Don Federico offered his arm to Victoria as she approached the bottom step. He proceeded to offer a toast. "Guests and friends, tonight is a special night and a momentous event. I'm glad to see everyone here to join us in celebrating Victoria's sixteenth birthday." He held his glass of champagne up and shouted, "Salud! Now let's all enjoy the rest of the evening and the next few days, as we eat, drink, dance, and celebrate this special moment in time. The night is young—please enjoy!" He turned to the musicians and ordered them to finish playing the song, as he whirled Victoria out into the middle of the sala. Everyone shouted and applauded. There were several photos taken by a photographer who came all the way from Brownsville.
"Tonight is your night, my dear," her father whispered with pride. "You'll be able to meet and dance with every man here. They have come to pay us their respects and—" He did not finish his conversation, as Señor José Hinojosa, her grandfather, was already tapping Don Federico on the shoulder to dance with Victoria.
"I wanted to be able to dance with my beautiful granddaughter while the night is still young, and before the rest of the young caballeros cut me out," he said, laughing as he took Victoria by the waist.
Don Federico nodded, smiled, and turned to find Doña Francisca, who had been mingling with the crowd. He finally found her talking with Emma and others who attended the Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Mercedes City, and who were busy chatting about rumors of a coming revolution. Many were concerned about their families living in Mexico.
Moments later the Don and La Señora were out on the dance floor. "I'm so disappointed and sorry that Ricardo and his family were not able to attend the celebration," he whispered into Doña Francisca's ear. "Victoria and Ricardo would have looked lovely dancing together."
"They will have plenty of time together, after they get married, to enjoy dancing and socializing." Doña Francisca paused and began coughing.
"Juan promised me that he would attend our celebration," Don Federico mentioned. "Let me know right away when he arrives. I want to make sure I talk to that young man first. I know he has feelings for Victoria. I don't want any trouble with a love affair involving our daughter; especially tonight with so many dignitaries present."
Don Federico continued dancing with La Señora, and mused, "I wonder why he hasn't shown up yet." He stopped that line of thought and looked at his wife with pride. "Querida, you look beautiful tonight. I can smell the perfume I bought for you in San Antonio. It smells divine. But you better take care of your cough. You might want to go upstairs and rest. I don't want you to get too tired."
"I'm afraid Victoria is infatuated with Juan," she said softly. "I will admit he is very handsome, and any woman would love to be with him. However, Victoria is already promised." Doña Francisca looked down and almost fell as her shoe got tangled with the hem of her long grown, but her husband held her in a strong grip. They laughed together and were happy as they danced.
Out on the dance floor, everybody was dancing to one of the famous, fast-paced corridors, border ballads that incorporated their culture, image, feeling, and lifestyle, all stamping their feet and whistling. Even Felicia already was dancing with one of the young Gonzales men from Las Piedra Rancho.
One dance followed another as Victoria was whirled around and around in the different waltzes. Then the music of the Jota came on. It was often compared to the Viennese Waltz because it moved in three-quarter time, but it was more fiery and robust. With each tap on the shoulder, the man wanting to dance with her would pin paper money on her dress. This was an old Mexican tradition to pay to dance with the honored guest. It was also done to the brides at wedding receptions as a sign of respect.
The music prompted a Fandango, then later a Bolero, and even a wild Polka. The happy celebration went on, as minutes ticked into hours. Victoria would occasionally glance at the entryway, wondering why Juan Alvarez had not arrived.
While dancing with one of the young Garza's from Relámpago Ranch, Victoria was tapped on the shoulder by Roy Dale, who looked especially charming with his new cowboy shirt, red tie, and new boots. His blond hair was slicked back, making his blue eyes shine. "Ya' hasn't missed a lick since the dance started. Tho' I bet'er take my chance," he said like a coyote turned loose in the chicken coop.
"I saw you dancing to a corrido with a young girl earlier and you were doing a pretty good job."
"Ya' look lovely! Smell good, too! After sev'ral drinks of dat, dat tequilas, I kin swing ta 'bout anythin'." He took her in his arms and began whirling her around.
