The Key of Hearts

by Mia Rodriguez

  Chapter 10

  “Different?” Selena asked with curiosity.

  “Yes.”

  “What do you mean? Is she different like you?” Selena questioned delicately.

  “No, she’s not like me.”

  “So how is she different?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Selena furrowed her eyebrows. “But—“

  Xavier chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry, Selena. She’s good different—not bad different. You’ll see. You’ll love my aunt and uncle.”

  "I hope they like me," Selena said, concerned.

  "Of course they will."

  Xavier smiled reassuringly at her as they walked hand in hand towards the front door. Xavier's strong fingers wrapped around her own, sending flickers of electrical sparks up her hand. She was still getting used to feeling his gifted energy when he was close. But something told her that the tingling in her hands wasn't just due to his telekinesis.

  Selena winced when she came closer to the house. It was hard not being intimidated by such an imposing structure, even if it felt much more welcoming than the Montgomery home. Xavier pressed the doorbell. She expected a butler or a servant to answer but instead an older smiling couple opened the door.

  "You must be Selena!" exclaimed the man as he took her in an embrace. The balding, thin man in blue jeans towered over Selena. "I'm Xavier's Uncle Paul."

  "We've heard so much about you," said the woman decked out with turquoise jewelry and wearing a long blue jean skirt. Her long, blonde hair fell to the middle of her back, and she was pleasantly plump. She grabbed Selena when Paul let her go. "I'm Xavier's Aunt Lucretia."

  "We're so happy the both of you are here," said Paul as he grabbed Xavier to embrace him.

  After Paul let Xavier go, Lucretia took Xavier's hands in her own. "I finally get to meet you in person," she said with tears in her eyes.

  "Come in, come in," insisted Paul as he led them inside the house.

  Selena’s eyes bounced everywhere at the vivid colors of soft reds, pretty oranges, pastel blues, and warm greens. Indigenous art, overstuffed sofas, and earthy decor invited her in. Raw unpainted solid wood from doors and shelves looked natural in the setting.

  “Your home is very beautiful,” Selena murmured.

  “You like a Southwestern motif?” asked Lucretia.

  “I love Southwestern,” Selena answered.

  “You and Lucretia are going to get along perfectly,” announced Paul, chuckling.

  “We’re going to be great friends,” Lucretia said warmly. “I can feel your energy, Selena, and you’ve got good vibes.”

  “Thank you,” Selena said, taken aback by her comment but still smiling.

  Lucretia and Paul led them to the backyard which was even more becoming than the front. A huge porch protruded from the house with hanging plants of aromatic spices, colorful flowers, and leafy ferns dangling from its top. Another fountain decorated the yard with a ceramic dream catcher in the middle of it, water falling calmly through the strings. A large oak table sat under the porch with a bounty of food waiting for them.

  "I know it's not Thanksgiving, but I love turkey," said Paul.

  "Me too," Selena chimed in.

  When they sat down, Lucretia promptly told them how grateful she was for the get-together. She insisted she couldn’t wait to offer her thanks to the universe. They took each other’s hands as Lucretia started to say grace.

  “Thank you, Great Spirit, for bringing our nephew and his beautiful girlfriend to share in what you’ve given us. Thank you for the sunshine, the air, the water, your guidance, and everything you bless us with. Thank you for this delicious food, and may we always honor you.”

  They cheerfully passed the bowls and platters of rich food to each other as they chattered.

  "These mashed potatoes are the creamiest I've ever had," Selena said.

  ‘The squash is very good,” Xavier chimed in.

  "I used many different kinds—that’s why it’s so colorful," offered Lucretia.

  “Everything is delicious,” Selena gushed.

  “Don’t get so full that you don’t leave room for desert.”

  “Lucretia made her special candied cactus pears,” announced Paul.

  “Cactus pears?” Xavier questioned.

  “You’ve never had them?” asked Lucretia.

  “What are cactus pears?”

  “They grow on cacti and are delicious,” Lucretia stated.

  “They’re Lucretia’s favorite fruit.”

  Selena now knew why there was a large cacti garden in her yard. Many people considered cacti a nuisance and would rather plant flowers and rid themselves of the prickly plants.

  “Lucretia, you’re really into Southwestern, aren’t you?” asked Selena, an admiring tone to her voice.

  “You’d better believe it,” Paul chimed in with enthusiasm. “She loves all that is indigenous.”

  “You do?” asked Xavier.

  “Yes, I love their ideas, their wisdom, and their connection to the earth.”

  “You must have some Indian blood in you,” stated Xavier.

  “No, unfortunately not a single drop,” Lucretia said, disappointed. “You don’t know how lucky you are to be partly Inuit. And you, Selena, you’re lucky to be of a Mexican background—to have Indian blood mixed in with your Spanish.”

  “My Grandmother Chela’s mother was a full blooded Mayan,” informed Selena.

  Lucretia’s eyes opened wide and hands started jumping up and down. “You’re Mayan?”

  “Yes, Mayan.”

  “What an amazing culture!”

  “Selena, I think you’ve got a friend for life,” Paul chuckled.

  “Xavier, I’m so glad you’re going out with Selena and that both of your are here,” gushed Lucretia.

  "Yes, it’s wonderful. Selena, I sure want to thank you for coming," declared Paul. "I really wanted to meet you."

  "I'm thrilled to be here," Selena expressed.

  "I know my family isn't the nicest," Paul said with embarrassment.

  "No, they're not," affirmed Lucretia. “Blake doesn’t like me.”

  “He doesn’t like most people,” explained Paul. “Don’t take it personally.”

  “I know I’m an acquired taste.”

  “Xavier and I think you’re great,” Selena stated.

  “Yes, we do.”

  “Thank you,” gushed Lucretia.

  “Anyone with any brains adores you,” Paul said, kissing her cheek.

  “I knew there was a reason I fell in love with El Paso. It’s got so many wonderful people.”

  "So you're here to stay, Uncle Paul?" asked Xavier.

  "Yes, no more roaming the globe for me. We're here to stay."

  "I'm so excited about settling in one place," said Lucretia.

  “I’m sure glad you’re here,” informed Xavier.

  "Lucretia and I were talking about you this morning," Paul stated.

  "What about?" asked Xavier.

  "We'd like for you to come live with us," Lucretia declared.

  Selena’s mouth abruptly lost all juices.