Page 17 of The Guardian

Gabriela stared at her long-lost children as tears sparkled in her eyes.

Maya laughed in absolute delight. “Che meraviglia!” How wonderful!

Hope walked around feeling the plush towels and passing her hands over the real flowers in actual planters. Then she saw the wall shelf… full of shampoos, bodywashes, loofahs, washcloths, various lotions and specialty soaps. “I could never use all of this! I would need six other girls to help use it all. And these are all just for me?” she asked.

We all laughed.

“Si, it is for you.” Gabriela nodded. “Then you need to see your closet.”

Halting, Hope looked up at her to ask, “Why?”

Gabriela chuckled. “It is part of your room.”

“But I only have my small bag. Selena bought me a dress. And some um… undies. Then some PJ’s as she called them to sleep in.”

“No, my sweet daughter. You have a lot more than that.” Gabriela walked over to the bathroom wall and pressed a button.

Now this wall slid open.

We all turned to look.

When it opened all the way, again Hope gasped then slapped her hands over her mouth.

The closet seemed to be almost as large as the bathroom but it was what was in it that was the shocker. Outfit after outfit hung there, as well as maybe 10 pairs of shoes across from that. There were also wall dresser drawers holding more clothing above the shoes. She even had a dozen designer bags and small purses on a separate shelf.

Hope turned to look at Gabriela and asked, “Was this someone else’s room?”

Gabriela looked confused. “No mia. It was just a guest room. Then mi esposo Berto had it decorated for you.”

“H-how?” Alex asked. “This would take months to do.” He spread his arms out.

“Yes, it did as well as your room.” Gabriela nodded at him.

I felt confused as well and looked over at Maya.

She also looked puzzled.

Gabriela took in our lost expressions and laughed. “I told you that I never gave you up. The rooms have been waiting for you for months. I dreamed every day to have you back. He knew this and he had all of this done to show me that someday…I would…” Tears filled her eyes. “I fought so hard to not lose faith. To hold on and keep praying to find you. To finally have you both back. The clothes were put in yesterday. Your stepsisters ordered them from a few local stores after we got the call from Selena and they were delivered last night.” She looked over at Alex and added, “Your stepbrothers ordered yours.”

I stared at her and looked over at all the outfits again. I admit it sounded crazy to me too. To order this many outfits in a certain size then expect to have them delivered in like three days? It would cost a small fortune at best. Then again, I had never had that kind of wealth. Yes, I had a good amount of money saved up, but not THAT kind of money. I also never had children taken from me. I could only imagine the pain poor Gabriela felt for all those years.

I imagine that Mancini had done it to give her hope to show her that he would do anything he could to reunite her with her children. In fact, since Carlos had brought them to her would probably be why Mancini would not hurt him.

Hope jumped in place as she applauded the clothing. Then she ran over to look at them, squealing and gushing like a cartoon girl. She came repeating, “Oh, my… oh, my,” in Spanish as she looked at an outfit, then at some shoes, then at the purses.

I slowly shook my head. It reminded me of that old movie, the Chocolate Factory, when all the poor kids were allowed inside and saw all the fantastic sights. Like chocolate waterfalls and giant-sized swirly candy lollipops.

Gabriela smiled the entire time. After a few moments of watching Hope, she looked over at Alex. “That door over there is to your room.”

With a start, he whipped his head over to look.

“I will take him,” I offered.

Alex went to the door and hesitated.

“Go ahead,” Gabriela urged him.

I laughed and looked at Maya.