It's time to break the news—perfect timing, thought Victoria. "Roy, have you had a chance to dance with Soledad? She told me she wants to dance with you."
"By dang golly, ya' mean dat? Ya' mean she wants t' dance with me? Ya' thin' she'll dance with me, by dang? Ye're a-meanin' with me?" His large, blue eyes were sparkling like sequins. "She told you dat?" His heart was throbbing. "I'm 'fraid to ask her."
"Why, of course, she did. She can't wait to dance with you."
"But, she got dat, dat th’ir feller José all wrapped up," he said, looking surprised. "Damn gumit! I've been hankerin' to take a lick at dancin' with her. Git my arms 'round her. Boy! She looks awfull-ee pree-tee, doesn't she?"
"Yes, she does. Awfully pretty! She wants to see you and be with you," replied Victoria, teasing him and enticing him, trying to get a rise out of him.
"No shit!" Roy said needed no coaxing. He was already drunk and overconfident and had enough determination to kill a bearcat with his bare hands. He abruptly let go of Victoria and swaggered over to where Soledad was dancing with José.
Victoria stood for a minute and watched Roy leave as he made a beeline for Soledad and José. She felt someone behind her and turned to face another dancer.
"Remember me?"
It was Juan! Victoria felt her heart stop, instantly overcome with excitement and exhilaration. He was like the coming of spring, standing there and looking extraordinarily handsome in a dark, three-piece suit. He looked like a man ready to have fun. Her face glowed with joy as he embraced her with strength and grace, swinging and whirling her out into the middle of the floor.
"Happy sixteenth birthday, my love," whispered Juan, kissing her on the cheek. "You look lovely in your gown, reminds me of a wedding dress. You look good enough to—"
"People are watching us," Victoria replied, looking into the depth of his green eyes.
The older women sat with watchful eyes next to their young ladies, and tías with sequined fans leaned over to one another, questioning who the young gentleman was. "Is that her novio?" one asked. "What a handsome individual." Murmurs and discreet conversations rolled like a progression of thunder across the great sala.
"Let them talk! They can see that we are the most handsome couple on the floor," answered Juan proudly, dancing to España de mi Corazón. "I have the most beautiful woman here in my arms."
"Juan! Oh! Juan! I thought you were never going to get here. What took you so long?"
"It's a dangerous business that I'm in, my love. I have been dodging the spies and agents all along the border. I rode all the way from Presidio Del Norte, and a family in a small village close to Mission exchanged my horse for theirs. Tensions are becoming worse as the Revolution is starting, and people are talking all along the border."
"Are you in any danger, Juan?" she questioned with concern, passing her eyes over his shoulder to glance at one of the corners where Roy and José were standing. She could see Roy waving his hands as if explaining something to José. He appeared angry.
"At this moment, I'm not. Not now. I'm safe in your arms, romantically speaking." He smiled, holding her closer. Victoria glanced about and could see her father and grandfather watching her. Her father nodded his head with approval, but her grandfather had a serious, somber look, obviously questioning her actions.
Juan stopped for a moment, viewed her at arm's length, and took a deep breath. She was indeed beautiful, in her lovely white dress, and the magnifice
nt jewelry made her look like a bride. His eyes dropped to the rounded curve of her breasts.
"Victoria," he said, "let's head out onto the patio, where it's cooler. I have something for you." Pausing for a moment, he looked around the sala and continued. "Don't worry about your father. I have already gotten his permission to dance with you, and we will talk later in his library."
"A surprise, please tell me! Oh, please show me," she answered nervously, too full of excitement to pay any attention to Juan's last sentence.
"Not here, my sweet. You are too impatient," Juan said.
Suspecting that others were watching them, Victoria stopped for a moment, glancing to see where her father and grandfather might be, but they were not there. She also searched the room for her mother, knowing she would disapprove of her actions, going outdoors with a man at night, especially with Juan. Minutes later, she caught a glimpse of Doña Francisca dancing and talking with the Texas lawyer from Brownsville, Señor Canalo, the family attorney.
