DECEPTION - A Family Affair

by Michele Lee

  “As I remembered it, you came and joined me saying I wasn’t missing anything that goats were dumb anyway.” Giving him her know it all smirk folding her arms across her chest.

  Marco stared at her laughing whole heartedly, then placing the picture frame back in its place he replied. “You always knew how to pull the strings of my heart with your puppy dog faces, even at that age. It’s a gift you were born with.” She dropped her arms down and turned away to avoid him from seeing her look of dismay revolving to full fledge annoyance. Her impulse was controlled otherwise she would of asked him if she had this so called gift then why did he leave her? If her voice could just release those words to him she’ll have her answers.

  He noticed the change in her mood again. He couldn’t figure her out with the constant mood swings he continuously said the wrong things to trigger her off. He felt like he was walking on egg shells around her.

  Chapter Seven

  Once they were seated in his car he asked if she wouldn’t mind taking a ride with him before dinner, he wanted to show her something important. Curiosity surged through her thoughts as they rode to this so called important place. Sticking to safe topics of conversation they found themselves laughing when comparing songs on the radio to the songs from their younger days. Every song that happens to play on the radio the lyrics were all about sex, which created sexual tension between the two of them. He decided to lower the radio and change the conversation to topics about the changes he noticed in the area until they finally arrived and excitement began to flow through his veins he was dying to share this moment with her.

  He turned in to a dirt road and Marisol’s curiosity was getting the best of her. “I hope you are not planning to kill me and then dump my body back here?”

  He turned to look at her with mischievous eyes and his Colgate smile. “Trust me I wouldn’t waste such beauty but it’s a thought I’ll keep in mind in case you don’t behave.”

  “Ha, ha - a man with jokes. Where are we?” She asked as tried to look past the darkness.

  “Patience my dear, you are about to see it all.” He parked his car and then came around to her side and guided her out onto the dirt and gravel ground. “I guess I should have given you a dress code for footwear, I’m sorry. I hope your heels don’t get scuffed or more importantly you don’t twist your ankle.”

  “Don’t kid yourself I’m a lot tougher than I look.” She replied with her sassy facial expression that sent electric shocks right to his groin area hoping she can’t see her effect on him. He guided her a few feet and then released her arm. “Wait here, I’m going to turn on the lights. I want you to close your eyes and promise me not to open them until I say. This is really important to me and I want to share this moment with you. So, say you promise?”

  “Yes, I promise hurry I can’t handle the anticipation any longer. I’m lousy at suspense.” Closing her eyes she was wondering what in the world is he up to and the flutters to her stomach was causing her more anxiety. It made her think of that show with Howie Mandell as the host where they surprise you and all these mob dancers come out and you stand there feeling mortified.

  “Okay, open your eyes.” She slowly peeled her fingers one at a time from her face as her eyes slowly opened and the surprise in front of her made her whole body freeze. There were spot lights introducing the sign sitting above the wooden archway as if it was on a stage for the world to see, she stared at it in awe as goose bumps ran up and down her arms. It was magical seeing the words spelled out right in front of her very own eyes "Cisco's Ranch of Miracles" then focusing past the sign following the mysterious dirt path leading you to a feeling of hope as beautiful horses were grazing in the land wondering who were the intruders interrupting their solitude of darkness her eyes began to fill with pools of tears. It was simply beautiful no words could describe what her eyes were seeing nor the emotions she was feeling. This was their dream they shared as teenagers to own and work their own ranch of horses but this exceeded anything she envisioned. Her thoughts brought her back in time.

  Sitting side by side on a fallen tree log as their feet swished back and forth in the town’s Mineral Springs she could still feel the coolness of the water. It was where they shared their dreams of owning a horse ranch together which had to include goats of course. When they were young they always had a blast around his aunt's goats, being chased and nipped at, it brought on so many laughs and memories. It was at the Springs where Marco opened up about his feelings of Cisco's condition and how he wanted to make a difference to kids that were born with disabilities like him. He wanted to help his brother feel accomplished and be a part of something big. What better way to have a horse ranch where he and his wife (and when he said the word “wife” he paused and gave Marisol the sexy look insinuating that'll be her one day) could really change people’s lives. “Just picture it we can teach children to ride and feel free and normal. We can assign Cisco a job so he would feel part of the experience.” His words showered her heart with hope. Plus Marisol knew so much about horses being raised on her grandfather’s tobacco plantation and farm with 15 horses and a dozen of chickens running around; it just all made sense. That was her passion back then and she loved Marco so the future plan was a great one. But now years later the plan became a reality for the exception of Marisol being a part of it. The feeling of being left out of the equation caused depression to seize her heart. She tried to shake off the unwanted reaction; this was a moment of accomplishment for him. This wasn’t about her and she needed to divert her thoughts to him and make it all about him.

  "Come, I'll give you the grand tour." Marco grabbed her hand excitedly, bringing her back to the present as he guided her through the archway. She gave him a full fledge smile. “From the look of your expression on your face can I assume you approve so far?” The path split in two; one path led to an area where white fences outlined the pasture for the horses to roam and along the side where wooden benches were set up for spectators and the other path led to a playground that looked enticing even to an adult including picnic tables spread out where families can join and share a meal.

