Opposing Forces

by aldivan teixeira torres

  Guilherme arrives at Christine's house, claps his hands and yells to be heard. Gerusa comes to the door.

  —What do you want, boy?

  —This note's for Miss Christine. Can you call her, please?

  —You can give it to me. I'm trustworthy.

  —No. This note is to be delivered by hand.

  Reluctantly, Gerusa goes to call Christine. A great curiosity was building in her mind. She was the maid of this family for ten years and in her opinion nothing that happened in that house went unnoticed by her eyes. Since Christine was a child she took care of her and her interests more so than her own mother. She wasn't about to be left out of this. Christine is in her room and when she receives the news she goes promptly to meet the boy. She takes the note and Gerusa accompanies her. Immediately, Christine locks herself in her room leaving behind an anguished Gerusa. She felt unappreciated by Christine's attitude. The years of companionship and complicity went to dust in that moment. After all, what could be so important to the point of Christine wanting to hide it?

  Meeting

  With her heart racing, Christine begins to read the note written by Claudio. In it, he invites her to a meeting to be held in his home. Christine is doubtful and thinks it might be risky to go there. After all, the evil tongues of the village could raise suspicions about the two of them and that news could end up directly with her parents. She wanted to preserve the relationship. On the other hand, she didn't want to hurt Claudio and provoke an estrangement between them. The feelings she had for her love were more important. She thinks a bit and decides to go. Certainly it was worth risking it for her one true love. The consequences, if any, they would face together.

  Christine gets ready and leaves without giving explanation to Gerusa or to anyone else. Her mind wanders to places unknown to any other person who didn't know of their history. She thinks about the convent, the son of the gardener and about her love, Claudio. The convent appears as an old image that she wants to forget. There, she learned Latin, the fundamentals of religion, respect for people and the true meaning of the word love. Still at the convent, she remembers the gardener's son and the importance in maturation that decision had and how it had changed her life. She had given up being a nun and had taken all the consequences of it, such as the disappointment and contempt of her mother. She thinks about Claudio and with that thought a ray of hope fills her entire being. Her hope is that they stay together backed by an eternal love, even if they had to pass insurmountable barriers. The picnic on the mountain comes to her mind and how they were happy although not together. She remembers the hug, kiss and wish that she made on the sacred mountain. In a way, her request had already begun to be answered as her and Claudio were dating. Going to church and learning what she had, had her helped her begin the relationship in Sucavão. That magical place had the power to enchant and bring two hearts together. She had learned to be like the flowing river, delivering herself completely to her destiny, Claudio. It was for him that she decided to go to the encounter.

  Christine accelerates her steps, driven by curiosity. She is already just a few feet from the place. She looks around and makes sure that no one is following or watching her. The instinct of self-protection was stronger than anything. After all, every precaution taken was necessary in a relationship that was not yet confirmed. She goes a little further and finally arrives at Claudio's home. She knocks on the door and waits for it to be answered. The door opens and Claudio pulls her inside. To Christine's surprise, Claudio's entire family is reunited.

  —Here is my girlfriend, Christine, as I promised. We've been dating for two weeks now. This is my mother, Olivia (he said pointing to a woman with strong features that appeared to be about fifty years old). The others you already know: My sisters Fabiana and Patricia, and my father, Paulo Pereira.

  Christine is breathless with this presentation. What was Claudio doing? Hadn't the two agreed to date secretly? Awkwardly, Christine greets everyone. Claudio makes her sit at the table where everyone is.

  —Welcome to the family, Christine. My husband and I approve of this relationship. You're a serious and well accomplished girl. (Olivia)

  —Thank you. I wasn't expecting this. Claudio took me by surprise. (Christine)

  —I couldn't take this situation anymore. My parents had the right to meet the beloved girl of my heart. (Claudio)

  That said, Claudio entangled Christine in his arms and kissed her.

  —I already told Christine how glad I would be to be her sister-in-law. In addition, I want to say that I admire your determination and grit. (Fabiana)

  —Me too. I wish happiness to you both. (Patricia)

  Paulo Pereira begins to serve the cocktails and Christine is a bit withdrawn, although happy. The conversation begins to travel to and from various subjects and Christine is the center of attention. Everyone compliments her posture and style. Time passes and Christine doesn't even realize it. After they got to know her a bit, Christine says goodbye and Claudio accompanies her to the door. They hug and kiss each other before saying goodbye. Claudio's attitude showed Christine that his intentions were serious and real.

  Confession

  It was a beautiful Thursday morning and Christine prepares to go see Father Chiavaretto. She's in a line of five people. Anxiety, nervousness and doubt fill her entire being. The preparations she made before her confession hadn't taken effect. All that she considers to be sins come to her mind: Omissions, errors and a lack of caution. However, she still wasn't sure if she'd even tell the whole truth. On the other hand, if she didn't, she would continue to remain in sin. The nuns of the convent where she stayed for three years were quite strict in that sense. The queue empties and Christine is next. She enters the confessional and kneels.