Mamá Maria had watched the couple dancing and intercepted them as they moved toward the door on their way out into the courtyard. "Hija!" she exclaimed. "I don't think it's a good idea going outside with Juan." Maria looked tired and exhausted. "People are already talking about your conduct. I don't think your grandfather is very happy about it. He disapproves of you dancing only with Juan." She continued talking and looking at Juan with concern on her face, and then said, "Your father took your grandfather into his library trying to explain that Juan was a special guest and a doctor here in our household."
Victoria got fired up, bit her lip, and stared at Mamá Maria. "This is my celebration, Mamá Maria. We were just going outside to get some fresh air." She didn't want to tell the servant that Juan had suggested it, with a gift for her.
Juan smiled and answered politely. "We'll only be out for a couple of minutes. I just wanted to show her something. We'll be right back. It won't take us very long."
Mamá Maria snapped. "Let me take some of the money that's hanging on your clothes. You are going to lose some of it outside." She began unpinning the money with the help of Juan. "I'll put it in my apron where it will be safe. You can get it later, whenever you want it."
Out the side entrance stormed José Esquibel, with a flushed and angry face, heading for the stable where he had left his horse. He was provoked, and his irate expression looked harsh enough to kill somebody. No one else noticed the commotion but the three who stood outside watching. "Ay Dios!" came out of Mamá Maria’s mouth, without even thinking. "I hope we don't have any trouble." She turned to Victoria and Juan. "Go, then! I'll be waiting. Don't take too long!"
The guests outside in the courtyards were enjoying the loud mariachi music. Many were whirling, dancing, and stomping their feet, while others were standing with plates in their hands, eating and talking happily. Many were drinking spirits while the rest clapped their hands to the popular El Corrido de Jacinto Trevino. The song celebrated throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley, was written after the killing of the hated white sheriff who had killed a Mexican-American.
Tables laden with different appetizing dishes stretched across the courtyard. On the high arches were hung Japanese lanterns displaying romantic rainbow-colored lights. The couple passed the lush greenery and went away from the crowd into an open area. Victoria reached out her arm and grabbed onto Juan to balance herself on the uneven path. The smell of tequila, pique, and cooked spicy food infiltrated the soft breezy air. In the distance, the sound of José Esquibel's horse could be heard as he galloped south into the resaca.
It was getting close to midnight as Juan and Victoria walked out into a clearing. Farther up the path, close to the pond surrounded by sabino trees and bushes, they could hear movement and heavy, hard breathing. Among the shadows, in front of them on the ground, was a young couple that had decided to leave the festivities and, unable to contain their lascivious desires, were in the act of passionate lovemaking.
"In times of celebration, with a magical night like this one, the music, good food, and liquor, it happens," whispered Juan. "It's a machismo thing. Young gentlemen have to prove themselves, especially when there are young women around." He said it with his eyes dancing with delight, making Victoria blush.
They headed up the narrow path and stood under the big Montezuma bald cypress tree, with its branches hanging over the water's edge. There, the water was dark and clear, illuminated like a mirror under the bright, full, harvest moon. The open space was all around them and the fragrance of the coming winter was in the air. Occasionally, the wind would shift and the stench of cow manure would infiltrate their nostrils, making them both wave their hands beneath their noses, giggling. The full moon hung high in the firmament as they faced each other with tranquility and peace, giving out happy sighs. They were together. They had each other, and both could feel their hearts beating faster. Their spirits and emotions were as high as the romantic music from the courtyard that claimed the perfect night. The silence was periodically broken by a loud "Ya-hoo," or wild laughter and yells, coming from the guests and vaqueros out in the courtyards, who were now three sheets to the wind.
Juan reached inside his suit pocket and brought out a small velvet box. Victoria's fingers nervously opened it. It was a golden amulet necklace with the imprint of the Virgen de Guadalupe.
Dazed with delight, Victoria brought it to her chest. "Juan, I love it. It's the most beautiful and precious gift I've received. I'll treasure it forever."