  Such a spectacular site and how it penetrates warmth and a feeling of affection right to the soul. “How can I not approve, oh Marco, the place is phenomenal. Beyond anything I ever dreamed or imagined.”

  Marco’s smile faded as he stared at her. “You remember don’t you?”

  “Of course I remember, it was a great dream and you made it happen. I’m so proud of you.” Hearing those words was what he hoped for tonight, but they came up short leaving him slightly disheartened. Her being his wife was part of that dream too, it was supposed to be the two of them setting up this ranch together so yes, he came up short in the grand scheme of things. Squeezing her hand he led her to the tour of the ranch. He showed her the three barns he is in the process of renovating and the ramps and bridges where children with wheelchairs will have access to. It was built to enable them to maneuver from the wheel chair onto the horse’s saddle. It was well thought out. He shared a few of his plans and ideas he would like to see implemented. The first and foremost of importance is the therapeutic riding program for people with special needs or diagnosed with debilitating or life threatening illnesses. He went on and on. Marisol was elated she even offered to help out with some of the maintenance. She told him about her program she started with the court. How she sponsors troubled teenagers who have to complete community service hours. She sets up assignments for them; from painting community buildings, fences; to clean up projects. They meet up on a Saturday and she supervises the work. She would love to set up some projects for them at the ranch it would be a cost saver to him and it would benefit the kids. She was so excited that she thought of it. Marco agreed and he promised he would gather a list of things that needed to get done. She amazed him on how much she cares about the children in the community it’s like she is making up for all her parents sins. She was a jewel, his rare precious jewel and the more he is around her the more he
knows he is falling hard for her all over again. The question was would he be able to walk away again?

  Marco chose one of the benches to sit as they stared at the horses in silence. This place touched both their hearts creating emotions they undeniably would have preferred to avoid. Marisol broke the silence with an unsteady voice. “When did you do all this?” Raising her hands slowly to emphasis the land she continued to say; “This place is amazing all thirty acres of it but why now – why here?”

  He continued to stare out to the miles of land facing him which he now owned. His name was on the deed, no investors, no partners, and unfortunately no wife; just himself. All the years of his hard work; his sweat; his blood; and all the hours of him working 18 hour days - 7 days a week was now poured into this land. He kept his earnings from those days separate from what he now earns as part owner of his development firm. It was a reminder to him from where he came from and he kept investing those dollars and watching it flourish and now it surged through this land.

  Taking his time he eventually answered. “Well, seeing Cisco and being back home made me realize I forgot about all the things that were once important to me. I owed him this even though he knew nothing of my secret oath to him. I’ve lived in anger for so long and poured everything I had into work and all my focus was on making money therefore, I lost my grounding. I’m tired – so very tired of being an angry man. I heard about the ranch and I reached out to Nate to do some digging and the rest is history.” He just bared his soul and darkest truths to the one person he could never stop loving.

  Listening to him she was lost for words. She wanted to know his whole story from the night he left to today. She wanted all her mysteries solved. Resisting no longer, she reached over and captured his hand into her dainty one as she lightly squeezed and caressed it. His eyes seized hers and she saw the vulnerability in his eyes. His hidden sadness was there for her to see. “Tell me why you are so angry? Tell me everything?” His other hand reached over to the side of her face as he lightly stroked her cheek never taking his eyes off of hers.

  Then the sound of car tires grinding against the gravel road followed by bright police lights came upon them and broke their spell. Marco jumped up as the police officer came out of the car to approach them, Marco meeting him half way. Marisol’s heart went from a fast beat to cardiac arrest. She wasn’t sure how many more surprises she can cope with. After a few minutes, she notices Marco thanking the officer shaking his hand then the officer departed. Marco returned to the bench gliding his hands through his hair clearly exasperated with himself. “Turns out I triggered one of the silent alarms. I’m so sorry - there is still a lot I need to learn about this place. I can’t believe I triggered the very alarm I myself had installed.” He chuckled at himself. “Hey, I owe you dinner, you must be starved. Let me re-set the alarms and lock up so we can head out.” The vulnerable Marco was gone replaced with the confident controlled Marco.

  The evening ended at the Gypsy Diner with two triple-decker turkey sandwiches that were to die for. They laughed at the stories Marisol shared about her students and of the few times she feared some of the kids from the program but she stood her ground to gain their respect. She explained how they came from all backgrounds and some of them were affiliated with gangs.

  He didn’t seem too pleased with that piece of information. “Please be careful sometimes we like to help people get a second chance in life but there are some we just can’t save no matter how much we would like to. In all honesty, you have me worried. I would like to accompany you on these projects while I’m here.”

  She couldn’t believe his audacity to maneuver himself into her life as if he had the right. At the same time, her inner voice is telling her he still cares. “Don’t be ridiculous, that won’t be necessary. I’ve been doing this for almost two years now and I’ve survived so far on my own.”

