Men of the Cave (Symbol of Hope Series)

by Burgess, Marisette

  “She is a difficult seventeen year-old,” Fernando added.

  “She is a strong personality,” Beatriz corrected.

  I smiled and changed the awkward subject, “I’m amazed that everyone speaks English and so well too.”

  “We must. With the island’s big tourist population it is to our advantage to know a few key languages. The children go to a multilingual school, Spanish, English, and French. Beatriz and I are well versed in English and French as well. I could defend myself fairly well with Italian, Portuguese, and German,” Fernando informed me.

  “That’s amazing. My Spanish isn’t nearly that good. I’ll need your help practicing.”

  “Of course, here, let me introduce you to some of the clientele.” Fernando headed for the outside dining area.

  Beatriz interrupted, “She must be hungry I shall bring her food.”

  “Gracias Beatriz, I’m starving.”

  I followed Fernando to the round table of five guys. Two had their backs to me, but the three I could see were good looking. All five had similar hair, jet-black, except for one. His hair was black with caramel highlights. I couldn’t see his face.

  “Vale Gentlemen,” Fernando said. “Kasey, I would like you to meet the finest young men and best customers in Deia.” Fernando extended his hand out as we stopped in front of the table.

  As if choreographed, the men stood for formal introductions. We exchanged courteous smiles. I glanced over at the two men that I couldn’t see before. They were significantly taller than I, except the twins. The caramel haired one was exquisite, aristocratic. His smile was warm, yet at the same time savagely alluring. His dark eyes were mysterious as if he could see through me. I glanced away. The last man was shaggy, unkempt; with hairy eyebrows, mustache, beard, and mid-shoulder length long hair.

  “It is quite a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kasey. I am Max Kleon.” The one with a tie and suit said in a funny British accent extending his hand. I took it and shook back, speechless. He seemed older than me, with deep black eyes and a large nose. The other two sitting next to Max Kleon were twins, mirror images, except for the different color tee shirts.

  “He is one of two doctors we have here in Deia and the oldest of the Kleons,” Fernando offered more information. That would explain the attire.

  “These are his brothers, the twins, John and Martin,” Fernando said towards the two youngest of the group. Each said “Hello” and I replied the same in return.

  “I am Antony, the second oldest.” The one with the shaggy beard spoke up. He extended his hand and I met it with a reply of, “Nice to meet you Antony.”

  Finally, Fernando introduced him.

  “This is Dion.” Fernando put his arm around Dion’s shoulders as if he were a son of his.

  Dion extended his hand, keeping his smile, “Delighted to meet you, Kasey.”

  I took no breaths as I reached out to shake his hand. When our hands embraced, his skin felt baby soft. He shook my hand with the strength of a gentle wind. He didn’t let it go immediately, he held onto it a second longer than he needed to.

  “It’s a pleasure,” I replied in a whispered voice, dazed and awestruck.

  “Humph,” Max cleared his throat, “My dear, we have all been told of your stay here from America. Where ‘bouts in the States are you from?”

  I heard his question but couldn’t put a coherent thought together. His brother, Dion’s eyes left me unable to form words. I struggled for an answer. “From St. Cloud… in Florida.”

  Max smiled fully aware I lacked sense.

  “That is near Disney, is it not?” One of the twins asked. Which twin was John or Martin?

  “Yes, have you been there?”

  “Not in a long time,” Antony chimed in.

  “I bet we will be seeing that place again soon.” The other twin said as he grinned.

  I found the comment odd especially when the other brothers chuckled.

  “Why’s that?” I asked.

  “Here comes Beatriz with your food. Come Kasey, gentlemen un gusto,” Fernando said. He started to lead me away. Forgetting my previous question I quickly said, “It was a pleasure to meet all of you.”

  “And the same here. I am sure we will be seeing quite a bit of you,” Max answered. They all resumed their seats.