"I want you to wear it always, my love. In a couple of weeks, I'll be going to Chihuahua and be with General Villa, fighting for the Mexican cause. The necklace, it will be a reminder of me."
"Juan, I will. I'll wear it forever."
In the distance, they could hear the singing of the musicians. The couple made a remarkable silhouette against the shadow of the crystal water. The stars shone brightly like a myriad of diamonds, but none compared to the brightness of Juan's and Victoria's dancing eyes. For a long moment, Juan stood beholding Victoria. She was beautiful and untouchable, and the long white gown with all the sequins and stones adorning her body made her look like a sparkling princess. His eyes were like two burning emerald stones filled with hunger and passion. Without hesitation he put his hands on her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. He kissed her tenderly. She returned it with passion.
"I have been waiting for this moment for a long time," he whispered. "You've been on my mind since the first time I laid eyes on you." He then gave out a loud sigh.
Victoria sighed and then smiled. "The same thing happens with me."
"You're like a poison in my blood, that can't be taken out. When I think about you, my mind goes crazy. I am a poor man now, Victoria, but one day I will have everything that a man wants. I promise you that. One day I will be rich and have a villa twice as big as Spanish Acres. After the Revolution, I want you to marry me and share my life with me." He then kissed her again. "Please wait for me." He said softly. His hands moved caressingly up her back, supporting her trembling body. The emotion was too powerful and her arms embraced Juan with passion. Another kiss followed.
Out of the night, came the sounds of horsemen riding from the south in the direction of the hacienda. Dogs began barking. The couple instantly hid among the bushes next to the cypress tree. "Who are they?" questioned Victoria. "What do they want? Are they bandits?"
Juan peered from behind the branches. "Riders with big Stetson hats, looking to have a good time, probably! Wait! They don’t look like Bandidos!" he said, his eyes straining.
"Riders, so late during the night,” said Victoria. It doesn't make sense."
"Bandits don't wear Stetson hats," said Juan, his eyes keeping a steady vigilance in the darkness. "Wait!" he said softly. "I think they're leaving. They just got close enough, curious to see what was going on in your home. I wonder what the strangers want. Why don't they come in and enjoy the celebration, like everyone else? Everybody is invited. Wait, they're going off in the same directi
on that José went."
"We had better get back, quickly," said Victoria, now becoming very nervous. "My parents will be missing me." Both hurried down the path to where the mariachis were playing in the courtyard.
"Victoria! Victoria," a voice was calling from under the tall arches. "Niña, the orchestra is going to play for you La Barcelona, and everyone has been asking for you," said Mamá Maria, excitedly and with her hands clapped together over her face with worry. "Come! You must hurry! Go in and dance before your Papá notices you have been outside with Juan."
"Mamá Maria," said Victoria, shaken, out of breath, and with a flushed face. "We have just seen riders coming from the south toward the house. They were strangers."
"Madre de Dios!" she exclaimed, crossing herself. She was afraid of bandits. "What do they want?"
"They didn't get close enough," replied Juan "for us to ask them. They sat on their horses for a while, observing the house and discussing something. I couldn't hear anything. The music and noise outside was too loud, and the dogs kept barking and running toward the gates." He paused. "I only heard murmurs. The wind was against us."
"Go, Victoria! The musicians are waiting for you. I'll go and tell Roy. Your father is busy in the library with your grandfather and several other men discussing politics. He doesn't want to be bothered. Your Mamá became ill, bless her heart, and was taken upstairs to her bedroom. The celebration has been too much for her. Her coughing has gotten worse. She got dizzy, not knowing that she had doubled up on her medicine. Emma and la Señora Hinojosa are with her."
"Mamá sick, again!"
"Everything is going to be all right with your mother. Hija! Hurry! Go!" Mamá Maria stood watching, as Victoria and Juan, so delighted with each other and so obviously in love, hurried to the big house. She shook her head, thinking with much concern. If Victoria only knew that the busy body, Emma, had already thrown a tantrum and complained to the grandparents and also to Don Federico about the way Victoria was promiscuously conducting herself with the young revolutionist.
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