can to insure the safety of all volunteers.” Mateo shrugged, his mood appearing lighter than it had moments before. “Like I said, this is not a good neighborhood, but this is where the children live.”

  “Speaking of children living here, this wall isn’t going to finish itself. I think there are some dust masks in the main room, if you want to grab one. Taking down this plaster is dusty work.”

  He grinned and pulled a black bandanna from his back pocket. “This will work well enough.”

  They set their water bottles on the counter against the far wall and covered their mouths and noses. Then Kayla handed Mateo a scraper and set him to work at the opposite corner from where she started. With both of them chipping off the loose plaster, she hoped they would meet in the middle of the wall before lunch.

  They were about eight feet apart when the rest of the plaster fell to the floor with a crash. Kayla and Mateo both jumped back as the large pieces shattered on the tiles and sent a cloud of dust into the air. As the dust settled, Mateo looked at Kayla, his eyebrows drawn together.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, but that was totally unexpected.” She looked at the newly revealed wall, her heart racing at the sight of the bricked in rectangle about four feet high and six feet wide. “At least now we know why they plastered over a perfectly good wall.”

  Mateo joined her, his gaze on the bricks held together with crumbling mortar. “What is that?”

  “I’m not sure yet, but I think it’s a really big fireplace.” Kayla took a step toward the wall, but the sound of someone running toward the kitchen stopped her from a closer examination.

  Angie skidded into the room, her eyes wide. “I heard a crash. Are you guys OK?”

  “We’re fine,” Kayla said with a smile, remembering too late that her dust mask covered it. “The crash was the plaster wall coming down as one—well, several pieces.”

  Angie’s gaze went to the wall, and her eyes widened. “Is that a bricked up fireplace?”

  “I think so, but I won’t know for sure until I take the bricks out.” Kayla considered the find. “Are Carlos and Maria still over here? They might like to see what we found.”

  “Carlos is upstairs with a cleaning crew, but I think Maria went back to the mission.”

  “Ask Carlos to come down here,” Mateo said, stepping closer. “You can send one of the children for Maria.”

  Angie’s gaze slid to Kayla, as though seeking confirmation that she should do as Mateo instructed. Kayla resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Would Angie ever get over her suspicion of the man?

  “While you’re gone,” Kayla said, “Mateo and I will start removing the bricks. By the time you get back with Carlos, we should have a good idea of whether it really is a fireplace.”

  “All right. I’ll be back in a few.”

  A thought struck, and Kayla stopped her friend. “Hey, bring a wheelbarrow back with you so we can start clearing this mess out of here.”

  “You got it.” Angie left the room with one last glance toward the newly revealed wall.

  Kayla grabbed a hammer and chisel from the toolbox and moved to the bricks. She removed the first brick as Mateo joined her with matching tools. He glanced at her as he positioned the chisel to loosen a brick.

  “I think your friend does not trust me,” he said quietly, his gaze shifting back to his work.

  “I’m afraid you may be right.” Kayla sighed and set another brick on the floor. “I wish she could see what I see in you, but she hasn’t bothered to look yet.”

  Mateo froze, a brick in his hand, and then turned toward her with a guarded expression. “What do you see in me?”

  “I see a man with deep compassion for street children.” Heat crept into her cheeks under his intense gaze, but she’d started this conversation. “You’re protective and loyal. Kind. Intelligent. I can tell you’ve been hurt in the past, I think pretty badly, but you don’t let it hold you back. That takes a strong person. You also have a quiet faith that shines through your actions and your concern for others.”

  He slowly leaned down and laid the brick on the forming pile, then he straightened and met her gaze again. “And you have figured all of this out in three days.”

  “Well, yeah.” Kayla shrugged, unsure of what he thought of her assessment. “I’ve spent a lot of time with you in those three days. And I get the feeling you let me see a side of you that you don’t normally show temporary volunteers.”

  “What side would that be?”

  “The real one that Claudia and the other children see. The one that makes them come to you and trust you, even when they don’t trust anyone else. The same side you show Carlos and Maria that makes them trust you with the safety of volunteers and the children.”

  “Do you trust me?” He spoke so softly his words were almost lost to the increasing noise of approaching voices.

  She reached over and laid a hand on his arm, looking him in the eye as she said, “Yes, Mateo, I trust you.”

  He searched her gaze and finally nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as if he smiled behind the bandanna. “Thank you.”

  He turned back to the wall as the excited voices in the hall grew louder, and Kayla turned toward the door as Angie pushed an empty wheelbarrow into the kitchen. Carlos, Paul, Eduardo, and assorted children followed her into the room.

  The pastor appeared almost as excited as the children as he joined Kayla and Mateo by the wall. He ran his gaze over the bricks, then glanced at Kayla. “You have found a fireplace?”

  “I think so. We won’t know what kind of shape it’s in until we get the rest of these bricks out of the way, but it appears you have a cooking fireplace in your kitchen.”

  “Maria will be thrilled. She has told me since we married of the fireplace in the kitchen of a house she visited as a child.” Carlos chuckled and shook his head. “I have never understood the fascination with such a thing, but this will make her happy I am sure.”

  He turned to the children and issued an instruction in Sp
anish. They formed a pair of lines from the big debris pile by the wall to the wheelbarrow Angie had parked in an out-of-the-way spot. Within moments, they had a steady rhythm going passing bricks and chunks of plaster hand to hand until the last person in line placed them in the wheelbarrow. At Carlos’s encouragement, Kayla and Mateo continued to remove bricks.

  They’d taken out about a third before Maria arrived. She clapped her hands when she saw the wall, delight shining on her face.

  “Oh, this is wonderful! Do you know yet if it can be used?”

  “Not yet.” Kayla handed another brick to a little boy who looked to be about seven or eight. “If someone can hand me the flashlight out of the toolbox, there’s enough space now to see inside.”

  Maria brought the flashlight over and stayed close to Kayla’s side. “I hope you don’t mind if I look over your shoulder.”

  “Feel free. This is kind of your house, after all.” Kayla turned on the flashlight and aimed it through the opening in the brick wall. “It’s definitely a fireplace. There’s soot all over the place in there.”

  Mateo stepped close and peered through the hole. “We could clean that up easily enough.”

  “Can you tell if it is safe to use?” Maria asked, turning from the first look at the fireplace to face Kayla.

  “We’ll have to inspect the flue, among other things, before we’ll know that.” Kayla turned off the flashlight and handed it to the pastor’s wife. “To do the inspection, we have to get the rest of these bricks out of the way.”

  Maria sighed, clutching the flashlight to her chest. “I must go back to the mission and finish lunch preparations. You will send someone once you know if the fireplace is useable?”

  A smile lifted Kayla’s lips, and she pulled the dust mask down to reveal it. “I’ll come tell you myself as soon as I know, but only if you feed me. All this hard work is starting to make me hungry.”