  I followed Fernando to a table at the back of the restaurant near the kitchen door. Beatriz placed a plate on the table with shrimp and what looked like scallop potatoes. To accompany the food, Fernando filled a glass with red wine. Steam rose from the plate. I smelled the succulent aromas of seafood and seasonings. But a feeling of intrigue about the brothers overcame me. They each had auras filled with mystery, especially Dion. He locked me in with his eyes. I wanted to turn and take a glimpse in their direction. Were they discussing me? I sat down at my table and took a quick glance. Dion caught me looking and smiled. Embarrassed, I turned away.

  “This smells wonderful. What is it?”

  “I hope you do not mind zesty hot. It’s spicy shrimp with garlic and olive oil cooked with patatas in Alioli sauce,” Beatriz answered.

  “I don’t know what patatas are, but this is delicious!” I tried to remember my best table manners, but I wanted to scarf it down. I was starving, and the food was heavenly.

  “Patatas are potatoes,” Fernando informed me.

  “Thank you so much. It’s okay for me to have the red wine?” I was not used to drinking. I think I could count the number of drinks I had in my life on one hand.

  “Yes, of course,” Beatriz said.

  “I’ve actually never had a glass of real wine before. I have had wine coolers.”

  “No real vino?” Fernando asked, shocked.

  “No, not ever. The drinking age in the States is legally twenty-one.”

  “Well, here it is eighteen,” Fernando said.

  “I turned eighteen last month.” I was aware that the drinking age in Spain was eighteen. I researched that before I came over.

  “Then perfecto! No proper meal is enjoyed without a glass of wine.” Fernando placed the glass in my hand.

  I brought the glass slowly to my lips tilted it until the dark juice barely touched my lips. I sipped a small amount. It was strong and burned going down. Its flavor was potent and had an oak taste afterward. I made the face you make after you have just swallowed bad tasting medicine.

  “You do not like it?” Beatriz asked.

  “Keep drinking. You will get used to it,” Fernando urged.

  “Oh, it’s just different. It is very heavy. I’m not used to it. That’s all. Thank you,” I took another sip and placed it down on the table.

  “Kasey, what are your plans for tomorrow?” Fernando asked.

  “I have to go to the school in Palma, fill out my paper work, and meet with the representative. I start my classes this Monday. Is there some way I can get to the school?”

  “Hmm, we have a car, but Beatriz is taking the children into San Marina tomorrow to pick up some fresh fish for the restaurant.”

  “Oh, is there a bus?” I asked.

  A voice from behind jolted me.

  “No need to ride the bus. I will be more than glad to take her down to the school. It is on my way to the theater and truly no problem,” Dion said.

  My heart stopped. I must have looked terrified because he leaned his head down toward me and said, “You look concerned, I do not bite and I am a safe driver.”

  His light musky scent left a trail behind as he leaned back.

  “Dion that would be wonderful! Muchas gracias. You boys are always so helpful.” Fernando stood up to shake his hand.

  “Yes, thank you.” I half a smiled at him, then turned my eyes to my plate.

  “It is my pleasure. Fernando here is our bill.” He handed the check holder to Fernando and said, “I shall see you at nine, Kasey.”

  Then he turned to go.

  2. Kasey’s Hostile Beginnings

  After the scrumptious meal, Beatriz escorted me throug
h the kitchen door up a flight of stairs. The staircase was long and straight with a hazed glass, French door at the top. The living room’s linen and sand drapes complemented the maple wood floors. Modest white furniture evenly spread out through the room. Very Feng Shui.

  “And the first door on your left is the boy’s room. They have own bathroom,” Beatriz talked on and on about the rooms and the family schedule in the mornings. I pretended to hear every word, but my mind was on nine o’clock tomorrow morning and Dion.

  “Your room is across from the boy’s,” Beatriz continued.

  Why would he have offered to take me tomorrow? He doesn’t know me! Were all Spaniards like this?

  “I leave you now. If you have any question ask Catalina, she is in her room. You maybe want to rest.”

  “I do Beatriz, gracias. After that long flight I could use a nap.”

  “Oh, yes, este es su casa. This is your home, now.” She turned and walked through the living room and out the front door.

