جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

I was sitting on sofa in the library when Joseph walked in. He had been gone a while. I had stayed here in case I could see him again. We still haven't had an opportunity to have a talk about my whole situation here. I took one look at his face and knew something was wrong. "What is it, Joseph?" she asked, closing her book with a soft thud. He took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for words that could convey the gravity of what had just transpired. "Selena," he began, his voice tight with tension, "I need you to trust me." Maybe Joseph has changed his mind about me taking my classes and I am going to be a maid after all. He sat down beside me, his posture stiff. "There's something I need to discuss with you, Selena," he said, his eyes avoiding mine. "It's about your future here." My heart began to race. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep the fear from my voice. "Have you changed your mind about me being a maid?" He took my hand, his grip f

In three weeks, I am going to be married to Joseph. I have no idea what that really means. I have never had a mother around to tell me about relationships and how they work. I have never even been out on a date. I have never even really talked to a guy unless it was at the bodega, which really doesn't count. The only person I have to talk to about all of this is Marta and I hate to have to ask her about these things. It's embarrassing that I know absolutely nothing about men. But I need to know. I need to understand what is expected of me. So, with a deep breath, I sit down next to Marta in the kitchen while she is making dinner. "I need to talk to you about something," I say, trying to keep my voice from shaking. "Of course, mia cara," she says, setting down her knife and looking at me with kind eyes. "What's on your mind?" I take a deep breath, my heart pounding. "The marriage," I whisper, glancing around the room to ensure no one else can hear. "What... what does it mean?"

The dinner was simple but elegant, and I began to relax the more we talked. I had never had wine before, and I was feeling a little funny. Joseph asked me to dance and I was embarrassed to tell him that I didn't know how. "Come, Selena," he said, standing up and holding out his hand. "dance with me." I stared at him, my heart racing. "I don't know how to dance," I confessed, feeling my cheeks heat up even more than the wine had made them. "Don't worry," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll lead." He pulled me up from the chair, his strong hands guiding me to the center of the room. He was so close that I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and I was suddenly very aware of his nearness. The wine had loosened my inhibitions, and I allowed myself to be drawn into the moment, closing my eyes and leaning into him. As the music filled the library, he began to move, and I stumbled after him, trying to keep up with the rhythm. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close as we

The last three days has been a whirlwind. I have had my hair and makeup done. I have never worn makeup before. I don't even recognize myself in the mirror. I guess most girls would have their mother here to guide her through everything, but I didn't. Even though she walked out on me, I still missed her. Marta was here for me, and I care for her deeply. I think she has taken care of me like a mother should. The dress is beautiful. It's something from a fairytale, with its white lace and delicate beading. It makes me feel like a princess, but I can't shake the feeling that I am playing a role in someone else's play. Marta is beside me, her eyes filled with excitement. She is the one who picked the dress out. "You look beautiful, Selena," she says. "And you will make a stunning wife for Joseph." The words hang heavy in the air, and I can't help but wonder if this is what she truly believes or if she is just trying to comfort me. I look at my reflection again, searching for some sign

Selena's breathing slowed, and she snuggled closer, her head nestled into the crook of my neck. Her heartbeat was a steady drum against my chest, and I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't felt in a long time. We laid there for hours, our bodies tangled together, saying nothing but speaking volumes with our embraces. But as the first light of dawn began to peek through the curtains, Selena's breathing grew shallower, and she shifted in her sleep. I felt a twinge of regret that I had to leave her side, but business called. I had to ensure that our new alliance with the Columbians was secure, and that she was safe from any retribution that could come her way. When I woke up, my whole body felt sore. My muscles ached from the love making. My insides were sore but not painful. Joseph had been so gentle with me. When I turned over, I had hoped to see his handsome face, but he was gone. My heart sank as the room felt suddenly cold without him. I reached out to the spot where he ha