  —Hail Mary, full of grace.

  —Conceived without sin.

  —Confess your sins, my daughter.

  —Well, Father, I have a great secret that weighs on me. It's been a while that I have been dating the tax collector, Claudio. This secret is killing me, father. Sometimes, I can't even sleep at night. However, if I tell, I'm sure my parents will be against this relationship because they are very biased. What do I do, Father? I don't want to break up with Claudio because I love him.

  —My daughter, you must tell the whole truth. Only that can set your conscious free of remorse. Talk to your parents and show them your point of view. When love is true it overcomes all obstacles. I think I'm going to give you a penance to reflect better. Pray ten Our Fathers and five Hail Mary’s.

  Christine thanks the Father and goes to fulfill her penance. She would reflect on the advice given by him.

  Gossip

  Christine going to Claudio's house did not pass completely unnoticed and neither did the ways that he treated her in public. Beatrice, Claudio's neighbor, was suspicious that this visit was not just a friendly one. After the fact, she decided to investigate the two to see if she was right in her suspicions. She ended up finding out the whole truth. For a time, she remained silent out of fear of the reaction of the major and his wife. Later on, she did not feel that this whole situation was very fair. With a sense of justice, she decided to go to the major's house. She arrives, claps her hands and is met by Gerusa.

  —What do you want?

  —I want to talk to the major and his wife.

  —They are in the living room. Come in.

  Quickly, Beatriz comes in and stands before the two.

  —Good day, Major Quintino and Madame Helena. I have something serious to talk to you about. Is your daughter home?

  —She went to confession. (Helena)

  —Even better. I want to speak to you about her. She's secretly dating Claudio, the tax collector. There. I said it. (Beatriz)

  —What? Are you crazy, woman? My daughter is a good girl. She wouldn't get involved with a guy like that. (Major)

  —I can't believe it either. I still want her to be a nun. (Helena)

  —I assure you that what I said is true. I
saw the two embraced and kissing with my own eyes, I swear as sure as I stand here.(Beatriz)

  —Then she betrayed us. She is mistaken if she thinks she's going to stay with him. I wouldn't mix my name or my blood with a simple Pereira. (Major)

  —I can't believe it either. I will not let her get married. (Helena)

  —Well, I think I have fulfilled my Good Samaritan's deed. I can't stand to see injustice.(Beatriz)

  —Thanks for letting us know. I will make it up to you.

  The major stands up and hands over a wad of cash to Beatrice. She leaves happily and quietly out of bungalow thinking that she has fulfilled her mission.

  Voyage to Recife

  The news that Christine was dating a simple tax collector had not left the major happy. With his pride wounded, he planned an ending to this vexatious situation. He sent a note to the mayor and to the Colonel of Rio Branco inviting them on a trip to Recife. The three would talk to the Governor about business, politics and personal matters. With all settled, the major packed his bags as he was leaving the next day for Recife.

  The day started out with the sun hotter than ever. The major arises without delay and goes to take a bath. He enters the bathroom, turns on the faucet and the cold water floods his entire body. The cold water reassures his conscience but his blood is still boiling. He remembers Christine when she was a child. She was as sweet and tender as a flower. Once she was playing with dolls and invited him to play as well. He awkwardly accepted. Christine played the role of mother and he the father doll. They spent a long time simulating conversations and situations within a family. There was a moment she said: -My doll is lucky to have a father like you. It moved him quite a bit and he had to withdraw from playing so that she didn't see him crying. What had happened to that little sensitive girl? How had she been able to betray him like that? When she was born, he did not deny having a certain unfavorable feeling for her having been born female. The most suitable for him was to have had a son, someone to succeed him in tyranny, political power and social ostentation. But over time, she showed her value and won over everyone in the family. His plans changed to arranging a good son-in-law to take care of his daughter and succeed him. These plans seemed to be going downhill as of the latest news he had received. Quickly, the major turns off the water and leaves the bathroom. He was in a hurry to put his plan into action.

  He goes to the kitchen and has breakfast. He greets his wife but pretends to not see his daughter. Christine takes the initiative and talks to him, but he responds bitterly and dryly to her. She thinks her father's attitude is strange, but remains silent. The major has his breakfast, lets them know he will be gone a few days, gets up and leaves. Already out of the house, he begins to form a plan of action: First he would go to the police station and second board the train bound for Recife. His plans translate into the state the major is in, restless, uneasy and disappointed. He was uneasy about finding himself in this current situation: The father-in-law of a simple civil servant. He felt apprehensive in not knowing exactly what results he would achieve on this trip. He was disappointed at being betrayed by his only beloved daughter. What else could happen? Well, he didn't know. A few minutes later he can already see the police station and his hatred grows even more. Who did that paltry tax collector think he was? Not even in his wildest dreams could he join the Matias family. This was a family that was traditional and that had conquered virtually all the land west of Pesqueira. Who were the Pereiras? Just a simple merchant family who were not up to his daughter's level. He wouldn't allow the two stay together as long as he lived.

