Eduardo didn't want to laugh, but he had to.The mental image of his son in the hallway checking a young woman who was trying to have sex with him was almost too much.He closed his eyes and thought of Micah.
He’d spotted the joy on Micah’s face at seeing Alita in the knee-length dress and ribbons and bows in her hair.The heels she wore were the perfect height to stand next to Micah, and the emerald green dress with ombre gold transitions went well with his suit.Together, they looked good.
He would have a conversation with Micah when he reached Las Tierras.
Chapter 8- Depth
Catarina Delgado, atsix years of age, had the presence of a lady trained in all the social graces of royalty.A true dainty girl, she provided a complete juxtaposition to her sister Isabella, who was more of a tomboy.Each time her brother Micah was home, Catarina invited him to join her for afternoon tea.When Micah arrived at Las Tierras, her first question was always how long he'd be staying.Based on this information, she sent him a formal invitation to join her for tea at least a day, if possible, two days in advance.The invites, scrawled in her six-year-old handwriting on pink stationery, simply said Tea with Cat, alongside a time of 3:15 and the day.
Today, wearing dark green trousers and a cream-colored shirt, Micah put on dress shoes and a bit of cologne to join his little sister in the sitting room for tea.He arrived before she did, rising as she entered the sitting area.He pulled out a chair for her to sit in, and she crossed her tiny legs, ensuring she pulled down the hem of the colorful sundress over her knee.
“Micah,” she said, “thank you for joining me.”
“As always, a delight,” he said, watching her manage the teapot with grace as she poured cups of lavender, mint tea for them both.
The variety of her menus for the fancy tea parties always surprised him; they included finger sandwiches, scones filled with whatever berries were in season in the garden, and a citrus-flavored tea biscuit.The conversations, usually light, centered on an issue on her mind, and Micah took the time to answer her questions as best he could.
“Micah,” she said, picking up a cookie to nibble.He noticed she wore nail polish to match the lace-trimmed pink socks inside of the white Mary Jane shoes.The sundress, with capped sleeves, bore bright yellow and pink flowers, and she wore the necklace he'd given her as a birthday gift.Catarina always made a point to wear or sport an item he'd given her whenever they had tea.
“Yes, Catarina?”
“I don't understand this whole brother thing,” she said, sighing.“Yuñior is my brother, and he has children.His children call me Tia Cat.I am their aunt, but I am only a year or so older than Manny.What is this aunt thing and the brother thing?”
“We are your brothers,” Micah said.
“Yes, but make it make sense,” she told him.
“As your brother, I am your first friend and protector, and if anything should happen to Papa, it will be our responsibility to look out for you and take care of you,” Micah said.
“Like when Mami and Papa were gone, and the storm came?I was so scared, and I screamed when the loud thunder boomed,” she said.“You came running to my room and stayed all night and slept in the chair by my bed so I would not be scared.Is that what you mean?”
“Of course, and to make sure no harm comes to you,” he countered.
“Oh, like when my pony got spooked and took off.I didn't even know you were close by,” Catarina said.“You rode up and grabbed me off the horse and put me on yours.I felt so safe in your arms.Is that what you mean?”
“Yes, it is what I mean,” he replied, sipping his tea.