  He wasn’t swayed by her little speech. He is beginning to realize just how alone she really is. “Let’s negotiate, I will sponsor the next few projects as we agreed upon at the ranch but they will be the only projects you set up for now?” She looked at him in total bewilderment. “Appease me, Marisol – can you do that for me? I have a bad sense and my senses never let me down.” He gazed at her with challenging eyes almost intimidating.

  She tried to process all her thoughts flying around in her mind. She didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity the ranch could provide it would be a great experience but she didn’t like being blackmailed. “Okay, fine I’ll give you that only until your projects are fulfilled.” She wished she could smack that triumphed grin off his face and the other side of her wanted to stroke his face to feel the stubbles and wondered if they would tickle. Shaking her head to rid herself of these crazy notions maybe her sex deprivation was finally being acknowledged by her body. Placing his hand on hers to caress it he gained her attention quickly then he replied softly. “Thank you.” Her inner voice shouted out, Oh no. She knew she was now lost. Oh my God no. Just remember what he said “while I’m here” aka not staying long term.

  It was definitely an evening of welcomed surprises but the disappointment kicked in when he took her home. She was anticipating his kiss all evening and what she received was a peck on her forehead once he saw her safely inside. She walked over to her living room window since he made her lock her door so she can watch him dash back to his car and pull out of the driveway leaving her alone only to feel her hopes deflate like a popped balloon. Maybe she misunderstood the vibe she was getting, maybe he was no longer attracted to her and it was all one sided? She can’t keep doing this otherwise he was going to hurt her all over again. Marisol sighed wearily and collapsed into her mom’s comfortable old brown sofa. She decided to go over the events of this evening in her head which she has a tendency of doing lately. The sound of her cell vibrating jostled her out of her thoughts. Rummaging through her purse to find her cell she checked her new text and froze when she noticed it came from Marco.

  Mi Preciosa Joya,

  I had a great time this evening but I realized we never discussed Alex so I guess I have to pick you up tomorrow so we can talk further…3:00? I also have some studs who would love for you to ride them I mean meet them…lol sound good to you? I also owe you a real dinner out – the gypsy diner wasn’t what I had in mind.

  Reading her old pet name my precious gem brought a swarm of butterflies cascading through her stomach. It felt like a caress across her heart and she didn’t know what to make of it.

  Pet names… hmmm I am no longer precious or a gem of any kind… so let’s stick to just plain Marisol. I too had a great evening and the ranch – what can I say it’s quite special. I do agree you owe me a chat regarding Alex so 3:00 does work out with my schedule…and yes I would love to ride your studs… I mean meet your studs…lol until tomorrow… M…..

  P.S… Since it was a meeting and not a date the diner was perfect.

  He felt overjoyed with her response since his uncertainty of how she feels about seeing him again was gnawing him and her reaction to the ranch meant a great deal to him. He hasn’t smiled this much in a really long time and felt so damn good.

  My Plain Marisol….hmmm doesn’t flow right on my lips when I think of you since YOU are very precious and YOU are the rarest of gems I’ve ever seen but I will stick to “Marisol” for now… looking forward to our ride tomorrow for I know my studs will need the exercise and the attention from a beautiful gem as yourself… good night and sweet dreams…. M…..

  Hearing the vibration again she clicked her text message with eagerness and couldn’t stop smiling.

  Mr. Marco, flattery will get you nowhere… but I WILL have sweet dreams. Thank you and Good night…

  Hearing his phone once again only broaden his smile further if that was even possible. Some things never change she still had to have the last word but he did hope her dreams were filled with him in it.

  When Marco arrived at his parent’s home he could barely hide his content. Today was
definitely a step in the right direction and tomorrow looked even more promising to him. The more he discovered about the woman Marisol has become the more he admired her. What he couldn’t shake off is the feeling of distress that held his heart captive seeing how she alienated herself from outside her comfort zone; besides her students and Nate she was all alone. She had no one to depend on or to protect her. Her loneliness mirrored his and that disturbed him immensely. Walking in the house quietly as possible he noticed his father stretched out on his leather recliner. Like old times when he would wait up for him to come home from a late night out.

  “Hello, you look like you had a fun evening.” Freddie greeted Marco with a weary smile.

  “Hey Pop, what are you still doing up? You should be in bed getting rest.”

  “This recliner keeps me elevated so it’s better for me than my bed plus your mother needs sleep without me disturbing her. Your mother is a strong woman, I’m truly lucky to have her.” He spoke each word slowly and clearly as his eyes glared out looking at empty space. These past few weeks have unquestionably taken a toll on him.

  Marco walked over without removing his jacket and sat on the arm of the leather sofa across from his father. Placing his hands in union on his leg he responded. “Yes, you are a very lucky man not many men are as blessed. Make sure you let her know how special she is every chance you get.”

  Marco noticed his father’s smile fade as he fidgets in his seat still avoiding eye contact. He seems nervous when he spoke again. “Marco, I just want you to hear me out before you react to what I have to say.” He paused, trying to appear confident before he cautiously continued since no objections were received. Meanwhile, Marco sat rigidly awaiting the confrontation about to erupt. He knew it was just a matter of time – the inevitable. He also reminded himself to stay calm for the sake of his father’s current health condition.