  Finally, the major enters the station and goes to the office of Delegate Pompeu. He nods his head and begins to speak.

  —Mr. Pompeu, I have a job for you. I want you to arrest a man for me.

  —Why? Who's the man?

  —It's a man who has disrespected my daughter. His name is Claudio, the tax collector.

  —Claudio? He seemed like such a good lad.

  —I also thought so. However, he has disappointed me with his attitude. As of today, he's my enemy and must suffer for his betrayal. I want you to arrest him immediately and do not release him until I say so.

  —All right, I'll do it. My men will arrest him today.

  —That's what I wanted to hear. You are a good friend, Pompeu. Who knows when I'm mayor you might be my secretary.

  —At your service, Sir.

  The two depart and the major heads in the direction of the railway station. A train bound for Recife would leave in a few minutes. The major's steps become more and more regular and he feels better. The first step of his plan was accomplished. His enemy, in a short time, would be powerless behind bars. Christine would have to get used to living without him. The major begins to design, in his head, the second step of his plan, a step that only he and God knew about. He arrives at the station, buys a ticket, says hello to the staff and boards.

  Upon entering the train, he comes across Rio Branco's Colonel (Mr. Henrique Cergueira). He sits beside him and is happy the Colonel has met his request. They start to talk and remember their pioneering days. They remember the resistance of the natives and how they had to be cruel to take possession of their land. They were moments of glory for the two. Major Quintino and Farmer Osmar took possession of the lands in the Mimoso region and Colonel Henrique Cergueira took the land in the Rio Branco region, a village located west of Mimoso. The colonel remembers how he was able to convince a native family that he wouldn't do them any harm. Time passed quickly for the two remembering that not-so-distant past.

  The train whistles signaling that it will make a stop. The major and the colonel go out to have a quick snack. They arrive at the bar near the Pesqueira railway station.

  —What will you have, gentlemen?

  —Two cups of the good stuff you have there and a plate of roast beef. (Major)

  —Well, Major, you've asked me to go to Recife but haven't explained to me why we are really going there.

  —I have my plans but I can't talk now. I have to resolve an issue with the governor and then have a serious talk with you.

  —You can't give me a hint?

  —No. Nothing more than what I already said.

  The conversation cooled and the two finished up their snack. They left the bar, went back to the train station and boarded the train again because it was about to leave. Upon entering the train, the mayor was already present. The major is glad that he has also answered his request. They remain in the same car to talk about their families, soccer stars and women. Talking about his family, the major cites his wife and daughter as his greatest treasures. The colonel speaks about his son, Bernard, and his daughter Karina and ensures that they will be his legitimate successors as much in politics as in their way of acting. The mayor says that he has no children because his wife is barren but he is happily married anyway. Speaking of sports, they cite Sport Recife and Nautico as the best soccer teams in the state. About women, the major affirms that he loves all kinds. The colonel says he prefers dark-skinned women with slender bodies. The mayor claims that he doesn't look at any other women besides his wife. The others laugh at that statement. They keep talking and the time passes quickly. The train makes several stops before arriving at its final destination, Recife.

  The three land and immediately hail a vehicle to take them to the palace which is the seat of the state government. In the car, the driver introduces himself and asks a few questions. They respond continuing in conversation. The driver talks about Recife, highlighting its bridges, beaches, rivers, churches and other landmarks. He concludes by saying that the people of Recife are hospitable and friendly. The major doesn't pay much attention to the conversation as he is focused on his plans. The conversation with the governor would be decisive for him. Sometime later the car stops in front of the palace and all get out.

  The three roam the few feet that separate them from the palace and enter by the main gate. Inside they are instructed to the cabinet and told that the govern
or will see them. They enter the area and are received by the governor. The mayor makes the proper introductions.

  —This is Major Quintino, the greatest political authority in the region of the thriving village of Mimoso. And this is the Colonel of Rio Branco (Henrique Cergueira), an important trailblazer of the western region of Pesqueira.

  —I've heard talk of Mimoso. This place has become an important trading post of Pernambuco, with the deployment of the railway. As for you, Colonel, you are notorious for your great achievements. It's an honor to welcome you here in this building which represents the strength of our people and the pride of our state. What can I help you with?

  —The major should know. He has invited us to come here but has not let us in on the reason why. (Colonel of Rio Branco)

  —It's the truth. About the next elections for Mayor of Pesqueira, I would like, with all due respect, Sir, if you would support me for successor of our dear friend, Mr. Horacio Barbosa.

  —What? The Pesqueira region has many colonels. One of them should be the successor.

  —None of them has my wit and political power. I have implemented an instrument of torture called the press and it has become the absolute terror of my enemies. I'm no longer just a simple major. Mr. Horacio and Mr. Henrique, present here, can testify in my favor.

  —It's the truth. The Major Quintino stands out in the city of Pesqueira. He is an important member of our system of "Colonels." I, as Colonel of Rio Branco, show him my unrestricted support.