  I grabbed the ornate brass handle to what would be my room for the next ten months, pulled it down, and walked in. The room was the size of an extra-large walk-in closet. A twin-size bed with green and blue floral bed sheets sat under a small open window. A little wooden desk next to a large wooden armoire was parallel to the bed. A light salty breeze blew in. My suitcase sat in the middle of my tiny room, while the duffel bag and backpack were on my bed. I walked in and shut the door behind me, moved everything from the bed onto the floor and threw myself onto the bed. I took a deep breath to decompress.

  Unable to relax, I sat still for a few seconds before popping up onto one side. My hand dove into the front pocket of my backpack, and pulled out my recently upgraded Blackberry. It was my parents going away present with an international calling plan. I pressed the number one, then the green send button. It rang.

  “Hey chica! How’s the other side of the world?” said a low crackling voice.

  “I haven’t been gone but a day and your voice sounds lower. Did your Adam’s apple drop while I was gone?” I replied to my little brother.

  “My voice hasn’t change it’s the new hemisphere that’s got your ear drums messed up.”

  “Sure, that’s it. How are things there?” I asked, a small lump in my throat starting to form. I tried to control my voice.

  “Don’t start. Come on suck it up. You’re a tough cookie. Things don’t change here. You’re the one on the adventure, remember.”

  “Yeah, I know. What about Sue and Frankie?”

  My parents never liked the words Mom and Dad. They felt people shouldn’t have status names forced on them. They considered themselves earthy people. My brother and I always did whatever we wished, whether my parents agreed to it or not. Our childhood was one bizarre experience after another.

  “They went to Cocoa Beach to watch a Native American drum show,” Nolan answered indifferent.

  “And you didn’t go because…” I emphasized the ‘because.’

  “I don’t know. They’re acting really loopy right now. Like, loopier than they normally are. I think your leaving has made them flip some. Or something’s up.”

  “Really? I didn’t gather that from them when I left. They aren’t like that. Are you sure?” Why were my carefree parents now, after eighteen years, giving a damn?

  “I don’t know, they’re just weird,” Nolan sounded fed up with them already.

  “Nolan sweetie, we’ve known this since birth. That’s why we stuck together in our fight for normal.”

  “Yeah, but now you’re on the other side of the world. How do I not go crazy over here?” My leaving was getting to him.

  “It’s not like it can get any worse, you know what to expect from them. Make yourself scarce. Try hanging out at Tim’s house. As soon as school starts, it won’t be bad. You will be okay, I promise.”

  Would he? Could he handle independence and no structure without me there?

  “Yea, I’ll keep busy and try to stay out of sight for the next few weeks. It’s just not the same without you around here.”

  The minute I turned eighteen, I ran from them, and from him. Did I abandon him?

  “I know. I miss you too. But you know this is a great opportunity for me and something I had to do.” The lump in my throat hardened, I tried not to cry.

  “I never said I missed you. Just that it’s quieter around here.”

  I could hear the tease in my brother’s voice. I smiled.

  “I’ll call you soon, enough. Tell Sue and Frankie I arrived and that I’m fine. Love ya.”

  “Take care, Sis. Keep me up to date. Bye.”

  The phone clicked off. Letting out a big, sad sigh, I stood and put my duffel bag on my bed. Feeling like a mother bear deserting her cub, I worried about him. How could I have left him for so long in the care of my parents? Or lack of care. They never did much looking after us. I hoped he was strong enough to be independent and that his twelve-year-old instincts would kick in. I unzipped and opened the bag. The airport security had rummaged through my belongings leaving a mess. I took out my toiletries and wondered if I would be able to keep them in the bathroom.

  I could hear low rock music coming from under the door of the bathroom. Catalina and I shared a bathroom, each having our own door. I slid open my door and saw that Catalina’s was also open. Good, I thought, perhaps I could ask her. I stepped through the bathroom and peered into her room. Her room-mirrored mine including matching furniture, but hers was decorated to match the bathroom, black and white. Hanging above her bed was a big poster of a rock band. I didn’t recognize the group, I guessed they were European.

  I knocked on the doorframe. “Hi, I was wondering if I can keep my toiletries in the bathroom or should I put them in…”

  “Keep them where want,” she said in a low harsh voice without ever turning around from her computer.

  “Okay, thanks. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Not if you value your pathetic life,” she answered, still not looking up from her computer.

  Shocked by her blunt rudeness I asked, “Can I ask, what‘s up? Have I done something?”

  That got her attention. She turned around sharply, “What did you say?”

  “Why are you so short with me? We don’t even know each other.”

  She got up from her computer and stood right in front of me, “I do not like Americans!” She slammed the door shut.

  I didn’t expect her to be a mean bigot. I’d get the scoop on her. I went back into my room, unpacked all of my belongings, then lay down for a nap.

  Groggy, I moaned as my hungry stomach woke me. I rolled over and fell off the bed with a thud.

  “Ow.”

  A knock on my door followed by a, “Estasbien?” It sounded like Garcia.

  I got up and opened the door, rubbing my shoulder. “Yeah, I’m okay… not used to a twin bed.”

  “Oh,” Garcia said.

  Behind him came a smaller voice, “You have slept a long time!” Rodrigo pushed past me and into the room.

  “Rodrigo! No entres! She has not invited you in.” Garcia scolded his little brother.

  “It’s all right. I don’t mind, you guys can come in.” They both did and sat on my bed. I took a seat in the wooden desk chair.

  “What time is it?” I asked.

  “It is nine; we finished dinner about a half hour ago. Everybody came to see you but you were asleep. You can go downstairs and grab some if you want.” Garcia was very helpful.

  “Everybody? What do you mean?” I asked.

  “Tio Armando, Tia Carmen, Carlos, both Marias, Eduardo…” Rodrigo was going on and on with names.

  “Hold on. Who are all these people, and why did they come to see me?”

  “Aunts, uncles, cousins. They usually come to have dinner. They all wanted to meet you.” Garcia smiled.

  “I see. I come from a small family just my parents, brother, and me.”

  “That’s it?” My new little brother was adorably cute. />
  “Yup, I can’t believe how late it is. You guys eat dinner late!”

  “It is normal for aqui, oh sorry, ‘here’,” Rodrigo said.

  “I am hungry,” I said.

  “What is Walt Disney World like?” Rodrigo blurted out as if he’d waited a long time to ask me this.

  “It’s the happiest place on Earth, truly,” I smiled knowing he would relish the answer. Garcia rolled his eyes.

  “Okay, you asked me a question, and now it’s my turn. What’s up with Catalina?”

  “She is a brat,” Garcia mumbled.

  “She is crazy!” Rodrigo exclaimed.

  “Crazy?” I questioned.

  “She is not crazy!” Garcia rolled his eyes.

  “She told me she didn’t like Americans.”

  “Oh, she does not. I would sleep con un hojo abrierto and watch your back.” Rodrigo warned.

  “Rodrigo! She is not crazy like that,” Garcia said, trying to shut his brother up.

  “Wait did he tell me to sleep with one eye open?” I asked concerned.

  “Yes, but do not listen to him. Let us go. She needs to eat.” They got up and walked out the door.

  “Hmm,” I said. As I was about to click off the light and follow them out, the toilet flushed. Great. That meant Miss Black Nightmare was listening to our conversation.

  When I passed the living room, I noticed pictures that I hadn’t before. It was a wall of photographs. In the center was a big eight by ten photo of the Castillo family. Fernando and Beatriz stood behind four children sitting in a row from oldest to youngest. First, a girl who looked like Beatriz, then a pre-teen Catalina, next to her was Garcia, about eight or nine years old and last, Rodrigo as a toddler. I wondered who this other girl was. She must be an older sister, but no one had mentioned her. I found it odd. Maybe she was away. I ran downstairs to try the swordfish.

  3. Dion’s Mini Cooper

  I pulled up to El Caracoles restaurant ten minutes early. I do not know why I offered to drive Kasey. Am I letting destiny take her course? I walked through the restaurant and greeted Fernando in the kitchen.